MEETINGS OF INTEREST TO THE 'HOOD

**** Hearing to determine if the Fire Department can obtain a raze
permit and begin work on the Tenley Firehouse. The hearing will be on
Tuesday, April 9 at 10:00 am, 9th Floor of  941 North Capitol Street NE.
This is just a few blocks from Union Station Metro. I mentioned this in
the March 25 issue of COMMUNIT-E.  The hearing will be conducted by the
Mayor's Agent, Judge Rohulamin Quander.

**** AUPCA Meeting. This was held last week but I was not present. Could
someone who was there tell us of any major events at the meeting?

**** From:  "Insp. Jeffrey Moore" <JAMOORE.MPD-RECRUIT.MPD-HQ4@mpdc.org>
Subject: Police Cadet Program --
REMINDER: Cadet test April 6, 2002,  Test to be given at 9 a.m. at  #6
DC Village Lane, S.W. Bldg 1-A.  Call 202-645-0445 for directions

**** April ANC3E Meeting Notice
From:  "Polly King" <pking@lldhhome.org>
Thursday, April 11, 2002,  7:30 PM,  St. Mary's Armenian Apostolic
Church,
42nd & Fessenden Streets, NW
1.Open Forum - opportunity for members of the community to raise issues
of  concern or importance to the 3E neighborhood
2.Presentation by 2nd District Police
3.Discussion of, and possible vote on, ANC 3/4G's resolution requesting
a study of cross-town traffic, Anne Renshaw, ANC 3/4G
4. Discussion of DDOT's proposal to provide parking space for Cathedral
tour buses at  the WMATA Bus Garage on 44th Street, NW
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CALL (202) 244-0800,  www.anc3e.org
 
 

TOUR BUS PARKING
 From: Burchard.Robert@epamail.epa.gov
 I am very concerned about the proposal that has been floated by DPW to
have the tour buses at the National Cathedral park at the Western Metro
Bus Depot.  This proposal just shifts the problem to my neighborhood.
Coincidentally, I saw a tour bus Tuesday afternoon driving on 44th
Street and turning down Garrison Street.  Is this a preview of things to
come for my neighborhood?  The Cathedral and DPW need to work something
out at the Cathedral, like building a parking lot on the Cathedral
grounds.
 
 

 
IDENTITY THEFT MANUAL
Requests for the manual poured in after I offered free delivery. I'm
peddling through the list as fast as my little feet will move so be
assured that you will eventually get your manual. I'm happy to do this
but it may take a few weeks. I have a few copies left if anyone else
wants them -- KS.

**** From: "Don Oakley" <vze3bbrm@verizon.net>
Having been an identify theft victim twice, I have read with interest
the many stories from your audience about the subject . My experiences
were 3 and 6 years ago, before the subject gained notoriety. It is one
of the worst experiences one can imagine.  You are basically viewed as
completely guilty and responsible for all charges unless you become
aggressive, e.g. write only to the CEO of the company, etc, and be
prepared to hire a nasty attorney if it drags on.  By the way, my
experience with the FTC on the subject was not satisfactory - it may
have changed by now.
 
 

THE CASE OF THE BOGUS PARKING TICKET
A resident recently received two $100 tickets for "parking on the
sidewalk". The car was not on the sidewalk, but several feet into her
yard, on the grass. She contacted Captain Poteat at 2D who had the
incident investigated and a PD-11 was issued, which tells DPW to ignore
the tickets. All's well that ends well except I am concerned about the
judgement of an officer (same officer for both tickets) who doesn't
understand the difference between sidewalk and private lawn.

I would like to ask if anyone else in the 'Hood has had this type of
problem -- a very questionable  ticket.  If you have had an experience
like this, please e-mail Captain Poteat at apoteat@aol.com  and tell him
the story,  including the officer's name.  It will probably be too late
to do anything about the ticket but it may establish a pattern about an
officer who seems to be sorely in need of further training.

I would also appreciate a copy of your note. I'm hoping that this was an
isolated incident.
 
 

MORE ABOUT CITY TREE PLANTING
From: "Wheeler, Heather" <Heather.Wheeler@mail.house.gov>
I was told by the tree planting crew last spring that they are planting
Zelkova trees in American University Park. I happened to be home when
they started to plant one in front of my house, and I asked them if they
couldn't match the trees already on the street which are red maples.
The crew chief said he would, and the following week he returned with
the maples.
 
 

RESPONSE FROM HOLLYWOOD VIDEO

**** From: "Schandelmeier, Ray" <Rschandelmeier@RadianInc.com>
I had the same problem with Hollywood Video, and so did others.  I
called Customer Relations at the corporate headquarters in Oregon and
found them anxious to solve any problems.  Their district manager,
Horace Kelly, called me last night and gave me his phone number
(410.808.5741) and e-mail address (kellyh@hlyw.com) for anyone who wants
to contact him about problems they've had at the store.  He also said he
was willing to meet with any community
groups if they so desired.

**** From: WISNOSKY@aol.com
I, too, have had trouble with Hollywood Video and refuse to go there
anymore.  I had rented a double video story and returned it.  Hollywood
Video said I returned only 1 of the videos.  I remember checking and
returning both videos.  Well, this went on for months.  Then the nasty
letters from collections started.  It seems the turnover is high there
because every time I talked with someone, manager or employee, they said
they would take care of it.  But a couple of months later, I would get
another phone call or letter stating I was responsible for the full
price of the video (about $28.00).  Finally, I called Hollywood Video
headquarters in Oregon and finally got the issued resolved.  They even
sent an apologetic letter  for the whole experience.  I still have this
letter from 2 years ago just in case of my credit history report.  My
advice...it's a little out of the way, but try Blockbuster down in
Cleveland Park. I just refuse to go back out of principle.
 
 

QUESTION ABOUT SEARS/HECHINGER BUILDING
From: Anonymous
I just noticed that the Sears Building at 4500 Wisconsin was purchased
by a group called HQ Acquisitions.  In October 2001, ANC 3F supported
HQ's redevelopment plan for the property. I had been renting space from
a company called HQ Global, which is a subsidiary of Frontline Capital.
HQ Global filed for reorganization in bankruptcy in March 2002, but
apparently has been in financial trouble at least since fall 2000.  Do
you know if HQ Acquisitions is related  to HQ Global and Frontline?
 
 

FOX 5 NEWS
From: Gibsonfrink@aol.com (John Frink) Phone: (W) 301-314-5333
I am an electrical engineer with a local construction company and I am
concerned about a back-up emergency generator or UPS system parked at
the corner of Wisconsin Ave & Harrison St. The truck has been here for
months now and the exposed cables laid across the sidewalk create a
hazard for pedestrian travel. It seems to me if  Fox 5 wants this
emergency equipment they could park it in the Fox 5 parking lot. Has
anyone else complained about this? Do they have a permit? Is OSHA aware
of the possible hazards?
 
 

COMPUTERS FOR WILSON HIGH
Subject: Windows for Wilson computer donations
From: "Thompson, David (SHS)" <David.Thompson@k12.dc.us>
To: "laura@marginata.com" <laura@marginata.com>
 Laura Akgulian, I read the communit-e news this past week and was
delighted with the
response given to Jared and his friend, Dwayne Crossgill.  I am the
department chair and teacher in the Computer Science department here at
Woodrow Wilson SHS.  I write you just to let you know that I am the
contact for computer donations at Wilson.  We have a program here called
Windows for Wilson.  This program was founded by Dr. Tomas Bauder a
retired teacher from Wilson who used the computer repair class at Wilson
to recondition computers and get them into the homes of Wilson students
who did not have a computer.  This program died and is being revived.
As the department chair we have expanded the program to get each of
these machines Internet access. Recently Carolyn Bowers wrote an article
in the Wilson News PTSA newsletter about this project. I would be happy
to have her send you a copy of the article.  We have received several
computers for kids as a result of this article.  Any other donations for
these students and help in getting the word out that we need machines
and that students can get machines, would be
greatly appreciated.
David G. Thompson
Chair, Computer Science
282-1176
david.Thompson@k12.dc.us
 
 

HEWLETT PACKARD PRINTERS
From:  "Janet Solomon" <dr.j@erols.com>
I have two HP printers both working but both with paper feed problems.
Does anyone either know where I could donate them or find them some sort
of  home other than trashing them?

[My response  to Janet --  Janet, Don't do either. You can get a FREE
repair kit from HP. Just get on their web page and order it there. The
kit consists of a piece of cardboard that  you insert yourself -- very
easy. I did it and it fixed my HP printer. -- KS.]
 
 

FOREST HILLS PLAYGROUND YARD SALE
From: FFHP@anc3f.org
Friends of Forest Hills Playground 3rd Annual Yard Sale
Tentative sale date: April 20, Corner of Reno and Chesapeake
Donate your gently used goods to the  park yard sale - and let's match
or top the  $4,000  raised each of the previous two years. We need:
furniture, appliances, household,   kid's clothes and toys, books, etc.
No adult clothes, please, and help us cut down on hallway costs by
culling for items that are destined for the junkyard anyway.
Call Karen at 686-8698 for drop-off and Laura at 244-9924 for pickup and
info about     how to volunteer. Donations are tax-deductible.
 
 
 

QUESTION ABOUT SIDEWALK SIGNS
From:  Stephanie <yoffeest@usa.net>
I'd like to know how some of my neighbors along the 4900 block of
Wisconsin can have sidewalk signs displayed within less than 15 feet
from the street, with or without a permit?  Please let me know if there
is a specific code citation that states these guidelines.
Stephanie Yoffee, Owner
Artwares, LLC
 
 

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

****  From: "Wisnosky, Kerry" <KWisnosky@MEICOMPANY.com>
I know a lot of people provide recommendations of companies that they
have had good experience with, but I thought it might be worthwhile to
mention a company that someone has not had such a good experience with.
I had some major pipe work done by JOHN C. DORSEY INC. They did a good
job with the pipe installations but they broke a mantle piece in my
house.  We have called them numerous times over the last four months
about repairing it. Their management says they will come and repair it
but they never have. They have even stopped returning our calls.  The
moral of the story is that if you are looking for a full service
plumbing company, that lives up to their advertisement, I would NOT
recommend using JOHN C. DORSEY,  based largely on how their management
addresses customer service.

**** From: Andrew Strasfogel <squasher@starpower.net> Phone: 966-6194.
1. Wanted - Someone who does garden tilling.
2. Free seedlings - I am growing more heirloom tomato and other
varieties of vegetable seedlings than I can plant and would be happy to
donate the extras to school, community, or inner city gardens, or to
individual gardening enthusiasts.  These are grown in peat pots, labeled
and ready for planting in late April or early May.

**** From: Bonlevin@aol.com
Two neat, responsible grandparents coming to visit for the month of May.
Looking for
housesitting or furnished rental opportunity, preferably in the A.U.
Park area.  Please contact bonlevin@aol.com, 202-362-5787.

**** From: starrkopper <starrkop@starpower.net>
I am looking for a six month tenant for my one bedroom attractively
furnished apartment on 39 street in Mclean Gardens from June 1-December
1. Sunny, great parking because opposite the community garden. AC and
recently bought appliances. 1500 per month --  ( tenant pays electric,
cable modem, cable and own phone.) call 202-244-5559 or email me for
details.  starr kopper

**** From: Kathryn Ray <kcrdlb@bellatlantic.net>
A city-wide project to paint the old police call boxes is about to be
launched.  People who would like more information should send a message
to callboxes@aol.com.
 
**** From: Steven Gross <gross2@phil.upenn.edu>
FOR SALE: Crate and Barrel 3-piece matching set, including sofa,
love-seat, and over-sized chair. White and blueish-gray stripes. $700
for all three, or best offer. Please contact Steven Gross and Micki Chen
at 202-363-2614 or gross2@phil.upenn.edu.

**** From: Leslie Dembinski <leslied@aquent.com>
Am looking for recommendations on landscapers. Would love to hear from
anyone who has had a positive experience with a landscaper to include
designing and installing a patio. Please send replies to
jcusterdem@aol.com

**** From: Abauer4600@aol.com (Amy Bauer)
My mother hired a  Master Gardner to take care of her garden and is
extremely pleased with the work.  Amanda Ramirez has been working in
this neighborhood, Georgetown and Kenwood for many years and has
excellent references.  She landscapes beautifully, starting with
clean-up and goes through planting and mulching. She then continues to
care for your garden throughout the season if you so desire.  Her
charges are very reasonable.  301-330-9260.

Also, Does anyone know of a contractor that will pour a concrete
driveway?  I have called all the big companies and they are very
unresponsive.

My computer crashed and I lost several addresses.  Most of the addresses
I had in my memory but I cannot remember the one of the lady who is
doing the website for handyman repairs etc.  Do you have that handy?

**** From: Jcapper@worldbank.org
Needed:  Furniture baby sitters:  I have two pieces of nice furniture
that I want to keep but don't currently have room for.  I'd be happy if
anyone would be willing to use them in their own homes until the day
comes that I may need/want them back.  One is a quite charming French
country pine daybed with all new pillow and mattress coverings in yellow
and blue.  It's about 90 inches -  not small, but could serve as a guest
bed or sofa for TV watching - or a nice entry seat.
The other is an antique carved piece from Indonesia which could be used
as a very interesting king sized headboard. Contact Joanne at
202-537-1620

Recommendation:  Excellent seamstress for pillows, window treatments,
bedspreads, etc.  Charges much less than Calico Corners-type places and
does excellent work.  Also an excellent cook and does catering -
including a variety of interesting ethnic cuisines.  I've used her a
couple of times to cater dinner parties and wedding shower.  Call Marla
at 703-354-7957

**** From:  Stephanie <yoffeest@usa.net>
Artwares at 4904 Wisconsin Ave., NW 2nd Floor, will have an open house
on Saturday, April 20 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. All are invited to
participate in a special Earth Day project, and to come and meet
instructors teaching spring and summer fine art workshops. There will be
information about spring and summer workshops for kids and adults will
be available. Special discounts on fine art supplies.
 
 

WEST VIRGINIA RIVERS COALITION JOB POSTING
For anyone seeking an interesting new job helping preserve West Virginia
rivers.
From:  West Virginia Rivers Coalition <nfetty@wvrivers.org>
The West Virginia Rivers Coalition (WVRC) seeks an ambitious and
motivated Issues Coordinator for our Elkins, West Virginia office to
coordinate and implement WVRC's River Issues advocacy program. Salary is
commensurate with experience and includes a benefits package.

As the lead issues person on staff, the Issues Coordinator is
responsible for advocating, researching and commenting on state and
federal policy and representing WVRC on environmental issues. This
includes making presentations before state Boards, testifying at public
hearings, organizing comments and issue participation by West Virginia's
environmental and watershed communities, and being the primary contact
for those with questions or concerns on environmental activity across
the state.

WVRC is a statewide river conservation organization staffed with six
energetic professionals whose mission is to "seek the conservation and
restoration of West Virginia's exceptional rivers and streams." In 2002
we are concentrating on four major areas: (1) Implementation of the
Clean Water Act in West Virginia, (2) The Headwaters of the Potomac
River (3) Education and training for local, grassroots watershed
organizations, and (4) Coal. We have over 2,800 individual members and
48 local, state, regional and national affiliate organizations.
Please visit our website at www.wvrivers.org for additional information
about all that we are and all that we do.

Send resume and cover letter to Jeremy P. Muller, WVRC, N. Randolph
Ave., Elkins, WV 26241.
 
 
 

SENTIMENTAL MESSAGE FROM JOE

SOMETIMES ...

Sometimes ...
when you cry ...
no one sees your tears......
 
 

Sometimes...
when you are in pain...
no one sees your hurt...
 
 

Sometimes...
when you are worried....
no one sees your stress......
 
 

Sometimes ...
when you are happy ...
no one sees your smile ......
 
 
 

But fart just one time...
 
 

--END--