AU PARK CITIZENS ASSOCIATION MEETING
From: Donald E McMullin <dmcmullin@juno.com>
The AU Park Citizens Association will hold its next meeting on Tuesday,
4 February   at 7:30 PM at the Tenley Library (second floor), Wisconsin
and Albemarle.  We plan to discuss the following topics. Your
participation is encouraged.
1. The AU Park Resident Survey
2. The Urban Forest Preservation Act, or "Tree Bill", recently passed by
the City Council
3.  Wisconsin Avenue Development
4.  Property Assessments
5.  Our spring "social event" for active members -- probably something
like a "Wine and Cheese" party in May; volunteers needed!
We also remind you of the Sears/Hechinger Renovation Celebration to be
held tonight, Wednesday, 29 January from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at 4500
Wisconsin
Avenue.  Mayor Anthony Williams will speak; refreshments will be served.
Hope to see you on the 29th and especially at our meeting on 4 February.
 
 
 

HOMELESS REFERRALS
From:  "Mandrake <pezdrake@yahoo.com>" <pezdrake@yahoo.com>
I saw in one of your recent community updates, a neighbor was saying  he
had noticed that there was a homeless man living in his car.  Please let
anyone with these types of concerns know to call our agency.  I have
already emailed him to let him know that I will be following up on this
and checking on this gentleman but in the future please let people know
that they can call our office at 364-1419 or e-mail myself at
mandrake@cchfp.org.  We always welcome input and
referrals from community members.
Thanks,
Mandrake Sumners
 
 
 

EARLY MORNING WALKERS -- PLANNING MEETING
From: "Rao, Chhaya" <Chhaya_Rao@ace.nche.edu>
There will be an organizational meeting of neighbors who have expressed
an interest in an early morning walking group in AU Park.  If you are
interested in joining us or just hearing more, please plan to attend on
Saturday, February 1, at 4:00 p.m. at Bagel City (near Crate and
Barrel).
I'll try to get there a bit earlier to snag a table -- look for a sign
about AU Walkers.
These are some of the questions we plan to discuss.  We're still in the
planning phase, so now is the time for you to voice your preferences!
 1.  What time in the early morning would you like to start?
 2.  How frequently would you like to walk and on what days?
 3.  How long would you like to walk?
 4.  Based on your answer to #3, what route/loop would you suggest if
we  wanted to start and end at Crate & Barrel/Starbucks?
 
 If you can think of other topics that would be good for us to
identify,  bring them to the meeting.  There's no need to RSVP if you
plan to come on  Feb. 1.  If you can't attend the meeting but are
interested in being  included on my email list, please send Chhaya Rao a
note at  <craodc@aol.com.
 
 

DOORBELL / INTERCOMS
Several readers asked where to get these. The place where I bought mine,
many years ago, no longer exists but I imagine that any place that sells
doorbells and related electronic equipment would have them. Probably any
electrician can install it if you order one. You might want to start
with the telephone Yellow Pages or the Google search engine.
 
 

QUESTIONS RE: HOUSE RENTAL AND RESIDENTIAL PARKING
From:  "Helen Gibson" <HGIBSON@cwa-union.org
I have a couple of questions and would like to know where to go to get
answers. The  house next door has been rented to 5 (!) American
University students. So far, so  good, but I'd just like to know a few
things.  Isn't There some sort of a law that  prohibits that many
unrelated people from living in the same house? Also, can a person get
a  residential parking permit without having DC tags?  All the students
have home-state tags.
 
 

 
UPPER WISCONSIN AVENUE CORRIDOR STUDY UPDATE
From: "Collins, Robert (OP)" <Robert.Collins@dc.gov
We have made it to the most important component of our study - The
Charrette.  The Charrette will be taking place from Monday, February 3
through Thursday, February 6, 2003.  The Charrette will be held at the
Chevy Chase Pavilion with ALL evening meetings at the Embassy Suites
Hotel in their Chevy Chase Room and the Design Studio will be housed in
the office tower.  Please plan to attend the important evening meetings
associated with the Charrette and Please help get the word out by
sharing this information to all of your friends and neighbors - GET
INVOLVED!  GIVE INPUT!  BE PROACTIVE!
As always thanks for your interest in the Study!
Robert Collins
Neighborhood Planning Coordinator - Ward 3
DC Office of Planning
---------
Monday, February 3, 2003 from 7-9pm The Opening Session - The
consultants will present the background information and analysis and
begin discussions with the community.
Tuesday, February 4, 2003 from 9am to Noon - Stakeholder and Focus Group
Meetings.
Tuesday, February 4, 2003 from 7-9pm - Charrette Workshop Open House and
first design pin-ups.
Wednesday, February 5, 2003 from 9am to Noon - Charrette Workshop Open
House continuation from the night before.
Thursday, February 6, 2003 from 7-9pm - Charrette Workshop Closing
Wrap-Up with final presentation and design presented.

Several other important studies are also underway and will be
coordinated with including DDOT's Friendship Heights Transportation
Study which will begin in January 2003 and the Tenleytown Historic
Survey which began in December 2002.
 
 
 

AFS SEEKS NEW HOME FOR EXCHANGE STUDENT
From:  "Dennis Beaufort and Kathryn Ray" <kcrdlb@bellatlantic.net>
AFS Intercultural Program volunteers are seeking a new family for Jan
Thrlik, a delightful AFS student from the Czech Republic.  Jan is a 17
year old Wilson High School WISP (Washington International Studies
Program) senior.  He is on the swim team, has been doing well in school
and is very easy going and upbeat.  Due to a family crisis, his original
host family is unable host him for the balance of the school year. We
need a family to take him into their home and their hearts until July.
You will find it a most rewarding experience. If you can help, please
contact Chana Hays, 202 265 8744.
 
 
 

MASS-TRANSIT BENEFITS LEGISLATION
From: "Pagano, Penny (COUNCIL)" <Ppagano@dccouncil.washington.dc.us
Councilmember Kathy Patterson introduced legislation this week that
would provide a pre-tax payroll deduction up to $100 a month for DC
government employees who travel to work via Metro, commuter bus or
vanpool. The bill, supported by seven Council colleagues, would allow
the DC government to offer Metrochek farecard vouchers to employees on a
tax-free basis through employee payroll deductions. Patterson says the
plan is "win-win legislation
for everyone" because it improves benefits for DC employees, encourages
mass transit use, helps to protect the environment and reduce the wear
and tear on roads.
Penny Pagano, Chief of Staff
 
 
 

'LOVELY WOMAN'  SCAMMER IDENTIFIED
From:  "Lawrence M. Miller" <lawrence.miller@starpower.net>
[From the "Crime & Justice" column on page B2 of the Metro section in
Jan. 25 Washington Post] : Well-dressed thief: A well-dressed woman has
been pretending to be a stranded motorist in a scheme to get money from
sympathetic passersby near Metro stations, Montgomery County
police said.

Police said they are searching for Kim B. Peoples, 42, who has been
charged in arrest warrants in
more than 40 cases of theft by deception in the Washington region.
Investigators said that since September, Peoples has approached people
and told them that she  has locked the keys to her BMW in her trunk. She
says that she is a lawyer in the District and then asks for cab fare so
she can get her extra keys, police said.  Peoples is described as a
black woman, about 5 feet 4 inches tall and 96 pounds. Police ask that
anyone with information call 301-565-5835.
---------
From:  "Mary Abate" <mma1126@hotmail.com>
I caught a short blurb on Channel 4 news the other day showing what
appeared to be a mug shot of the woman (she looked much less
well-put-together, but it was the same face) and warning people to be on
the lookout for her. Apparently, she may also be  involved in other
types of scams for which she could be arrested.
 
 
 

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

**** FOR HOME REPAIR, ETC. RECOMMENDATIONS -- BACK ISSUE
Here's the full web address: http://www.anc3f.org/communit02-01-05.html

**** From: <Copingptnr@aol.com>
What is Mr. Sorto the painter's phone #?

**** From: "Lawrence M. Miller" <lawrence.miller@starpower.net>
DRIVING INSTRUCTOR RECOMMENDATIONS WANTED -- Our son turned 16 this
week.  Does anyone on the list have a recommendation for a driving
instructor?

**** From: Rebecca Epstein <REpstein@tlpj.org>
Does anyone know of a charity that is seeking donations of box-spring
mattresses?  We're hoping that one might pick ours up, since we don't
have a car big enough to haul ours away.

**** From: "Joanne Capper" <jocapper@worldnet.att.net
I looked through the Communit-e website for contractor recommendations
and don't see any for hardwood floor refinisher.  I'm leaving the
country for a few months and want to get my kitchen floor done before I
go.  Has anyone sent any recommendations or do you have someone to
recommend?

**** From: "Evan Wilson" <oryannave@hotmail.com
Thru: tenleytown@yahoogroups.com
I'm having car trouble! Anyone know of a really good mechanic who
doesn't charge an arm & leg?

**** From:  Zaia Tristan A NSSC <ZaiaTA@navsea.navy.mil
Any word on the tower saga/progress in taking the structure down?

**** From: Shirley Moyer <smoyer@erols.com
Is there purpose in the Universe? Does it make any sense to talk about
"an arrow of time" that points us forward on the broad journey of cosmic
evolution?
The  discussion series in the field of Science and Ethical Dialogue
continues on Sunday, February 2nd - at 10:10am  in the Great Hall of the
Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church, when Dr. Thomas P.
Sheahen speaks on the topic "Higher Dimensions of Thinking: Teilhard's
Perception of Purpose and Direction in the Cosmos." Dr. Sheahen is
widely regarded as a popular lecturer and writer in the  ever-widening
dialogue between science, religion, and theology. The church is located
at 3401 Nebraska. Questions? 202-363-4900. Come at 10 am to get a cup of
coffee before the lecture and discussion.
 
 
 
 

ANC3F - 2003
From:  <info@anc3f.org
North Cleveland Park, Forest Hills & Tenleytown
New Mailing Address:  ANC3F,  4011-A Connecticut Avenue, N.W. #244,
Washington, D.C. 20008-2322
Phone   202 362-6120
Fax      202 686-7237
Web site: www.anc3f.org

OFFICERS
Chair Cathy Wiss,  Vice chair Karen Perry, Secretary  David Bardin,
Treasurer Carl Kessler

COMMISSIONERS
3F01 Carl Kessler
 3636 Alton Place, N.W.
 Washington, D.C. 20008-4220
 home 202 363-1588
 fax     202 363-1588
 e-mail ANC3F01@starpower.net

3F02 Karen Perry
 3003 Van Ness Street, N.W.
 Washington, D.C. 20008-4701
 home 202 363-6748
 e-mail karenperry2@juno.com

3F03 Robert V. Maudlin
 2906 Ellicott Terrace, N.W.
 Washington, D.C. 20008-1023
 home/office 202 363-5204
 e-mail maudlin@alum.mit.edu

3F04 David J. Bardin
 4701 Connecticut Avenue, N.W. #501
 Washington, D.C. 20008-5630
 home 202 966-7678
 office 202 857-6089
 office fax 202 857-6395
 e-mail BardinD@ArentFox.com

3F05 Judith Bernardi
 3627 Everett Street, N.W.
 Washington, D.C. 20008-
 home 202 237-1011
 office 301 587-8857
 e-mail rberna3627@aol.com

3F06 Cathy Wiss
 3810 Albemarle Street, N.W.
 Washington, D.C. 20016-1838
 home/office 966-1310
 e-mail schumannwiss@juno.com

3F07 Stephen Neal Dennis
 P.O. Box 11833
 Washington, D.C. 20008-9033
 home 202 362-4693
 e-mail sndesq@starpower.net
ANC3F Map: http://www.anc3f.org/3fmap03.htm

ANC3F 2003 Meeting Schedule
February 10,  March 17,  April 21,  May 19,   June 16,  July 21, if
necessary,
August 18, if necessary,  September 15,  October 20,  November 17,
December 15, if necessary
___________________________________________________________________
 
 
 
 

TOUR OF RECORDER OF DEEDS BUILDING
From: "Carolyn Long" <carolynlong@earthlink.net>
Free guided tours of the historic DC Recorder of Deeds building at 515 D
Street, NW, including the building's New Deal era murals and other
artwork, will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2003, from 1:00 to 3:00
PM and on Thursday, February 20, 2003, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.  Judiciary
Square is the nearest Metro. Tours will run continuously during the
hours noted. Seven murals in the building portray scenes from history in
which African Americans figured prominently, including Benjamin
Banneker, Frederick Douglass, Crispus Attucks, Matthew Henson, and the
Massachusetts 54th Regiment. Recorder of Deeds was for decades the
highest office to which African Americans could aspire in the District
of Columbia government, and most of the agency's staff was Black.
Frederick Douglass was the first Black Recorder of Deeds, appointed by
President James A. Garfield in 1871. Oil portraits of  many Recorders,
including Douglass and Blanche K. Bruce, hang in the building's lobby.
 
Tours of the building, designed by Municipal Architect Nathan C. Wyeth
and completed in 1942, were a part of Negro History Week celebrations
for children in the District's Black school system during the years of
segregation. Annual tours of the building during Black History Month
started again in 2000 as preservationists battled with the District
government
to prevent the sale and demolition of the building. The building was one
of three Art Deco/Art Moderne Municipal Buildings that were on the DC
Preservation League's list of 10 Most Endangered Places in Washington in
2000 and 2001.  For more information, contact the DC Preservation League
at 202-955-5616 or info@dcpreservation.org.
Alexander M. Padro
Co-chair, DC Preservation League Task Force on Endangered
African-American Landmarks
 
 
 

MORE ON SEARS / HECHINGER, AND WISCONSIN AVENUE DEVELOPMENT

**** From: <Jtopa62045@aol.com (Joan Topalian)
This looks like a nice building.  When do the developers think Best Buy
will  be in the building?  Do the condos come later?

**** From: "Szarfman, Ana" <SZARFMAN@cder.fda.gov
It is very good that something is being done to correct the current
eyesore.
 
**** From: "Lefrancois/DC" <nicmich@starpower.net (Maria & Ron
Lefrancois)
Dear Mr. Collins:  Thanks for giving us a glimmer of hope that our local
government is listening.  After years of neglect, the cynicism is deep
around here, so forgive us if we don't get our hopes up for much
improvement. Our neighbors have done a great job in their submissions so
far, so we'll be brief.  [They should learn, however, that retail is
among the toughest challenges in business, and wishing for an unlimited
range of free-standing stores in an area hemmed in by private homes is
unrealistic].
Best about Wisc Ave corridor: walkability; public transportation; public
library; trees.
Worst: road surface is a disgrace.  A major gateway to the capital city
should not be rutted and lined with potholes from Jenifer to Van Ness
Streets [the west side of Tenley Circle into Yuma Street and the
intersection of Wisconsin and Fessenden are especially dangerous].  I'd
wager our wheelchair-using neighbors would concur and add a request for
improved sidewalks.  Traffic, traffic lights, and red-light cameras
already make speeding a relatively rare event.  Trees: too few along the
Avenue and those that exist do not appear to be getting the regular
maintenance they deserve.
Impediments to improvement: Lack of vision/versatility.  Example: new
library: why not consider a floor or two of offices [medical, business,
etc] above the new library and a few floors of housing
[market/subsidized/seniors] above that.  A mixed-use project would help
pay for the new library and might even allow construction of a parking
garage behind the library and under the Janney soccer field.
National Park Service must be enlisted to improve Ft. Reno by solving
drainage problem, installing watering system, fencing, benches, etc.  A
host of local companies and the diplomatic corps might be interested in
paying to put their names on a quality project.
Thanks. Best of luck and keep thinking outside the box.  Don't forget
that a lot of us daytime desk jockies are willing to donate hours of
labor - manual and otherwise - to improve our neighborhood.

**** From: "Ann Eichenberger" <aeichenberger@mindspring.com
I looked at the rendering of the redevelopment of the former Hechinger
building. The web page for 4500 Wisconsin Avenue touts the neighborhoods
household income. With this mind, I still wonder why it took Madison
Retail to find any viable tenants? How big a priority was it for them?
I also wonder how much a mini version of Big Box store will contribute
to the neighborhood? After all, Best Buy's main product lines,
appliances, tvs, computers, etc. are infrequent purchases. I would
suspect that most neighbors will prefer and visit a hardware store much
more frequently.
This store will attract purchasers from all over the city and close in
Maryland. Not everyone will come by Metro. It will mean an increase in
traffic for everyone who goes to Tenleytown on a regular basis when the
store is open. The neighborhood will still have to travel to Maryland or
Virginia for a hardware store. Only purchases from Best Buy or Circuit
City or the like will be easily for Tenleytown residents and the
surrounding neighborhoods.
Are we supposed to grateful that Madison Retail - at long last-has
finally found a tenant for this site . Or has the company's contribution
to the Janney School been sufficient to quell the parents' concerns that
surfaced when Home Depot was considering this site.
I would like to hear what other neighbors think about this latest
development.
Ann Eichenberger,  202/363-7417

**** From: <nancila@att.net (Nancy LeRoy)
That's a great photo of the proposed development at the Sears/Hechinger
site.  All it lacks is a few homeless guys out front shaking their
styrofoam cups at passers-by.
Question:  Did the neighborhood have any input to what seems to be a
fait accompli re the Best Buy shop?  We already have Graffiti and sure
could use a few other options in town.  Thanks.
Nancy LeRoy,  202/362-8803
 
 
 
 

DDOT ANNOUNCES NEW HIGHWAY APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
From:  "Rice, Bill (DDOT)" <Bill.Rice@dc.gov>
The District Department of Transportation announces the launch of the
Progressive Partners' Program (PPP), a comprehensive
pre-employment/pre-apprenticeship training program for highway
construction jobs.  DC residents may apply at United Planning
Organization (UPO), 3rd & Rhode Island Ave., NW, this Saturday, January
25, 11 am - 2 pm, and Monday-Friday, January 27-31.

The Progressive Partners' Program, supported by a $141,000 grant from
the Federal Highway Administration, is aimed at women, minorities, TANF
recipients and the unemployed needing job skills.   During the 16-week
program, participants undergo vocational and pre-apprenticeship and
pre-employment training and instruction with life management skills,
workplace literacy and on-the-job and tools activities.  Support
services include assistance with housing, health care, childcare,
transportation and job placement.

The Progressive Partners are DDOT, UPO and the Francis L. Greenfield
Laborer's Training and Apprenticeship Institute, a union sponsored
agency. For more information applicants can call: UPO 202/238-4694 or
DDOT  202/671-3494
 

-- THE END --