Takoma DC Neighborhood Association, Inc.  – General Membership Meeting

October 23, 2007 at 7:30 PM  Promised Land Baptist Church

1. Welcome – Paul Schwartz

2. Reviewed and approved agenda

3. Introductions.  Those attending introduced themselves.

4. Election.  Paul stated that pursuant to TDCNA by-laws, the board should have notified the members in writing as to the election slate.  Because we failed to do that, the elections have been postponed until the November 27 general membership meeting. 

5. Special Guests.

a. Stacy Mills – Stacy stated that she wanted to discuss who we are as a community, but various city agencies did not provide needed statistical information. She introduced the special guests and mentioned the master plan for the Recreation Center.  Paul noted that a strategy session is planned for November 3.  Contact information: 202-291-2055; svmills@aol.com.

b. Sandra Ratlif – DPR. Ms. Ratlif stated that there have been several changes and that there is a new DPR Director, Clark Ray. She said that there is “room for improvement” and that the Center needs more staff.   Contact information:  Not provided.

c. Sylvia Gwathmey (Miss G.)- Site manager for the Rec Center. Miss G stated that the staff “thinks outside the box.”  The facility is small, but still trying to respond to the needs of a diverse community.  For example, the weight room is open early in the morning, and is accessible by an access card for safety.  The center is not a “senior site,” but they have senior chair exercises, a dance class, field trips, walking and computer classes. They have numerous fitness classes, such as aerobics, yoga, and afterschool programs including tutoring and children’s tennis.  They also host girls’ initiatives, such as workshops, outings, and “Girls on the Rise.” They host a Trinidad culture day, and are home to teen clubs, with 500 teens every Saturday, including pom-pom teams. They also have 2 teams of tackle football. Their karate class attracts 40+ people. Contact Information: 202-576-7114 (voicemail); 202-576-7068 (lobby- no messages); 202-576-9534.

d. Sean Link – Aquatics. Mr. Link has been with the center for over one year.  He said that the hours are 6AM-9PM Monday- Friday and 9AM-5PM on Saturday and Sunday. He summarized the diverse programs held at the center such as: senior classes; lifeguard academy; competitive swimming; youth, masters and senior swimming; Coolidge programs; and Whittier after-school programs.  He stated that the community is ethnically and age diverse, including hosting a water-polo tournament which attracts gay and lesbian athletes. He stated that people from Maryland and Virginia use the center, providing needed revenue.   Contact information: 202-576-9285; Cell – 202-489-1878; sean.link@dc.gov.

e. Cecilia Washington – Rec Center Assistant. Contact information: Cecilia.washington@dc.gov.

f. Alonzo Holloway – DPR Outreach. He stated that he works with youth ages 9-21. They have one-on-one meetings and home visits.  From 2:30PM – 4PM he walks with youth to the metro.  He also attends high school football games and works with 2 staff at Coolidge. They help with summer jobs. Contact information: 202-673-6843; Alonzo.holloway@dc.gov.

g. Salanda Thomas – Chair, Advisory Council. Contact information: salanda19@aol.com.

6. Discussion.

a. Alice Giancola asked about programs with Takoma Elementary and Mr. Link stated that there is no contact with the center.  She also asked if program information is on the web and Ms. Ratlif said yes and stated that there is a brochure with information. Rich Holzager stated that he will link Rec Center information on the takomadc.org website.

b. Paul stated that the TDCNA picnic, which took place at the Rec Center, was a big success with the help of Miss G and other staff.

c. Sean Gough said that he used to work at DPR and that Ms. Ratlif gave him his first job and is still a mentor.

d. Dodie Butler stressed the need for communication through neighborhood networks and the newsletter.

e. Terry Goings (Coolidge PTSO) stated that the track is done.  The plan is for community based use 24 hours a day, but school only from 8:45AM – 4PM. He welcomes an open dialogue on this. 

f. Julie Schor stated that she hasn’t used the Rec Center, but agreed on the need for a master plan to make sure we are maximizing resources. 

g. Paul stated that stakeholders should partner with DPR.  This promises to be a long and complex discussion.  He stated that TDCNA has worked with the Friends of the Takoma Recreation Center, and that TDCNA VP Luke Turner is a member of the Friends. 

7. Announcements.

a. On November 27, TDCNA will host Mayor Fenty at the general membership meeting.  Paul will provide Sean with questions for the Mayor.

b. Dodie Butler called for news and other items for the newsletter. Contact information: dodiebutler@yahoo.com. She also asked if anyone knows the needs of the family residing in the 6700 block of Piney Branch whose 2-year old child was killed in a recent car crash.  Sean and Faith Wheeler will follow up.

c. Terry Goings stated that the Coolidge restructuring plan is due and urged those in attendance to tell LSRT members what you want.

d. Rich Holzager mentioned the upcoming ANC4B meeting on 10/25 at Lamond.

Attendance: 30+ people

Meeting adjourned at 9:05 pm.