One of the defining characteristics of Takoma Park and Silver Spring is our proclivity for spirited community parties.The grandaddy of all TP/SS festivals won in this category, with an international newcomer close behind.

winner
Takoma Park Folk Festival
runner up
SilverDocs

Other favorites: Celebrate Mama, Magical Montgomery, Mojo@Sopo, Takoma Park Film Festival, Takoma Park Halloween Parade, Takoma Park Independence Day Parade, Takoma Park JazzFest, Takoma Park Street Festival, Silver Spring Jazz Festival, South Silver Spring Block Party, Via Crucis Procession (Stations of the Cross)

With so many great festivals around here, naturally we have a lot of talented musicians. Takoma Park’s House of Musical Traditions has long been a mecca for all varieties of musicians. Two major music magazines—Jazz Times and Harp—are published in Silver Spring. Several record labels have sprung up to get the great local sounds down on plastic. It’s no wonder that Takoma Park and Silver Spring always clean up at the Wammies (Washington Area Music Association awards).

winner
Chopteeth
runner up
Rhodes Tavern Troubadours (RTTs)

Other favorites: 40 Thieves, Harry Appelman, Bach Sinfonia, The Bones of Contention, Frank Cassel (the Banjo Man), Cantaré, Billy Coulter, Emma’s Revolution, Filibuster, Dead Man’s Hollow, Double Decker String Band, Kathy Fink & Marcy Marxer, Tom Forsey, The Grandsons, John Guernsey (Professor Backwoods), Andrea Hoag, Jane Hurst, Eric Hutchinson, Loretta Kelley, The Kiltics, LEA, Len & Wendy, The Max Levine Ensemble, Robert Lighthouse, Heidi Martin, Minor Thoughts Quartet, Lisa Moscatiello, Pete Moss and the Bog Boys, Zoe Mulford, The Nighthawks, Charlie Pilzer, Tom Principato, Chuck Redd, Ruthie & the Wranglers, The Rythmn Workers Union, Sense of Wonder, Sherwood Blues Band, shosho, Squeeze Bayou, Takoma Zone, Terpsichore, Tinsmith, Mary Sue Twohy, The Uhleiners, Urban Grooves, yamomanem, Frederic Yonnet

Although we are known for musicians (did you see how long that list was?), we have a scarcity of clubs and music halls. With the scuttling of plans to bring the Birchmere here, so too (for now) went hopes that Silver Spring will soon rival Austin, Texas, as a music capital. Still, in recent years, a number of new music venues have opened. And venerable DC jazz club, Takoma Station, is still going strong. Readers chose two recent additions (one indoor and one outdoor) for their favorite places to listen to music. Remember that you can always check the Voice calendar—www.takoma.com/calendar.html—to get more information on the local music scene.

winner
Mayorga Coffee Factory
runner up
Silver Spring Swings concert series

Other favorites: Austin Grill, Class Acts Arts concerts, Institute of Musical Traditions concerts, Jackie’s, Los Arrieros, McGinty’s Public House, Middle Eastern Cuisine, OTBA concerts at the Old Takoma Gazebo, Quarry House, Sangha, Savory Café, Takoma Park Street Festival, Takoma Station

You can’t turn around in Silver Spring or Takoma Park without spotting art somewhere—on a wall, on a lawn, along the sidewalk. The pieces help establish a vibe for each locale, from the funky “Guardian of the Neighborhood” at Takoma Junction to the (“Let’s Party!”) fizzing beer cans that greet you when you enter downtown Silver Spring from Georgia Avenue.

winner
Silver Fountain on Ellsworth Drive
runner up
Alice Sims’ roving animal sculptures

Other favorites: “Animals of the World Unite” mural at Savory, “Animals Above Traffic” sculptures (Forest Glen overpass), “The Big Acorn” (at the original Silver Spring on East-West Highway), “Discovery” mural on Colesville Road, “Fizzing Silver Spring Beer Cans” on Georgia Avenue, “Guardians of the Neighborhood” mural at Takoma Junction, “Mayor of Silver Spring: Norman Lane” statue at Mayor’s Lane, “Hand of Noah” sculpture in front of NOAA headquarters, “Penguins at Rush Hour” mural at Silver Spring Metro (currently undergoing renovation), “Roscoe the Rooster” memorial statue in Old Takoma, “Celebration of Life” mural at Whole Foods, “Silver Pass” mosaic in South Silver Spring underpass, “Poetry Pickets” posted around Takoma Park, “Wave Pond” at NOAA headquarters, the tile path in Old Takoma

What Takoma Park and Silver Spring lack in pretentious, high-priced galleries, they make up for in pleasant nooks where local artists hope to stir the mind of a wanderer or catch the eye of a potential patron. Not only do many banks, public buildings, coffeeshops, and restaurants display art work, the Heliport Gallery, Pyramid Atlantic, the Takoma Park Community Center, and Space 7:10 at Kefa Café have bonafide galleries well worth checking out. And Alchemy, on Georgia Avenue devotes much of the store to promoting local artists.

winner
Mayorga Coffee Factory
runner up
Takoma Park Community Center

Other favorites: Alchemy, Los Arrieros, A. Salon Open Studios, Golden Flame Restaurant, Heliport Gallery, Holy Cross Hospital’s Community Art Gallery, Kefa Café/Space 7:10, Mamasita Cultural Center, Moorenko’s, Pyramid Atlantic, Savory Café

Two world-class insitutions were recognized as the best cultural assets of Silver Spring and Takoma Park. It doesn’t seem that long ago that the Silver Theatre was a ghostly reminder of Silver Spring’s faded glory. Now it is alive and vibrant—our own Cinema Paradiso. Where else can you hope to see Lawrence of Arabia on the big screen, or the latest documentaries, or listen to a director discuss her film? The AFI/Silver Theatre is a national treasure in our own backyard. David Eisner and his crew at the House of Musical Traditions have been selling living history since 1972. The passion and expertise that they bring to folk music from around the world and their promotion of artists here at home are unparalleled.

winner
AFI/Silver Theatre
runner up
House of Musical Traditions

Other favorites: A. Salon Artists Cooperative, Alchemy, Art for the People, Arts on the Block, Azalea City Recordings, Class Acts Arts, Create Arts Center, Dale Music Company, Dance Addition of Takoma Park, The Gandhi Brigade, Gateway’s Heliport Gallery, Harp Magazine, Historic Takoma, Institute of Musical Traditions, Jazz Times, Liz Lerman’s Dance Exchange, Lumina Studio Ensemble, Mamasita Cultural Center, Maryland Youth Ballet, Montgomery College, Montgomery County Historic Preservation Commission, Montgomery County Public Libraries, Potters for Peace, Pyramid Atlantic, Roadhouse Oldies, Round House Theatre, Silver Spring Historical Society, Silver Spring Urban District, Silver Spring Stage, St. Camillus Catholic Church Multicultural Choir, Tappers with Attitude, Takoma Artist Guild, Takoma Park Arts and Humanities Commission, Takoma Park Library, Video Americain

Most art districts are built around cheap lofts, a commodity conspicuously in short supply around here. We are fortunate, then, that so many gifted individuals have nonetheless made their home here and shared their visions with us. Tom Block explores the big questions in life in his work, with an aim at social change. Shalom/Salaam, a recent series by Block, renders figures of Jewish and Sufi mysticism. Meanwhile, Sam Dixon works with the traditions of American Impressionism to portray the beauty in everyday life.

winner
Tom Block
runner up
Sam Dixon

Other favorites: Vic Augustine, Kevin Cowl, John Dixson, Audrey Engdahl, Nina Falk, Patrice Gilbert, Judybeth Greene, Normon Greene, Bobbi Kittner, Sam Kittner, John Hume, Bodil Meleney, Stephanie Ney, Katja Oxman, Kevin Patti, Beverly Res, Safori, Dilip Sheth, Alice Sims, Trevor Young

We could spend the summer reading books by local authors and still find ourselves with half the stack waiting come September. Our winner is hard-boiled George Pelecanos, whose latest novel The Night Gardener was described as “heart-in-your-throat gripping from beginning to end” by the New York Times. A Silver Spring resident, Pelecanos places the protagonists of his crime novels in the DC cityscape. He’s been writing about one book a year, since 1994. Pelecanos also ventures 40 miles north as a writer for the HBO series The Wire. Runner up, Howard Kohn—besides contributing liberally to the Voice—has a solid career as a journalist and non-fiction author. A Takoma Park resident since 1981, Kohn earned his chops at the Michigan Daily and Rolling Stone back in the day, broke the Karen Silkwood story, and knocked out a series of acclaimed books. His most moving may be The Last Farmer, Kohn’s tribute to his father.

winner
George Pelecanos
runner up
Howard Kohn

Other favorites: Natalie Angier, Don Berger, John Cavanaugh, David Corn, Hank Cox, Edward Faine, Joshua Gray, Tammy Greenwood, Frank Joseph, Rachel King, Chris O’Brien, Clarence Page, Lisa Page, Richard Stack, Mike Tidwell, Judith Viorst, Terence Winch

If there ever was a community of ice-creamologists, this is the place. Susan Soorenko, owner of Moorenko’s studies technique as if there were a bar exam in the subject. She produces “ultra-premium” ice cream, with high cream content. Greg Moorin of Summer Delights has ice cream in his blood—he picked up the helado biz from his father, Bernie. Lene and Abeba Tsegaye of Kefa Café make authentic Italian gelato. And Caroline Tay brings the tastes of Jamaica to her dairy products, including the incomparable flavor of Guinness.

winner
Moorenkos
runner up
Summer Delights

Other favorites: Giffords, Kefa Café, York Castle

A trendy bistro and a no-nonsense liquor store just over the District line—these were your choices for purchasing beer and wine. Personally, we like family-owned Shop Rite on New Hampshire Avenue.

winner
Adega
runner up
Morris Miller

Other favorites: 6-Twelve Market; Lenox Beer, Wine and Deli; S & S Liquor; Shop Rite Liquor; Snider’s Supermarket, Montgomery County Liquor Stores, Woodmoor Supermarket

It’s Sunday morning. You want an omelet, but no one feels like cooking. Grab the Washington Post (or Voice), get the family on some bikes, and head off to Mark’s or Tastee.

winner
Mark’s Kitchen
runner up
Tastee Diner

Other favorites: Kirsten’s Café Parkway Deli, Eggspectations, Everyday Gourmet, Flower Deli, Fresh Start Restaurant, Jackie’s, Kefa Café, Kirsten’s Café, Middle Eastern Cuisine, Mrs. K’s, Oriental East, Savory, Soho Café, Woodside Deli

Getting married? Having an office party? Throwing your daughter a quinceañera? These are the folks that you told us you count on to keep your guests fed and happy.

winner
Middle Eastern Cuisine
runner up
Gail’s Vegetarian Catering

Other favorites: Corcoran Caterers, Kirsten’s Café, Lebanese Taverna, Red Line Grill, Savory Café, Taste of Takoma (Gina Gaspin), Tian Jin Palace

Until recently, Takoma Park and Silver Spring were short on watering holes, and in most of those joints, you took your liquor straight. Now you can belly up to a local bar and ask for Amor Prohibido or a Blueberry Martini with nary a raised eyebrow.

winner
Ceviche
runner up
Jackie’s

Other favorites: Galaxy Billiards, Gallery Restaurant, Piratz Tavern, McGinty’s, Samantha’s, Ray’s the Classics, Mi Rancho, Cubano’s, Quarry House

Perk up. There’s more than one delicious way to regain consciousness around here. Mayorga grinds its own blends, with South American sabor. And Kefa literally means coffee—from its Ethiopian origin. Indulge your fascination with caffeination. We’re swimming in coffee.

winner
Mayorga Coffee Factory
runner up
Kefa Café

Other favorites: Atrium Café, Everyday Gourmet, Highland Coffee, Kirsten’s Café, Mark’s Kitchen, Savory Café, Tastee Diner, Tiramisu

Best takeout / delivery

Here the take-out options go far beyond the usual pizza and Chinese with Lebanese Taverna leading the pack. Others offer food from Thailand, India and Indonesia as well as all-American salads and sandwiches. Come Friday night there are lots of choices - even if what you’re looking for is pizza or Chinese takeout.

winner
Lebanese Taverna
runner up
Udupi Palace

Other favorites: Thai of Silver Spring, Spring Garden, Hunan City, Bombay Gaylord, Everyday Gourmet, Golden House, Kirsten’s Café, Ledo’s Pizza, Mamma Lucia, Mandalay, Manny and Olga’s, Mark’s Kitchen, Moby Dick House of Kabob, Oriental East, Parkway Deli, Pizza Movers, Pizza Palace, Red Line Grill, Savory Café, Summer Delights, Tiffin, zpizza, Vicino, Woodlands

Sweet tooth? From gourmet cupcakes to tiramisu, it’s all right under our nose!

winner
Cakelove
runner up
Kirsten’s Café

Other favorites: Jackie’s, Rays the Classics, Parkway Deli, Little Home Cookies and Pastries, Le Bon Pain, Moorenko’s, Savory, Summer Delights, Takoma Kitchens, A Taste of Home, Tiramisu, Polonez, Negril, York Castle, Eggspectations

Best late night spot

New York City never sleeps. Takoma Park goes to bed at 9 PM. And Silver Spring stays up until about 1 AM if you’re lucky (with the exception of Tastee Diner, which doles out coffee and BLTs 24/7). When you’re looking for a roost where you can cry in your beer or chat with a new friend until the almost wee hours, you head for the Quarry House or Jackie’s.

winner
Quarry House
runner up
Jackie’s

Other favorites: Austin Grill, Galaxy Billiards, Gallery Restaurant, Tastee Diner, the Astroturf, McGinty’s Public House

Looking for a place that warms your heart as well as your stomach? These restaurant owners and their staff will make you feel right at home.

winner
Mark’s Kitchen
runner up
Kefa Café

Other favorites: El Aguila, Addis Ababa, Los Arrieros, Austin Grill, Blair Mansion Inn, Bombay Gaylord, Ceviche, Cubano’s, Da Marco, El Gavilan, El Golfo, Jackie’s, Kirsten’s Café, Ledo’s, Mamma Lucia, Mandalay, McGinty’s Public House, Mi Rancho, Middle Eastern Cuisine, The Original Crisfield Seafood, Parkway Deli, Piratz Tavern, Rays the Classics, Red Dog Café, Samantha’s, Savory Café, Sergio’s Ristorante, Taste of Jerusalem, Taste of Morocco, Tastee Diner, Vicino, Woodside Deli, Thai Derm, Summer Delights, China House, Thai of Silver Spring

Seems like coffee and computers make a good mix. Both Mayorga and Savory offer plush seating for when you’ve got a long day out of the office.

winner
Mayorga Coffee Factory
runner up
Savory Café

Other favorites: Ellsworth Drive, Kirsten’s Café, Panera Bread, Highland Origin Coffee, home (where it belongs!), Silver Spring Library, Takoma Park Library

Let’s face it: sometime you just want to be left alone for self reflection with a burrito or burger.

winner
Savory Café
runner up
Tastee Diner

Other favorites: Adega, Mark’s Kitchen, Lebanese Taverna, Everyday Gourmet, Kirsten’s Café, Middle Eastern Cuisine, Oh’s Cafeteria, Quarry House, Rays the Classics, The Original Crisfield’s, Vicino, Woodland’s

When you’d rather do the cooking yourself, here are the places to find what you need.

winner
Middle Eastern Cuisine
runner up
Thai Market

Other favorites: La Casita, Ethiopian indian Super Market, Ethio Carry-out and Grocery, La Fonda Paisa, Nile Market, Woder Ethiopian Market, Hung Phat, Latin Market

Our winners offer the best of both worlds. Crisfield’s, with its amazing crab dishes and down-to-earth atmosphere is Maryland at its best, while Ceviche offers international panache.

winner
The Original Crisfield Restaurant
runner up
Ceviche

Other favorites: Asian Bistro, Cameron’s Seafood, Cubano’s, El Golfo, Ocean City Seafood, Rays the Classics, Sushi Jin, Sergio’s Ristorante, Vicino

Looking to feed your picky eaters in a place where their, um, joyfulness, is welcome? Mark’s and Mi Rancho have long made young families feel welcome. Newcomer Piratz Tavern offers the unexpected extras that will thrill your little adventurers.

winner
Mark’s Kitchen
runner up
Mi Rancho

Other favorites: Piratz Tavern, Austin Grill, Parkway Deli, Red Dog Café, Samantha’s, Ledo’s Pizza, Mayorga Coffee Factory, Savory Café, Taste of Morocco, Middle Eastern Cuisine, Tastee Diner, El Golfo, McGinty’s Public House, Eggspectations, Austin Grill, Parkway Deli, Samantha’s

Perhaps our locals are just grateful to Jackie for reminding the region that Silver Spring does have style. Or maybe it’s that she gives us comfort food with that grown-up twist. Whatever it is, we are happy she’s here!

winner
Jackie’s
runner up
Mandalay

Other favorites: Addis Ababa, Adega, Asian Bistro, Blue Pearl, Bombay Gaylord, Ceviche, Cubano’s, Da Marco, Gallery Restaurant, El Gavilan, Fajita Coast, Golden Flame, El Golfo, Langano, Kirsten’s Café, Ledo’s, Mamma Lucia, Mark’s Kitchen, McGinty’s Public House, Mi Rancho, Middle Eastern Cuisine, Mrs. K’s Tollhouse, My-Le, Negril, The Original Crisfield Seafood, Parkway Deli, Piratz Tavern, Rays the Classics, Red Dog Café, Samantha’s, Sergio’s Ristorante, Suporn Thai, Taste of Jerusalem, Thai Derm, Thai at Silver Spring, Tiffin, Tijuana, Udupi Palace, Vicino, Walia, Woodland

There have been lots of change in our little corner of the county. These newcomers have really found a niche. Cakelove offers a whole line of cakes, cookies and pastries and Fair Day’s Play brought us fair trade toys and games, and sporting goods that we could never find in the big box world.

winner
Cakelove
runner up
Fair Day’s Play

Other favorites: Alchemy, Culture Shop, Highland Coffee Shop, Jackie’s, Marimekko, Piratz Tavern, Take Home a Park (The Landscape Group), Takoma Park Bike

The TPSS Food Coop swept this category. Besides bringing us organic veggies and recycled papergoods, they also sponsor an annual Earth Day to help us all learn ways that we can be more earth-friendly.

winner
TPSS Food Coop
runner up
EcoPrint

Other favorites: Amicus Green Building, Kessler Dry Cleaning, Landis Construction, Prestige Exceptional Fabrics Dry Cleaning, Save Our Sky Heating Cooperative, SilverDocs, Clean Currents, Culture Shop

Can’t make it to NYC this Christmas? Try window shopping in Old Takoma instead. A contest held by the Old Takoma Business Association really stirs up the competition.

winner
Now & Then
runner up
Alchemy

Other favorites: Culture Shop, Video Americain, Magic Carpet, Color Me Mine, Plaza Artist Supply, S & A Beads, Salon Jam, Shampoo, Marimekko, Pieces, Summer Delights, Glad Rags, Magic Carpet

Know you just need one of those little metal things that hooks those other two thingings together? Strosnider’s red-vest-wearing employees will be on the case just a few minutes after you walk in the door.

winner
Strosnider’s
runner up
Big Bad Woof

Other favorites: AFI/ Silver Theatre, Culture Shop, Alchemy, American Craft, House of Musical Traditions, Magic Carpet, Park Florist, Plaza Artist Supply, S & A Beads, Snider’s Super Market, TPSS Food Co-op, Video Americain

Looking for a gift for someone special or do you just like to look? Now and Then offers a tempting sampling of quality jewelry, picture frames, board games, hand-powered pig flashlights, bathing accessories, silk scarves, cookbooks, and, well, you’ll just have to look for yourself.

winner
Now & Then
runner up
Strosnider’s

Other favorites: AFI/SIlver Theatre, Alchemy, Culture Shop, American Craft, Big Bad Woof, Bonifant Books, City Place Mall, Fair Day’s Play, House of Musical Traditions, Magic Carpet of Takoma Park, Video Americain

Best Antique Vintage Store

In the market for a fifties frock? Polly Sue’s probably has it. How about eighties platform shoes? It’s more than likely that Polly Sue’s has those too. This vintage haven has been deemed the best in town, offering timeless threads for both women and men from decades and even centuries past. Time machines may not exist, but a trip to Polly Sue’s is the next best thing.

winner
Polly Sue’s
runner up
Rerun

Other favorites: Glad Rags, Madame X, Moonshadow, Vintage Vault

It’s been over five years and Takomans are still missing Chuck and Dave’s mix of books, cards and toys. When the midwives announced their closing, the window and railings filled with tributes to their role in bringing little ones peacefully into the world.

winner
Chuck & Dave’s Bookstore, Etc.
runner up
Takoma Women’s Health Center

Other favorites: Arise, dzi Tibet Collection, Gifford’s, Park Pharmacy, Takoma Book Exchange, Takoma Underground, Taliano’s, Half Moon Barbeque, Takoma Trader’s, Glad Rags

Despite the endless choices, local residents are still dreaming up more. Fine dining tops the list...entrepreneurs, are you listening?

winner
Fine dining
runner up
Birth center

Other favorites: brew pub, kids play area, art gallery, independent bookstore, club for 20-somethings, club for teens, kids clothing, mens cothing, music/video/game store, organic restaurant, pizza and beer joint, women’s clothing, record store, cheese/bread store, wine bar, tapas bar, opium den, hardware store, pharmacy, dog wash, head shop, Indian restaurant, music venue, skatepark, card shop, world market, spice store, high end pizza, late night diner

Finding a great place for a Sunday stroll is no walk in the park. Luckily for Silver Spring/Takoma residents, parks are plentiful. This year’s winner, Sligo Creek Park, features a playground, softball fields, picnic spots, walking, biking, hiking trails and two lighted tennis courts.

winner
Sligo Creek Park
runner up
Wheaton Regional Park

Other favorites: the Astroturf, Bullis Park, Jecquie Park, Hillwood Manor Park, Jesup Blair Park, Forest Park, Long Branch Park, North Four Corners Park, Northwest Branch Park, Opal Daniels Park, Rock Creek Park, Spring Park

It’s August and you’re hot. It’s not a question of what to do, but where to do it. Daleview pool in Silver Spring was this year’s choice for a quick cool down.

winner
Daleview
runner up
YMCA

Other favorites: Glenwood, Martin Luther King Swim Center, Franklin Knolls, Long Branch Pool, Northwest Branch Pool, Piney Branch Elementary School Pool, Prince George’s Community Pool, Rollingcrest-Chillum Splash Pool, Takoma DC Community Center, University of Maryland, Forest Knolls, Blair Pool (at Blairs), Rock Creek Pool, Adelphi Pool

Wheels turned when we asked residents where the best place was for a bike ride. However, the answer is no surprise. On Sundays, the Takoma Park section of Sligo Creek Parkway is closed to cars, making bike riding here a joy. The Sligo Creek bike trail is shady, winding and slow, fostering a more leisurely ride.

winner
Sligo Creek Trail
runner up
Rock Creek Park

Other favorites: Northwest Branch Trail, Metro Trail, Capital Crescent Trail

Who doesn’t love dining al fresco?
Save money, make it a BYO affair (Bring Your Own), and head up to Wheaton Regional Park, voted this year’s best picnic spot. The Shorfield Area of the park is where the most in-the-know picnickers feast. Picnic shelters can be reserved and accomodate up to 40 people. Cooking grills and picnic tables are available on a first-come first-serve basis, so best to come early.

winner
Wheaton Regional Park
runner up
Sligo Creek Park

Other favorites: By the fountain on Ellsworth, Meadowbrook Stables, Rock Creek Park, Astroturf, Ellsworth Park, Confederate Cemetary on Georgia, Glen Echo

When the nation’s capitol lies less than ten miles from your doorstep, it’s no wonder that the National Mall was voted top day trip. You may have to allot more than a day to take in all the sites including the presidential monuments and the Smithsonian museums.

winner
Washington, DC, Mall
runner up
Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia

Other favorites: Annapolis, MD; Sugarloaf Mountain, MD; Atlantic City, NJ; Catoctin, MD; Baltimore, MD; Great Falls, MD; Gettysburg, PA; New York, NY; Ocean City, MD; Rehobeth, DE; Sandy Point Park, MD; Chincoteague, VA; Assateague, VA; Shenandoah, VA; C & O Canal, MD & DC: Rock Creek Park, MD & DC; Lewes, DE; Baltimore’s brewpubs; Berkeley Springs, WV; Philadelphia, PA; Solomon’s Island, MD

When planning for a date, location is everything. A quiet place to canoodle, conversation-stirring surroundings, and a spot to chat are all crucial elements. The Silver Theatre/AFI promises it all. This restored three-screen theater in downtown Silver Spring plays both artsy and mainstream flicks. A cafe in the lobby provides an after-movie retreat for lingering lovers.

winner
Silver Theatre/AFI
runner up
Old Takoma

Other favorites: Meadowbrooks Stables/Rock Creek Park, the Astroturf, Ellsworth Drive, Montgomery College planetarium, National Museum of Health and Medicine, Round House Theatre, Silver Spring Stage, South Silver Spring, Brookside Gardens, Jackie’s, Taste of Morocco, back seat of a 67 Chevy, Mi Rancho, El Golfo

Public service

Lets face it. Immigrants come to Takoma Park and Silver Spring looking for refuge and work. The 2000 census reported that 26.7 percent of Montgomery County is foreign-born, which is almost three times the number of foreign-born residents in the rest of the state. CASA of Maryland, this years winning non-profit, aims to improve the quality of life and fight for equal treatment for low-income Latinos and their families. The organization offers
English literacy classes, citizenship classes, a health hotline, programming for women, a housing program, and legal help among other services,

winner
CASA of Maryland
runner up
Shepherd’s Table

Other favorites: Art for the People, Birth Options Alliance, Center for the New American Dream, Chesapeake Climate Action Network, Class Acts Arts, FairVote, Friends of Sligo Creek, Impact Silver Spring, Takoma Foundation, TPSS Food Co-op, SilverDocs, Compassion over Killing, Takoma Youth Soccer, Liz Lerman Dance Exchange, Community Bridges, Gateway Georgia Avenue, Gabriel Project, Takoma Park Lesbians and Gays

When discussing the role of local government, some folks boil it down to one issue: fixing the potholes. So who’s in charge of that essential function anyway? A city turns its desperate eyes to Daryl Braithwaite, longtime Takoma Park resident and Director of Takoma Park Public Works. Braithwaite also makes sure that the trash and recycling are picked up, leaves are collected and mulched, parks are maintained, trees are protected, and stormwater goes where it ought to. Is there any wonder that residents voted for Braithwaite? Not far behind was Susan Hoffman, the marketing director of Downtown Silver Spring. Much of the renaissance in Silver Spring can be attributed to Hoffman’s tireless efforts.

winner
Daryl Braithwaite
(Takoma Park Public Works)
runner up
Susan Hoffman
(Marketing Director,
Downtown Silver Spring)

Other favorites: Stephen R. Auger, Ilona Blanchard, Todd Bolton, Rebecca Brown, Dave Burbank, Alvaro Calabia, Theresa Cameron, Jessie Carpenter, Marjorie Ciccione, Matt Corley, Mary Louise Daneri, Betsy Davis, Roz Grigsby, Debra Haiduven, Melanie Isis, Porsha Jones, Carol Legarreta, Barbara Matthews, Lonni Moffet, Ronald Ricucci, Ellen Robbins, Phil Shapiro, Gary Stith, Mel Tull, Linda Walker, Mike Welsh, Bruce Moyers, Don Scheurman, Scotty Arnold, Post Office Employees, Seth Grimes, Howard Kohn, Megan Scribner, Tom Perez, Debbie Spielberg, Sara Daines, Karen Roper, Hans Reimer, Gustavo Torres

In his freshman session, Maryland Senator Jamie Raskin received a 100 percent rating from the Maryland League of Conservation Voters, Environment Maryland, and Maryland PIRG. He introduced and passed nine bills, all signed by the Governor. And in the off-season, Raskin, a law professor at American University, has helped the City of Takoma Park draft a proclamation urging Congress to impeach President Bush and Vice President Cheney. We’re wondering what Raskin plans for his second act.

winner
Jamie Raskin
(MD Senate—District 20)
runner up
Joy Austin Lane
(Takoma Park City Councilmember—Ward 1)

Other favorites: Colleen Clay, Marc Elrich, Valerie Ervin, Nancy Floreen, Tom Hucker, George Leventhal, Heather Mizeur, Kathy Porter, Chris Van Hollen, Bruce Williams