COMMUNIT-E
January 24, 2005



UPCOMING EVENT IN THE ‘HOOD

**** From: Bonlevin@aol.com
SUPPORT WILSON CREW!
Join the Crew family and friends on Monday, January 31st
BD's Mongolian Barbeque
4pm and 9:30
7201 Wisconsin Ave
Bethesda, MD 20814
(301) 657-1080
Enjoy dinner and the company and Wilson Crew gets a percentage of
the receipts. For more information, contact Christine Richardson at
CRichardson@kevric.com or 202-363-2356.



**** From: Daniel Carozza <dcarozza@earthlink.net>
IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD THIS MONTH: BASEBALL, MUSIC,
DANCING, and MORE!

On Friday and Saturday nights, January 28 and 29, The Eldbrooke Players will
present the musical Damn Yankees, directed by Kara and Sterling Scroggins.
This lively musical concerns Washington's former baseball team, the
Senators, and it features such popular songs as "You Gotta Have Heart" and
"Whatever Lola Wants". Come enjoy an all-star cast, including current
students from our neighborhood schools with numerous alumni, and a few dads
sprinkled in.

Both performances are at 7:30 p.m. at Eldbrooke United Methodist Church.
The church is located at 4100 River Road, just a block away from Janney
Elementary School. Tickets are available at the door; the cost is $10 for
adults and $5 for children, for a show with costumes, sets, talent galore
and live musical accompaniment! Don't strike out; mark your calendars now.



**** From: complan@anc3f.org
Do you have something to say about D.C.’s Future?
Here is your opportunity
DC’s Office of Planning is holding a series of workshops to involve the
public in the revision of the city’s Comprehensive Plan.
The revised plan will guide how and where we as a city will grow for the
next 20 years.
It also will provide the policy and planning guidance we need to address
the land use issues facing the District today.

Wards 3 and 4 Public Workshop
Wednesday - January 26, 2005
6:00-9:00pm
Paul Public Charter School
5800 8th Street, N.W.
For more information - www.inclusivecity.org



**** From: Deborah Dougherty <deborahd@cpcug.org>
Yoga for Your Bones / Osteoporosis Workshop @ IONA Senior Services
Monday March 7th 2005 1:00 – 4:00 Fee $15 To register call Iona at (202)
895-0248.

Did you know that osteoporosis affects all of the bones—not just the ones in
your back? That osteoporosis is largely preventable for most people? During
this workshop you will learn to: identify the key bone depleting factors, the
types and amounts of bone building nutrients needed, why yoga and certain other
types of exercise work best for building strong bones and what exercises are not
recommended for anyone with osteoporosis. Workshop includes 1.5 hr. practice of
the best bone building yoga poses. You will receive an extensive handout with
workshop content, exercises and reference list.

To participate fully in this workshop you will be exercising using a yoga mat
(the mat is provided).

For further information on the workshop please contact deborahd@cpcug.org
Deborah Dougherty



**** From: Bruce Maliken <bmaliken@verizon.net>
PEP SAFER TEEN DRIVING EVENT
Parents and teens are invited to attend PEP's SAFER TEEN DRIVING on
Thursday evening, January 27, at the new Montgomery County Convention
Center, the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center, 5701 Marinelli Rd,
Rockville, MD across Rockville Pike from the White Flint Metro.
The program is 7:30-9:30.
Admission is $5/teen, $15/adult, $25/couple, up to a maximum of
$30/family.

It has been shown that when parents and teens participate TOGETHER
in driving awareness programs such as SAFER TEEN
DRIVING, the risks of fatal and disabling accidents are significantly
reduced.

At SAFER TEEN DRIVING national experts will be talking about the risks
that novice drivers face, proven steps that families can take to reduce
the chances of teen driving accidents and violations, and what
Montgomery County Police are doing to protect teen drivers and enforce
safe driving.

In addition, "Real Teen Driving," a new GEICO video, filmed with Walter
Johnson High School students, will show how young drivers and their
friends actually drive -- what they think they're doing, versus what
actually happens.
Call PEP to register or for more information. 301-929-8824
Bruce Maliken
UPandRunningSvcs@verizon.net
(240) 475-4193







SOME CRIMES IN THE ‘HOOD
From: reports@crimereports.com

1/16/2005
1200 Hours
STOLEN AUTO - Stolen Auto
3500 Block MCKINLEY ST NW

1/16/2005
1400 Hours
STOLEN AUTO - Stolen Auto
3200 Block OLIVER ST NW

1/13/2005
1500 Hours
Assault With A Deadly Weapon - Gun
4500 Block 40TH ST NW
C1 Reports that s1 grabbed his arm and told c1 if he did join their
gang "something bad Will happen to you." s2 then stepped forward,
lifted up his shirt and displayed a handgun to c1.

1/14/2005
1100 Hours
BURGLARY - 2
Entry was gained by the front door but there were no signs of forced
entry

1/14/2005
800 Hours
BURGLARY - 2
4500 Block CHESAPEAKE ST NW
C1 & C2 reports that unknown person(s) broke the front door lock,
smashed the dead bolt and entered the listed premises. Once inside,
the bedroom was ransacked and various property was taken.

1/20/2005
800 Hours
BURGLARY - 2
5300 Block 41ST ST NW
C1 reports that unknown subject(s) entered her home by prying the
molding from the front door and stole various property.

1/16/2005
000 Hours
STOLEN AUTO - Stolen Auto
4200 Block CONNECTICUT AVE NW
C1 reports while pumping gas at the listed location, an unknown
man jumped into the vehicle and drive away. Keys and registration
are in the vehicle.

1/18/2005
1600 Hours
STOLEN AUTO - Stolen Auto
3700 Block ALBEMARLE ST NW

1/18/2005
2200 Hours
STOLEN AUTO - Stolen Auto
4500 Block 44TH ST NW

1/18/2005
2100 Hours
ROBBERY - PBS
4800 Block YUMA ST NW
C1 reports that s1 approached her as she stood in front of the super market,
snatched her purse from her left arm and fled on foot. S1 was last seen
running west bound on yuma st nw.

12/4/2004
1200 Hours
2100 Block TUNLAW RD NW
C1 reports that unknown subject(s) obtained checks and credit cards in her
name by using her phone numbers and address.








CHARITIES THAT PICK UP CLOTHING

**** From: Bette Land <betteland@hotmail.com>
AmVets - 301-953-0092
American Rescue Workers - 301-336-6200
Goodwill - 202-636-4232 - (must fax them a list first of what you have - picky, picky!)
Habitat for Humanity - 703-360-6700 (brand new - opened end of Oct. 2004)
Salvation Army - 301-277-7878 (+2)
Value Village - 301-422-1212

**** From: Ronald Springwater <rspringwater@compuserve.com>
We often have Value Village come by and pick up. They schedule their
runs by neighborhood. Sorry I don’t have a contact name or number as
they usually just telephone ahead of time when they are going to be in
our area. That is about twice a year. Ron Springwater

**** From: Carolyn Long <carolynlong@earthlink.net>
Am Vets and Value Village picks up clothing and small items. I must be
on their list, because they call periodically to say they're picking up in my
neighborhood. If I tell them I have things and leave them in a labeled paper
bag on the front steps, they will take it away during the day.

**** From: Bonnie nevel <editerra@verizon.net>
Try AmVets. They dependably pick up when they schedule you, and they
will also call you a few weeks ahead whenever they're planning to be in
the area in case you have anything for pick-up. This is great for a
gentle nudge to get one to clean out the closets. They will also leave a
tax-deduction card for you to record the donation.

**** From: Robert Hyman <roberthyman@erols.com>
For anyone looking for a place to drop off unwanted clothing there is a
collection box from The Clothing Recycling Company located at the corner
of 39th street and Calvert Street NW by Stoddert recreation ball field in
Glover Park.

[From KS – Safeway also has a donation box in front of its store on 42nd St.]

**** From: Ken Giles & Davida Perry <kenanddavida@starpower.net>
Try Upscale Resale, which provides employment and living assistance for
developmentally handicapped adults. They sent a van to my house when
I had a lot of things for them. Call 301/738-7723, be sure to ask for a manager.

**** From: Copingptnr@aol.com
Regarding a charity for used clothing: St. Columba's Episcopal Church,
4201 Albemarle St., NW, collects clothing every third Sunday except July
and August. You can leave plastic bags of clothing on the curb on Albemarle St.
in front of the church on third Sundays, in the morning. Church members take it
into the church at the end of the morning and deliver the clothes to charity within
the week.
Susan Beale

**** From: Eugene Thompson <gene.thompson@jeremiah.com>
National Presbyterian Church (202-537-0800) does not usually pick up
but they are convenient to drop off things for their Missions Fair in
September. Only thing is you mast wait until June -unless there is a
lot and it is good. Call Dorothy Wilson 301-649-1836









COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

**** From: LCRosenman@aol.com
Give-aways - Two pair cross country, waxless skis - 190 rossignol and 215
Kahru; plus two pair poles. also have a pair of new bicycle tires, 700x40
Hemisphere, for anyone in need. Please call 202 966 0255 if you would
like to pick up either of these items.

**** From: Connie Rhind Robey <c_rhind@yahoo.com>
Almost new (2 year old) cherry veneer king sleigh bed with headboard,
footboard, and rails. $800. Perfect condition. The bed is the classic design
of a sleigh bed with head and footboard. The bed will need to be picked up.
We live off River Road inside the Beltway. Please contact Connie at
c_rhind@yahoo.com.”

**** From: Ron and Kay Springwater <rkspringwater@starpower.net>
For Sale: fireplace screen, brass -- $20; medium size, metal bars, bird cage
(we kept a canary until he died), $15; medium size, wire bird cage (suitable
for up to a dozen finches or other small birds), $10; small, plastic bird cage
good for transporting a couple of small birds, $5; standing lamp, $5. Contact
me at rkspringwater@starpower.net.

**** From: Wendy Maiorana <wendymaiorana@hotmail.com>
I am looking for a wooden (or maybe other) indoor slide for my 18-month old
grandson. I had one for my daughter 28 years ago; now, all I can find on the
internet is one that costs about $185 (seems a bit much) or a plastic
"Kangaroo Climber" which I can't really judge its appropriateness from the
ad. Perhaps someone in the neighborhood can help me? Thanks, Wendy

**** From: MARGARET LUSKEY <MLUSKEY@msn.com>
From: Isabel Rodriguez, 202-244-4733:
I'm looking for part-time employment as a nanny. Available for work
Monday thru Thursdays, from 1:30 to 6 p.m., and on Friday, from 9 a.m.
to 6 p.m. Experienced with excellent references.

**** From: Burchard.Beth@epamail.epa.gov
We're looking for an energetic young woman to babysit our daughter this
summer. Our daughter will turn 6 at the end of the school year. We
need a commitment of 3 days/week, preferably Tues-Thurs, although any 3
days would be fine. The hours would be from 9 am-4pm, for a total of
21 hours/week. We can accommodate family vacation schedules. We're
looking for someone at least 14 years old. We live in Friendship
Heights, and can do pick-up/drop-off if walking, biking, or getting
dropped off at our house is not an option. Our daughter enjoys art
projects, games, and playing at Turtle Park. Please call Beth or Robert
at 202-686-5355 if interested. Thank you.

**** From: Jennifer Notkin <jdnielsen@verizon.net>
Babysitter share:
We have a really wonderful babysitter (everyone who has observed her with
our twins raves about her) but our twins are going to start school in the
mornings until 12:15. If anyone would like to share her during that time
or, conceivably in the afternoons, please e-mail or call us at 202-537-3574.
She is also interested in extra work in the evenings. We live on 42nd
Street between Ingomar and Jenifer Streets. The babysitter is Zewditu
Eshetu, originally from Ethiopia.
Jennifer and Dean Nielsen

**** From: Tombethell@aol.com
DOGWALKER RECOMMENDATION
Happy to recommend Lisa Soens 301-942-0907

**** From: Sheehancat@aol.com
The best pet sitter is jeanne dushel 202-255-0866. She is fabulous. She has
taken care of my cat, and she leaves me a wonderful "diary" of my cat's life
while I'm gone. I recommend her without reservation!
Catherine Sheehan

**** From: Infomang@aol.com
House for rent, starting June 2005. Year lease. Looking for couple
looking for a cozy nest. We are near the corner of Van Ness and 38th St
Carla Freeman

**** From: TROINC@aol.com
DUPLEX FOR RENT, FRIENDSHIP HEIGHTS
Renovated 3.5-bedroom, 1.75-bath brick duplex, updated kitchen, 3 porches,
southern exposure, 2 blocks from Friendship Metro & Mazza Gallerie.
New paint, roof, other updates. Basement has 3/4 bath, washer/dryer, & utility
sink, plus a pine-paneled BR/guest room/office/study/studio/TV/media/playroom
/whatever. Available around March 15. Small groups of professionals are OK
(maximum of 3), as are cat-compatible pets (subject to approval). References
and deposits are required, of course. Chip Levy, (202) 364-7230 (phone),
(202) 364-7231 (fax) or email: TROINC@aol.com

**** From: Verenalevi@cs.com
We are planning to install a gas insert into an existing fireplace.
Can anybody recommend a good brand and also a dealer-installer.
I appreciate all information.
Thank you.

KITCHEN REMODELING :
**** From: Vrutten@aol.com
Raabs Cabinet Shop did a fabulous job for us. That
was many years ago, but friends have used them since and said they were
still excellent. Their number is 301.340.7659
Tory Ruttenberg

**** From: Ken Giles & Davida Perry <kenanddavida@starpower.net>
Stas Wronka, the manager of HouseCraft, did major work on my home a year
ago, and he was wonderful. Among the things he did was build a bathroom
from scratch. I recommend him 100%.

**** From: Phillips, Ann(PPC/P) <APhillips@usaid.gov>
I had my kitchen completely remodeled a couple of years ago. I hired HouseCraft
owned and run by Stas Wronka. They did a superb job. The workers were
completely reliable and honest, i.e. no concerns about valuables in the house.
Stas has an eye for detail and is a perfectionist. Among the bids I received for
the job, he was in the middle. I would recommend them without reservation.
HouseCraft is advertised in the Northwest Current--you may have seen the ad.
The phone number is 301-249-4683.

**** From: James Phalen <james.phalen@verizon.net>
I highly recommend Watkins Cabinet, 301-428-8510. Rudy Day is the
President.18001 Sellman Road, Barnesville, MD

We have a 1927 house on Fessenden St. We completely redid our 1927 kitchen
last year. Keeping the 4 walls, but taking every thing down to the studs.

Rudy had done my sister's kitchen in Kensington a few years ago and he has
done a number of kitchens of our friends. I never did get multiple
estimates. He is expensive, but has a number of good things going for him.
He is adamant about starting on time and finishing when he tells you he
will. Our entire kitchen took 6 weeks. A 20' by 10' room and turned out
beautifully! He also works with a number of vendors in the area and will
give you a list of them. These are the people who will deliver products on
time to your house when Rudy needs them. If you don't have a general
contractor, he gives you the name of the one who works with him. It was a
delight working with all of his vendors and his general contractor. When we
checked the costs of products on the internet versus the vendors prices,
they were close if not less..
. . .
The most important piece of advice is that you should have someone there all
the time, not to protect your home but to make the daily small decisions
that are not so apparent until the building starts.

**** From: David M. Winn <dmwinn@starpower.net>
In response to a request for a good kitchen designer, I strongly recommended
Home Depot. As humble as they are, they nevertheless did a fantastic job for
me and friends to whom I recommended their services.
David Winn (202-364-4350)







MORE ON RIVER ROAD AND FESSENDEN

**** From: Wexler, Mike <Mike.Wexler@innocon.com>
Joseph's idea for a traffic circle at River Rd. & Fessenden is an excellent
one and the best I have heard yet. How can we get DDOT to seriously
consider it?

**** From: nancila@att.net
Back in 1990 a neighborhood group met and recommended to the ANC
and traffic dept that the River, Fessenden, 45th St interesection have stop
signs -- six of them on both sides of the above streets, making all at least
touch their brakes. Some residents complained that it would make it
difficult for them to get to and from Rodman's. Nothing came of the
recommendation. I see that now there is an identical "traffic slowing" all
way stop signs at the intersection of Nebraska, Mckinley and 30th street,
a similarly messy intersection but with way less traffic than River, Fessenden
and 45th. I just moved from the corner of Fessenden and 45th and the new
owner has a perfect view of the ugly yellow barriers. One doesn't have to
spend much time observing the intersection to see numerous cars cutting
through and over the pedestrian walkways to make turns off of River. And,
other writers are correct about the increased traffic on Ellicott St, with cars
making rapid and wide left turns off of River. The only positive result of
the yellow barriers is that it is safer for pedestrians to cross River.
Nancy LeRoy

**** From: Hanina Goldstein <haninag@yahoo.com>
We live on 44th St. near the intersection with
Ellicott, have two small kids, and are fairly
concerned about the large increase in traffic on
Ellicott now that the new barriers have been put up at
Fessenden and River. The lack of a 4-way stop at
Ellicott and 44th is even more dangerous than it was
before (and before it was pretty intolerable). Can
you suggest how and to whom we can best direct our
energy on the issues of removing the new barriers
and/or getting a 4-way stop put in at Ellicott and
44th? Thanks in advance for any assistance you can
provide.

**** From: Vazquez, Gustavo <Gustavo.Vazquez@eh.doe.gov>
Regarding the provisional River Road barrier, there are two other
important situations that the current barrier approach aggravates:
1) routing for responding emergency equipment and
2) Fessenden snow route alternative in winter. Add these to the
growing list cons.







WASHINGTON POST ARTICLE ON AU PARK
In the last issue of COMMUNIT-E I had requested this article. A number
of you were kind enough to send it in. For those who haven’t seen it, you
might enjoy it. – KS

The Washington Post June 19, 2004
SECTION: Real Estate; G01L

A GREAT PLACE TO SETTLE, IF ANYONE EVER LEAVES
By: Karen Tanner Allen, Special to the Washington Post

Some people yearn for back yards, trees and flowers but can't bear to
leave the city buzz. For them, there's American University Park.

The neighborhood in the District's far northwestern corner teems
with former Capitol Hill and downtown dwellers who crept north on
Wisconsin Avenue as they settled down and had children. Homeowners also
include many who grew up in the neighborhood and returned as adults.

John Guenther, a government lawyer, said he would be nowhere else.
He and his wife, Betsy Oster, chose to raise their two young sons just
blocks from where his parents still live. "I wouldn't leave it for
anything," Guenther said. "It's perfect."

Residents said they especially cherish the urban convenience
combined with neighborliness. AU Park is sandwiched between two lively
shopping corridors on upper Massachusetts and Wisconsin avenues, and
near the Tenleytown-American University Metro station. Development in
Friendship Heights and Tenleytown assures that the people who live near
those commercial areas have no shortage of options for upscale home
goods, fresh-brewed coffee, ethnic restaurants and gourmet food.

Within its boundaries, however, AU Park retains its traditional
residential spirit. The houses, built mostly from the 1920s to the
1940s, are a collection of brick Colonials, bungalows, a few Tudors,
original farmhouses and occasional newer ramblers. There are stoops or
front porches, white picket fences, gardens, and grass in almost every
front yard. Most of American University's campus is really in adjacent
Spring Valley, except for the law school building at the neighborhood's
fringe on Massachusetts Avenue and 48th Street.

Sidewalks flank both sides of most streets and contribute
significantly to the neighborhood's social life, residents said. Alleys
run throughout, giving children common play and bike-riding space as
well as providing ideal venues for block parties.

"We live on a street where everybody knows each other," Guenther
said. "Across the alley, probably every other week, there are three or
four families who have dinner together. All the kids play, and all the
grown-ups talk. And we do that with such regularity that the kids are in
and out of each other's houses."

For years, AU Park was considered the bargain neighborhood of
expensive upper Northwest. Current homeowners, however, have been
astonished to watch housing prices jump to more than double what they
were in the late 1990s. Prices for the brick Colonials or bungalows now
generally range from $500,000 to $900,000.

Add-ons are popular as residents try to stay in the neighborhood.
"A lot of the houses are a little tight for growing families; people
need more family space, and they don't want to move," said Brenda Kuo
Pfeiffer, an architect who, with her family, has lived in two different
AU Park houses in 14 years. Pfeiffer specializes in residential design
and has helped neighborhood clients modify kitchens as well as add
family rooms and bedrooms.

On a sunny day, AU Park residents might be with their dogs at Fort
Bayard Park; with their children at Friendship Park, informally known as
Turtle Park; at the neighborhood Starbucks coffee shop or bagel store;
or strolling along the sidewalks headed to parks, playgrounds, the
Metro, school or shopping.

On a recent rainy afternoon, a half-dozen women talked about AU
Park over miso chicken soup in Lena Frumin's kitchen.

Frumin, an artist and mother of three, said she and her husband,
Matthew, rented a house in the neighborhood 13 years ago and were
hooked. When it was time to move, they tried not to go far. "We had a
really nice little community," said Frumin as she dished out the miso in
the Albemarle Street house where her family has lived for 10 years. "We
looked all over to find this house. So many of our friends were close
here."

Strong ties are forged through neighborhood institutions and by
mingling on the streets and sidewalks, residents said. Most of Frumin's
guests had met through Janney Elementary School, a well-regarded
neighborhood public school. So many residents send their children to
Janney -- or went there themselves -- that school activities become
neighborhood gatherings.

The women talked of Halloween parties, alley-wide barbecue dinners
when the power went out after last fall's hurricane, and informal
gatherings that occur late afternoons on one of the neighborhood's
coveted front porches.

Civic involvement is high. There is an e-mailed community
newsletter, itself a volunteer effort. Recent editions have served as
forums about such issues as public water safety and traffic hazards
(busy River Road cuts right through the neighborhood). There also were
requests for home-repair recommendations, invitations to events and
announcements of moving sales.

The neighborhood aligns itself with the larger Tenleytown
neighborhood, with which it shares its history, and residents have
vigorously voiced concerns about a city plan to redevelop the upper
Wisconsin Avenue corridor.

Amy McVey, who chairs the local Advisory Neighborhood Commission
and has lived in AU Park all her life, said the community generally
welcomes redevelopment -- the new Container Store and Best Buy in the
long-empty old Sears building were nice additions, she said. But
residents said they worry that too much residential density would
overload the existing infrastructure -- Metro, parking, schools and
emergency services. The Tenleytown fire station has been closed for two
years, and whether it will be rebuilt to satisfy modern day needs is
another concern, McVey said.

Friendship Park, which most people continue to call Turtle Park, is
both a neighborhood gem and another target of local, organized support.
Its shaded playground, basketball courts and well-kept baseball fields
draw children and their caregivers from all over the city.

Susan Jaquet, a real estate agent with W.C. & A.N. Miller Cos.,
spent her childhood on Yuma Street, attended Janney and St. Ann's
Academy at Tenley Circle and remembers whiling away summer afternoons
and early evenings at Friendship playground playing basketball. She is
in her third house within the neighborhood, where she lives with her
husband, who works for the International Monetary Fund, and their two
teenagers.

"There's just a spirit here. People are friendly; people know each
other," Jaquet said. And, "Like many people in AU Park, once you're
here, you don't want to go anywhere else."







NEW SMOKE-FREE WEBSITE
From: Eric.Marshall@cancer.org

There is a great new website out about the smoke-free campaign in D.C.,
http://www.BreatheEasyDC.org. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action
Network and the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids are leading a coalition of
community groups, activists and organizations from across the District who
are committed to protecting D.C.’s workers, families, and residents from
the deadly effects of secondhand smoke. A recent poll found that 74% of
likely D.C. voters favor passage of a citywide law that would make all
indoor workplaces in the District, including restaurants and bars,
smoke-free. The D.C. Council has a tremendous opportunity to pass a law
that would protect all of D.C.’s workers, families and residents from this
health hazard. Please visit the website to learn more about this important
campaign.

Eric Marshall
Field Representative
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
202-661-5722


– END –