On Crossing Guard Appreciation Day, June 2, the PTAs at Takoma Park and Piney Branch Elementary schools and Takoma Park Middle School have joined forces with the City of Takoma Park Safe Routes to School Program (SRTS) to make it easy for families to demonstrate their appreciation for these important members of our community. Families are urged to take a few moments on their way to school in the morning to personally thank the guards and offer tokens of appreciation. Tables will be set up near each crossing guard to receive cards, flowers or treats, and carry on an appreciation day tradition that dates back to 2009.

“Crossing guards are essential. I would not allow my child to walk without crossing guards,” reported one parent on the Safe Routes to School Survey. Many comments like this appear year after year. In fact, many residents make a point to thank the crossing guards daily for their dedication to keeping our students safe while walking to and from school. On the morning of June 2 parents and students can do just a little more.

SRTS suggests leaving a few extra minutes during the walk to school to stop at the guard post. The guards know many of the students by name and enjoy the chance to reflect on the year and wish the students a nice summer.

“Walk in the middle of the crosswalk! (clap, clap) Now you sing it Mom and Dad!”

In addition to standing at their posts, Takoma Park’s guards assist SRTS with the bike rodeos and crosswalk activities in the schools and at community events, educating students about safe practices while walking and biking to school. One guard overheard a student sharing the strategies with her parent on the way to school: She taught her mother the song she learned from the crossing guard in the classroom, “Walk in the middle of the crosswalk! (clap, clap) Now you sing it Mom and Dad!”

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

After vacating space to make way for the Transit Center at Takoma Langley Crossroads, Taco Bell is proposing a comeback, this time on Holton Lane, a block south of its original location.

Plans are underway for a 40-seat Taco Bell at the corner of New Hampshire Avenue and Holton Lane, in what is currently a parking lot in front of ALDI’s supermarket. According to the Crossroads Development Authority, the eatery would include some outdoor seating on the Holton Lane side of the building, free wi-fi and a drivethrough window. The drive-through would accommodate one car every two minutes during busy times, and according to Taco Bell consultants would have no effect on traffic flow on New Hampshire Avenue. The restaurant would also add islands of grass and trees to the existing ALDI’s parking lot.

A meeting to explain the proposal to the public was held at the Takoma Park Community Center in April, a mandatory requirement before the plans are formally submitted to the Montgomery County Planning Department. Once submitted, the Takoma Park City Council will have an opportunity to publicly weigh in on the proposal before it is reviewed by the Montgomery County Planning Board, likely in the fall.

The Taco Bell is owned by Texas-based franchise restaurant company MUY! Companies, which also owns Wendy’s and Pizza Hut locations. Representatives of the company presented their plans to the Crossroads Development Authority meeting of local businesses in May.

Some concern has been expressed by residential neighbors regarding traffic and litter around a new restaurant, as well as the drive-through aspect of the project in an area slated for more pedestrian-friendly development. City Council discussed the development standards affecting the Takoma Langley Crossroads area on May 26, including the City’s role and involvement in the development review process. The discussion can be accessed at www.takomaparkmd.gov/citycouncil/meetings.

MUY! hopes to break ground on the Taco Bell project later this year.

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

Free performances all day June 14

On Sunday, June 14, downtown Takoma Park, Maryland, will once again jump, swing and jive to the sounds of America’s music: jazz. The 20th annual Takoma Park JazzFest will bring an eclectic range of performers to town for more than a dozen free performances from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Full information is available at www.tpjazzfest.org. “Jazz music is America’s gift to the world,” says festival president Bruce Krohmer. “It’s a uniquely American sound, and enjoying it outdoors at one of our two stages is a fantastic way to pass a Sunday afternoon. And it’s free!” To celebrate the completion of its teenage years, JazzFest will bring back some of the most popular performers of the festival’s first two decades. “Whatever your taste in jazz, you’ll find something to love,” says Krohmer.

Takoma Park’s own Chuck Redd, an internationally acclaimed drummer and vibraphonist, will be a featured performer and will conduct one of the workshops. His swinging sounds have been featured on more than 75 recordings, and he’s toured with legends such as Dizzy Gillespie and Mel Torme.

Local enthusiasts can also look forward to the sounds of Veronneau, the Hokum JazzTrio, the Nicole Saphos After Hours Duo, the Dave Kline Band, Flutevisions, Matt Wigler, the Uptown Vocal Jazz Quartet, the Mary Alouette Quartet, the Lovejoy Group, and the acclaimed Takoma Park Middle School Jazz Ensemble.

“JazzFest embraces a broad range of styles, both instrument and vocal: bossa nova and samba, swing, R&B and contemporary sounds, vintage sounds from the ’20s and ’30s – you’ll hear your favorites, and sounds that are new to you, too,” says Krohmer.

Takoma Park Jazz Fest
June 14, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Carroll Ave., downtown Takoma Park
www.tpjazzfest.org
Free

Making its debut this year will be Brulee, a quintet with a sound that’s been described as “jazz-infused, Americana-marinated, alt-pop.” This band wowed the judges to win the 2015 Jazz Brawl, sponsored by JazzFest to showcase emerging new performers.

In addition to performances, JazzFest will provide a wide range of other activities, for a full day and evening of entertainment:

• Free drum and guitar workshops in the Olive Lounge, adjacent to festival activities.
• Crafts, clothes and collectibles from more than 60 local vendors.
• Food trucks and booths for every palate.
• An official after-party at Takoma Republic restaurant, adjacent to festival events.

And for those who can’t get enough jazz, JazzFest is again partnering with the American Film Institute. The AFI Silver Theater in downtown Silver Spring (three blocks from Red Line Metro) will show several jazz-themed movies in the week leading up to the big event.

The films are:

•  “Anita O’Day: The Life of a Jazz Singer,” June 5,
• “Keep on Keepin’ On,” about trumpeter Clark Terry, June 5,
• “Whiplash,” for which J.K. Simmons won an Academy Award, June 6, 7 and 10.

JazzFest is an all- volunteer communitybased organization, supported by the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County, the Maryland State Arts Council; the City of Takoma Park, Long and Foster Real Estate and the Takoma Foundation.

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

As another year passes and winter gives in to spring, bicycling continues to be an important part of life, work, and play in Takoma Park. While the recent utilities work has created challenges for cars and bikes along Carroll Avenue, there is reason to be optimistic as new bike-friendly projects and plans in Takoma Park and beyond take shape.

In March, the city’s agreement with the Maryland Department of Transportation was executed, committing $100,000 to bike improvements in Takoma Park, including bike lanes in the Ethan Allen Gateway Streetscape project and new and improved bike parking at the Community Center and Recreation Center on New Hampshire Avenue. There will also be “sharrows” – arrows painted on the road surface to indicate a shared road for bikes and cars – along Carroll Avenue where it is too narrow for a bike lane, and on Takoma Avenue near the Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT).

Meanwhile, the District of Columbia is moving forward to extend the MBT north from Fort Totten Metro into Maryland (see story on page 11), and the Montgomery County Planning Department is revamping its 10-year old Bicycle Master Plan. Takoma Park residents can celebrate Bike Month this May in Takoma Park with the following local events:

Bike to School Day

Wednesday, May 6

All Takoma Park elementary and middle school students are invited to ride their bikes to school on Bike to School Day, Wednesday, May 6. Get your bike ready for spring and summer fun. Wipe off the spider webs, check the tires, brakes and chain and be sure to strap on your helmet. Here’s what’s happening in Takoma Park on May 6:

Takoma Park Middle School students participating in Bike to School Day will be met with refreshments when they arrive at school. Bike related prize drawings will occur during the course of the day.

Rolling Terrace Elementary School encourages walking and biking to school every Wednesday throughout the year and especially on Bike to School Day.

Piney Branch Elementary School will meet at the Franklin apartment building parking lot, 7620 Maple Ave. at 8:45 a.m. The ride to school will start at 8:55. Maple Avenue will be closed to traffic during the ride and the Takoma Park Police will escort the bicyclists. Extra bike parking will be available in the Community Center basketball court. Students riding a bike, scooter or skateboard must wear a helmet to participate.

Piney Branch will also celebrate the #SaveKidsLives Campaign for Global Road Safety Week (May, 4-10) during ts Bike to School Day event on Wednesday, May 6. Piney Branch joins communities around the world working hard to stop deaths and injuries to children on our roads. On Bike to School Day, students, teachers, staff, parents and other community members will have the opportunity to sign the United Nations’ Child Declaration urging decision makers to take strong action to make roads safer for children.

They can also take a #safie (not a selfie – a #safie). Taking a #safie is a fun way to show your support. To take part in this campaign, download the #safie signboard, write a safety message and share it on social media including the #Safie and #SaveKidsLives hashtags. All city residents who are concerned about road safety can sign the Declaration and take a #safie. For more information about the Declaration and to download the signboard go to www.safekids.org/safe-roads-safe-kids.

Bike to Work Day

Friday, May 15

If you’ve been telling yourself this will be the year you start commuting to work by bike, then why not start on Bike to Work Day? For the past several years, thousands of commuters in the greater Washington metropolitan area have participated in this morning event to celebrate bicycling as a clean, fun and healthy way to get to work. Three Bike to Work Day pit stops will again be in Takoma Park, at the Gazebo in Old Takoma, on Sligo Creek Trail at New Hampshire Avenue, and at the Takoma/Langley Crossroads Professional Building (7676 New Hampshire Ave.). All three locations have been a big hit with local riders as the event grows every year. Even in last year’s torrential storms, cyclists made their way to the rain-orshine pit stops. Registration is free and participants receive a T-shirt, refreshments, and are entered into a raffle for a bicycle and other fun prizes! Register at www.biketoworkmetrodc.com.

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

Were you in Washington, D.C. or College Park area in early April when the power went out at the White House, the Capitol, 13 metro stations, the Smithsonian, the University of Maryland campus and surrounding areas? How did you manage? Was your cell phone working to call family or were you underground at a Metro station without power? Were you in College Park wandering around trying to do without street-crossing lights?

Although the April power outage was caused by the failure of a transmission conductor in Charles County, Md. it’s a good warning for what may happen in Takoma Park in the summer due to storms or generator problems. So—what can you do?

Long-term outage, continuing storms

The following will ensure you’re ready if the power goes out for days:

• Have a plan to stay in touch with your family and a meeting place if you get separated.
• Make a basic emergency kit: 1 gallon of water per person per day; food for three days per person; flashlight and batteries; and a battery-operated radio to stay informed.
• Schedule a block or building preparedness meeting with our City Emergency Preparedness manager Ron Hardy (ronh@takomaparkmd.gov)
• Go to www.ready.gov or www.redcross. org to learn more on preparedness.

Short term outage

• Consider this an ‘indoor camping’ experience – without having to put up the tent! Make sure you have the following on hand:
• A lantern with a large battery (periodically check this to make sure the battery is OK)
• Several flashlights close at hand (near the bed, the desk, and downstairs) that you can easily retrieve when the power goes out
• Working batteries that fit each item (try using masking tape to mark when they were bought)
• Phone numbers for contacts that are easily accessible
• Alternative phone options, such as a non-cell phone or car charger (be careful going down the stairs to get to the car!)
• Easy access to medications that must be taken in evenings (take the flashlight or lantern);
• Bottled water

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

The National Volunteer Fire Council presented Takoma Park Volunteer Fire Department Chief Jim Jarboe its 2015 NVFC Fire Prevention and Education Award last month. The award, sponsored by First Alert, honors a volunteer firefighter or nonoperational volunteer who exemplifies the philosophy of fire prevention.

Jarboe is well known in the community for more than 50 years of service, offering safety education through his long association with Takoma Park Fire Department. What Takoma Parkers may not know is that Jarboe also participates actively with a number of Maryland fire safety groups, including the Maryland State Fireman’s Association Fire Prevention Committee and the Fire and Burn Safety Coalition of Maryland.

“He dedicated much of his life to public service and made major strides to bring prestige, credibility and recognition to volunteer firefighters nationwide.”

On the home front, Jarboe has coordinated and been the lead instructor of the Takoma Park Volunteer Fire Department’s Babysitter’s Safety Training Program since 1964. More than 2,500 girls and boys have completed the 10-hour program under his leadership. Since 1982, Chief Jarboe has authored the monthly Firehouse Report column in the city’s newsletter, which includes fire safety messages, response statistics, fire loss data and more. Each Halloween he paints pumpkins and displays them throughout the area with safety tips for trick-or-treating. He also coordinates a partnership with the Lions Club and Holy Cross Hospital blood drives to provide fire safety information to blood donors.

Throughout his tenure at the department, Jarboe has helped to design emergency preparedness brochures; developed, organized and coordinated the city-wide Operation Smoke Detector Check project; served as a safety monitor at the city’s annual Halloween haunted house; and provided a weekly hour-long fire safety segment at the local college radio station. Jarboe also continues to provide fire safety tips during department programs and city events.

The Fire Prevention and Education award was established in memory of volunteer firefighter Marc Mueller. According to NVFC’s web site, Mueller “energetically promoted the causes of volunteer firefighters and supported all efforts to elevate the volunteer program to its highest level. He dedicated much of his life to public service and made major strides to bring prestige, credibility and recognition to volunteer firefighters nationwide.”

Jim Jarboe exemplifies a similar community spirit.

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

By Jim Jarboe

As of Mar. 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 168 fire related incidents in 2015. The department addressed or assisted with 746 rescue or ambulance-related incidents for a total of 914. Totals for 2014 were 160 and 689, representing an increase of 65 incidents.

During the month of March 2015, the Takoma Park volunteers put in a total of 1,402.5 hours of standby time at the station, compared to 1,247.5 in March 2014. Grand totals as of March 2015 are 4,412 hours compared to 3,617.5 hours in 2014, an increase of 794.5 hours.

Maryland fire deaths

The Maryland State Fire Marshal Office reported as of March 20, 23 people have died in fires in 2015, compared to 26 in 2014.

Junk vehicles needed

Do you have an old junker littering your driveway? The Takoma Park VFD can take it off your hands – we are currently looking for vehicles to be used for training. If you have a vehicle you would like to donate, call Chief Glenn Butts at the station, 240-773-8954. We’ll be glad to pick it up and dispose of it after we finish training with it.

Be prepared for fire

Plan ahead! If a fire breaks out in your home, you may have only a few minutes to get out safely once the smoke alarm sounds. Everyone needs to know what to do and where to go if there is a fire.

• MAKE a escape plan. Draw a map of your home showing all doors and windows. Discuss the plan with everyone in your home.
• KNOW at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily.
• HAVE an outside meeting place (like a tree, light pole or mailbox) a safe distance from the home where everyone should gather in an emergency evacuation.
• MAKE sure you have working smoke alarms on all levels of the home. Check them monthly.

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

Many May Events

Remember to mark your calendars for three author events in May! First, on Wednesday, May 6, at 7:30 p.m., humorist and kids’ author Dave Barry will present his newest book for young readers ages 8-12, “The Worst Class Trip Ever.”

Barry’s event will take place in the Takoma Park Community Center Auditorium. Then, on Wednesday, May 13, at 7 p.m., author Michelle Knudsen and illustrator Matt Phelan will read their new picture book, “Marilyn’s Monster.”

Finally, graphic novelist Jorge Aguirre spotlights his newest graphic novel for kids, “Dragons Beware!,” Monday, May 18 at 7:30 p.m. Both of these events will take place in the Library’s Children’s Room. Politics and Prose will be selling copies of the authors’ books at each event, but the programs are free and no purchase is required. Hope to see you at one or all of these fun events!

Book sale returns

The popular Friends of the Takoma Park Maryland Library book sale will return on Saturday, May 16 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.

The book sales are a major fund-raising event by the Library Friends, and all proceeds go 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.

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

By Patti Mallin

This spring, the Sunday afternoon MOOC crew investigated the worlds of historical fiction. At each gathering, anywhere from five to a dozen people explored ever-changing definitions of historical fiction, which we found to be quite the moving target. We heard the differences between how an historian and a journalist approach the research and writing of historical fiction, from the authors themselves. And we learned the phrase “anxiety of influence” to label our concern over how readers of fiction might mistake a novel for historical record – an example would be the enormous number of stories written about the Salem witch trials compared to the small amount of time spent examining primary sources.

In theory, throughout the week and at our own paces, we followed an online class offered by the University of Virginia via Coursera, where we watched lectures and read excerpts from texts written over the course of hundreds of years. In practice, we staked our Sunday claim to Computer Room B where we discussed the lectures and the assigned readings, explored issues in writing our own works of historical fiction, expressed excitement over Wolf Hall finally appearing on PBS, talked about volunteering for Project Gutenberg, and drank increasing amounts of coffee.

New Takoma Park resident Jean Krueger compares this MOOC to a book club. “I get to hear other readers’ take on whatever I’m reading and have often gained insights I would not otherwise have. I find that so in this group, as well. I had not previously given much thought to how historical fiction developed or considered how each author approached it, given known historical facts. I think I will question this more in the future as I read each new book.”

“I think I will question this more in the future as I read each new book.”

Jennifer Bunch, who is currently writing her own work of historical fiction, has a different takeaway from the MOOC. “I’m finding the class discussions extremely helpful in planning my own historical novel by providing the opportunity to hear what other readers of historical fiction like, don’t like, and hope to gain from the historical novels they read.”

There are a core group of library patrons who participate in almost every MOOC we offer, and others who join for one specific program. In the past we have explored courses titled Ancient Greek Hero and the Moralities of Everyday Life, we have learned “How to Learn” and how Hollywood storytelling changed with advances in technology. As we ease into summer, we are going back to the movies.

Coursera’s “Marriage and the Movies” begins online May 18, and we will meet for the five following Sundays at 12:30 p.m. to watch and discuss films that demonstrate how the depiction of marriage has changed over time since the silent film era. To join us, sign up for the online portion of the course at www.coursera.org/course/marriageandmovies and register for our Sunday meetups at www.takomapark.info/library/programs.html.

All are welcome!

Patti Mallin is a Library Instructional Assistant who presides at our popular Sunday afternoon massive open on-line course offerings along with public services coordinator Rebecca Brown.

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