Old Town is the name, dating back many decades, for the section of Takoma Park that is bounded roughly by Carroll, Philadelphia, Piney Branch, and Eastern Avenues: the Philadelphia Eastern Neighborhood (PEN) plus a bit on the edges. PEN residents have carried out many community-building activities via the PEN Exchange, but the neighborhood had not had an advocacy organization in many years. Residents founded OTRA in 2003 to be that group: to identify neighborhood issues, seek out residents' views, help the city government reach out to residents, and act as an intermediary when needed with the city and other neighborhood associations.

OTRA is a volunteer organization, and membership is open to everyone who lives in Old Town. We meet monthly at the home of one of our members or at the Takoma Park Community Center, and we organize or co-sponsor occasional community activities. Meeting are public, open to members and non-members alike. To join and vote, you must pay annual membership dues, currently $10 individual, $20 household. To join, contact us or attend a meeting.

OTRA is co-sponsoring a community meeting with the members of the District 20 state legislative delegation, Sunday afternoon, January 11, 2009, 4-6 pm, at the Takoma Park Community Center in the council chambers. We're expecting Senator Jamie Raskin and Delegates Sheila Hixson and Heather Mizeur. Delegate Tom Hucker will try to make it. We'll have each speak for a few minutes about state concerns of interest to folks in Takoma Park and about the 2009 legislative season followed by open Q&A. Everyone is welcome, OTRA member or not.

OTRA will be hosting Board of Education member Chris Barclay, Wednesday evening February 11, 7:30 pm, at the home of Miriam Szapiro and Ray Scannell, 118 Park Avenue. Everyone is welcome, OTRA member or not.

If you're a neighborhood resident, please join OTRA using our handy membership form and also join our e-mail list by sending a message to TakOTRA-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.