COMMUNIT-E
August 5, 2004

NEW COMMANDER FOR 2D
Robert Contee has been appointed as the new commander of
2nd District Police. He comes from the MPD’s homicide division
and is replacing Jeffrey Moore who retired recently. He had been
at 2D earlier in his career. His e-mail address is Robert.Contee@DC.gov
and his phone number is 282-0042 or 282-0032. Incidently, this is also
the number to reach the 2D captains office.

CRIMES IN THE ‘HOOD

REMINDERS – There have been thefts of packages left on porches by
UPS. Possibly someone is following trucks to see where they leave
packages, or just cruising for packages. This has happened even when
the intended recipient was at home at the time.

Washington goes away for August – If you go off on vacation, take
precautions so that your mail, newspapers, fliers, etc. are not left to
build up, indicating that you are away.

**** From: Greg Werth <gregwerth@direcway.com>
I had the same experience recently and no longer have packages delivered to
my house. This is definitely a problem in the neighborhood.

**** From: W. Geoffrey Seeley <seemark@att.net>
Lisa Wackler isn't alone: This week someone stole a UPS shipment
containing $250 worth of cabinet doors from me.

**** From: Dorcas Adkins <dorcasadkins@yahoo.com>
We had our garage door busted open with a crowbar and a bike stolen.
I wanted to share this with the community.

KIDNAPING INCIDENT
From: ANTONIO DIEZ <DIEZ.FAM@worldnet.att.net>
I wondered if the community knew about an incident that took place at the
corner of Wisc Ave and Jenifer some months ago. It had to do with an
acquaintance of ours, an older and petite Hispanic lady, who was going to
cross the street and was approached by two African-American males who
were apparently helping her to cross. She couldn't understand what they
were saying or doing, and at the other side of the street (where there was a
car parked) forced her inside the car and proceeded to confuse her with
questions and mumbling, took her purse, saw that she had a bank account
in a nearby bank, forced her to write a check for $600 and took her there to
cash it! Why this woman didn't scream or faint, or something, is beyond me.
But she says that she was so scared and so confused that her mind didn't
operate the way it should have. After giong to the bank the men drove her
several blocks away from the bank and dropped her off. It was at that point
that she felt like she was going to die of fright. She called her son (who works
at one of the international organizations) and they called the police and filled
a report.

But I've wondered if the neighborhood knows that this has happened, and that
it took place at around mid day on a week day! And could someone suggest
ways to "act" and counteract when this sort of thing happens. I would also
be curious to know how many times it's happened. Manela


[ From KS – I hadn’t heard about this particular incident, but I have heard
of similar incidents where an elderly person is threatened and, out of fear,
goes along to the bank with her kidnappers. If there’s someone close to you
who is potentially vulnerable, it might be worth it to work out a strategy with
them as to what to do if they are in a situation like this.]

SCAMS
**** From: Amy McVey <amybmcvey@msn.com>
From: Brittain.Mcinnis@usdoj.gov
A group of young conmen are now working the Chevy Chase, DC
area, presenting themselves as part of the Ultimate Power Sales, Inc.
group. They have already been reported in Montgomery County. As you
can see from the attached article, their M.O. is to use young salesmen
coached to lie in order to convince people to order books that will be
"donated" to a local hospital.

This Saturday, 7/31/04, my husband had the pleasure of meeting
one. The suspect is a white male, between the ages of 17-21, slim
build, approx. 135-165 pounds, some slight facial hair, light brown
hair, wearing baggy cargo shorts, a T-shirt with "Inca" across the
front, white lace-free tennis shoes. He gave the name "Zach Drakos",
claimed to live at 3208 38th Street, NW, with his parents, Dr. and Mrs.
Koe (no such persons reside at that address.) He also gave a fake
telephone number and suggested that he was available to do yard work. He
stated that he was raising money for his UMD soccer team by selling
books. As noted above, part of his pitch is to convince people, in lieu
of buying books, to buy a "sponsorship" by which your funds allegedly go
to purchase children's books to be donated to Children's Hospital.

Last week, a neighbor also encountered one of these
"students"--same MO, except when she declined to order books, he began
yelling obscenities at her. After he left her property, she followed
the suspect and she observed himgetting into a car with Georgia plates.
She reported the incident to the Metropolitan Police Department.

I have reported this incident to both Montgomery County PD and
the Second District, though have not received any response from the
Second District.

Please advise your neighbors about this scam. Anyone selling
items door-to-door must have a permit. These individuals do not. If
you encounter one of them, please contact the police department
immediately.
Brittain McInnis
PSA 202


**** From: Ellis, Susan S <EllisSS@state.gov>
I hope I didn't fall prey to a scam. The check for my subscription to
Jack & Jill for my grandson was made out to United Familyfor $37.00. They
were girls raising money for their soccer team. One said she was Mr.
Lopez's daughter (or perhaps another Latino name) from the neighborhood --
a name I did not recognize..


[From KS – Also beware of the various people coming by to collect
for political campains, environmental causes, etc. I assume most of
them are bogus and tell them I’ll contribute directly to the organization,
if I’m interested in their organization. A crook can say she’s with any
organization and show you some bogus identification. How can you
tell if she’s legit?]


ALERT TO MERCHANTS
PSA 202
Uttering (passing false documents) - uttering
R1 reports for starbucks that s1 passed two counterfeit travelers checks for
$100 each to pay for his beverage then received the listed cash back in change.

POTENTIAL PROBLEM WITH TERRORIST ALERTS
From: Bill Rogers <bill.rogers@mac.com>

In reading your old e-newsletter, I note that weather radios do not
work in the Tenleytown area due to radio interference.

SO MY QUESTION IS: How are we to be alerted of a terrorist attack if
it happens in the middle of the night when the TVs and radios are off?
Modern weather alert radios are programmed to turn on in the case of a
tornado warning and alert sleeping residents. I ASSUME this system
would also be used in the event of a biological, chemical or dirty
(nuclear) bomb attack, during which the unconscious of Tenleytown would
need to be awakened.

BUT how are we to be alerted in the middle of the night? Is there a
radio system we can rely on to alert us?

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

**** From: Kathleen.Conley@frb.gov
CHAIR LIFT for stairs - available for sale at a reasonable price or for
donation to a worthy cause. Please contact Kathleen Conley for details
(kathleen.conley@frb.gov).

**** From: Bill Rogers <bill.rogers@mac.com>
A bicycle has laid unsecured and abandoned for the last 2 to 3 weeks on
the south side of Davenport St. between River Rd. and 44th St. It is
black, has no name-brand anywhere on it, mountain bike tires and a seat
which says "Terry" on the back and "Belia gella" (probably a brand
name) on the side of the seat.

**** From: David J. Leviss <dleviss@starpower.net>
Can anyone recommend a company (internet, mail order or otherwise) that
sells shutters for a 1940s era AU Park house? Home Depot tells us that
their standard, off-the-rack shutters will not fit the irregular-sized
windows on older houses. If you have recently replaced your shutters and
have a good experience to share, we would be grateful to learn the details.

**** From: bell.rebecca@att.net
Can anyone recommend a good carpet cleaner service please
(as in home, wall-to-wall carpeting). Thanks!

**** From: amybnhoang@aol.com
After a major flood in our basement, we have had a stream of work-people
come through to try and save our carpeting and get things back to normal.
By far, the best has been So Fresh Carpet Cleaning. Doug Roeser, the owner,
is truly detailed-oriented and honest in his assessment of both the carpet
cleaning as well as the upholstery cleaning. Additionally, this former DC police
officer spends much of his off-time on a youth basketball program that gets
inner city kids off the streets. He was not only instrumental in getting our
carpet in top-shape, but we found him to be a delightful person.
So Fresh Carpet Cleaning's number is: 202-575-0508.

**** From: Dr Melvin Blecher <MBiplaw@comcast.net>
The Minkoff company on River Rd. in Bethesda specializes in cleanups after
disasters such as floods and mud slides. They took care of ours. Jose Leto and
John Coronas, both in the Montg. Cty. phone book, do excellent
brick work, including retaining walls. We have used both of them. Both are
very busy.

**** From: Burchard.Beth@epamail.epa.gov
We are looking for a babysitter for our 5 year old daughter starting
this school year. We need someone two days a week, on Tuesdays and
Thursdays, to pick up our daughter at Janney Elementary School at 3:15,
and stay with her until we return home at 5:30. We are looking for
someone at least 14 years old. Either driving or walking home from
school would be fine. Please call Beth or Robert at 202.686.5355.
Thank you.

**** From: Bonnie nevel <editerra@verizon.net>
I'm looking for a baby co-sleeper at a good price. Extra points if it's
the kind that was made for a Pottery Barn "Thomas" bed (PB no longer
makes it). Otherwise I'd be interested in any adjustable model. If you
have one that you'd like to get rid of, please contact me at
editerra@verizon.net. Thanks. Bonnie Nevel

**** From: Rao, Chhaya <Chhaya_Rao@ace.nche.edu>
(Submitted by AU Park resident Chhaya Rao on behalf of a friend's son):
Technology Problems? I'm a recent graduate of William & Mary, looking for a
job in the IT business. In the meantime, this A+ Certified "geek" is
offering tech support services on a freelance basis. For $20/hour ($20
minimum), I'll repair or upgrade computer systems, install wireless networks
for sharing files and high-speed internet, and build new systems competitive
with the major manufacturers. I can also set up X10 systems for the remote
control of house lights and hook up home theater equipment. If you have any
other technology-oriented tasks, ask me about them, and I'll see what I can
do. Call Matt Maher at 703-944-5486 or email tech@dignan17.com.

**** From: ckurtz@odonoghuelaw.com
TENLEYTOWN BI-MONTHLY OUTDOOR COMMUNITY
FLEA MARKET SAT. AUGUST 14TH
4100 River Road NW (the Eldbrooke Church Parking Lot)
8:30 am to 4:00 pm, rain or shine.
Antiques, collectibles, jewelry, furniture, etc.
We are accepting items which can be sold during the flea market and these
proceeds also going to the church. If you would like a donation receipt,
please leave your name, address and phone number with a list of the donated
items. The church will send you a letter for tax purposes. Volunteers are
always welcomed to help! The Market has been very successful!
Unfortunately, the next one is the last on August 28th!!
Vender info. - $15.00 (church donation)per space. Supply your own table.
Set up begins 6:30 am. Limited spaces on first come, first served basis.
Additional Info. Call (202)966-3976

GRANT OPPORTUNITY - BANK OF AMERICA
LAUNCHES NEW GRANT PROGRAM
From: Michelle.McIver@usdoj.gov <Michelle.McIver@usdoj.gov>

Bank of America Foundation's new Neighborhood Excellence Program has an open
application process for it's Neighborhood Excellence Program. Locally, two
greater Washington, DC nonprofit organizations will each receive a $200M
operating grant payable over 2 years, as well as other supports, five
community leaders will each receive a $5,000 grant to benefit a nonprofit of
their choice, and five student leaders will each receive a paid summer
internship. Applications for each of these awards are due by August 25.
More information and the applications are available on line at
www.bankofamerica.com/foundation.

BILL THE HOMELESS-NO-MORE GUY
From: ckurtz@odonoghuelaw.com
I appreciate Ms. O'Brien's response about Bill. Does anyone know if the
Community Council for the Homeless at Friendship Place will accept
items/letters for him? I'm sure that I can speak for others here in
Tenleytown that we have been his family for all these years. We don't want
Bill to think that we will forget him. Thanks.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR GOOD VET
Thru: tenleytown@yahoogroups.com

**** From: pavukmatt <pavukmatt@aol.com>
The veterinarian for our big dog named Jake was Dr. Monique
Maniet, located in Bethesda MD. She is as caring and compassionate
as can be, and a dog owner herself. She practices both holistic and
conventional techniques, and kept our Jake alive about 6 years after
the conventional vets gave up on him. Jake is no longer with us, but
Dr. Maniet will be our vet for our next beast.

**** From: lec619@comcast.net
I highly recommend Friendship Hospital for Animals at 4105 Brandywine
Street in D.C. Their phone number is 202/363-7300. We've taken both
our dog and cat there for several years and have always been impressed
with the doctors and the service.

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