COMMUNIT-E
February 26, 2004



PLEASE GET INVOLVED TO KEEP OUR NEIGHBORHOOD CLEAN

The following e-mail was sent to me by someone who requested that
her name not be used. I would ask that anyone who recognizes the dog-walker
to please copy the following letter from me and see that she receives it. Most
people of good will will change bad habits if they know they have been observed
and that their neighbors do not approve of what they are doing. I do not need to know
who this lady is. The fact that you do, should help her understand that dog
poop on sidewalks, streets, and tree boxes is not appreciated by her neighbors.

The e-mail sent to me:
I did see a woman the other day, leaving her dog poop right on the
sidewalk. I was so angry, as it was just a block from Turtle Park (on 45th
St., close to Verplank). She was a white woman, about 65-70 years old,
with blondish hair; she had a mild accent - maybe Eastern European or
German. She had a large black Labrador Retriever. The dog had just
finished pooping, and she was flicking it with a stick, to move it further
from the sidewalk (but not picking it up!). When I asked her if she
intended to pick it up, she said that she didn't have time. When I pointed
out that there are kids always walking there, she got very snippy, telling
me to mind my own business, etc. It was so unpleasant, and I would love to
have some neighbors who recognize this description to continue to ask her
to pick up after her dog.


My letter to the dog-walker:

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


Dear Neighbor,
I’m sure that you are a nice person who would not intentionally do
anything to harm anyone in our neighborhood. However, you probably
don’t realize that your dog’s waste can easily end up in a child’s hand,
mouth, hair, and clothes. It can adhere to the bottom of children and adult shoes
which then track it into homes, where children play and adults sit on
rugs that may be contaminated.

Dog feces contain parasites that cause disease, and the feces attract
rats who eat it and cause their own health problems.

In addition to the diseases it can spread, it can end up as contaminants
in waterways that are already overburdened with nutrients and other pollutants.
It smells foul in warm weather, and it looks ugly on a street where residents
strive to have beautiful yards.

For these reasons, I and your other neighbors ask that you take a minute
and clean up your dog’s poop when walking your pet. Plastic baggies of all sorts are
available in the stores and they are cheap. Plastic grocery bags and newspaper
covers are free and make excellent poop holders.

Thank you for being a good neighbor and doing this for all the children and
adults who play and walk where you and your dog walk.

Sincerely,
Kathy Smith


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





MORE ON STOLEN AUTOS AND THE WAVE TEAM

In the last issue of COMMUNIT-E, I noted that the WAVE Team had
recovered 561 stolen autos at a value of $7,294,941 for the recovered
vehicles. For a small, nine member team, this is terrific.

However, given the overall problem of stolen autos in the city, it’s
a drop in the bucket. Below are the number of stolen autos in the
years 2000 to 3003 and the estimated value of those autos. This is a problem
that is city-wide, but especially bad in the 5th and 6th Districts. I would
think if you lived in one of those districts, it would hardly be worth owning
a car. I personally have heard of people whose cars were stolen multiple times.
Frequently, the same people are being arrested over and over for this crime.
This is particularly true of juveniles. This is also why our insurance rates are
so high.

Year: 2000 – 6,600 stolen cars – $44 million
2001 – 7,970 “ ” – $53 “
2002 – 8,311 “ ” – $57 “
2003 – 9,166 “ ” – $61 “


More serious attention needs to be given to this crime problem. The Police, Corporation
Council, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Courts, and insurance companies all have an important role to play.
The Mayor and City Council should do whatever they can to help.





SALUTE TO A VICTIM WHO WASN’T
(Student who successfully fought off her attacker)

From: Dorcas Adkins <dorcasadkins@yahoo.com>
Wouldn't it be great if every story like that had a similar outcome? Hats off to the girl for her
courage and dexterity!
Dorcas Adkins

From: Commander Jeffrey Moore <JAMOORE@mpdc.org>
No attack took place - the kick in the groin did end the confrontation. GOOD FOR HER!!!





DC TREE REGULATIONS PUBLISHED FOR PUBLIC COMMENT BY MARCH 6
From: Floto, Mary Ann (EOM) <MaryAnn.Floto@dc.gov>
New Tree Regulations Published for Comment

The D.C. Department of Transportation today published in the DC Register
(51DCR1446, Feb 6, 2004), for a 30-day comment period, the proposed
regulations implementing the Urban Forest Preservation Act of 2002. The
draft regulations are also available on the Office of the Secretary's web
site (os.dc.gov., Office of Documents, D.C. Register).

After the comment period and approval by the Council, a permit will be
needed before a property owner removes a non-hazardous tree with a
circumference larger than 55 inches (at a height of 4.5 feet). The owner
will be required to pay a fee of $35 per inch of circumference into a tree
fund or plant saplings equal in circumference to the removed tree. The
Urban Forestry Administration in DDOT will administer the law, including
issuing the permit. Fines for violations will go to planting additional
trees throughout the District.

Comments should go to Mariclaire McCartan, Department of Transportation,
Urban Forestry Administration, 4901 Shepherd Parkway, SW, Washington, D.C.
20032, mariclaire.mccartan@dc.gov.






MORE THEFT OF COPPER
From: Stack, Greg M <stack@law.edu>

I was not sure if my crime report made the latest Communit-E, but since I believe the correspondence
to be of significant value, I thought I should inform you of the unfortunate experience we were victims
of in the alley near 46th and Van Ness. The leaders (copper) were stolen from the gutters attached to
our house. Apparently this happened during daylight hours. Hope this helps prevent someone else from
experiencing the same crime.





TOWN HALL MEETING ON DC PUBLIC SCHOOLS
From: Pagano, Penny (COUNCIL) <ppagano@dccouncil.us>

Councilmembers Kathy Patterson and Adrian Fenty will hold a joint Ward
3/Ward 4 Town Hall Meeting on the state of DC public schools on Tuesday,
March 9, 2004, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Lafayette Elementary School at
5701 Broad Branch Road, NW. For more information contact JoAnne Ginsberg
(Ward 3) at 724-8062 and Veronica Washington (Ward 4) at 724-8052.
Penny Pagano





JANNEY SCHOOL AUCTION
From: Lisa Wackler <gatorwack@yahoo.com>

It's that time of year again--the Janney Elementary Auction is March 27th, and we are looking for donations!

If any of the great readers of COMMUNIT-E (and local area businesses) would like to donate an item for
the auction, we would appreciate it. Specifically we're looking for items such as gift certificates to local
restaurants, use of vacation homes, or certificates for other services (spas, hairdressers, children's summer
camps, etc.) The auction is a great place to advertise your business, because your item is prominently displayed,
and the item and your business are advertised in the Janney newsletter and the Janney Auction catalog.

Also, we want to remind everyone that one of the signature events of the auction is our Janney Raffle. Tickets are
$100, but don't let that scare you! Only a limited number of tickets are sold, and the top prize is $10,000. YOU
DO NOT NEED TO BE PRESENT TO WIN!

If anyone has any questions, they can email me at gatorwack@yahoo.com
Lisa Wackler






SINKING ROADWAY
From: p.lankowski <p.lankowski@verizon.net>

Quick question before I try the city offices: has anyone reported the collapsing patch of road on 42nd
Street between Fessenden and Garrison (next to the church)? It seems to be sinking several inches each day.

[From KS: I’ve found that multiple calls to the city are often necessary to get something fixed. Several
people calling may move the issue forward on the list. Also, see items below.]

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

REGARDING STREET LIGHTS

**** From: Floto, Mary Ann (EOM) <MaryAnn.Floto@dc.gov>
Contact the Mayor's Call Center at 727-1000 to report streetlights that are
out. You will be asked for the exact street address and whether the light
is on a metal or wooden pole. You will receive a Call Center Number for
each request. If your lights are not repaired within a few days (3 business
days or 72 hours), please forward the request number to maryann.floto@dc.gov
for follow-up.
Mary Ann Floto
Office of Community Outreach

**** From: DavidH <howcroft@msn.com>
Regarding your email concerning getting DC street lights repaired, although the main
DC Govt number (202 727-1000) will take the repair request, I normally call direct
(202) 269-0855 and they seem to get them fixed within several days........be persistent
& good luck, David






SENIOR JOB FAIR
From: Ftservicecoor@aol.com

Are you interested in going back into the work force?

On March 9th from 9:30am to 3pm we will be holding our 1st Job Fair
Event in the 5th floor lounge. DC and Maryland senior-based employment
organizations will be here assisting senior with job placement or job readiness.
If you have a resume please bring it with you.

If you are interested in attending please contact
Shiree Fenelon, Service Coordinator at 202 244-7400 ext.13 with any
questions.





HELPING HUGS
Kick-off Party for children of all ages
From: Polly King <pking@lldhhome.org>

Join us for cookies and juice and enjoy the music of Jack Stanton. Start
your hug-giving on March 6, 2004 from 11:00 until Noon at the
Lisner-Louise-Dickson-Hurt Home, 5425 Western Avenue, N.W. Washington DC
20015. What better way to raise funds than to raise spirits! The
Lisner-Louise-Dickson-Hurt Home and the Chevy Chase Plaza Children's Center
have joined hands to sponsor a "Helping Hugs" campaign. Join us on March 6
at our Kick-Off Party to learn more about this easy, fun, and heart-warming
fundraiser. For more information contact (202) 966-6667 x 3361 or
pking@lldhhome.org

Polly King Evans
Development Office
LLDHH
5425 Western Avenue NW
tel: (202) 966-6667 x 3361





LOCAL THEATER
From: shirley moyer <smoyer@erols.com>
March 5,6,7, 2004

Metropolitan Players and friends are preparing for a jolly good time
with their spring performance of The Solid Gold Cadillac by Howard
Teichmann and George S. Kaufman on Friday, March 5 at 8 pm; Saturday,
March 6 at 7:30 pm; and Sunday, March 7 at 2 pm at the Metropolitan
Memorial United Methodist Church, 3401 Nebraska Avenue, NW. Tickets are
$10 on sale prior to performances. 202-363-4900 or 202-244-3512.

No production is complete without mention of the very important people
behind the scenes. Clara Diehl returns as prop mistress
extraordinaire. Anita Charles and Hilda Joyner team up to be
costumiers. Carol Schleicher is the set designer. Lighting design is
created by Kevin Settlage with Eric and Ryan Mattsson as electrical
technicians and sound board operators. Original music is composed by
Michael House and the sound board is run by Colin Davies. Dick
Schleicher is heading the set construction crew. Barbara Gaskill, who
along with Kevin Settlage chairs the Metropolitan Players Steering
Committee, lends her expertise as choreographer. This play takes us
through an interesting turn of events in the corporate world of New York
City and Washington, DC of the 1950s.






RE: STANIS FURNITURE PROBLEM RESOLVED
From: Susanjaquet@aol.com

Dr. Stern Solomon:
Pleased to advise that we made one last attempt and visited Stanis Furniture
in Fairfax a few days ago. Luckily, the original (and very professional)
salesperson, Kathleen Williams, was on duty and intervened. The owner, George
Stanis, apparently had not been given our correspondence. He proposed a monetary
settlement which we believe to be extremely fair. Will copy this to Communit-E.

Thanks so much for your thoughts on resolving the problem with our leather
recliners. Glad to know about WTOP's hotline and Creative Conflict Resolution.
Will keep both on file.

Susan Jaquet and Philippe Marciniak

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

In a message dated 2/20/2004 11:12:43 AM Eastern Standard Time,
dr.j@erols.com writes:
Some random thoughts from my experience with resolving consumer complaints:

Better Business Bureau is worse than useless. All they will do is list the
company on a list for future potential consumers. They do nothing to resolve
your immediate problem.

If Stanis is in Montgomery County you are better off with their govt. bureau;
DC's is more or less defunct.

You might start with Call for Action, a consumer hotline which works with
WTOP and tries to motivate retailers with implications of airing consumer
grievances on the radio. They will probably respond faster than 7 On your Side which
looks for wider audience appeal and stories to air. TOP doesn't air the
stories, just the fact that the hotline exists and is open (I believe it is 11:00
am to 1:00 pm).

There are also private mediators or arbitrators (yes, I'm one, but this is
not a commercial).

My last choice would be an attorney who may charge you as much or more than
the refund you are seeking.

Good luck.
Dr. Janet Stern Solomon, SPHR
Creative Conflict Resolution
Voice: 202-362-2346
dr.j@erols.com






COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

**** From BebopnOb1@aol.com
Where oh where do you find a reliable plumber that will come and give an estimate. We have
gathered together a number of needed small/medium plumbing jobs and would like to find a decent
plumber or company. The big dogs just want to charge by the hour and do not seem to want to
estimate a total project price. Thank you for helping. Pat

[From KS: Don’t forget the back issues of COMMUNIT-E on the ANC3F web site at www.anc3f.org.
Start with the March 20, 2003 issue at http://www.anc3f.org/communit03-03-20.html]

**** From: Elizabeth Schickedanz <elizabeth_haile@hotmail.com>
I wanted to let people know if they are looking for a mover, DO NOT use Garrett Moving and Storage
in Maryland. We had horirble problems with a small move from just a few blocks away - they loaded
all the furniture so sloppily that almost every piece of furniture we have was damaged. They were totally
non-responsive to follow up, rude, and managed to avoid service of a complaint by moving business
locations. I have heard good things about Gullivers.

**** From: mbj1966 <maryjacoby@starpower.net>
Thru: tenleytown@yahoogroups.com
Our beloved nanny of five years is available M-F in the mornings.
Alternatively, we are looking to share her in the afternoons (our
home or yours) with another family with a child age 3-4. Good
opportunity if your child needs an afternoon playmate. Reply to Mary
at 202 237 7903 or email at maryjacoby@starpower.net.

**** From: Shosh4Prog@aol.com
I’m looking to rent out the furnished, sunny basement suite in my house on Alton Place, NW. That includes
sharing the 1st floor of my house with my daughter, dog, and me. $775 utilities
included.
Thanks, Sue Hoechstetter

**** From: JCar456618@aol.com
I wish to second those who have praised the Mediterranean Cafe at 4629 - 41st
Street. Not only does this restaurant offer delicious and healthy food, but
owner Ida Khuluki does many favors for her regulars. While I'm away, she has
kept my Cavalier King Charles spaniel, Regal, who enjoys the establishment's
outdoor patio in warm weather. Another business that Regal and I welcome to
the neighborhood is the Paws Pet Provisions at 4220 Fessenden, just off
Wisconsin Ave. It opened on Jan. 31, and owner John Cox stocks supplies for
health-conscious pet owners that in the past I've had to journey downtown to purchase.
James Carroll





REGISTERED BICYCLES ------ GET THOSE BIKES BACK
From: Dorcas Adkins <dorcasadkins@yahoo.com>

While working with the police on crime stats, I have found that the police recover a great number of
stolen bikes which can never be traced to rightful owners because they have not been engraved with
registration numbers. It seems like a good idea to urge residents to register their bikes, as a simple way
of helping police deal with another very prevalent crime to which we are all prey.

A call to the local station yielded the information that the station is open for this purpose on Mon-Fri
from 8-8. I plan to urge them to hold a couple of Saturday registration mornings this Spring and will let
you know if I succeed. In the meantime, though, we ought to be able to ride over there after work as the
days lengthen and take advantage of the hours currently available. Let's get our bikes registered!

I encourage all your readers to contact me with any information I might be able to use in this effort.
My office number is 202-628-2500 and my email is dorcas@waba.org.





CASEY TREES OFFERS FREE TRAINING
From: Floto, Mary Ann (EOM) <maryann.floto@dc.gov>
Thru: tenleytown@yahoogroups.com

Greetings Friends!
We are pleased to announce that the March sessions of Citizen Forester
Module II are now open to all, including those of you who have not yet taken
Module I. We have a lot of trees to plant this spring and are looking for
both new and experienced Citizen Foresters to help us out!

In Module II, participants learn to select and prepare a tree planting site,
choose an appropriate tree species for the site, and properly plant the tree
to ensure survival. We cover the techniques critical to maintaining urban
tree health, including mulching, watering, and pruning. The service
component consists of community tree planting and maintenance projects.

Citizen Foresters are local volunteers who serve the DC community by helping
to restore, enhance, and protect our city's tree canopies. The Citizen
Forester team is responsible for utilizing resources from the city and
nonprofit organizations to improve the health of trees, increase tree cover,
and promote and protect the city's green infrastructure.

To become a Citizen Forester, volunteers complete a combination of free
classroom instruction, field training, and community service. A panel of
experts and guest speakers participate in the sessions. The curriculum
includes three modules, each with training and service components.

For further info or to register please visit our website at
www.caseytrees.org/cfprogram.html, or call Heather Langford at 202.833.4010.

This training is free and open to the public. Space is limited, so sign up
today!

Amy Thorn
Casey Trees Endowment Fund
Phone: 202.833.4010 x100





TWO VACANIES ON ANC 3B
From: anc3b@aol.com

Two seats are currently vacant on ANC 3B (Glover Park and Cathedral Heights): ANC 3B01
(North Glover Park) and ANC 3B 04 (Cathedral Heights). These terms expire on January 2nd,
2005. Anyone interested in pursuing a candidacy should contact the Board of Elections and
Ethics (202.727.2525) to arrange to pick up a petition. In order to become a candidate, a
petition must be turned in with 25 or more signatures from registered voters in the affected
single member district.

The petition period for ANC 3B01 is February 10th through March 1st and the challenge period
is March 4th through March 10th. This SMD includes the following addresses: (a) the 2700-2799
block of 38th Street, (b) the 2600-2799 blocks of 39th Street, (c) the 2800-2898 block of 29th Street
(even numbered side of the street), (d) the 2501-02599 block of 39th Street (odd numbered side of the
street), (e) the 2700-2799 block of 42nd Street, (f) the 3801-3899 block of Calvert Street (odd numbered
side), (g) the 3800-3899 block of Davis Place, (h) the 2800-2898 block of New Mexico Avenue
(even numbered side), (i) the 3901-3999 block of Watson Place (odd numbered side), (j) the 3800-3822
block of Fulton Street (even numbered side), (k) the 3900-4099 blocks of Tunlaw Road, (l) the
2500-3898 blocks of Tunlaw Road (even numbered side), (m) the 4001-4199 block of Edmunds
Street (odd numbered side), (n) the 3824-3998 block of Fulton Street (even numbered side), and
(o) the 3900-3935 b!
lock of Fulton Street.

The petition period for ANC 3B04 has not yet been announced in the D.C. Register. The petition
period is likely to be open by early to mid-March. Interested persons should contact the Board of
Elections. This SMD includes (a) the 2900-3198 blocks of 39th Street (even numbered side),
(b) the 3900-3999 blocks of Cathedral Avenue, (c) the 4100-4198 block of Cathedral Avenue
(even numbered side), (d) the 3000-3099 blocks of Idaho Avenue, (e) the 3900-3954 blocks of
Massachusetts Avenue, (f) the 2801-2899, 2901-3041, 3042-3051, & 3053-3099 blocks of New
Mexico Avenue (odd numbered side), and (g) the 3900-3998 block of Watson Place (even numbered
side).

ANC Commissioners serve for a term of two years; positions are non-partisan. In order to hold
the office of Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner, an individual must meet the following qualifications:

+ Be a registered voter in the District, as defined by DC Code Section 1-1001.02;
+ Have resided in the Single Member District from which nominated continuously for the 60 day period
immediately preceding the day on which the nominating petition is filed; and
+ Hold no other public office.

---------------------
An entity of the District of Columbia government, ANC 3B is a non-partisan body consisting of 5
commissioners elected on a biennial basis who represent the Glover Park and Cathedral Heights
communities of Northwest Washington. Broadcast e-mail messages provide information to the
community regarding the ANC, community events, city services, and other governmental or city-wide
activities. Such postings, however, do not necessarily imply endorsement or support by this ANC.
For more information on ANC 3B, link to our web site at http://www.dcneighborhoods.net/anc/3b
or send e-mail to anc3b@aol.com.






NATIONAL YOUTH SERVICE DAY
From: anc3b@aol.com

The DC Commission on National and Community Service, in partnership with the Freddie Mac
Foundation, is offering grants worth up to $750 to support youth-led community service projects
organized for National Youth Service Day, April 16-18, 2004, a weekend of service focused on
the contributions of youth in the community.

The Commission expects more than 10,000 youth and
their families to volunteer for the weekend of service. Youth will be building houses, restoring
schools, cleaning parks, and helping the homeless. Eligible applicants for the mini-grant include
nonprofits, schools or universities, community groups, faith-based organizations, corporations,
government agencies, or public organizations. The Freddie Mac Youth Service Grant application
can be downloaded from the links below or can be found at www.cncs.dc.gov <http://www.cncs.dc.gov/>.
The deadline for submission is 5 pm, Monday, March 15, 2004. Call Kimberly Flowers, Manager of
Outreach and Communications, at (202) 727-9461 for more information.


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