COMMUNIT-E
January 23, 2006

REMEMBER THIS NUMBER:
301-652-1000
Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad

MORE ON THE DEATH ON GRAMERCY ST.

**** From: Tombethell@aol.com
I couldn't agree with you more about not letting this tragedy
unnerve us, but the grossly inadequate and apparently
incompetent EMT response, as reported in the Post, should
enrage us. An obvious question is whether the city council has
any formal oversight mechanism that can be brought to bear
on this. Otherwise the one sure thing is that nothing will change.
As a community we need to go to work on this...
Tom Bethell

**** From: carolyn parr <carolynparr@hotmail.com>
I am particularly distressed at the poor response from both the
EMT's with the Fire Dept. and the police, who didn't cordon off
the area for hours and hours, thus allowing the scene to be contaminated.
How do you miss blunt trauma to the head, body, and extremities?
How do you ignore pockets turned inside out and not think it's a crime???
I want someone's head to roll. Carolyn Parr

**** From: KS – Kathy Patterson has had quite a lot to say on this
matter. Please check out her web site at:
http://www.dccouncil.us/patterson/patterson.html

MORE ON THE PHONY LAWYER SCAM
Two attorneys in the ‘Hood assured me that her scam was indeed
a crime. Their letters are below. I asked the police about this and
was told that it’s a difficult crime to get papered and convicted.
A lot depends on the circumstances, the victim, the perpetrator
of the scam, etc, etc. They did ask that people report her activity
so that they can have a shot at putting her out of business, at
least for a while. So please do report her (or any other fraudulent
pan handlers) when she solicits from you.

For all scams of this sort, ask yourself what you would do
if you locked your keys in your car. Would you walk up to a
total stranger and ask for money? Or would you call a friend,
a co-worker, etc.? You might ask a store, or even a stranger, to
use a phone. But I’m guessing you wouldn’t ask for money.
That’s a good thing to remember the next time. And there will
be a next time - if not from her, from someone else.

I want to especially thank Jon Bender and Tad DiBiase for taking
the time to help educate us on this. – KS

**** From: Jonathan Bender <jbender@ibusinesslawyer.com>
To this ostensibly-real lawyer, the conduct alleged constitutes the crime of
fraud:
"Fraud in the first degree. -- A person commits the offense of fraud in the
first degree if that person engages in a scheme or systematic course of
conduct with intent to defraud or to obtain property of another by means of
a false or fraudulent pretense, representation, or promise and thereby
obtains property of another or causes another to lose property."

DC ST § 22-3221(a)
http://dccode.westgroup.com/Find/Default.wl?DocName=DCCODES22-3221
-- Jon

**** From: Thomas.DiBiase@usdoj.gov <Thomas.DiBiase@usdoj.gov>
Actually it IS against the law to lie to someone in order for them to give you money.
It's called fraud and under DC Code 22-3221 it is a crime to "engage[] in a scheme
or systematic course of conduct with intent to defraud or to obtain property of another
by means of a false or fraudulent pretense, representation or promise and thereby
obtain[] property of another or cause[] another to lose property."
Tad DiBiase

THE JANUARY 12 HELICOPTER SEARCH INCIDENT
I received a number of e-mails, asking about this. This is what
happened– KS
--------------
From: Aiello, Robert (MPD) <Robert.Aiello@dc.gov>
Officers received a radio run for a suspicious person in the
4400 block of Chesapeake Street at about 1230. The suspect was
seen in several back yards by residents. Responding
officers observed the suspect attempting to place a bicycle
into a Chrysler parked in the alley. When he saw the police,
he began to run. Other responding units formed a perimeter
and were confident he didn’t get away. K-9 units responded,
as did the police helicopter. It wasn't until about 3:30 that we
captured him in an alley off Butterworth. The Chrysler he was
driving had been stolen in a Burglary on the 4600 block of
47th street on 1/06/06..

On the day he was captured, Thursday, he had stolen the bicycle
from a garage on 4400 block Chesapeake; golf clubs from a
garage on 4400 block Davenport, and attempted to break into a
shed on 4600 block 47th street.

Detectives are closing several other 2D burgalries, including one
on 4500 block Chesapeake street – another storage shed.
The subject is Tyrone Glenn, Black male, DOB 9/03/51 of Valley
Avenue, SE.

Most of the garages and sheds from which this person stole items were
either unlocked or had the door open. Our neighborhood is safe, but
don't forget that the alleys and streets are public space; there is no reason
to become a target for opportunists by leaving doors open or unlocked.

MISSING CAT FELIX MAY HAVE BEEN SPOTTED
From: Ken Faulstich – ken.faulstich@starpower.net
Seeking information about a lost or missing cat named Felix. There
were flyers posted to telephone poles in the Tenleytown area about
2-3 weeks ago about a missing B/W cat but the posters are gone now.
Today (1-17-06) my wife and I spotted a black and white cat on our
deck that might be him. We had never seen him before in our
neighborhood before. If anyone has any information on who to contact
about Felix, please let me know either by email or phone: 363-6421.
I checked with Friendship Animal Hospital but nothing was posted.
Thanks

BOY SCOUT TROOP
From: Art Silverman <ASilverman@npr.org>
Join our community's local Boy Scout Troop:
Troop 100, Washington's oldest troop, meets every Wednesday
at 7:30 p.m. at St. Ann's Church at Tenley Circle. For more
information visit centurytroop.com

LOTS OF LEAVES STILL OUT THERE
From: Larry Williams <lwindc@starpower.net>
I am surprised that nobody has mentioned the problem of
cleaning up the fall leaves. I live on Van Ness St. near 46th
and the city has not been by with their vacuum truck since
sometime in November. What can be done to get this taken
care of?
Larry Williams


>From KS: You inspired me to call the Mayor’s all-purpose
service number on 727-1000. I was told that the city will
continue to pick up leaves until the end of January.

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

**** From Ksmith1804@starpower.net
ATTENTION GARDENERS
I have several large bags of fertilizer and lime and large flower
pots to give away to anyone who will come and get them.
Kathy Smith

**** From: Carolyn Donnelly <cdindc@starpower.net>
WASHINGTON ANIMAL RESCUE LEAGUE'S PASTA
FOR PETS BENEFIT
The Washington Animal Rescue League is holding their annual
Pasta for Pets and Bingo benefit
ON February 4, 2006
TIME 6 to 8 pm
PLACE Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church
3401 Nebraska Avenue, NW (across from American University)
TICKETS $15 each or $50 for “4-Love pack”
Tickets available at the door
Donations of used towels and blankets welcome (no sheets please).
More information at: www.warl.org
This event will benefit the “Love Fund” of the Washington Animal
Rescue League. The Love Fund is used to provide urgent veterinary
care and service to the pets of low-income owners.

**** From: Susanjaquet@aol.com
LIVE ROCK AND ROLL - Bethesda
Back by Popular Demand
B E A T S W O RK I N '
Dan McDermott Tony Snow Dan Poneman Susan Jaquet
Lewis Leibowitz Jamie Hutchinson Jay McConville
Lots of new material, and still featuring all the great rock and roll songs
you grew up with!
------------
T H E B A R K I N G DOG
Bar/Restaurant
4723 Elm Street
(between Wisconsin Ave and Woodmont Ave)
Bethesda, MD 20814
Tel: (301) 654-0022
------------
Saturday, February 4, 2006
Music/Dancing 8:00 - 11:00 PM
$10 cover -- Reservations not required.
The Catholic Business Network of Montgomery County
Foundation-Scholarship Fund will benefit.

**** From: Mmalhotra1@worldbank.org
Sonia Alvarez, our lovely lovely nanny and housekeeper of 8 years
is now available since we moved to India recently. She has taken
care of both of our boys since their births (they are now 8 and 4) , she
ensured them a far healthier diet than we would, allowed them far less
TV than we would, and organized play groups, bike rides, playground
visits and so forth. She is a warm, loving and intelligent woman who
worked as a nurse in Nicaragua before she came to the US. In addition,
she kept our house immaculate. Her spoken English is limited but as a
result my kids are fluent Spanish speakers and she does not drive. She is
reachable on (301) 567-4870 (home); (240) 432-1411 (cell). We and
our kids miss her terribly! Pls feel free to email me for references
(MMalhotra1@worldbank.org), or you can call me in Delhi (10.5 hours
ahead) at 91-98991-02067.
Mohini Malhotra
------------------
Also looking for rental summer 2006 and for part-time baby-sitting
(afternoons). We are AU park residents who recently moved to india
for 3 years and have rented our house out, but I and my two boys are
coming to WDC this summer for 4 weeks and would love to rent a
house in AU park for the period of June 15 - July 15.
Please email me on Mmalhotra1@worldbank.org if you are interesting in
sub-letting your place. We are also interested in afternoon baby-sitting
services for an 8 year old and a 4 year old (4 - 6:30 M-F minimum).
Thanks

**** From: Carolyn Long <carolynlong@earthlink.net>
I just replaced my 17" (big and clunky) Gateway CRT monitor with
a flat-screen LCD monitor. There is absolutely nothing wrong with
the Gateway--it's less than two years old--it just takes up too much
room on my desk. I will GIVE it to anybody who will come take it
away, either an individual or an institution. E-mail me at
carolynlong@earthlink.net to arrange for pickup. I work at home
and am usually here.

**** From: Nancy_Stanley@cadc.uscourts.gov
Queen-sized wooden futon frame and futon FREE to deserving person
who will take it away. If you are seriously interested, please leave a
message at 202/244-8093. I am located near Nebraska and Connecticut.

**** From: hihope1999@aol.com
ROOFER RECOMMENDATION
I am pleased to recommend this young man who is reliable,
honest and an excellent worker. He is clean, quick, and a fine roofer.
He is able to spot trouble before it happens, and his repairs are great !!!
His prices are fair.
Hope Phillips
---------
Superior Home Improvements
George Ugaz
547 Pelican Ave.
Gaithersburg, Md. 20877
Office (301) 963-0329
Home (301) 963-1528
Cell (301) 537-7957

**** From: GMarieW@tenleytown@yahoogroups.com
I've used Samuel Boyd & Son Roofers for years and have
always been very happy with them. Phone is (301) 386-4800.

**** From: semoyer@comcast.net
JAZZ CONCERT AND ART EXHIBIT
A jazz concert by instrumental students of The Duke Ellington
School of the Arts will be presented on Sunday, January 29 - 4 pm
at the Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church. Davey
Yarborough, Director of the Jazz Studies Program at Duke Ellington,
will direct. A free-will offering will be lifted to benefit
the Jazz Studies Program. Immediately following the concert, an art
exhibition opening and reception with works by Melchus Davis, Chair
of the Visual Arts Department at Duke Ellington will follow from
5 to 6:30 pm. The exhibit is entitled: Washington Scenes. The
exhibit will close February 19, 2006. Exhibit hours: M-F 9am-5pm and Sundays
9am-12:30pm. Senior groups and others are welcome during the week by
appointment. 3401 Nebraska Avenue, NW. 202-363-4900.
Thank you.
Shirley Moyer

MORE ON CRIME IN THE ‘HOOD

**** From: Chapman Todd <chapmantodd@yahoo.com>
and Lorraine Middleton <pinkster7@verizon.net>>
Does anyone know anything about the following incidents?

1. A man who lives on Brandywine Street walking home
from the Safeway was attacked (number of assailants unknown)
and robbed and spent two days in the hospital.

2. A young man, a student from AU, was walking in
the area of 43rd St. between Brandywine and Butterworth.
A car with 4 African American men inside jumped him
and got $5. He was heard screaming by neighbors.

**** From: evemel8@aol.com
Notice to all citizens of the 2nd District from our MPD:
Never underestimate the lengths to which a criminal will go
if he is interested in gaining access to your home. Our MPD
wants our citizens to know that there recently was a rash
of burglaries in a neighboring Patrol Safety Area. Apparently,
entry to the households was gained via an unlikely port, the mail
slot in the front door, whereby the thief reached in and unlocked the
doorknob adjacent to it and then stepped inside.

If you have a mail slot with only an outer door or none at all and
your doorknob is beside the mail slot, as often is the case, you
may become an unwitting target to crime. To protect yourself and
your property, it is always a good idea to install a deadbolt lock that
is not near the doorknob but instead is located higher up the door,
closer to an adult’s eye level. If the deadbolt is installed
two or more feet above the mail slot, it will be virtually impossible to be
able to get an arm far enough in to get to the deadbolt and open it. Also,
keep your doors locked whether you are inside the house or out, even if you are
only gone for a few minutes. Remember that if you do install a deadbolt, you
should not leave the key inside the lock, in case they can still get to it
with a mechanical device. It may also help to have an inner door on
your mail slot, which will make reaching up difficult.
It never hurts you to be cautious.
Melissa E. Haendler Civilian Co-facilitator to the Lieutenant,
MPDC, PSA 203

SOME CRIMES REPORTED IN PSA 202

1/6/2006 11:10:00 AM
4600 B/O 47TH ST NW
C-1 & c-2 reports that unknown person(s) entered
the house while c2 was in the attic and stole
property. Entry was gained through an unlocked
patio door.
------------------------------------------------
12/17/2005 5:00:00 am3700 b/o Brandywine st nw
C-1 reports he returned from vacation to find the
front window to his house was smashed with an
unknown object, the interior ransacked and
property was stolen."
------------------------------------------------
1/11/2006 3:30:00 PM
Theft 4500 B/O WISCONSIN AVE NW
C1 reports while making a phone call, she place
her wallet on the counter. While she was preoccupied,
unknown person stole it.
---------------------------------------------------
1/13/2006 5:45:00 PM
Robbery 4300 B/O JENIFER ST NW
C1 reports that s1 stopped her and asked for directions.
Afterwards as c1 walked off, s1 tripped c1 using his
legs & feet causing c1 to fall to the ground.
S1 pushed c1 down to the ground and stole her purse.
----------------------------------------------------
1/9/2006
2:30:00 pm theft f/auto
4400 b/o Jenifer
C1 reports that unknown person entered c1's unlocked
vehicle and stole her purse & backpack.
----------------------------------------------------
1/15/2006 1:50:00 pm
robbery 4200 b/o Ingomar st nw
C1 reports while walking from her vehicle, s1 and s2
approached and attempted to snatch c1's purse from her
shoulder. C1 called for help & fell to the ground .
S1 & s2 fled. Nothing was obtained."
----------------------------------------------------
1/16/2006 11:30:00 am
theft 4500 b/o wisconsin ave nw
C1 reports unknown person stole her property off the
back of her chair when it was left unattended."

There were a number of additional thefts from auto and several thefts
of items left unattended at tables in restaurants.

LIBRARY ANNOUNCEMENT
From: Kathryn Ray <kcrdlb@gmail.com>

"Listening Sessions" on the Mayor's Task force on the Future
of the DC Public Library System will be held January 31 -
Ward 3 - Cleveland Park Library 6:30
Feb. 7 - Central Library - ML King 6:30
(for a full schedule go to www.dclibrary.org)

Anyone interested in the future Tenley Library is encouraged to attend
the Jan. 31 session and comment on the Task Force's six service
priorities.

Recommendations of the Task Force:
The District of Columbia needs a vastly improved public library system
for the 21st century, combining new high-tech physical buildings with
"virtual" branches in cyberspace.
The Mayor's Task Force on the Future of the District of Columbia
Public Library Systemis calling for a new central library to replace
the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library, an outmoded structure
erected long before the advent of the digital age. The Task Force also
recommends a complete overhaul of the branches, with all of them
either completely rebuilt or drastically renovated. A new central
library building would cost an estimated $280 million, with a
three-year construction period. This does not
include site acquisition costs. The improvements to branch libraries
have a price tag of about $167 million. The DC Public Library System
must make other investments to provide DC residents with
state-of-the-art facilities and world class service. For example, the
library system needs another four hundred computers connected to the
Internet to give DC residents the same ability to go on-line as
citizens of other cities of the same size. The current system, despite
the hard work and dedication of the library staff, is faltering. The
library does not send out overdue notices, and the current records of
what is actually in the collection are considered highly unreliable.
This requires a major overhaul: 50% of the collection should be
replaced over a three-year period. The
proposed rebuilding cost for the collection would be $1.1 million for
FY 2006-2007; $1.15 million for FY 2007-2008; and $1.125 million for
FY 2008-2009.

The Task Force recommends these six key service priorities for the
revitalized library system:

Basic Literacy- The library should continue to encourage the use
of library facilities for literacy classes, tutoring, and literacy
tutor training. There should be an abundance of computer workstations
with
educational software that learners can use to improve their reading skills.
Best Sellers and Hot Topics- The library should respond to
patrons' interests in popular cultural and social trends by providing
a current collection with sufficient copies of titles in high demand
to ensure customer requests are met quickly. Reservations should be
available on-line. The library system must offer ample quantities of
materials in many formats.
Homework Help- The library should provide informational resources
and assistance that furthers the educational progress of students. To
help bridge the digital divide, the library needs to provide Internet
access for children and teens and should also offer access to other
instructional technologies such as multimedia computers with
educational software, and educational media. The library should
provide group study rooms or study areas, and computer laboratories
for students working together or working with tutors.
Information Literacy- The library should provide training and
instruction in skills related to using information resources of all
types – print and electronic. The library should also provide training
on how
to write research papers and oral presentation skills.
Lifelong Learning- The library should address the needs of
residents, from the youngest toddler to the oldest retiree, for
self-directed personal growth and development opportunities.
Public Spaces- The central library and each of the bigger
branches should provide inviting and safe public spaces for meetings,
programs, and gatherings.

END