Elizabeth Brinkama of Tabletop exemplifies what being a progressive business person is all about. Elizabeth carefully curates Tabletop's modern vibe to reflect the diversity, artistry, and activism that defines Takoma Park with offerings of whimsical gnome tea towels, handcrafted cutting boards, Marimekko-inspired backpacks, RBG vote mugs, and you name it. She is more than a maven with a discerning eye, however. At every opportunity she opens up Tabletop to host clothing drives, toy drives, and drives for school supplies throughout the year, reminding us that the strength of a community is measured by its compassion.

The COVID-19 pandemic was an unlikely time to quit your job to pursue a dream, but that is when David Creekmore took a leap of faith and left his CFO position at a nonprofit to open a financial planning firm, Lifetime Financial, that caters to families in Takoma Park. David also volunteers his time to help lower-income households who are desperate for advice and are often turned away by mainstream planners. Over the last few years, he has helped dozens of families get out of financial peril while giving them the emotional support and assurance that they will be okay. A Takoma Park resident for more than 20 years, David has made a long-term commitment to provide other residents with the advice they need so they can plan for the lives they want.

Depeswar Doley, owner of RS Automotive, has set a remarkable example of modernization, sustainability, and community partnership. In 2019, RS Automotive became the first gas station in the U.S. to eliminate gas pumps and transition to 100% Electric Vehicle charging. In addition to a dedicated rapid EV charging station, RS Automotive services all hybrid and electric vehicles. These have been groundbreaking moves. RS Automotive has also shown an unwavering dedication to public service. In 2021, they partnered with the Police Department to launch the Etch and Catch catalytic converter anti-theft program, providing a crucial service to the community. Mr. Doley continues to offer this program free of charge.

Cyndy Dumay, a proud Blair High alum, opened her first salon—Dynamic Choice—two years ago on Flower Avenue, transforming a neglected storefront into a vibrant, welcoming space and adding to the revitalization of a key corner of Takoma Park. Cyndy poured her heart and artistic flair into the salon, creating a modern atmosphere. At her grand opening, it was clear she’s not only a gifted stylist but also is widely loved. Since then she’s embraced the tradition of salons as community hubs. She offers her salon for meetings and gatherings, more than 20 so far, which gives Flower Avenue residents a sense of neighborhood. At Cyndy’s salon people feel seen, heard, and connected, where the good gossip flows and the sense of belonging is real.

Jesse Kirsch is the creative force behind No Plan design and art studio in Takoma Park, where he has significantly influenced the local commercial district. He designed logos for a number of businesses, including People's Book, Muoi Tieu, and Motorkat, and contributed graphics for community events like the Street Festival. His deep affection for Takoma Park drives his research into our history, which inspired the neon signs he reintroduced to the area, including those at Motorkat and WOWD. Jesse also generously donated his skills to create shirts for the Flower Ave Theater and the Independence Day celebration while supporting small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through his work, he has transformed Takoma Park with vibrant design and light.

What’s a good practice to increase the longevity of your trees? The person to ask is Meg Smolinski, owner of Leaf & Petal Takoma Park, who provides independent tree consultations and garden advice to help homeowners learn how to maximize the health of whatever is growing in their yards – or what should not be growing. Many clients don't realize which plants are invasive and need to be removed. Meg recommends native plants and ways to increase garden space to support pollinators as well as how to grow vegetables for the dinner table. Most of all, she focuses on practices to preserve our tree canopy. Go ahead and ask.

Carolina McCandless and David Perez have transformed Takoma Park into a dining hotspot with their restaurants Cielo Rojo and San Pancho. Since opening Cielo Rojo in 2019, Chef David has delighted diners with his California-inspired traditional Mexican cuisine, while Carolina enhances the experience with her design and customer service expertise. After outgrowing their original location, they invested in the community by converting a former auto parts store into a beautiful new home for Cielo Rojo. They also launched San Pancho, introducing California-style burritos to the area. Committed to giving back, Carolina and David regularly host fundraising events to support local non-profits, making a lasting impact on the community.

There’s a years-long waitlist to get into the Marlene Apartments in the Long Branch area, and it's easy to see why. The people who live there describe it as a place with “good vibes” and with a landlord, Shail Singh, who is “like a son” to senior tenants. As the building owner for more than 30 years Shail stands out for his responsiveness to maintenance issues and commitment to everyone’s well-being. He knows every tenant by name and shares his personal cell phone. His approach is simple: "If there's a problem—fix it." He has charged only one late fee (ever) and he regularly helps tenants with navigating paperwork and other concerns. Shail takes the same care with the building, recently replacing stoves, windows, bathtubs and cabinets and installing security cameras, adding to his tenants’s peace of mind and pride.

Patti Mallin makes an impression, both through her work as the City’s program manager for grants as well as her extra work in the community. Through her continuous participation on the Takoma Park Providers Council, Patti has brought together a rotating group of representatives from the City staff and local non-profits to brainstorm about improving the quality of life in Takoma Park. Her heart is always in the right place as she listens and then advocates for them to create real and lasting positive change. She has also been part of an informal group of staffers and local residents who met once a week on lunch break to create sets of hats, mittens, and scarves for every incoming kindergartener at New Hampshire Estates Elementary School—hundreds of children!

It’s misleading to describe Karen Mendez as a recently retired teacher at Rolling Terrace Elementary because she still shows up there on a regular basis as a substitute teacher. Karen is an example of someone living her values. During her decades of teaching at RTES she has been the definition of a master teacher, leading her colleagues by example, captivating a classroom with her kindness and comforting structure while also spreading the message of stewardship with her environmental work in and around the school. For years she donated countless hours outside the normal school day through tutoring, environmental clubs, and gardening. And if there is an event where she can support her students, she is there. Karen has been described as “the teacher with the 100-watt smile,” and with that smile and her zest for learning she is a beacon of light.

Isabelle Mensah is a force, one that sweeps up everyone and brings them along for the ride. She is in her second year as principal of Rolling Terrace Elementary and from the moment she stepped into the school she ignited a joy of learning. Isabelle unites people, excites people, and makes them feel seen. She makes herself infinitely available to her students, staff, and families. Her deep sense of care is palpable in the classroom, hallways, extracurricular activities, and community engagement events of Rolling Terrace as she has spent countless hours cultivating a school culture of acceptance and pride that permeates into the surrounding community.

Rachna Rikhye began teaching at Piney Branch Elementary in 2000 (25 years ago!) as an English language development specialist. She launched the annual Cultural Heritage Night in 2004 as a way to create opportunities for her multilingual learners to be experts in the school community. The event has grown into a widely anticipated event for more than 300 community members with a potluck, student performances, and a third-grade fashion show. In addition, Rachna initiated the celebration of World Languages Month at PBES, playing international music and having students engage in multilingualism during morning announcements. She also partnered with Art for the People to allow students to create their own books with clay characters and settings. The books are now among the most popular in the school library.

Sara Sieverding is an English Language Development Teacher at Blair High School who goes above and beyond to support her students so they can graduate on time. In addition to teaching them to read and speak English, Sara regularly accompanies students to places such as Tommy's Pantry where they can fulfill their requirement of Student Service Learning (SSL) hours. Sara recognizes the difficulties some students face—a new language, the uncertainty of immigration policies, and the demands of home and family. She puts extra time and care into finding SSL opportunities for these students that are a good and rewarding fit. Their success is her reward. Note: she also helps the pantry by translating for Spanish speakers.

In her 51st year as a local resident Donna Graham continues to be an extraordinary volunteer. As a precinct official for District 20 you will find her at a polling place on Election Day answering the questions of voters. For the popular Takoma Play Days she collects signatures and files for a permit to get approval to put up barricades so children (and adults) can play in the street. On a regular basis Donna picks up monthly magazines and greeting cards from friends and neighbors and delivers them to the Long Branch Community Senior Center where older residents can enjoy them. For clothing and food drives she is always ready to do what’s needed. It’s in her nature to help out however she can.

In 2009 Ali Kahn and Megan Scribner, Willow Avenue friends who had recently published books, embarked on a notable act of good neighborliness by organizing an event where the many writers who live locally can promote new work. That year the first Takoma Park Book Fair featured 19 local authors. Fast forward to 2024 when the annual December event, hosted by their partners at Busboys & Poets Takoma, showcased 34 authors. Nearly 200 authors of every ilk and genre from the Greater Takoma area have participated over the years. Ali and Megan also advise local organizations that sponsor book events, and Megan has created a Facebook page as a year-round network for authors, with posts about relevant events at Busboys Takoma, People’s Books, Historic Takoma, and the City Library. Ali is a writer, editor, and folklorist with a special interest in oral history. Megan is an editor, writer, and community organizer.

Amy Leo had an idea to recycle maternity and nursing clothes to expecting families, thereby reducing textile waste, and in 2022 she put that idea into action by launching Local Maternity Thread. What began as a small shed in her driveway has grown into a thriving initiative grounded in sustainability, connection, and care. With a strong commitment to keeping these barely worn clothes in circulation, Amy has partnered with other organizations and donated hundreds of pounds of clothing to families in need. At the heart of Amy’s operation is her desire to improve maternal mental health and smooth the way for new parents to promote healthier families and a greener world.

Kristin ("Krissy") Leone leads with her heart in the local dog-loving community. When dogs escape from a yard or otherwise get lost, which happens surprisingly often, folks reach out to Krissy. Time and time again, she jumps in her car and joins the search. As far as is known, every dog she searched for has been found, even if it took days. She is the founder of One Leg Up Pets, a local women-owned business for pet care, but helping out on a search is of her own volition. She also assisted when an older resident of the neighborhood went missing. At times she visits dog owners to help them say good-bye when their pet has to be euthanized. Not one to ask for recognition, Krissy simply shows up.

Super couple Barbara Shuttleworth and Frank Demarais never stop with their community service. For years Frank was a coach in the local soccer and baseball youth leagues—spring, summer and fall—while Barbara achieved lifetime status at Rolling Terrace Elementary for her years as a PTA volunteer. But did they retire? On Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends they are still the stalwart coordinators of their neighborhood potluck. Barbara is helping with Takoma Play Days, recently building and painting sets of corn hole boards after making a set for the Takoma VFD anniversary. Frank has resurrected his coaching life, now teaching kick-and-run soccer to nursery schoolers, and he was recently seen grilling bratwursts at the Beerfest.

A hero who doesn’t wear a cape, Aphra Adkins is everywhere all at once when it comes to supporting the Piney Branch Elementary staff, students, and families. As the PTA executive vice president, Aphra coordinates with the executive board, parent committees and the school administration to plan fundraising efforts and events such as Hispanic Heritage Night. She also has a lead role in the Rainbow Club, facilitating conversations and programs on behalf of the LGBTQ families at both Piney Branch Elementary and Takoma Park Elementary. Whenever urgent concerns come up, Aphra flies into action to resolve them, and whenever someone needs a hand, she is there. In sum, she is a cheerleader and team-player on behalf of all families.

As PTA president at Takoma Park Middle, Ramata Diop has been a proactive and collaborative leader, particularly in setting up communication channels. She established quarterly meetings with the principal, enabling families to express concerns. The recent creation of a Special Education Parent Committee, a direct result of her initiative, addresses a critical need with its promise of better communication between parents and teachers. In addition, she has set up bimonthly community-wide meetings in the same spirit of bringing people together. Ramata is also dedicated to the broader community, serving as an NAACP representative and participating in the Black and Brown Coalition. At the County level she advocates for climate change initiatives and early childhood education. Her commitment to these wider social issues is a reflection of her values in everything she does.

Mari Quenemoen launched her volunteer service as a room parent at Takoma Park Elementary, finding ways for kindergarten families to connect during the shutdown of the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, as co-chair of the PTA’s Health and Wellness Committee, Mari helped remake the school atrium, salvaging potted plants, organizing teams of adults and children to remove roots and debris, and arranging for temporary greenery while long-term plans evolved. Now at Piney Branch Elementary, Mari has spearheaded Cultural Heritage Night the past two years, organizing a supper potluck that features the diverse heritage of the school families and also celebrates that diversity through children's music, dance, and fashion. Mari strives to find ways to make our schools welcoming and inclusive for everyone.

Amy Swift has worked tirelessly as the Takoma Park Elementary PTA’s treasurer for the past two years. She puts in many hours each week to keep the PTA’s budget balanced through careful planning, as well as depositing donations and fulfilling reimbursements. She has been an integral part of the success of fundraisers such as the Dolphin Drive, Read-a-thon, and Book Fair, the money from which helps provide supplies and programs for students and teachers. Amy has also single-handedly organized many years of financial files and information. Additionally, she has volunteered her time at many school events. The PTA is lucky to have her.

Marcia Diehl is the key organizer of the all-volunteer Community Band, which dates to 1974 and is best known for setting a fun, lively tone during July 4th festivities, Takoma PlayDays and landmark events such as the opening of the Takoma Park community center. What could possibly be more spirited? In recent years Marcia has expanded the band’s reach to the Franklin Apartments, Riderwood, LeisureWorld, and B’nai B’rith Homecrest House. Last year she helped produce a film of the band—interviews, snippets of ensemble rehearsals, and past performances. Marcia is delighted to report the band is adding new members from a younger, more diverse population.

Shana Fulcher, the new executive director of Takoma Park Lunch and Learn, has put in volunteer work for the benefit of Takoma Park for ages, especially for the benefit of young people. Shana has been active with the Girl Scouts for more than a decade, leading two troops up the ranks and receiving Girl Scouting’s highest award. As a City Council member she helped mentor young folks on the Youth Council and spent time with the teens who gather at the Teen Lounge. She is a past PTA president, a member of the Recreation and Community Engagement Committee and has volunteered at Crossroads to promote voter registration. And she has joined federal relief efforts after natural disasters. Lunch and Learn, a free summer camp, is her latest undertaking. Students at the camp, most of whom live in apartment buildings, receive academic help and also have fun playing, creating, and learning to swim. Shana has thrown herself into the camp with her usual enthusiasm and effectiveness.

Mimi Ikle-Khalsa has been a leader of the annual Takoma Park Alternative Gift Fair for the past 16 years, mentoring an entire generation of volunteers. She helped successfully weather the Covid-19 pandemic, creating a robust website and online shopping catalog for the previously in-person event. Not only does the Gift Fair raise crucial funds and provide an alternative to holiday commercialization, she brightens our town with the beauty, joy and relaxation that she dispenses in her extensive promotions at the farm market in Old Town and in her decorations at the Gift Fair itself. After the event she ensures the smooth delivery of tens of thousands of dollars to non-profits locally, as well as internationally, and works with new groups so they can participate in future fairs.

Before finding her passion as a community organizer, Vanesa Pinto was an accountant in Bolivia. Upon settling into the Long Branch area more than 20 years ago Vanesa saw a need and began helping other immigrants overcome language and bureaucratic barriers. She taught literacy in Spanish to adults through a YMCA program at New Hampshire Estates Elementary, and, as an animated and indefatigable volunteer, she advocated for families with school children and got to know scores of new arrivals. For the past decade, Vanesa has been the primary organizer of community-building programs in Long Branch for CHEER (Community Health and Empowerment through Education and Research), a local nonprofit, but she is still an unstinting volunteer the rest of the time. She proudly can say that her mission is to instill hope in everyone for a better quality of life.

The Community Food Forest Collective (CFFC), under the direction mainly of Miles Amoore and Amy Zimmerman, has introduced Takoma Park to a network of food forests on public and private land. A food forest mimics a natural woodland, producing food and medicines from plants like paw-paw, persimmon, blueberry, and hazelnut. CFFC has planted food forests at Montgomery College, Takoma Park Elementary and on Carroll Avenue. Other food forests are in the works. Regular CFFC workshops are free and open to all. The goal is to promote an understanding of food forestry, regenerative land stewardship, and ecologically-sound food systems. Work days pull in people of all ages and ethnicities—Master Gardeners, teens earning SSL hours, families with young children, and students from the Montgomery College Permaculture Club—who move mulch, dig holes, plant fruit trees and wildflowers, make signs, and cheer on the plants.

The Takoma Porches festival, a spring tradition that had lapsed, was brought back to life in 2024 and continued strong in 2025. This year's improvements were made by Maurice Belanger who organized a group of photographers to document the festivities and conjured an interactive map. The festival is free and is organized by Caroline Alderson and Jeffrey MacMillan (with help from Steve Smith, Alison Baker and James Colwell). On a Saturday afternoon in May hundreds of music lovers amble from porch to porch in the middle of town to enjoy the sounds of bluegrass, jazz, folk, funk, gypsy jazz, even country and western—all played by live bands. The musicians, most of them local, donate their time, and the households spiff up their porches. No one needs to hurry as they take in what might be called a “moveable concert.”

If you have visited the Takoma Park library’s temporary quarters on New Hampshire Avenue you have likely seen Sue Bracey as she forges positive connections through the art of crochet and knitting. Sue's commitment to accessibility has made this group a rare circle of diversity. A wide variety of ages and abilities sit side by side amid conversations in English, Spanish, and Amharic. Sue regularly totes in huge bins of colorful yarn that crafters use for free, and that generosity is reciprocated as most creations are donated to local charities. Sue adds her own handiwork of blankets and apparel to the donation box. She has been volunteering for the past 10 years and also teaches art classes for seniors, children and apartment residents.

John Haislip started volunteering with Small Things Matter Kokua Foods Program four years ago. His first job was to break down boxes for recycling. Over the years he has become increasingly more active and is now a hard-working member of the team, packing produce into bags for distribution as well as packing up and delivering leftover produce for donation to his sister Jamie Iwugo's community pantry in Takoma Park. He also helps Jamie at her Saturday food distributions as well as picks up trash in the neighborhood parks during the week. John has an intellectual disability, but despite this challenge he always brings a strong work ethic and sense of humor, contributing to the vibrancy of Takoma Park. It is fair to say that John has found his niche and his tribe.

Beth Novey is the beating heart of Takoma Park. She is sunshine incarnate; she radiates joy, kindness, and warmth to everyone she meets. With boundless energy, she brings people together from every corner, making all feel welcome. Whether organizing toddler Olympics, hosting neighborhood Shabbat dinners, building grief groups, or advocating for the betterment of local residents, Beth embodies the spirit of connection and compassion. She’s there for the fun, the silly, the serious, and the sad—and she always shows up with a smile. It’s no exaggeration to call her the unofficial spirit mayor of Takoma Park.

During the past 17 years a group of neighbors, led by Pam Sparr, Chipper Woodward and Phyllis Ryder, established the Hillwood Manor Community Garden on land owned by MNCPPC. Though they don’t grow food due to practical constraints, their organic garden focuses on sustainable, native landscaping to beautify neglected areas along New Hampshire Avenue. Their first major achievement was securing an agreement with MNCPPC to stop the use of pesticides, herbicides, and synthetic fertilizers in the garden, well ahead of policy changes by the County and City. They have built relationships among diverse neighbors and fostered a sense of identity in an often-overlooked area. In 2023, they celebrated the installation of eight large-scale paintings by neighbor Renee Lachman, highlighting the history of the garden. Due to dedicated volunteers the garden continues to thrive.

When Charles Brammer started in Takoma Soccer as the coach of two-year-olds he was told not to expect many of them to return the next season, which is usually the case with kids that young. Instead, eight seasons later, most of them are still on the team, and several friends have joined, all testament to Charles’s special knack for creating joy. At this point his team is more like a family, and he is more than a coach. He is a trusted role model in their lives. He has a way of pushing them without pressure. He may introduce a new drill with new equipment, but he always exhibits patience, kindness, and a simple expectation to “just do your best.” His philosophy is that it’s not about being perfect or winning. It’s about giving your all, and that’s all he ever asks.

Tutor Anita Burkam is the ideal educator for children in need of math enrichment, especially those whose skills and confidence were eroded by the Covid-19 pandemic. In her words, she “loves to make math a surmountable challenge rather than a dreaded chore.” Under Anita’s tutelage, parents have seen their children’s anxiety and antipathy toward math transform to fluency, curiosity and success. Anita is gifted at reaching children of all ages and abilities, including neurodiverse students. Her wide ranging skills and experiences—writing for the Horn Book, language learning, removing invasives from local parks (her favorite!) and more—inspire young people and instill a love of math. As a community benefit, Anita reserves two slots for students at free or reduced rates.

Even though Tom LaLonde has his own team to root for he takes into consideration the wishes of all the teams he plays against in Takoma Soccer. Tom is the coordinator for coed teams of high school age, which means he assigns players, deals with latecomers, convenes a meeting of coaches, creates a schedule, adjusts the schedule, inspects the field and says yes or no to lots of individual requests, all the while being fair to everyone. This spring he went out of his way to give teams a special sendoff, arranging to play their season finale on a pro-style turf field with none of the usual bumps. Not that Tom neglects his own team, which he's helped coach for a dozen years with Jim Young. In a league with jerseys of many hues their team wears the most colorful ones, a rainbow known as Tie-Dye that Jim applies by hand. It's part of the team's fun-loving identity that keeps players coming back. To Tom that's more important than keeping score.

As a teacher with Forest Explorers and leader of the Roly Poly Pals programs, Amelia McLaughlin brings a passionate and holistic approach that captivates children. She can connect with them over the discovery of a deer skeleton or a discussion about their favorite book or a wild idea they want to make happen. While teaching them about the natural world she also gives them a sense of their place in the community and is attuned to their emotional growth. She cares deeply, and the children know it. Amelia grew up in Takoma Park, and we are fortunate she has chosen to stay here guiding the next generation to care about our planet and each other.