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.

Jesse Kirsch is the creative force behind No Plan, a design and art studio in Takoma Park, where he works alongside his wife and partner Dianne Kirsch to shape the visual identity of the local commercial district. Jesse has designed logos for several businesses, including People's Book, Lost Sock, and Laurel Leaf, and contributed graphics for community events like the Street Festival and Pajamarama. His deep affection for Takoma Park drives his research into local history, which inspired the neon signs he reintroduced to the area, including those at Motorkat, WOWD, and Muoi Tieu. Jesse also generously donated his skills to create shirts for the Flower Ave Theater and the opening banner at the annual Independence Day parade while supporting small businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic with original letterpress prints. Through all these projects, Jesse has contributed to Takoma Park’s distinctive vibe.

For the past year, Rebecca Kriss has been running a “Cookies for a Cause” program from her home bakery business Smart Cookie BakeLab to promote and benefit local and global nonprofit organizations that espouse progressive ideals. Featured organizations include World Central Kitchen, MoCo IRC, Capital Area Food Bank, SMYAL, Amica, Small Things Matter, and more. Every week she promotes the organizations on her social media and email list and donates about 15% of the proceeds from featured cookie sales. In 2025 that totaled over $200 in direct donations. Her goal is to use her business and platform to stand up and fight for oppressed people in her community and around the world. Rebecca’s work embodies the progressive spirit of Takoma Park in a beautiful way that can be an example of how businesses, no matter how small, can make a difference and support our values.

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.

The icy snow that blasted into town in late January might have brought Takoma Park to a standstill, but it didn’t, thanks to the 24/7 emergency response of the Public Works (PW) crews and their four leaders—Troy Fingal (right-of-way), Anthony Anderson (sanitation), Anna Mische John (vegetation), and Keith Perry (vehicle). They figured out a plan in advance, and as soon as the storm hit, they were ready to deploy plow trucks, salt spreaders, a loader, a skid steer, and a backhoe in 12-hour shifts. In addition to opening the roads to traffic, most of them within one day, the workers cleared four miles of sidewalk by hand. For two weeks the PW crews had to keep warm as best they could in frigid temperatures. Tons of snow had to be piled in parking lots. Repairs to equipment had to be made immediately. No one took a break. All in all, it was a job done amazingly well.

After 23 years of inspiring leadership as principal at Takoma Park Elementary, Dr. Zadia Gadsden is retiring, leaving behind a legacy that will be felt for years. She has been a steady, uplifting presence for students, teachers, and families, always meeting challenges with determination, and heart. Zadia has supported success in many meaningful ways, from launching a highly impactful Saturday Book Club for struggling readers to personally delivering educational materials to families during COVID-19. She amplified the voices of parents and caregivers through strong partnerships with the PTA and intentional outreach to families in the apartments. Students were not only encouraged to learn, but to shine—through second-grade performance nights or other roles they were given. Zadia’s joyful spirit has been a cherished part of her time at TPES, from the school halls to celebrations like the 4th of July parade, and throughout, she herself has been an extraordinary gift.

Emma Gonzalez started volunteering full time at Takoma Park Elementary 15 years ago and is now a paraeducator at Piney Branch Elementary. Her big heart, positive energy and dedication have touched the lives of so many children, especially English language learners. Not only does Emma support students in the classroom, but, as her way of creating a more equitable world, she also volunteers two hours before and after school every single day to teach concepts and skills, help with homework, and mentor families so that all children, regardless of socio-economic, linguistic, and educational backgrounds, can thrive and achieve in our multicultural community.

Isabelle Mensah is a force, one that sweeps up everyone and brings them along for the ride. She is in her third 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.

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 (she also helps the pantry by translating for Spanish speakers). 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.

As the City’s Arts and Humanities manager, Brendan Smith organizes a popular arts series that features free concerts, theater, dance, film screenings, art exhibitions, and other events at the Community Center. Some recent performances have packed the auditorium with enthusiastic standing-room-only audiences. Brendan also oversees public art projects such as sidewalk poetry, colorful vinyl wraps on bus shelters, and an 18-foot-tall crocheted octopus that landed on the downtown clock tower. In his spare time he volunteers as the president of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 3399, which represents most City employees, advocating on their behalf.

David Stein is president of the Montgomery County Education Association, the union representing 14,000 educators in Montgomery County. He’s a courageous advocate, organizer and leader for all matters related to public school funding, student success, and excellence in the education profession. This school year, he has fought hard to get the budget needed to deal with years of underfunding of our school buildings as well as services for our students, as well as leading the union’s efforts to provide training to educators to protect students and families from ICE harassment and abductions. Before going to MCEA in July 2024, David was beloved at Montgomery Blair High School as a teacher who brought public policy issues into the study of statistical analysis, making his class as much a lesson in civics as in mathematics, and as one of the original Puzzle Lords behind Blair’s annual Puzzlepalooza competition.

Since 2013, Carl and Marilyn Banner have regularly turned their home studio on Flower Avenue into a venue for music and art, with food and drink as a bonus. Each time it’s a chance for guests to see friends or meet new people. Carl, a retired federal employee, is an accomplished pianist, and Marilyn is a multi-media artist whose encaustic work is often on exhibit as part of the concert. During the Covid-19 shutdown, they went alfresco from their deck—Carl on a roll-out upright piano (joined by a celebrated saxophonist), Marilyn’s art displayed along the railing, and the audience on the lawn. This unforgettable gesture of community spirit was featured in a Voice of America broadcast about how people coped with the pandemic. Carl is often joined by young musicians and seasoned professionals, and the music is enhanced by verse from local poets. He and Marilyn have also commissioned works by local composers, including the recent “Jamie Raskin Oratorio” with libretto by former Takoma Park poet laureate Anne Becker.

In her 52nd year as a local resident, Donna Graham continues to be an extraordinary volunteer. As a precinct official for District 20, she can be found 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 put up barricades so children (and adults) can play in the street. Donna picks up monthly magazines and greeting cards from friends and neighbors on a regular basis and delivers them to the Long Branch Community Senior Center for older residents to enjoy. 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 2025, when the annual event showcased more than 50 authors, whose books can still be viewed on a host website. Over 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 Book, 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.

Kelly McCullough is a PTSA board member at Silver Spring International Middle School who has blossomed into an indefatigable and creative activist behind the scenes. When SSIMS was threatened with closure, Kelly helped an action group, Save Our Silver Spring Schools, get off the ground. She spurred other families into action by organizing street protests in front of the school and encouraged high turnout at the Thanksgiving Day parade to raise awareness about the threat. All the while, she worked tirelessly to build a strong middle school community. She restarted kids’ dances at SSIMS, raised thousands of dollars for the PTSA, and spearheaded the first World Cultures Night to celebrate and highlight the wide variety of cultures that students represent. A long-time SSIMS teacher said the World Culture Night was the most attended, well organized, and meaningful event in the past 15 years. SSIMS is lucky to have someone like Kelly who can be counted on.

Mari Quenemoen launched her volunteer service as a room parent at Takoma Park Elementary, finding ways for kindergarten families to stay connected during the Covid-19 shutdown. Now PTA president at Piney Branch Elementary, Mari has been a strong advocate and communicator for families, taking an innovative approach that preserves beloved traditions while introducing new activities to engage all communities. Mari led Cultural Heritage Night for three years, bringing the community together through a potluck that highlights families’ diverse backgrounds alongside performances of music, dance, and fashion by students. Whatever she takes on, she approaches her work with positivity and consistency and remains deeply committed to making schools welcoming and inclusive.

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 and Takoma PlayDays. 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. She has initiated regular holiday concerts in the Community Center for our residents, as well as a Spring concert. The membership has doubled over the past few years and now encompasses a wider range of demographics.

Terry Seamens may have left the City Council (after a long tenure of 23 years), but that only means he and his wife, Joyce Seamens, have more hours to fill with their volunteer work that sets a standard for compassion and economic justice. A short list, across more than 40 years, includes hands-on involvement in a food pantry, diaper distributions, health and wellness programs, and outreach to young people primarily through Manna Food Center and Adventist Community Services of Greater Washington. You may also have seen Joyce and Terry serving suppers on MLK Jr. Day or recognized them from the July 4th parade, both of which they’ve helped organize. Terry was a founder of the Green Team that started the annual Takoma Woods cleanup, and Joyce has overseen swim lessons for hundreds of children at the Piney Branch pool. The list goes on.

Amber Flynn wrote the application for the grant that brought together small businesses to launch the first Flower Avenue Together Block Party in 2024. This initiative increased visibility and collaboration among businesses in the Takoma–Long Branch area, many of which are minority-owned or woman-owned. Amber, co-owner of Healing Practice Counseling, has also fostered youth engagement through outreach at local schools, providing mental health programming and sponsoring a sticker design competition leading up to the Flower Avenue event, which now features a vibrant lineup of youth performances. She and her colleagues have helped strengthen connections across Takoma Park’s multicultural community.

Five years ago, John Haislip started volunteering with Small Things Matter’s Kokua Foods Program, breaking 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 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, and during the week he picks up trash in the neighborhood parks. 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.

Though newly established, Mahj4Good has quickly endeared itself to the Takoma Park community. Mahj4Good is run by community organizers who are familiar from other volunteer initiatives—Lara Finder and Annelies Echols as team leaders, supported by Sarah Goupell, Jennifer Domagal-Goldman, Jennifer Littlefield, and Hyunjung Kim. Mahj4Good brings people together around a shared love of mah-jongg and a shared commitment to social justice. This group offers monthly opportunities for newbies and seasoned players to enjoy a game of mah-jongg while supporting local organizations. Since its start, Mahj4Good has raised more than $6,000 for local nonprofits. You will often see community tweens and teens volunteering at the check-in table, refilling the snack trays, and tutoring the newest players.

For nearly two decades, 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 practical constraints prevent them from growing food, 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. Thanks to dedicated volunteers, the garden continues to thrive.

Cubmaster Spencer Clark has been a part of Cub Scout Pack 205, based at Rolling Terrace Elementary School, since 2016 and has been Cubmaster since 2018. That year, Scouting America opened scouting to girls, and Spencer immediately integrated Pack 205, making it a co-ed, family pack. The pack is racially, ethnically, and religiously diverse and—like its host school—Spanish-English bilingual, attracting families from all over the surrounding area. Spencer spends a great deal of his (and his family’s!) time managing Pack 205—leading monthly pack meetings, working with other parents to plan out the year’s schedule, ensuring his Cub Scouts complete requirements to advance in rank, and leading camping trips, hikes, community service, and other Scouting activities. The families of Pack 205 are lucky to have Spencer to guide them through the Cub Scouting experience.

For almost all sports parents, one cycle of volunteerism is enough—you agree to coach the team your kid plays on, you might also agree to a short stint as a league coordinator, and that’s it. So it was for Jose Dominguez, who coached both his boys in the Takoma Park–Silver Spring baseball league starting about 20 years ago, took a turn as the top commissioner, and then said good-bye. Not for long, though, because when someone was needed to steer through the Covid-19 pandemic, Jose returned to lead the league once again. He not only saved the day but is still serving in that role. A final note: Check out the display of color in the fence around the basketball court at the Takoma Park community center. That’s Jose’s artistic side.

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.