By Bob Guldin

If you own a home in the historic preservation district of Takoma Park, and you have exterior work done on the house, you may be eligible for a sizeable tax credit from Montgomery County or the State of Maryland …. or maybe even both.

What’s more, Montgomery County in 2013 boosted the size of the tax credit it offers. For many years, you could get a credit of 10 percent of the amount you had spent. That has now increased to 25 percent. For example, if you spend $4,000 for a new roof this year, the county can reduce your 2016 tax bill by 25 percent of that or $1,000.

The idea behind these tax benefits is to encourage homeowners and commercial property owners to keep older buildings in good repair and to preserve the character of older neighborhoods.

A considerable portion of Takoma Park falls within the historic district. That includes most of North Takoma, the Old Takoma/PEN neighborhood, and the WACO or Westmoreland neighborhood, as well as a long strip of Carroll Avenue that reaches from Laurel Avenue to Sligo Creek Park.

To get a precise reading of what is included in our historic district (and other historic districts in the county), go to www.montgomeryplanning. org/gis/interactive/historic.shtm. You’ll find an interactive map that shows both the county and state historic districts. These overlap but are not exactly the same. On the map, you’ll see the county historic district in red and the state historic district marked with purple crosshatching. Zoom in or use the search window to find a specific property.

Here’s how the county credit works (and this writer has actually received these credits, so we know they’re real). The county credit is for exterior work only, like painting, repair or restoration, e.g., putting in new windows that look similar to your old windows. Remodeling work, like rebuilding a porch or a fence, may be eligible for the tax credit if you get a Historic Area Work Permit from the county before getting the remodeling done. The work must cost at least $1,000 in a calendar year, and you must have before and after photos and receipts or canceled checks from a licensed contractor.

You should apply to the county by April 1, 2016 for work done in 2015 to get your tax credit on time. According to Kevin Manarolla, a staffer with the Montgomery County Office of Historic Preservation, the county will generally consider applications for the previous two years.

The Maryland Tax Credit

The Maryland State homeowner tax credit — a separate program from the county one — can cover as much as 20 percent of your costs. It is possible to combine county and state credits. Add those together and you could get an impressive 45 percent reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses.

For the state program, the owner must spend at least $5,000 on eligible work in a 24-month period. There’s also a $50,000 cap on how big a tax credit can be.

The state program, run by the Maryland Historical Trust, differs from the county’s in several ways. For instance, to get a state credit, you must get a Historic Area Work Permit (i.e., prior approval) before work begins. The state also covers both exterior and interior work, such as refinishing floors or HVAC.

Collin Ingraham, the administrator of the state program, indicated that the first step a property-owner should take is to make sure their home is eligible for the state tax break. “Each historic designation is different,” he said. Another complicating factor: A property may be eligible for a state tax credit even if it is not in a historic district if the building itself contributes to the historic character of the neighborhood.

The state and county also differ in how they make the tax credit money available. Montgomery County subtracts it from the property tax you owe. The state applies the credit to your next income tax return.

Clearly, anyone who hopes to get a state tax credit should contact the Maryland Historic Trust (410-514-7600) very early in the process. You can find a useful fact sheet at http://mht.maryland.gov/taxcredits_homeowner.shtml.

Lorraine Pearsall, the vice president of Historic Takoma, urges residents, “Don’t be afraid to use the state tax credit, even though there are three forms and it makes people go cross-eyed.” She says her organization is ready, willing and able to help neighbors navigate the process and obtain the historic tax credits. Pearsall can be reached at info@historictakoma.org.

This article appeared in the October 2015 edition of the Takoma Park Newsletter. The Takoma Park Newsletter is available for download here.

Walk to School Day has become a regular event in Takoma Park. Each year on the first Wednesday of October, students, parents and school staff hit the streets together. This year, on October 7, Takoma Park, Piney Branch, East Silver Spring and Rolling Terrace Elementary Schools and Takoma Park Middle School will host events to encourage walking on Walk to School Day and every day. Check with your school PTA or administration for specifics.

On Walk to School Day, parents and teachers should take the opportunity to talk with students about best safety practices for walking to school:

• Use the sidewalk
• Always cross at the crosswalk
• Stop, look left, right and left again before crossing
• Make eye contact with the drivers
• Obey the crossing guards and traffic signs and signals
• Wear bright or retro reflective clothing so that drivers can see you

Parents can form walking groups or “walking school buses” to share the responsibility of escorting the students to school. When students are ready to walk without a parent, the buddy system is still always the best option.

Walking is good exercise. The First Lady, the Surgeon General and the CDC all recommend 60 minutes of physical activity per day for young people and walking to and from school counts. Numerous studies show that physical activity correlates to better academic performance. Walking to and from school prepares kids to learn. Walking to and from school is good for the environment.

Want another reason? It is fun! So take your child’s hand and experience the world from a different perspective. Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the morning or afternoon and the knowledge that you are doing something good for your family, the community and the earth.

This article appeared in the October 2015 edition of the Takoma Park Newsletter. The Takoma Park Newsletter is available for download here.

By Amanda Stevens

You might have noticed a few things out of the ordinary along New Hampshire Avenue on the evening of July 18. You might have heard the melodies and rhythms of violins, trumpets and drums. You may have spotted new artwork. You might have even seen people you know dancing together in celebration of what New Hampshire Ave is, was, and could be.

Created by Dance Exchange and sponsored by the City of Takoma Park, this performance and community celebration was the culmination of a multi-year project known as “New Hampshire Ave: This Is a Place To… .” With major support from the National Endowment for the Arts and ArtPlace America, the project provided an opportunity for people to gather and reflect on the ways they shape what the place is today and what it will be tomorrow.

During July’s place-based performance, audience members accompanied performers on a journey of storytelling between Hampshire Tower, Takoma Overlook and the Recreation Center field. As they shared their stories of New Hampshire Ave, Dance Exchange transformed them into movement, weaving them together with Dance Exchange Founder Liz Lerman’s landmark work “Still Crossing,” to create an intergenerational performance by Dance Exchange artists and New Hampshire Avenue community members. Local musician David Schulman also joined the performance along with trumpeter Don Tillery and Taiko drummer Mark H. Rooney.

For almost two years, Dance Exchange has collaborated with the City of Takoma Park’s Housing and Community Development Department to use art and dialogue to create meaningful relationships between the people and places that shape New Hampshire Avenue. Led by Artistic Director Cassie Meador, this work “brings a range of people into conversation about their contributions and hopes for the Avenue.” The impact of doing so, Meador explains, “is already apparent, and the connections the project created, we hope, will live on after it ends.”

One way the project lives on is through the work of several local artists with whom Dance Exchange collaborated. Installation artist Nicole Salimbene, painter Fetunwork Amedie, photographer Ben Carver and multi-disciplinary artist Nguyen K. Nguyen captured the Avenue in a series of photo portraits, paintings and illustrations, which were installed in the Recreation Center field during July’s performance. During the next month, this artwork will appear on banners in public spaces throughout Takoma Park. To learn more, visit danceexchange.org.

This article appeared in the October 2015 edition of the Takoma Park Newsletter. The Takoma Park Newsletter is available for download here.

By Jim Jarboe

As of August 31, 2015, the Takoma Park Volunteer Fire Department and the personnel of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service assigned to the station have responded to 438 fire-related incidents in 2015. The department addressed or assisted with 2,169 rescue or ambulance-related incidents for a total of 2,607.

Totals for 2014 were 458 and 1,890, representing an increase 259 incidents. During the month of August 2015, the Takoma Park volunteers put in a total 1,294 hours of standby time at the station compared to 1,585 in August 2014. Grand totals as of August 2015 are 10,741 hours compared to 11,091.5 hours in 2014, a decrease of 350.5 hours.

Maryland fire deaths

The Maryland State Fire Marshal Office reported as of September 14, 2015, 42 people have died in fires, compared to 39 in September 2014.

Fire Prevention Week October 4-10

Theme: Hear the Beep Where You Sleep: Every Bedroom Needs a Working Smoke Alarm Fire Prevention Week commemorates the Great Chicago Fire, October 8-9, 1871. This two-day blaze killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres.

Mark the date!

Sunday, Oct. 4, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., there will be an “Open House” at the Takoma Park fire station. At the start of Fire Prevention Week, members will be on hand for show and tell regarding many activities on fire safety. Bring the family; it’s a time to learn and have fun.

Takoma Park VFD member receives prestigious training award

New EMT Bernice Williams was honored with the Richard B. Thompson Award for the top academic student in the class. It was presented at the EMT Class graduation held at the Public Service Training Academy on August 28. Member EMT Enoch Davis also graduated. Congratulations to both for a job well done.

This article appeared in the October 2015 edition of the Takoma Park Newsletter. The Takoma Park Newsletter is available for download here.

By Trey Johanson

Editor’s Note: For people who need a ride, whether temporarily or on a regularly basis, Takoma Park’s Village Rides program can be a lifesaver. The program pairs volunteer drivers (who have been trained and screened) with residents who need a lift. Here is one example, compiled by Trey Johanson, who helps administer the program through the Jewish Council for the Aging.

“Let me tell you the background,” began Jackie Davison of Victory Towers in Takoma Park. “Now, I am a very good driver, but I totaled my own car in January. I have always been independent, so it was a trauma to have to be dependent on somebody else.”

Davison, like so many of our elders, is a confident, capable, active contributor to her community. She is the president of the Victory Tower Tenant Association. She is not a woman used to relying on others. But, when she had a doctor’s appointment, she needed a ride to Bethesda. She had recently attended a presentation by the Village of Takoma Park in which she learned about its volunteer driver services. So, she made the call.

At first, she was concerned. “Do they know how to drive? Will they be prompt?” She was concerned about the safety and dependability of the drivers. She was also concerned about the process. “Sometimes you call for volunteer services, and you can tell they’re not really together,” she said. “I was impressed by the professional approach. The intake was very thorough. And, lo and behold, the driver was prompt and friendly!”

“I find Sandy just very interesting. We have good conversations and she’s just good company. And she’s a very, very good driver!”

Davison chuckled, “I called again another time, and I slept through my alarm! Sandy [Egan, the driver] called me and said, ‘I’m here, where are you?’ I had to apologize for that one!

“I find Sandy just very interesting. We have good conversations and she’s just good company. And she’s a very, very good driver!”

When asked why more of her neighbors might not ask for help when they need rides, Davison could only guess. “It takes people a while to try something new,” she said. “I find in general the people here are just reluctant to take advantage of new opportunities, and I don’t understand that, to tell you the truth.”

“About a third of our residents are nonEnglish speaking,” continued Davison. “Our bulletin board is all in English. We are only reaching out to two thirds of the people who live here! And, non-English speaking residents are increasing, just like in the overall population.”

Davison’s message seems clear. If our communities are to serve our elders, we must reach out to them respectfully, steadfastly and responsibly. We must communicate in their language, and from their cultural viewpoint. We must be a consistent, reliable presence in their neighborhoods. And we must be worthy of the trust they place in us, when they do ask for our help.

To learn more about Village Rides, see a video about the program, to participate or to volunteer go to www.villageoftakomapark. com/village-rides-program-recruiting-ridersand-drivers or call 301-255-4212.

This article appeared in the October 2015 edition of the Takoma Park Newsletter. The Takoma Park Newsletter is available for download here.

Book sale returns!

The popular Friends of the Takoma Park Maryland Library book sale will return on Saturday Oct. 24th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Library Lawn. Used books in good condition of every description will be available at bargain prices.

Book sales are the Library Friends’ major fund-raising events, and all proceeds go to the Library in the form of donations for programs and other services and resources.

Volunteers are needed to help at the sale in approximately two-hour shifts between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Volunteering is a wonderful opportunity to find some great books, meet your neighbors, and help the Library. High school students may earn service learning hours toward graduation by volunteering at the sale. To volunteer or for further information, contact Ellen Robbins at ellenr@takomaparkmd.gov.

Summer Quest success

We’ve tallied the final figures, and we had another successful Summer Quest summer reading program, thanks to readers ranging in age from one to 54. Overall, 115 readers read at least one book, but many readers read more. Summer Quest participants read more than 1,100 books as they made their way through the 10 reading challenges. Our top reader was Esme Chang-Gillespie, a pre-schooler who read 106 books with her parents and baby brother. Ten-year-old Kiera Norris was a very close second, reading 101 books; Kiera also completed all the extra reading Summer Quest challenges.

While Summer Quest 2015 is over, we’re gearing up for our third annual Winter Quest reading program. Watch for more details soon about Winter Quest, which is designed to keep kids reading over the December holidays.

Halloween events

Halloween fans are in for a real treat this year, as we have a trio of events designed to celebrate the season. First up is a program featuring award-winning kids’ novelist Mary Downing Hahn, who specializes in writing spine-tingling tales for young readers. Hahn, a Maryland resident who has sold more than two million copies of her books, will be here on Monday, Oct. 19 at 7:30 p.m. to talk about her newest book, “Took.” School Library Journal says of “Took” that “horror fans and readers looking for a good scare will enjoy this creepy tale,” while The Horn Book noted that “this creepy tale skillfully weaves in —and honors — the oral tradition of folklore, legends, and ghost stories.” Politics & Prose Bookstore will be selling copies of Hahn’s books at the event, but the program is free, and no purchase is required to attend

Next, on Sunday, Oct. 25, from 2-3 p.m., kids are invited to come and make some Halloween crafts. All materials are provided, courtesy of the Friends of the Takoma Park Maryland Library. Kids just need to bring their creativity!

Finally, on Monday, Oct. 26, veteran storyteller Candace Wolf returns with her annual “Scary Stories” program. Wolf, a local resident who has done storytelling all over the world, will offer two sets of tales. From 7-7:45 p.m., she’ll tell stories that are just a bit scary and perfect for ages 5-7. From 7:50-8:50 p.m., she’ll ratchet up the scary quotient with tales for kids ages 8-13. No registration necessary; just come and enjoy some scary fun!

Authors, authors!

We’ve got something for everyone in our October line-up of author programs co-sponsored by Politics & Prose Bookstore. All events will take place in the Library’s Children’s Room, unless otherwise noted. Politics & Prose will sell books at each event, but the programs are free and no purchase is required to attend.

Picture book lovers will enjoy two fun events. First on Thursday, Oct. 1 at 7 p.m., international best-selling author Eoin Colfer (best known for his “Artemis Fowl” novels for kids) will join with illustrator Oliver Jeffers to present their new book, “Imaginary Fred.” Then, on Tuesday, Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. Matt Davies, a Pulitzer Prizewinning editorial cartoonist turned children’s book author/illustrator, will highlight his newest book, “Nerdy Birdy.”

Young fans of the “Ranger’s Apprentice” series will want to mark their calendars for Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m., when author John Flanagan reveals his newest adventure series. This event will take place in the Takoma Park Community Center Auditorium.

For kids who love nonfiction, check out the program on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 7:30 p.m. featuring science writer Tam O’Shaughnessy. She’ll focus on her new book, “Sally Ride: The Photobiography of America’s Pioneering Woman in Space.” Non-fiction lovers also will enjoy an event on Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 7:30, when author Gabrielle Balkan discusses her new book, “The 50 States.”

This article appeared in the October 2015 edition of the Takoma Park Newsletter. The Takoma Park Newsletter is available for download here.

For the past seven years, local resident Eric Butler has volunteered his time as a coach in the Recreation Department’s Winter Basketball League. Butler admits that early in his career, as a brand new coach, his biggest fear was “failing to teach the kids anything valuable.” During his first few years as a coach, he focused his attention on building life lessons that could be used on and off the court, such as teamwork and perseverance.

Coach Butler’s job on the court is very unique, as he is a parentcoach since his daughter Jade is also a member of his team. The two of them have built an inseparable bond, and he has passed his passion and love of basketball down to her. Butler says, “The league gives us the opportunity to spend time away from home together.”

Every season Coach Butler is amazed to see how fast the kids on his team grow and develop their skills. When asked about any advice he gives to brand new coaches, Butler suggests they “focus more on player development and less on winning,” which can be accomplished by “picking 2 – 3 skills to work on in practice” and building on that foundation weekly. For Butler and Jade, the Winter Basketball League gives them something to look forward to each year.

Registration for the 2016 Winter Basketball League has already begun and the Recreation Department encourages anyone interested in participating to visit www.takomaparkmd.gov/recreation to register. For more information or to volunteer as a coach, please contact Lew Recreation McAllister at lewm@takomaparkmd.gov.

This article appeared in the October 2015 edition of the Takoma Park Newsletter. The Takoma Park Newsletter is available for download here.

With the support of the City of Takoma Park, the Green Impact Campaign (GIC) and Nextility, two DC-based energy organizations, are coordinating a community initiative to help Takoma Park small businesses save money on energy while reducing their environmental impact.

The effort — Kilowatt Smackdown — will include a community-wide competition between student groups from local universities and colleges to complete free energy assessments for businesses from Oct. 3 to Nov. 18. The outcome will be custom, actionable plans to save money and energy for each business.

During the remainder of the year, Kilowatt Smackdown partners will help small businesses with resources to complete these low- to no-cost recommendations, aid businesses in choosing a lower-cost, green energy supplier, and determine if their buildings are suitable for free solar energy systems. Businesses will also be connected to state and local rebate programs and to the Montgomery County Green Business Certification program for further assistance and help for deeper energy savings.

Green Impact Campaign and Nextility will train students to conduct energy assessments using their various assessment tools.

Student prizes

The top three students that complete the most energy assessments during the competition period will be awarded the following scholarships from the City of Takoma Park:

• 1st place – $3,000
• 2nd place – $1,500
• 3rd place – $500

Top performing students will be given the opportunity for an informational interview or paid internship at the following organizations:

• City of Takoma Park – Sustainability Programs (2-paid winter internship positions)
• Nextility (informational interview)
• AtSite (informational interview)
• Community Power Network (informational interview)

Throughout the competition, students will be able to win small and large weekly “PowerUp Prizes” provided by sponsoring local businesses, which may include: gift cards to local restaurants, “green” resume writing workshop presented by 20 minute resume, tickets to sporting and music events and more!

To participate as a student competitor or to sign your small business up for the free energy assessment and help a local student, go to http://greenimpactcampaign. org/kilowattsmackdown/ or contact City Sustainability Manager Gina Mathias at ginam@takomaparkmd.gov

This article appeared in the October 2015 edition of the Takoma Park Newsletter. The Takoma Park Newsletter is available for download here.

The Neighborhood Energy Challenge (NEC) is in full swing with only slightly more than a year left of the competition. As of September, 634 Takoma Park residents have signed up for the challenge. Of those signed up, 13 participants have completed their Green Home Certification, with 1 person achieving the toughest Dark Green Certification, with two more applicants in the verification stage. The Medium Green Certification is the next most difficult certification, yet 4 residents have still managed to achieve it. The Light Green Certification is the easiest, and 8 residents have met its qualifications.

Although many have signed up, the points in the competition come from achieving the different certifications. Therefore Team Forest Park leads the way in the Neighborhood Energy Challenge even though Team Sligo-Longbranch has the most residents signed up.

There is a $2,000 grand prize for the neighborhood and a separate $2,000 prize for the multifamily building (12 units or more) that has the most Green Certified Homes. The City’s residential and municipal reductions in energy use contribute to Takoma Park’s competition for the $5 Million Dollar Georgetown University Energy Prize.

Currently, Takoma Park is ranked #43 out of 50 for the $5 million Georgetown Prize. We have a lot of ground to make up, but we know we can do it! Keep working towards your Green Home Certifications!

Data on total kBTU (energy use metric) for combined municipal and residential energy use as calculated by Georgetown University Energy Prize committee. Note: the above data has been normalized for weather for the competition.

If you are interested in participating or have questions, please contact Gina Mathias at ginam@takomaparkmd.gov or call 301-891-7623. More information is available at http://takomaparkmd.gov/sustainability/neighborhood-energy-challenge.

This article appeared in the October 2015 edition of the Takoma Park Newsletter. The Takoma Park Newsletter is available for download here.