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Welcome to the new WACO list
Welcome YAHOO WACO list migrants! By consensus we decided to move to the IO platform, at least for now, since YAHOO will be ending its group service soon. There are features here to explore and utilize if we wish. I¡¯m as much a newcomer to the site as most of you, so feel free explore, try out new features and report back to the group. This is, still, the Westmoreland Area Community Organization email discussion list It is a discussion list for the residents of the Westmoreland Area Community Organization (WACO) neighborhood, Takoma Park, Maryland. Please recommend the list to your neighbors. LIST GUIDELINES We follow the guidelines and statement of purpose set forth at the beginning by then-president of the Westmoreland Area Community Organization Arthur Karpas. The current president is Bruce Moyer. __________________________________________________________ Hello neighbors, I hope this listserv works to bring our neighborhood closer together. Here we can ask for and offer services, loan and borrow tools, books, and all sorts of stuff. We can discuss common concerns, plan group parties, ask neighbors to watch our houses while we are away on vacation. We can set up child care cooperatives, find apartments and sublets. Let's do it! --Arthur Karpas July 7, 2001 __________________________________________________________ Also some reminders and additional guidelines: Please keep your messages civil, even if you are in disagreement with someone else. Remember that if you reply to a list message, you are not sending a private message to that person, everyone will read it. Please do not "cross-post" material written by another person without that person's permission - this includes posting a message from this list to another list or posting a personal note to you. Thank you all! You make this a good community by participating! --Bill Brown, Moderator
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Unwelcome changes proposed for Maryland Invasive Species Legislation
Hey folks, I've been trying to eradicate English Ivy, goutweed, porcelainberry, winged burningbush, white mulberry, and several other invasive plants on my tiny plot alone, and many of these plants are still being sold in nurseries. The below advocacy call to action could help address the introduction of more of these plants. Please consider helping with this. The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) proposes to increase the grace period - by as much as three years - during which nurseries and other suppliers can continue to sell invasive plant species, once the plants have been placed on the state prohibited list. Friends of Native Trees in Takoma (FONTT) will send the comments, pasted at the end of this email, expressing opposition to the proposed changes in the legislation. Please express your opposition to these changes by either sending your name and address to friendsofnativetreesintakoma@... to be added as a signatory on an email containing the comments below (June 14th deadline), or writing to MDA yourself. Information on whom to write at MDA is in the comments below. For information on the harm that invasive species do to our environment, click here. Comments to be sent to MDA Kimberly Rice Program Manager for Plant Protection & Weed Management Maryland Department of Agriculture kimberly.rice@... cc: Kevin Atticks Secretary of Agriculture, MDA kevin.atticks@... Rachael Jones Director of Legislation and Government Relations, MDA Rachel.jones2@... RE: Comments on HB979/SB915 Biodiversity and Agriculture Protection Act Ms. Rice, We would like to comment on proposed changes in the phase-out period for prohibited invasives species as given in Regulation 15.06.04.06.B. Phase Out Periods, (1) and (2), HB979/SB915 Biodiversity and Agriculture Protection Act. The proposed changes would increase the grace period for getting rid of prohibited species, once they are added to the Prohibited Invasive Plant list. ¡¤ Section 1 would increase this grace period to two years from one year for all prohibited species, except woody invasive plants in the ground. ¡¤ Section 2 would increase the grace period to five years from two years for woody invasive plants in the ground. We object to these changes as causing unnecessary additional harm to Maryland¡¯s environment. This legislation passed in 2022. Nurseries and other growers have had plenty of time to draw down their stocks and find alternatives. We therefore ask you to leave unchanged the language regarding phaseout periods. We are members and supporters of Friends of Native Trees in Takoma, which brought to our attention your proposals. Sincerely, Names and addresses of signatories to be added in this format: Susie Quigley, 101 Caroline Ave., Takoma Park MD 20912
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New leaf blower enforcement
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Roger (and copying our WACO list),? With just one month until Takoma Park¡¯s ban on gas powered leaf blowers goes into effect, I think the City Council ¡ª and mostly TPPD ¡ª would be well advised to think through how they are going to handle violations, which I suspect will be numerous, at least for a while. The relevant ordinance, as revised in March. 2024, notes that TPPD can issue a ¡°municipal infraction citation¡± for violators if two citizens file a formal complaint, with photographic evidence ¡ª a cumbersome process that at best takes a couple of weeks for the city to handle. Short of that, and more realistically for day-to-day violations, TPPD can give a ¡°notice of violation and correction¡± ¡ª but nothing in the ordinance says how the police will use this legal tool or respond to neighbor-generated complaints. Timely responses will be critical if we are to be serious about enforcement, which means officers need to be familiar with the new ordinance and be willing and able to act quickly and decisively when notified of an issue. (By ¡°decisively¡± I mean no, you cannot ¡°just finish this yard this time¡±. You need to stop. Right now.). To facilitate such spinal strength, the city should better advertise the pending deadline (I¡¯ve seen just one small notice somewhere) and, ideally, send emails to all lawn care companies known to operate in the area as well as to all homeowners (live-in and remote landlords) reminding them to be sure they and their yard services are aware of the change. Can you help clarify TPPD rules of engagement and spur some messaging over the next four weeks? Rick on Pine
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Historic Takoma Newsletter - June 2025
Arthur _______________ Begin forwarded message: From: Historic Takoma <info@...> Subject: Historic Takoma Newsletter - June 2025 Date: June 2, 2025 at 8:29:48 AM EDT To: <karpasa@...> Reply-To: Historic Takoma <info@...> View this email in your browserIn this issue.... Upcoming Events From the Archives Did You Know? Explore Historic Takoma Projects Support Historic TakomaHistoric Takoma Newsletter - June 2025 Historic Takoma House & Garden Tour "The Charm of North Takoma" Sunday, June 8, 1:00-5:00 PMJoin us for the self-guided tour and spend the afternoon exploring 10 houses in the North Takoma neighborhood. Tickets are $30, and are available for purchase online here. Tickets can also be purchased on day of tour (by cash, check or credit card) at the corner of Belle Ziegler Park located at Albany & Buffalo Avenues. More details here. Also, stop by Historic Takoma's storefront window exhibit to learn more about the architectural styles you will see on the tour.A Short History of North Takoma In late 1891 Benjamin Franklin Gilbert undertook what was to be his final venture in Takoma Park real estate - North Takoma. This year¡¯s tour explores some of the varied houses in that Takoma Park neighborhood. Gilbert¡¯s original 1883 subdivision, along with subsequent purchases to the east and south, became the Town of Takoma Park in 1890, with Gilbert elected as the first mayor. He and his associates created the Takoma Park Loan and Trust Company in late 1891, purchased lands from the Blair family, and created the North Takoma subdivision.These lands were outside of the corporate limits of the Town of Takoma Park. Unlike the tree street names used in Gilbert¡¯s earlier subdivisions the streets here took the names of cities, often from Gilbert¡¯s native New York. The principal feature of the new subdivision was a sprawling hotel, known as the Takoma Hotel, which was occupied by residents and guests. A train platform across Takoma Avenue on the B&O Railroad served the hotel.In 1892 Gilbert resigned as mayor and moved into the hotel. Early houses were built on Baltimore, New York, Buffalo, Albany and other avenues. Some of these are on this year¡¯s tour, including the one built and occupied by Gilbert¡¯s brother, Edgar, at 517 Albany. Gilbert fell victim to the Financial Panic of 1893. By 1894 his properties in North Takoma and throughout Takoma Park faced foreclosure by his lenders. However, the community of North Takoma continued to grow. In 1896 North Takoma was incorporated into the town of Takoma Park. The hotel struggled under a series of managements for a few years before being sold to the Bliss Electrical School in 1907. Today it is the site of Montgomery College. The original park across from the hotel became the town's Washington Park, later Jequie Park, and now Belle Ziegler Park. In the 1930s Philadelphia Avenue was extended to cross what is now Piney Branch Road, making North Takoma more accessible to the rest of Takoma Park. Today's county park at the corner of Chicago Avenue and Philadelphia Avenue was the original site of the Takoma Silver Spring High School (image above), but was later closed after Montgomery Blair High School was built.A memorial to Gilbert was installed in Upper Portal Park (corner of Piney Branch Road and Takoma Avenue) in the 1920s. See image at left. Today¡¯s North Takoma neighborhood contains a wide mix of houses, dating from the late 19th century to the first decades of the 20th century. Enjoy touring the houses on this year¡¯s tour and exploring the rest of the area. Historic Takoma Night at SS-TP Thunderbolts Friday, June 13 at 7:00 PMThe Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts baseball club is celebrating its 25th anniversary year. Join us on the evening of June 13 for Historic Takoma Baseball Night. Sign up in advance for free adult tickets (no admission fee for children). Check in at the gate at Blair High School Stadium, 51 University Avenue East, Silver Spring. Game time is 7:00 PM. See you there! Heritage Montgomery Annual Heritage Days Saturday & Sunday, June 29-30 Historic Takoma is one of 30 hist
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Yard waste pickup
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Surprised it hasn¡¯t happened yet today. Anyone have some relevant intel? Rick on Pine
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Slide projector borrowed!
Thanks so much to the many who reached out privately to offer me their slide projector! We have some great neighbors! Jeff at 51 walnut.
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iPhone found at Hickory/Montgomery
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Hi there, My partner found a phone on the sidewalk on Hickory near Montgomery with a distinctive lock screen with some cats on it. If this is your phone, please email me at efrojas@... or call/text me at 626-664-1492. I'm out for the night but can leave it in a secure location for you to easily pick it up. Best, Eric
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Slide projector?
Does anybody have a carousel-type slide projector they would be able to lend and/or wish to give/barter/sell? I have lots of arugula! Jeff at 51 walnut.
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Takoma Pride events start at 9:30 this morning; Parade at 10 on Carroll Avenue
Good morning Ward 3 neighbors, Just a quick reminder and invitation to participate or show solidarity with today's Takoma Pride events. - You can be part of the Parade -- organizing and sign-making start at 9:30 at the Co-op. - You can watch the Parade -- marching along Carroll Avenue at 10 am and ending at the Streatery at 10:30 am. Featured participants include the OUT Riders Women's Motorcycle Club, the Takoma Park Rainbow Club, and members of the Free State Roller Derby. - You can enjoy the Pride Street Fair on Laurel Avenue from 10 am to 2 pm - vendors, ice cream and sweets, face-painting, chalking, and an art installation. I'll be up at the Co-op at 9:30 to say hello to guest of honor Tara Hoot and other parade participants. Best regards, Roger -- Roger Schlegel City Council Member, Ward Three 7500 Maple Avenue Takoma Park, MD 20912 Email: RogerS@... Phone: 240-997-3041 Please note that all City emails can potentially be public.
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[PEN] Wonderful Child's Bed. - Free
? Tom. Would you please post this for me to Ward 3? From: "frances.phipps@... Good for ages 3 to 7 +/-. Dimensions: length- 66". Width - 30". Height of head board - 31. Includes sturdy slats, mattress and fitted sheet. Disassembled. Ready to move. Contact me directly please at frances.phipps@.... Frances Holly Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
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Gift for Toddler
Hi Neighbors, Our friends¡¯ son is turning 3. For all past birthdays/holidays, we¡¯ve relied on free presents that people have left on the sidewalk. We would like to continue this sustainable trend, but unfortunately the streets have not provided this year. Does anyone have something that maybe a child has outgrown that would be suitable for a 3-year old? Thanks in advance!! Best, Amy + Brenden 7001 Westmoreland
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REMINDER: Friday Happy Hour (5-7 PM) & Saturday Walking Tour (4-5 PM)
Arthur _______________ Begin forwarded message: From: diana@... Subject: REMINDER: Friday Happy Hour (5-7 PM) & Saturday Walking Tour (4-5 PM) Date: May 28, 2025 at 4:34:29 PM EDT To: karpasa@..., fred@..., mbo6@... Could you please share these weekend events with your listserv? Thanks. ================= Historic Takoma invites you to two events this weekend. Friday, May 30, 5:00-7:00 PM Historic Takoma Happy Hour 7328 Carroll Avenue Join us for wine and conversation about the history of Takoma Park. Tickets for June 8 House and Garden Tour available for purchase. Saturday, May 31, 4:00-5:00 PM Walking Tour of Old Takoma Meet at the corner of Cedar and Carroll Streets NW (rain or shine), for an hour-long stroll around early parts of Takoma Park, led by Historic Takoma board member Richard O'Connor. No fee but donations to Historic Takoma are appreciated. Diana Kohn for Historic Takoma Diana Kohn for Historic Takoma
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REMINDER: Friday Happy Hour (5-7 pm), Saturday Walking Tour (4 pm)
Friends, Please see this message from Historic Takoma Arthur _______________ Begin forwarded message: From: Historic Takoma <info@...> Subject: REMINDER: Friday Happy Hour (5-7 pm), Saturday Walking Tour (4 pm) Date: May 28, 2025 at 2:24:50 PM EDT To: <karpasa@...> Reply-To: Historic Takoma <info@...> View this email in your browserHAPPY HOUR REMINDER Friday, May 30 from 5-7 PM Tickets for the June 8 House and Garden Tour will be available for purchase. For more details, visit House and Garden Tour, here. --ALSO--OLD TAKOMA WALKING TOUR REMINDER Saturday, May 31 from 4-5 PM Copyright ? 2025 Historic Takoma, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email as a member of Historic Takoma. *|FOWARD|* Our mailing address is: Historic Takoma 7328 Carroll Avenue, Takoma Park, MDTakoma Park, MD 20912 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.
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Strong wire cutter
Hi all, I¡¯m looking to remove half of a chain-link fence. If anyone has a strong wire cutter to loan that would be much appreciated. Thanks, Nick on Westmoreland
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FiOS customers
Has anyone else noticed that their FiOS drops around 9:45/9:50 at night? It's happened the past couple of nights. I reset everything, did not help.
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A Backyard Oasis Rises from Covid Confinement
Hey Waco neighbors, Dana and I inherited quite the landscape, and are working to make it mostly native, but one things I have yet to do is transform an entire place from lawn to native plants. Sally Ours did exactly that, and you can learn about here work here: "A Takoma Park couple turned pandemic seclusion into an opportunity to replace invasive plants with native species, creating a comfortable sanctuary full of color and life. Details are found in the latest Takoma Natives blog from Friends of Native Trees in Takoma (FONTT). "
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Corrected link for Takoma Metro development
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Hello Ward 3 neighbors, My last update had a non-working link. Thanks to Nancy Welch, who tracked down this proper working link for the development that WMATA has approved at Takoma Metro: https://takomastationdevelopment.com/ Roger -- Roger Schlegel City Council Member, Ward Three 7500 Maple Avenue Takoma Park, MD 20912 Email: RogerS@... Phone: 240-997-3041 Please note that all City emails can potentially be public.
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Baby raccoon
Hi - we have a baby raccoon that fell off our roof and is in our yard at 6600 Allegheny. It is very pitiful and loud. We are trying to give it space so its mom comes to get it tonight. Please keep your dogs away from our yard in the meantime. Thanks, Laura
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NO KINGS Takoma Park, June 14
I'm not advocating for any political position, just want folks to know this is happening. Charlotte on Lincoln Charlotte Schoeneman Earthclot Design & Go Mom Go M: 301.270.1801 GVoice & WhatsApp: 240.350.1482 ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Takoma Park Mobilization <info@...> Date: Sun, May 25, 2025 at 3:31 PM Subject: NO KINGS Takoma Park, June 14 To: <cs@...> NO KINGS Takoma Park, June 14, 2025, 12 noon-2 pm NO KINGS is a national day of action and mass mobilization in response to increasing authoritarian excesses and corruption from Trump and his allies. Register here for NO KINGS Takoma Park: https://mobilize.us/s/C4Jy8Y When: Saturday, June 14, 2025, 12 noon to 2 pm. Where to meet: Takoma Park Library (temporary location) at 7505 New Hampshire Ave. (Hampshire Place shopping center). Bathrooms will be available at the Takoma Park Library¡¯s temporary location in Hampshire Place shopping center. We will line up on both sides of New Hampshire Avenue between Merwood Drive and Holton Lane. This is a sunny location. Bring water, and wear sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing. Public transportation: Many bus routes stop at New Hampshire Avenue at Merwood Drive. Where to park: Park in Hampshire Place Shopping Center, or on the access road on the west side of New Hampshire Avenue, or on neighborhood side streets near Merwood Drive. Do not park at IHOP, the motels next door, or the Takoma Park Rec Center. Buses run frequently along New Hampshire Avenue. How to Prepare: Bring signs or props ¡ú Make your message visible! (Ideas: ¡°NO KINGS IN AMERICA!¡±, ¡°THE PEOPLE UNITED¡±, ¡°NOT YOUR PIGGYBANK!¡±) Recruit friends ¡ú The more people, the more power. Record everything ¡ú Post photos/videos with #NoKings Sent via ActionNetwork.org. To update your email address, change your name or address, or to stop receiving emails from Takoma Park Mobilization, please click here.
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