[RP TownTalk] What I like about Riverdale Park

[Alan Thompson and Sarah Wayland]

Sometimes we post about things that shock or surprise us, and forget  
to think about what we like about living here. I think it would be  
fun to compile a list of what we *like* about Riverdale Park.  If you  
want to fuss about something, or disagree, please start a separate  
thread with a separate title. I want this thread to be a list of what  
is good about our town.

Here are some things that I like:

(1) My neighbors. I have the most wonderful neighbors: They take care  
of me when I'm down, amuse me, chat with me, work with me, and  
generally make my life a lot more fun.

(2) Our community events, including the Holiday Market, the Farmer's  
Market, Riverdale Park Day, and all the Recreation Board-sponsored  
events. There are more, I'm sure - add your favorites!

(3) Our locally-run businesses that reflect our local character - the  
S&J, Old Town Pets, Dumms, the Little Giant, the Calvert House, Yoga  
Space, Franklin's, the Latino markets on Kenilworth (somebody help me  
here - I like them, but can't remember their names!)

(4) The diversity! We've got it all here, and even though that's hard  
at times, it's also healthy! I mean diversity in lots of realms:  
cultural, ethnic, architectural, careers, hobbies & special  
interests... what areas of diversity do you like? Add to my list!

(5) Our proximity to Washington DC. Where else in the country do we  
have access to all these free museums? This doesn't differentiate  
Riverdale Park from other communities around the beltway, but it is  
something I love about living here.

(6) Public transportation options: Metro & MARC. This makes it easy  
if I don't feel like driving or parking downtown.

(7) Our proximity to the University of Maryland. There's so much the  
University has to offer - we just need to take advantage of it.  
Something I've really been amazed by is the high quality of the  
music, dance, and theater productions at the Clarice B. Smith  
Performing Arts Center.

(8) Our town government. Our mayor, council, administration, police &  
public works departments work hard to keep our town a fun, safe, and  
attractive place to live. I'm really grateful to each of them for  
their hard work. None of them have an easy job - other threads on  
this list are testimony to how tough it is - but they devote their  
time and energy to our town, and I, for one, am really grateful to them.

Those are just a few that pop into my head. Add to my list - but  
remember - let's keep it positive!

-Sarah