COMMUNIT-E
November 7, 2005

HOLIDAY EVENTS IN THE ‘HOOD
**** From: Art Silverman <ASilverman@npr.org>
TROOP 100 ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE SALE
Saturday, December 10, 2005
8 am to dusk
Support Washington, D.C. Oldest Boy Scout Troop
Buy a tree and a wreath.
This year the troop's tree sale returns to the intersection of River
Road and 45th Street (The field next to the church)
For more information on Troop activities visit centurytroop.com

GETTIING ON-STREET VISITOR PARKING PERMITS
TO AVOID TICKETS
From: andrea dean <aodean@erols.com>
We have frequent visits from family that exceed the two-hour
neighborhood parking limit. As a result, we've gotten several expensive
parking tickets. This morning we went to the Second District to see if
we could get visitor parking permits that would take care of the situation.
We were told we'd have to return to the station for a permit every time we
had a visitor, which can be twice weekly. Any advice?

TOWN HALL MEETING ON LIBRARY
From: Kathryn Ray <kcrdlb@gmail.com>

Councilmember Kathy Patterson, the Chairperson of the D.C. Council's
Committee on Education, Libraries, and Recreation, has scheduled a town hall
meeting on Thursday, November 10, 2005, for residents of the Anacostia,
Benning, Tenley/Friendship, and Watha T. Daniel communities. The purpose of
the meeting is to allow residents to hear from executive branch officials
about the plans and timelines for the rebuilding of the four community
libraries that have been closed for reconstruction since the beginning of
this year.

The meeting will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in Room 412 of the
John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. It will involve
presentations by the key government officials, including the D.C. Public
Library and the Office of the City Administrator who supervise the library
system and its capital program. The presentations will be followed by
questions from community members.

There is no need to sign up to participate - please come and encourage
interested neighbors to do so as well - but please feel free to call the
Committee staff with any questions at 724-8195.

Evelyn Bourne-Gould, Legislative Assistant
D.C. Councilmember Kathleen Patterson
Committee on Education, Libraries and Recreation
(202)724-8195
(202)724-7133 fax
egould@dccouncil.us

BURGLARY ALERT
From: Ann Ingram <j-aingram@worldnet.att.net>
We have a brazen burglar who has hit our immediate neighborhood
(Cumberland Street and Reno Road between Cumberland and
Chesapeake) twice in the last week-and-a-day. He burglarized a
house around 1:30 to 2 p.m. a week ago yesterday and around noon today
(Nov. 5). He’s a nice-looking African-American man in his 40's, about
5'11" slim but well-built. I saw him after he had done his "work" last week,
and his body language told me he was fearful of our dog (a Great Dane).
He was carrying 2 heavy pieces of maybe luggage -- or canvas bags. He
was walking up the alley between Cumberland and Chesapeake. Today
he stole equipment from a garage -- brazenly loading it onto his truck
parked on Grant Road. Someone saw him and assumed he was a
workman so didn't alert anyone.

MORE ON RECYCLING PLASTIC BAGS
From: Joe Pinder
I got a half-dozen requests for the big supply of newspaper bags I had, and
while I gave them all to the first caller and was happy to do so, I had a huge
amount and had I known that there would be so much demand I could have
made a bunch of people happy. My takeaway from this is that there is a
better use for them than taking them to the grocery store — animal shelters,
obedience schools, etc. all need a constant supply. Thanks again. I really
didn’t want to just throw them away.

From KS – Does anyone know what the grocery stores do with them?

CREDIT CARD SCAM REMINDER
From: Edward McCauley" <edw3qc@comcast.net>
Credit card companies will never ask for anything on the card as they already
know the information since they issued the card. Some scammers try to get the
3-Digit PIN Number on the back by calling and pretending to be from the credit
card company.

REPELLING SQUIRRELS

**** From: arkiearkbar@ tenleytown@yahoogroups.com
Our (former) squirrels turned up their noses at any normal offerings.
They saved their appetite for our holiday semi-circular spray of
fruit above the front door: one major bite out of each apple. Tried
hot cayenne pepper and everything else. They sneered and did a
Mexican hat dance. Last year the folks at Colonial Williamsburg said
a thin coating of Vick's Vapor Rub will repel them from even the
tastiest temptations. We got all excited.
Now, no squirrels....

**** From: Ellis, Susan @ tenleytown@yahoogroups.com
I bought a bird feeder with electric wire inside to repel squirrels (not
hurt them badly) and of course birds are too light to activate it. It
works. Has for about 5 years now. I looked it up on the web but can't
remember where I got it now. It was fairly costly. Maybe about $40.

MURCH OPEN HOUSE
November 10 from 9 am to noon.
From: AHMorin@aol.com
Ben W. Murch Elementary School will hold an Open House for
prospective parents on Thursday, November 10 from 9 am to
noon. Tours will be given by current parents and the principal
will answer questions for interested parents. No reservations
necessary. For more information, contact info@murchschool.org.
Murch is located at 4810 36th Street and is bounded by Reno
Road, Ellicott and Davenport Streets.
This is an adults only event. Please leave the prospective students
and their siblings at home.
Martha Saccocio.
Co-President Murch HSA

ORGANIZING A NEIGHBORHOOD
TREE PLANTING EVENT
From: Richard Abbott <abbott1229@verizon.net>
The Casey Tree Endowment is announcing two more rounds
of "Request for Planting" (RFP), events organized by D.C.
residents of a neighborhood where people want to plant trees
in parks, on school grounds, along the street or on private property.
Residents commit to helping plant the trees and maintaining them
after planting. A minimum of 10 trees are required. Casey Trees
supplies the planting material, tools, compost,etc., and the services
of trained Citizen Foresters to supervise planting. Typically, one or
more residents take responsibility for preparing a plan and submitting
the request. Residents decide on the type of tree and desired location.
Applications are due by November 30 for the first round (spring planting)
and June 15 for the second (fall planting). These events are fun activities
that always attract residents with an interest in trees and in the appearance
of their neighborhood. If you would like more information, please contact
me at abbott1229@verizon.net or at 202-244-2379.
Richard Abbott

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

**** From: Kronholz, June <June.Kronholz@wsj.com>
Stephen Lanpher is collecting used baseball uniforms, cleats, mitts
and other sports clothes and equipment to take to the Dominican
Republic next month, when he spends a few days working at an
after-school program along with Home Run Baseball Camp’s
John McCarthy. If you have any gear you’d like to contribute
—and to clear out of your closets—please call Stephen, in the
evening, at 202 215 3769 or 202 237 5076.

**** From: Ebattaglini@worldbank.org
Stainless steel refrigerator for sale $500 or best offer. Less than
three years old, in perfect condition, under warranty for 2 more years.
Includes two new water filters worth about $50. It's a KitchenAid 21.6
Cubic Foot Top Mount KTRA22ELSS Architect Series with ice maker
and filtered water dispenser inside. Dimensions: 32.5"W x 66.25"H x 35"D.
Non-reversible door with hinges on the right side. We live on Albemarle
and 49th St. Tel. (202) 9661134.
Many thanks,
Milina Battaglini

**** From Laurie England: LEng20007@aol.com
Graphic Designer--Freelance graphic designer can help your business
create a new look for a logo, advertising, stationary, brochure, newsletter,
etc. Very reasonable hourly rate and every project done under budget.
Please call at 202-337-6059 or e-mail at Leng20007@aol.com.
Laurie England

**** From: dcbasketball5@yahoo.com
CHILD CARE POSTING
Occasional child care. Saving for college, will work in NW DC.
Responsible high school junior, great with little
kids or older. Recently Red Cross certified,
CPR, over 80 hours of community service with infants
and small children. Also willing to tutor your child / children in
math, English, history, science, Latin, or basketball (starting point
guard on school varsity team). Available some
weeknights, weekends and school breaks.
I also do pet sitting and am partial to labs.

**** From: bucky0612@yahoo.com
Need to re-wallpaper a powder room. Does anyone know of a good
paper hanger?

**** From: <j.clear@rcn.com>
My housekeeper is looking for additional days to work. She has
worked for us for 10 years and has excellent references from
me and others. Recently provided elder care. She has her own
transportation and can be reached at 301 933 6104.
j.clear@starpower.net

**** From: KD McLynn <kdmclynn@starpower.net>
Looking for a kind, responsible dog walker who will take our pups
out for exercise & play during the day a couple of days per week.
Anyone have recommendations?
Thanks, KD McLynn

**** From: Browningcb@aol.com
The Coalition to Stop Tenleytown Overdevelopment, Tenleytown
Neighbors Association, and Friendship Neighborhood Association
will hold a Mayoral candidates' forum on Monday, November 28,
7-9 pm, in the Great Hall of St. Columba's Episcopal Church,
4201 Albemarle Street, NW. The topic will be neighborhoods and
development. Panelists Dorn McGrath, Nancy MacWood, and
Barbara Zartman will address questions to the candidates, and then t
he candidates will take questions from the audience. Light refreshments
will be served.

**** From: Laurie Lipper <llipper@childrenspartnership.org>
NEED NOTARY PUBLIC WHO WILL TRAVEL
I am finishing up an international adoption dossier and will need to take a
Notary Public, certified in the District with at least one year left on his
or her commission, to notarize reports by various doctors in their offices.
All offices are very local (Northwest DC) and this would only require a
couple of hours on a weekday. Will pay for time spent as well as notarizing.
Many thanks, Laurie Lipper lipkirk@hotmail.com

**** From: LCRosenman@aol.com
Six foot long, eighteen inch wide, twenty nine inch high oak
table for the taking. Natural wood finish, one and one quarter
inch thick top from the Door Store (now defunct). If you want
it and have the means of transporting it please contact me.

**** From: Alyse Graham <grahamstretch@starpower.net>
HOUSECLEANER RECOMMENDATION
I have been using a service called "America's Cleaning Service" for
about a year and have found it to be excellent in every respect. They
clean thoroughly and are impeccably honest (I find loose change
they've found in their cleaning stacked on the counter when they've
been here) and courteous. I am happy to talk to anyone about the
service if you have questions-- and if you decide to call them,
you may give my name. Their number is 301-943-6731.
Alyse Graham

**** From: Nelson Jacobsen @ tenleytown@yahoogroups.com
We have a number for boxes that are ready for their
next move. Please come by 5204 45 Street. Between
harrison and western ave. The is a white fence in the
front yard that is not locked and the boxes are
sitting right there.

**** From: Rubacats@aol.com
INSULATION RECOMMENDATION NEEDED
We were advised to have insulation "blown in" between our roof and
ceilings (it is a flat metal roof with no insulation at all). So, we would
appreciate any recommendations for firms doing this sort of work.
Thanks,
Kelly Rubenstein

FUNDING FOR SCHOOL MODERNIZATIONS
From: Asfriend27@aol.com
Your Immediate Assistance is Needed Now to
Assure Funding to Fix DC Public Schools

On November 9th, the City Council’s Education Committee
will consider a bill to provide an additional $1 billion to fund
school modernizations. In order for schools throughout the city
to benefit, we need a guaranteed source of revenue over the next
15 years and not simply a one-year promise that can be changed
by future councils. Momentum is building for passage of a bold
initiative to finally fix DC’s schools. But we desperately need your
help! Just a few minutes of your time could make the difference!

Please contact the members of the Education Committee before
Wednesday, November 9th.

Letters are the most effective way to make your point.
Phone calls and emails are also very effective.
If you send a letter or email, tell them about what needs to be fixed
in your child’s (or neighborhood) school.
If you call, ask to speak to the Councilmember’s education aide or
leave a message. Ask the aide how the Councilmember plans to vote
on the funding bill.

Whether you call or write, make sure you tell them you are a D.C.
public school parent or concerned resident and voter, and that we
need a guaranteed source of funds to fully modernize our schools
over the next 15 years.
Amy Friend

PUBLIC OPEN HOUSES FOR WHITEHURST FREEWAY STUDY
From: anc3b@yahoo.com
Please find below dates and locations for the upcoming Whitehurst
Freeway Deconstruction Feasibility Study Open houses. DDOT is
studying several alternatives based on the public comments received
this spring and on research conducted over the summer. DDOT staff
will be on hand at these informal meetings to discuss the alternatives
one-on-one with participants, answer questions, and listen to comments
and suggestions.

Open house 1 - Nov. 15, 2005
The Melrose Hotel
2430 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20037
5:00 - 9:00 PM

Open house 2 - Nov. 16, 2005
St. John's Church
3240 O Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20007
5:00 - 9:00 PM

Open house 3 - Nov. 21, 2005
St. Many Armenian Church
4125 Fessenden Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20037
5:00 - 9:00 PM

The content will be the same at all meetings.
Thank you,
Ramona Burns
DDOT Project Manager

[MPD-2D] COMMUNITY E-LERT NEWSLETTER
From: Smith, Yvonne (MPD) <yvonne.smith@dc.gov>
Reply-To: MPD-2d@yahoogroups.com
While October 31st marked the end of Crime Prevention month,
the holiday season is still an excellent time to continue practicing
safety awareness. See Item #4 below for Winter Holiday Safety
Tips and Tips for Safe Internet Shopping. Thank you for reading
this newsletter. Send your suggestions to yvonne.smith@dc.gov

TOPICS IN NEWSLETTER.
For Full Text contact Yvonne Smith to subscribe to newsletter.

1) Civilian Positions with the Police Department

2) FBI-MPDC task force investigation leads to indictments in
northeast cocaine trafficking operation

3) MPDC Crime Prevention Services: Watch Your Car &
Sex Offender Registry

4) Winter Holiday Safety Tips & Tips from the Federal Trade
Commission for Online Holiday Shopping

4b) Federal Trade Commission's Bureau of Consumer
Protection: Tips for Holiday Shopping Online

5) Inside MPDC: Environmental Crimes Unit

6) Inside MPDC: Water Safety - Harbor Patrol

7) Police-Sponsored Yahoo! Discussion Groups/Listservs

8) Mayor's Cabinet

9) Mayor's Office: Neighborhood Services

10) DC Residents Invited to Participate in Citizen
Summit IV – Lifting All Communities

SENSIBLE CHARITY
From: John Moody <JohnAMoodydc@att.net>
Hello, all,

I just encountired a most unusually sensible and logical charity whose
givings literally grow like rabbits. Rather than have its donations get
used up, their donations grow in a geometric expansion doing evermore good
over time..

Many emergency charitable organizations, however well intentioned and
however well established and prominent, to which we may contribute - by
their very nature - can have their donations shrink in their intended
purpose over time and eventually the donation gets used up. Donations of
bandages, food and water to the Gulf region are an example.

This organization donates farm animals from rabbits to camels, goats to
cows, to war devastated villages in Central America, for exampls, where the
inhabitants have fled into the forests to avoid being slaughtered, with
only the clothes on their backs - later to return home to scorched earth
and nothing but ashes. Or third-world desert villagers whose life-blood
camels were stolen by war-gangs..

Give this to Google for the story. http://www.heifer.org/

By giving breeding livestock which have offspring, their donations start
growing without end. Actual, living. compound interest dividends result -
which in the case of rabbits -- makes Wall Street look like amateurs.

I'm not going to address the ingrown heredity aspect. After all, Adam
and Eve worked, didn't it? It's not impossible, once going in a region,
that Romeo will find Julliet - happier rabbit and camel versions, that is.
And all will be well.
John Moody

– END –