COMMUNIT-E
October 10, 2005



THIS TUESDAY NIGHT:
"MR. LINCOLN, TENLEYTOWN AND THE CIVIL WAR"
From: Jane Waldmann <jciw-centernet@erols.com>
Tenleytown Historical Society invites you to a attend:
Tuesday, October 11th - 7:30 p.m.
St. Columba’s Episcopal Church - Great Room
Corner 42nd and Albemarle Streets, NW
Participants: Dr. B. F. Cooling, author of Mr. Lincoln’’s Forts
and Jubal Early's Raid on Washington, 1864; National Park
Service Ranger Ron Harvey, THS member, Jason Hegy, who
is helping to arrange this event, and will share some of his own
research on the Civil War in Tenleytown.







WHICH IS CORRECT DATE FOR HAZARDOUS WASTE ?
From: Phillips, Ann(PPC/P) <APhillips@usaid.gov>
The DC Department of Public Works told me that the dates for recycling
hazardous waste and electronics are:
October 22
And November 12
The last newsletter said October 15
I wonder which is correct?

From KS – I was unable to get the answer to this question and my next
newsletter won’t be out before October 15. Check for correct date by
calling 727-1000 if you plan to take waste over to Carter Barron.
Thank you Ann, for bringing this to my attention.






ANC3E OCTOBER AGENDA
From: Polly King Evans <pkingevans@lldhhome.org>
Thursday, October 13, 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 - 8:05 Discussion and vote of an application for a special exception
to allow a second-story addition to an existing single story detached
dwelling at 4659 Massachusetts Ave. NW
8:05 - 8:15 Update on the Tenleytown Library (tentative)
8:15 - 8:25 Discussion and vote on application for a driveway and curb cut
at 4207 Chesapeake Street NW
ANC Business
Adoption of Minutes of September, 2005 Meeting
Approval of Treasurer’s Report
For additional information contact Chairperson Amy McVey at: 202-966-7047 or
e-mail: amybmcvey@msn.com <mailto:amybmcvey@msn.com>. Comments on these
matters may be submitted to ANC-3E by e-mail prior to the meeting at:
pkingevans@lldhhome.org <mailto:pkingevans@lldhhome.org> with copy to:
amybmcvey@msn.co







TAKING CARE OF STREET TREES

**** From: barbara dinsmore <barabaradinsmore@msn.com>
Residents are responsible for watering street trees planted near
their homes. when the trees are planted the residents receive a
brochure asking them to water regularly. This is very easy -
just drag a hose out and let the water slowly trickle - just under t
he drip line - overnight. Regretfully, many trees will not make it
thru this summer as people do think this is the city's responsibility
to keep the trees alive. so, folks, water away.....

**** From: Bkravetz@aol.com
I think these were planted by the Army Corps of Engineers, not DC.

**** From KS – regardless of who planted them, it’s up to us to
water them if we expect the trees to survive during dry weather.

**** From: Leavy, Lorie - Washington, DC <lorie.leavy@usps.gov>
Regarding the inquiry from Mary Haney, the D.C. Urban Forestry
Administration does not water the trees it plants. Newly planted trees
need up to five gallons of water weekly for the first two years, from
springtime through October. If the reservoir trees are not already
fatally stressed, Mary's best course of action would be to recruit
neighbors to "adopt" the tree(s) across from their houses and keep them
watered throughout the critical two-year period. For this reason, the
Casey Tree Foundation always seeks community involvement when it plants
street trees in a neighborhood.
Lorie Leavy (an occasional Casey volunteer)







WISCONSIN AVENUE BEAUTIFICATION
From: KColombant@aol.com

The Fall clean up for the Wisconsin Avenue Beautification Project will
be on Saturday November 5. The Wisconsin Avenue Beautification
Project has planted all the young trees and tree box plantings from
Fessenden st to Tenley Circle, planted Tenley Circle and was behind
the new plantings in the park at Fessenden and Wisconsin. If you
appreciate the way this area has been improved over the last years, we ,
in turn, would like you to come to our clean-up day. At the last two
clean-ups, Fall of 2004 and Spring of 2005, except for help from
American University and the DC Police Department, we have had virtually
no volunteers show up from the neighborhood. Although we work all year round
weeding, planting, picking up trash and watering, these clean-up days are very
important. We spread 200 bags of mulch, rake leaves, do trash and edge the tree
boxes. It is a lot of work and we urgently need help from the neighborhood to
do it. In the morning from 8 - 11 we need people with strong arms and backs
to distribute the 200 bags of mulch on the project. In the afternoon from I-6
we need you all to spread the mulch and help with the general clean-up.
Please call Kersti at 966 88 37 or Ralph at 686 9550 to let us know that
you are coming. Thank you








LOCAL TEENAGERS CONGREGATING
From: Dorcas Adkins <dorcas@waba.org>

I'd like to recount a situation that began to develop in our
alley (between Albemarle and Alton, 38th and 39th Sts) a
week or so ago. About 5 boys, presumably from Wilson High
School, began meeting in our alley before and after school. They
sat on steps, talked, once seemed to be rolling a joint. I spoke to
them and asked what they were doing, which I hoped would
discourage them from using our alley as a clubhouse. When I saw
them back the next day, I called the police. The officers arrived a few
minutes later and when the boys were no longer there, returned the
next morning just after the lads had disappeared again. This seemed to
work, though, because I have seen or heard nothing in the week since
that day. I write in case other neighbors have inherited the group.
Sometimes it helps to realize that there is a history to what you are
seeing. I figure that if their parents aren't able to oversee them, that's
no reason the rest of us can't.






CRIME IN THE ‘HOOD

**** From: Neighbor Who Asked to Remain Anonymous
A St Ann parishioner was carjacked in broad daylight in front of young
children and parents in the Janney playground. It happened Sat [Oct. 1]
around 3:30pm and she was parked either in the Janney or St Ann parking
lot. Her purse was in the car at the time and was also taken.

**** From: paul Gunther <p_gunther@msn.com>
I would like to report that the lawyer lady who purportedly locked
herself out of her BMW or was it Mercedes? is alive and well and
operating at Tenley Town metro station. Thanks to the warning I
avoided being taken in.
Ingrid Gunther






REGARDING KATRINA RELIEF
From: Joanne Capper <jocapper@att.net>
Is the Tenleytown community doing anything as a neighborhood
about Katrina families?






TENLEYTOWN LIBRARY
From: Ron Lefrancois, AU Park
Tenley Library - 2020 is just around the corner.
In response to an earlier inquiry about the sorry state of Tenley Library,
which closed in December 2004, I can report the following:
1. The Interim Library Director claims in a letter to me that DC Public
Library staff are responsible for keeping the grounds clean and
graffiti-free. Despite repeated requests, however, the Director will
not respond to a question about the status of the demolition permit for
Tenley Library. We all know how much time it takes to get a city permit.
If the Board would apply for the permit today, they could, for once, get
ahead of the curve. Unless there's a hidden agenda not to replace the
existing building.
2. Same lack of response from our councilwoman concerning the
demolition permit. Her only visible action regarding this mess is a
letter about a temporary "storefront" library. This after Tenley Library
has been closed for over 9 months.......and she chairs the Council
Committee on Education & Libraries.
3. Notwithstanding the alleged "re-negotiation" of a poorly thought
out multi-library contract, there is no reason that the demolition
contract cannot be let separately. At least we would be one step
closer to ridding a major thoroughfare into our city of a magnet for
trash, graffiti, and vagrants.
4. At the September ANC3E meeting, the ANC chairwoman said t
hat the status of the Library would be on the agenda for the October
ANC meeting. I have requested that the ANC focus on the issue
of demolition of the existing building [no response to date].
5. I have copied the media on my inquiries and responses in the
hope that they will keep a spotlight on this disgraceful situation.

With Wilson High School Pool and the Tenley Firehouse as
additional pathetic examples of our government's inability to
handle capital projects [when our government has a substantial
surplus of our tax dollars], I hope our neighbors will join me in
pressing for prompt demolition of the Tenley Library and expeditious
completion of its replacement.
[Any wagers on how soon the "Coming in 2006" sign will be
removed from Tenley Library?]
Ron Lefrancois






USED BOOKS AT BARGAIN PRICES
From: Elinor Tucker <elinor_tucker@yahoo.com>
The Friends of Palisades Library will hold a special "Bargain Day" sale
Saturday, October 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m, at the library, 4901 V Street NW
(corner of V Street and MacArthur Boulevard). Sidewalk sale prices:
25 cents per book or $2 per bag. Better quality books upstairs: 50 cents
per book or $3 per bag. All categories of books -- fiction, mysteries,
biographies, history, religion, politics, and many other subjects organized
by category in upstairs sale. Children's books included. Proceeds benefit
the library's collections and children's programs. 202-416-7651 or
202-966-2873.






COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

**** From: Kathy Smith <Ksmith1804@starpower.net>
I’m looking for a very cheap used plastic kayak to use once or twice a
year. Ideally it would be 13 or 14' long and 22 to 24" wide. If you
have an old one that you would like to get rid of, please let me know.
A Walden Odyssey or similar boat would be ideal.
Thank you.

**** From: Joe Pinder, Cellphone (202-236-5597)
I have a very large number of newspaper bags I started saving for someone
who was going to get a dog and then didn't I hate to throw them out - you
don't actually realize how much plastic you are getting in those nice
protective bags until you end up with a whole bunch in one place. Someone
must want them - either a group of dog-owner neighbors or an obedience
school or whatever - and I'd be happy for someone to have them and put them
to good use.

**** SANDY.MCKNIGHT@Longandfoster.com
FOR SALE: Top of the Line 78” Futon (double size), extra firm mattress
with attractive maple frame. Very little use & in excellent condition.
Price: $l95 – within the neighborhood so easy move. Call Sandy at
202-363-7086

**** From: Marsha Brown <mbrown49@starpower.net>
I am a Lab School trained tutor specializing in reading, writing,
organizational and study skills. I work with students in all grade
levels. I provide nurturing, gentle instruction using positive
reinforcement. I have worked with students at many of the area
public and private schools. Please write or call to discuss your
child at any time.
References available.
Marsha Brown (202) 537-3455 or (202) 361-8542 cell
Email: mbrown49@starpower.net

**** From: Andrew W. Cohen & Nicola O. Goren <acohen@erols.com>
Virtually New King Size Mattress Set For Sale: Top of the line Simmons
Decadence King Size Extra-Firm mattress and box spring. This mattress set
is only 2 months old and we are forced to sell it because it is too firm for
our aging backs. It is in pristine condition and our home is pet and smoke
free. We are selling this at a huge discount -- we paid $1800 for it, and
will sell it for less than half that -- $750 or best offer. Please email us
if you are interested at acohen@erols.com.

**** From: Polly King Evans <pkingevans@lldhhome.org>
ATTIC IN THE STREET SALE
Saturday, October 15, 2005
10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Lisner-Louise-Dickson-Hurt Home
5425 Western Avenue NW
Washington DC 20015
Proceeds will go to help the indigent elderly who reside at the
Home

**** From: Susanjaquet@aol.com
Maria Luisa Martinez seeks live-in position (full-time Monday
through Friday) as housekeeper/caregiver. Highly experienced
in childcare and eldercare. Fluent English and Spanish, non-smoker,
available immediately. Excellent references! Please call or email
me for more information. Susan Jaquet cell 202-365-8118

**** 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 at <editerranevel@yahoo.com>.

**** From: Kimberly Stern <kds012@yahoo.com>
FABULOUS NANNY!!!
It breaks my heart to have to let my daughter's nanny
go, but I have decided to become a stay at home mom.
My daughter is now 14 months and our nanny has been
with her full time since she was 3 months old.
If anyone needs a nanny or knows someone who needs one
starting in early December, please let me know. She
prefers a full-time position but is willing to
consider a three or two day a week position.
Our nanny is the best and any family would be lucky to
have her. If you need more information, please e-mail me and/or
I will give you my phone# for further discussion.
Thank you.
Kim

**** From: StarAKA4U@aol.com
Come tryout our water aerobics class for a free trial visit!
Classes held Tuesday - Friday at 8am at the Pavilion Health
& Swim Club located in the Embassy Suites Hotel at the
Chevy Chase Pavilion. For more details call 202-362-9300 ext.262

**** From: Karin Hillhouse <karindia@erols.com>
"We are looking for a three bedroom close to the metro and ideally in
the NW part of DC. We are also open to other locations, preferably
near to nice coffee-shops, books stores and playgrounds. We are
looking to sublet something, hopefully furnished, from mid Nov. to
mid-February, although we may choose to stay longer. Please spread
the word and have people email me with possibilities."
David Green
dgreen888@earthlink.net
-----------
David is a wonderful man, Ashoka Fellow, MacArthur Fellow, and
global innovator helping get low-cost, high-quality healthcare to
millions of poor people around the world:
http://www.ashoka.org/news/04november/green.html
Thanks a lot,
Karin Hillhouse







ANIMALS IN THE ‘HOOD
From: Darnot@aol.com

*** LARA is a petite, sweet black 9 month old kitten. She was rescued
from a high kill shelter on the day she was going to be euthanized. Black
cats tend to get overlooked b/c there are so abundant but each is so individual
and so special! Lara is an especially intelligent, sensitive soul who deserves a
loving home.

*** BURT is a demure declawed orange tabby with white bib and mitts. This
poor four-year old was dumped at a rural shelter where he got very depressed.
The indignity of being abandoned! He is thriving in his foster home but
would really shine with a permanent home all his own!

*** PRINCE is a small boned Turkish Van, all white save the tabby cap
on his head. This 8 month old is a true gentleman--he has meticulous
manners and habits. He adores other cats (particularly kittens) and would
love to get sprung from the Petsmart store cage where he patiently resides
waiting waiting waiting for someone to take notice!

Email darnot@aol.com if you can help any of these wonderful cats.






A NEW IDENTITY THEFT SCAM
From: Connie Rhind Robey <tachi5@comcast.net>

In this scam, the scammer calls the residence or office number of the victim
and identifies themselves as an officer or employee of the local court of
jurisdiction. The scammer announces to the victim, that he/she has failed
to report for jury duty, and that a bench warrant was issued against them
for their arrest. The victim's reaction is one of shock and surprise which
places them at an immediate disadvantage, and much more susceptible to the
scam. The victim will rightly deny knowledge of any such claim; that no
jury duty notification was ever received.

The scammer shifts into high gear, reassuring the victim of the possibility
this is all "just a misunderstanding" or "some sort of clerical error" that
can be straightened out on the phone. All they need to do is "verify" their
information with a few simple questions. Any reluctance on the victim's
part and the scammer will threaten that the failure to provide the
information will result in an immediate execution of the arrest warrant.
The scammer obtains names, social security numbers, dates of birth, and will
solicit credit card or bank account numbers claiming these will be used by
their credit bureau to "verify" the victim's identity. Family members who
receive these calls are especially vulnerable to coercion. Threats against
the victim's career, should he/she be arrested and now have a criminal
record, are frightening and persuasive.

Employees and their adult family members must be made aware of this threat
to their personal information and identities. Legitimate court employees
will never call to solicit information, and would send any official
notification by standard mail delivery. Any person receiving such calls
should record the scammer's phone number (if Caller ID is available) and
immediately report the contact to law enforcement officials.







EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS IN DC
From: Bill Adler @ <tenleytown@yahoogroups.com>

If there's one thing that Hurricane Katrina has taught us, it's that in
a crisis, without communications, virtually all emergency plans are
worthless.

There's a communications network available to Washington, DC area residents
that will work when all else fails: The DC Emergency Radio Network. DCERN,
www.dcradio.org, is a decentralized, citizen-based network that uses
store-bought GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) and FRS (Family Radio
Service) radios. These are the radios that you see families with in places
like Disneyworld. FRS radios have a range of about 1/2 mile; GMRS radios
can reach up to about 5 miles.

DCERN started in the Tenleytown/Cleveland Park area and there are a lot of
people in our neighborhood who have FRS and GMRS radios.

In an emergency, tune your GMRS or FRS radio to channel 1, the emergency
channel: Somebody will be there to hear your call. Because DCERN doesn't
rely on a centralized system it will work when cell phones, land line phones
and the Internet don't work.







NEIGHBOR MARK MCDONALD HAS HIS SAY
From: Mark McDonald <mmdonald@wamu.org>

I try to limit myself to one rant per year, but today has to be the one.
I have tossed a tennis ball for my very friendly golden retriever in the
Hearst Recreation Center virtually every day since 2001.

I make sure he's away from the kids (although many of them want to
come and pet him). Tonight a very officious looking youth (who clearly
aspires to the Police Department) yelled at me to put him on a leash.
Seconds later, he used what looked like a walkie-talkie or cell-phone to
alert TWO DC Police patrol cars parked (at right-angles) at the other end
of the field. I leashed my dog and got a lecture that next time it would be
a $300 fine. Yes, I don't always obey the leash law - I'm sure that will
give some sleepless nights, but I do try to exercise my dog away from
people with allergies, animal-haters, kids with animal-hating parents,
cops, busy-bodies, bored people, etc. And that usually works.

Clearly - either the school (usually very friendly) or the achievement-crazed
soccer league, or a bunch of paid teenage mercenaries, are in league with
the police in catching the evil dog-exercisers.

Anyway, I told this officer he was wasting his time. Last week I watched
while a man smashed the rear window of a car in Brandywine Street. I
called 911 as he was pulling a red rucksack from the vehicle. His priceless
justification "he owed me money" was lost in the moment. When he saw
me use my cellphone he moved towards me threateningly but changed
mind and and fled towards the Metro. If the cops had been there within
five minutes they would have easilly spotted the red rucksack and arrested
him. Unfortunately, it was 45 minutes later when they showed-up, and the
officer said he could not file a report because "there was no complainant.'

"There's the smashed window, and there's the license plate (Pennsylvania)
- call the guy" I said. "It doesn't work that way, Sir. "

No, clearly not. Clearly they're too busy protecting people from what passes
for wild animals in NW DC.

That's it. Happy Fall to All.
Mark McDonald






LATEST ON THE TENTLEYTOWN TOWER CASE
From: Worldright@aol.com

According to DC Corporation Counsel this is the present status of the
litigation with American Tower Corp. over the Tenleytown tower case:

DC got all but two claims dismissed in the DC Superior Court suit, and
they've moved to dismiss those, too. There has been no action by the judge
yet. American Tower is insisting that the judge can't dismiss those claims
without letting them do discovery first. DC is disputing that. Meanwhile,
the DC government has ordered American Tower Corp. to take down the
tower, and American Tower has filed a request with the judge for a
temporary injunction. It has been granted. In any event, that is now on
appeal to the DC Court of Appeals. DC Corp Counsel has stated
emphatically that DC will not settle.

Timothy Cooper
Stop the Tower



– END –