Category Archives: Takoma Park Newsletter

Category for original news items as well as Takoma Park Newsletter articles that are copied into takomaparkmd.gov as web content.

News, Public Notices, Takoma Park Newsletter

City of Takoma Park Election for Mayor and City Council

Notice of Meeting to Nominate Candidates for the November 5, 2024 , City Election
  • Tuesday, September 10, 2024, 7:30 p.m.
  • Takoma Park Community Center (Auditorium)

The Takoma Park Nominating Caucus is a public meeting that will convene at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024 , in the Takoma Park Community Center Auditorium, 7500 Maple Ave. The purpose of the meeting is to accept nominations of candidates for mayor and city councilmember. Only registered voters of the city present at the meeting (or on Zoom) may nominate or second the nomination of a candidate. If not yet registered to vote, residents may register up until 5 p.m. on the day of the meeting.

Nomination of each candidate for city councilmember may be made on motion of any voter of the ward, and if such nomination is seconded, the person so nominated will be considered a candidate. Nominations of candidates for mayor may be made on motion of any voter of the city, and if such a nomination is seconded, the person nominated will be considered a candidate. A person may only accept a nomination for one city office. The name of each person nominated for the offi ce of mayor and city councilmember will be placed upon the official ballot for the November 5, 2024 , City Election unless the person declines the nomination or does not meet the qualifications for office.

City Election: Tuesday, November 5, 2024

2024 is an election year in Takoma Park. City voters will be electing a mayor and all six city councilmembers to two-year terms. The Nominating Caucus is scheduled for Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. Election day is Tuesday, November 5.

The Election will be conducted by mail! For those who need to vote in person, there will be voting at the Takoma Park Community Center (7500 Maple Ave) on Election Day.

Information About Candidates.

The October issue of the Takoma Park Newsletter will include names, photos, and 150-word statements from all candidates. Watch for information about candidate forums and events to educate yourself about your choices.

Voter Registration for the City of Takoma Park Election (and for the Presidential Election).

Most voter registration is handled by the Montgomery County Board of Elections. The most important action you can take to prepare for these two elections is to confirm that you are
registered at your current address in Takoma Park. If nothing has changed, and you have voted before at your address, you should be fine. If you have any doubt, or if you have moved in the past few years, confirm or update your registration right away.

Information on how to check your registration is available on the city website or by contacting the city clerk.

If you are not registered, register now. Don’t wait!

If you are 16 years old and a U.S. citizen, you may register with the Montgomery County Board of Elections, even though you will not yet be able to vote in the presidential election. You will be able to vote in the City election.

Residents who are not U.S. citizens, or who do not wish to register with the State of Maryland, may register with the City of Takoma Park to vote only in City elections for mayor and city council.

For the City of Takoma Park election for mayor and city council, registered voters will receive a ballot in the mail. There is no need to request a ballot. However, if you will be out of town in October, request that an absentee ballot be sent to you at your out-of-town address.

For the presidential, state, and county election, voters must request a mail-in ballot from the Montgomery County Board of Elections if they do not wish to vote in person. For more information, visit montgomerycountymd.gov/elections.

For additional information about the city election, visit the City Website.

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

News Alert, Public Notices, Takoma Park Newsletter

City Council Considering New Tax Credits for Housing Development

To help spur investment and reinvestment in housing in Takoma Park, the city council is considering a proposal to offer tax credits for construction, preservation , and reinvestment in housing.

The program involves four separate tax credits—which still must be passed by the city council—that implement the city’s Housing and Economic Development Strategic Plan. The plan was passed in 2019 and aims to preserve the city’s existing affordable housing, produce new housing as well as provide new homeownership opportunities, and protect current residents from displacement.

The Housing and Economic Development Plan was adopted after more than three years of in-depth research, staff facilitation, community engagement, and council deliberation. The resolution is a comprehensive plan that outlines the Council’s strategic vision for guiding the city’s growth and development over the next decade.

“We did this work to get a housing and economic plan that sets the strategies from 2019 to 2030,” said Housing Manager Devin McNally . “Part of that was recognizing we need more housing of all kinds. This is aimed at implementing that high-level strategy by investing in our existing housing and preserving the housing for our most vulnerable residents. It’s trying to move the needle in three different directions, choice, stability , and quality.”

Rental Housing Tax Credit

The first of the four proposed tax credits is to encourage the creation of new rental housing. It will be a by-right 15-year tax credit for any property constructing 10 or more net new residential units. After a property is developed, it will have an increased tax assessment, and the credit would be for the additional value created by the project. For the first 10 years, the property would only pay the property tax they had been paying before they built the new housing. The property tax would then increase over fi ve years until the credit expires. There are currently 390 parcels in the city zoned for multi-family development.

In cases of redevelopment—in which the property owner adds additional units to a building—the tax credit would be scaled to only provide incentives for new units created. So if a 90-unit building is redeveloped into a 100-unit building, the adjustment would be the net number of new units (10) divided by the project size (100) for a credit that would be 10% of what it could be.

“Our multi-family buildings are all aging, and most are 50 years old,” said McNally. “We’re hoping for 200 additional rental homes in the city over the next 10 years. It takes time for these projects to get going, so we’re hoping people start looking at the city for new, high quality development.”

Missing Middle Housing Construction Credit

The second tax credit is a Missing Middle Housing Construction Credit, meant to incentivize smaller scale, multi-unit ownership opportunities.

These credits are for smaller units, like townhomes, duplexes , and cottage courts—typically five to 20 units around a common area.

“The idea is that we want to encourage things like duplexes, triplexes, townhomes,” McNally said. “Instead of building a McMansion, we’re encouraging smaller scale homeownership opportunities.”

Affordable Housing Preservation Credit

The third tax credit is an Affordable Housing Preservation Credit meant to safeguard the current provision of difficult-to-provide housing types, like those for extremely low-income, seniors, individuals with disability, and people who need transitional housing.

“This is for deed-restricted housing. These are houses that have a contract with the government for affordable housing,” said McNally. “These are mostly operated by nonprofits offering affordable housing. ”

Housing Reinvestment Credit

The final credit is a Housing Reinvestment Credit meant to encourage proactive investment and upgrades in multifamily buildings.

This will be a competitive credit for multifamily properties that invest at least $6,500 per unit in substantial upgrades and do not displace any residents. Allocations would be based on affordability level, proposed scope, and history of citations/ violations.

The city chose to propose tax credits for a number of reasons, including that they provide predictable financial support; the credit value is proportional with private investment; tax credits allow for higher subsidies than the city could provide with a grant or loan; and that Housing Reserve Fund and General Fund Dollars are limited and are required up front.

Helpful Links

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

News, Takoma Park Newsletter

Spotlight on Frontline Police: Choosing Service to the Community Above All Else

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.

Public Notices, Takoma Park Newsletter

Celebrate the End of Summer with the Takoma Park Folk Festival on Sunday, September 8

For many people in Takoma Park, the annual Folk Festival marks the official end to summer and the beginning of the fall—with a day of music and community as we prepare to knuckle down at school and work.

Traditionally held on the second Sunday in September, this year’s Takoma Park Folk Festival falls on Sunday, September 9—from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Takoma Park Middle School once again.

Following the renovation on Lee Jordan field, the Field stage has been moved to the basketball court, but still honors Takoma Park hero Lee Jordan as the Jordan Court stage. This year introduces the Tom Prasada-Rao Memorial stage in honor of the Takoma Park singer-songwriter legend, who passed away in June of this year. Late
Takoma Park Mayor Sam Abbott, the driving force behind the first Folk Festival in 1978, is honored once again with the Abbott stage. Other stages coming back this year are the Silk Road, Grove, and Crossroads stages.

The festival offers an array of musical experiences—Americana, folk pop, country blues, klezmer-fusion, soulful lounge, indie rock, ska, and more—44 acts across six stages.

From its beginning, the Folk Festival has taken a broad approach to the term “folk music,” which became pigeon-holed by the folk revival of the 1950s and 1960s.

“It could really be any kind of music from any place,” says Candice Broda, Folk Festival publicity chair. “The programming group has really worked hard to make a diverse lineup so that it’s not your grandpa’s folk music. They want it to be more diverse and have younger people, too. They’ve picked a few that they’re calling emerging artists—we have four of them.

“They don’t want to have the same performers year after year,” continues Broda, “so if you’ve performed one year, they won’t choose you for the following year. You can apply and be chosen the next year. But they try to not have the same exact lineup every year just to give other people a chance to come in and show what they can do.”

“We have so much talent in our region; it’s great to be able to share that with people,” says Robin Stearn, Folk Festival chair, “But it’s so much more than music—there are lots of things to do all day long.”

Broda reminds residents that the festival will also feature “food from all over the world—food trucks and coffee, and sweets. And there’s also a juried craft show, with amazing pottery, soap, jewelry, artwork, everything you can imagine. And we’re kind of ramping that up children’s activities this year.” Broda also points to the community tables as an important tradition of the folk festival, with the opportunity for festival-goers to connect with local groups and initiatives.

The first Folk Festival was held in 1978 with one stage, organized to raise money to save the Takoma Theatrer, on 4th Street in Takoma D.C., from being demolished by a developer. That first festival set the tradition of a yearly gathering to celebrate live, local music, entirely organized by volunteers.

“I’ve been volunteering with TPFF since 2017,” says Joy Markowitz, Folk Festival secretary. “It’s a lot of work to pull off a big festival, but the satisfaction of seeing a diverse group of people enjoying music,
crafts, and community is very uplifting. I’ve been introduced to new music that I continue to listen to regularly, and I’ve made some new friends along the way.”

“The festival is a volunteer-run event, so we are constantly looking for people to help produce the festival to help out,” says Broda. Potential volunteers can visit the festival’s website or send an email to volunteer@tpff.org.

Check tpff.org to see the line-up and for information
about the crafts and other details.

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

News Alert, Takoma Park Newsletter

Register for Takoma Park’s Upcoming Elections

Election season is just around the corner, and that means there’s just a few short months left to register to vote. In Takoma Park, every resident above the age of 16 on Election Day—and regardless of citizenship—may vote in local elections for mayor and city council.

This year, elections for mayor and city council are being held by mail. Every registered voter will receive a ballot in the mail. For those that don’t receive a ballot, need assistance, or still need to register, the Community Center will be open for voting on Tuesday, November 5, from 7 am to 8 pm The election is held separately from the presidential general election, which happens on the same day.

The nomination caucus for city elections will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 10, at the Takoma Park Community Center Auditorium.

To register to vote in Takoma Park local elections, visit the voter registration webpage.

Those looking to register need to provide a photo i.d. issued by a federal, state, or local government entity of the United States or any foreign country or school, provided that the identification document contains a photograph and/or identifying information such as name, date of birth, gender, height, and eye color. Examples of acceptable documentation include a U.S. or foreign passport, visa, alien registration card, driver’s license, MVA identification card, military identification, or school i.d. with photo.

Applicants also must provide documentation verifying residency in Takoma Park. Examples include a copy of a deed, house or apartment lease, utility bill, paycheck, bank statement, school record, or other official or government document that shows your name and current address in Takoma Park.

Those who are already registered to vote in the state of Maryland and live in Takoma Park are eligible to vote in city elections.

The landmark initiative to allow noncitizens to vote was passed by the Takoma Park City Council in 1992. Takoma Park was also the first jurisdiction to allow those 16 and older to vote in local elections, which the city passed in May of 2013. According to recent data, registered 16- and 17-year-old voters have outperformed all registered voters in each municipal election from November 2013 onward, with 63% of them voting in 2022, compared to 49% of all registered voters.

The City of Takoma Park uses ranked-choice voting. When there are multiple candidates, voters may rank candidates in order of preference (1, 2, 3, etc.). Follow the instructions on your ballot. A candidate must receive a majority of first choice votes
to win. If no candidate receives enough votes, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated and those ballots are redistributed to their second choice. This continues until one candidate receives a majority.

State elections

To register to vote in Maryland statewide elections, you must be a citizen of the United States, do not claim the right to vote as a resident elsewhere, are not incarcerated due to a felony conviction, and have not been convicted of buying or selling votes. The state allows 16-year-olds to register but they must wait until they are 18 years old to cast a vote.

For registered voters in the state of Maryland, you can check your registration status here.

For additional information on registering to vote, contact the City Clerk’s Office at 301-891-7267 or visit the Cit Clerk Webpage.

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

News, Takoma Park Newsletter

Takoma Park Newsletter: Help with Small Home Repair for Seniors

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.

News, Takoma Park Newsletter

Takoma Park Newsletter: Keep Our School Children Safe

 

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.

News Alert, Takoma Park Newsletter

Don’t Trash It—Fix It!

In the second half of the 20th Century, with the acceleration of consumer culture, it became more commonplace for Americans to throw away broken household and personal items rather than repairing them. Not only is this an issue of cutting into the household budget, but it also wastes resources and results in appliances, electronics, and clothing taking up space in a landfill.

And yet, many of us do not know how to repair basic items—or we lack the confidence. Walter Mulbry from the Friends of the Takoma Park Maryland Library is trying to fix that problem here in Takoma Park through Fix-It clinics, which have been held at the city library throughout the spring and summer. Bolstered by an army of handy volunteers, Mulbry has been staging these free clinics about once a month, based on the availability of his cohort.

“The idea is [people] not just bringing in stuff and dropping it off,” says Mulbry. “They could take it to repair shop. The idea is actually to show them how to do things—so they become fixers themselves. You show ‘em how to repair a lamp so they can repair the next lamp. Once you’ve replaced cords or switches or plugs, you’re like, ‘okay, yeah, no big deal.’”

“Now, indeed, it’s a continuum.” Says Mulbry.

The assembled volunteers walk in with a variety of fi xing expertise, including the ability to work on electronics like stereo systems and computers, small appliances, lamps, bicycles, and furniture. The library has a phalanx of sewing machines and skilled tailors who can help repair clothing and other cloth items, while showing the owner how to make such repairs themselves. Even knives and lawn mower blades can be sharpened.

Martha Peterson came to the July Fix-It Clinic with a lamp and two transistor radios. She is pleased that within an hour, all three were back in service.

“And the quality of the sound is good,” says Peterson. “You can’t beat it—better than a lot of these little radios you get now.”

Tanya DeKona brought in a fan to be repaired. Known as the Green Elf of Takoma Park, Tanya is adept at repairing mechanical things, generally, but was stymied by the fan, which she and volunteer Lars Leonard repaired on the spot. The speed settings on the fan did not work, so the two of them took the speed mechanism apart and cleaned it and it then worked fine.

“Sometimes something just needs to be cleaned,” remarked Leonard as he hit a little service bell, which indicates that a repair has been completed and the appliance has earned its wings.

As the Takoma Park Green Elf, DeKona volunteers as a reuse coordinator, Montgomery County recycling educator, and trash team member of several organizations, including Friends of Sligo Creek.

“So many things are simple to repair.” Says DeKona. Recycling, in my opinion, should be your last resort. Reuse something ‘til it’s dead.

“That was something my father and I did habitually. It was very exciting that I was able to observe and then he would always instruct and explain what he was doing and then give me a chance to then engage by turning the screws or whatever it was.”

“I don’t know if I call myself a great fixer,” says Leonard, who is 17. “I think it’s mostly just the compilation of years of random projects, finding free things and taking them apart, seeing if I can get them back together. Just fixing stuff that I need to work but don’t want to pay someone else to fix. So, yeah, just years of experience, no specific training.”

Anne LeVeque, the Computer Center instructional associate at the library, helps patrons with sewing issues. She says that the library is a natural place for the Fix-It Clinic.

“A library is a community center, a third place, which means a place that’s not work, that’s not home,” says LeVeque. “And it’s also a place where you don’t have to pay for things. And so all of this is provided absolutely free, and we are also trying to help people learn how to do the repairs themselves.”

“It’s part of this whole ethos of making things, mending things, et cetera. It’s a type of frugality that’s not stinginess, but not being wasteful. And the folks who know how to fix things and know how to build things are going to do better [during an emergency]. It’s good to have these sorts of skills.”

LeVeque says that there are simple things, like hemming a pair of pants, that most people can do. And the sewing machines at the library make it possible for those who don’t own a machine.

“One of the things that does have to happen is that people do have to register for this,” says LeVeque. “You can’t just walk in with a broken appliance and say, ‘Oh, hey, can somebody fi x this, we do provide links and email addresses and stuff like that for people to communicate with the organizers and say what they need to have fixed and to pick out a time slot and that sort of thing. That way we’re not inundated with here in the sewing corner with 15 people who need those pants hemmed right away.”

Ahead of a Fix-It clinic, people can sign up online at SignUpGenius.com, with information about the item that they are bringing in. At times, another part is needed, so the Fix-It volunteer will help their client order a part and come back to the next clinic. Information about the Fix-It clinics is announced on the Friends of Takoma Park Maryland Library website: ftpml.org.

Community members can sign up for the Friends newsletter, which will announce the date and time ahead of the clinic. In addition, the monthly Takoma Park Newsletter will announce the dates on the library page.

Mulbry says that he and his volunteers plan to hold a clinic every month throughout the balance of the year. The third Saturday of October (October 19) is International Repair Day, and Mulbry does plan to hold a clinic on that date.

“Fixing things in general is terribly frustrating,” says Mulbry. “The first time you do it, you’re just like, ‘Oh my God, I have the wrong tool.’ Or ‘Oh, how do you do this?’ And then you’re like, ‘Oh, gee, I don’t want anybody else to go through that.’ Let’s share that knowledge.

The next Fix-It Clinic will be on Sunday, August 25, 2–4 p.m. To sign up for a slot, visit tinyurl.com/yvykumps. You can also email any questions to Fixittakoma@gmail.com.

News, Takoma Park Newsletter

TKPK Newsletter: “Dance Can Facilitate Personal Growth” Meet Kokoe Divine

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.

News, Takoma Park Newsletter

TKPK Newsletter: Library Director’s Column- Vacation Reads

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.