Home Care In Takoma Park, MD

TAKOMA PARK, Md. — A giant tree came crashing down on a Takoma Park home on Wednesday.

Montgomery County Fire and EMS received calls at 4 p.m. regarding a large tree had fallen on top of a home. Officials closed down Cedar Avenue between Dogwood Ave. and Philadelphia Ave.

Two people were inside the home when the tree came down. Firefighters helped them safely get out, with no injuries reported. Officials have not said how many people were displaced, but have confirmed several residents were impacted.

Officials say the tree took down utility poles, wires and hit three other houses on its way down. Officials have not released information on the estimated damages or what caused the tree to fall.

Check out pictures of the damages below:

Takoma Park home destroyed by large tree

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MoCo Fire and EMS

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In Takoma Park, Maryland, there’s an old pay phone that has been amusing the neighborhood for years at the corner of Flower and Erie avenues. Passing drivers might wonder why the outdated steel and plastic contraption is there.

A closer inspection reveals some peculiarities. First, the handset is painted yellow and a sign says “Bird Calls Phone.”

And then, “wooo-ooo w-wooo-ooo,” is what you’ll hear when you put the yellow handset to your ear — the distinctive call of the Mourning dove serves as the dial tone.

Press any button on the key pad and you’ll hear different bird calls: the cawing of a crow, the whistling of a Wood thrush or the chatter of the Belted kingfisher. Each bird call is accompanied by an authoritative voice giving the listener not just the identification of the bird but other salient facts.

“This is Washington, D.C.’s official bird … it’s a wood thrush,” the voice intones following the bird’s melodic song.

“It’s cute. Lots of fun bird calls. I see people bring their kids over to listen to it. It’s a fun thing to have in neighborhood for sure,” Takoma Park resident Jess Bieda said.

Bieda said the Bird Calls Phone was up and running when she moved into the neighborhood five years ago.

“Initially, I was surprised that there was a pay phone, so that intrigued me off the bat and I … went right up to it, tried to use it … and then I was greeted by the birds. So [that was] another surprise,” Bieda said.

It turns out the unusual phone is a public arts work, funded by the city of Takoma Park. It gets a lot of attention just outside the doorway of Mansa Kunda — a West African restaurant.

“It’s been known in the neighborhood for a while, because people bring their kids here. And I see babysitters here with the kids that they’re sitting,” Hatib Joof, who owns the restaurant, said.

Takoma Park is a unique city known for its liberal political activism, a self-declared nuclear-free-zone and a longtime supporter of public art.

“It is a place of its own. Takoma Park is one of the places in the U.S. that is very, very diverse … which was one of the reasons why I chose to open the restaurant here,” said Joof, who has been serving up the delicacies of Gambia and Senegal on Flower Avenue for more than five years.

The city has embellished the Bird Phone with banners and a wiry bird sculpture perched on top.

“I love Takoma (Park). I love how … friendly everyone is and … how passionate everyone is about different issues and how many artists and musicians and different creatives are around here. Speaking of art, there used to be a crocheted octopus on the clock tower, which was really fun,” Bieda said.

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The project reflects MHP’s ongoing strategy to preserve and rehabilitate affordable homes along the Purple Line transit corridor.

The ceremony featured remarks by Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, Takoma Park Mayor Talisha Searcy, and other notable speakers. MHP President Robert A. Goldman provided welcoming remarks and served as emcee.

The property consists of 96 units of 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom apartments in brick-framed, three-story buildings. MHP spent more than a year fully renovating this property. With access to transit, major roads, and the Sligo Creek trail, this garden-style property provides residents with tremendous accessibility and quality, modernized, affordable apartment homes.

“We are thrilled at the completion of this project as it fulfills our mission to expand access to quality affordable housing, especially along transit lines,” said MHP President Robert A. Goldman. “Our residents are at the heart of our work, and the new community center provides opportunities for programming and partnerships that will support youth and families.”

With this project, MHP has renovated or replaced all major building systems; plumbing, roofing, windows, insulation, kitchens, baths, and fixtures. With more efficient and modern materials, the building now meets the latest building standards and requirements. MHP added larger units by utilizing and transforming basement space, a critical demand in Montgomery County.

Built in 1934 and formerly known as Hillwood Manor, Colonnade on the Creek had not been adequately maintained or renovated in many years and fell into disrepair. MHP purchased it in 2016 with a plan to undergo a substantial renovation. After raising funds, collaborating with project stakeholders, and overseeing the renovation process, MHP has successfully preserved the property as affordable for the long-term, reserving all apartments for residents making less than 60 percent of area median income.

Located less than one mile from the Purple Line Takoma-Langley station and situated on New Hampshire Ave., the property is accessible to main roads and public transit. It sits adjacent to the scenic Sligo Creek Trail, which connects to the Capital Crescent Trail, providing pedestrian and bike access throughout Takoma Park, Silver Spring, and Washington, D.C.

The convenient location of Colonnade on the Creek offers access to the amenities and job opportunities of Takoma Park and enables connections throughout Montgomery County and beyond. MHP has now developed more than 1,100 homes along the Purple Line transit corridor, preventing displacement of low- and moderate-income residents.

Investment partners for this project include the Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs, State of Maryland Community Development Administration, Bellwether Enterprise, JP Morgan Chase, Freddie Mac, Enterprise Community Partners, NeighborWorks America, National Housing Trust, and City of Takoma Park. Philanthropic partners include Kaiser Permanente, TD Charitable Foundation and Wells Fargo.

About MHP

At MHP, we are dedicated to making home possible. Since 1989, MHP has been preserving and expanding access to quality affordable housing. MHP is a private nonprofit that provides more than 2,800 homes in Montgomery County, MD, and surrounding communities. We accomplish our mission by housing people, empowering families, and strengthening neighborhoods. Learn more at mhpartners.org

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A unique and popular local Halloween event takes place on the front lawn of a married couple’s home in Takoma Park, Maryland — and this is its final year.

For seven years, Alice Weiss and Steven Badt have turned their front lawn into an elaborate stage where they put on an annual free Halloween play for the neighborhood, which hundreds attend.

So many people show up, in fact, the city has to close off the block for the performance.

“We live on this corner and it’s exposed and we wanted to do something more for Halloween,” Weiss said. “This year we have a cast of a dozen kids and parents, and we are putting on a full half-hour play.”

This year’s play is Scooby Doo, set to take place at the corner of Tulip and Cedar Avenue.

Badt, who does most of the set decoration, goes all out when it comes to stage props.

“I spent a year dumpster diving,” Badt said. “People throw out cool stuff, meaning someone throws out their old desk because the leg is broken. Well, it looks more haunted, so it’s perfect for us and it’s free.”

Even though it’s theatre on a front lawn, the actors use wireless mics because when they started out, many people couldn’t hear the dialogue.

“Audio was our biggest expense, but a lot of community people donated to help out,” Badt said.

Of all the aspects that go into making the performances happen, the dedication of neighborhood friends and family is something quite noteworthy to the couple.

Dahlia Badt, who plays Daphne in Scooby Doo, grew up performing in her parents’ play and recruited several friends to start acting with her.

“Every October was dedicated to painting the set, working on lines, designing costumes and I really think it has been a cool experience as a child growing up really getting to embrace my creativity,” Dahlia said.

The young performers along with Dahlia include friends and neighbors Evan and Lucas Rahaim, Sebastiano Brunino, Olivia Brunino, Margherita Brunino and Marilyn Ramsdell, who will play Velma in Scooby Doo.

“It’s a great feeling to see everybody come and see what you have put so much effort into,” Ramsdell said. “It really feels like everything has paid off.”

According to Steven Badt, this year’s performance will be the last.

“We didn’t want to be that sitcom that goes one season too long and everybody goes, ‘Oh, they should have stopped last year.’ We want to go out on a high note,” Badt said.

Takoma Park’s citizens are well known to be passionate about gardening and for their commitment to the environment. The burg is often called Azalea City for the flowering bushes that bloom there in the spring. Located in southeastern Montgomery County, the Maryland side of Takoma Park has hilly roads bordered by Crayola-colored Victorian-style homes. The main gathering place is the historic district, with dozens of independent shops, restaurants and a co-op grocery store. The streetery on Laurel Avenue is a friendly spot to meet for a meal.

As evidenced by the rainbow flags and signs, Takoma Park is passionate about social justice, and the neighborhood has been a sanctuary for Latin American immigrants since the 1960s. The meandering Sligo Creek valley cuts through the neighborhoods, providing a respite from city streets. Begin your visit near the intersection of Carroll and Laurel avenues, where you’ll meet Roscoe the Rooster. The statue is a monument to a free-range fowl who wandered around Takoma Park from 1989 to 1999. The year-round farmers market—which is celebrating 40 years this season—features an array of locally grown seasonal food every Sunday. It’s no wonder that Roscoe, the town’s mascot, is a farm animal.

Events

The Takoma Park Farmers Market is open year-round, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday, at 6931 Laurel Avenue. … Takoma Park also has Crossroads Farmers Market, open on Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., April through November, at the corner of Anne Street and University Boulevard East. The international market represents producers-only vendors from micro-enterprises. …The Takoma Park Street Festival is set for Oct. 1, celebrating 42 years of music, food and craft vendors. Expect 18 local bands, 150 vendors and food trucks spread down Carroll Avenue.

Eat

Mansa Kunda Restaurant offers the spicy goodness of Gambian food. We still dream about the jollof rice with sweet potatoes. Divine desserts include hibiscus and Oreo cookie cakes. 8000 Flower Ave., Takoma Park; mansakunda.com

Sniff

The aroma of freshly baked muffins wafts through the door as you enter Spring Mill Bread Co. One taste of the seven-grain crunch bread or the gluten-free carrot cake and you’ll be hooked for life. 7300 Carroll Ave., Takoma Park; springmillbread.com

Browse

The Tabletop outpost in Takoma Park is just as charming as the original location in Dupont Circle. We love the whimsical gifts, books and kids stuff, especially the patterned Maiku bags, Botanica reed diffusers, and Takoma Park map posters. 6927 Laurel Ave., Takoma Park; tabletopdc.com

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Glow

Enter the magical world of The Covered Market, a boutique filled with hand-painted Turkish pottery, handwoven Ottoman-style boots and kilim bags. 7000 Carroll Ave., Ste. D, Takoma Park; thecoveredmarket.com

Hike

Check out the 1.5 acre, leafy Sligo Creek North Neighborhood Park with a covered picnic area and playground. The park is located on the Sligo Creek Trail, which runs 10.2 miles along a meandering stream valley. Use caution, as the paved trail is used by both walkers and cyclists. Parking: Heather Avenue and Sligo Creek Parkway. montgomeryparks.org

Bite

The tasty small plates at predominantly vegan Seoul Food DC are bursting with intense flavors. We recommend trying the Korean fried “chicken” and sampling the fine craft beer. 7302 Carroll Ave., Takoma Park; seoulfooddc.com

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Shop

TPSS Co-op is a friendly market where Marylanders can find local products, including beer and wine. More than 200 items are sourced from growers and producers in the mid-Atlantic region. Some favorite items: breads from Mastiha Bakery in Rockville, Zeke’s Coffee out of Baltimore, Gunter’s Honey from Virginia, and Takoma Park’s own Civil Tea. 201 Ethan Allen Ave., Takoma Park; tpss.coop

Dress

Since 1998, Amano owners Jeff and Veronica McCandless have supplied the community with clothes and accessories that are comfortable and often sustainable. The store stocks top brands such as Dansko, Baggallini and Habitat. 7034 Carroll Ave., Takoma Park; amanotakoma.com

Caffeinate

Whether you’re in need of coffee or cocktails, Takoma Beverage Co. can satisfy your cravings from morning until night. You’ll feel welcomed at this cafe by the expert baristas at the art deco-style coffee shop, and by the friendly bartenders in the cafe section. 6917 Laurel Ave., Takoma Park;takomabevco.com

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Sip

The Girl & The Vine is a multilevel cafe that also sells wines made by small producers, especially those committed to sustainable growing and manufacturing. After perusing the bins of international, national and mid-Atlantic wines, take a seat on the patio and try the vegan eggplant parm sub, gluten-free crispwich, and house-cut fries. 7071 Carroll Ave., Takoma Park; thegirlandthevine.com

This story appears in the July/August issue of Bethesda Magazine.