Takoma DC Neighborhood Association, Inc.  – General Membership Meeting

January 22, 2008 at 7:30 PM  Promised Land Baptist Church

 

1.                   Welcome & Introductions – Paul Schwartz

 

2.                   Reviewed and approved tonight’s agenda and minutes from 11/27/07 meeting.

 

3.                   Special Guests – Comments, followed by discussion.

a.       Ms. Gina Douglas, Friends of the Takoma Recreation Center – Ms. Douglas stated that the soccer program, which the Friends started 11 years ago, is going well. They got a $25,000 grant for playground equipment.  The Friends group has a good relationship with the Department of Parks & Recreation.  The annual Black History Swim Meet, now in its 22nd year, is scheduled for February 16 and 17. More than 600 swimmers are expected to attend.  She also mentioned a Community Meeting, scheduled for February 4 from 7pm to 8:30pm at the Takoma Community Center.  Email: ginadouglas@starpower.net.

b.       Mr. Luke Turner – VP of the Friends of the Takoma Recreation Center.

c.       Mr. Don Elbuch – Manager, Takoma Community Center. He stated that there is a winter guide which lists all classes and activities at the center. There is on-site registration and many after school programs. Rick Holzsager, TDCNA Board, offered to put information on the TDCNA web page, TDCNA.org.  

d.       Mr. Sean Link – Facilities manager of the pool at the Recreation Center.  Signe Nelson asked about busses idling and dropping kids off on Third Street.  Mr. Link stated that this is under discussion and more staff are needed outside. Mr. Link summarized the schedules for senior and student swim classes, stating that there is a vibrant senior program with 65 people.  In response to a question about problems with the air conditioning, he stated that there have been major problems with the heating/HVAC systems.  The facility may have to be shut down for one or two weeks for repair.  Contact info: Sean.Link@dc.gov, cell 202-489-1878, office 202-576-9285. Assistant Cecilia Washington, Cecilia.washington@dc.gov.  

e.       Ms. Karen Richburg – Assistant Manager, Takoma Aquatic. Ms. Richburg gives swim lessons to seniors and teaches aerobics.  Email: Karen.Richburg@dc.gov.

f.        Ms. Stacy Mills – TDCNA Board Member and coordinator of the strategic planning process.  Ms. Mills stated that there is a draft letter regarding pool repairs.  She is facilitating the strategic planning process, a three year plan to bring together key people involved with the Rec Center to set priorities and implement a plan for the center. 

g.       Officer Heather Straker – PSA 402. Officer Straker distributed the January PSA 402 Reports Newsletter and discussed recent crimes. Young Artist on the Rise event – 4/19/08 at the Rec Center.  Upcoming PSA Meetings, third Wednesday of every month: 2/20, 3/19, 4/16, 5/21, and 6/18.   Contact info: 202-715-7411, heather.straker@dc.gov. 

h.       Lieutenant Jimmie Riley discussed a serious of robberies targeting Asian businesses, particularly Asian delivery people.  A meeting is scheduled for January 23rd with Asian community leaders.   Phone: 202-730-0604.  Email: Jimmie.Riley@dc.gov.

i.         Ms. Lisa Adams – Constituent services coordinator in the office of Council Member Muriel Bowser. Ms. Adams distributed the 1/18/08 issue of News from Muriel.  Phone: 202-724-8052. Email: ladams@dccouncil.us.

j.         Ms. Kamili Anderson – President of Brightwood Neighborhood Association since October 2007. Their focus has been – addressing the by-laws and 501c3 status, blight and development, crime and safety (including better lighting and starting a neighborhood patrol), senior and youth activities, pet (dog) friendliness, and ginkgo trees. They host numerous events, including a May 5K run in Rock Creek Park, Fort Stevens cleanup, Brightwood Historic Trail cleanup, and a Rock Creek golf tournament.  Cleanups have taken place with the cooperation of the Department of Parks & Recreation.  Many members are in their 50s and 60s, and they are working on engaging more young people. Meetings take place on the second Tuesday of each month.  Phone: 202-355-3695.  Email: President@brightwooddc.com.

k.       Mr. Chris Turner, President of Neighbors Inc., announced the Annual Valentine’s Dance, scheduled for February 2 from 8:30pm to midnight.

l.         Mr. Baruti Jahi – Past President, Shepard Park Citizens Association and candidate for City Council (Ward 4). Mr. Jahi stated that the association has had many successes, such as on speeding and traffic issues.  Working with the Department of Transportation, they got speed trailers on 16th Street, which ticketed speeding drivers.  They have an active Orange Hat group each week that has two shifts, 7-9pm and 9-11pm.  An officer accompanies citizens on the walks.  They also have a new neighbor program, through which welcome packets including information on local businesses and freebies are distributed to new residents. Phone: 202-904-7307. Email: bjahi@aol.com.

m.     ANC Commissioner Sara Green, also secretary of Safe Takoma. Paul Schwartz noted that TDCNA helped with the Safe Takoma DC and Maryland grants.  Green stated that Safe Takoma got its 501c3 status and is continuing its strong relationship with TDCNA. Safe Takoma is hosting a conflict resolution program taking place on February 29-March 2, with a session for trainers on March 7-9. She encouraged everyone, especially students, to get involved.    Email: ancsaragreen@yahoo.com.

n.       ANC Commissioner Faith Wheeler, also Vice Chair of Safe Takoma. Wheeler discussed the free whistle program and handed out a flyer. Wheeler also stated that Council Member Bowser and members of the Mayor’s Core Team are taking part in a community walk through on January 28, meeting at 9:30am at the Takoma metro. She encouraged residents to contact her regarding issues of concern.  Phones: 202-829-802, 202-882-7565. Email: fewdcc@gmail.com.

o.       Mr. Paul Schwartz, President of TDCNA, summarized our priorities, including the need for more Orange Hat walkers, support for the library, the newsletter (which is on hiatus), a June community picnic, a summer election forum, and reaching out to residents of multi-unit dwellings.  Phone: 202-882-4351. Emails: President@tdcna.org, paul1959421@yahoo.com.

 

4.                   Announcements

a.       The DC Primary will take place on February 12.

b.       TDCNA Meetings: Board meeting February 12 and general meeting February 26.

c.       Beyond Black History Month Concert, Saturday March 1 at 1:00 pm at the Rec Center.  Carolivia Herron is the organizer.

 

Attendance: 30 people

 

Meeting adjourned at 9:30 pm.