Weekly Status & Information Report: July 20 - July 24, 2009 1. Y.E.S. League Playoffs: Want to see some serious basketball action? Then next week is your chance! The Y.E.S. League Playoffs take place on Tuesday, July 28, and Wednesday, July 29. Don’t miss a minute of the action – games start at 6:30 p.m., at the Piney Branch Elementary School Gym. Winners of the playoffs go on to play in the championship game held the following week.
(Recreation)
2. Dribble and Shoot Basketball Camp: The Dribble and Shoot Basketball Camp is designed with the individual player in mind. The level of instruction will be adjusted to fit the individual needs of each child through an outstanding group of coaches selected for their ability to teach the game. This camp (for ages 6 to 12) will help you develop the basic skills needed to prepare you for the next level of play. Emphasis is placed on the fundamentals of basketball. The camp is scheduled for August 10 – 14, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Takoma Park Recreation Center (7315 New Hampshire Avenue.) Cost: $110/week. On-line registrations at: activenet.active.com/takomaparkrecreation (use your credit card.) (Recreation) 3. Mentoring Program: The MANUP mentoring program continues every Tuesday. In addition to the male mentors, a female segment has been added. The ladies organized a meet and greet with a jewelry making theme, which was successful. The females will also have their sessions on Tuesday evenings. Both groups of mentors and participants will be visiting the Black Wax Museum in Baltimore this upcoming Saturday followed by a stroll to the Baltimore Harbor.
(Recreation)
4. Pre-Teen Tuesdays: The Pre-Teen Tuesdays, which started in the beginning of July, have allowed an enjoyable day just for kids between the ages of 10-12. This past week they went to the Gaithersburg Water park and they are definitely looking forward to going ice skating in the middle of summer. The Preteen Tuesdays will take place until the end of August. For more information, please contact Faye Wright at 301-891-7283. (Recreation) 5. The Backpack Squad: The Takoma Park teens did such a good job at organizing the school donations for the Interfaith Clothing Center in April that the Center has requested the teens to be the official "Backpack Squad.” Every Wednesday, the teens will be escorted to the Interfaith Clothing Center to sort, tally and distribute the school donations. This project will take place until all supplies are distributed. Approved SSL hours will be given to all participants. Any teens interested in participating can contact Faye Wright at 301-891-7283.
(Recreation)
6. Summerquest Campfire: The Library will host its fourth annual SummerQuest “campfire” on Monday, July 27 at 7 p.m. As usual, we’ll begin with a craft or two, then gather around our “campfire” to sing songs and hear a couple of stories. Participants will head home with the makings for s’mores. All materials will be provided, thanks to the Friends of the Takoma Park Maryland Library. Registration is required to make sure we have enough materials for all. To register, go to: www.takomapark.info/library/registration.htmlor call us at 301-891-7259. (Library) 7. The Reading Group: Join us Thursday, July 30 at 7:30 p.m. for a Friends Reading Group discussion of “The White Hotel” by D.M. Thomas in the Rose Room of the Community Center. The Reading Group is supported by the Friends of the Library. All are welcome. (Library) 8. Traveling Players Ensemble: On July 16, the Traveling Players Ensemble, sponsored by the Library, presented a special adaptation of Moliere’s “The Bourgeois Gentleman..” Based in Virginia, this traveling summer camp of talented middle school students has been called “…a little-known summer gem for the budding actor” by the Washington Post. During an informal Q and A session following the performance, the actors discussed their commitment to acting, their involvement with the play and their love for the camp experience. The have promised to return to perform in Takoma Park next summer! (Library) 9. An Award-Winning Librarian: Children’s Librarian Karen MacPherson and middle school student Alanna Natanson attended the American Library Association conference in Chicago, accompanied by Library Director Ellen Robbins. MacPherson and Natanson were presented with the Immroth Award for initiating the Banned Book Club at the Library. (Library) 10. In Honor of Michael Morrissey: On July 20, the City Council passed a special resolution authorizing the naming of the Library’s Children’s Room after Michael Morrissey. The next charity golf tournament in honor of former resident Morrissey will be held September 26th. Those interested in participating or sponsoring players should contact Ellen Robbins at the Library. A portion of all proceeds will go to the Friends for gifts to the Library. (Library) 11. Calling for Volunteers: The CSAFE Program is looking for volunteers to help pass out crime prevention information, set-up and clean-up tables and chairs, distribute food and assist with activities for children for their annual National Night Out event in the Takoma Langley Crossroads! If you would like to help, please contact CSAFE staff at 301-439-0972. The event will be on Tuesday, August 4, 5:30 p.m. -8:30 p.m. (volunteers start at 4:00 p.m.) at 8011 New Hampshire Avenue, near McDonalds. (Police)
12. Officers in Training: - On July 22 and 23, Capt. Edward Coursey attended CompStat training in Sykesville. - On July 24, Lt. Richard Cipperly and Sgt. Tina Smith attended training entitled “Best Practices and Approaches” in College Park. (Police) 13. Traffic Enforcement: Officers conducted at least 93 traffic stops, which resulted in citations, and four vehicle impounds.
During July 17-23, 2009, the following details were completed:
July 17, 2009 - 7000 block of New Hampshire Avenue (equipment enforcement) - conducted a 60-minute detail and issued three Safety Equipment Repair Orders (SEROs). - 1000-1100 block of University Boulevard (speeding) - conducted a 2½-hour detail and issued six state citations for speed and six other state citations. July 18, 2009 - 1000 block of East West Highway (speeding) - conducted a 60-minute detail and issued three state citations for speed and two other state citations. - Anne Street at Hammond Avenue (stop sign enforcement) - conducted a 60minute detail and issued five state citations and two warnings. July 19, 2009 - 1000 block of East West Highway (speeding) - conducted a 60-minute detail and issued two state citations for speed and one other state citation. - 1000 block of University Boulevard (speeding) - conducted a 60-minute detail and issued one state citation for speed and one other state citation. - 7000-7300 block of New Hampshire Avenue (speeding) - conducted a 60minute detail and issued two state citations for speed and two other state citations. - New Hampshire Avenue and Sligo Creek Parkway (speeding) - conducted a 60minute detail and issued five state citations for speed and five other state citations. July 21, 2009 - 8600 block of Flower Avenue (various violations) - conducted a 60-minute detail and issued three Safety Equipment Repair Orders (SEROs). July 23, 2009 - Flower Avenue and Carroll Avenue (various violations) - conducted a 60minute detail and issued four state citations.