BULLY PULPIT Family’s music preaches an end to abuse. A-3
A&E: Lumina Studio Theatre brings Dickens’ “Our Mutual Friend” to life on stage. B-4
The Gazette
SILVER SPRING | TAKOMA PARK | WHEATON | BURTONSVILLE
SPORTS: Northwood students find inspiration in managing girls basketball team. B-1
DA I LY U P DAT E S AT G A Z E T T E . N E T
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
25 cents
Starr will seek second term at helm of schools
So others may eat
Some board members commit support as decision deadline nears
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BY
LINDSAY A. POWERS STAFF WRITER
In the home stretch of his first term, Superintendent Joshua P. Starr said he’s hoping for a second round leading the school district and is “in it for the long haul.” Two out of seven board members said they’re ready to support Starr. Others, however, are not yet picking a side, saying they’ll consider a range of issues before deciding.
GREG DOHLER/THE GAZETTE
Kensington residents Michael Pinard (center) and his son, Julian Pinard (left), 7, were among the volunteers who packed bags with food for needy children as part of a Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service at Silver Spring United Methodist Church. The event was held through a partnership between the church, Whole Foods Markets, and the Manna Food Center’s Karen Goldberg Smart Snacks program for hungry children.
Takoma Park eyes $5 million prize City to compete against Arlington, others for two years for energy savings
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BY
KEVIN JAMES SHAY STAFF WRITER
Takoma Park was chosen as one of 50 semifinalist cities and counties nationwide competing for $5 million in an energy-saving competition run by Georgetown University, officials announced on Jan. 14.
Takoma will compete against Arlington County, Va., Charlottesville, Va., Cambridge, Mass., Madison, Wis., Berkeley, Calif., and others in the twoyear challenge to reduce utilitysupplied energy consumption. Ten finalists are slated to be selected in early 2017, and the $5 million winner chosen later that year. Takoma Park was the only city in Maryland chosen for the national contest. Takoma Park has thought of itself as being at the forefront
of environmental sustainability efforts for a long time, and the announcement confirms that, Mayor Bruce Williams said on Jan. 14 in a City Hall news conference with officials from the city and Georgetown. Takoma Park gained “Sustainable Maryland Certified” status in 2014 and has passed legislation restricting the use of cosmetic lawn pesticides on private and public property and the commercial use of polystyrene food-service ware. “The city prides itself of be-
ing an example to others” in environmental sustainability, Williams said. “Now we hope to expand that to more residents and businesses.” The idea is not just to have the cities involved find innovative ways to reduce energy consumption, but to develop ways to replicate their approaches, so others can follow the example, said Christofer Nelson, project director of the contest. The university will regularly
See PRIZE, Page A-11
Starr, whose contract expires June 30, must make his official request to the county school board for another fouryear term by Feb. 1. The board will need to give him an answer by March 1. Starr replaced Jerry D. Weast as superintendent in 2011. He was hired at $250,000 per year. Starr’s current salary is $264,002, according to Dana Tofig, a spokesman for the district. The district has made progress during his three-and-a-half years, Starr said, and he and others have put “all the pieces in place to transform” the school system.
See STARR, Page A-11
Leggett proposes a $191M school construction hike Request is part of amendment package to $4.66 billion capital plan n
BY
KATE S. ALEXANDER STAFF WRITER
As Montgomery County lawmakers fight for more school construction money from the state, County Executive Isiah Leggett is asking the County Council to approve $191.2 million more locally. Every two years, Leggett (D) issues his recommended capital budget for the next six years. In odd-numbered years, he gener-
ally recommends amendments to the spending plan. His proposed amendments to the $4.66 billion capital improvements program for fiscal years 2015-2020 would provide not just more funding for public school construction, but also for affordable housing and road repair, according to a county news release. It also includes money for redevelopment projects in White Flint and Wheaton and $32 million to replace the Shady Grove Bus Depot. School construction continues to be a top priority for
See LEGGETT, Page A-11
Yoga studio embraces trauma victims Sky House moved to new commercial site in Silver Spring last year n
BY
KEVIN JAMES SHAY STAFF WRITER
A Silver Spring yoga studio is working on a program to help people dealing with trauma, such as abuse, the loss of a loved one and cancer. “Not everyone wants to admit they are struggling with trauma,” said Sky House Yoga co-founder Ashley Litecky Elenbaas, a clinical herbalist and yoga
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teacher. “A common symptom is anxiety, which is one of the top reasons people see me in my herbalist practice.” Many people suffering from anxiety are quite sensitive and need help better managing anxiety levels, she said. “We try to look at some underlying causes,” Elenbaas said. She hopes to get the classes going in April. Veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder could be candidates for the program, Elenbaas said. The postures practiced will be “safe” ones that don’t submit students to feelings of vulnerability, she said. “There will not be a lot of hands-on assists or back bends,” Elenbaas said.
“We want to look at what kind of movements help the body feel safe, so you can move with more trust.” People going through chemotherapy for cancer or in remission can benefit by increasing circulation and flushing toxins, she said. “Someone who has been through cancer can store tension,” Elenbaas said. “We can help them release that by taking deep breaths and relaxing.” Elenbaas; husband Adam Elenbaas, an astrologer and writer; and Abby Burgess opened Sky House in a rented house in 2011 and moved to a more
See YOGA, Page A-11
NEWS
FIT AS A FIDDLE Silver Spring student’s talent takes her on journey to Carnegie Hall.
A-4
BILL RYAN/THE GAZETTE
Ashley Litecky Elenbaas demonstrates a therapeutic version of a child’s pose at Sky House Yoga in Silver Spring.
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