COMMUNIT-E
April 6, 2004
NOTICE TO SUBSCRIBERS WHO USE AOL
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CHOOSING SUPPLIERS OF POWER
From: barbara dinsmore <barabaradinsmore@msn.com>
Does anyone have any idea how to accurately figure out which is the
lowest cost
supplier for gas and electricity?
Pepco will not talk kWh costs on the phone and sends you to their
website which is
confusing at best.
PSC's website indicates that Washington Gas Energy Services provides
electric power,
but when WGES is called they indicate that they are accepting no new
customers.
Pepco Energy Services quotes me one price in their written information,
but another on all
the websites.
HELP!!! If you have had any success navigating all of this and have come
to any conclusions
I would love to hear from you.
Many thanks.....
STOLEN BIKES
From: Jeffrey Moore <JAMOORE@mpdc.org>
Each year about this time, the Second District experiences an increase
in the number of
bikes stolen from both public space and private property. This is just a
reminder to please
be sure to secure you bikes. A new shiny bike can be simply too tempting
a target for a thief.
Thank you in advance for your support.
Jeff Moore
Commander
Second District
SO CALLED ABANDONED CAR POLICY
From: Jim Holway <clutch3906@starpower.net>
My outrage at the ridiculous policy of the DC government concerning
abandoned cars remains with me after my trying to subdue it for three
days.
On February 17, I reported a car with a smashed left front fender,
expired temporary Maryland 30-day temporary plate and two open windows.
I reported that it had been parked in the same spot for two weeks. On
February 18. two tickets were placed on the car: Parking overtime in
Zone 3 and expired license plate. A week later I called 727-1000 again.
"Someone would be sent out". Two calls later, a "Tow" sticker was
placed on the car on March 24 or 25. My call to 727-1000 on March 27
elicited the response that the policy of the DC government was to tow
after 28 days in order to give the true owner a chance to retrieve his
vehicle.
Hello? That car has been there for almost two months with windows open
to snow in February and rain ever since. It is either an abandoned (or
stolen) car and should be towed now or the owner who has 28 more days to
retrieve his car should receive two tickets every day for his or her
daily violations.
As for the possibility that it is stolen, a quick check of the temp
plate or the VIN which is thereon would suffice.
This "policy" on abandoned cars is no policy...it's a joke on us happy
homeowners.
FROM: WHAT'S NEW IN THE MPDC
From: Crimereports.com <reports@crimereports.com>
**** NEW CIVILIAN JOB VACANCIES ANNOUNCED
The MPDC is seeking qualified applicants for a number of management,
technical
and operational support positions within its civilian ranks. One of the
career
opportunities currently available is the Director of Business Services, a
Management Supervisory Service position that oversees the following MPDC
units:
Equipment and Supplies, Fleet Services, Juvenile and Adult Processing,
Evidence/Custodial Property and Security Officers Management. The MPDC
is also
seeking candidates for a Supply Management Officer, a Human Resource
Specialist
and an Information Technology Specialist, with a focus on operating
systems. In
addition, the MPDC is recruiting for three biologists and two physical
scientists to work on MPDC cases at the FBI Laboratory in Quantico, VA.
Closing
dates for all of these positions vary. For information about
qualifications,
salaries and application procedures, visit the civilian recruiting
section of
the MPDC website at:
<http://mpdc.dc.gov/serv/solvers/mostwanted/homicide.shtm
http://mpdc.dc.gov/serv/solvers/mostwanted/homicide.shtm</a>
http://www.mpdc.dc.gov/about/employ/civilian.shtm
FOOTNOTE: The MPDC continues to seek qualified applicants for sworn police
officers as well. Details – plus an online application – are at:
http://www.mpdc.dc.gov/about/employ/officer.shtm
**** Chief Ramsey on WTOP’s “Ask the Chief.” Chief Ramsey discusses
public safety
issues and takes phone calls and emails from 10-11 am, on Thursday,
April 1,
during his regular monthly appearance on the “Ask the Chief” program on
WTOP Radio.
MEETINGS IN THE ‘HOOD
**** From: Polly King <pking@lldhhome.org>
ANC3E MEETING
Thursday, April 8, 2004 7:30 pm
St. Mary's Armenian Apostolic Church
42nd and Fessenden Streets, NW
7:30 Announcements
7:35 - 7:45 Open Forum
7:45 - 7:55 Presentation by 2nd District Police
7:55 - 8:00 Presentation of Spring Grants
8:00 - 8:15 Discussion with Martha Saccocio on the Tenleytown
Library and possible vote on the DC Library Renaissance Project
8:15 - 8:20 Vote regarding the small parking lot behind the
commercial strip on Wisconsin between Fessenden and Ellicott
8:20 - 8:35 Discussion and possible vote to request that the
Children's & Youths Investment Trust Fund be fully funded.
8:35 - 8:50 Presentation and discussion on initiative to
restore public hospital.
For further information www.anc3e.org
**** ANC 3B MONTHLY MEETING ON THURSDAY, APRIL 8TH, AT 7 P.M.
From: anc3b@aol.com
PUBLIC MEETING
Thursday, April 8th, 2004, 7 p.m.
Guy Mason Recreation Center
3600 Calvert Street, N.W.
2nd DISTRICT POLICE REPORT
NEW BUSINESS
-- Presentation by the D.C. Health Care Coalition
NEXT MEETING: NOTE DATE CHANGE: Thursday, May 6th, 2004 at 7:00 p.m.
To place items on the agenda contact the ANC-3B Commission at anc3b@aol.com
**** ANC MEETING ON SIDWELL FRIEND SCHOOL
From: sfs@anc3f.org
ANC3C and ANC3F
Joint Public Meeting
7:30 pm - April 13, 2004
Washington Home
3720 Upton Street, N.W.
ANC3C and ANC3F will hold a joint meeting for a presentation by Sidwell
Friends School on the significant renovation of its Wisconsin Avenue
campus.
It includes changes to buildings and landscape as well as changes to
School policies.
For information click here <http://www.sidwell.edu/neighborhood.htm> or
contact Mike Saxenian, Assistant Head of School and Chief Finance
Officer at:
saxenianm@sidwell.edu <mailto:saxenianm@sidwell.edu> or 202 537-8120.
REMINDER: For community recommendation for repair and service people, see
http://www.anc3f.org/communit03-03-20.html
COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
**** Garage & Antique Sales
From: JCar456618@aol.com
RESTAURANT FACILITATES SPRING CLEANING
In response to requests from patrons and because it has a large paved area
behind the restaurant, the Mediterranean Cafe at 4629 - 41st St. NW will
host a
neighborhood garage sale on April 18 and an antique sale on April 25, both
from noon to 6 p.m. Reservations for space can be made by calling the
cafe at
202 362-1006. Participants are requested to bring their own display
tables and
rain covering if needed. Access to the site will be via the alley off
Chesapeake Street.
**** From: Barbara R. Bergmann <bbergman@wam.umd.edu>
Need young person who will be here this summer to help a few hours a
week with gardening--weeding, planting, pruning. Starting immediately.
Pay $10 an hour. Call 202-537-3036.
**** From: Andrew Strasfogel <squasher@starpower.net>
Wanted: Garden tiller to share, borrow, or rent. I would be happy to
barter the use of your tiller for heirloom tomatoes, raspberry plants,
or other bounty from my organic garden later in the summer, or split
the cost of renting one for a day. I have a station wagon and live on
Chesapeake Street near Rive Rd.
**** From: Mtmrender@aol.com
In need of electrican licensed in DC, to do small jobs, install doorbell,
lights etc. around the house. Thanks
**** From: Elizindc@aol.com
Workman Available
I recommend Josh Palmer, Facilities Manager at Community Council for the
Homeless, for your skilled household jobs--carpentry, drywall, floor
installation,
painting, carpet installation, plumbing, and minor electrical. He is
careful
and very trustworthy. Call Josh at 202-277-1298. Recommended by Liz Siegel,
Co-Pres. of the CCH/FP Board.
**** From: Emily Yoffe <eyoffe@verizon.net>
I want to recommend the work of general contractor James Adams. He does
carpentry,
plumbing and painting. He repaired and saved a half-rotted garage door
another carpenter
told me was unsalvageable. He has done painting for me, household
repairs, and replaced
a toilet. He is reliable, honest, creative, and fair -- and a delightful
guy. His number is 301-455-5556
**** From: Vrutten@aol.com
"Huntboard (a.k.a -- tall sideboard) for sale. It is solid cherry and in
excellent condition. It has two drawers and two cabinets and measures
38" high
by 52" long by 16.5" deep. We are asking $850.00. Please contact Tory at
vrutten@aol.com or call 202.244.2130."
**** From: anc3b@aol.com
St. Luke’s Spring Concert Series continues on Sunday, April 18th at 2 pm
with
Heather Lauffer playing various classical piano pieces. Free and open to
all.
St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 3655 Calvert Street, NW, Washington
DC 20007, 202-333-4949, www.saintlukesmethodist.org
**** From: Brian Jones <bjones@levineschool.org>
Levine School of Music Lillian R. Spracker Masterclass Series
presents Flutist Jonathan Snowden - Recital and Masterclass
EVENT: Jonathan Snowden Flute Masterclass & Recital
TIME: Masterclass: 1:00pm, Saturday, April 24, 2004
Recital, 7:00pm, Saturday April 24, 2004
WHERE: Levine School of Music
2801 Upton Street NW DC
ADMISSION: Masterclass - Free
Recital - $15.00 (general seating)
CONTACT: 202-686-8000 ext. 1002 for ticketing and information.
**** From: HTCMRAHIM@aol.com
The Hung Tao Choy Mei Leadership Institute will host its Annual Banquet on
Saturday, June 12, 2004 at the Masonic Lodge located at 1000 U Street, NW
Washington, DC. This years event will be catered by Coppi's Organic
Restaurant also
a local U Street establishment. Seating begins at 6:30pm and dinner is
served
promptly at 7:30pm. Tickets are $25. We look forward to seeing you then for
Washington DC's greatest Lion Dance & Kung Fu Show ever.
http://www.jowga.org/events/
---------------
The Hung Tao Choy Mei Kung Fu Academy will begin its Tai Chi in Malcolm X
Park sessions on Wednesday morning April 14th from 7:45am until 8:30am.
Sifu
Rahim Muhammad will conduct the training in Yang Style Tai Chi. The
training is
free and open to all who wish to participate and will continue through the
fall. Meet us beside the reflecting pond closest to the 15th Street side
of the
park.
**** KRUCIAL FITNESS TRAINING CAMPS
From: StarAKA4U@aol.com
GET in Shape for the Summer! Krucial Fitness Training Camps will be held at
LaFayette Park on Broad Branch Rd. and Norwood Park-Chevy Chase. Camps
run May
- October. Classes are scheduled for 6am, 7am, and 8am. Classes focus on
cardiovascular endurance, strength training, and flexibility. There will
be before/
after fitness assessments. Sign up Now. To register, contact Tonya at
twalton@UPISA.com or call 1-866-468-1522
WISCONSIN AVENUE BEAUTIFICATION
From: KColombant@aol.com
Wisconsin Avenue Beautification Project
Spring Clean Up
Saturday May 1
1 pm - 6 pm
Celebrate Spring May Day! Join with your neighbors to weed, plant, mulch
and
pick up litter along Wisconsin avenue.
We will meet at the Fessenden block ( the park at the corner of Fessenden
street and Wisconsin avenue).
Bring your family and friends, gloves and favorite gardening tools: weeder,
trowel, clippers or strong scissors, rake, broom. Come for the whole
afternoon
or just an hour, each minute of work will help make Wisconsin avenue
greener
and cleaner.
Any questions: call Kersti at 966 8837
or Ralph at 686 9550
The Wisconsin Avenue Beautification Project is a partnership effort among
local residents, businesses, and institutions to relandscape Wisconsin
Avenue
between Tenley Circle and Fessenden Street.
MORE ON RIVER ROAD, FESSENDEN, 45TH STREET
**** From: Susanjaquet@aol.com
To: colleen.hawkins@dc.gov
Dear Ms. Hawkins,
I am writing regarding the dangerous intersection at 45th Street, River
Road,
and Fessenden St. In 1968 my sister was involved in an accident there which
TOTALED our family's car. As a Realtor working in American University
Park, I
am in my car a lot and frequently pass through that intersection. I have no
idea how many accidents have taken place there over the years, but the
configuration of the three streets is tragedy waiting to happen. Please
don't wait
until someone is injured or killed before DC reacts. Do SOMETHING now to
address
this situation.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Susan Jaquet
**** From: nancila@att.net
This is in response to concerns voiced by Lois Fingerhut and comments by
Todd Chapman
about this dangerous intersection. I surely wish we could rouse the
community again to deal
with this intersection.
I have lived on the southeast corner of Fessenden and 45th Street where
those two streets
intersect River Road since 1989. In the early 1990s I participated in a
neighborhood effort
(well before the “current” DDOT study to which Todd Chapman refers) to
either install
“all-way” stop signs or make 45th street one-way going north, as I
recall. Everyone who
lived on Fessenden (on both sides of River Road) and many who lived on
River near 45th
and Fessenden signed the petition for a traffic study. We had meetings
both in peoples’ homes
and, finally, at the ANC. The whole effort dissolved into arguments
presented by people who
lived well away from the intersection. Some wanted a traffic signal,
although there are already
two traffic signals a block and a few yards down River at Garrison and
Western, respectively.
Some were concerned that if 45th Street were one way, they would be
unable to get home or
to Rodman’s. (I am not making this up.) Some thought speed bumps were
the answer. Most
of the folks who lived near or at the intersection simply wanted “all
way” stop signs so everybody’d
have to at least touch their brakes before crossing the intersection
from any direction. Ultimately,
those of us who signed the petition and started the process gave up in
despair.
Accidents occur on River Road almost weekly. When it rains, even more
often. I hear the
crashes and thumps from anywhere in my house. Once I looked out of my
window to see
a car flying, upside-down, and sliding across my neighbor’s front lawn
on River and 45th.
Before cell phones, my house became a favored spot from which to call an
insurance agent.
Commuters use River Road as a freeway to and from Maryland and Fessenden
Street runs
a close second at rush hour. There is no attempt to obey the speed limit
of 25mph. Rather
than courteously allow drivers to enter River, drivers speed up and honk
– loudly and long!
I asked one honking driver, as I was trying to cross River, to lay off
the horn and he responded
in a spate of unprintable words. I am afraid that someday a pedestrian
will be killed (and I worry
that it’ll be me!) trying to cross River, or even 45th Street as some
drivers have discovered that it’s
possible to get to Maryland by turning right off River onto 45th and
left on Garrison to River, just
a few yards from the border. At rush hour cars back up on River from the
traffic light at Garrison,
almost as far as 44th Street. It’s difficult to even cross River on
foot(which I like to do in order to
go to Fort Bayard or visit friends) because bumper-to-bumper cars block
all the crosswalks.
I wonder why there are no simple “traffic slowing” efforts in this
neighborhood. Why not cameras
as on MacArthur Blvd in Palisades, or all-way stop signs as on Nebraska,
McKinley and 30th
Streets in Chevy Chase? Even some parking space white lines painted on
River would help.
Anyway, I’m glad people are once again concerned about this “dangerous”
intersection and
wonder how other neighborhoods can come up with solutions, yet this
situation here remains
unresolved for almost 15 years from when it was first brought up at the ANC.
Nancy LeRoy
– END –