COMMUNIT-E
June 7, 2005


NOTE: This is the first COMMUNIT-E since the May 18 issue, in
case you thought you may have missed some. From time to time, I
am unable to put out the newsletter and miss one or more weeks.
To see if a newsletter was put out, you can check on
www.anc3f.org. This is the web site for back issues. – KS





SPECIAL NOTE OF THANKS
From: Newsham, Peter (MPD) <peter.newsham@dc.gov>

I just wanted to send a note of thanks to everyone who showed up
and supported MPD and the family of Reserve Officer Joe Pozell
who was recently killed in the line of duty. I would like to extend
a special thanks to the Mayor, Eleanor Holmes Norton, The City
Administrator, The Deputy Mayor for Public Safety, and City Council
Members Evans, Schwarz and Fenty. Their attendance at the funeral
was an indication to us that as leaders they really cared about the people
who work to make this city safe. Thanks.
Assistant Chief Peter Newsham
Regional Operations Command North






SUSPECT SOUGHT IN VAN NESS STREET SHOOTING
From: reports@crimereports.com

On Wednesday, May 25, at approximately 9:20 am, at least two suspects,
one of whom was armed with a handgun, entered a home located in the
4600 block of Van Ness Street, NW. Shortly thereafter, a 36-year-old male
was shot multiple times in the head and body. The victim was transported
to an area hospital, where he was admitted in critical condition. His identity
is being withheld because he is a potential witness in the case.

Metropolitan Police are seeking a vehicle seen leaving the area moments
after the shooting. It is described as a light brown Ford Crown Victoria with
unknown Maryland tags, which was occupied by two black males.

Detectives assigned to the department’s Second District investigating
the incident have obtained an arrest warrant charging a suspect, who is
believed to be the victim’s cousin, with Assault With Intent to Kill
while Armed. The motive for the shooting is still under investigation.

The suspect is identified as 24-year-old Lewis O. Waters, address
unknown. He is described as a light complexioned black male with
black hair and brown eyes, approximately 5’9” tall with a medium
build. Waters should be considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone who has information regarding this case or who knows the
whereabouts of Waters or his unidentified accomplice should take no
direct action, but should call police at (202) 727-9099 or the DC Crime
Solvers Unit at 1-800-673-2777.

All calls to the Crime Solvers Unit are confidential and a caller need
not give his or her name. If information provided by a caller to the
Crime Solvers Unit leads to an arrest and indictment, the caller will
be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

To view a photo of the suspect, visit the MPDC News Room
at http://app.mpdc.dc.gov/newsroom/newsroom.asp?sid=3204






SCAMS AND OTHER CRIMES IN THE ‘HOOD

**** From: "Maggie Fox" <maggie@maggiefox.com>
Well I foolishly fell for a scam and wanted to warn my neighbors. A
sweet little girl came to the door claiming to be raising money for
Harriet Tubman Elementary by selling the usual cookies, coffee cakes etc
from a catalogue. I became suspicious, but not enough, when she asked for
cash up front and I knew I was in trouble when she scampered off without a
leaving a receipt and an adult woman on a bicycle called on her to hurry up.
Sure enough, the cake I ordered was not delivered as promised the next
Monday and I was out $20. It's a shame as it makes it harder for legitimate
students to collect -- but be wary...

**** The attractive light skinned black woman who claims to be a lawyer
and locked out of her car is back in the ‘Hood. Don’t give her any money.

**** From: reports@crimereports.com
PSA 204 4/17/2005 100 Hours
THEFT - 1
3300 Block Idaho Ave
Ofc Mason reports for mpdc that unknown person(s) stole various
property from the sergant's office.
[Is nothing safe? – KS]

PSA 202 5/26/2005 8:00:0 Hours
3800 Block Fessenden st C1 reports that unknown person(s) broke
the rear driver side window to his vehicle when the vehicle was
parked in front of c1's house. C1 believes the destruction was done
by a b.b.pellet gun.

PSA 202 5/27/2005 4:30:0 Hours
4200 Block Wisconsin ave nw
C1 reports that s1, s2 & s3 approached him & stated they could repair
a dent in c1's vehicle. C1 refused and the suspects began to hit c1's
vehicle with a hammer & pull away the vehicle's trim. C1 told the
suspects to get away.

PSA 202 5/28/2005 6:30:0 Hours
THEFT - Bicycle
4500 Block Wisconsin ave nw
Stolen when it was left secured to a bike rack at the metro.

PSA 202 5/30/2005 12:15: Hours
THEFT - 2
4300 Block 48TH ST NW
Purse stolen from shopping cart.





LOST AND FOUND IN THE HOOD

**** From: Robert Spier <RSpier@npr.org>
Our all-gray cat, "Sterling," has been missing from Burlington Place since
Wed. evening. He is very thin, has blue-gray short fur and no collar. His
eyes are yellow. He is very affectionate. He might be enclosed in a basement,
garage or similar location. If you could please check, we would be very
grateful. If you find him, or think you might have seen him recently, please
contact us.
Fabienne & Robert Spier
(H) 202.363.1414; (W) 202.513.2448

**** From: e b <cocinelle04@hotmail.com>
LOST: Gray Parrot (Reward!) + instructions on how to catch him if you see
him! A neighbor has lost his pet parrot - please keep your eyes peeled!
Info: Lost African Gray Parrot (grey body, white face, red tail feathers)
Answers to 'Treat'. Last seen in the Cleveland Park/Connecticut Avenue
area on Monday, May 9. If found. please call John at 202-288-8698 or email
john.williamson@intelsat.com
**Reward Offered**
Wondering what on earth you could do if you see him?
Hold you hand out like you're shaking one's hand and give him the command
"STEP UP." He will respond to that. If that doesn't work you could throw a
towel over him and keep him wrapped up (loosely) in the towel until you
could find a temporary cage or even a cardboard box big enough to let him
move around. He also could temporarily perch on a piece of furniture such
as a chair or even a shower rod.

**** FOUND: One pair of aluminum crutches. They are now at 2D. Call
282-0070 and tell the desk officer they are on report # 073306, taken by
Officer Linda Day. I was very pleased that the police were willing to send
someone over to take them into safekeeping. They were left against my
fence. – KS






COMING EVENTS IN THE ‘HOOD

**** From: Polly King Evans <pkingevans@lldhhome.org>
ANC 3E MEETING NOTICE
(subject to change)
Thursday, June 9, 2005 7:30 pm
St. Mary's Armenian Apostolic Church
42nd and Fessenden Streets, NW
7:30 - 7:35 Announcements
7:35 - 7:45 Open Forum
7:45 - 7:55 Presentation by 2nd District Police
7:55 - 8:00 Introduction by Vickie Gersten of Jonah's Treehouse, a Child's
Play and Movement Company, opening in Glover Park
8:00 - 8:15 Discussion of and possible vote on application of World Market
to open at Chevy Chase Pavilion
8:15 - Discussion of and possible vote on the
temporary closure of the sidewalk at the Tenley Library

**** From: Mmalhotra1@worldbank.org
Moving sale on June 11 from 9 - 12 a.m. at 4501 Ellicott Street N.W. Furniture
including antique side-board, sofa beds, rattan porch, coffee tables, etc;
original art from around the world - Haitian oils, ceramic and stone sculptures;
kids items - kiddy-board, kettler tricycle etc; kitchen appliances and pottery,
rugs, and other great well-priced stuff that we can't take with us! call
202-686-7374 for information.
Mohini Malhotra

**** From: wharw32487@aol.com
Sergei Rachmaninoff's one-act opera "Aleko" will be presented at
the Cleveland Park Congregational Church, 3400 Lowell Street
on Sunday, June 19, at 7:30 PM.

The local opera company Bel Cantanti, headed by pianist and artistic
director Katerina Souvorova, will present a concert version of this youthful
masterpiece, A Russian "Carmen" based on Alexander Pushkin's poem, "The Gypsies."
It will be the first performance in Washington, DC and third in the US since
1926. The second part of the program will include arias and songs by Russian
composers.

Admission at the door is $20. This is a non-profit organization.
For more information call 301-438-8682 or the church at 363-8211.
Bill Harwood
AU Park






LOOKING FOR A WORTHWHILE PROJECT?

The last compilation of community recommendations for handymen, etc.,
from COMMUNIT-E, was published in March 2003. I had hoped to do
another compilation since then. However, I now realize that my schedule
will probably never allow me to do that. If someone in the community
would like to take on this project, the rest of us would be enormously
grateful. I would publish it in COMMUNIT-E and it would go on the
ANC3F web site, along with the other compilation. Perhaps they can
even be combined.

Please contact me if you are interested in exploring this volunteer project
on behalf of your community.
Kathy Smith
Ksmith1804@starpower.net






COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

**** From: Barbara R. Bergmann <bbergman@wam.umd.edu>
NEED LANDSCAPER RECOMMENDATION
We want to replace concrete driveway with grass. Would appreciate
recommendations for a landscaper to do it.

**** From: bell.rebecca@att.net
FURNITURE REFINISHER: I have a lovely old wooden desk
that has too many scratchs and gouges. Anyone know a reliable
person who does refinish work please? bell.rebecca@att.net

**** From: chakku46@comcast.net
Can anyone recommend a reputable dog boarding facility within a
5-10 mile radius of AU Park? (I was surprised and disappointed to
find out recently that Friendship Animal Hospital is no longer boarding
pets--you couldn't beat its convenient location and hours.) Alternatively,
if anyone knows of a loving and reliable dog sitter who keeps pets at
his/her own home, I'd be interested in finding out more. Please contact
me at chakku46@comcast.net with your recommendations and
experiences. Thanks. ~~Chhaya Rao

**** From: Bonnie Nevel <editerranevel@yahoo.com>
GARMENT RACK FOR SALE
I'm selling an adjustable commercial-type garment rack on wheels. It has
two rails, with a maximum capacity of 400 lbs and maximum height of
6 feet. Asking $75 or best offer, and you will need to pick it up from my
home in A.U. Park. Here's a link to a photo of the rack:
http://store1.yimg.com/I/seanjames_1768_166311. If interested, please
contact me.

**** From: Colleen Fisher <colleen.fisher@starpower.net>
Brand-new (purchased in April 2005 from Mattress Warehouse, slept on fewer
than 10 times), high-end, king-sized Serta Applegate Firm mattress (note:
does not have a pillowtop) and split box spring. Bought new for $1,400 (can
show original receipt). Asking $900 OBO. Photo available. Would require
pick-up from Northwest DC. Contact colleen.fisher@starpower.net.
Colleen Fisher
35th St.

**** From: From: mleifman <mleifman@yahoo.com>
Spacious basement apartment in great location available for rent, mid-
August. Perfect for graduate student! Large area, lots of closet
space, good light, private and secure entrance, full kitchen, free
cable TV, free laundry, free utilities. Near to AU, on a quiet street
with plenty of parking, between Connecticut and Wisconsin Avenues.
Short walk to Tenleytown and Van Ness metros. No smokers or pets.
$990/ month.
Call Michael or Sharon at 202-363-1240, or email mleifman@yahoo.com.

**** From: StarAKA4U@aol.com
Pavilion Health and Swim Club Summer Membership is $149 (for Adults)
and $45 (for Children). Membership starts June - August 31st. The Health
Club is located in the Embassy Suites Hotel on the Penthouse level in the
Chevy Chase Pavilion.
Tonya Walton
Manager
202-362-9300

**** From: bethhaile <elizabeth_haile@hotmail.com>
I am writing to put in a HUGE plug for Kuma, the newish restaurant on
Wisconsin next to the Subway (space was formerly Hibachi Brothers) and
across from the library. My husband and I LOVE this place and are
always worried when we are there at dinner time and it is not crowded.
The staff is so welcoming and pleasant. The sushi is EXCELLENT and
all the food is beautiful. The key for us is that while my husband does not
eat sushi, he can order excellent Korean food (the only good Korean we
know of in the area) while I eat sushi. While the place has a big bar and
the decor is beautiful, we also see lots of families in there so it is also
family-friendly. And SO convenient!
We just hope more people find this gem.
Elizabeth Haile

**** From: Lowell Weiss <Lowell.Weiss@gatesfoundation.org>
We're eager to find several different types of contractors and
would appreciate recommendations from neighbors who've had
good experiences:

1) Plumber: We live in a 1932 AU Park home and have to replace
the original faucets in our bathtub/shower, which are a different size
from today's models. We're looking for a good, reasonably priced
plumber who has experience with older homes and might be able to
find and install replacement faucets for our bathroom that are the
right size (and won't necessitate drilling big new holes in our tile).

2) Mason or Handyman: The concrete steps that lead to our front
door have not fared well over the past few winters and we need to
replace them -- either with concrete or wood steps. We've had a lot
of trouble finding people who would be willing to take on a small
job like this.

3) Painter: We repainted our house three years ago and already
need to have it done again. We'd like to find a good painter whose
work will last a bit longer than last time.

4) Landscaper: We'd like to add a number of new shade trees in
our backyard and would like to find a landscaper who has reasonable
prices.
Lowell Weiss

**** From: Judith E. Peabody <judithp@usadatanet.net>
Wanted: Baby carriages, strollers, car seats, highchairs, walkers,
cribs, playpens for the "Costa Rica Project". Will pick up.
Jose Ninez. tic_atomico@hotmail.com

**** From: rubacats <rubacats@yahoo.com>
It appears that two of our alley trees are falling prey to the Dutch
Elm disease which struck our beautiful elm last year. Because the
trees are on the alley just beyond our property line, I called DC to
have them removed. Much to my surprise, I learned that alley trees
are the responsibility of the nearest property owner. So, we need to
get these trees taken out. Still recovering from the staggering bill
of last year's tree removal, I am looking for someone who will do it
cheaply. We will probably also remove a third tree entwined in the
dying pair, which is a dreaded Tree of Heaven. I'd like to get the
stumps removed and plant something that will offer some tree cover
(because we will have lost all of ours). Any suggestions on tree
cutters, stump removers, and replacement trees would be welcome.
Thanks, Kelly






TRAFFIC
From: LB1119@aol.com

The residents of 45th Street NW and 4500 block of Garrison
Street NW are being subjected to greatly increased amounts
of traffic because of the almost continual heavy backup at the
River Road and 46th Street (and Garrison Street) intersection.
Many of the drivers travel at obscene speeds to make the green
arrow at the end of Garrison Street, making our neighborhood
sound like a major raceway. There are now eight children living
in that block and it may be just a matter of time until someone
is seriously injured.

The parking regulations that reduce River Road to one outbound
lane except for the evening rush hour are not realistic. They are
based on an assumption that the heavy traffic is inbound during
the morning rush hour and that there is only heavy outbound
traffic in the evening.

This is not the case. That intersection is heavily traveled throughout
the day and traffic is often backed up for several blocks, causing
many drivers to cut through our neighborhoods searching for a way
to jump in ahead of the others. The continual line of idling cars and
trucks is also causing an air quality problem.

The situation is becoming more and more dangerous and we need
some help in dealing with it. We will appreciate any
advice/suggestions on the best way to address the problem.
Lyle Brenneman
Garrison St. NW






GANG BOX
In the last issue, I asked what is a gang box. Thank you to all who answered.
Here are two types of gang boxes:

**** From: Deborah Kennedy Coster <kennedycoster@netacc.net>
A gang box is a metal box that is part of an electrical system. The
burglar must have stolen something that was hard wired into the home's
electrics.

**** From: Jim Whitelaw <whitelaw@spamcop.net>
A gang box in this case would be one of those large metal boxes which
construction and trades use to lock up tools on construction site. They
often have the words "Knack" on them and will hold a wide variety of
tools.




REGARDING WET BASEMENTS
From: lionel_t_hutz <jbbender@yahoo.com>
Keep in mind that wet basements in this neighborhood usually result
from poor grading around the house foundation. I'm told that we do
not have a high watertable here, so only rarely is the problem caused
by groundwater. Nevertheless, waterproofing companies will sometimes
push expensive French-drain systems, which are only needed if
groundwater is causing the problem. Caveat emptor.





BROOKLAND HOUSE & GARDEN TOURS: JUNE 12
From: Cynthia <crr@pipeline.com>
More than a dozen homes, organizations and businesses with a wide
variety of architectural styles, garden sizes and designs will be
open to visitors. Homeowners and docents will be available at each
property, with continuous shuttle service between tour sites. A
picnic-style reception will be held following the tour. The event
also features musicians, poets, and artists presenting at most of the
locations. All profits support Brookland pocket gardens and street
tree plantings.

DATE/TIME: 12 June 2005, Tours 12:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Reception 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. at 1703 Lawrence Street, NE.
Events will be held rain or shine.

LOCATION: Properties throughout the Brookland neighborhood in NE DC.
Metro: Brookland/CUA (Red Line). Trolley stop at The
Colonel Brooks Mansion, 901 Newton St, next to the Metro
station.

TICKETS: $12.00 pre-tour and $15.00 the day of the event, cover the
cost of the tour and the reception. Tickets can be purchased at
Petals, Ribbons & Beyond, at 3906 12th Street between the hours of
10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. through June 11. Also on sale on June 12
from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the store, and from noon to 5:00 p.m.
at The Colonel Brooks Mansion, 901 Newton Street, next to the
Brookland/CUA Metro station. For more information on tickets, call:
202-636-2048.

INFO: The Greater Brookland Garden Club: www.gbgc.org. Jeff Wilson,
Director: Jeffrey_Wilson@apsva.us, or Cynthia Robinson,
Communications Coordinator: crr@pipeline.com






WHATS NEW IN THE MPDC
From: reports@crimereports.com

OFFICIALS ANNOUNCE REOPENING OF CAMP BROWN,
AS PART OF SUMMER CRIME PREVENTION INITIATIVE
*********************************************
Thanks to more than $300,000 raised from foundations, corporations
and individual donors, a total of 1,000 at-risk DC-area youth will be
able to get out of the city this summer to attend the re-opened Camp
Ernest W. Brown, a 168-acre Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater
Washington (BGCGW) facility located along the Potomac River in
St. Mary’s County, Maryland. The summer camp program was
shuttered last year due to lack of funding and damage caused by
Hurricane Isabel. Joined this week by Chief Ramsey and the Freddie
Mac Foundation, BGCGW officials said the 2005 summer camp
program would be a major part of their participation in the “40 Days
of Peace Program” to reduce juvenile violence and crime. Established
in 1937, Camp Brown has provided several thousand DC-area
youngsters the opportunity to escape the bustle and heat of the city
to enjoy a week-long adventure in the countryside. Often, the trip to
Camp Brown is the youths’ first experience in traveling outside of the
immediate DC area. The Camp Brown curriculum covers a variety of
topics that promote greater self-awareness, self-esteem, character
development and constructive decision-making. Said Chief Ramsey,
“Preventing juvenile crime is about much more than enforcing the law.
To have a real and lasting impact on the problem, we must reach our
young people at an early age and guide them in positive directions.
Camp Brown, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington
as a whole, are major elements of our strategy to engage young people
and reduce crime.” For more information, visit:
<a href=http://app.mpdc.dc.gov/newsroom/newsroom.asp?
sid=3212>MPDC News Room</a>

FOOTNOTE I: The week-long Camp Brown experience starts on
July 11, and slots are still open to qualifying youths. The cost for
children to participate in Camp Brown is $100, with discounts available
for families with more than one attending child and scholarships available
for children unable to pay. For more information about attending
Camp Brown, contact (202) 397-CLUB.

FOOTNOTE II: On June 24, 2005, the Chief ’s Citizens Advisory Council
and the Joseph K. Smith Memorial Summer Camp Fund will be hosting a
fundraiser to benefit Camp Brown. Proceeds from the event, to be held at
the Washington Navy Yard, will be used to send youth to camp and construct
additional cabins. Tickets are $40 each. For details, contact George Fenderson,
Chair, on 291-6727, Stanley Mayes, on 773-3217, or Rev. Thomas Alston,
on 584-4431.



– END –