The following are recommendations sent in by readers of COMMUNIT-E.
Because of the many requests I receive, I'm rerunning the community
recommendations that have appeared in COMMUNIT-E since Winter, 2000.
Some [**]  were edited because of space limitations when they were
published in STREET SMART. Others [****] appeared after Winter 2000 and
may contain more detail.  Feel free to send additional recommendations.

ABOUT THESE RECOMMENDATIONS: Since different customers can have
different experiences, it would be a good idea to ask the individual you
want to hire for several references. Then check those references. NONE
OF THESE RECOMMENDATIONS ARE GUARANTEED.

AS THE POLICE TELL US OFTEN: IT'S A BAD IDEA TO HIRE SOMEONE WHO COMES
TO YOUR DOOR, LOOKING FOR WORK. PROFESSIONAL TRADESMEN DON'T DO THAT BUT
SCAMMERS AND THIEVES DO IT FREQUENTLY.

THE RECOMMENDATIONS:

ARCHITECT:
**** From: Bkravetz@aol.com
In response to Lorie Leavy's request for an architect --- I would highly
recommend Bill Feeney --- an AU Park resident (45th & Chesapeake
Streets) and fabulous guy!  I have used him for two projects (one really
major one) and he is great to work with.  I have also recommended him to
many other people in the area.  He can be reached at 202-537-0397.

AUTO BODY WORK:
** From: Judie Guy, gpgazed@aol.com -- I recommend Petrovitch at 14th &
Florida.

BABYSITTER:
**** From: Jennifer Rose <jenrose1@yahoo.com>
If you need a Babysitter Monday-Thursday for a evening out call my
former co-worker at 301-996-5854.  She lives in Bethesda and would like
to earn some extra cash. She is a former High School Counselor and is
wonderful with children. She charges $10.00 per hour. Available time is
after 5:30pm.

BICYCLE REPAIR:
** Hudson Trail Outfitters at Brandywine and Wisconsin.

**** From: Sgtwear1 (Sgt. Mike Wear)
The Pro Shop on M. Street, near Key Bridge) has an excellent mechanic --
Courtney. One of the best mechanics in the area, he does most of the
instructors repairs that we cannot do in MPD. Another shop -
Revolutions, just a few doors down, has excellent service, has always
been helpful.  There are other shops in DC but these are in 2D.

BRICK & CONCRETE WORK:
** From: sellis@pd.state.gov (Ellis, Susan) -- Alphonso Gibbs,
301-499-0259.
 
** C. L. Williams at 301-397-4692 (beeper) or 301-856-4967.  He does
painting,
cement, driveways, sidewalks, block & brick work, and hauling.
 
**** From: "Bachman, Janet" <jbachman@aiadc.org>
Masonry Contractor:  I've had a lot of brick work done over the years,
and always used Virnel Allen.  He does great work, though he's not
cheap.  He's also a grumpy old man, but the quality of his work makes up
for it.  Mr. Allen's phone is (202) 429-0324.

**** From: MGBPA@aol.com
Thanks to the kind neighbour who provided the name of Virnel Allen. He
was great. Came when he said he would, did an excellent job, was
courteous, and even gave me a plant!
I highly recommend him. He is elderly and has help to do the heavy work
but the actual bricklaying he does himself. His number is 202 429 0324
or 202 396 9556.

CABINET MAKER:
** Jeff Seeley at 363-4151 or 882-8001.

CARPENTER,  CONTRACTOR,  HANDYMAN:
** From: mark@healthquick.com (Mark DeSimone) -- Dwight Peters (drywall,
woodwork, etc.)  301-802-2236

** From: Deborah C. Fort, FortsKDC@cs.com -- carpenter and handyman
Marcotulio Orellana and his company 'The Home Doctor.' 301-942-7768.
Cell phone:  240- 604-4742.

** From:  roths@sprintmail.com (Laura Roth) -- carpenter Dusan Bucany at
301-933-0203.

** From: Kriegi@aol.com -- Mark Verna at 301-891-2854.

****A police lieutenant told me about a friend of his (retired from MPD)
whom he has hired himself and who he says does excellent construction
and remodelling work. The man is Daniel Schauf , designer and installer,
at 914-286-3146 or 941-764-7175. The Company is Dalu Enterprise, Inc.
It's in Florida but Mr. Schauf comes to DC frequently and will come just
for a particular job.

****From: Karen Schofield-Leca, wes@EthicalSociety.org
In reply to two recent requests for a painter/carpenter/subcontractor,
I'm pleased to make a strong recommendation for James Adams. Here at the
Washington Ethical Society this past summer, he and his very able crew
did some rewiring, patching, repairs, and painting, plus basic plumbing
and installed a sink. We are very pleased with the work and would
happily use his services again. You can reach him at cellular
301-455-5556, office 301-853-9571. Please tell him Karen sent you.

****From: Deborah C. Fort, fortdc@earthlink.net
I'd like to recommend Marcos Orellana, carpenter, and handyman and his
company "The Home Doctor." 301-942-7768. Cell phone 240-604-4742. E-mail
marcotulioorellana@earthlink.net. Marcos and his staff come with twenty
years of local recommendations; he gives fair, firm estimates free; his
work is done quickly and well.

**** From: sellis@pd.state.gov (Ellis, Susan)
Excellent home repair, carpentry, painting and plastering.  Jaime
Barrera has worked for me for 10 years, doing everything from building a
deck over my garage to plastering and painting my hall and upstairs and
many smaller tasks.  His phone number is: (home) 301/587-2410; cell
phone: 301/442-4138.

****  From: "Kathleen McLynn" <kdmclynn@starpower.net
We have a reliable house services name to share with our neighbors:
We have depended upon Mike Reidy of MULTIPLE SERVICES on 342-9356 in
close-by Glover Park for nearly 15 years to take care of both interior
and exterior work.  He handles lawn work, repairs, painting and
remodeling jobs from start to finish for us and his rates are
reasonable. We highly recommend him.

CARPET CLEANER:
**** From: Abauer4600@aol.com
I have a GREAT carpet cleaner.  Banner Carpet 301-353-1217.  It is owned
and operated by Bruce Johnson who is a Captain at our local firehouse.
He has cleaned many carpets for me in the last few years and has always
revitalized them far beyond what any other cleaner has ever done in the
past.  (Does a great job on Orientals too.)

CATERER:
** From: jenrose1@yahoo.com (Jennifer Rose) -- Jerry Hollinger of
Jerry's catering. His number is 387-7531.

CHILDBIRTH CLASSES:
** From: Cellia412@aol.com -- Karen van Loon's Birth Works class. She
teaches here in Friendship Heights and can be reached at
KarenvanL@aol.com or 686 6463.

CHIMNEY CLEANING:
****From: Sara Cormeny, sara@paperlantern.com
I have used Winston's Chimney Service in the past. In the Dupont Circle
area they regularly get the nod from homeowners in the know. I'd
recommend them without reservation. I know nothing of chimney business
but wouldn't be surprised if it takes a while to get on their schedule
at this time of year. Winston's Chimney Service, 4212R Howard Avenue,
Kensington, MD, 301-571-8546.

COMPUTER REPAIRS:
**** From: "Donald E. Graves" <degraves@wizard.net>
Hi, My computer-talented son Richard is very good at helping people with
their computers, both setting up the hardware and software and operating
problems.  He makes house calls in the neighborhood and has been a great
help to individuals in the Friendship Heights-Tenleytown area.  He is 19
and graduated from Landon School.  Currently he working part-time as a
web-page designer and is a part-time student at AU.  He can be reached
at 202-362-7917, at degraves@wizard.net and rictus@techie.com.

****From:  "David W. Schmucker" <david@dataovertheweb.com>
After reading numerous complaints about the Computer Clinic, an
alternative is to call my one person, home office company here in AUP.
I've been teaching and developing software applications since 1980.  I
don't fix hardware but feel free to call for a "sanity check." I can
answer most calls at no charge but will bill by the hour if more is
needed.
David Schmucker
DataOverTheWeb
4424 Windom Pl. NW
(202) 276-5100

ELECTRICIANS:
** Kevin Rozier at 841-8021.

** From: mark@healthquick.com (Mark DeSimone) -- Fairfax Electric (ask
for John) - 301-855-5949

** From: jenrose1@yahoo.com (Jennifer Rose) -- Evan Bestland at
301-424-0130.

**   From: skodon@zzapp.org (Emil Skodon) -- Crescent Electric at
363-7100.

FINDING LOST PETS:
**** From: Darnot@aol.com
When a pet is missing, contact D.C. Animal Control (run by Wash Humane)
at 202/576-6664 and report it missing.  Someone there will check the log
they keep of "found pets" to see if anyone called in a found report on
the animal. Also try Sherlock Bones (http://sherlockbones.com;
1-800-942-6637) which is highly effective in reuniting pets with owners.

FURNITURE REFINISHING:
**  From: Dderman527@aol.com (Connie Derman) -- Steve Yoder, S&S
Woodcrafts, Mechanicsville, MD (Southern Maryland, below Waldorf).
Steve is Amish, originally from Lancaster, PA. He does not pick up or
deliver (no car; only horse and buggy);  he also has no telephone in his
home; but a message can be left for him after 6 at 301-472-4962 - or a
note can be mailed to him at 26759 Thompsons Corner Road,
Mechanicsville, MD  20659. It takes about l-l/2 hours to drive to his
home. His charges are at least one-half of the local rates.

GARDENER:
**** From: Richard Bienvenue <ourhous@bellatlantic.net>
The best & most reasonable gardener/ landscaper you will find is a lady
from College Park:  Janet "Walkin' Dove" Koles at 301-474-2461.  She is
intelligent, a real worker, and as honest as the day is long.  I've
known her for 25 years, and when she's not working, she's volunteering
for the Boy Scouts, square dance teams, teaching Sunday school, etc.

**** From: Lberger728@aol.com  (Lisa Berger)
Great Gardener/Spring Cleaner: I've just had my spring garden cleaning
done by Evaristo Hernandez (trade name: Hernandez and Daughters;
reachable by cell phone at 202/421-3442) and recommend him highly.  He
did an expert job of pruning, mulching and clean-up.  Plus, his fee was
reasonable and he was immediately available.

GUTTER CLEANING:
**** From: Brennan.Ross@epamail.epa.gov
As a result of a request you posted in Communit-E, I got some good
recommendations from neighbors about gutter cleaning services.  I
thought I'd pass along their recommendations for a future issue of
Communit-E. Note that the first three are all for Winstons (but w/
different phone numbers).

**** From: jfkhoury@erols.com
We use Winston's gutter cleaning service twice a year. They're not cheap
($60 - 80) but they do a good job and fix the gutters as needed as they
clean them.  301-986-1804

**** From: hier@biddhier.com:  We've been using Winston's Gutter Service
for many years.  I call them, they come within 2 weeks, we don't have to
be home, then they bill us.  They also do windows as a separate
service.  The phone number is 301-986-1804.

**** From: csigler@dimuro.com:  I use Winston Gutters and they are very
good.  Their number is (301) 530-8595.  I think they are backed up right
now as this is their busy season, but it might be worth calling them.

**** From: A Brandywine St. neighbor:  We have been using a guy named
Art Schultz who charges about $120 for the house and garage.  We have a
lot of trees on the property so we have it done at least twice a year.
The best part is  that I call him, and he comes and does it and sends me
a bill-no waiting  at home, etc.  It sometimes takes a week or two for
him to get to the job but he always comes through and does a very neat
and thorough job. He will also trim shrubbery, etc.  It's a very low
tech operation, however, just a message machine, the best bet is to call
him at home in the evening. (703) 273-7252

****From: JPHIPPARD@aol.com:  We have our gutters cleaned by our lawn
service, which is Wray Bros. in Bethesda, 301-654-5845.  They also do a
great job on our lawn.

****From: Another neighbor:  Troy at D & M Roofing at 301-948-0100.  I
have found them to be very businesslike and I had tried others before
them.  They work in essentially all weather. They will however want to
use an outside hose tap and probably would love it if you had a hose out
there. But you can talk to them about that.  They charge 35 bucks to
come and evaluate, and that is charged off against any work they do.

**** From: Another neighbor:  We use "Joe the Roofer" at 301-229-2673.
He is a retired roofer I think and has done our gutters for years.  He
also does small roof repairs.

****From: A neighbor on Alton Place:  We used a company called Aerotech
(301) 937-6535.  They were great.

HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING:
**** From: Esmfriend@aol.com (Dawn Quattlebaum)
Friendship Terrace Retirement Community has used Noyes Air Conditioning
-- (301) 670-6300 - - for over 13 years for our air conditioning and
heating needs. I have been very pleased with their service and
technicians.

**** From: ldc1@netkonnect.net (L. Carter)
I have a heating and air-conditioning recommendation.  As a landlord, I
have used a number of different furnace and air conditioning repair
companies, until settling on Beltsville Heating and Air Conditioning.
They have replaced a forced-air furnace, a central a/c, and have
repaired both gas and oil-fueled boilers for me, and have usually been
able to come within a day of calling, sometimes on the same day.  I've
had no complaints about any of their work.

**** From: DBEDC@aol.com (David Epstein)
I am happy with Robinson's Heating and Air-Conditioning.  It's a family
run business and small enough so that service is good.  They can be
reached at 301-871-8902. Ask for Joset of Marie.

**** From: Bkravetz
I have used Bethesda Heating and Air Conditioning for about 20 years and
they are VERY good, honest and reasonably priced (as these things go!).

**** From: Mitnick123
I can recommend F.S. Campbell Co. for heating and Air Conditioning.  I
have used them for years for routine maintenance.  They are honest,
courteous, professional and knowledgeable.  Their phone number is
301-869-1843.

HOUSE CLEANING:
**** From: carol church <carch4330@yahoo.com>
A neighbor of mine does not have a computer.  Her housekeeper is looking
for more work. Experienced, with references.  Please call Ruth Rodriguez
- 202-244-2010 (allergic to cats).

**** From: Andrea Dean <aodean@erols.com>
Our excellent cleaning woman is looking for additional houses to clean,
Tuesdays and Thursdays, for a start. She is a very pleasant, decent, and
reliable human being; she cleans thoroughly and intelligently. Her name
is Irmalinda Chavez and can be reached at 301-728-3185.

**** From: "Bullock, Merry" <MBullock@apa.org>
Want a reliable, honest and efficient house-cleaner? Will do one-time or
regular work. Please call Silva - 301-564-4348; references.

INTERIOR DECORATOR:
**  From: Lberger728@aol.com (Lisa Berger) --  Shari Daniels in Bethesda
at 301-654-1654.

JEWELRY AND WATCH REPAIR:
**** From: "Aaron Epstein" <aajacks@starpower.net>
For excellent jewelry and watch repairs at low prices, I recommend you
see Cory Hyon in the lower floor of Rodman's at 5100 Wisconsin.

LOCKSMITHS:
****From: Steven Gross <gross2@phil.upenn.edu>
We recently used Bob Lennox of Lennox Lock Service and were very
pleased. We first contacted him on the basis of an excellent rating in
the _Washington Checkbook_ and found that it was well-deserved. His
number is 703-527-2932.

****From: Anji Henderson <vual7@yahoo.com>
Good locksmith : Liberty lock and security.... I have called on Rick
several times over the many years, simply because his best friend is my
best mechanic for 15 years... I figured good people stick together...
And so, I was right.. You probably will not see Rick him self, he is the
big guy... But I am sure the employees are up to his standards of
honesty and customer service...

MOVERS:
**** From: "Kathleen McLynn" <kdmclynn@starpower.net>
Subject: nice local mover: We have been pleased with Multiple Services
in Glover Park.  Owner Mike Reidy is honest and nice and has a hard
working crew.  We've depended upon him for years and would be happy to
give him a reference.  Mike Reidy is on 202/342-9356.

PAINTERS:
** From: egreenhunter@juno.com (Elinor Green Hunter) -- Cris
Asimakopoulos of  H&A Paint Inc.--  301-942-1140

** From: jbachman@aiadc.org (Bachman, Janet) -- John the Painter --
703-560-6659.

** From: roths@sprintmail.com (Laura Roth) -- Danny Rodgers (City &
Suburban
Decorators)

** From: fabullock@erols.com (Fred and Betty Bullock) -- Tenleytown
Painting 244-2325.

** Gray Phillips at Paint-Tech-Solutions, 301-948-3434 or
pgray@erols.com.

** From: gators1@erols.com (Michelle & Ren  LeRouzes) -- Alex Santos --
Alex & Sons, via the Northwest Current.
 
**** From: billrogers@bigfoot.com (Bill Rogers)
A great interior painting recommendation:  no wallpaper and no
exterior.  They said they were the best and they'd be the most
expensive.  They are definitely the former and came in cheapest of  4
rather expensive bids. Superb quality:  Washington Painting Company,
7106 Westmoreland Rd., Falls Church, VA  22042-2534  (703) 849-8200  Fax
(703) 849-8211.

**** From:  SidBooth1@aol.com (Sid Booth)
Mike Johnson, a local painter whose name I found in themail a year or so
ago, has lived up to his strong recommendations.  He made good
suggestions on how we should paint and was considerate of ways to avoid
excessive costs. Mike can be reached at mhcj1@yahoo.com.

**** From: GSReb@aol.com
I have used Tim Gribbin as a painter for interior and exterior work. His
phone number is 301-982-9863.

**** From: Lshneier@worldbank.org  (Lesley Shneier)
I used Edson of E.G. Painting (a one-man show, but he sometimes hires an
additional helper), last summer and am very satisfied. He painted inside
and outside, carefully, with good clean-up.  His cell phone number is
240-876-2191. Feel free to tell him I gave you his name.

**** From: Jcapper@worldbank.org
Painter recommended:  I just used Sun Lin and his crew to paint the
inside of my house.  They did great work -  4 rooms, 2 bathrooms and a
ceiling in just 2 days.  I got two estimates and his was cheapest - and
compared to what some of my friends paid, much cheaper for all that I
had done. Here's his number: 703-243-3096.

**** From: apg@alphatecpc.com (Anthoula P. Gianniotis)
I highly recommend a licensed and bonded painting company called Gut
Painters, specializing in residential work, plaster and drywall repair,
wallpaper removal, interior and exterior painting, power wash of siding
and decks, cleaning gutters.  They are honest, reasonable and very
hardworking. Call Willie Gutierrez (410)381-4699 or (410)381-4658, or
email at gutsan09@netscape.net.

PEST CONTROL:
** From: Rubacats@aol.com (Kelly Rubenstein) -- Alan Cohen of
Bio-Logical Pest Management 237-7509.  Used "organic" approach to
getting rid of wasps.

**  From: NancyLeRoy@aol.com -- I called the DC rat control office and
they sent a guy out with heavy duty rat poison.  If that's a problem,
call the GT exterminating people at 338-KILL.  They can set cages with
bait, etc.  They removed the beavers from the Tidal Basin.

****From: Lshneier@worldbank.org (Lesley Shneier)
I have used Terminix for years to deal with termites, and found them
very helpful and pleasant to deal with.  Feel free to mention my name as
a long term customer when dealing with them

PET CARE,  DOG WALKERS & HOUSE SITTERS:
** From a flier delivered to my house: My name is Alex Fossi and I am
willing to take care of pets, get your mail for you, and do other
necessary jobs. I am 13 and going into 8th grade at St. Albans. I have
some past experience with pet and house sitting. I have taken care of
fish for many years and enjoy spending time with pets. If you want more
information about my services, call me at 364-8106.

**  From:  Lberger728@aol.com  (Lisa Berger) -- I'm looking for a
neighborly cat-lover:  Does anybody around 41st and Garrison have cats
and want to swap cat sitting with me when we're away?  Send me a note:
LBerger728@aol.com.

PLUMBERS:
** From: Cristine.A.Romano@usdoj.gov -- John C. Dorsey plumbing, 6100
Rhode Island Ave Riverdale, MD 301-927-7100.

** W.F. Collins at 301-654-9294.

**** From: jbmahaffie@coatesandjarratt.com (John B. Mahaffie)
Jose Bustillos is a plumber I know personally as well as through his
services. I highly recommend him.  He is at: 301-674-6333.

**** From: Pavukmatt@aol.com (Cheryl Browning)
A very good plumber we have used for several years is John E. Barry Co.
They are in the yellow pages.  Good work, fair to the consumer,
reasonable rates and usually right on time.  We have an old house which
has needed lots of plumbing work (such as replacing water pipes) over
the years.

**** From: BondMT@state.gov (Bond, Michele T)
My family has relied on Thomas E. Clark, Inc. for plumbing and heating
for 40 or 50 years.  It is a fine firm, with reliable, well-trained
staff. Recently the company gave us another reason to praise them:  The
hot water heater at my parents' house in Bethesda conked out.  It is
quite old, so my dad figured it was time to replace it.  He called Thos.
Clark and asked them to send someone out with a new heater.  When the
plumber examined the old heater, he said there was a "pin-point leak,"
easily repaired at a fraction of the cost of a new hot water heater.
Thomas Clark can be reached at 301-608-0550.

RECYCLING PLASTIC:
**** From: hfrebold@earthlink.net (Hazel F. Rebold)
You might want to remind everyone that plastic bags are collected in
front of Safeway and Giant for recycling.

REFERRALS AND REPAIR SERVICES:
** From: Robmayers@aol.com  --  HOME CONNECTIONS,  a free referral
service for all kinds of home repairs, etc.  All of their referrals have
been checked out, (kind of like Washington Consumer Checkbook).
301-565-5902 OR 1-888-POINT-ME.

** From: Kriegi@aol.com (Ethel Kriegsfeld) -- DELBE Home Services.
Whenever anything goes wrong anywhere in or out of the house I call them
and they send good craftspeople at fair prices.  Phone Number: 237-0187.

**  From: Robmayers@aol.com --  www.servicemagic.com. I have used a
variety of service/repair people through them.

**** From: "Jeremy Epstein" <jer979@silentfrog.com>
If you need odd job help around the house, take a look at our
SilentFrog  (www.silentfrog.com). Using our database, you can search for
people in your area who are willing to do many types of jobs including
tutoring, yard work, babysitting, errand running and many more.  With
this system, you can also see feedback and ratings for each person by
other customers, contact one or many online, and do all of your
scheduling with a few clicks.  It's faster, easier, and more convenient
than any alternative and costs only a few dollars for an annual
subscription...and we guarantee your satisfaction.

ROOFERS:
** Jack's Roofing Company, Inc. 301-585-4985

**** From: Lberger728 (Lisa Berger)
Re roofer: Troy at D&M Roofing has been taking care of my steep slate
roof, and gutters, for years and done good work at acceptable prices.
And he's very reliable.  His number: 301-948-0100.

**** From: howcroft@msn.com (DavidHowcroft)
In response to your request for a  roofer, call John Gwynn on
301-530-6169. He is excellent and very reasonable. E-mail me if you want
additional info or references - you won't be disappointed.

**** From: jcanon@earthlink.net (John Canon)
I recommend: Maggio Roofing, 6476 Sligo Mill Rd., Takoma Park, MD 20912,
301-341-4666, Steve Piccirelli

****From: "Jeff Spigel" <jspigel@hotmail.com>
Roofer Recommendation: We just had Association Management install a new
flat roof and deck at the rear of our house and were very pleased with
the quality of their job and efficiency of their work (Association
Management also had repaired portions of our slate roof and cleans our
gutters, both of which they have done ably and inexpensively). Call
301/384-5677 and ask for Richard (let him know the Spigel's recommended
you).

****From: Mary McComb <maryemc@yahoo.com>
I have another roofer recommendation -- just had mine done by Tomlinson
Company whose office is in Bethesda, but Tracy Tomlinson is our neighbor
and he was very helpful.  They do slate roofing as well as fiberglass
(decided I couldn't afford slate, but nice to know they can do it).
Their phone number is 301-913-9111.

**** From: "Pinder, Joe" <Joe.Pinder@mail.house.gov>
Someone on this list recommended D&M Roofing and I have had very good
luck with them. Ask for Troy  301/948.0100

SECURITY SERVICE:
**** From: "Groner, Laurence, , SAF/GCN" <GronerL@pentagon.af.mil>
For Tom Hier, looking for a security system company: I can recommend
Satellite Industries, Inc. (located in Maryland). Their installation
representative knew what he was talking about,
thoroughly explained the options available, and seemed to have good
common sense about what was really necessary and what was not.  Their
prices were very competitive.

TREE TRIMMING:
**  From: akgulian@ix.netcom.com (Laura Akgulian) -- Wayne Anderson at
301-926-6281.

**** From: Lshneier@worldbank.org  (Lesley Shneier)
Regarding your request for a reasonable tree service, I have found that
Woodacres does excellent work at very reasonable prices.  Telephone
301-949-4100.

**** From: Richard Bienvenue <ourhous@bellatlantic.net>
The best & most reasonable tree man that I've used for many years [I
have a bunch of trees on a double lot and many friends & neighbors who
use him] is Tony Smith of "Smitty's Tree Service."  His number is
1-800-406-7147. He's insured and all that stuff, and his prices are
great.

WINDOW WASHERS:
*** From: Wanda Avila <wavila@synpub.com> I would like to recommend Kirk
Weaver at 301-762-5496 or 301-774-7258.

** From: fabullock@erols.com (Fred and Betty Bullock) -- Window Washers
at 337-0351.

** From: willie@his.com (Willie Schatz)-- I use "We do Windows," at 301
946-3697.

WINDOW, FRAME, AND CORD REPAIR:
** Blaines Windows at 301-933-1310 -- for all types of window repairs.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

PLACES TO AVOID:
Computer Clinic Center on Wisconsin Avenue (across from Tenley Library).
I've received a number of very graphic complaints about this business.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 

DEALING WITH PROBLEM AU STUDENT RENTAL HOUSES:
From: kenanddavida@starpower.net (Kenneth Giles & Davida Perry)
The following is their suggestions with my edited changes -- KS

If you are disturbed by noise/music/car horns at all hours of the night
from these rental houses, here are several ways you can respond. It is
especially important to contact  Mr. Taylor, Lt. Carter and an ANC rep.
Immediately report any problem (noise, drunk behavior, trespassing,
etc.) to:
--- The owner (landlord) of the house.
--- The police at 911; the dispatcher will send a patrol car.
--- The AU "public safety officer" at 885-2527.  That office is open
24/7.

During working hours report  problems to:
--- Dan Kelley, AU Coordinator of Greek Life, at 885-3390.  The house is
in effect a fraternity house and AU wants us to notify Mr. Kelley of all
problems.
--- Faith Leonard, AU Dean of Students, at 885-3300.  AU wants us to
notify her also.
--- David Taylor, executive assistant to AU's President (whose name is
Mr. Ladner), at 885- 2121 (taylor@american.edu).  Mr. Taylor is AU's
liaison with the neighborhood; it is his job to placate us so we don't
cause bad publicity for his boss.
--- Our police station at 282-0070 or 727-1010.  A better idea is to
call 311 and request that an officer come to your home to discuss a
neighborhood problem.  Or call the Administrative office at 282-0065 or
Supervisor's office at 282-0038.

These officers handle neighborhood problems:
o   District Commander Peter Newsham at 282-0042 (mpdc2dcmdr@aol.com)
o   the "police service area" leader for PSA 202, Lt. Mark Carter, at
282-0039 or 886-5892 (mpdcpsa202@netscape.net)
o   PSA 202 Assistant Leader Sgt. Rick Davis at 282-0050

ANC reps Chris McNamara at 237-9096 (mcnamrus@aol.com) and Leslie Quynn
(lquynn@aol.com).

Our City Council rep Kathleen Patterson at 724-8062.
(kpatterson@dccouncil.washington.dc.us).
 

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CALLING THE  POLICE IN ORDER TO HAVE AN OFFICER SENT TO YOUR HOUSE/
BUSINESS

When calling the police for service ALWAYS call 911 (emergency) or 311
(nonemergency). The officers are dispatched via  a central call center,
not the local police district. Don't bother to call 2D for the initial
call; they'll just refer you to 911 or 311.
 
If an office arrives but you are unhappy about how he or she is handling
the matter, here are some ways to reach a police supervisor. I don't
know which will work best, but they all lead to the same place.

1.)  Call Police Communications (311) and say that you need to speak to
the "Second District Watch Commander" or other 2D official  about  a
police officer who just came to your house.  If the  Communications call
taker is not responsive, ask to speak to a communications supervisor and
make the same request. If you still have difficulty, the Communications
Supervisor's number is 671-2872.

2.) Another approach is to call the 2D desk at 282-0070 and make the
same request. They may give you an additional number to call. There is
always a "Watch Commander" on duty at each District.

3.)  If these don't work, call, in this order: 282-0038 (for PSA
sergeant or lieutenant) or
282-0032 (captains), 282-0042 (2D commander).  What you want to do is
talk to a sergeant (or higher rank if the sergeant can't be reached) to
resolve your problem with the responding officer.

In the end the police supervisor may agree with the officer and disagree
with you, but at least you have had the opportunity to run the problem
past a more senior official.  The important thing to remember is  that
if you are uncomfortable with the way that an officer has handled a
situation, the best time to deal with that concern is right then, when
the officer is still on the street and easily available to his or her
supervisors.

It is important to get an officer's name before he leaves your home or
business. This is true even if everything goes well. You may need to
reach him later.  You don't need badge numbers since all radio runs are
recorded, including the officer's communications with the dispatcher.
The department keeps track of where its officers are sent. But you need
to tell them the date, time, and officer's name to assist them to locate
the run on their computer and to make sure you are talking about the
right person.

--END--