May 2009 Archives

This picture has absolutely nothing to do with anything except that I couldn't resist posting it.  This is Kisses, the Wonder Yorkie.  She has been staying with my neighbor for a couple of months and has stolen my heart.  Future blogs may have to be done from the road as I will no doubt be on the lam after having stolen her when her rightful "owner" comes to collect her.  Hmm, I probably shouldn't have publicized that.

Well anyway.....though I consider myself to be highly developed (in certain departments, anyway), I just can't quite get a grasp on commercial development.  I took a little road trip to National Harbor today to see what's what before Mr. Disney comes to town.  As far as the Disney empire arriving in our area, well that's a discussion for another time.  Having grown up 15 minutes away from Disneyland (depending on who's doing the driving, that is), I have a rather complicated love/hate relationship with them that my therapist and I continue to explore.

Well anyway.....I am not sure I understand the concept of National Harbor.  Granted, it isn't finished yet so I shouldn't pass judgement, but then where's the fun?  It seems that in building this faux community, they forgot the community.  There are currently three condominium complexes and no doubt more on the way (but at what prices?), a convention center, hotels, and a smattering of restaurants, cafes, and shops, all of which are chains.  There is, however, no neighborhood. There is nothing intrinsic or organic to the area.  There lacks that certain je ne sais quoi that makes one (or at least me) want to visit and explore a new place.  Sigh!   At least there wasn't a Starbucks.......yet.

Well anyway.....  

Turning an old standby into a new treasure

In this day and age, it really is unconscionable to be wasteful.  Before throwing anything away, we are beholden to ask ourselves if there is any way to turn our old goods into something new to reduce our ever growing landfills.

With this in mind, I offer up my version of the four R's.  Zoe Stern of S&A Beads designed the necklace using blue pearls, Scott Stanga of The Stillpoint Mind and Body who, along with being Old Takoma's most sought after personal trainer is also a very talented silversmith, set the centerpiece of the necklace, and Samir Naik, DDS provided said centerpiece.  Yes, Dr. Naik is my dentist and the focus of the necklace is indeed my tooth.  Or, more specifically, my fourth and final (here's hoping) temporary crown.  Oh, don't be so squeamish!  It was professionally cleaned and polished.

Suffice it to say, there is a much less expensive and destructive way to deal with the stress of everyday life than grinding one's teeth, but having learned that lesson a day late and thousands of dollars short, at least I have a rather elegant looking memento to show for it.  And the renewed ability to chew.

The Intersection of Movement and Play

Oh, if only I were a child again!  Then I, too, could crawl through the giant caterpillar tunnel, jump on the trampoline, roll around on the cushioned floor and pretend I was playing fort. 

Misu Byrd opened Roda Playspace in April, envisioning a place where a parent (or two) and a child (or several) can come together for a few hours during the week to play, laugh, roll around on the floor and connect. 

Sharing not only the same space as Roda Movements, but also the same guiding spirit, joy and love of teaching, Roda Playspace is designed to get the littlest ones bouncing, tumbling, moving and grooving.  Mom and Dad, too!

Roda Playspace * 7003 Carroll Avenue * Takoma Park, MD  20912 * 301-920-4057

Tuesdays and Thursdays * 10:00 am - 1:00 pm * Ages 4 months to 3 1/2 years

for more information, please visit www.rodaplayspace.com

A Progress Report from Gillian Clark

Hey Folks,

Just to update you on all that is going on.  We have been busy with the opening of the General Store and Post Office Tavern as many of you know.  But we are also focused on completing the renovation at 7001 Carroll Avenue.

We completed the demolition of the space in December and much of the plumbing work began at that time.  While our carpenter prepared to remove the skylights so that the space could have sufficient HVAC using the skylight openings, he discovered that some portions of the roof needed to be repaired.  There were also some leaks uncovered.  This has added increased costs and delays as I have written to many of you who have inquired.

As is often the case in buildings of this age, once you remove all that the previous occupants added on, you find a costly can of worms.  We have had the roof repaired as much as makes sense right now.  The remaining repairs will be completed once the HVAC system has been installed.  We have also found that the water and electric service for many of the building's tenants go through our space.  It has been complicated and has taken some extra work to make sure that the phone, electric and sewer lines are all doing what they are supposed to be doing.

We have been approved for our building permit and for WSSC (plumbing), so we are really read to go and feel that with a solid three months we can be ready to move the equipment and furniture in.  However, the original lender for the project, Colombo Bank, is concerned that the construction issues that have arisen have resulted in the project being over budget.  In February, they requested a review of the project and several meetings with our project manager.  We believe that we are close to satisfying the bank's needs (they are in the midst of a merger and need to make sure all of the loans in their files are going to work out) and close to getting the additional financing to finish the project.

The bad news is that we are experiencing considerable delays.  The good news is that we are very close to getting back on track and are happy to report that the landlord is being very cooperative and working with us to see the project through.  We are hoping to be open in October.

--Gillian

(reprinted from May 5, 2009 email)