MEETINGS & EVENTS OF INTEREST IN THE 'HOOD:

**** 2D CITIZENS ADVISORY COUNCIL, April 23, 7 pm -- new meeting date
for this group.
2D Headquarters at 3320 Idaho Avenue.
 

****  ANC3E GRANTS --  Grants are available to non-profit organizations:
individuals may not apply. Applicant organizations must provide services
to the area covered by ANC3E and grant funds must be expended within the
boundaries of ANC3E. Applicants should present their project at the May
9th ANC3E meeting and awards will be made at the June 13th meeting.
Request a grant application via the web site at www.anc3e.org.
 

**** WISCONSIN AVENUE CLEAN-UP FOR EARTH DAY
From: KColombant@aol.com
Wisconsin Avenue Beautification Project: Spring clean-up Saturday April
20, 1 pm to 6 pm. . We will meet at the Fessenden block (the park at the
corner of Fessenden street and Wisconsin avenue). Bring your gloves and
favorite gardening tools.

March and April are also our fund raising months. If you appreciate what
we have done, make a contribution; write your check to WABP, and send to
WABP 4439 Davenport St  NW, Washington DC 20016.  We also accept
donations of the following plants: fountain grass, liriope, black-eyed
susans, Russian sage, pink cone flowers, and daylilies. Any questions,
call Kersti at 202 966 88 36 or Ralph at 202 686 9550.
 

****  BOOK FAIR FOR MURCH ELEMENTARY
From: AHMorin@aol.com  (Anne Morin)
Politics & Prose bookstore and coffee house is hosting a BOOK FAIR for
MURCH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL all day Saturday and Sunday April 27th and
28th.  Politics & Prose will donate 20% of all money received from Book
Fair  purchases to Murch Elementary School.  Shop for mothers' and
fathers' day gifts, graduation presents, and get an early start on your
summer reading lists.  Pick up a coupon inside the store at the register
and mention Murch so your purchase will support the school.  The store
is located at 5015 Connecticut Avenue, between Nebraska Ave and
Fessenden Street NW.  Parking is available in the back of the store.
Hours are 9-11 Saturday and 9-9 Sunday.
 
There will be a poetry reading by selected Murch students on Sunday at
1:00.
 
 
 

PUBLIC SAFETY

**** WATCH YOUR CAR -- Don't forget to sign up for this valuable car
recovery  program at http://mpdc.dc.gov/serv/programs/wyc.shtm#f.

**** POLICE REQUEST -- At the last ANC3E meeting, Lieutenant Carter
asked that if we didn't need to be downtown between April 19 and 23,
that we stay away. It will be chaotic at the very least because of the
various demonstrations. He said there was real concern about suicide
bombers because of the demonstrations.

**** ROBBER ALERT
Be on the lookout for two black males who have been committing armed
robberies in the 'Hood. They are about 5'9" and 6'0", wearing dark
clothes. They have been seen hanging around at night. One robbery was in
the side yard of a house on Western Avenue, as the woman drove into her
driveway and got out of her car. If you see two guys who just seem to be
hanging around, call 911 and tell the call-taker that there has been a
string of robberies by two men of this description. Lt. Carter said that
the has a number of tactical officers out working the area, looking for
these guys. They've done several hold-ups.

****  From:  "tsilv@earthlink.net" <tsilv@earthlink.net> (Tina Silver)
I had an interesting time this morning. I had a suspicious guy on my
street, walking up and down five times. He is about 6 ft. black, slim
and dressed in black jacket --  a bit scruffy.  Called 911, and had a
problem with the dispatcher -- she told me he is allowed to walk
wherever...finally I got
her to send a car.  I complained to Captain Westover. he said this was
serious and he would look into it.
-------
Just talked to Captain Westover again. Said this guy had been stopped by
police within past 48 hours. So definitely call 911 if you see him. He
is definitely up to something.
 
 
 

MUCH ADO ABOUT CAMERAS
There has recently been a great deal of angst in some circles about the
cameras used by the MPD at several public locations around the city. The
cameras can be viewed in a central location at police headquarters when
there is an accident, crime committed, act of terrorism, civil
disturbance, etc.  It's a useful tool for the police to be able to
monitor an accident or other event and to be able to tap into other
camera networks around the area.  They can tap into those owned and
operated by the Maryland Department of Transportation, Virginia
Department of Transportation, FBI, DC School System, etc.

Cameras in public locations  are becoming a fairly ubiquitous public
safety tool. Their crime deterrence feature is used by banks (inside
and at the outside ATMs), department stores, grocery stores, airports,
tunnels,  liquor stores, convenience stores, elevators, parking garages,
Metro stations, court houses, DC schools and a host of other public
places.

There are also web sites on the internet that use cameras. There is at
least one that I know of that shows aerial views of  your neighborhood
--  http://www.globexplorer.com/. I believe this was developed by the
real estate industry.

Chief Ramsey has been getting requests for cameras by residents of
neighborhoods with heavy street drug sale and robbery problems.

Sydney Australia, one of the first places to use cameras for local crime
prevention, estimated that  10% of their arrests were made with the help
of cameras. They also tend to get higher plea rates from those arrested
for crimes who are caught on camera during the crime.

In DC there are red light cameras at 39 intersections that have reduced
red light running by an estimated 70% at those locations.

There is no sound on the DC cameras in order to adhere to DC wiretap
laws.

I predict that cameras in public places will increase as their value as
a traffic mover, crime deterrent, crime solver, and other uses are
discovered and appreciated.
 
 
 

SUGGESTION FOR FOILING THIEVES
From:  <cholt@verizon.net> (Carol Holt)
Just a suggestion to women dining out with purses under the table.  I
have often left my purse behind and found the way to never forget it or
have it stolen for that matter is to always wrap the strap around my leg
and under me when I sit down and have it so if it moves I can feel it.
If I have a long coat I hang it on the back of the chair to the floor
which makes it much harder for someone to access the purse under the
chair. Further I never have my house keys in my purse but somewhere else
on my person and I keep extra money and credit card in a zippered pocket
or security belt. That way I am never stranded even if my purse is
snatched on the street.
 
 
 

DEVELOPMENT AT BRANDYWINE AND WISCONSIN
I understand that some extensive development is planned around this
intersection. As yet I don't have the details. If someone would fill me
in, I'd be happy to share them.  The corner lot is being paved over to
build a 14 space parking lot for one of the businesses there. As I
understand it, it's a lot that can't be built on because of the Metro
air shaft underneath.
 
 
 

DOES ANYONE KNOW THIS MAN / SITUATION?
From:  Susan Feeney <SFeeney@npr.org>
I'm just getting replugged so I don't know if this has been addressed.
But I do have a question: Has anyone else noticed  an older gentleman,
likely developmentally challenged (I see him at 39th and Alton Place)
who stands near our shrubs and mumbles as he breaks off branches? At
first I thought this was harmless and, hey, our hedges needed a little
trimming. But our forsythia have taken a hit. I'm wondering what's going
on.
 
 
 

@ YOUR LIBRARY FOR EARTH DAY!
****  From: <rhona.campbell@dc.gov>
Saturday, April 20th from 11-5
The Tenley-Friendship Neighborhood Library invites you to a full day of
free activities, presentations, films, and information about
environmental issues... here's what's on the schedule:
>11:00 a.m. Children's films
>11:30 a.m. THE LORAX read-aloud
>12:00 p.m. West Nile Virus presentation by DCDOH officials
>12:30 p.m. Journal films (all ages)
>1:00 p.m.  1987 Oscar winning film "THE MAN WHO PLANTED TREES" (shows again at 4:00)
>1:30 p.m.  Children's program
>2:00 p.m.  Ecological Co-existence With Insect Pests presentation (all ages)
>2:30 p.m.  Children's films
>3:00 p.m.  Wildlife Clues presentation (all ages)
>3:30 p.m.  Journal films (all ages)
>4:00 p.m.  1987 Oscar winning film "THE MAN WHO PLANTED TREES"
 Also, stop by to talk to local officials about recycling, stream
health, the Anacostia Watershed, air pollution, and more!
Tenley-Friendship Neighborhood Library
Call (202)282-3090 for more details
 

**** From: Marthans@aol.com (Martha Saccocio )
Friends of the Tenley-Friendship Library will host its final Book Sale
Saturday, May 11 from 12-4 pm (special preview sale from 11-12 for
Members of  the Friends).  Thousands of titles in many subject areas.
The sale will be held on the second floor.  This is our last sale until
after the library is rebuilt.  Donations may be brought on Saturday, May
5 from 10-2.  If you are interested in volunteering, please e-mail
Martha Saccocio at MarthaNS@aol.com.
 
 
 

ANSWER TO QUESTION ABOUT SEARS / HECHINGER  ARRANGEMENT
From: "DiBiase, Thomas" <Thomas.DiBiase@usdoj.gov>
Re: the question on Hechinger's property: the owners tell me that there
is no relationship of HQ Acquisition with HQ Global or Frontline.  HQ
Acquisition is simply a Limited Liability Corporation set up for the
Sears/Hechinger's property only.
Tad DiBiase, ANC3E03
 
 
 

MORE ON PARKING AND PARKING TICKETS

**** From:  NSM5221@aol.com
I think this is still the correct phone number for DPW Parking
Enforcement Division -- 202-541-6076.  Monday -  Friday.  They have to
ticket a car before it can be towed.

**** From:  ckurtz@odonoghuelaw.com
I, too, am plagued by the ever increasing amount of nonresident cars
parking all day within the  residential parking areas.  I find that
Parking Enforcement rarely tickets repeated violators even though I have
made numerous complaints over the years.  The real problem is: where CAN
commuters park when only a few parking facilities exist within the
Friendship Hgts & Tenley areas.   DC Govt. wants them to use the Metro
system but presently there are no other places to handle the overflow of
cars except within the designated residential zones.  However, there are
a few  "free parking" areas such as along Belt Road behind Fort Reno
Park. These are suppose to accommodate park users but commuters take all
of this available parking.  Once those spots are taken, the remaining
commuters park all day in the residential areas.  Not only  have I seen
parking tickets lying on the street,  but occasionally a parking
violator putting an old ticket on his windshield as a ploy not get
ticketed.  Also, I have noted that cars displaying license tags outside
of the Metropolitan area tend not to get ticketed, despite complaints
made to Parking Enforcement. Therefore, ticketing parking violators is
not the answer. There needs to be adequate public parking readily
available.

**** From KS --  I see a lots and lots of empty street-parking spaces
during weekdays because the residents are not parked there and no one
without a residential permit can park for more than two hours.  It seems
to me that every block should have four free spaces (two at each end)
for visitors, cleaners, workmen, babysitters, caregivers, etc.
 
 
 

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

**** From: Summer Whitford <swhitford@ShermanFairchild.org>
My husband works for Case Design in their handyman division full-time.
He is interested in moonlighting near his territory of Chevy Chase and
Cleveland Park and has excellent references.  I will provide a short
list of his services: plaster repair, drywall installation, custom
built-ins, carpentry, electrical, some plumbing, renovation, kitchen and
bath design and renovation, window repair and installation, decks, and
many more.  He can be reached on his cell phone @ (240) 274-9802 or at
home @ (301) 216-1182. I assist him by providing design and decorating
services and offer a specialized service called "Feed the Kitchen".
This is a unique design and organization service that includes a site
analysis of: your kitchen, style and frequency of cooking, followed by
recommendations and improvements in the layout of cabinets, lighting,
appliances, organization of tools and equipment, assessments of needs
for pots, pantry supplies, etc. With over 20 years of experience as a
professional chef I can get any kitchen, no matter how small or poorly
laid out, to run more efficiently with a more organized system.

In addition, together we have provided catering and private chef/meals
services in the Washington area for over 10 years and can cater any
style of party for 2 to 200 people. Our clients include ambassadors,
members of both houses of Congress, other restaurants, etc.  We have
many references and can help busy families enjoy nice meals at home.
Thank you.

**** From: "Richard Abbott" <abbott1229@erols.com>
LAWN CUTTING AND WATERING -- We need somebody to come to our house
several weekends to cut the lawn and water as necessary while we are
away.  A power mower is available. Please call Richard at 244-5267 or
e-mail at abbott1229@erols.com.
 
**** "Catt family" <cattfam@starpower.net>
Our nanny/housekeeper (Ruby) of the last seven years is looking for
part-time work (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, 8 am to 5 pm)  She has a
green card, speaks English and we recommend her very very highly.  You
can call Ruby on (202) 362 9882 or can call us (Mal or Lauren) on (202)
537-6855 for a reference.

**** From: Abauer4600@aol.com
What is the e-address of the woman who was putting together the handyman
website?
-------
ANSWER:  It's maryjacoby@starpower.net. The web site is
www.dchomerepair.com and the
site's address is info@dchomerepair.com.

**** From: "David M. Winn" <dmwinn@starpower.net>
Recommended house painter (interior and exterior) and drywall guy:
Arturo Arauzo (Arturo Painting). He and his guys are punctual, do a fine
job, and cost one-third to one-half less than the usual neighborhood
"big names." He came recommended from another neighbor, and has done
several jobs for me. (301) 949-7363, or pager: (301) 403-5168.
dmwinn@starpower.net

**** Christopher Li <monkeyking@starpower.net>
For Sale -   Sears Craftsman Wood chipper/shredder. 6.5 hp .Almost new,
used 3-4 times . $350 ($600 new)  Phone:  966-2828.
 
 
 

PETS IN THE 'HOOD
From: "Kathleen McLynn" <kdmclynn@starpower.net>
A dear friend died quite unexpectedly just before Easter.  Her family,
who are from England, is trying to take care of everything as she would
have wanted it.  They would rather find nice homes for her cats in DC
rather than subject these older cats to travel, followed by a lengthy
confinement in a cage.  We've been unable to find a cat adoption group
that will accept older cats.  There are also three younger cats not yet
placed in a loving home, if you would prefer a younger cat.  My friend
loved her cats tremendously and would have wanted them to have nice
homes.  If you might be interested, please call her children at her
house on 202/575-3726.  There is no answering machine, so please don't
mind trying to call more than once.  If you can't reach them, feel free
to call me on 966-9837 or inquire by email.  Your kindness is
appreciated in this very sad time.
 
 
 

WASA PUBLIC HEARING ON RATE CHANGES
From: Steve Posniak  <sposniak@pop.earthlink.net>
DC WASA has scheduled a public hearing on rate changes and an increase
in billing frequency from quarterly to monthly. The hearing is for April
25, 6:30 pm, at the Washington Convention Center. Contact  Libby Lawson,
202-787-2203, llawson@dcwasa.com. The deadline for notifying DCWASA that
you wish to testify  is this Friday, April 19.  The number to call to
get on the witness list is 202-787-2330.

Rates will essentially remain the same, but (based on the excuse of the
new electronic meters), YOU WILL BE BILLED MONTHLY INSTEAD OF
QUARTERLY!  If  you do not want to have to write 8 additional checks per
year, plus get to argue about your bill 12 times a year instead of 4,
you should attend the above hearing; also contact Councilmembers
Patterson and Schwartz  But the decision is in the hands of DCWASA's
Board of Directors.  Any DC Council influence is indirect.  The Board of
Directors (which includes ANC-3F Commissioner Bardin) can be found at
http://www.dcwasa.com/about/board.cfm.   .
 
 
 

GEORGETOWN CHORALE SPRING BENEFIT CONCERT
 From:  "Thurston, Alice" <Alice.Thurston@usdoj.gov>
The Georgetown Chorale, under the direction of Dr. Elaine Rendler,
performs "The Grand Connection:  from Opera to Broadway" on Saturday May
11 at 7:30 p.m. at the Nolan Performing Arts Center, located at the
Georgetown Visitation School, 1524 35th Street in Georgetown. This
benefit concert will offer you a delightful program of familiar choruses
from much loved operas and the tunes and melodies of Broadway's
classics.

Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic is this year's beneficiary. RFB&D is
a non-profit, volunteer organization and is the nation's educational
library serving people who cannot effectively read standard print
because of visual impairment, dyslexia or other physical disabilities.
Nearly 6,000 RFB&D volunteers contribute a half-million hours annually
producing over 4,000 new educational books in recorded or computerized
format.

Tickets are $20 (for those under 12, $10) and are available at the door
or by prior purchase from The Georgetown  Chorale (GC), P.O. Box 19541,
Washington, D.C. 20036-9541. For more information, contact the GCC at
301-431-0435.

The Georgetown Chorale, an all volunteer organization of 90 singers from
the metropolitan area, is an independent, non-profit group dedicated to
sharing the rich tradition of choral music while raising funds for area
charities. Over the past 10 years, the Chorale has raised over $100,000
for areas charities and organizations including S.O.M.E., Martha's
Table, Lazarus House, and many others.
 

--END--