For Takoma Park’s frontline police officers, knowing the community they serve is one of the most important parts of the job.

“The officers know very well where they work with Takoma Park being a diverse and politically active environment,” said Lieutenant Matt Muzzatti, Takoma Park’s patrol operations commander. “They are what the public sees first hand of the government. Most scenarios, officers are arriving because something happened and people need assistance. Officers understand today’s political climate and that it’s their responsibility to maintain public trust.”

Takoma Park is unique from other jurisdictions of its size in having its own police department and not relying on the Montgomery County police to patrol its streets.

“We’re a very special area surrounded by three very different jurisdictions,” said Muzzatti. “We’re a full-service department so
we don’t rely on Montgomery County, but we have a relationship with them as well as Prince George’s County and the District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department. That comes with all the nuances that all the jurisdictional lines bring.”

Muzzatti says understanding the diverse make-up of Takoma Park is integral to being able to keep the community safe.

“We know very well that Takoma Park has a large immigrant community,” said Muzzatti. “Some may not be here legally, so we try to stress as best as we can that calling the police will never call into question on their legal status. What concerns us is keeping the community safe. Most of our teams have one to two Spanish speaking officers. They are very happy to see us for the most part.”

Muzzatti also says the Takoma Park police department is always looking to the future to guide its policies, even leading the nation on reforms to address community concerns.

“The residents hold our agency to a very high standard,” he said. “We definitely want to meet their concerns. Takoma Park police is an experiment on how policing can look in the 21st century, and we look to see what’s the next evolution. Our department was fully fitted with body cameras before most others were even thinking of it. We also had restrictions on chokeholds well before the George Floyd incident.”

He says they department takes public sentiment very seriously and that they are well aware of the concerns of the public, especially after the Black Lives Matter movement.

“I don’t think any officer wants to become the next St. Louis or Ferguson,” he said. “We don’t want to end up on the news or be known as a department that operates in that manner.”

While Takoma Park is relatively safer than its neighbors, Muzzatti says a lot of that has to do with how quickly they’re able to respond to issues that may come up.

“I’d say we’re absolutely an outlier in Takoma Park regarding crime rates,” he said. “Takoma Park is like a fish bowl and all these officers are circling the outside, so we keep a lot of crime out of the city. We’re constantly keeping crime out. With Takoma Park, potential criminals don’t know that the officer could be responding from just a  block away. We have success in reducing crime in the city when it comes to comparing the agencies.”

The city currently has nearly 40 officers who patrol the streets in 12-hour-long shifts, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

“I used to work the night shift,” Muzzatti said. “I was working from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. I’d check emails to see what occurred during the daytime, conduct a roll call with my officers, and from there we go out on patrol—and for 12 hours we’re patrolling the city.”

Muzzatti says it takes a special type to become a police officer in Takoma Park, with officers choosing service to the community above everything else.

“The average law enforcement officer chose to work this job, not because it pays well or has great benefits,” he said. “I think a lot of these guys choose to work in law enforcement because it’s an interesting job and very rewarding. It comes with a lot of job satisfaction, but it’s a hard job.”

Muzzatti says the city is always recruiting new officers with entry-level salaries starting at $65,090 and going up to $87,476, based on years in service. For more information, visit the City of Takoma Park Police Webpage.

The Takoma Park newsletter will be doing profiles on some of the city’s frontline police officers over the next months. If you have a story you’d like to share about how a city police officer helped you, email seang@takomaparkmd.gov.

This article appeared in the September Edition of the Takoma Park Newsletter. Check out this article and more on the City webpage.

The City of Takoma Park was awarded $26,000 from the Maryland Department of Aging’s Aging in Place grant program to support the Village of Takoma’s Small Home Repair Program. The City of
Takoma Park also matches the grant with some of its own funds, bringing the total to $30,000.

Takoma Park’s Code Enforcement division will use the funds to work with the volunteers of the Village of Takoma Park to underwrite the cost of materials for repairs and accessibility modifications for senior homeowners in Takoma Park and Village membership dues for those for whom that expense is a hardship.

The Village has a team of volunteers who perform repairs and modifications for Village members, with members responsible for the cost of materials. Underwriting the cost of construction materials and accessibility aids removes the barrier of members needing to cover those sometimes-costly expenses themselves. Expanding the reach of this program helps ensure that older residents live in homes that are safe and meet their changing needs.
Call the Village of Takoma Park at 301- 646-2109 to request help.

Aging in Place Grants

The Aging in Place grants are part of the Maryland Department of Aging’s strategy to increase the resources and capacity for local agencies on aging, senior villages, and nonprofit organizations serving older Marylanders and their caregivers. The funds go to providing high-quality services and support, developing social connection and community engagement, and fostering the cultivation of social capital, enabling older Marylanders to thrive in their communities.

This article appeared in the August Edition of the Takoma Park Newsletter. Check out this article and more on the City webpage.

As summer draws to a close, the City of Takoma Park is gearing up for another school year filled with learning, growth, and, of course, safety. Montgomery County Public Schools are back in session on Monday, August 26. Whether your child walks, bikes, or takes the bus to school, it’s essential to be aware of the best practices for navigating our streets safely. Here are some valuable tips and resources to help ensure a smooth and secure transition back to school:

Safe Walking Routes:

Takoma Park is committed to providing safe walking routes to all our schools. We encourage parents and students to visit our Safe Routes to School page bit.ly/SRTSRoute to access detailed maps outlining the safest paths to each school in our Safe Route to School program. These maps highlight

designated crosswalks, crossing guards, where sidewalks are missing, and suggested routes that minimize exposure to vehicular traffic.

Biking Safely:

For students who ride their bikes to school, it’s crucial to follow all traffic laws and wear appropriate safety gear, including helmets. Ensure bikes are equipped with reflectors and lights to enhance visibility, especially during early morning or late afternoon hours when daylight may be limited. Parents, be sure to reinforce good biking habits with your children.

Crossing Procedures:

Teach children to use designated crosswalks and always wait for the crossing signal or for traffic to come to a complete stop before proceeding. Encourage younger children to cross streets with a trusted adult or older sibling whenever possible.

Visibility Matters:

As the days grow shorter heading into fall, visibility becomes increasingly important. Consider adding reflective gear or clothing to your child’s attire, especially if they walk or bike during dawn or dusk hours. Bright backpacks and jackets can also help drivers spot pedestrians more easily.

Walk to School Day Wednesday, October 9:

Join schools across Takoma Park in celebrating this national event promoting the benefits of walking and biking to school. It’s a fantastic opportunity for students and families to experience firsthand the joy of active transportation while reinforcing safe practices.

Volunteer Opportunities:

We’re seeking volunteers to start and support walking and biking buses throughout the school year. These volunteer-led groups will help ensure safe travels to and from school by organizing supervised walking and biking routes. If you’re interested in contributing your time and making a positive impact on our community’s safety efforts, please contact Kaysi-Ann Webley, special projects coordinator at kaysiw@takomaparkmd.gov.

As we prepare for the new school year, let’s work together to prioritize safety on our streets. By following these tips and participating in community events, we can ensure a safe and enjoyable school year for all Takoma Park students. For more information and resources, visit bit.ly/TKPKSRTS.

This article appeared in the August Edition of the Takoma Park Newsletter. Check out this article and more on the City webpage.

Kokoe teaches teen and senior (55+) hip-hop dance classes for the Recreation Department.

Can you tell us about your journey in dance?

My dad used to play music when my mother was pregnant and put the speakers to my mom’s belly. When I was delivered, it was said I started to cry, but as soon as my dad put on his favorite Lucky Dube tune, I started to move!

At the age of 2, I was placed on my mom’s Afro-tribal Caribbean dance team to be the showstopper. We traveled around the USA and even got to dance at the White House for Bill Clinton and for the president of Sierra Leone.

Then, by the age of 5, I joined my grandmother’s liturgical dance team and learned ballet and modern dance movements. When I turned 9, I started doing cheer, poms, and step for the Wheaton Boys and Girls Club. At 13, as a CIT [counselor-in-training] under Long Branch Community Center, I started a dance team with elementary school-aged kids and my peers.

At 14, I met my best friend from New York, who introduced me to break dancing and hip-hop movements. And at 15, I became captain of the JV cheer team at Wheaton High School. Then, in my senior year of high school, I started a Christian dance team, and we danced to Christian hip-hop music. At 17, I started the Advanced Dance Workshop at Washington College, where we studied cultural dance pieces from India, Ireland, the Caribbean, and the Dominican Republic.

Last, in 2014, I was afforded the opportunity to teach dance to the students at the Takoma Park Teen Lounge, with an emphasis on dance therapy in line with my mental health class. I was able to help the students leave their emotions on the dance floor, grow in confidence, and learn public speaking and leadership skills. I was able to follow them throughout their high school and now college careers to see the impact. That’s how I knew dancing was part of my personal mission.

What styles of dance do you specialize in, and what drew you to these particular styles?

I specialize in African, Caribbean, hip-hop, modern, step, liturgical, bachata, poms, and chair dance (for the elderly), with a focus on dance therapy. I want to continue learning, so I am currently taking classes in line dancing and hand dancing to grow as both a teacher and a student. I believe dance helps people expand their minds, travel, and be introduced to new cultures. It also helps individuals release built-up tension and emotions that have been pent up in the body. Additionally, dance serves as a form of communication.

How would you describe your teaching philosophy?

I love integrating the rich cultural traditions of West Africa and the Caribbean with the expressive and empowering elements of hip-hop and other dance styles. I believe movement is a form of therapy that promotes healing, self-expression, and connection. By drawing on the rhythms, life experiences, and storytelling of individuals, dance can facilitate personal growth and wellbeing, ultimately creating a tasteful and meaningful dance piece.

How do you keep your classes engaging and motivating for your students?

I offer a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and encouraged to participate. We also do dance journaling. I regularly ask for feedback from students and their parents and help them track their progress. Additionally, I hold homework help sessions to encourage them and emphasize that it takes a whole person to dance!

What are some common challenges your students face, and how do you help them overcome these challenges?

One of the biggest challenges my students face is allowing school drama to impact their focus and performance. Youth can be easily distracted, especially by things that won’t matter in the future. To combat this, I create an open environment where they feel comfortable discussing their problems with me. I use these opportunities to empower them to rise above the distractions and be the bigger person in all situations.

Can you share a memorable or rewarding moment from teaching dance?

In 2014, I taught a dance class at Takoma Community Center with middle school-aged students. I was able to follow one of my students through high school and college, and the dynamic shift in her dance style and personality blows my mind. She came into my class as a timid young lady who used to cry a lot because of things going on at home, which also showed up in her dance. But now, everyone says she is a carbon copy of me! She is now a dance teacher herself and always tells her students about me. Recently, one of her students joined my class because of her, and at the end of the class, she surprised me by showing up as a guest.

If you could collaborate with any dancer or choreographer, who would it be and why?

Wow, this question is hard. I don’t only have one dancer or choreographer that I would like to collaborate with—I have four. I would love to dance with Misty Copeland, Debbie Allen, Alvin Ailey, and Fatima Robinson! If I had to choose only one, it would be Alvin Ailey. To me, he is one of the originators of African American dance. Learning his styles and movements helped me elevate and hone my dance techniques. I wish he was still alive to teach me.

Debbie Allen is packed with a wealth of dance knowledge, and I think I could learn from her when it comes to owning my own dance business.

Misty Copeland is so light on her feet and executes every movement effortlessly, I would love to do a ballet/hip-hop routine with her.

Last, Fatima Robinson is one of the baddest hip-hop choreographers in the game. I feel like we could teach each other and create an atomic dance routine that might even start a new genre!

This article appeared in the July Edition of the Takoma Park Newsletter. Check out this article and more on the City webpage.

What I wouldn’t give to have a grade school summer vacation again (sigh). If you are feeling the same way, we can try to capture the essence of it again as we read through the next few months. Summer reads are a time to embrace escapism, whether your “vacation” is literally traveling out of town, of the stay-cation variety, or a mental vacation in your off-hours.

Everything in this list is fi ction, because the real world is for the other seasons. Also, the real world is only thinly veiled in fiction, but that veil is important when you want to
get away from your obligations and responsibilities for a minute.

For organizational purposes, I’m going to attempt to categorize these suggestions from our collections.

Outer Space: This is as escaped as a person can get (unless you’re claustrophobic, in which case the confines of life-supported-imbued spacecraft may not be your thing).

• The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, by Douglas Adams. Summer is a fun time to revisit the classics, and this would be especially fun on a beach. With your towel.
• Project Hail Mary, by Andy Weir. This book brings a detail-oriented approach to the science of interstellar space travel without being boring, and the ending has a bit of a twist. Ryan Gosling is starring in the movie adaptation that is currently scheduled to be released in early 2026.
• All Systems Red (first book in the Murderbot Diaries series), by Martha Wells. This is a sentient security unit with an identity crisis, and it gives this series moments of levity, as long as you can appreciate sarcasm. This book is also technically a novella, as are several other volumes in the series, meaning that it’s not a big commitment.

Books for when you’re camping and you want to jump every time you hear a noise outside your tent:

• My Heart Is a Chainsaw, by Stephen Graham Jones. Do you love the thrill of a good scary campfire story? This book may be for you. It’s about a young woman named Jade who loves slasher movies and finds herself searching for a real slasher in the mountains of Idaho.
• When the English Fall, by David Williams. At its heart, this is a book about unplugging and life away from screens, but it’s nestled in a chassis that looks like apocalyptic fiction. A solar storm wipes out the telecom grid, and an Amish family takes in some refugees from the city.

Books for when you want to get lost in someone else’s family drama:

• The House of Broken Angels, by Luis Alberto Urrea. If you like stories about families with a lot of love (and a lot of mess), this is a beautifully written story about a Mexican American family in San Diego celebrating both a birthday and a funeral.
• Here Comes the Sun, by Nicole DennisBenn. Set around a resort in Jamaica, this book is more about the people working at the resort than the ones vacationing there. This is a story about the
  lengths some people will go to for their family.
• The Old Drift, by Namwali Serpell. This is a sweeping epic following three different families, spanning decades and continents, but it primarily takes place in Zimbabwe. It is gorgeous and poignant and weird and memorable.

Books if you are on Team Orca whenever another yacht goes down:

• The Heirs, by Susan Rieger. I have this in a Goodreads shelf I’ve titled “Rich People Problems.” It is beautifully written, and I’m surprised HBO hasn’t already adapted it for screen.
• Now You See Us, by Balli Kaur Jaswal. This story is told from the perspective of three domestic workers from the Philippines who were sent to Singapore. When a fellow worker is accused of murdering her wealthy employer, the others look for the real person at fault, because as the people in the background of dayto-day life, they know all of Singapore society’s secrets.

Books for when you want to be reminded that one day, the cold will return:

• South Pole Station, by Ashley Shelby. At the South Pole Station in Antarctica, Cooper Gosling embarks on an art fellowship among a group of scientists living in very close quarters. I really
  enjoyed the conversations that Shelby creates between the STEM and humanities camps.
• Pumpkinheads, by Rainbow Rowell. This is a charming graphic novel that takes place at an outdoor harvest festival. It has major autumn vibes, young love, and drama that is enough to keep you invested without stressing you out. It’s a perfect summer read for when you’re over summer.

This article appeared in the July Edition of the Takoma Park Newsletter. Check out this article and more on the City webpage.

The Alliance for Community Media (ACM) announced its annual Hometown Media Awards at the end of March, with Takoma Park’s CityTV receiving the “Overall Excellence in Governmental Access” award from ACM in the $300,000–$650,000 budget division.

The awards celebrate and promote community media, community radio, and local cable programs distributed on Public, Educational, and Governmental (PEG) access cable television channels. Nearly one thousand entries are submitted every year from all across the country, with awards going to the most creative programs that address community needs, develop diverse community involvement, challenge conventional commercial television formats, and move viewers to experience television in a different way, according to the ACM website.

CityTV’s submission featured over 20 projects and programs, including its coverage of new businesses, Polar Bear Plunge, Takoma Park Community Band Concert, Takoma Park Softball, Montgomery Housing Partnership, the Independence Day Parade, Egg Hunt, and Community Kitchen Fair.

“We produce programs that represent the events and activities of the City, showcasing the character of Takoma Park. We are not just Takoma Park Television; we are Takoma Park on Television,” said Alvaro Calabia, CityTV Production Manager.

In addition, CityTV also recognized for its outstanding children’s programming for its coverage of the Takoma Park Children’s Business Fair as part of the “We Are Takoma Show.”

For more information on the Hometown Media Awards, visit allcommunitymedia.org. To check out CityTV’s past programming, visit youtube.com/@TakomaParkCityTV.

This article appeared in the July Edition of the Takoma Park Newsletter. Check out this article and more on the City webpage.