“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. . .” Margaret Mead (1901-1978)

Published by the City of Takoma Park www.takomaparkmd.gov April 2006 VFW Landmark Goes

On the Market Photos by Rick Henry “Anyone who came in and wanted to By Rick Henry put in a business would have to petition One of Takoma Park’s most notable to have it rezoned,” she says. properties is on the market. The property is zoned R-60, which The VFW Post 350 property, located at means that any new lot on the property the intersection of Fourth and Orchard would have to be a minimum of 6,000 Avenues in the Pinecrest area of the city, is square feet. Given that the property’s for sale, with the current asking price set at total square footage is 33, 846, the maxi- $2.9 million, according to city listing records. mum number of lots on the property While on the surface this might ap- would be five. Across the street, besides pear to be another case of an established a row of relatively new townhomes, a property owner chasing the real estate new commercial development is under- boom, the reality is much different, says way, and city council is considering de- Post Commander Richard Fales. In this velopment along New Hampshire Av- case, the VFW (Veterans of Foreign enue just a block away. The old VFW building, currently up for sale, Wars) club would prefer to stay right The zoning restrictions make a strong could be replaced by new development. where it is. candidate to purchase the VFW property But faced with an ever-decreasing a church, nonprofit or another commu- bluegrass to blues to soul. membership base and revenue stream, nity organization. “It’s a relic and a resource and it’s got the post simply has few other options, The latter would make the most fitting a lot of past,” Moxley says. Fales says. replacement given the VFW's history, ac- Barring unexpected events, it’s “The veterans aren’t getting any cording to Nellie Moxley, longtime resi- unlikely the VFW will be able to remain younger. Many of them are dying off or dent and president of the Pinecrest Com- in the location it has called home since Post Commander Richard Fales relaxes at the VFW, a gathering place for veterans. becoming unable to make it out and we munity Association. 1966. Selling and purchasing a less ex- are not getting any new members in,” he “How could anyone think about it be- pensive building somewhere else seems didn’t generate any interest,” he says. says. “We’ve been operating at a deficit ing anything but a nonprofit or commu- like the only option at this point. Resigned to selling, Fales has an ideal for a while.” nity resource?” she asks, noting that the “If we could get a lot of new mem- buyer in mind. Fales says the members had been talk- VFW was always willing to help the neigh- bers, we could generate enough revenue “If the city wanted to buy it that would ing about the sale for more than a year borhood and the city. to stay,” Fales says. But he isn’t counting be great. We’d love to sell it to them.” before deciding to list the property. Moxley has worked in tandem with the on it. Stay tuned. The property was originally put on VFW in many configurations over the “We sent out hundreds of letters to the market in January. It was listed with years. For many years, the Post has served eligible members, including Korean War Editor’s note: Author Rick Henry lives Weichert Realtors at an asking price of as the site for the monthly meetings of the veterans who are now eligible, and we across the street from the VFW. $3.5 million. However only one offer, for Pincerest Community Association and has approximately $2 million, was made on been actively involved with other com- the property -- an offer the Post’s leaders munity organizations, as well. quickly rejected. “They have been instrumental in the Keeping Mercury Out of “We received that [$2 million] offer Takoma Branch cleanups, neighborhood from a church,” says Fales. activities, [community] awards. They Fales says the property is worth sub- have represented us and marched in the The Environment stantially more than that offer and that parades,” Moxley says. the leaders gave the church the option of Fales echoes Moxley’s theme. By Tim Male cury: automobile switches in lights and presenting another, more substantive of- “We used to present the Firefighter of braking systems. Although seemingly fer, which the church declined to do. the Year, gave awards to police officers, Takoma Park Committee on the Environment far from the food chain, these items, When no additional offers came lots of things. We have always been very when discarded, leak mercury into air through, the Post decided to solicit an- active in the community,” he says. Just about anyone in Takoma Park and water, which then contaminate fish other realtor to take on the project, a That activity extended beyond finan- who has rented, bought or sold a house destined for human consumption. process that was still ongoing at the time cial assistance. The building itself has is familiar with Montgomery County’s Council is supporting House Bill 1597, of publication. served as kind of a community center lead paint regulations, which are and Senate Bill 1006 provididing for re- One of the issues that could make over the years. In addition to the monthly meant to reduce exposure to this moval of mercury-containing light and selling the property difficult is zoning. community association meetings, the first dangerous ingredient of old paint. brake switches from vehicles being According to Ilona Blanchard, associ- Monday of each month the building turns However, another well-known neuro- scrapped. toxin — mercury — gets less attention ate planner with the City, the property into a concert hall, hosting the monthly Although some mercury occurs natu- than it should. is zoned for residential use. jam session of the DC Bluegrass Union. rally in the environment, about two-thirds

In fact, music at the venue has been one Mercury’s potential risks to children

20912

Takoma Park, MD Park, Takoma 7500 Maple Ave. Maple 7500 of mercury results from human activity. Mayor & Council & Mayor and pregnant women are just as worri- of its greatest contributions. Over the years, It is released by coal-burning power plants the Post has hosted many barbecues, some, and now City Council has passed and industrial incinerators and is used in crabfeasts, Fourth of July events and the a resolution to help protect the popula-

POSTAL CUSTOMER thermometers, dental fillings, fluorescent like, almost all featuring live music- from tion from at least one source of mer- light bulbs, and batteries. In Maryland, approximately 2,300 pounds of mercury

ECRWSS were emitted into the air in 2002. Coal- Inside this Issue fired power plants in Maryland are the state’s top source of mercury pollution. PRE-SORT STANDARD Tax Assessments Due Page 3 TAKOMA PARK, MD PARK,TAKOMA PERMITNO. The Maryland Conservation Council U.S. POSTAGE Routing Rats from the City Page 5 states that just by installing the best avail- PAID able control technology, Maryland could Sligo Creek Tiles Page 5 reduce mercury emissions from power

4422 Trash Collection Schedule Page 10 plants by 90 percent. continued on page 4 Page 2 April 2 0 0 6 Takoma Park Newsletter

CITY COUNCIL CALENDAR February 21 - Special Session (Please note that due to construction in the Community Center, meeting schedules may Resolution 2006-10 was adopted, award- change during April and early May. Call the City Clerk at 301-891-7267 for information.) ing a contract for the sale of City-owned property known as 8425 Piney Branch Monday, April 3 - Interviews and Tuesday, April 18 - Meeting of the Arts Road, Takoma Park, Maryland (VOT- Worksession of the City Council, 7:30 and Humanities Commission, 7:30 p.m. ING FOR: Porter, Austin-Lane, Barry, p.m. (Community Center Auditorium) (Location TBA) Clay, Elrich, Williams; ABSENT: Monday, April 10 - Presentation, Seamens). Thursday, April 20 - Meeting of the Noise Regular Meeting and Worksession of For further information, or to receive Resolution 2006-11 was adopted, awarding the City Council, 7:30 p.m. (Commu- Control Board, 7:30 p.m. (Location TBA) a copy of the legislation, contact the a contract for the sale of City-owned prop- nity Center Auditorium) Monday, April 24 - Regular Meeting City Clerk’s office, 301-891-7267 erty known as 8435 Piney Branch Road, Tuesday, April 11 - Meeting of the and Worksession of the City Council, or e-mail [email protected]. Takoma Park, Maryland (VOTING FOR: Facade Advisory Board, 7 p.m. (Loca- 7:30 p.m. (Takoma Park Middle School) Porter, Austin-Lane, Barry, Clay, Elrich, tion TBA) February 13 - Regular Meeting Williams; ABSENT: Seamens). Wednesday, April 26 - Meeting of the Ordinance 2006-4 was adopted, autho- February 27 - Regular Meeting Tuesday, April 11 - Meeting of the Tree Public Safety Citizens Advisory Commit- Commission, 6:30 p.m. (Room TBA) rizing the City Manager to execute an tee, 6:30 p.m. (Location TBA) Ordinance 2006-9 was accepted at first Monday, April 17 - Worksession of indefinite quantities contract for street reading, authorizing a transfer of land the City Council, 7:30 p.m. (Takoma Thursday, April 27 - Meeting of the repairs and improvements (VOTING to Montgomery County for the Fire Park Middle School) Emergency Preparedness Committee, FOR: Porter, Austin-Lane, Barry, Elrich, Station rear parking area (VOTING Seamens, Williams; ABSENT: Clay). Tuesday, April 18 - Meeting of the 8:30 a.m. (Location TBA) FOR: Porter, Austin-Lane, Barry, Elrich, Safe Roadways Committee, 7 p.m. Ordinance 2006-5 was adopted, award- Seamens, Williams; ABSENT: Clay). (Helfner Park Community Center) ing a contract for uniform rental and Ordinance 2006-7 was adopted at sec- cleaning (VOTING FOR: Porter, Aus- ond reading, authorizing FY06 Budget For updated schedule information, check the City’s web page at http:// tin-Lane, Barry, Elrich, Seamens, Will- Amendment No. 4 (VOTING FOR: Por- www.takomaparkmd.gov or contact the City Clerk. If you would like to receive a weekly e- iams; ABSENT: Clay). ter, Austin-Lane, Barry, Clay, Elrich, mail of the City Council agenda, or if you would like to receive a weekly agenda by U.S. Mail, Ordinance 2006-6 was adopted, award- Seamens, Williams). contact the City Clerk at 301-891-7267. ing a contract for customer service train- Ordinance 2006-8 was adopted at second ing (VOTING FOR: Porter, Austin- reading, awarding a contract for resto- Lane, Barry, Elrich, Seamens, Williams; ration of the damaged area of the Po- Committee Vacancies ABSENT: Clay). lice Department (VOTING FOR: Por- Ordinance 2006-7 was accepted at first Citizens Liaison Committee for the Community Center. City residents are invited to ter, Austin-Lane, Barry, Elrich, reading, authorizing FY06 Budget Seamens, Williams; ABSENT: Clay). participate in the Citizens Liaison Committee for the Community Center. The committee serves Amendment No. 4 (VOTING FOR: Por- Ordinance 2006-10 was accepted at first to foster communication among interested parties and the Council in the ongoing process for ter, Barry, Elrich, Seamens, Williams; reading, authorizing a contract for fi- the development of a community center. Information about the committee is available on the AGAINST: Austin-Lane; ABSENT: nancial and accounting services (VOT- City web page. If you are interested in serving on this committee, contact your City Councilmember Clay). ING FOR: Porter, Austin-Lane, Barry, or the City Clerk’s Office to request appointment. Ordinance 2006-8 was accepted at first Clay, Elrich, Seamens, Williams). reading, awarding a contract for resto- Committee on the Environment. This committee is charged with advising the City Resolution 2006-12 was adopted, estab- ration of the damaged area of the Po- lishing a Health Services Impact Com- Council on all environmental issues, including but not limited to tree protection, open space lice Department (VOTING FOR: Por- mittee (VOTING FOR: Porter, Austin- conservation, biodiversity, watershed function, energy use and conservation, and recycling; ter, Austin-Lane, Barry, Elrich, Lane, Barry, Clay, Elrich, Seamens, reviewing and providing advice on City actions that affect environmental quality; educating Seamens, Williams; ABSENT: Clay). Williams). Takoma Park residents, businesses, and government on environmental issues; conveying Ordinance 2006-3 was adopted at second March 6 - Special Session reading, awarding a contract for a wage citizen views on environmental issues to Council and City staff; and working with City staff Resolution 2006-13 was adopted, com- on environmental issues and projects. survey and compensation study (VOTING FOR: Porter, Austin-Lane, Barry, Elrich, menting on the proposed East Hamp- Facade Advisory Board. The seven-member board provides design and historic Seamens, Williams; ABSENT: Clay). shire Development (VOTING FOR: Porter, Austin-Lane, Barry, Clay, Elrich, Ordinance 2006-2 was adopted at second advisory assistance for building and business owners located in the commercial areas of Seamens, Williams). Takoma Park and provides recommendations to the Montgomery County Historic Preser- reading, expanding the membership of Ordinance 2006-11 was adopted, authorizing vation Commission regarding permit applications. the Emergency Preparedness Commit- tee (VOTING FOR: Porter, Austin-Lane, a contract for City cell phones (VOTING Health Services Impact Committee. The City Council is establishing a committee Barry, Elrich, Seamens, Williams; AB- FOR: Porter, Austin-Lane, Barry, Clay, Elrich, Seamens, Williams). to evaluate the impact on health services in the community resulting from the proposed SENT: Clay). relocation of Washington Adventist Hospital. The Council seeks individuals with diverse backgrounds and interests to serve on the committee, including professionals in the public health field and residents who are dependent upon WAH for health services. Notification of Public Hearing To apply to serve on the committee, send a cover letter and resume and/or statement on Rent Stabilization of qualifications by April 15, to Jessie Carpenter, City Clerk, City of Takoma Park, 7500 Maple Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912 (or via e-mail to [email protected] ). Takoma Park Council Chambers Applications will be reviewed by the City Council. For additional information, call Jessie 7500 Maple Avenue, Takoma Park, Md. Carpenter at 301-891-7267. March 27, 2006 • 7:30 p.m. The seven-member board is charged with assisting and advising Noise Control Board. The Takoma Park City Council will continue its review of rent stabilization by having a the City on noise control issues, including administration and enforcement of the Noise Public Hearing on March 27, 2006 in the Council Chambers. Control Ordinance, and adjudicating noise disturbance complaints. Those wishing to comment on the Rent Stabilization law can do so at this time. We encourage you to come to this meeting and be a part of this discussion. Public Safety Citizens Advisory Committee. The 12-member committee is You may also submit your comments in writing to the City Clerk at charged with providing input and advice to the Council and the City’s public safety agencies 7500 Maple Avenue, Takoma Park MD 20912 about how the City can better meet the ongoing needs and concerns of residents in the or by email at [email protected]. area of police services and public safety. For more information, please contact Safe Roadways Committee. The Safe Roadways Committee advises the City Linda Walker (301-891-7222) or Sara Anne Daines (301-891-7224) Council on transportation related issues including, but not limited to, pedestrian and bicycle safety, traffic, and transit services. Mark Your ARBOR DAY Interested applicants are encouraged to attend committee meetings prior to applying to Calendar! Saturday, April 8, 2006 serve. Contact the City Clerk for further information. To apply, send a letter of interest and resume or statement of qualifications to the City Clerk, City of Takoma Park, 7500 Maple 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the Library grounds Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912 or via e-mail to [email protected]. Further Annual Tree Seeding Give-Away! information is available by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at 301-891-7267. For mor information, contact the Public Works Department at 301-891-7633. Takoma Park Newsletter April 2 0 0 6 Page 3

COLTA’s Corner Editor Deadline for Commission’s regulations. Virginia Myers Kelly ing subflooring, new vinyl flooring, Submissions: The tenant further sug- and replacing the toilet. April 10 gested different methods Layout 8309 Roanoke Avenue (2006-4L) Next Issue: of allocating the rent in- Bonnie L. Down On February 22, 2006, a capital im- April 21 crease for the windows that provement petition was approved for would be more accurate than Production rent increases ranging from $8.18 to the square footage method applied Sligo Computer Services, Inc. $12.59 on three units at the property. by the Rents Analyst. COLTA found The improvements included installa- that the Rents Analyst’s allocation of tion of new electrical panels and a/c www.takomaparkmd.gov the rent increases for the windows receptacles. and electrical improvements based on Vol. 45, no. 7 All increases are in addition to the By Jean Kerr, Housing square footage of each apartment was annual Rent Stabilization Allowance in Specialist consistent with the Code and the effect at the time the increases are taken. Commission’s Regulations. COLTA The Takoma Park Newsletter is published The Commission on Landlord Ten- Objection resolved further found that the facts of this case 11 times a year as the official publication of ant Affairs (COLTA) recently approved 700 Chaney Drive (2005-45L) do not warrant utilizing a different several capital improvement petitions On February 13, 2006, COLTA is- method of allocating the cost of the the City of Takoma Park, for rental properties in Takoma Park. sued a decision on objections filed by windows. COLTA ordered that the www.takomaparkmd.org. COLTA also decided on an objection a tenant on a Preliminary Administra- decision is affirmed and that the land- filed on an approved capital improve- tive Decision (PAD). The landlord filed lord shall serve a copy of the order The Newsletter does not accept commer- ment petition. The following appear in a capital improvement rent increase upon the tenants of each unit within cial, classified or political advertisements. petition and sought a rent increase to 10 days of the date of this order along order of their petition numbers: recover the cost of installing 56 re- with a notice of the amount of back Unsolicited materials by Takoma Park Capital Improvement Petitions placement windows and dedicated rent accrued, if any, since the effective residents, including reports by community 7106-7108 Maple Avenue (2005-95L) circuits for the air conditioning units. date of the rent increase awarded pur- On February 16, 2006, a capital im- COLTA granted the landlord a suant to the PAD. COLTA also or- groups and articles that may contain opin- provement petition was approved for monthly rent increase of $162.69 for dered that each tenant either pay the ion, will be considered for publication. Name, a rent increase of $6.18 on one unit. the windows and $51.91 for the elec- back rent accrued since the effective The improvement included replacing trical upgrades, both of which were date of the rent increases awarded for address and telephone number must ac- the kitchen faucet. allocated between the apartments in his or her unit or commence making company all submitted material. 7106-7108 Maple Avenue (2006-1L) the property based on square footage. monthly payments of at least $50 to- On February 16, 2006, a capital im- A tenant filed objections to the deci- ward the back rent accrued on his or Pursuant to City Council Resolution No. provement petition was approved for sion that the allocation of the win- her apartment during his or her ten- 1992-36 of June 8, 1992 that sets forth the a rent increase of $78.33 on one unit. dows and electrical upgrades were ancy until the accrued back rent is The improvements included install- unfair and inconsistent with the paid in full. editorial guidelines of the Newsletter, the Editor reserves the right to edit all submit- Housing Mailbox that rent is usually due on the first day the pet is obtained following the sign- ted copy for length, clarity, style, spelling of the month. The landlord retains the ing of the initial lease or lease renewal and grammar. right to initiate legal proceedings for if the lease indicates such a fee will be By Moses A. Wilds, Jr., rent, damages and/or repossession of charged for allowing a pet. Some land- Published material containing opinions Landlord-Tenant Coordinator the rental unit for nonpayment of any lords impose a pet deposit instead of a does not necessarily reflect the views of the A landlord wants to know what the installment of rent when it becomes monthly pet fee and may indicate in Takoma Park Landlord-Tenant Law due and payable. The ten day late their lease that the pet deposit is re- Newsletter or the City of Takoma Park. says about rent that is paid late. The period is not a grace period. fundable at the end of the tenancy. The The City of Takoma Park is an equal oppor- landlord also wants to know if a pet In instances in which the lease is prevailing view is that a refundable fee may be charged to a tenant who silent about pets the prevailing view is pet deposit is treated like the rental tunity employer and does not discriminate acquired a dog after the lease was that a tenant may have one without security deposit and accrues interest (3 on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry signed? being charged a pet fee. Where the percent per year) over the term of the Answer: The assessment of late fees lease indicates that pets are allowed for tenancy. Like the rental security de- or national origin, sex, age, marital status or is governed by Section 6.16.190 of the an additional fee such a fee may be posit the pet deposit plus accrued in- physical or mental disabilities that are unre- city Landlord-Tenant Law which in- charged by the landlord. The city has terest would be returned to the former dicates that a late fee may be charged established pursuant to Administra- tenant within 45 days after the tenancy lated in nature and extent to job perfor- if the rent is received ten days after the tive Regulation Number 03-06, III that ends if no pet damage to the rental unit mance. The Newsletter is printed on re- rent due date. The late fee may not the maximum monthly pet fee for a has occurred. exceed 5 percent of the rent due for the dog or cat may not exceed $25 per Questions about the city Landlord- cycled-content paper. rental period. Late charges are con- month. Regarding the pet acquired af- Tenant Law should be directed to the To contact the editor e-mail: sidered as additional rent and accep- ter the lease was signed Section 6.16.100 Housing Department’s Landlord-Ten- tance of such payment does not con- of the city law indicates that a pet fee ant Unit by calling 301-891-7215 or to [email protected] stitute a waiver of the requirement may be assessed to a tenant in the event [email protected].

amount of the property tax, but is a Properties Due for Tax Assessments credit against the property tax owed. Persons receiving a State tax credit By Linda Walker property owners the opportunity to sheet, which will explain how the as- Affordable Housing Manager automatically recieve a credit on dispute the value determined by the sessment decision was reached. Only County and City taxes as well. The Many City of Takoma Park home- department. one copy can be requested a year. If deadline for submitting an applica- you decide to appeal, you must do so owners are scheduled to have their Appeals can be filed at the fol- tion for 2006 is September 1, 2006. properties re-assessed this year. The lowing times: 1) upon receipt of an within 45 days of the date of the notice. Applications can be obtained at Maryland State Department of Assess- assessment notice; 2) by a petition Homeowners and renters who www.dat.state.md.us or by calling ment and Taxation assesses one-third for review and 3) upon purchase of have limited incomes may also want of all properties in Montgomery a property between January 1 and to see if they qualify for the State’s Linda Walker at 301-891-7222. For County each year. These new assess- June 30. The assessment reflects the Property Tax Credit Programs. The further information on the property ments are then phased in over the market influence and other condi- programs must be applied for each assessment process, you may con- following three years. tions affecting the property from year by the homeowner or renter tact the State of Maryland Depart- Property owners sometimes feel that the time of the last assessment. and information regarding gross ment of Assessments and Taxation the department’s estimate of their prop- Property owners can call the depart- household income for the previous at 300 W. Preston Street, Baltimore, erty value is wrong. The assessment ment at any time to request a copy of calendar year has to be submitted. Maryland 21201, 410-767-1199 or at appeal process is available to allow their most recent assessment work- The tax credit does not cover the full www.dat.state.md.us. Page 4 April 2 0 0 6 Takoma Park Newsletter

infiltrate runoff from The Promise of a Rain Garden hard surfaces like drive- dens. This re-use of rainwater is simple, ways, streets, or roofs. By Ali Khalilian, P.E., City Engineer inexpensive and environmentally The frequency and

Nature recycles rain. And rain gar- friendly, and it mimics the natural ab- intensity of required Photo by Ali Khalilian dens may be the best place to see this sorption and pollution removal abilities maintenance is gener- recycling regime at work. of a forest, meadow, or prairie. ally a function of the A “rain garden” is a man-made land- Rain gardens in particular have been plants selected. It is, scaped depression in the ground used to shown to reduce the concentration of however, very impor- improve the quality of surface runoff be- fertilizers, oil, and particulate pollution tant to pull weeds and fore it reaches local streams and other reaching storm drains. Researchers from water the garden three bodies of water. Forming a bioretention the University of Connecticut, reporting times a week for the in the journal Environmental Science and first two weeks and area by collecting water runoff and stor- Technology, show that a shallow de- during dry spells. Fer- The first of two rain gardens at Forest Park was recently ing it, the rain garden filters water and pression in a garden containing bark tilizers are undesirable installed by Friends of Sligo Creek with help from the allows it to be slowly absorbed by the soil. mulch and shrubs can remove up to 99 since they promote neighborhood community. Takoma Park Public Works will This bioretention concept is based on the continue to work with Friends and community associations percent of toxins from runoff water. weed growth and alter to expand on this environmentally beneficial endeavor. hydrologic function of forest habitat, Along with filtering pollutants, other the filtering character- where the forest produces a spongy litter benefits of rain gardens include keeping istic of the soils. Hardwood shredded whereas mosquitoes need at least seven layer that soaks up water and allows it to runoff on site, flood prevention, and mulch should be replenished as neces- days standing water for hatching. slowly penetrate the soil layer. provision of habitat for butterflies. sary. The rain garden should be main- The cost of a do-it-yourself rain gar- Without rain gardens, stormwater run- Generally planted with water-absorbing tained and cared for as the normal and den is approximately $3 to $5 per square off from developed areas increases flood- native plants capable of withstanding pe- valued landscaping feature that it is. foot; professionally installed gardens ing, in addition to carrying pollutants -- riods of flood and drought, a typical rain A properly designed and maintained cost about $10 to $14 per square foot. The but it can be controlled. People world garden is a shallow four- to eight-inch rain garden will not be a breeding ground return is the satisfaction of having done over are discovering the benefits of col- depression over permeable soils capable for mosquitoes since it will not pond your part to protect water resources as lecting stormwater in rain barrels, on of draining quickly. An effective garden is water between rainfalls. In permeable well as an attractive addition to your green roofs, and especially in rain gar- strategically located to collect, filter, and soils, it should drain within 72 hours, property and the community.

Mercury Notification of Proposed Increase in Rent Stabilization Allowance To continued from front page 2.8 percent effective July 1, 2006 When mercury is released into the All landlords owning two or more rental units in Takoma Park are subject to Rent air, it quickly settles back to earth and Stabilization. The City sets the Rent Stabilization Allowance which reflects the maxi- finds its way into water. Once there, it moves up the food chain to fish and mum annual rent increase that is allowed on an occupied rental unit subject to rent eventually to people. For comparison, stabilization. Effective July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007, the rent stabilization allowance it takes about 0.002 pounds of mer- will be increased from 2.1 percent to 2.8 percent. Section 6.20.020 of the Takoma Park cury to make the fish in a 24-acre lake Code and the departmental regulations requires that the Allowance be set as follows: unsafe for human consumption. The The Rent Stabilization Allowance shall be equal to 70 percent of the percent change Maryland Department of the Envi- in the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Price Index, All ronment has issued mercury-based Manager Bob Atwood stands beside Urban Consumers, Washington, DC-MD-VA, All Items 1996=100 (hereinafter “CPI- recommendations on limiting the mercury warnings at the Co-op fish case. U”) for the 12-month period ending in January of the current year from the average amount of fish consumed from all CPI-U for the 12-month period ending in January of the previous year (CPI-U figures rivers and lakes in Maryland. tration (FDA) has set a maximum expo- for the Washington, DC-MD-VA, All Items, are published every other month). This issue hits close to home – scien- sure level from seafood, but different The Consumer Price Index is a measure of the average change in prices over time. It tific testing by the Mercury Policy Project kinds of seafood have different mercury is based on the prices of food, clothing, shelter, transportation, medical care, and other reported enough mercury in one sample risks. The Turtle Island Restoration goods and services that people buy for day to day living. In calculating the index, price of swordfish bought at a Whole Foods Network has a handy online tool – changes for these items are averaged together with weights that represent their impor- supermarket in Anne Arundel County that www.gotmercury.org – to gauge whether tance in the population group’s spending. Thus an index of 133.5 is 1.063 times higher the FDA could have required the super- your consumption of different fish is ex- than an index of 125.6 (133.5/125.6=1.063); in other words prices increased 6.3 percent. market to remove it from sale. The posing you or your children to danger- The method of computing the Rent Stabilization Allowance CPI-U figures are as follows: Takoma Park Silver Spring Food Coop ous levels of mercury. The Monterey Bay Current Year CPI-U also posts mercury warnings near its Aquarium http://www.mbayaq.org/ March 2005 ...... 122.7 freezers. California law requires super- cr/cr_seafoodwatch/download.asp has May 2005 ...... 123.6 markets to post warnings of the kinds a seafood guide for Northeastern states July 2005 ...... 125.0 of fish pregnant and nursing women that you can take to the supermarket with September 2005 ...... 126.7 and young children should not con- you. Fish consumption can have lots of November 2005...... 125.4 sume. other positive effects on your health and January 2006 ...... 126.3 Mercury poisoning can cause severe these tools allow you to maximize ben- Average Current Year CPI-U (3/05-1/06) ...... 124.9 health problems, affecting the cen- efits while minimizing mercury expo- Previous Year CPI-U tral nervous system, liver and kid- sure from the seafood you eat. March 2004 ...... 118.1 neys. In 2002, the National Academy State governments are beginning to May 2004 ...... 118.9 of Sciences estimated that 60,000 in- legislate reductions in the amount of July 2004 ...... 120.2 fants born each year are at risk of neu- mercury that gets into the environment September 2004 ...... 120.8 rological problems caused by exposure – and our diets – in the first place. November 2004...... 120.9 to mercury while in the womb. Maine, Arkansas, and New Jersey have January 2005 ...... 121.3 The Committee on the Environment all passed mercury legislation requir- Average Previous Year CPI-U (3/04-1/05) .... 120.0 is encouraging concerned residents to ing that mercury in old cars be re- Index Point Change contact state representatives and indi- cycled before they are melted down Average Current Year CPI-U ...... 124.9 cate support of mercury-limiting legis- for scrap. Mercury switches have been Less Average Previous Year CPI-U ...... 120.0 lation. But there are other things people phased out of new cars, but a 1995 Equals Index Point Change ...... 4.9 can do to protect themselves from mer- study estimated that up to 200 tons of Percent Change cury in the environment. mercury is in older cars still on the Index Point Difference ...... 4.9 Making wise choices at the supermar- road. The committee is hoping the Divided by Average Previous Year ...... 120.0 ket can have a big impact in reducing proposed legislation and an aware- Equals ...... 0.04 exposure. The Food and Drug Adminis- ness in the community will help ad- Results Multiplied by 100 ...... 0.04 x 100 dress this continuing problem. Equals Percent Change in CPI-U ...... 4.0 percent 70% of the Percent Change in CPI-U ...... 4.0 percent x 70 percent You can take simple steps in your own life Equals Rent Stabilization Allowance ...... 2.8 percent to help keep mercury out of the environment. (July 1, 2006 - June 30, 2007) If you have home thermometers containing mercury, if you replace mercury- There will be a 30-day comment period whereby Housing and Community Devel- opment will accept written comments regarding the calculation of the Rent Stabiliza- containing thermostats or other switches, or if you have used fluorescent light tion Allowance. Please send your comments either by mail to the Office on Landlord- bulbs or batteries, take them to household hazardous waste days instead of Tenant Affairs, 7500 Maple Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912 or the City’s website at throwing them out. Help keep our environment clean! [email protected] by April 25, 2006. Takoma Park Newsletter April 2 0 0 6 Page 5

rat burrow. The powder is picked up in • If you have fruit trees, pick up the the animals’ fur, and because rats groom Routing Rats from the City fruit. Don’t let it rot on the ground. all the time, they ingest a toxic dose. The While you can try to rodent-proof complaints, commercial inspections, and trade name for the most commonly used By Bob Guldin your house, Haynes says that for older similar enforcement duties. powder is diphacinone, usually used at houses, that is almost impossible. Rats As many residents know, rats have Stephen Haynes, a Montgomery .2 percent. But this rodenticide is not need only a half-inch space to get into a made themselves at home in the back- County environmental health special- available to homeowners – only to certi- house. But you can place ratwire mesh yards and streets of Takoma Park. What ist, says the county will investigate rat fied pest control companies. If you do around holes for pipes and similar open- they may not realize is that they are problems and advise property owners have a bad problem, especially with rats ings, which can help. putting out a veritable welcome mat for on abatement. The key to rat control, he inside your home, you may want to call Beyond the control of the individual these reviled rodents. Unsecured trash, says, is eliminating food sources. Be- in professional help. homeowner is the commercial dump- dog feces, pizza boxes, birdseed, and yond that, you can get rid of rats by ster. When apartment buildings, restau- compost create an alluring feast that using poison. “The county will not place This article originally appeared in the Oct 2004 rants and fast food vendors use dumpsters, helps rats survive and multiply. traps but will give advice,” he says. newsletter. It was edited for current use. there’s often spillage, especially when the “We make it so perfect for them,” The county can also enforce stan- dumpster is emptied. says Christine Garcia, an urban biolo- dards by citing residents who fail to get gist at the University of Maryland. “We rid of conditions that cause rat infesta- Poison Requires Care Who You Gonna Call? make food available in the form of waste. tions, Haynes says, but they prefer not Christine Garcia at the University of • Rats eat pretty much anything you like to do that. “We give people numerous Maryland emphasizes that while poi- Montgomery County to eat – they like french fries and left- chances; we only write a ticket if you’ve son can be effective, it must be used over pizza.” Populations tend to peak gotten fair warning.” carefully, only where pets and children Department of in the spring and fall, she says, so keep Haynes recommends a number of can’t get at it. Pets or children can eat Health and Human Services an eye out as you prepare your yard for steps that can make a home less invit- bait, and bait pellets that are put into a Licensure and warmer weather this month. ing to rats: rat burrow may be kicked out by the Both the City of Takoma Park and • Eliminate bird feeders that can spill rats. Ciccone, pointing to the environ- Regulatory Service Montgomery County offer some help to seed. mental hazards of poison, recommends 240-777-3986 residents with rat problems – but both • Do not compost food debris. that it be used only by trained profes- insist that the primary responsibility for • If you do compost, use a ratproof sionals. She also recommends that • rat control rests with the property owner. bin, not plastic that rats (and squirrels) neighbors with rat problems work to- Note: the county is the “We’ll work with property owners, pro- can chew through. This also applies to gether to limit food sources or jointly main agency for rat control viding information on how to address garbage cans containing food waste. hire a pest control company. their rat concerns as well as referring • For ratproofing garbage cans or Spring-loaded traps, which look like • people to the county,” says Sara Daines, anything else, use a galvanized metal an oversize mousetrap, can be effective, Marjorie Ciccone director of economic and community de- quarter-inch mesh called ratwire or but they should be used only in a con- Takoma Park velopment for the City. “Unfortunately, hardware cloth. This can be found at trolled situation (like a locked shed). Housing and Community we don’t have any money budgeted for hardware stores. Then make sure trash Garcia points out that the animal dies rat abatement.” Marjorie Ciccone, the cans are sealed well. quickly and humanely in such a trap. Development City’s code enforcement staffer, will go • Pick up dog droppings – rats eat But that kind of trap can hurt a child or Code Enforcement out and inspect property and offer ad- these. a pet (or an adult foot) if they touch it. 301-891-7255 vice, as time permits, but her primary • Do not feed pets outside. Rats will Probably the most effective way to get responsibilities are property maintenance feed from an untended food dish. rid of rats is by placing poison dust in a Sligo Creek Tiles — A Signature Art

By Joy Jones Ceramic tile is actually clay that is

they are naturally dramatic and Kelly Photo by V.M. John Hume takes inspiration right fired to a very high (2200 degrees F) will also sit still for long periods. out of the neighborhood and fires it up temperature and then treated with a va- Another product line is based on in a kiln. The result: Sligo Creek Tile riety of glazes to achieve a desired result. old-timey characters from the Company, Takoma Park’s home- Ceramic tiles are strong, lightweight and “Slovenly Peter” and “Tom Bogus” grown tile design and production com- waterproof, making them ideal for both children’s books written in 1840 by pany, found in Humes’ home right on practical and decorative uses, including H. Hoffman. The stories, meant to Carroll Avenue. fireplace surrounds, backsplashes, bor- teach kids the perils of eating too Started by John and Lynne Hume ders, tree ornaments, and trivets. The many sweets, or girls roughhous- in 1997, Sligo Creek Tile Company clay medium readily lends itself to carv- ing with boys, are comical takes on specializes in ceramic tile that is right ing, so the variety of images that can be old-fashioned values. in tune with Takoma Park aesthetics. worked into a tile is infinite. Sligo Creek Tile Company also Taking many of their themes from “If it can be drawn, it can be carved in makes inspirational and architec- nature, animals and folk literature, clay,” says Hume. tural tiles and gladly works with Sligo Creek Tile Company also works Indeed, the Company’s designs reflect John Hume holds his cat, Lila, in front of a designers and architects to meet with clients to create one-of-a kind, Hume’s considerable skill as an artist collection of historic files. original tiles that have special mean- and carver. Natural objects lend them- customer needs. ing for the customer. selves to depth and three-dimensional The Humes showcase their wares at a special pride in producing locally and The Humes’ interest in ceramic tile work, says Hume, and so Sligo Creek Tile four to six venues a year, including buying locally, and he intends to con- began years ago when they started Company has an extensive array of ex- arts and crafts shows in Pennsylvania, tinue seeking ideas from Takoma Park learning about and collecting Ameri- quisitely carved and glazed flower, leaf, Michigan, Minnesota, and most im- residents and customers. He likes can Arts and Crafts-style pottery and herb, tree and other plant designs. Hume portant, the Takoma Park Folk sketching and creating tiles featuring tile. When John and Lynne took a class often sketches from his own garden and Festival. John Hume can’t say enough subjects important to his local custom- in tile making and design at the former from natural settings right in Takoma about the phenomenal support the ers, whether it’s a favorite blossom or Maryland Art Institute, they knew they Park, capturing the delicacy of local dog- Company has gotten from Takoma the family pet, and helping residents were hooked. They eventually left their wood blossoms, irises, and clematis. Park residents and businesses. Jan use ceramic tile to solve their design previous careers – John was a construc- These designs sell well in Takoma Park, Schwartz of the former Finewares and decorative needs. tion engineer and Lynn in finance – and where homeowners are keen on nature (now American Craft) on Carroll Av- “Here in Takoma Park,” says John formed their company. As the business and thrilled to have designs that not only enue in Old Takoma was their first Hume, “people appreciate handmade, has evolved, Lynne handles the busi- reflect their natural surroundings but also distributor and the store continues to limited-production goods that are indi- ness side of things while John is in fit well into the individual historic char- be one of Sligo Creek Tile Company’s vidual and personal to the customer. charge of design and production. acter of their homes. best retailers, as the sole Maryland Lynne and I get a great deal of joy from “I look at tile making as a calling,” Some of the Company’s most popu- seller. Their first designs flew off the the stories people tell us about where says John. “As a craftsman, my job is to lar designs, however, are whimsical shelves as holiday gifts and now they put our tiles and in knowing that make the best possible product for my cats. Cat designs are often modeled on American Craft is the Company’s larg- our tiles can last long enough to become customer, and with the quality of my Willie, Sophie, and Lila, the Humes’ est East Coast retailer. a legacy.” work, also do justice to myself as an three current cats and a former beloved John Hume says he is proud of Sligo Contact Sligo Creek Tile Company, artist. It’s a great honor to know our feline named Pete. Hume carves the Creek Tile Company as a Takoma Park at www.sligocreek.com to view the ex- tiles become permanent installations in best cat whiskers in the business, and business and is grateful for the local tensive online catalogue and for order- people’s homes.” says that cats make perfect subjects as support. He notes that people here take ing information. Page 6 April 2 0 0 6 Takoma Park Newsletter

experience necessary. Professional actor, teacher and director, Peggy Yates will help you uncover hidden talent and strengthen Recreation artistic muscle. Eight weeks. Maximum of 15, minimum of eight. Recreation Department Updates: When: Fridays, April 21 - June 9 Our offices are temporarily located behind the new community center in Trailer #1 and Trailer Time: 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. #2. Trailer #1 is where you can register for all programs and receive information. Office hours Location: Auditorium, T.P. Community are 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Phone number is 301-891-7290. Bear with us as we excitedly await the Center, 7500 Maple Avenue completion of phase two! Drop off: Checks or money orders only - NO CASH - Front desk of Fee: T.P. City Resident $100 Community Center from 5 - 10 p.m. M-F. 10 a.m.-6 p.m Saturday. Non-Resident $110 White Water Rafting Spring Break Camp and intermediate players. Please bring your Annual Egg Hunt 2006 own racket and water bottle. In case of rain, Ages 2 and under; 3 - 4; 5-6; 7 - 8 on the Shenandoah River Grades K-6 (Class II-III Rapids) · Ages 8 - older* Join us as we discover Korea, the Land of classes will be made up, if possible. If you Look over there! Oh look, there’s do not own a racket, the Recreation Depart- Join the Takoma Park Recreation Depart- the Morning Calm — a country which is another one. Wow, there are so ment as it tames the mighty Shenandoah more than 4,000 years old. Storytelling and ment will provide one for the clinic. Five weeks. Instructor, Alex McDonnell. many eggs. They are every- River. With the help of the expert river Korean literature will accompany adven- where! Come join us for an ex- guides from the Blue Ridge Outfitters we turers who wander around the history of Grades 2- 3 citing eggstravaganza. Bring will embark on the final section of the river the Three Kingdoms wearing a hanbok. When: Mondays, April 24 - May 22 before it merges with the Potomac. No ex- Young naval strategists will make a “turtle Time: Session 1 3:45 - 4:45 p.m. your baskets and a great eye. perience is needed. All necessary equip- boat” and those entranced by the wind will Session 2 4:45 - 5:45 p.m. There are prizes in those eggs. ment will be supplied by the outfitters. fly kites. Paint temples and royal palaces in Location: Takoma Park Middle School Limited space. Trip length six miles: three the morning and then practice Tae Kwon Outdoor Courts, 7611 Piney Branch Saturday, April 8 to four hours depending upon river level. Do in the afternoon. Learn about Asian Hip Road (Rain Date: April 15) Hop and break dancing. The Embassy of Fee: T.P. City Resident $20/session 11 a.m. Sharp When: Sunday, April 9 Korea has invited the young diplomats to Non-Resident $30/session Departure: The van will depart from the their Embassy to see artifacts hundreds of Ed Wilhelm Field • 7510 Maple Ave. T. P. Community Center, Grades 4 - 5 (behind Piney Branch Elementary) 7500 Maple Avenue at noon. years old and taste kimchi and bee-bim When: Wednesdays, April 19 - May 17 bop! Come along and explore! Return: 7:30 p.m. (Approximately) Time: Session 1 3:45 - 4:45 p.m. Free Fee: T.P. Residents $50 When: Monday-Friday, April 10-14 Session 2 4:45 - 5:45 p.m. Non Residents $60 Time: Before Care 7 - 9 a.m. Rain date: May 24. Camp Hours 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. call the Recreation Department to be put on Registration Deadline: Friday March 31. Grades 6–8 a list for teams that need extra players. *All participants under the age of 18 must After Care 4 - 6 p.m. When: Fridays, April 21 - May 19 Deadline for registration is April 7. be accompanied by an adult. Location: Takoma Park Community Center, Time: Session 1 3:45 - 4:45 p.m. 7500 Maple Avenue Session 2 4:45 - 5:45 p.m. When: Sundays, April 23 - July 16 Montessori Morning 1 Fee: T.P. City Resident $95 Time: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Rain Date: May 26 Ages 1-1/2 – 2 Non-Resident $105 Location: Ed Wilhelm, Lee Jordan Before Care: $20 Takoma Park 6 v. 6 and Green Meadows Fields You’ve heard about the benefits of the After Care: $20 Outdoor Soccer Clinic Fee: T.P. City Resident Team $475 Montessori approach for young children, now experience it! This class is designed as Grades 1–5 Non-Resident Team $575 an introduction to the Montessori environ- Spring Bling Please submit full payment with team ros- Kick the ball into the net. Run around with ment. A certified Montessori teacher with Ages Middle – High School Students your shirt over your head. Learn the funda- ter to the Recreation Department. Spring Bling is a host of activities from several years experience will guide explora- mentals of this beautiful game every Tuesday No program May 14 and May 28. April 10 to 17 that will encourage the stu- tion of sensory, fine motor, pre-reading, pre- and Thursday at Hodges Field, behind Double-elimination tournament July 9 and 16. writing, and pre-math Montessori materials dents to get out and be active over the Takoma Park Elementary. In case of nasty break. Each event is on a first come first and activities. Parent education materials weather, this program will be canceled. Bring serve basis. Priority given to T.P. residents. The Actors Workshop will be provided with each session. There is a water bottle. Five weeks. a $20 materials fee paid to the instructor the Signed permission slips and waiver forms Directed by Peggy Yates, is a training pro- required. All trips will meet in the T. P. When: Tuesdays and Thursdays, first day of class. Maximum 12, minimum gram geared for beginning actors of all five. Six weeks. Instructor Alicia Sar. Community Center, 7500 Maple Avenue. April 18 - May 18 ages. It is designed to encourage artistic Time: Grades 1–3 3:45 - 4:45 p.m. When: Tuesdays, April 25 - May 30 Trip: Caving in Shepardstown, WV growth and confidence in a supportive set- Grades 4–5 4:45 - 5:45 p.m. Time: 9:45 - 10:45 a.m. for grades 6-8 ting. When: Monday, April 10 Location: Takoma Park Elementary School, Location: Azalea Room, T. P. Community Center, 7500 Maple Avenue Time: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. 7511 Holly Avenue Take the Stage Fee: T.P. City Resident $15 Fee: T.P. City Resident $65 Fee: T.P. City Resident $5 Grades 2–5 Non-Resident $20 Non-Resident $75 Maximum number of participants 13. Are you ready for a fun filled theatrical Trip: White Water Rafting, Adult Coed Softball League adventure? Learn the fundamentals of act- Montessori Morning 2 Harper’s Ferry, WV Ages 16 and up ing by playing games, improvising, scene Ages 2 – 3-1/2 for grades 9-12 Calling all Sultans of Swat, Bronx Bombers, work, monologues and creating an ensemble Experience the benefits of the Montessori When: Tuesday, April 11 Gashouse Gangs, Big Red Machines and with your fellow actors. No experience nec- approach as a certified Montessori teacher Time: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Little Blue Bicycles: Have fun, play long essary. Directed by the founder of the Actor’s guides exploration of sensory, fine motor, Fee: T.P. City Resident $5 ball and get some exercise all at the same Workshop, Peggy Yates, a Helen Hayes pre-reading, pre-writing, and pre-math Maximum number of participants is 13. time playing in the venerable Takoma Park Award nominated actress with over 20 years Montessori activities. This class can be an Trip: Movie Day Coed Softball League. Team registration experience on stage and screen and ten introduction to the Montessori environment years of teaching experience. Seven weeks. or an extension for those who have attended When: Wednesday, April 12 only. Roster limit 25. Sunday Doubleheader Maximum of 15, minimum of eight. Montessori Morning I. Parent education ma- T.P. Recreation Center, Schedule. Roster must consist of at least 50 terials will be provided at each session. There 7315 New Hampshire Avenue percent T.P. residents to qualify for Resi- When: Mondays, April 24 - June 12 Time: Grades 6 - 8 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Time: 3:30 - 5:30 is a $20 materials fee paid to the instructor the dent entry fee. Individuals inter- first day of class. Maximum 12, minimum Grades 9 - 12 Noon - 3 p.m. ested in joining a team should p.m. Fee: T.P. City Resident Free Location: Audito- five. Six weeks. Instructor Alicia Sar. Non-Resident $5 rium, When: Tuesdays, April 25 - May 30 Maximum number of participants 50. T.P. Community Time: 11 a.m. - noon Trip: Pool Party Center, 7500 Location: Azalea Room, T. P. Community When: Thursday, April 13 Maple Avenue Center, 7500 Maple Avenue Time: 11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Fee: T.P. City Fee: T.P. City Resident $65 Where: P.G. Sports & Learning Complex Resident $90 Non-Resident $75

Fee: *$3 for same day registration Photos by : O. Dasent Non-Resident $100 1, 2, 3 Cooking Up Math with Me Middle and High School Students No class on May 29. Ages 1-1/2 – 3-1/2 *Free if registered by 5 p.m. on 4/12 Make a Scene Combine a young child’s love for hands-on Maximum number of participants is 40. Grades 6–10 cooking with age appropriate pre-math skill Trip: Ocean City, MD for grades 9-12 Calling all ac- building activities. Measuring, sorting, pro- When: Friday, April 14 tors! Come col- portion and counting are some of the con- Time: 8:30 a.m. 8 p.m. laborate on cepts that we will explore as we cook up fun Fee: T.P. City Resident $5 bringing a scene and tasty foods. Parent resources will be Maximum number of participants is 12. provided each session. There is a materials With guidance from Alice to life. You will work with pub- fee of $15 due to the instructor the first day of Please Note: This information has been Sims and Melinda Furch, lished text as class. Maximum 12, minimum five. Six updated and replaces the information seniors in Arts for the well as original weeks. Instructor Kirsten Sandberg-DaSilva. printed in the Spring-Summer Guide. People make ceramic tiles material and When: Wednesdays, April 26 - May 31 Takoma Park Tennis Clinic to be installed in discover your Time: 10 - 11 a.m. Net cord! Think deep. The sanctity of deuce. the community center performance Location: T.P. Community Center, Learn what these seemingly random phrases art room. potential. No 7500 Maple Ave. mean as you perfect your backhand at the Fee: T.P. City Resident $65 Takoma Park Recreation Department Ten- Continued on page 12 nis Clinic. This program is for beginning Takoma Park Newsletter April 2 0 0 6 Page 7 At Home With Poetry Forms From haiku to villanelle, from litany to sestina, poets may choose to write in Library forms to enhance meaning and communication. Even free verse is not com- pletely free.”At Home With Poetry Forms” is Rosanne Singer’s intriguing conceit which playfully explores poetic forms in a Library program Tuesday evening, April 11, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friends of the Library Book Sale Whether you are an experienced poet or interested newcomer who enjoys The next Friends’ Book Sale will be held on Saturday, May 27 from 10 a.m. to playing with words, help celebrate National Poetry Month by joining us for 3 p.m. on the Library lawn. These semi-annual book sales have become legendary this evening tour de form. Rosanne Singer, a long-time Takoma Park resident, in Takoma Park because of the exceptional quality of their books and their bargain has been a Maryland Poet-in-the-Schools for 15 years, travelling the state prices. They are also a key means of raising funds to support Library programs. doing residencies with students kindergarten through middle school. She is Volunteers to help out on the day of the sale are welcome, and should contact Ellen also a certified poetry therapist who works in a therapeutic home for teenage Robbins at 301-891-7258. Community service hours are available to students who boys, using poetry as a tool for healing and self-expression. wish to work two or more hours on the day of the sale. Book donations are being Each summer Singer collaborates with other artists, teachers and principals accepted at the Library during open hours until May 23. They must be boxed, in during the Maryland Artist/Teacher Institute (MATI) at the University of Maryland, finding ways to use poetry, dance, theater, music and visual art to good condition and of some general interest. Large donations must be coordi- enhance the teaching of reading and literary. Her poetry appears in literary nated in advance with the Library staff. journals such as Atlanta Review, Wisconsin Review, Slant, Asphodel, and Mangrove, among others. She was granted an Individual Artist Award from the Maryland State Arts Council and a Fellowship for Literature, Language Share your favorite poem! and Linguistics from the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County. There is still time to choose a poem that has special meaning for you to share She has given readings throughout the area, including the Kensington Row at the Favorite Poem Evening on Thursday, April 20. This year’s event will be Bookshop series, the Miller Cabin Series, the Hirshhorn Museum and the held in the Library at 7:30 p.m., and will be hosted by Takoma Park Poet Maryland Institute College of Art. Laureate Don Berger. Please join us for this special program, an ideal preparation for enjoying the Participants need only choose a poem that they have read and admired by 8th annual Favorite Poem Evening on April 20 at 7:30 p.m. a published poet (other than themselves), and submit the name of the poem, its author, the name of the reader and his or her generic occupation to Ellen Robbins at the Library or Wendy Ripley at [email protected] . This informa- Dungeons & Dragons tion will be included in a printed program to be distributed at the event. The Friends of the Library will sponsor an informal reception following the for The Uninitiated readings. This annual event has always been both intimate and fascinating. Elected officials, students, parents, children, professionals, and poetry lovers What's going on with all those kids, huddled in small groups, rolling dice, of all interests and persuasions have read poems in many languages over the and spinning intricate adventure stories? It must be Dave Burbank's popular on-going Dungeons & Dragons program, sponsored by the City's Recreation years. We invite all to join us, whether to read or listen. Department. For the fifth year in a row Library Assistant Dave Burbank will "DM" a quick Computer room changes adventure for parents and educators (and other interested folks) to introduce them to the concepts of this fantasy storytelling game called Dungeons & People now need to use their Takoma Park library cards to sign on to use the Dragons. This program will be held in the Library. Parent and kid teams public Internet computers in the Library and the Computer Learning Center. welcome. Wednesday evening, April 19, beginning at 7 p.m. Please call the Users log on by using the bar code number on the back of their card, and a four- Library to preregister. digit pin number. Any patron in good standing with a valid card who is eight Note: during Community Center construction in April, the regular D & D or older may use the computers, but anyone under 16 has filtered access. The sessions will be held in the Library Thursday afternoons, 4-6 p.m. second computer room has now been opened, and the center’s hours are being extended to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, with assistance from new staff member Wiraphon Trepinski. The Takoma Park Arts and Humanities Commission is proud to present the 1st Solo Art Show of Artist Catherine Miller Library Programs for April April 1 through April 30, 2006 FTPML Reading Group Discussion of Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson At The Atrium Gallery Wednesday, April 5, 7:30 - 9 p.m. Takoma Park Community Center Atrium, Community Center, all welcome 7500 Maple Avenue, Takoma Park MD Opening Reception “At Home With Poetry Forms” Saturday, April 1, 2006 • 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm with Rosanne Singer Refreshments served Tuesday, April 11, 7-8:30 p.m. (See story) The exhibit features the work of Ms. Catherine Miller, a member of the Takoma Artists Guild and the New Barn Studio. Drawing D & D for the Uninitiated from her years of experience in working with children in a preschool environment, Ms. Miller’s Wednesday, April 19, 7 p.m. paintings are colorful and feature landscapes, children, pets, and allegorical abstracts. 8th Annual Favorite Poem Evening Thursday, April 20, 7:30 p.m., At the Library - Don Berger hosts (see story) Employment Opportunity Spring Session of the Twosies The City of Takoma Park is inviting applicants to apply for the position of Coordinator for Children’s For two-year-olds and parent or caregiver and Youth Services at the Takoma Park Maryland Library, on or about July 1, 2006. Preregistration required: group-size limited Under general guidance of the Library Director, this individual is responsible for planning, developing, and implementing Library collections, programs, and services for children to age 14. Four Wednesdays at 10 a.m. • April 19, 26, May 3, 10 This position entails significant responsibilities in the areas of collection development, program- ming for children of all ages, budget administration, cataloging, outreach, and administrative work Spanish Circle Time in the areas of interviewing, hiring and training, assigning and directing work, and appraising with Lupe Marks • Each Thursday at 10 a.m. beginning Feb.2 performance. Spanish immersion for children 18 months to five years The position requires a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university, No preregistrations required! supplemented by a Master’s degree in Library Science from an accredited college or university, plus two to four years of progressively responsible related experience, or any equivalent combination of Neighborhood Circle Time education, training, and experience. Open to all preschoolers and their adults • Each Tuesday at 10 a.m. The established pay rate is $27.17 to $30.58/hr., or $56,511 to $63,603 annually, depending on qualifications. Full benefits are included. Informal sing-alongs, poetry, finger games, and nursery tales Interested individuals should send a resume and letter of interest to Library Director Ellen Arnold- All ages; no preregistration required! Robbins at the Takoma Park Maryland Library 101 Philadelphia Ave., Takoma Park, MD 20912. This position is open until filled. —EOE Call 301-891-7259 to preregister for programs or for more information. Page 8 April 2 0 0 6 Takoma Park Newsletter THE CRIME REPORT This blotter is not intended to be inclusive of all crime and arrests reported to the Takoma Park Police Department made through an unlocked window. Prop- erty was taken. On February 16 at 3 p.m. in the 6400 block open the passenger side door. When he Prepared by: Lt. Richard Cipperly On February 17 between 12:30 a.m. and of 5th Ave., an armed robbery occurred. A could not open the door, he approached male juvenile was approached by subjects in 6:30 a.m. in the 6900 block of Woodland Robbery another employee taking trash out, dis- Ave., a residential burglary occurred. Entry a light red car. Two subjects got out of the car, played a handgun and demanded money. was gained through an unlocked window. On February 11 at 10:19 p.m. in the 100 one demanded the victim’s wallet while the When the first victim saw what was hap- Property was taken. block of Lee Ave., an armed robbery was other implied he had a gun. A third subject pening, he tried to run over the subject with Between February 18 at 8:30 p.m. and attempted. An adult male was trying to make remained in the car. When the victim told his car, but the subject jumped out of the a food delivery to an apartment when the them he did not have a wallet, they took his February 19 at 12 p.m. in the 6800 block of way and fled on foot. Neither victim was New Hampshire Ave., a commercial bur- apartment occupant told him no one there cell phone, got back in the car and drove off. injured, no property was taken. had ordered food. As the victim walked out The victim was not injured. glary occurred. Entry was gained by break- On March 3 at 5:35 p.m. in the 6400 block ing a window. Property was taken. two subjects, one armed with a handgun, On February 16 at 3:03 p.m. in the 6700 of Fifth Ave., an armed robbery occurred. accosted him. The victim was able to re-enter block of Poplar Ave., an armed robbery On February 20, time unknown, a com- Two out of four suspects approached an mercial burglary was attempted. A door the building and the subjects fled on foot. occurred. An adult male standing outside adult male, displayed a handgun and de- The victim was not injured. his house was approached by two subjects and lock were damaged in the attempt. manded property. The suspect vehicle was On February 28 between 8 a.m. and On February 15 at 10:42 p.m. in the 7100 who ran up to him and demanded his wallet described as a Ford Crown Victoria dis- block of Maple Ave., an armed robbery oc- while one implied he had a gun. The two 4 p.m. in the unit block of Tulip Ave., a playing unknown DC registration. continued on next page curred. A juvenile male walking alone no- then got into a burgundy four-door Acura On March 8 at 12 p.m. in the 400 block of ticed a group of males walking behind him where a third subject waited and fled. The Elm Ave., an attempted armed robbery oc- and another group a short distance ahead of victim had seen these subjects and vehicle in curred. An adult female walking down the ARRESTS him. Both groups surrounded the victim. One front of his house earlier, looking at another street was approached by a black jeep with On February 10 at 11:47, in the 1100 subject implied he had a gun then others parked vehicle before leaving the scene. He tinted windows. Two of four suspects ex- block of University Blvd., a juvenile male began punching the victim and kicked him was able to get a tag number of the suspect ited the vehicle, displayed handguns, and after he fell to the ground. The subjects pulled vehicle which was found to have been re- demanded property. The suspects were was arrested and charged with theft under the victim’s coat off then fled. The victim ported stolen in DC during an armed car unsuccessful obtaining property and fled in $50 after a store employee reported a shop- refused medical treatment for minor injuries. jacking. The victim was not injured. the vehicle, described as a black Jeep Chero- lifting. On February 15 at 8:40 p.m. in the 6500 On February 18 at 7:20 p.m. in the 8400 kee with tinted windows. On February 16 at 10:07 a.m. in the 1300 block of New Hampshire Ave., an armed block of Flower Ave., a strong arm robbery On March 11 at 9 p.m. at the intersection of block of University Blvd., an adult male robbery occurred. An adult male was in the occurred. An adult female was walking Columbia Ave. and Pine Ave., an armed was arrested and charged with trespassing. parking lot behind his business preparing to when she was approached by three sub- robbery occurred. An adult male walking On February 20 at 8:10 p.m. in the 7400 close when a subject approached him, put a jects. One pushed her to the ground, grabbed down the street was approached from behind block of New Hampshire Ave., an adult gun against the back of his head and de- her purse, and fled on foot with the other by two suspects. One struck the victim with female was arrested on an open Montgom- manded money. When the victim told the two. The victim refused medical treatment an unknown object and stole property. The ery County warrant charging failure to ap- subject he didn’t have any money on him, the for a minor injury. victim did not require any medical attention. pear in court on a charge of driving while subject took the victim’s keys and ordered On February 27 at 9:05 p.m. in the 6500 suspended. him to get cash from inside the business while block of New Hampshire Ave., an armed Burglary On February 21 at 11:45 a.m. in the 7500 he waited outside, which the victim did. The robbery was attempted. An adult male On February 17, between 12:30 a.m. and block of Maple Ave., an adult male was subject walked away after the victim handed leaving his workplace in his car was ap- 5 a.m. in the 500 block of Elm Ave., a arrested on an open Montgomery County over cash. The victim was not injured. proached by a subject who attempted to residential burglary occurred. Entry was warrant for failure to appear in court on two charges of trespassing. On February 25 at 1:03 a.m. in the 7600 The Firehouse Report block of Piney Branch Rd., an adult male was arrested and charged with driving un- As of Feb. 28, the Takoma Park Volunteer Fire Department and the personnel of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service assigned to the Takoma Park station have der the influence of alcohol and driving responded to 171 fire-related incidents. The department handled or assisted with 386 while impaired by alcohol. rescue or ambulance-related incidents for a total of 557 incidents this year. Totals for 2005 On February 25 at 8:28 p.m. at the inter- were 163 and 437, respectively, for a total of 600, representing a decrease of 43 incidents. section of Sligo Creek Pkwy. and Maple Ave., an adult male was arrested and Escape Considerations Tips for safe candle use charged with failure to stop at a stop sign, • Use sturdy candle holders that won’t driving without a license, driving under for Mature Adults and tip or burn. the influence of alcohol, and driving while the Disabled • Burn candles on sturdy, uncluttered impaired by alcohol. Many mature adults and disabled per- surfaces. On February 28 at 5:51 p.m. in the 7500 sons live with their families. Because • Keep lit candles at least one foot If Fire Breaks Out block of Maple Ave., an adult male was these people’s strength and mobility can away from curtains, mattresses, and other If a fire starts in your home, you arrested on an open warrant from Mont- be limited, they may not be able to save combustibles. must be able to respond. You cannot gomery County for 1st and 2nd degree themselves the way others in the house • Trim candle wicks to one-quarter assume that everyone in the family assault. can. Their safety therefore needs special inch before lighting. will know what to do unless you have On March 1 at 10:53 a.m. in the 7600 consideration in your fire escape plan. • When lighting candles, keep your planned for it. block of Piney Branch Rd., a juvenile • Mature adults and disabled family hair and clothing away from the flame. Be sure. Create a safe escape plan and male was arrested and charged with members should have unimpeded ac- • Extinguish candles when they burn to practice it at least twice a year. Include deadly weapon on school property (knife). cess to escape routes. Doors should be within two inches of their holder. these points: On March 2 at 11:08 p.m. in the 7700 • Be careful not to splatter hot wax easy for them to open and close, and • Identify two exits from each room. block of Maple Ave., two adult males when extinguishing a candle. openings should be wide enough to ac- • Choose a meeting place a short but were charged with trespassing. Avoid using candles during power out- safe distance from your home. commodate any equipment they use, On March 3 at 12:53 a.m. at the intersec- ages. Have flashlights, batteries, and bat- • When the smoke alarm sounds, im- such as wheelchairs and walkers. tion of New Hampshire Ave. and Erskine • If possible, mature adults and dis- tery-powered lighting on hand for emer- mediately head for the exits. Do not stop gency lighting. to investigate or to gather possessions. St., an adult male was arrested and charged abled individuals’ bedrooms should be with auto theft, theft over $500 and posses- located on the first floor of the home, Candles are dangerous night lights...we • Crawl with your head 12-24 inches discourage the use of candles in bedrooms sion of CDS paraphernalia. Another adult close to exits.If not, make sure they are above the ground to stay under the and other areas where people may fall male who was a passenger in the vehicle, was able to get downstairs quickly and smoke. Move quickly. asleep. arrested on an open Montgomery warrant. safely. Emergency wheelchairs built • Test doors for heat using the back of Place candles away from windows or your hand. If you feel any heat, don’t On March 4 at 11:01 p.m. in the 7400 especially for use on stairs are commer- doorways or anywhere where drafts could open the door. Use your backup exit. block of New Hampshire Ave., an adult cially available. affect the flame. • If doors are cool, open them care- male was arrested on a warrant for a strong • Practice helping mature adults and Supervise Children fully, checking for smoke and flames. armed robbery that occurred on February the disabled safely escape in the event of Store candles, matches, and lighters high • Go directly to the safe meeting place. 24 in the 7300 block of New Hampshire smoke filling the house. If they are un- and out of children’s sight and reach, pref- • Once you are out of a burning build- Avenue. able to get down on the floor and crawl erably in a locked cabinet. ing, never go back inside for any reason! On March 7 at 9:08 a.m. in the 7400 block to safety, they can be dragged along the Never leave a burning candle unat- • One person should go to a neighbor’s of New Hampshire Ave, an adult male was floor while lying on a blanket. Even heavy tended, and never leave a child alone with house to call the fire department. arrested and charged with possession of persons can be transported relatively eas- CDS paraphernalia, disorderly conduct, ily along smooth floors in this manner. Welcome New Members and trespassing. Let’s keep in mind, that unattended At the Takoma Park Volunteer Fire Department March 8th membership On March 12 at 10:36 p.m. in the 8600 cooking and smoking materials are meeting, the following were voted into membership...Michael Dugger and block of Flower Ave., an adult male still two of the leading causes of Brain Higgins. Congratulations to both! Should you be interested in joining, home fires. was arrested and charged with disor- please contact the fire station at 301-270-8209. derly conduct. Takoma Park Newsletter April 2 0 0 6 Page 9 Buckle Up: It’s the Law The statewide Chiefs’ Challenge, which emphasizes safety restraint enforce- Police News ment, begins in April. More than 90 law enforcement agencies statewide will be conducting education and enforcement campaigns to increase seat belt and other restraints. Arrest Made in Death Seatbelt and safety guidelines •Drivers and front seat passengers must be buckled. Fine: $25. Resulting from Home Burglary Police may stop motorists for failure to wear a belt; Takoma Park Police arrested an 18-year-old Washington, D.C. man on nu- no other reason needed. merous charges related to a nighttime home burglary in which a resident died. •Children under 16 years old must be restrained. Fine: $48. The suspect was charged with first degree homicide, armed robbery, two counts of first-degree burglary, and assault. Death which results from commission of •Children, six years or younger, or 40 pounds or less, a burglary or robbery can be classified as murder. must be in a safety seat or belt-positioning booster seat. Police allege that during the course of a burglary in the 7100 block of Maple •More than one child in a single seatbelt. Fine: $50. Avenue, the suspect encountered several residents, showing a weapon and Child Restraint Guidelines: demanding property. The suspect reportedly struck the resident, who followed •Infants, up to one year or 20-22 pounds, in a rear-facing child seat. the fleeing suspect through the home. •Children, older than one year and under 40 pounds, The medical examiner ruled that James Saloma, 62, suffered a heart attack, in a front-facing child seat. aggravated by an assault, after confronting the suspect in the home at about 3 •Children, six years or younger, or 40 pounds or less, a.m., March 2. Officers, responding to an emergency summons, found Saloma must be in a safety seat or belt-positioning booster seat. unconscious and began CPR. Fire rescue personnel continued treatment and •Children may safely use an adult lap-and-shoulder belt system transported the victim to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. after they are at least 4’9” and 80 pounds Within five minutes of the initial call, Takoma Park officers, from Sgt. Richard Bowers’s Squad One, detained the suspect about two blocks away from the continued on from previous page home. One officer was working on Eastern Avenue, near the Takoma Metro, at the time of the call. He responded establishing a watch at Maple and Carroll, residential burglary occurred. Entry was Between February 20 at 8 p.m. and Feb- directing another responding officer to the suspect on Laurel. Montgomery gained through a window that was already ruary 21 at 6:50 a.m. in the 7800 block of County canine and Metropolitan Police helicopters then responded to canvass broken and covered with cardboard. Prop- Kennewick Ave., an auto theft was at- the area for other possible suspects, with negative results. erty was taken. tempted. A vent window of the 2000 Toyota On March 11 between 1 and 9:25 a.m. in Corolla was broken in the attempt. The suspect was interviewed by Takoma Park detectives, who brought the 7300 block of Piney Branch Rd., a resi- On February 25, between 3:15 p.m. and charges late that afternoon after consultation with the States Attorney Office. dential burglary occurred. Unknown sus- 4:05 p.m. in the 7300 block of Wildwood The investigation suggests the suspect, acting alone, entered the home at least pect cut screen to window, opened unlocked Dr., a 1999 Jeep Cherokee was stolen by twice during the night, through an unsecured door. During the second burglary, window, reached in and removed property. unknown method. he awoke the residents. On March 10, between 5 p.m. and 12 On February 25 at approximately 7 p.m. Investigation has identified the suspect as the perpetrator of at least four of the a.m. in the 900 block of Davis Ave., a theft in the 7000 block of Carroll Ave., a 2004 five other burglaries in that block over the past five months. In several of those occurred. Unknown suspect(s) removed Jeep Liberty was stolen by unknown burglaries, the suspect encountered residents in their homes. One event took property from under porch. method. place after midnight, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. In all but one On February 28, between 6 p.m. and 8:30 On March 13 at 12:41 a.m. in the 200 block crime, entry to the homes was made through unsecured doors or windows. of Hodges Lane, an attempted burglary p.m. in the 7600 block of Takoma Ave., an A March 9 citizen meeting in the Old Takoma neighborhood discussed crime occurred. Unknown suspect(s) cut bottom auto theft was attempted. It is unknown portion of screen in attempt to gain entry. how entry to the 1994 Dodge Caravan was and safety issues including what residents can do for safety and the possibility On March 13 between 7 a.m. and 5:10 gained. The ignition was damaged and of instituting a C-SAFE type initiative between Takoma Park and the District of p.m. in the 7400 block of New Hampshire property from inside the vehicle was taken. Columbia. Ave., a burglary occurred. Unknown sus- Between March 2 at 8:15 p.m. and March Chief Cindy Creamer reiterated police services available to residents includ- pect entered room by unknown means and 3 at 9:30 a.m. in the 7300 block of Flower ing home security surveys, Operation Identification, and the Neighborhood stole property. Ave., a 1998 Ford Windstar minivan was Safety Contact programs. In the area of vehicle theft protection, the Department On March 14 at 2:06 a.m. in the 7500 stolen by unknown method. offers low-cost steering wheel locks and the free Watch Your Car program. block of New Hampshire Ave., a commer- On March 5, between 1:30 p.m. and 2:19 Information on any of these is available from the COP Team at 301-891-7124. cial burglary occurred. Unknown suspect(s) p.m. in the 6800 block of New Hampshire forced entry through rear door with an un- Ave., a 2003 Dodge Caravan minivan was known object and stole property. stolen by unknown method. On March 14 at 1:26 p.m. in the 7600 On March 5, between 1:30 p.m. and 2:19 Making Room for Stations of the Cross p.m. in the 6800 block of New Hampshire block of Flower Ave., a theft occurred. On Friday, April 14, from about 12:30 - 3 p.m., intermittent road closures, Unknown suspect(s) entered an office and Ave., a 2003 Dodge Caravan minivan was stolen by unknown what method. detours, and delays will occur in association with the “Stations of the Cross” removed property. procession. Most of the closures will be short in duration but the potential for On March 14 at 6:45 p.m. in the 500 block Between March 9 at 10:05 p.m. and March 10 at 12:55 p.m. in the 600 block of Houston delays is likely. The sponsors, St. Camillus and Our Lady of Sorrows, antici- of Albany Ave., a residential burglary oc- Ave.,a 2005, Chevy Blazer was stolen by curred. Unknown suspect(s) used an un- pate 2,500 to 3,000 participants in the annual Good Friday event. unknown method. known tool and pried open the back door, The procession will begin about 12:30 p.m., following a mass at Our Lady of Between March 12 at 9 p.m. and March entered residence and stole property. Sorrows, at New Hampshire Avenue and Larch. The route will include New 13 at 7 in 7200 block of 13th Place, a theft Hampshire Avenue from East-West Highway to Metzerott Road, University On March 14 at 12:10 p.m. in the 7600 from auto occurred. Unknown suspect(s) Boulevard from Merrimac Drive to 14th Avenue, and nearby smaller streets in block of Carroll Ave., a theft occurred. entered a white Honda Accord by unknown Unknown suspect entered an office and means and removed property. Takoma Park and Langley Park. It concludes at St. Camillus near Southampton stole property. On March 15 at 5:47 p.m. in the 7200 Drive and New Hampshire. Auto and related theft block of Carroll Ave., a theft from auto In Takoma Park affected side streets will be Glenside and Wildwood Drive On February 10, between 10 a.m. and occurred. Two suspects were observed steal- and Anne Street. 5 p.m. in the 900 block of Ethan Allen ing property from a 1995 Mercury Villager. The route of the procession takes advantage of side streets and service roads Ave., a 1994 Nissan Altima was stolen by Between March 15 at 3 p.m. and March wherever possible but some delays on the major thoroughfares are inevitable. unknown method. 16 at 12 p.m. in the 7400 block of Baltimore On February 14 at 1:06 p.m. in the 6900 Ave., an attempt auto theft occurred. Un- block of Laurel Ave., an aggravated assault known suspect(s) gained entry into un- and auto theft occurred. An adult male was locked 2004, Jeep Liberty and damaged ig- Tasty Festival walking to his parked 2001 Dodge Stratus nition while attempting to steal the vehicle. when he saw a subject driving the car toward Vandalism Scheduled at College him. The victim attempted to stop the subject On March 12 between 12:30 a.m. and 8:45 Tastes of Takoma at Columbia Union College is a free, family-oriented from driving away but the car continued a.m. in the 7100 block of Maple Ave., a festival for the Takoma Park community and surrounding areas, organized by moving toward him and struck his leg. The vandalism occurred. Unknown suspect(s) Columbia Union College students. Each year the Tastes of Takoma offers a fun victim noticed a red car following the stolen spray painted a design and letters in a front opportunity to discover new and established businesses, non-profit organiza- vehicle closely as they sped off. The victim yard. At this time there is no indication that tions, bands, restaurants, and the talent of local craft vendors. refused treatment for a minor injury. the incident is gang related, but it is under Free health screenings, the Acro-Airs acrobatic team routines, and fun for On February 16 at 3:04 p.m. in the 6400 investigation. the little ones are included. block of 5th Ave., an auto theft occurred. A On March 12 at 1 a.m. in the 7400 block silver 2001 Toyota Sequoia that was left of Carroll Ave., a vandalism/graffiti oc- Anticipate street closures at Flower and Carroll on April 9 from midmorning running and unattended was driven off by curred. Investigation is continuing to deter- until 6 p.m. as a result of the festival. unknown subject(s). mine if gang related. Police News continued on page 10 Page 1 0 April 2 0 0 6 Takoma Park Newsletter Police News continued from page 9 RIP Out Invasives Help is needed. The Removing Invasive Plants Program, RIP, needs general supporters, college students, retirees, or others with a few extra hours to fill on their weekends of choice. On-the-job training. Event Coordinators Outdoor types are needed to lead volunteers at plant removal events. Knowledge of plants unnecessary, but must be willing to learn. Work involves contacting the section leader, helping to lead the two-hour event, and reporting briefly afterward. Up to four events can be taken on per weekend. Events will be held on many weekends from April to July and may be resumed in fall. Dates and times somewhat flexible. A good opportunity for those interested in environ- mental science, outreach, and community organizing, or in just helping the local environ- ment. $15/hour. Door-to-Door Representatives Doorknockers are needed to talk to, listen, and inform Sligo residents about the RIP project, and encourage participation. A friendly, outgoing personality is helpful. No knowledge of plants is needed. Late March to June; timing flexible. $10/hour. May be Two new officers were sworn in March 13: From left, resumed in fall. Matthew L. Barber and David M. Quante, Jr. We would especially like to hire residents of the Sligo watershed. Please consider these local, help-the-environment jobs and pass the information to others. You’ll be doing the Park a favor! Reply to Sally Gagné, RIP Director. [email protected] 301-588-2071. Elements in Crime Trash and Recycling Collection Removing Opportunity from the Equation Means, motive and opportunity. These are the elements of any crime Schedule for 2006 and may provide some clues to residents regarding crime and safety in Listed below are the remaining City Holidays that will affect collection. Takoma Park. Please keep this so you will have easy reference throughout the year. This schedule is also posted on the City's website. Means: Does the suspect have the means, or method, to com- mit an act? For example, a suspect who possesses a master key Memorial Day Monday, May 29 or the knowledge of how to hot wire a vehicle has the means, No yard waste collection or way, to steal a car. If a criminal steals property, does he or Monday recycling routes will be collected Tuesday. she have a way of converting it into cash? Independence Day Tuesday, July 4 Motive: Does the suspect have a motive for criminal activity? Tuesday trash and recycling routes The motive, or reason, might be to support a drug habit, a will be collected Wednesday. craving for excitement, a desire to control others, or simply wanting money. Labor Day Monday, September 4 Opportunity: Is there an opportunity to commit the crime? No yard waste collection Are conditions favorable not only to commit the crime, but to Monday recycling routes will be collected Tuesday. do so successfully? Veteran's Day Friday, November 10 As the community and police seek to be proactive in preventing crime, Friday's trash and recycling routes the most immediate impact can be found in one element of the three-part will be collected Thursday. equation: opportunity. Everyone has some ability to limit the opportu- nities for successful crimes. Rehabilitating a criminal’s motive can be Thanksgiving Thursday November 23 more complex and take longer, as can addressing underlying social Thursday's routes will be collected on Wednesday. problems. Friday, November 24 A car running with keys in the ignition offers even the most inept Friday's routes will be collected on Saturday. criminal a chance to succeed in a vehicle theft. The thief’s lack of skill is balanced by the easy opportunity. As additional security is used, the Christmas Monday, December 25 opportunity decreases and the potential thief’s means must be greater. No yard waste collection Locking a car is better than nothing and using a steering wheel lock (“the Monday recycling routes will be collected Tuesday Club”) is even better. In homes, an unsecured door or window offers great opportunity. New Year's Day Monday, January 1 Recently, a burglar told a Takoma Park detective that his target homes No yard waste collection didn’t have curtains so all he had to do was look in and see if there was Monday recycling routes will be collected Tuesday. something he wanted. Unlocked doors made the entry easy and he returned to the same block several times. Serial crimes can occur when the criminal’s motives are satisfied, as in that serial burglar’s case. Reducing opportunity is easier in property crimes, such as auto theft, burglary, and larceny. Theft of property from Co-op Celebrates 25th vehicles, a serious concern over the past year, can be reduced by owners not leaving valuables in vehicles. with Earth Day Event Local experience suggests that in sequential crimes, such as street Takoma Park Silver Spring Food Co-op robberies, usually one suspect (or group) is responsible for numerous celebrates its 25th anniversary at its annual crimes rather than several different suspects each responsible for one crime. The suspect(s) returns to a crime and area in which they have been successful. Thus, a felon who has successfully robbed a pedestrian, Earth Day Festival sometimes returns repeatedly to the same locale to rob other similar individuals. The targets could be laborers walking in the Crossroads April 22 area or professionals commuting from the subway. Free Food • Drinks • Games • Raffles Reducing opportunity can be more difficult in robbery. The police will Moon Bounce • Balloons • Local Entertainment increase patrol in target areas when a crime pattern develops. While a suspect probably will not commit a crime in direct view of an officer, he Guests Speakers Mayor Kathy Porter • Paul Hazen or she can delay acting until the police cruiser leaves the block. (Com- mercial armed robberies have been committed within a block of where Yard Sale 8 a.m. - 11 a.m. officers are running speed enforcement details.) Residents can help Celebration Noon to 5 p.m. reduce robbery opportunities by using well-lighted, populated routes 201 Ethan Allen Ave and paying attention to their surroundings. Takoma Park Newsletter April 2 0 0 6 Page 1 1 Play Ball! Sports Camps Gear Up for Summer Celebrating its tenth year in Takoma Park, the home grown Takoma Sports Camps will Takoma Park City TV again roll baseball, softball, and basketball into one summer with its one-sport-per-week Events in April 2006 formula for fun. With a focus on plenty of practice and lots of playing time, the camps are designed for kids who want to have a great time and improve their ball skills, too. City TV will be releasing several new Folk Festival performances from the 2005 festival The Sports Camps grew out of the Babe Ruth Baseball program, and carry on the tradition in April including The Wayfarers, plus ILYAmy. City TV crews taped the annual Jazz Band of a “rec” camp – any kid who likes to play is welcome, regardless of skill level. The goal here Brawl, held on “snow day” March 5 and will be releasing performances from that event by is to provide a local place for kids to be active, learn more skills, and have fun. Most senior the end of the month. Also in the City TV edit room is the YES League Junior Varsity staff are MCPS High School Coaches, and junior staff consists largely of college and high Championship which should be airing near the end of the month. school players who attended the camps and played in the TPSS Babe Ruth League. City TV crews will be covering the April 9 Taste of Takoma event held on the campus of Takoma Park Babe Ruth Baseball Camp ... (co-ed) June 19 - 23 Columbia Union College. We’ll also be sending crews to Arbor Day, Egg Hunt, Earth Day Takoma Park Babe Ruth Baseball Camp ... (co-ed) June 26 – 30 and Favorite Poem events, all wonderful Takoma Park celebrations of Spring! Takoma Softball Camp ...... (girls) July 3 – 7 (no camp July 4) Two new programs are added to the Special Events lineup. In recognition of Victim Takoma Basketball Camp ...... (co-ed) July 10 - 14 Assistance Month, a Spanish language program will air about the Montgomery County Takoma Basketball Camp ...... (co-ed) July 17 - 21 VASAP (Victim Assistance and Sexual Assault Program) featuring interviews with thera- Hours of Operation: 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. pists and victims and describing services provided by this agency. Aftercare City TV will also air the documentary "Vortex I, A Biodegradable Festival of Life," produced by the Clackamas County, Oregon government access channel. Vortex I was a rock Until 4 p.m. when Takoma Park Recreation Department's aftercare program begins at festival held at McIver State Park in Clackamas County in August of 1970. At the height of Piney Branch Elementary School. A staff member escorts campers to Piney Branch Elemen- the Vietnam era, President Richard Nixon was scheduled to speak at the American Legion tary School. Campers who will attend that Takoma Recreation Department program must convention to be held in Portland. Hoping to avert extreme violence between thousands of also register with the Recreation Department: 301-891-7290. anti-war protesters and those attending the convention, a group of anti-war activists and the Location state of Oregon orchestrated a way to keep the two groups separate: the late Governor Tom Takoma Park Middle School • 7611 Piney Branch Road • Takoma Park, Maryland McCall ordered McIver Park to be used as a free rock festival. Ages: for baseball and softball camps: 6 (by Jan. 1) - 14 • for basketball camp: 7 - 14 Takoma Snapshots in April includes: Players are divided into groups by age for skills stations and games. •Community Oriented Policing: Careers After Law Enforcement Fees: $170 per week for Baseball or Basketball camp • $140 for Softball camp •Jazz Band Brawl Highlights After May 15: add $15 late registration fee •Takoma Park Poetry Series: Poems of Brian Gilmore and Kathleen O’Toole Activities •Honoring Lee Jordan: Montgomery County Office of Human Rights Mornings include warmups, skills stations, and games. After lunch and videos, campers Inducts Lee Jordan Into the Hall of Fame and staff challenge each other with sports trivia or “Stump the Coach.” Afternoon games are Visit our Web site at www.TakomaParkMD.gov/cable to access show listings and times part of a week-long tournament. Every player competes in each event of Friday’s Olympics and other specific programming information. as well as Tournament playoff games. Community and neighborhood groups may submit non-commercial notices regarding Camp Staff meetings or special events to City TV for inclusion on the bulletin board. Director Louis Hoelman teaches physical education and is the head varsity fastpitch Some City TV programming, including Council meetings, Snapshots and the bulletin softball coach at Montgomery Blair High School. He has also coached junior varsity board, is now available on the website as a live and archived webstream. All Council basketball, cross country and field hockey at Blair. He taught physical education at Piney meetings and Snapshots episodes are also available for patron check out at the Takoma Park Branch Elementary School from 1993 to 1999, and was athletic director for the Silver Spring Maryland Library. VHS Tapes of these shows, as well as other Takoma Park City TV events, Boys and Girls Club from 1987 through 1993. may be purchased for $15 (pick up) or $18 (mail). Some programs are now available in DVD. Director Sue Immerman is past commissioner of Takoma Park Babe Ruth Baseball and one Call 301-891-7118 or send an email to: [email protected] for more information. of the founders of the Takoma Softball League. She is currently the administrator of Takoma Softball. In the off-season she is a cabinetmaker. Takoma Park City TV Financial aid Takoma SportsCamps provides scholarships so that many kids can attend camp even if April 2006 Programming Schedule their families cannot pay. Approximately 15 percent of campers attend on scholarship. Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Registration Community The Road to Takoma Park Community Takoma Community Community 7:00 AM Registration is accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Download and print a registra- Bulletin Board Recovery City TV Local Bulletin Board Snapshots Bulletin Board Bulletin Board Events tion form to mail in at: www.takomasportscamps.org 8:00 AM Takoma Park PreSchool Takoma Park Community Takoma Park Takoma Park Snapshots Power! Snapshots Bulletin Board Folk Festival Snapshots Contacts 9:00 AM Takoma Park Takoma Park National Coffeehouse NASA Haiti a Suivre Camp information: Sue Immerman, 301-270-0534; [email protected] Folk Festival Snapshots Gallery of Art Programming

10:00 AM Coffeehouse City Council Music da Government Takoma Park Coffeehouse Meeting camera Focus Snapshots (REPLAY) Baseball Registration - Act Now! 11:00 AM Takoma Park CaribNationTakoma Park National Takoma Park Media Watch City TV Local Folk Festival Gallery of Art City TV Local on Hunger Events Events Girls and boys ages 6 - 18 can Community NOON City Council Bulletin Board sign up for the 2006 season of Meeting 1:00 PM The Road to Takoma Park Takoma Park (REPLAY) Takoma Park Takoma Park-Silver Spring Babe Recovery City TV Local City TV Local Folk Festival Events Events Ruth League baseball and soft- 2:00 PM Media Watch Takoma Park Media Watch ball. To register online, go to on Hunger Folk Festival on Hunger 3:00 PM Takoma Park Music da Takoma Park www.takomabaseball.org. To Snapshots NASA camera City TV Local Programming Events register by mail, print out regis- 4:00 PM PreSchool Takoma Park Coffeehouse Takoma Park Haiti a Suivre tration forms provided on the Power Snapshots Folk Festival 5:00 PM Music da Takoma Park Government Haiti a Suivre Takoma website and mail in as directed. camera Snapshots Focus Snapshots Walk-in registration can be 5:30 PM Chinese News completed at the Takoma Park Community Chinese Community Takoma Park Community Community 6:00 PM Community Center, 7500 Maple Bulletin Board News Bulletin Board Snapshots Bulletin Board Bulletin Board

Avenue, on: National 7:00 PM Takoma Park Gallery of Art Takoma Park Coffeehouse Takoma Park Snapshots City TV Local Snapshots 7:30 PM City Council Events Friday, April 7 • 6 - 8:30 p.m. Meeting (LIVE) 8:00 PM Coffeehouse City Council Takoma Park Takoma Park Takoma Park or Saturday, April 8, • 6 - 8:30 p.m. Meeting Folk Festival City TV Local Folk Festival (REPLAY) Events Takoma Park We coordinate our schedules with Takoma Park Soccer so your child 9:00 PM Takoma Park Folk Festival may play both sports. Scholarships are available for players in the free City TV Local 10:00 PM Events Haiti a Suivre Haiti a Suivre Coffeehouse school lunch program. Accommodations are available for kids with dis- Coffeehouse abilities or unpolished skills. For more information, call 301-270-0100. 11:00 PM CaribNation Takoma Park Takoma Park Takoma Park NASA City TV Haiti a Suivre Folk Festival City TV Local 12:00 Takoma Park Takoma Park Programming Special Events Midnight Snapshots Snapshots Events

1:00 AM Road to Community Speak with the Mayor Recovery Bulletin Board Have a meeting with Mayor Porter and let her know your issues and concerns. Meeting Programming subject to change without notice. hours are every Wednesday, 11 a.m. to noon by appointment; and from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 Takoma Park City TV p.m. Walk-ins are welcome for the evening hours only. To schedule a meeting, contact 7500 Maple Avenue Email: [email protected] Takoma Park, MD 20912 Web: www.takomaparkmd.org/cable Executive Assistant Peggye Forster at 301-891-7230 or [email protected]. 301-891-7118 Page 1 2 April 2 0 0 6 Takoma Park Newsletter

Recreation Continued from page 6 Time: 7 - 8 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays (Fee includes all materials.) noted. RSVP to 301-891-7280 no later than 8 - 9 a.m. Saturdays No class on May 29. one week before trip. Non-Resident $75 Location: Takoma Park Recreation Center, Date: Thursday, April 6 7315 New Hampshire Ave Location: “Kenwood” Cherry Blossoms Arts Alive Fee: Various packages available on site from Children’s Ceramics Classes Ages 1-1/2 – 3-1/2 Ages 6 - 12 Time: 10 a.m. Jazzercise representative, ranging from 8/day, Food: Bring money for lunch Discover exciting ways to bring your local $20/month (with $20 joining fee) or special plan Do you like playing with clay? Come join us museums alive: dance with Degas’ “Little for automatic withdrawl from your checking at Takoma Park Community Center for Sat- Video Blogging Class urday morning ceramic classes. Students Dancer,” catch Renoir’s train and hunt for account. Did you ever want to have your own televi- will learn to make pots and of their own wild animals on Gauguin’s exotic islands. sion show? You can create your own video No class on May 27 and 29. creation using several methods, including An educator with several years of experi- blog on the Internet for free. Learn all you hand-building techniques such as pinching, ence in museum-based early childhood need to know in this video blogging basics Acrylic Painting coil building, and slab building. Class will classrooms will guide you and your child class from a teacher with 10 years experi- Ages 8–12 and 12–16 include instruction in correct use of tools, through fun hands-on museum-related ac- ence in video. The class will be taught on Develop an awareness of your surroundings and demonstrations in glazing. Parents are tivities that will enhance your child’s cre- Macs, but techniques work on Windows as through drawing and painting. Composi- encouraged to stay and help their young ativity and imagination. Three metro acces- well. Intermediate level computer skills re- tion and all the elements of art will be em- ones. Make sure to wear clothes you don’t sible museum trips are planned to explore quired. Four weeks. Instructor, Phil Shapiro, topics such as animals, transportation, and phasized during this six-week session. Sub- mind getting dirty. The price includes in- ject matter will include nature and the still Instructional Assistant at TP Computer Lab. dance. Parent materials will be provided struction, one 25-lb bag of clay, and open life. Instruction is individualized for each [email protected]. Maximum eight. each session. There is a $10 materials fee studio time on Sundays from 2 - 5 p.m. Six- student’s personal needs. Materials fee of Grades 6-12 due to the instructor the first day of class. week session. Instructor: John Baker. $15 to be paid to the instructor at the first When: Saturdays, April 29-May 20, 2006 Maximum 12, minimum five. Six weeks. When: Saturdays, April 22 - June 3 class. Bring sketchbook to first class. Maxi- Time: 1 - 2:30 p.m. Instructor Kirsten Sandberg-DaSilva. Time: 10:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. mum 10 students. Minimum four. Six weeks. Location: Media/Video Lab T.P. Community Location: Art Room, T.P. Community When: Thursdays, April 27 - June 1 Center, 7500 Maple Avenue When: Saturdays, April 22 - June 3 Center, 7500 Maple Avenue Time: 10 - 11 a.m. Fee: T.P. City Resident $15 Time: 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. Ages 8 - 12 Fee: T.P. City Resident $115 Location: Azalea Room, T. P. Community Non-Resident $30 3 - 5 p.m. Ages 12 - 16 Non-Resident $125 Center, 7500 Maple Avenue Adults Location: Art Room, T. P. Community No class on May 27. Fee: T.P. City Resident $65 Center, 7500 Maple Avenue When: Tuesdays, Non-Resident $75 Fee: T.P. City Resident $125 April 25 - May 16, 2006 Non-Resident $135 Day Trips Time: 7 - 8:30 p.m. Bright Minds — We will meet in the parking lot at the rear of Location: Media/Video Lab, T.P. Community Science for Young Explorers Drawing and Painting the Takoma Park Community Center, 7500 Center, 7500 Maple Avenue Ages 1-1/2 – 3-1/2 Adults Maple Avenue, one half hour before depar- Fee: T.P. City Resident $30 Science is not just for the lab, it can come alive Explore your creative self. The elements of ture. Most trips are free unless otherwise Non-Resident $50 for your child everyday. Introduce your art (line, texture, shape, value, and color) young child to basic science concepts in this will be emphasized in this class with the ® fun hands-on class. Children will explore still life as the subject matter. Possible me- Active for Life cause and effect, how colors change, the dia include charcoal, pencil, pen and ink, magical properties of cornstarch and much pastels, acrylics, and watercolor. Materials Coming to Takoma Park! more. Each session will feature hands-on are supplied by the student. Instruction is ® safe experiences that will help your child individualized for individual need. Cri- Active for Life , an easy, enjoyable, 13-week pro- explore the marvels of our world. Come ready tiques will take place each week. Bring gram to help less active but healthy adults ages 50 for a fun and messy time. Parent resources sketch book and pencil to first class along and better increase physical activity, is coming to the will be provided to continue the exploration with your chosen media. Maximum 10 stu- Takoma Park Community Center on Mondays, April 3-July 10, 2006, 10:30 a.m. to at home. There is a materials fee of $15 due to dents. Minimum four. Six weeks. the instructor the first day of class. Maxi- noon. Active for Life® is an alternative to exercise classes and gyms for midlife and mum 12, minimum five. Six weeks. Instruc- When: Wednesdays, April 19 - May 24 older adults who have difficulty finding time for physical activity, have tried other tor Kirsten Sandberg-DaSilva. Time: 7 - 9:30 p.m. options without success, do not like exercise classes or gyms, and need motivation, Location: Art Room, T.P. Community Center, When: Fridays, April 28 - June 2 7500 Maple Avenue direction, and accountability. Time: 10 - 11 a.m. Fee: T.P. City Resident $160 Participants must be at least 50 years old with no maximum age; generally healthy Location: Azalea Room, T. P. Community Non-Resident $180 and able to increase walking substantially; and not currently engaged in moderately Center, 7500 Maple Avenue intensive physical activity more than two days a week. For more information and Fee: T.P. City Resident $65 Painting Class to see if you qualify, please call the Active for Life® Center of the National Capital Non-Residents $75 Adults Region at 301-255-4205. “A picture should be the expression of the ® “First School” Choice will of the painter,” said Robert Henri. De- Through a grant to the Active for Life Center from The Robert Wood Johnson Looking for the right preschool for your vote 24 hours to your creative self and see Foundation®, everything is free — free tuition, textbook, program notebook with child’s first learning experience? Wondering what develops! Emphasis will be on still life weekly handouts, and an Active for Life® step counter. what school will best meet your child’s unique and landscapes. Composition, color theory, needs? Your child’s first formal learning ex- techniques, and materials will be covered. perience will shape his or her future learn- Possible media are pastels, acrylics, and Community Center Construction to ing. This session will provide guidance on watercolor — no oils please. Instruction is how to find the school that will provide the individualized for student need. Critiques Temporarily Disrupt Meeting Locations best fit for your child and family as well as are an important part of the process and tor will not be available, the City will be the tools for making that difficult decision By Suzanne Ludlow, Community and will take place each week. Bring sketch making special accommodations for those about which school to pick. Instructors Ali- book and pencil to first class along with Government Liaison cia Sar and Kirsten Sandberg-DaSilva. your chosen medium. Maximum 10 stu- with mobility difficulties. The Library, When: Wednesday, March 29 dents. Minimum 4. Six weeks. Between approximately April 11 and Senior Room and Computer Learning Time: 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. When: Fridays, April 21 - May 26 May 5, Community Center construction Center will continue to be accessible as Location: T.P. Community Center, Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. activities will change some ways to ac- they are now. Police services will continue 7500 Maple Avenue Location: Art Room, T.P. Community cess the building and cause a number of to be accessible from the front parking lot Fee: T.P. City Resident $25 Center,7500 Maple Avenue public meetings to move, including City of the building. All other City services Non-Resident $30 Fee: T.P. City Residents $175 Council meetings. offered at 7500 Maple Avenue will be Supporting Social Development Non-Residents $195 Phase II construction activities are brought to handicapped patrons in the We all want out children to play well with Beginning Ceramics coming to a close and it is necessary to Police Department lobby, in the Computer others, but how do we create positive group Ages 16 and older bridge the previously completed areas Learning Center, or at the reception desk experiences for our young children? This This class is for those seeking to learn the with the areas currently under construc- in the Community Center atrium. Persons session will provide information about age- basics of ceramic art. Students will be intro- tion. The center of this work is the old with mobility difficulties who wish to pay appropriate expectations and ways to suc- duced to hand building or throwing on the City Hall lobby where the elevator is bills, have passport services, or conduct cessfully group play skills. Instructors Ali- potter’s wheel. Space is limited for the located. During this time period, neither other City business may come into the cia Sar and Kirsten Sandberg-DaSilva. potter’s wheel so sign up quickly. All stu- the Community Center Auditorium Police Department lobby, Community When: Wednesday, April 26 dents will learn about wedging, correct use (where the City Council meets) nor the Center atrium, or the Computer Learning Time: 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. of tools, and glazing. Those students who elect to learn on the wheel will learn all the elevator will be available for use. Center and request assistance. City staff Location: T.P. Community Center, Public meetings to be moved will then serve the patrons at that location. 7500 Maple Avenue basics of throwing and trimming. The hand- Fee: T.P. City Resident $25 building group will learn about techniques The Takoma Park City Council will Please bear with us as we get through Non-Resident $30 such as pinching, coil building, and slab meet at the Takoma Park Middle School these final weeks of construction. We building. Make sure you wear clothes that on Piney Branch Road for its meetings of are looking forward to a June opening of Jazzercise you don’t mind getting dirty. Price includes April 17, April 24 and May 1. Most Board, the teen lounge, dance studio, game Jazzercise is the art of Jazz combined with the instruction, one 25-lb bag of clay, and open Committee and Commission meetings room, an additional meeting room and science of exercise physiology. Each 60-70 studio time on Sundays from 2 - 5 p.m. normally held in rooms in the Commu- the new Recreation Department offices. Seven weeks. Instructor: John Baker. minute class includes easy to follow, fun aero- nity Center will also be moved during the At that time, two hallways will connect bic-dance routines, weights for muscle Session I: Mondays, April 17 - June 5 construction period. Please contact the the Computer Learning Center and Li- strength, and stretching exercises. A warm-up Session II: Thursdays, April 20 - June 1 precedes the aerobics and a cool-down fol- Time: 7 - 9 p.m. City Clerk at 301-891-7267 for meeting brary with the rest of the Community lows the exercise. All to the beat of great music, Location: Art Room, T.P. Community location information. Center, and the main entrance from the from oldies to Jazz to the newest pop tunes. Center, 7500 Maple Avenue Handicapped accessibility restricted rear parking lot will reopen. We are all When: Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays Fee: T.P. City Resident $135/session Because the Grant Avenue entrance to looking forward to these new commu- beginning April 3 (ongoing) Non-Resident $145/session the building will be closed and the eleva- nity facilities!