“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.cityoftakomapark.org March 2005 City Cries Out: We Need More Gym Space By Virginia Myers Kelly There are gymnasiums very close to the new Community Center, but that Behind the chain link fence and doesn’t mean it’s easy for City resi- across a muddy pit of a construction dents to use them. Takoma Park and site, Takoma Park’s long-planned Com- Piney Branch Elementary Schools each munity Center is finally beginning to have a gym, and Takoma Park Middle take shape. City Council recently ap- School has two. But the county school proved a $2.6 million bond that will system gives first priority for use of help pay for the completion of the first those gyms to the schools themselves, phase — the addition to the Municipal then the PTA, then the city recreation Center and renovations of existing department. space — and although the price tag has According to Ginny Gong, director of escalated since the project began, brick the Interagency Coordinating Board for has been stacked upon brick and plans Community Use of Public Facilities are already under way for a ribbon (ICB) that schedules the space, they’re cutting ceremony next fall. booked. “The requests for gym space It won’t be held in the gym – because continues to increase from year to year,” there will be no gym. Not yet. says Gong. “More and more users are After a public hearing where some realizing that it’s a really great oppor- advocated for the gym and others ques- tunity [to use school gyms] and they tioned the need (there are four school take advantage of it.” Many potential gymnasiums within walking distance), users have been turned away, says City Council decided to delay borrow- Gong, though she is not sure that has ing an additional $2.5 million or more Photo by Clyde Lassell, 1994 happened at the Takoma Park gyms. Generations of Takoma Park kids played and socialized in the gym under the Takoma to build the gym that was part of the And it’s not free – last year, according Park Firehouse at Philadelphia and Carroll avenues. Structural problems made it unfit original Community Center plan. to Debra Haiduven, director of the City’s for general community use after 1996, though firefighters still work out there. This The question is no longer whether Rec Department, the city spent $23,000 photo was taken in 1994. Takoma Park needs a gym, but how many gyms. Continued on page 10 Carroll Ave., Paving the C-SAFE Gets High Praise Way for Public Art

By Kate Konschnik sidewalk between Columbia and Philadelphia avenues. It will meander down Carroll Ave. The artwork will cost $10,000, paid every day, but it won’t get in your way for by a part of the state grant for the if you’re in a hurry. It will stretch refurbishing of the Carroll Ave. through several blocks of downtown streetscape. No City funds are being Takoma Park, but it won’t obstruct your spent on the project. view of the Farmers’ Market. It will Beyond a few construction and bud- delight children, and yet be tough get parameters, the commission in- enough to withstand Maryland’s vited local artists to run wild with weather extremes. their creativity. Local artists re- The answer to this riddle is . . . it’s the sponded to this exciting challenge. Carroll Ave. sidewalk art project! Yes, Inspiration didn’t come all at once – the City Arts & Humanities for instance, artist John Hume of Sligo Commission’s first commissioned piece Creek Tile Co., one of the finalists, of public art is coming to town. Last admitted that “at first, I was stuck in fall, the commission issued a request my 4 inch x 4 inch square tile box.” But for proposals, inviting local artists to then, he and other artists worked up devise a piece of pedestrian-friendly, Photo by Clyde Lassell their unique, outside-of-the-box pro- Lt.Gov. Michael Steele (holding plaque) presents award to Takoma Park Mayor weather resistant, whimsical art to cre- posals, which included scale models Kathy Porter for City’s leading role in anti-crime program. See story, page 4 ate and install along the Carroll Ave. of the artwork.

After a marathon meeting in Decem-

20912

aoa ak MD Park, Takoma 50 al Ave. Maple 7500 ao & Council & Mayor ber, the Carroll Avenue Sidewalk Art Inside this Issue Committee selected two finalists. The

POSTAL CUSTOMER finalists are local tile artists who se- Power to the People Page 5 lected similar media for their pieces. Maryland mayors hope to make electricity cheaper. The pieces also share a meandering ECRWSS quality. From there, however, the de- Paying Duplicate Taxes Page 5 signs diverge. Task force explores City, county services and costs.

PRE-SORT STANDARD Silver Spring artist Adriana Baler

TAKOMA PARK, MDPARK,TAKOMA

EMT NO. PERMIT

U.S. POSTAGE Crime Decreases in Takoma Park Page 10 envisioned “a continuous curvilinear trail of circular colored porcelain pav- PAID Major crime down 11 percent between 2003 and 2004. ers of different diameters.” The effect

4422 Forum on Hazardous Rail Cargo Page 12 is not unlike following a path of brightly Can the City stop dangerous chemicals on CSX trains? Continued on page 11 Page 2 March 2 0 0 5 Takoma Park Newsletter

CITY COUNCIL Juanita Kus Lorentz and Anne Polansky to the Citizens Liaison Committee to the Community Center (VOT- CALENDAR ING FOR: Porter, Austin-Lane, Barry, Elrich, Seamens, Williams; ABSENT: Mizeur). TUESDAY, MARCH 1 - Commission on Landlord Tenant Affairs Hearing, 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 10 - Regular Meeting (Municipal Building Council Chambers) – Resolution 2005-01 was adopted, naming the athletic field at Jequie Park in honor of Walt Penney (VOTING WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2 - Residents’ FOR: Porter, Austin-Lane, Barry, Elrich, Mizeur, Committee on Tax and Service Duplication Seamens, Williams). Issues, 7 p.m. (Columbia Room, 2nd Floor of Wilkinson Hall (7600 Flower Ave.) at Columbia Tuesday, Jan. 18 - Special Session Union College) To receive a copy of the legislation or to learn more about – Ordinance 2005-01 was accepted at first reading, autho- a particular resolution, contact Cathy Waters, the City rizing the expansion of permit parking on Boston Ave. MONDAY, MARCH 7 - PRESENTATION, Clerk, at 301-891-7206 or [email protected]. INTERVIEWS & WORKSESSION (VOTING FOR: Porter, Austin-Lane, Barry, Elrich, Mizeur, Monday, Dec. 13, 2004 - Regular Meeting Seamens, Williams). TUESDAY, MARCH 8 - Tree Commission, 6:30 – Ordinance 2004-36 was adopted at second reading, – Ordinance 2005-2 was accepted at first reading, autho- p.m. (Municipal Building Council Chambers) amending Chapter 6 Housing to address air conditioning rizing a Local Government Infrastructure Program Bond THURSDAY, MARCH 10 - Safe Roadways in rental housing (VOTING FOR: Porter, Austin-Lane, for the Community Center (VOTING FOR: Porter, Barry, Committee, 6:30 p.m. (Municipal Building Barry, Elrich, Seamens, Williams; ABSENT: Mizeur). Elrich, Mizeur, Williams; AGAINST: Seamens; ABSTAIN: Council Chambers) – Ordinance 2004-31 was adopted at second reading, Austin-Lane). establishing the Emergency Preparedness Committee as a – Ordinance 2005-3 was accepted at first reading, autho- MONDAY, MARCH 14 - PRESENTATION, statutory committee (VOTING FOR: Porter, Austin-Lane, rizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with REGULAR MEETING & WORKSESSION Barry, Elrich, Seamens, Williams; ABSENT: Mizeur). Linda McKenzie for financial and accounting consulting WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16 - Residents’ – Ordinance 2004-34 was adopted at second reading, services (VOTING FOR: Porter, Barry, Elrich, Williams; Committee on Tax and Service Duplication authorizing execution of contract for rents analyst with AGAINST: Austin-Lane, Seamens; ABSTAIN: Mizeur). Issues, 7 p.m. (Columbia Room, 2nd Floor of Comilang and Varghese (VOTING FOR: Porter, Austin- Monday, Jan. 24 - Regular Meeting Wilkinson Hall (7600 Flower Ave.) at Columbia Lane, Barry, Elrich, Seamens, Williams; ABSENT: Mizeur). – Ordinance 2005-2 as amended was adopted at sec- Union College) – Ordinance 2004-37 was adopted at second reading, ond reading, authorizing a Local Government Infra- adopting a recodification of the Takoma Park Code (VOT- THURSDAY, MARCH 17 - Noise Control structure Program Bond for the Community Center ING FOR: Porter, Austin-Lane, Barry, Elrich, Seamens, Board, 7 p.m. (Municipal Building) (VOTING FOR: Porter, Austin-Lane, Barry, Elrich, Williams; ABSENT: Mizeur). Williams; AGAINST: Seamens; ABSENT: Mizeur). MONDAY, MARCH 21 - PRESENTATION & – Ordinance 2004-38 was adopted at second reading, – Resolution 2005-3 was adopted, authorizing reim- WORKSESSION amending the Takoma Park Code to increase parking bursement from the Local Government Infrastructure violation fines (VOTING FOR: Porter, Austin-Lane, Barry, THURSDAY, MARCH 24 - Public Safety Bond proceeds for Community Center expenses (VOT- Elrich, Seamens, Williams; ABSENT: Mizeur). Citizens Advisory Committee, 7:30 p.m. ING FOR: Porter, Austin-Lane, Barry, Elrich, Williams; – Ordinance #2004-33 was adopted at second reading, (Municipal Building Administration Office) AGAINST: Seamens; ABSENT: Mizeur). authorizing FY05 Budget Amendment No. 1 (VOTING – Ordinance 2005-01 was adopted at second reading, MONDAY, MARCH 28 - PRESENTATION, FOR: Porter, Austin-Lane, Barry, Elrich, Seamens, Wil- authorizing the expansion of permit parking on Bos- REGULAR MEETING & WORKSESSION liams; ABSENT: Mizeur). ton Ave. (VOTING FOR: Porter, Austin-Lane, Barry, – The Consent Agenda was adopted (VOTING FOR: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30 - Residents’ Elrich, Seamens, Williams;; ABSENT: Mizeur). Porter, Austin-Lane, Barry, Elrich, Mizeur, Seamens, Committee on Tax and Service Duplication – Ordinance 2005-3 was adopted at second reading, Williams). Issues, 7 p.m., (Columbia Room, 2nd Floor of authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agree- A. Resolution 2004-64, appointing David Pittman to Wilkinson Hall (7600 Flower Ave.) at Columbia ment with Linda McKenzie for financial and account- the Ethics Commission. Union College) ing consulting services (VOTING FOR: Porter, Barry, B. Resolution 2004-65, appointing Steve Moody to the Elrich, Williams; AGAINST: Seamens; ABSTAIN: Aus- Safe Roadways Committee. tin-Lane; ABSENT: Mizeur). Citizens Liaison Committee C. Resolution 2004-66, appointing Cynthia Szymanski – The Consent Agenda was adopted (VOTING FOR: to the Tree Commission. For the Community Center Porter, Austin-Lane, Barry, Elrich, Seamens, Williams; D. Resolution 2004-67, setting forth the Council’s 2004 City residents are invited to participate in the ABSENT: Mizeur). holiday recess. Citizens Liaison Committee for the Commu- A. Resolution #2005-4, appointing Kristan Markey to nity Center. The committee serves to foster Monday, Jan. 3 - Special Session the Takoma Park Nuclear Free Committee. communication among interested parties and – Resolution 2005-01 was adopted, appointing Sheryl B. Resolution #2005-5, appointing H. James O’Brien the Council in the ongoing process for the Brugh, Mary Carter-Williams, Paul Chrostowski, to the Facade Advisory Board. development of a Community Center. Infor- mation about the committee is available on the City Web page. If you are interested in serving on this committee, contact your City Vacancies on Council-Appointed Committees Councilmember (or the City Clerk’s Office) to Emergency Preparedness Committee. The commit- Personnel Appeal Board. The 5-member board is request appointment. tee was established to provide community input to and charged with hearing employee appeals pursuant to assist in the City’s planning and preparations for Chapter 4.04 “Personnel” of the Takoma Park Code. emergency operations and to involve residents in (One vacancy.) Volunteers Needed to Serve providing appropriate assistance during emergency operations. Applicants should have some profes- Public Safety Citizens Advisory Committee. T h e 1 2 - On the Noise Control Board sional background in emergency preparedness or member committee is charged with providing input If you are interested in serving on the Noise operations and be available to perform committee and advice to the Council and the City’s public safety Control Board, please see the notice under duties during the day when required. (Six vacancies.) agencies about how the City can better meet the “Committee Vacancies.” ongoing needs and concerns of residents in the area Noise Control Board. T h e 7 - m e m b e r b o a r d i s c h a r g e d of police services and public safety. (Four vacancies.) The Write Stuff? with assisting and advising the City on noise control Safe Roadways Committee. The Safe Roadways Com- issues, including administration and enforcement of mittee advises the City on transportation-related issues The City Newsletter is looking for a few good writers. the Noise Control Ordinance, and adjudicating noise including, but not limited to, pedestrian and bicycle If you’re interested in Takoma Park, its issues and disturbance complaints. (Three vacancies.) safety, traffic, and transit services. (Two vacancies.) people, this is an opportunity for you to dig into those fascinating recesses and get published as well. We can Nuclear-Free Committee. The 7-member committee is Tree Commission. The Tree Commission is charged even pay writers a small amount. While we welcome responsible for overseeing the implementation of and with preserving, protecting and promoting the urban people with news-writing experience, we’re also adherence to the Nuclear-Free Zone Act. (One vacancy.) forest of Takoma Park. (One vacancy.) willing to talk to new journalists who are willing to do the work. Interested applicants are encouraged to send a letter of interest and resume or statement of qualifications Contact the Newsletter editor at to City Clerk Cathy Waters at 7500 Maple Ave., Takoma Park, MD 20912 or via e-mail to [email protected] or at Takoma Park [email protected]. Further information is available by contacting the City Clerk at 301-891-7206. Newsletter, 7500 Maple Ave., Takoma Park, MD 20912. Takoma Park Newsletter March 2 0 0 5 Page 3 Learn Emergency Preparedness March 19 Proposed Regulation Regarding All residents are invited to attend a Takoma Park Emergency Preparedness Noise Control Bylaws public meeting, "How to Manage the Committee will be available. First 72 Hours in Emergencies", spon- All Neighborhood Safety Contacts A Regulation is being proposed to provide written bylaws for the Noise Control sored by the Public Safety Citizens Ad- and citizen/community patrol members Board (established pursuant to Ordinance 2002-35, adopted by the City visory Committee. Speakers from the are encouraged to attend. Andy Keleman Council Dec. 2, 2002). American Red Cross and the Mont- and Buddy Daniels, organizers of the Pursuant to the requirements of the “Administrative Regulations Ordinance” gomery County Fire-Rescue Service will session, urge every City organization to (Authority: Chapter 2.12 “Administration Regulations”, of the Takoma Park make presentations Saturday, March 19 provide at least one representative to the Code), notice of the City’s intention to adopt an Administrative Regulation in the City Council Chambers, 1 - 4 p.m. meeting. Schools, churches, and busi- must first be published in the Takoma Park Newsletter to allow citizens the The session will address how Takoma ness organizations, as well as civic asso- opportunity to comment on the proposal. An exact copy of the proposed Park can best utilize its various organi- ciations, should be represented. regulation is posted on the bulletin board outside the City Council Chamber zations to help City residents in an emer- For more information, contact and is available for inspection during regular office hours in the City’s Adminis- gency, whether natural or manmade. In- Keleman at 301-270-0314 or Daniels at tration Office in the Municipal Building, 7500 Maple Avenue, Takoma Park. formation about the recently formed 301-270-5789. The regulation may also be accessed via the City’s Web page. Please direct any comments or concerns to City Clerk Catherine Waters in writing by mail to the above address, by e-mail to [email protected] or by voice message at 301-891-7206 before the close of business on Monday, March 21, 2005. Safe Roadways Committee Focuses on Philadelphia Ave.

The City’s Safe Roadways Committee, one of its newest citizens advisory Emergency Preparedness Committee committees, does not like the pedestrian safety situation on Philadelphia Ave., and it aims to do something about it. Volunteers Needed The committee has been especially worried ever since an incident a few months The City Council has established an Emergency Preparedness Committee to ago in which a girl who had just gotten off a schoolbus was struck by a car that provide community input to and assist in the City’s planning and preparations had pulled out to pass the schoolbus. The committee is concerned about the for emergency operations and to involve residents in providing appropriate stretch of Philadelphia between Carroll Ave. and Takoma Ave. The road, also assistance during emergency operations. The committee is composed of known as East-West Highway or Route 410, is a state highway, but it’s also a appropriate senior City staff selected by the City manager, one member of the residential street with heavy foot traffic and children crossing to go to three Public Safety Citizens Advisory Committee (PSCAC), one member of the City’s public schools nearby. Fire Department and six residents (preferably one from each ward) appointed The greatest concern is the inter- by the Council. Appointees should have some professional background in section where 410 meets Cedar Ave., emergency preparedness or operations and be available to perform committee Old Philadelphia, and the driveway Editor duties during the day when required. The full ordinance is available on the City’s leading to the Takoma Park Bob Guldin Web page: http://207.176.67.2/clerk/ordinances/2004/or200431.pdf. Maryland Library and the Copy Editor To apply for appointment, submit a letter of interest and résumé (or statement Municipal Building. Deadline for Carol E. Smalls of qualifications) to: City Clerk, City of Takoma Park, 7500 Maple Ave., Larry Rubin, a member of Submissions: the committee, told the March 14 Writers Takoma Park, MD 20912 or via e-mail to [email protected]. Submit Lea Susan Chartock Newsletter that the inter- Next Issue: applications by March 15. Diana Hoover section will probably be March 25 Virginia Myers Kelly busier after the Community Kate Konschnik Center opens. Karen Hampton Honored The Safe Roadways Committee has Photography Clyde Lassell come up with several high-priority With Study in Taiwan recommendations for the intersec- Layout & Production Sligo Computer Services, Inc. Karen E. Hampton, human resources tion, including: putting a pedestrian manager for the City of Takoma Park and island in the middle of Philadelphia; www.cityoftakomapark.org councilmember from College Park, Md., closing off Old Philadelphia; high- Vol. 44, no. 6 joined eight other rising political figures lighting the curb with special light- The Takoma Park Newsletter is pub- from across the nation as delegates to the ing; and hiring a school crossing lished 11 times a year as the official Republic of China (Taiwan) for a seven- guard for the intersection. At its Feb. publication of the City of Takoma Park, day political study program. Sponsored 17 meeting, the Old Town Residents www.cityoftakomapark.org. The Newsletter does not accept commer- by the American Council of Young Po- Association, a nearby neighborhood cial, classified or political advertisements. litical Leaders (ACYPL), a bipartisan non- association, endorsed the committee’s recommendations. Unsolicited materials by Takoma Park profit organization located in Washing- residents, including reports by community ton, D.C., the Taiwan program took place Councilmember Joy Austin-Lane groups and articles that may contain opin- from Nov. 12 to 19, 2004. (Ward 1) represents the area around ion, will be considered for publication. The delegates were briefed by U.S. De- that intersection, and has requested Name, address and telephone number must partment of State officials in Washing- that the City Council consider the accompany all submitted material. Pursuant to City Council Resolution No. ton, and were hosted by officials from the recommendations of the Safe Road- 1992-36 of June 8, 1992 that sets forth Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taiwan. ways Committee. Because that sec- tion of Philadelphia is a state high- the editorial guidelines of the Newsletter, There, they interacted with local, mu- the Editor reserves the right to edit all Karen E. Hampton nicipal and national leaders, business way, the Maryland State Highway submitted copy for length, clarity, style, communities, and civic groups. Authority would have to approve spelling and grammar. ACYPL delegates are chosen from a competitive, bipartisan field of candidates changes in the road. Published material containing opinions who are between the ages of 25 and 40 years old and have exhibited strong leadership does not necessarily reflect the views of the Newsletter or the City of Takoma Park. during their careers in public or private service. The City of Takoma Park is an equal opportunity employer and does not dis- Think Globally, criminate on the basis of race, color, Community Center Operating Budget? religion, ancestry or national origin, sex, Shop Locally; age, marital status or physical or mental City staff made a presentation at the Feb. 22 Council meeting on this disabilities that are unrelated in nature and important topic, which is currently being reviewed by a citizens advisory Support extent to job performance. The Newsletter is printed on recycled-content paper. committee. Interested residents are invited to visit the City Web site to Takoma Park To contact the editor e-mail: view the presentation. Visit www.cityoftakomapark.org and click on [email protected] "Community Center Updates" under "Current issues." Businesses Page 4 March 2 0 0 5 Takoma Park Newsletter Who’ll Stop The Rain? Stormwater Can Be a Blessing or a Curse stormwater management program. With expand its scope to include construction 3. Don’t buy more of a household By Ali Khalilian, P.E. residents’ awareness, we can achieve and maintenance of stormwater man- cleaner or other chemical than you City Engineer our goal of safe conveyance of runoff, agement facilities, flood plain manage- need for the job. Stormwater replenishes our natural free of pollution, into the surrounding ment and erosion control enforcement 4. Read and follow directions on the water resources. Clean water rejuvenates watershed. currently enacted by the county. use of household chemicals and our streams and inhabitants. At the same The City of Takoma Park has estab- Finally, EPA is tightening its regula- disposal of containers. time, pollution and floods erode the lished a stormwater utility as a perma- tions regarding non-point source pollu- 5. Sweep driveways and patios clean shores, poison the streams and damage nent program addressing the problems tion in a continuing effort to achieve the instead hosing them down. aquatic life, depleting irreplaceable re- associated with runoff. Like many other goal of the Clean Water Act – zero pollut- 6. Check for leaky faucets and turn sources. The ques- ant discharge. So far, to meet the require- off the water when brushing teeth tion is, how do we ments we have recognized the connection to conserve water. maximize the ben- between clean streets and drain pipes’ 7. Pre-cycle. Buy products with less efits and mini- functionality, and implemented an as- packaging. mize the damage needed street sweeping program. This will 8. Pick up pet waste and put it in the of the water that help keep the pipes clean as well as reduce garbage can or flush it down the drops into our runoff pollution. A community-wide sys- toilet. lives? tem model that analyzes sediment trans- Both types of portation and pollutant loading could also In Your Yard negative storm be a part of a master plan to reduce erosion 9. Preserve established trees in your events — namely and pollutants from our streets, and could yard and neighborhood. flooding and pol- prove useful in addressing the new EPA 10. Don’t overuse fertilizers and pes- lution transport – regulations. ticides. are inherently in- One important factor in managing 11. Plant trees, shrubs and ground termittent and as stormwater properly is implementing a covers that filter pollutants and such escape atten- computerized geographic information reduce stormwater runoff. tion when they are system or GIS. 12. Don’t cut your grass too short. not visible. For Adjust your lawnmower to the this reason, What You Can Do City worker manually unclogging a storm sewer inlet proper height to reduce runoff stormwater man- There are also many things residents from lawns. agement mainte- can do to help to keep surface runoff in 13. Plant native vegetation and nance and upgrade along with environ- municipalities, the stormwater utility has the proper conveyance system and ulti- choose plants that require little or mental awareness in the community are the following responsibilities: review- mately keep pollution in the Anacostia no fertilizer. essential ingredients in solving the prob- ing new development to ensure consis- Watershed to a minimum. Among them: 14. When you water your plants and lems that come with rainstorms. tent standards are met, performing rou- Never dump used motor oil, paint or lawn, make sure water doesn’t However, at the risk of sounding self- tine maintenance and small additions to household chemicals on the ground or wash over streets and sidewalks. congratulatory, I do believe that there is the existing system, investing in capital in a storm drain. When an effective City- and a great deal of sophistication and envi- projects to repair the backbone of the 1. Don’t pour household chemicals countywide program is combined with ronmental consciousness in our com- conveyance system and preparing to down the sink or flush them down day-to-day vigilance on the part of resi- munity here in Takoma Park, as well as address the Environmental Protection the toilet. dents, we have a real chance of improv- a realistic grasp of the far-reaching im- Agency’s future, higher requirements for 2. Use non-toxic alternatives to home ing the quality of water and the quality plications of a comprehensive stormwater. In the future, the utility may cleaning chemicals. of life in our watershed. Housing Mailbox Lt. Governor Steele Praises C-SAFE Anti-Crime Effort An Air Conditioner Problem By Moses A. Wilds, Jr. $35 per month from May through Sep- Lt. Governor Michael Steele and Takoma Old Town, where D.C., Landlord-Tenant Coordinator tember (the air conditioning season). other state officials came to the Long Takoma Park, Montgomery County Charges for increased use of electricity A tenant wants to know if a landlord Branch Community Center Feb. 14 to and Metro all are active. during the air conditioning season only is still required to provide air condi- praise an innovative and effective The Maryland International Cor- tioning even though the landlord was are permitted if the landlord is respon- anti-crime effort in the Takoma/Lan- ridor C-SAFE program is one of 50 in cited by Montgomery County last year sible for electricity and only if he/she gley area, in which the Takoma Park the state. It covers both the Langley for not having the proper electrical previously charged for this increased Police Department is the lead agency. Park and the Long Branch/Takoma wiring to accommodate the window electrical usage. The C-SAFE program (that stands for Park areas. The local program is con- air conditioner. Upon receiving the Under Ordinance 2004-36, all leases Collaborative Supervision and Fo- sidered among the top-performing C- violation notice, the landlord had re- must now contain a provision which cused Enforcement) has been reduc- SAFE initiatives in the state. moved the air conditioner instead of indicates whether the landlord or ten- ing crime by bringing people and The program was initiated as a upgrading the electrical system. ant will provide and maintain air con- agencies together from Takoma Park, HotSpot program in the Governor’s In accordance with City Ordinance ditioner units and whether a fee is be- Montgomery County and Prince Office of Crime Control and Preven- 2004-36 which became effective Dec. ing charged for the amenity. Land- George’s County. tion in 2000. It began with a year- 14, 2004, tenants have the right to have lords who have never provided air con- Steele presented a Governor’s Ci- long comprehensive study of the air conditioning (central or window ditioning options are not required to tation to the C-SAFE team. The pro- area’s resources and needs that in- unit) if air conditioning has been pre- do so now. However, the non-provi- gram in the Takoma/Langley Inter- volved the entire community, under viously provided in their building. All sion of air conditioning must be clearly national Corridor works by bringing the direction of City resident Dr. air conditioner units, whether owned indicated in their leases. If the lease is together not only traditional law en- Patricia Delaney. and maintained by the landlord or ten- silent on the provision of air condition- forcement, but also neighbors, busi- The program addresses crime pre- ant, must be continued. Landlords ing the ordinance indicates that a ten- nesses, social service agencies, and vention and the fear of crime through who included air conditioning as an ant may choose to exercise the option parole and probation officers. a holistic approach, including youth amenity with no extra fee ( AC has been of having an air conditioner installed. The success of the International programs and services. included in the rent), may not charge a In this instance the Landlord will be Corridor C-SAFE has heightened in- John Brill was named program di- separate fee for this amenity now. responsible for upgrading electrical terest in putting together a similar rector in May 2002; the program also If the previous lease indicated that outlets to comply with City/county code cross-jurisdictional program in employs two community organizers. an extra fee was applied for rental of an requirements. Tenants should call 301- air conditioner, City regulations now 891-7215 if they have any questions require that this fee be not more than about this ordinance. Takoma Park Newsletter March 2 0 0 5 Page 5

Power to the People Tool Library Retooled and Relocated By Richard Levine (Or at Least to the Cities) The Takoma Park Tool Library, in its new location on Ritchie Ave. just around the corner from Maple Ave. in front of Public Works, is changing its hours and increasing its tool inventory. The Tool Library trailer has been refurbished and the Tool Library site landscaped. Short- term street parking is available for users. New signs will be erected along Maple Ave. and at the Municipal Center to help residents find the Tool Library. The Tool Library, by lending a wide variety of tools, can save residents the expense of purchasing and storing tools that are only occasionally used, some of which such as ladders are quite expen- sive and large. Also, the tool librarian is available to offer borrowers advice on the use of tools and their applicability for different types of repair. Drawing by Walt Rave Photo by Elizabeth Mosely Within the past year, a survey was programs. Outreach programs might Officials from Montgomery and Prince George’s counties gathered for a press taken of area residents at the Takoma include conducting training programs conference Feb. 15 to make the case for having Maryland cities serve, essen- Park Farmers’ Market regarding the best regarding the use of tools and basic home tially, as electric utilities. The proposal, called Municipal Electrical Aggregation, hours of operation for the Tool Library repairs, forming work coops within the would permit Maryland cities and counties to use their joint purchasing power to and the most desired tools. Based on this community where residents would ex- get cheaper electricity for customers within their borders. At the press confer- survey and also on the observations of change their time and knowledge to en- ence, the mayors signed a “Municipal Aggregation Letter of Interest.” They then tool librarian Walt Rave, the hours of gage in home repair projects, and con- went to Annapolis to testify in favor of a Maryland Senate bill that would allow operation will be changed to Saturdays ducting programs to teach environmen- such arrangements. The municipalities were spurred by the deregulation of 9-3 and Sundays 10-4. Along with the tally friendly ways to engage in home electricity in Maryland in 2004, which permitted PEPCO to raise its rates 16 current inventory of tools available, the repairs and yard work. percent last summer. At the press conference in the Takoma Park Council Chamber were, from left to Tool Library is seeking to add to its in- People interested in signing up as right: Assistant City Manager David Moran, Greenbelt; Councilmember Karen ventory those tools which according to members of Friends of the Tool Library Hampton, College Park (and Vice President of the Prince George's County Munici- the survey were the most wanted. Local should e-mail Richard Margoluis at pal Association); Councilmember Terry Seamens, Takoma Park; Mayor Carolyn businesses have expressed an interest in [email protected] or write to Shawaker, Garrett Park; Councilmember Henry Marraffa, Gaithersburg; Mayor Kitty donating tools to the Tool Library, as Friends of the Takoma Park Tool Library, Lynn Raufaste, Kensington; Mayor Kathy Porter, Takoma Park; Assistant Manager have citizens. 7420 Cedar Avenue, Takoma Park, MD Geoffrey Biddle, Chevy Chase Village; Mayor Larry Giammo, Rockville; An organization, Friends of the Tool 20912. Please include your name, ad- Councilmember Jeffrey Slavin, Somerset. Library, is being formed to promote use dress, phone and e-mail and indicate if Also, other municipalities that have now signed onto the letter are: Town of Cottage of the Tool Library, improve the tool in- you would be willing to serve on the City and the Town of University Park, both in Prince George's County. ventory, and design community outreach board of Friends of the Tool Library. ‘TASDI’ Committee Explores Duplication Of City, County Taxes and Services

By Hank Cox representing approximately 15 percent of the underlying tax and service duplication in to Takoma Park for police services begin- City’s general fund revenues. Takoma Park is that the City does not ning with the FY07 budget. The county’s A residents’ committee convened by the City Council Resolution 2004-50, recover its full share of its costs from the argument, Ludlow said, is that police and City Council to examine the costs and adopted by the Takoma Park City Council county. “A big part of the problem,” Moyer safety coverage for Takoma Park, on a delivery of services provided by Takoma in mid-October, directed the Residents’ noted, “is that, despite the county’s reim- basis comparable to that elsewhere in the Park that duplicate those provided else- Committee: bursement for duplicative services, that county, would require a smaller staff than where by Montgomery County, financed •To become knowledgeable of the legal rebate does not cover all of the City’s costs, Takoma Park currently uses. The county through City and county property taxes, is requirements and constraints of mu- primarily because the county contends, if claims it would provide only 23 police, not scheduled to finalize its report by the end nicipal tax duplication in the State of there were no City government, it would the 41 employed by Takoma Park. Also, the of March and present it to the Council on Maryland and in Montgomery County provides lesser or lower levels of service county’s level of response and response April 11 in time for use in preparing the and recommend how the City can com- than the City currently provides.” time would likely be slower, Ludlow said. fiscal 2006 budget. municate this information to the public. “Another problem,” Robinson added, The committee also will take a closer The 21-member Residents’ Committee •To identify areas where further research “lies in the underlying reimbursement look at Takoma Park’s library, the only on Tax and Services Duplication Issues (or is needed concerning tax relief and ser- process that gives greater control to the municipal library in Maryland. The county TASDI) includes three representatives of vice duplication. county than to the City in determining says it would not operate a library in each ward appointed by their •To recommend actions the City could what represents a ‘fair’ tax duplication Takoma Park, given the proximity of the councilmember, plus three more at large take to obtain a fairer tax duplication payment from the county.” Long Branch location. The Takoma Park appointed by Mayor Kathy Porter. It has payment from Montgomery County and The magnitude of the tax duplication library is ineligible for most state and fed- been conducting regular meetings since to decrease the level of tax duplication problem was underscored by Sunil eral funding due to state laws that discour- late November. paid by City property owners. Pandya, the county’s budget manager, age the creation and maintenance of city The Council’s creation of the double •To provide assistance and guidance in who told the committee during its second libraries in the state. taxation group came amid growing public the development of a resident survey, meeting in November that county pay- The taxes and services committee is re- viewing a wide range of similar City and concern over the City’s finances. The pri- specifically in regard to those questions ments to the City are higher than they county services, looking for ways to in- mary focus of the committee is to examine concerning City service delivery. should be. crease revenues and reduce spending. the fairness of Montgomery County’s re- The committee has established a series In fact, the county may be moving to Most of its meetings are being held at payment to the City for City-provided ser- reduce its payments to Takoma Park, espe- of working groups focused on the county Columbia Union College. Citizens are in- vices the county would provide to resi- reimbursement process, including the cially for police services, which represent dents if there were no City government, as vited to attend, as well as stay up-to-date costs and quality of specific City services 80 percent of the City’s total current county on the committee’s deliberations by ac- well as the cost and value of other City such as sanitation, recreation, police and rebate, approximately $1.75 million. services not provided by the county. cessing the City Web site at housing. Each group is interviewing City Suzanne Ludlow, the City staff commu- www.cityoftakomapark.org. Takoma Park currently receives about $2 and county officials. nity and government liaison, reported to million annually from the county for dupli- Hank Cox is a member of the Resi- Committee co-chairs Bruce Moyer and the committee at its Dec. 1 meeting that the dents’ Committee on Tax and Services cated services, like police and public works, Dan Robinson agree that the core issue county is considering reducing its rebate Duplication Issues. Page 6 March 2 0 0 5 Takoma Park Newsletter

Recreation Spring Break Camp Passport to “Getting Paid To Talk” White Water Rafting on An Introduction to Professional Voice Acting The Shenandoah River Timbuktu Adults (Class II-III Rapids) Grades K-5 Don’t miss out on the Creative Voice Development Ages 8 - 60* We are adding a twist to our Spring Break Camp this year. Groups only appearance in Takoma Park. Join the Takoma Park Recreation Depart- Along with our normal camp activities: This two hour class is designed for those with little or ment as it once again is ready to tame the Explore the world of diverse cultures and landscapes of no previous acting or voice over experience. Partici- mighty Shenandoah River on the final faraway places. Use your imagination and explore Mali pants will be introduced to the realistic basics of pro- section of the river before it merges with the using your five senses. Elizabeth Wallace will take you on fessional Voice Acting for commercials, animation, Potomac. The expert guides will take us the journey. Some activities for the week include: a trip books on tape, documentaries, and more. Instructor through White Horse Rapids, down the down embassy row with a special stop at the Embassy of Kerem Karpinski. famed Shenandoah Staircase, and over Mali, a special performance from a griot (a storyteller and When: Wed., April 6, 2005 Bull Falls. We’ll float right by historic musician from Mali). Other activities include swimming, Time: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Harpers Ferry, scene of John Brown’s fa- arts and crafts, making a mud cloth, jewelry making, Location: T. P. Municipal Building mous raid and many Civil War battles. No tasting the food of Mali, free time, and art with local (Council Chambers) experience is needed. All necessary equip- resident and artist, Ame Perlman. (Please note activities Fee: T.P. Res. $10 ment will be supplied by the outfitters. and trips are subject to change.) Non Res. $15 Limited space. Trip length 6 miles: 3 - 4 hours depending When: Mon. - Fri., Mar. 28 - April 1, 2005 Puppy Kindergarten upon river level. Before Care: 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. Teach your pup or teenaged dog the foundation skills Camp Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. to being a well-mannered dog: attention, sit, come When: Sun., April 17, 2005 After Care: 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. when called, leave it, and beginning leash walking. Departure: The van will depart from Location: T. P. Recreation Center, Positive reinforcement training using NO PUNISH- the Municipal Building, MENTS and lots of fun. Pups from 3 months to 18 7500 Maple Avenue 7315 New Hampshire Avenue months who do not bark and lunge aggressively to- at 12:00 p.m. Fee: T.P. Res. $85 wards other dogs are welcome in the class. Must have Return: 7:30 p.m. (Approximately) Non-Res. $100 current vaccination records. Kids 10 and up with adult Fee: T.P. Res. $50 Before Care $20 are welcome! Six weeks. Instructor: Elizabeth Marsden Non Res. $55 After Care $20 of The Logical Dog. Registration Deadline: Friday April 1, 2005 *All participants under the age of 18 must When: Sat., April 9 - May 14 be accompanied by an adult Time: 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Writing Your Own Script Location Heffner Park Community Center Lo Impact Aerobics & Level 1 42 Oswego Avenue Body Sculpting Class Grades 5-8 Fee T.P. Res. $75 Get out and play while you tone up for the summer. Students will look at scripts from other musicals/plays Non Res. $80 This class is designed to reshape your body with a and explore the basic aspects of what makes a script Basic Dog Manners tremendous workout as you cross-train with the best and will view excerpts of various musicals to see how Teach your adult dog the basics for good manners: part of both fitness programs. Bring your own weights, the script is transformed in performance. Students will attention, sit, come when called, leave it, a mat and some water. Don’t neglect those abs also create a comprehensive story line and well devel- and beginning leash walking. Posi- and glutes anymore. Get that lean oped character descriptions for their musical. Partici- tive reinforcement training using sculpted look you’ve always pants will present their work to their peers at the end NO PUNISHMENTS and lots wanted. Six Weeks of the workshop. Instructor: Francesca Jandesek, illus- of fun. Dogs over 18 months Annual Egg Hunt 2005 When: Tues. & Thurs., trator, dance instructor, composer, musician. who do not bark and lunge Ages 2 and under; 3-4; 5-6; 7-8 March 1 - April 7, 2005 When: Wednesdays, March 2, 9, 16, 23 aggressively towards other Saturday, March 19, 2005 Time: 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Time: 4-6 p.m. dogs are welcome in the 11:00 a.m. sharp Location: Takoma Park class. Must have current Location: T. P. Municipal Building, Ed Wilhelm Field Middle School, vaccination records. Kids 7500 Maple Avenue (behind Piney Branch Elementary), 7611 Piney Branch Road Fee: Res. $40 10 and up with adult are wel- (Auxiliary Gym) come! Six weeks. Instructor: 7510 Maple Avenue, Takoma Park Non-Res. $50 FREE! Fee: T.P. Res. $60 Elizabeth Marsden of The Logi- Non Res. $65 cal Dog. When: Sat., April 9 - May 14 Kindermusik Village Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Ages: newborn-1 ½ Location Heffner Park Community Center This class is for lap babies, crawlers, and walkers 42 Oswego Avenue accompanied by a parent or care giver. You will be Fee T.P. Res. $75 introduced to multiple levels of activities appropriate Non Res. $80 for the different stages of development in this age range. A required $27.95 materials fee to be paid to instructor on the first day of class. Materials include a baby’s Sign up for Kids’ Baseball, literature book, baby’s home journal, home CD, art Softball, Basketball Camps banners, and storage/carry bag. Eight Weeks. Limited Registration is now open for Takoma SportsCamps’ ninth to twelve children, minimum of four. summer season of camps for boys and girls at Takoma Park When: Tuesdays 9:45 - 10:30 Middle School. Operated in cooperation with the City of April 5 - May 24 Takoma Park Recreation Department, Takoma SportsCamps provides a full-day sports camp immersing campers in one Wednesdays 1:30 - 2:15 sport per week. There’s lots of practice, lots of playing time April 6 - May 25 and lots of fun. Fridays 1:00 - 1:45 The camps – a series of five one-week sessions – run from April 8 - May 27 June 20 to July 22. Camp hours are 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Fee: T.P. Res. $80 camps provide after-care between 3:30 and 4:00; then Non Res. $85 campers are walked by a staff member to Takoma Park No program March 25. Recreation Department’s site at Piney Branch Elementary School. Scholarships are available. Follow the links from www.takomasportscamps.org to see pictures from last year’s camps, get details about sessions and fees, and download a registration form to print and mail in. For more information:www.takomasportscamps.org, or call Sue Immerman at 301-270-0534. Takoma Park Newsletter March 2 0 0 5 Page 7 Music, Revelry, Board Elections... Library At the Friends Annual Meeting! Folk artists Rick and Audrey Engdahl piano, guitar and bouzouki. will perform at the Annual Meeting of Following the evening’s entertain- the Friends of the Takoma Park Mary- ment and refreshments, elections will be land Library on Tues. March 22 at 7:30 held for open positions on the Friends of Call for Poetry: p.m. in the Library. the Library Board, including Treasurer Rick and Audrey have performed as and two Member at Large positions. The Seventh Favorite Poem a duo for the past three years, entertain- Friends are also seeking a Publicity ing audiences in the D.C. area with Chair, an appointed position, to com- Evening their sweet harmonies and distinctive pose quarterly newsletters to the mem- blend of guitar and bouzouki. They bership. Members of the Friends whose It is difficult perform for adults and children at cof- dues are current are eligible to serve on to get the news from poems feehouses, house concerts, schools and the Board and vote in the election. New yet men die miserably every day festivals. Audrey has performed at the and renewed memberships will be ac- for lack Library’s Tuesday morning Circle Time cepted at the March 22 meeting. of what is found there . . . for preschoolers. In 2003 they received If you are interested in finding out nominations for WAMMIE awards in more about the Friends or in being part of — William Carlos Williams three different categories — Contem- the Library’s future by serving on its porary Folk, Children’s Music and Best Board of Directors, contact Nominating The Seventh “Favorite Poem” a collection of 88 poems from well- Record Design. Committee member Karen Petersen at evening in April, sponsored jointly by loved poets, each accompanied by a Their band, Sense of Wonder, features 301-891-2588 or by e-mail at the English Department of Columbia brief story by a teacher who has Rob Nicholson on drums, Clark Rinard [email protected] . Union College and the Takoma Park derived courage and meaning from on piano, Mark Sylvestor on bass, and All are invited to join us for the Maryland Library, will be celebrated the poem for his or her life’s work. Dayana Yochim on cello, in addition to evening’s entertainment and refresh- on Thursday, April 21, at 7:30 p.m. If you are interested in participating Rick and Audrey who sing and play ments. Bring family and friends! Though traditionally held in the in this year’s event, choose a poem Council Chambers, this year’s reading you have read and admired by a will be held in an as yet undisclosed published poet (other than poems location. written by you and your friends.) Members of the community are Please include an English translation “Magic of the Sea”with Arianna Ross heartily invited to share with their for any poems written in a language Stories and Mini-workshop tions of Indonesia. This is a unique story neighbors and friends a poem that has other than English. Send a copy of the Tuesday, March 1, 7- 8:45 p.m. based on Ross’s experiences living with been meaningful to them in their lives. poem you have chosen, and your Arianna Ross is a storyteller/ per- Indonesian fishermen and is a particu- We hope for a widely diverse group to name, address, phone number, and former who grounds her storytelling in larly poignant choice in the wake of the be reading, including poems read in a occupation (in generic terms) to traditional tales intertwined with her recent tsunami devastation in that region. language other than English. Even Takoma Park Maryland Library, Attn: international experience living and story- Arianna Ross has trained in theater, people normally too shy to read before Ellen Arnold-Robbins or to the gathering in countries as diverse as dance, voice, and photograph in the United a group have found both courage and English Department, Attn: Wendy Egypt, Ireland, Indonesia, and Spain. States. She has spent three years studying pleasure in sharing a poem during the Ripley, Columbia Union College, 7600 She will be returning to the Library on acrobatics, music, martial arts, and per- community’s last six annual events, Flower Ave., Takoma Park, MD 20912. Tuesday, March 1 at 7 p.m. for a forming with Bansi Kaul’s troupe Rang and this year the as-yet-undisclosed You may also email your submissions storytelling session followed by a mini- Vidushak all over India. She is deeply setting will be inviting, we hope, for to [email protected]. Please submit workshop in storytelling for those who concerned with nurturing the bonds that even the most reticent. your poems by April 8. wish to hone some of their own connect us all in her storytelling. Inspiration may be found in the Questions may be directed to storytelling skills. The evening had pre- Her programs allow for active participa- hundreds of poetry books in the Wendy Ripley at 301-891-4068 or to viously been scheduled for January 24, tion from the audience and are suitable for Takoma Park Library collection. One Ellen Arnold-Robbins at 301-891- but a combination of snow and no water the whole family. Please join us. Call 301- particularly inspiring volume is co- 7259. As before, the Friends of the in the Library suggested a later date 891-7259 to pre-register. Let us know if you edited by Takoma Park’s own Megan Takoma Park Maryland Library will would be more felicitous. are interested in staying for the mini-work- Scribner. Teaching with Fire: Poetry sponsor a reception following the “The Magic of the Sea” is a poetic captur- shop. And thanks, as always, to the Friends That Sustains the Courage to Teach is readings. ing of the heart with bright oranges, reds, of the Takoma Park Maryland Library for and greens of the coral, fish, and folk tradi- supporting these family programs. IMT Presents Folk Concerts in March Library Programs in March The Institute of Musical Traditions, a On March 21, autoharp master Bryan “Magic of the Sea” with Arianna Ross presenting organization affiliated with the Bowers will play, with D.C.’s own Storytelling and Mini-workshop Takoma Park store the House of Musical Fleastompers as an opening act. Bowers is Tuesday, March 1, 7- 8:45 p.m. Traditions, has four concerts in the folk/ probably the best known autoharp player postponed from Jan. 24 (See story) acoustic tradition planned for the month in the country – one of only four (!) in the of March. Autoharp Hall of Fame. His towering six ‘Rick & Audrey’ For more information on the concerts, foot four inch frame can be wild and zany FTPML Annual Meeting call 301-754-3611 or visit www.imtfolk.org. on stage while playing a song like “Dixie,” Tuesday, March 22, 7:30 p.m. (See story) All four concerts will be at the Saint Mark and five minutes later he can have the same Winter Session of the Twosies Presbyterian Church, 10701Old audience singing “Will The Circle Be Un- Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Georgetown Road, in Rockville. broken” in quiet reverence and delight. March 2, 9 On Monday, March 7, the group Hot Tickets will be $14 in advance, $17 at the For two-year-olds and parent/caregivers Soup! will be playing. The trio brings a rare door. Pre-registration required: group size limited blend of spontaneity and intimacy to their On Monday, March 28 IMT presents a Spring Session April 6, 13, 20, 27 performances, often developing hilarious veritable hootenanny: Acoustic Showcase, exchanges among themselves and with with featured performer Dennis Jay. Tick- Neighborhood Circle Time the audience. The show will be at 7:30 p.m.; ets are all $8. IMT’s celebrated Acoustic Open to all preschoolers & their adults tickets are $14 in advance, $17 at the door. Showcase Night overflows with the area’s each Tuesday at 10 a.m. The Celtic group Iona will play Mon- best homegrown talent, playing to a warm Informal sing-alongs, poetry, finger games, and day, March 14, 7:30 p.m. Iona’s music is a and receptive crowd. Come just to listen or nursery tales, with participant-leadership welcomed. unique, acoustic weave of the traditional take the stage and perform your newest All ages; no preregistration required! music of Scotland, Ireland, Wales, song. To sign up for a 10-minute perfor- Call 301-891-7259 to preregister for programs or Cornwall, Brittany (France), the Isle of Man mance slot call 301-754-3611 or e-mail for more information. and Galicia (Spain). Tickets are $14 in imtfolk@erols .com. Food and libation are advance, $17 at the door. available. Original material preferred. Page 8 March 2 0 0 5 Takoma Park Newsletter THE CRIME REPORT

The following report is excerpted from the blotter of the Takoma Park Police Department, Ethan Allen Ave., 300 block: On Feb. 10, prepared by Lt. Richard Cipperly. It is not intended to include all reported crimes and arrests. between 8 a.m. and 6:55 p.m., a residential ARRESTS burglary occurred. A basement window New Hampshire Ave., 7000 block: O n J a n . Robberies Burglaries and door were broken in order to gain New Hampshire Ave., 7400 block: Carroll Ave., 7800 block: On Jan. 8, be- 7 at 1:16 a.m., an adult male was charged entry. Property was taken. with possession of CDS (drugs) with intent On Jan. 11 at 5 a.m., an armed robbery tween midnight and 4:42 a.m., a residen- to distribute, possession of CDS parapher- occurred. The victim, an adult male, was tial burglary occurred. Unknown subject(s) Auto and Related Theft nalia and numerous traffic-related offenses. at a gathering with several acquaintan- entered the apartment by pushing out a Kennewick Ave., 7900 block: Between Garland Ave., 7200 block: On Jan. 8 at ces when one subject displayed a hand- piece of cardboard that had been taped 9:09 p.m., an adult female was charged Jan. 11 at 5 p.m. and Jan. 12 at 6:50 a.m., a gun and hit the victim with it while a over a broken window and reaching in to with 2nd degree assault after officers 1994 Honda Accord was stolen. second subject took the victim’s cash. unlock the window. Property was taken. responded to a call for an assault. Maple Ave., 7500 block: Between Jan. 15 Both fled on foot. The victim was treated East-West Highway, 900 block: On Jan. Merrimack Drive, 900 block: On Jan. 9 at at 6 p.m. and Jan. 16 at 5:08 p.m., a 1998 Ford at a hospital and released. 14 at 1:49 a.m., a commercial burglary 11:09 p.m., an adult male was arrested on Explorer was stolen. New Hampshire Ave., 6400 block: occurred. The front glass door of the busi- a open Montgomery County warrant for Woodland Ave., 6900 block: Between contempt of court for failure to pay a On Jan. 29, at 11:10 p.m., an armed rob- ness was broken in order to gain entry. It is Jan. 17 at 6 p.m. and Jan. 18 at 7:30 a.m., a deferred payment. bery occurred. Two subjects forced their unknown what, if any, property was taken. 1999 Dodge Caravan was stolen. Maple Ave., 7500 block: On Jan. 11 at way into the locked enclosure of a busi- New Hampshire Ave., 6800 block: On Lee Ave., 100 block: On Jan. 23, between 7:45 a.m., an adult male was arrested on ness during the shift change and forced Jan. 16 at 12:41 a.m., a commercial burglary an open Montgomery County warrant for 6:25 a.m. and 11:18 a.m., a 1997 Mercury the two employees, one male and one occurred. The front glass door of the busi- driving while suspended. Grand Marquis was stolen. female, to lie on the ground. One subject ness was broken in order to gain entry. New Hampshire Ave., 6800 block: On Jan. Lincoln Ave., 500 block: On Jan. 23, displayed a handgun. The subjects took Property was taken. 15 at 3:05 a.m., traffic citations were between 6:55 p.m. and 7:10 p.m., a 1997 cash and property before fleeing on foot. New Hampshire Ave., 7500 block: On issued to an adult male for driving while Plymouth Voyager was stolen. The victims were not injured. Jan. 22 at 12:19 a.m., a commercial burglary impaired by alcohol and six other traffic- Lee Ave., 100 block: On Jan. 27 at 6:15 related offenses. Park Ave., 200 block: On Feb. 4 at 10:02 occurred. The front glass door of the busi- a.m., a 1997 Dodge truck was stolen. It had Lee Ave., 100 block: On Jan. 15 at 9:43 p.m., an armed robbery occurred. An ness was broken in order to gain entry. It is been left unattended and running. p.m., an adult female was charged with adult female exiting her vehicle was ap- unknown if any property was taken. Lee Ave., 100 block: On Jan. 31, between New Hampshire Ave., 7400 block: Be- 2nd degree assault after officers responded proached by a subject who displayed a to a call for an assault in progress. 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., a residential burglary tween Feb. 3 at 6:30 p.m. and Feb. 4 at 11:30 large knife and demanded her purse. The Lee Ave., 100 block: On Jan. 25 at 2 a.m., a.m., a 2002 Dodge Intrepid was stolen. subject ran off with the victim’s purse occurred. It is unknown how entry to the citations for driving while impaired by alco- home was gained. Property was taken. New Hampshire Ave., 7300 block: On after she threw it at him. The victim was hol, failure to drive on the right and failure 13th Ave., 7200 block: On Feb. 1, be- Feb. 5, between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m., a 1996 not injured. to control speed to avoid collision were tween 12:03 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., a residen- Dodge Caravan was stolen. issued to an adult male. tial burglary occurred. Entry to the home Sligo Creek Parkway, 700 block: Be- New Hampshire Ave., 650 block: On Jan. was gained through an unlocked win- tween Feb. 2 at 9:30 p.m. and Feb. 6 at 9:10 27 at 2:05 a.m., an adult male was dow. Property was taken. a.m., a 1995 Ford Windstar was stolen. charged with theft under $500, two counts of possession of CDS and possession of CDS paraphernalia. Flower Ave., 8600 block: On Jan. 29 at 9:45 p.m., an adult male was charged with 2nd degree assault, resisting arrest and As of Jan. 31, the Takoma Park Takoma Park VFD Fire Fighter disorderly conduct. Volunteer Fire Department and the Flower Ave., 8500 block: On Jan. 30 at personnel of the Montgomery Receives Award 5:45 p.m., an adult male was charged with County Fire and Rescue Service At the Montgomery County Volunteer Fire-Rescue Association 2nd degree assault and reckless endanger- assigned to the Takoma Park sta- meeting held on Jan. 20, Firefighter 2 Jerry Sanford received the ment after officers responded to a call for tion have responded to 100 fire- “Fire Fighter of the Month Award” for the outstanding job he did at an assault in progress. related incidents. The department a fire. Sanford was working at an apartment building in the City, Piney Branch Road and Philadelphia Ave.: handled or assisted with 218 res- when he became aware of the fire in the building. He immediately cue or ambulance-related incidents took charge. He noticed that several people were in an apartment On Feb. 4 at 1:55 a.m., an adult male was for a total of 318 incidents this year. Totals for 2004 were 84 and 196 unit full of smoke trying to put out the fire. He told them to get out charged with possession of CDS parapher- respectively, for a total of 280, representing a increase of 38 incidents. and call the fire department. Sanford located a fire extinguisher and nalia and traffic-related offenses. put the fire out. By the time the fire department had arrived, FF Piney Branch Road, 8400 block: On Feb. Serious Fire on Hilton Ave. Sanford had everything under control. No one was injured. Again, a 6 at 2:38 a.m., three adult males were On Feb. 5 at 1:12 a.m., a serious fire occurred at 7301 Hilton Ave., job well done! charged with trespassing. resulting in approximately $175,000 damage to the house. There were no injuries. The fire appeared to have started in the kitchen area. This cause is under investigation by the Fire Marshal’s Office. We must Takoma Park Lions Club again remind readers that some of the leading causes of home fires are unattended cooking, unattended lit candles, smoking materials, elec- 45 Years of Dedicated trical appliances and wiring. We also strongly recommend a working smoke alarm on each level of the home, also it’s important to have an Service in Lionism escape plan for the entire family in the event of a fire. At the Jan. 18 Takoma Park Lions Club meet- ing, District Governor Gary Burdette presented FREE! Fire and Injury Programs a Certificate of Appreciation to club member Paul McGarvey, who also received an Interna- The Takoma Park VFD would like to make you aware of the following tional President’s Share Pin. public education programs that are available through our department. Baby Sitters Course - This course covers fire safety, infant and child care, personal safety, CPR and first aid. Please contact the City Rec Department about the next class. Home Safety Inspection - A representative will visit your home and walk through with you, pointing out any potential fire and injury hazards and tell you how to eliminate them. From left to right: President Elmer Hamm, TPVFD, Awards Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) - This program teaches the Chairperson Sue Malloy making presentation to FF2 Jerry Sanford, participants how to perform this lifesaving technique. This is a “Family and Fire Chief Jim Jarboe, TPVFD and Friends” course, which means it’s not a certification course. Speakers - We will be glad to provide your group or organization with Can You Open Your Windows? a speaker to talk on any subject relating to fire department or fire and Windows usually offer the best alternate escape route in the event of injury prevention. a fire. Make sure all windows and screens work easily to permit Child Safety Seat Check - T h e d e p a r t m e n t h a s q u a l i f i e d p e r s o n n e l t h a t escape through them. There may be a porch or shed roofs under the will be glad to check your child safety seat(s) in your vehicle. This is windows that can provide a pathway to safety. Special attention done by appointment only. should be given to windows with air conditioner and security bars. If you are interested in having one or more of the above programs, please Check your windows today – especially the sleeping areas. Be contact the fire station at 301-270-8209 for further information. prepared, have a plan! District Governor Gary Burdette making the presentation to Paul McGarvey. Takoma Park Newsletter March 2 0 0 5 Page 9 Crime Dropped in Takoma Park in 2004 For the second year, the overall crime cent. Of the 133 reported burglaries, 39 Police news figures for Takoma Park dropped, from were in commercial or public buildings, the near-record high numbers of 2002. with the remainder in residences. No The 2004 Uniform Crime Report (UCR) significant pattern of break-ins emerged, UCR Part I Crime Comparison crime figures for the City were released with property being taken from houses, showing not only an overall decrease, apartments, and sheds or garages. 2003 2004 %Change Expected Range* but also drops in every category of prop- Larceny, or theft of all kinds, reached erty and violent crimes. Four of the seven a 10-year low with 410 reports. More Homicide 2 0 -100 .27 - 1.93 index crimes showed year 2004 rates than half of these stemmed from thefts lower than the 10-year averages. from auto or theft of auto parts. The 2002 Rape 9 2 -77.7 4.71 - 8.89 Overall index crimes decreased 11 per- larceny figure had been a record high, Robbery 67 58 -13.4 65.93 - 98.07 cent compared to last year, reaching the now showing reductions in two con- lowest level in the past 10 years. secutive years. Aggr. Assault 30 28 -6.6 21.21 - 62.79 The year saw 58 robberies, the second Although police are encouraged by Personal Crime 108 88 -18.5 105.42 - 158.38 lowest number in 10 years. This repre- the overall decreases, the department sents a 29 percent decline from the near does not pinpoint any single factor or Burglary 156 133 -14.7 130.74 - 184.66 record number of 92 robberies in 2002. particular programs as responsible. Larceny 447 410 -8.2 488.28 - 606.92 The smallest drop in “violent crime,” or “Last year the department reported that those against persons, occurred in ag- two crimes – burglary and robbery – that Auto Theft 176 156 -11.3 131.71 - 200.49 gravated assault. In addition to the 28 touch most residents randomly and per- Property Crime 779 699 -10.3 797.46 - 945.34 aggravated cases, police reported 83 sonally were decreasing,” Creamer said. simple assaults compared to 96 in 2003. “While that trend continued, we believe Totals 887 787 -11.3 916.13 - 1090.47 No homicides and two rapes were re- continued vigilance by police and resi- * Based on 10-year figures from 1994 - 2003 ported in 2004, compared to two and dents is required to keep that trend going.” nine, respectively, in 2003. Violent crime Statewide figures are not available overall decreased 18 percent, with prop- currently. From January to June 2004, City of Takoma Park erty crimes falling 10 percent. state figures showed a one percent de- 10-Year UCR Part I Crime Statistics Motor vehicle theft dropped for the crease in total index crimes. The Wash- Crime 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 second year since the 10-year record ington metropolitan region showed in- Homicide 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 0 2 0 high in 2002. With 156 reports of theft creases of about seven percent in aggra- or attempts, the number remains within vated assault and motor vehicle theft, Rape 7 6 11 5 9 5 4 6 9 2 the statistically-expected range. “Al- with declines in the other five categories, Robbery 99 103 89 73 50 97 70 92 67 58 though we are encouraged by this de- comparing the first half of 2004 to 2003. Aggravated 77 26 35 50 37 27 28 25 30 28 cline, the police urge vehicle owners to Last year Takoma Park Police arrested Assault continuing practicing property protec- at least 10 persons for vehicle theft or Violent 184 138 136 129 97 130 103 123 108 88 tion habits that help deter this crime,” unauthorized use; 42 for driving while Crime Total said Chief Cynthia Creamer. impaired or under the influence; 44 for Burglary 215 151 167 151 158 137 150 107 156 133 Burglary also remains in the expected drug possession or related charges; and Larceny 606 573 550 609 477 494 562 639 447 410 range despite a decline of almost 15 per- 16 for robbery. Auto Theft 163 200 132 140 147 166 198 230 176 156 “Routine” Traffic Stop Leads to One Crime, Multiple Agencies Arrest In Three-Year-Old Murder Case In addition to the alert assistance of the Crime Index Explained Hyattsville Police, several other agencies Officer Jenna Aubert may have thought Poole assumed custody and transported assisted Takoma Park Police in bringing The Crime Index is a nationwide, cooperative program to assess the she was simply checking a car for its reg- Brown to the Montgomery County Deten- the suspects to justice. The August 2001 murder occurred on nature and type of crime in the istration in the early morning hours of Feb. tion Center. nation. 4. In fact, she was helping Takoma Park “In rare instances, police observe crimi- an upper floor in a New Hampshire Av- Police put the finishing touches on a homi- nal acts directly,” said Capt. Edward enue high-rise apartment building. Evi- Personal or “Violent” Index Crimes cide investigation that began 43 months Coursey, commander of TPPD’s patrol dence was found not only in the apart- involve force or threat of force, earlier. The story is an example of how law division. “But traffic enforcement gives ment, but in stairways over several floors. generally considered crimes against persons. enforcement agencies throughout the met- Given the extensive crime scene, the five- police an opportunity to get up close and Murder and non-negligent manslaugh- ropolitan area assist each other, as well as personal with people. In doing that, you member Takoma Park detective unit re- quested the assistance of technicians and ter: willful, non-negligent killing of the importance of traffic enforcement in can find indicators of other criminal activ- one human being by another. canine from Montgomery County Police. crime control. ity, which happened in this case. Rape: carnal knowledge of a woman, “What Ofc. Aubert did was just good As the investigation progressed and forcible and against her will, includ- The Traffic Stop solid police work and we appreciate it.” leads developed, Takoma Park detectives ing assault and attempt to commit At 4 a.m., the temperature hovered at 20 focused on a suspect in suburban Virginia. rape by force or threat of force; degrees with threats of precipitation. Ofc. The Homicide The Fairfax County Police assisted in fil- statutory rape not included Aubert, a three-year veteran of the City of Brown, of no fixed address, faces a charge ing and executing a search warrant on Robbery: taking or attempting to take Hyattsville Police, noticed a handwritten of accessory after the fact in the murder of Aug. 24 at the Springfield residence of anything of value from a person by placard “Tag Stolen” in the back window Kennes C. Falconer, 26, who was found Coleman. She was arrested six days after force or threat of force Aggravated assault: unlawful attack of a car. She chose to check the tag’s valid- stabbed in her New Hampshire Ave. apart- the crime and pled guilty to first-degree by one person on another for the ity and discovered the car actually had an ment Aug. 18, 2001, by her fiancee when he homicide in January 2002. In February 2002, Prince George’s County purpose of inflicting bodily injury, assigned temporary tag, which had ex- returned from work. Falconer, a medical usually involving a weapon. pired two weeks before. Potential charge: worker in Maryland and D.C., was preg- Police assisted as Takoma Park detectives operating an unregistered vehicle. nant at the time. conducted another search warrant on prop- Property Index Crimes are offenses Rather than stopping there, she ran a The warrant alleges Brown assisted two erty in that jurisdiction. Members of the PGPD dealing with property, committed without force or threat of force. wanted check on the driver. That showed women in attempting to remove evidence fugitive search and arrest team also aided Burglary: is the unlawful entry of a he was wanted in South Carolina on a from the crime scene and driving them to TPPD in the Feb. 13 arrest of Ramieka Fowler at the home of a relative in Upper Marlboro. structure to commit a felony or theft. warrant for fraud, for which that state seek medical care. He is being held at the Larceny-theft: the unlawful taking of would not extradite. It isn’t required, but Montgomery County Detention Center A warrant for Brown, issued Feb. 27, property from the possession of she went the extra step. “I thought I should without bond. 2002, was executed during a routine traffic another (including shoplifting, pocket- cover all the bases,” Ofc. Aubert explained, Bianca Coleman and Ramieka Fowler, stop in Hyattsville on Feb. 4, 2005. In this picking, purse-snatching, bicycles “so I ran the passenger too.” both 22 at the time of the murder, were Washington metropolitan area, where thefts) in which no force, violence or That check showed the passenger, Perry sentenced to 25 and 20 years imprison- criminals are not contained by borders, fraud is used. Brown, was wanted on a three-year-old ment, respectively. Investigation showed law enforcement agencies can and do work Motor Vehicle Theft: includes Takoma Park warrant for “accessory af- Coleman had been involved with cooperatively, as this case demonstrates. stealing of automobiles, buses, ter” in a murder. She arrested the fugitive. Falconer’s fiancee and the murder was A police officer can never approach any motorcycles, etc, or attempted theft. Later that morning, TPPD Det. Richard intended to continue that relationship. traffic stop as routine. Page 1 0 March 2 0 0 5 Takoma Park Newsletter City Cries Out: We Need More Gym Space

Continued from page 1 Tae Bo, boxing, self defense, tai-chi, college sports; and St. Camillus, already because of structural defects, but many in gym fees, including during summer cheerleading, double dutch, step team and used by parish schools and Catholic Youth remember it fondly as a place where kids camps. flag football. Organization. The Presbyterian Church could not only play basketball, but, on the That’s nowhere near the millions it will If demand is undeniable, what other on Maple and Tulip Avenues has a gym balcony, get into some ping pong, air hockey or pool and, on Saturdays, go roller skat- take to build a new one. But Haiduven says resources are out there? The school gyms with new floors and available time slots; it ing. The city held its Halloween and Christ- the need for another gym is clear. “The are most obvious, but there’s also the small is used most heavily in winter, for basket- mas parties there, and ran an after-school need was established a while back,” she community center on New Hampshire ball, softball and soccer. Montgomery Col- program for children as well as adult ac- says, referring to initial surveys of what Ave. It’s a “very, very small gym,” says lege is another possibility, where priority tivities in the evenings. Also heavily used Takoma Park citizens wanted in a Com- Haiduven, not big enough for basketball goes to classes and college teams – but was the gym at Philadelphia and Chicago munity Center. If anything, that need has tournaments or anyone but small children according to a scheduler there, most week- avenues, torn down 20 or more years ago. grown. While Haiduven’s department for indoor soccer. A look at one recent ends are empty. Haiduven, however, points A community center behind Piney Branch uses three nearby gyms “heavily,” and has schedule showed every hour booked ex- to the convenience of having a gym at the Elementary school burned in the 1970s; it daily use of Piney Branch for an after- cept Sundays, when Haiduven says insuf- municipal center, implying that driving or ficient staffing keeps the space closed. Sat- even walking kids to other gyms creates a never had a gym. school care program, she notes there is “There are so many things that you can very little flexibility in the schedule. urdays the center is rented to a local dance logistical challenge. She points out that company, an arrangement that is a trade- flexibility would certainly be greater with do with a gym other than basketball,” says Driving to Laurel off, she says – needed revenue for space. a City gym. Belle Ziegler, remembering the many ac- Long Branch Community Center near tivities she helped organize over her years When the department scheduled running the recreation department more daycare for elementary school kids and Piney Branch Road, a county-run facility, That Old Firehouse Gang is also nearby – and busy. Center director Howard Kohn, chair of the Citizens Li- than a decade ago. “My hope [for the new sports for middle schoolers, they couldn’t Community Center] was that the gym hold the programs simultaneously because Morris Buster says teams from two basket- aison Committee to the Community Cen- ball leagues practice at once, and the place ter, acknowledges the practical need for a would be the first thing they would do. of a county restriction on mixing age groups. That would be a blessing for the kids.” The gyms must be reserved six months in buzzes most afternoons with an after- gym in the Community Center — “You school care program and open gym. “Cer- could fill up a gym just with soccer and In passing the $2.6 million bond, the advance. Indoor soccer and softball are council opted to postpone building the prohibited because of equipment hazard tainly there’s a need” for more gym space, basketball practices” — but his personal says Buster, who has worked with Matt reason for advocating for the space is po- gym until costs could be quantified more — once a softball practice damaged a sprin- clearly. Kohn and his committee are cur- Corley, the City recreation department as- litical. “When you set up a common gath- kler system. rently assessing costs for the gym. A feasi- sistant director, sharing space in the past. ering place for everyone, some of us will be “There are people who have to drive to bility study is under way. Parking, which Other possible gyms include John attracted by the pottery room, some by the Laurel to take their kids to indoor soccer,” was originally planned to be under the Nevins Andrews school on Elm Ave., but stage and performing arts, some by martial says Haiduven. If Takoma Park had its gym, will be re-examined. Kohn said other it’s booked solid, with priority given to arts, and some by sports and a gym. To own gym, “All of our programs would sites will even be reconsidered, though he Seventh Day Adventist church groups; leave out that critical part is really not benefit.” Other current gym activities in- expects to return to the current site as most Columbia Union College, booked with clude fencing, dance, kung fu, aerobics, completing the circle of the people who live viable. Then the committee will come up here in Takoma Park. There’s a question of with a price. social justice and fairness.” Expected cost will be around $2.5 mil- Furthermore, Kohn reasons that kids lion, if one goes by the bond the city would Thunderbolts, Now in Cal Ripken League, who come for the gym will be exposed to have floated had it included the gym in its Are Takoma’s Own Baseball Team dance and pottery and art; they’ll find immediate plan. Kohn thinks the costs tutoring and mentors. “You finally get to could be covered by property taxes, as wooden bat league. The Express will begin the cliché about it takes the village to raise assessments recently went up. Other ways By Dick O’Connor its first year of operation in 2005. kids,” says Kohn. “That’s how you do it. You to raise the revenue include another bond; The Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts By moving into the new league together, need to get to know the kids and how you get reducing other City services; diminishing baseball team has joined the new Cal the friendly Montgomery County rivalry to know them is sometimes in the gym.” the City reserve funds; or raising the prop- Ripken, Sr. Collegiate Baseball League and between the Thunderbolts and Big Train It certainly happened in the old gym, erty tax rate. is warming up for the 2005 season. This will continue. For the last five years the once located under the firehouse at Phila- “I can establish a need for a gym,” says Maryland-based wooden bat league will Gazette Newspapers have sponsored the delphia and Carroll avenues. Unfortu- Haiduven. “It’s up to the community to play its first season in June and July, with Montgomery Cup, awarded to the Mont- nately, that gym was condemned in 1996 decide whether to pay.” six teams: the Thunderbolts, Bethesda Big gomery County team with the best record Train, College Park Maryland Bombers, in head-to-head games. That competition Maryland Redbirds, Rockville Express, is expected to continue, with the new Register for Youth Baseball and Softball and Youse’s Maryland Orioles. The teams Rockville team added to the mix. Hey kids! Here’s your chance to register for the Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken baseball and softball will play a 40-game regular season, an all- This will be the Thunderbolts’ sixth sea- programs, including youth baseball (ages 7-18), girls’ softball (ages 7-14) and teen co- star game and a league championship son. The team’s home field will continue to ed softball (ages 13-18). tournament. be the Blair Baseball Stadium next to Blair There are three ways to register. “We’re very pleased and proud to be High School at the intersection of Univer- 1) In person a t t h e T a k o m a P a r k M u n i c i p a l C e n t e r (7500 Maple Ave, entrance in the back) part of a new league named in honor of the sity Boulevard and Colesville Road in Sil- Saturday, March 19, 9 a.m. - 12 noon late Cal Ripken, Sr., one of the great base- ver Spring . The team has raised funds over For girls’ softball only: April 16, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. ball figures in the state of Maryland,” said the last several years to build a 336-seat 2) Online a t w w w . t a k o m a b a s e b a l l . o r g . Thunderbolts President Dick O’Connor grandstand, a concession stand and 3) By mail: a completed registration form with the appropriate registration fee. “We’re working to build a strong commu- announcer’s booth on the site. It is cur- For baseball and teen co-ed softball: 7914 Long Branch Parkway, nity-based league that will bring great rently in the middle of a fund-raising effort Takoma Park, MD 20912 college baseball to fans in Maryland. Look to pay off its remaining loans. The field is For girls’ softball: 7107 Poplar Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912 for a number of future big leaguers to be also used by the Blair Blazers varsity and Volunteers are needed. Takoma Park Babe Ruth baseball/softball needs you to pitch in, playing here in the years to come.” JV teams along with a number of other as a coach, team parent, umpire or board member. Contact communications coordinator The League has signed a license agree- leagues. The coaching staff, with Bobby St. Ray Scannell to find out more: [email protected]. ment with the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, Pierre as head coach and Matt Werts as Inc. for the use of the name Cal Ripken, Sr. assistant coach, will continue to run the The League is not affiliated with, or spon- team on the field. Takoma Park Cub Scout Pinewood Derby Races sored by, the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, In addition to sponsoring a college team, The Cub Scouts of Pack 33 in Takoma Park will hold its annual Pinewood Derby Race at Inc. or Ripken Baseball, Inc. The League the Thunderbolts offer a summer baseball the Takoma Park Presbyterian Church on Saturday, March 5, starting at 1 p.m. will be open to college-eligible players camp for boys and girls from the ages of 8 Building and racing Pinewood Derby cars is a Takoma Park Cub Scout tradition dating back under the age of 23. The teams will recruit to 16. It is run by Fred Rodriguez, a former more than 50 years. Boys are given a small block of wood, four wheels and four nails to nationally and house players coming from Thunderbolts head coach and a well- be used as axles. With the help of the parents, guardians or den leaders, the boys carve, out of the area with host families for the known youth baseball instructor. Further sand, paint, polish and decorate their cars. On race day they race their cars down a 30- two-month season. information on the camp is available on the foot track against all the others to determine who is the fastest in their den level or the The Thunderbolts and Big Train both Thunderbolts Website: www.tbolts.org. fastest in the City. Awards are given not only for speed but also for most creative/best- played in the Clark Griffith Collegiate Base- You’ll also find information on season looking car. ball League (consisting of teams in Vir- tickets, sponsor packages, booster club, Starting the week of March 7, the Takoma Park Maryland Library will feature a Pinewood ginia and Maryland) last season. The schedule, and team rosters on the Web site. Derby car exhibit. This display will include a step-by-step look at how the cars are made, along with many of the finished cars built and raced by Takoma Park Cub Scouts in earlier Bombers, Redbirds and Orioles were in the And be sure to catch all the excitement of times, and more. Eddie Brooks League, a Baltimore area Thunderbolts baseball this June and July. Takoma Park Newsletter March 2 0 0 5 Page 1 1

Unusual Carroll Ave. Street Sculpture Takoma Park City TV Paves the Way for Public Art Events in March 2005 Continued from page 1 colored bubbles along Carroll Avenue. Mean- Tune in to City TV this month to catch some lively performances from the while, John & Lynne Takoma Park Street Festival, Jazz Band Brawl and Takoma Park Folk Festival. Hume offered an in- tertwining, flowering The Folk Festival performances highlight traditional music from various vine pattern, complete regions. Songs in the Tradition is a collaboration of Mary Sue Twohy, Zoe with hummingbirds Mulford, Rachel Cross and Brooke Parkhurst. This energetic group shares their and other critters. favorite songs influenced by Celtic, Middle Eastern and Appalachian traditions. On Jan. 18, the Side- Lea Coryell and Ralph Lee Smith perform traditional folk music with vocals, walk Art Committee banjo, Appalachian dulcimer and harmonica. March’s final Folk Festival perfor- unveiled the finalists mance showcases local artists in Johnny Cash and Carter Family Tribute. to the full commission. The Street Festival performance of Michelle AVA and Spirit Dance will get your At this meeting, com- body moving through creative expression. Also, Nick Annis, Chris Chandler mission members dis- and David Roe provide musical satire as the Three Wise Guys. cussed the process for choosing the winner Art you can walk on: Details on sidewalk art proposals Takoma Snapshots in March includes the following segments: (above and below left) from among these two •Community Oriented Policing: Larceny: It could happen to you finalists. This discus- •C-SAFE Recognized by Lt. Gov. Michael Steele. sion was part of a larger commission Takoma Park’s pavement, and to liter- Visit our Web site at www.cityoftakomapark.org/cable to access show listings objective, which seeks to create a stan- ally pave the way for future public art and times and other specific programming information. dardized process for selecting public art projects in our city. Community and neighborhood groups may submit non-commercial notices in Takoma Park. The Sidewalk Art project After hearty debate, members of the regarding meetings or special events to City TV for inclusion on the bulletin is serving two goals, then — to brighten commission decided to hear from the board. public. So, the finalists’ models were All Council meetings and Snapshots episodes are available for patron check- displayed in the Municipal Building out at the Takoma Park Maryland Library. VHS tapes of these shows, as well as for two weeks, and on the City’s Web other Takoma Park City TV events, may be purchased for $15 (pickup) or $18 site, and at the local Farmers’ Mar- (mail). Some programs are now available in DVD. Call 301-891-7118 or send an ket. A community meeting took place e-mail to: [email protected] for more information. at the Municipal Building on Thurs- day, Feb. 3, and neighborhood input has poured in on the City’s Web site. City employee Ivy Thompson, who has been coordinating the Sidewalk Art project, remarked that “the idea and Takoma Park City TV the work of both artists were very well received by the community.” March 2005 Programming Schedule The Commission approved the

Adriana Baler proposal, and on Feb. 22, Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday the City Council gave final approval. So, Community Community Takoma Park Community Takoma Community Community 7:00 AM Bulletin Board Bulletin Board City TV Local Bulletin Board Snapshots Bulletin Board Bulletin Board be on the lookout for construction to Events 8:00 AM Takoma Park PreSchool Takoma Park Community Takoma Park Takoma Park begin. As Commission member Welmoed Snapshots Power! Snapshots Bulletin Board Folk Festival Snapshots Laanstra noted in the Jan. 18 meeting, no 9:00 AM Takoma Park Takoma Park National Coffeehouse NASA Haiti a Suivre matter which project is selected, “once Folk Festival Snapshots Gallery of Art Programming it’s all installed, it should be beautiful, it 10:00 AM Coffeehouse Takoma Park Music da Government Takoma Park Coffeehouse should be Takoma Park.” City Council camera Focus Snapshots Meeting 11:00 AM Takoma Park CaribNation(Replay)Takoma Park National Takoma Park Media Watch City TV Local Folk Festival Gallery of Art City TV Local on Hunger Events Events Community NOON Bulletin Board Takoma Park City Council 1:00 PM Earth Café Takoma Park Takoma Park Meeting Takoma Park Emily Pomroy Monitor, Community Leader City TV Local City TV Local (Replay) Folk Festival 2:00 PM Media Watch Events Takoma Park Events Media Watch Emily Pomroy Monitor, a longtime resident and community leader of Takoma on Hunger Folk Festival on Hunger Park, died Jan. 29 in Phoenixville, Pa. She was 91 years old. 3:00 PM Takoma Park Music da Takoma Park Snapshots NASA camera City TV Local Monitor was born Dec. 15, 1913 in St. Paul, Minn. She was the wife of the late Programming Events 4:00 PM PreSchool Takoma Park Coffeehouse Takoma Park Haiti a Suivre Anthony Fred Monitor. Since 2001, she lived in The Villas and in Woodbridge Power Snapshots Folk Festival Place in the Phoenixville area. 5:00 PM Music da Takoma Park Government Haiti a Suivre Takoma camera Snapshots Focus Snapshots On Feb. 26, 1960, the women of Takoma Park honored Monitor for her 5:30 PM Chinese News unselfish and sincere efforts on behalf of the City. She gave many days and Community Chinese News Community Takoma Park Community Community nights of thought and study concerning the welfare of the City’s citizens. Among 6:00 PM Bulletin Board Bulletin Board Snapshots Bulletin Board Bulletin Board her accomplishments were the Veteran’s Memorial, the yearly Christmas tree lighting, Halloween programs and the Heffner Park Recreation Building. She National 7:00 PM Gallery of Art Takoma Park Takoma Park Coffeehouse Takoma Park Snapshots City TV Local Snapshots attended many conferences for exchanging municipal plans, and was honored 7:30 PM Takoma Park Events City Council by the Veterans of Foreign Wars. 8:00 PM Meeting Coffeehouse Takoma Park Takoma Park Takoma Park Takoma Park (LIVE) City Council Folk Festival City TV Local Folk Festival Monitor was a member at First Methodist Church in Hyattsville, Md. and Meeting Events (Replay) Grace Methodist Church of Takoma Park. Takoma Park 9:00 PM Takoma Park Folk Festival Monitor was a homemaker, an avid seamstress, gardener, baker and shuffle- City TV Local 10:00 PM Events Haiti a Suivre Haiti a Suivre Coffeehouse board player. Both Emily and her husband Tony were enthusiastic dancers who Coffeehouse appreciated big band music. Emily was also known as a “cheerful earful.” 11:00 PM CaribNation Takoma Park Takoma Park Takoma Park NASA City TV Haiti a Suivre Folk Festival City TV Local Monitor is survived by two sons, Gary Dean Monitor of Mount Airy, Md., and 12:00 Takoma Park Programming Takoma Park Special Events Charles Phillip Monitor, who lives in Nemour, W. Va., and a daughter, Nancy Midnight Snapshots Snapshots Events Louise Zinn, of Kimberton, Pa. Other survivors are an aunt, Louise Sausen, who resides in Minnesota and a younger sister, Gladus Woodside, who resides with Programming subject to change without notice. her daughter in The Dalles, Ore. Five grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews live throughout the states. Graveside services were held at Fort Lincoln Cemetery in Brentwood, Md., on Takoma Park City TV Feb. 3. Contributions may be given in her name to the Terry Johnson Cancer 7500 Maple Avenue Email: [email protected] Web: www.cityoftakomapark.org/cable Fund, Center for Basic Cancer Research, 1 Chalmers Hall, Manhattan KS 66506. Takoma Park, MD 20912 301-891-7118 Page 1 2 March 2 0 0 5 Takoma Park Newsletter Forum on Hazardous Rail Cargoes March 9

By Joy Austin-Lane Communities such as Takoma Park that are near high- the Nuclear Information and Resource Service. Takoma Councilmember, Ward 1 profile federal facilities could be substantially affected by Park Councilmember Joy Austin-Lane will moderate. a railroad incident in which these substances were used Each panelist will speak, followed by a question and In February, the D.C. Council passed emergency to poison surrounding populations. Banning these ultra- answer period. legislation banning the transportation of extremely hazardous cargoes removes hazardous materials through the District of Columbia. one of our vulnerabilities and The CSX rail line comes within four blocks of the U.S. is a reasonable preventive mea- Capitol and carries approximately 1,000 tank cars a sure. The City of Takoma Park year of toxic inhalants such as chlorine, ammonia, will host a public forum to learn hydrochloric and sulfuric acids. more about this threat, the D.C. After considering a permanent bill for over a year, the Council’s action, the CSX re- D.C. Council passed a temporary measure introduced by sponse, and what the Takoma Councilmember Kathy Patterson that will remain in effect Park City Council can do to for just 90 days. A bill extending the temporary ban may protect residents. A panel of be considered by the Council before the ban expires. speakers will present informa- Over the last year, several railroad incidents have tion for consideration and a underscored the vulnerability of our rail lines and the question and answer period danger posed by toxic inhalants. For instance, a chlo- will follow. The forum will be rine tank car was breached recently in South Carolina held on March 9, beginning at because of a train wreck, resulting in nine deaths and 7:30 p.m. in the Council Cham- many more people becoming ill from the fumes. An- bers at 7500 Maple Ave. other train crash in Los Angeles was caused by an SUV The speakers will be D.C. driver parked on the rail lines. Neither of these inci- Councilmember Kathy dents were carried out by terrorists. Patterson, waste transport Terrorists did target a commuter train in Madrid last expert Fred Millar, Jay Boris March, resulting in several hundred deaths and inju- of the Naval Research Labo- ries. Since then, CSX reportedly redirected rail ship- ratory, Ed Stern of the Ameri- ments of hazardous materials, which suggests the can Federation of Government

company acknowledged the potential risk that certain Employees, Occupational Photo by Jim Dougherty, Sierra Club chemicals posed to the nation's capital if targeted by Safety and Health Adminis- A tanker car with hazardous chlorine gas passes four blocks from the U.S. Capitol. terrorists. tration and Kevin Kamps of Inset shows hazard warning enlarged.

Not Just a Tree City – But a City of Large Trees

By Brett Linkletter we are in danger of losing a considerable amount of upper A study done by Greg McPherson of the Center for City Arborist tree canopy for future generations. Urban Forest Research, USDA Forest Service, states I have heard and read of many reasons why people do that “on average, mature large trees deliver an annual A recent study from the Center for Urban Forest Re- not want large trees in their yard. The most common one net benefit two to six times greater than mature small search, USDA Forest Service, found that across the United I have heard here in Takoma Park the last three years has trees.” For example, whereas a small tree might provide States large landscape trees, such as oaks, beeches, sy- been that citizens are afraid the trees will fall. People have a community with benefits totaling $270 dollars during camores and elms are being replaced with smaller, more remarked that because of storms, the large size of the trees, its lifetime (estimated at 60 years), a large tree is likely decorative species of trees such as crape myrtles, dog- and seeing neighbors’ trees fall, they are afraid that trees to provide a community with benefits totaling $4,440 on their property will break or up-root and fall on their over the course of its life span (estimated at 120 years). houses. Other reasons given for wanting to plant smaller This table illustrates his findings. flowering and ornamental trees are: they are perceived to be more beautiful, citi- Large Tree Medium Tree Small Tree zens can get more immedi- Total Benefits/year $55 $33 $23 ate gratification, they are Total Costs/year $18 $17 $14 easier to see because they Net Benefits/year $37 $16 $9 are shorter, and they are Life Expectancy 120 years 60 years 30 years cheaper to maintain. Also, Lifetime Benefits $6,600 $1,980 $690 large trees are perceived to Lifetime Costs $2,160 $1,020 $420 cause more infrastructure Value to Community $4,440 $960 $270 damage in the City. Na- tionally, there is a trend to construct larger buildings on smaller plots of land, Granted, there are a few instances where a large which makes it difficult or impossible to plant large tree is not an appropriate choice, such as beneath landscape trees further exacerbating the problem. utility lines, in very small lots, and next to building Many of these reasons for planting smaller species, as foundations and other infrastructure. But it is impor- opposed to planting large species, have validity. How- tant to take the long view and look at the benefits over ever, the benefits of planting large trees are easy to over- time of large tree species and what the large trees can look, and often require looking at practical concerns, and do monetarily, aesthetically and psychologically. looking at the long view. Large trees: When citizens in Takoma Park are planting trees 1. Lower energy costs associated with heating and because of a permit requirement, they are required to cooling one’s home replace the tree with another species of equal or 2. Improve air quality greater shade potential. This helps, but more large 3. Absorb harmful carbon dioxide species need to be planted outside of permit require- 4. Minimize storm water runoff by intercepting water ments to successfully maintain overall canopy cover. 5. Reduce erosion Photo by Clyde Lassell For its part, the City of Takoma Park is committed to 6. Extend the life of streets by shading them from the Large shade trees, with a tree removal notice, lower right finding new public property areas to plant trees and heat of the sun planting large species whenever the space can ac- 7. Provide wildlife habitat commodate them. woods, red buds and Japanese maples. This phenom- 8. Increase property values What we in Takoma Park are in danger of is losing enon seems to be happening in Takoma Park as well. Recent studies have also shown some non-quantifiable a noticeable amount of canopy cover in the City over When you look around the City you can see plenty of large, benefits to large trees in communities, such as minimizing tall species of trees, but what you don’t see is many of these stress in humans (and probably animals too), reducing the long term if we don’t start planting and nurturing same species in earlier stages of life. If this trend continues, crime, and enhancing commerce. larger tree species.