This month, “Rockville Reports” talks with Melinda Norton, who in October became the new supervisor of the Thomas Farm Community Center at 700 Fallsgrove Road.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I grew up in a small town outside of Flint, Michigan, and attended college at Central Michigan University where I earned a Bachelor of Science in conservation biology. I lived and worked in the Detroit-metro area for several years before moving to D.C. in 2006 for my job at the City of Rockville as assistant supervisor of Croydon Creek Nature Center. In October, I was promoted to supervisor of Thomas Farm Community Center. I love working for the city and feeling like I am part of the Rockville family. In my spare time, I love to travel the world, as well as spend time exploring the DMV and all it has to offer.
Tell us a little about your job and what you’ll be doing.
Running a large facility like Thomas Farm Community Center is a challenge. The days are never boring! Overseeing the day-to-day operation of the gym, fitness center and rental spaces, while also planning programming and events that happen at the center, is a big job. I’m really looking forward to learning more about some of the old favorite events that take place at the center, while also bringing new and different ideas to the table to help keep the community engaged in the happenings at TFCC.
Tell us more about Thomas Farm Community Center.
Thomas Farm is turning 10 years old in March and we’d really like you to know more about us! We have a fantastic and affordable fitness center with hours that fit most everyone’s schedule, along with opportunities to try out different sports, such as pickle ball, badminton, volleyball or basketball during our open gym times. We also have beautiful rental spaces that are perfect for birthday parties, showers, corporate gatherings and more! I like to think of our community center as a connection point in the neighborhood and am really looking forward to getting to know our current members better while spreading the word about TFCC and all that we have to offer. Watch for our 10-year anniversary open house that will be taking place in March, and if you are in the neighborhood, stop by and see for yourself what makes TFCC such an important part of the Rockville community.
Find out more about Thomas Farm’s programs and activities from Rockville Life, the city’s recreation guide, at www.rockvillemd.gov/life.