COMMUNIT-E
March 21, 2006

THE TOWER IS COMING DOWN
From: Kathy Smith

A DC Government press release sent by
<maryann.floto@dc.gov> stated, among other things, that:
“The settlement agreement specifies that American Towers
in 10 business days from March 16 must apply for demolition
permits and authorizations to take down the tower. The District
will assist in this process. Once American Towers dismantles
the tower, both parties agree to terminate all remaining legal
proceedings.”

In a March 18 Washington Post story, Paul Schwartzman
wrote that, “In a legal settlement applauded by residents, the
District has agreed to pay American Tower Inc. $350,000 to
demolish the hulking structure.”

We owe many thanks to all those folks who fought to bring it
down, especially to Timothy Cooper, president of the Stop the
Tower Coalition. – KS

SOME CRIMES IN THE ‘HOOD
DURING MARCH

**** From: Crimereports <reports@crimereports.com>
Psa 202 4800 b/o Alton
(Occurred in February)
Theft. C1 reports the tag was stolen off the auto by unknown
persons while it was parked in the rear yard.
-------------------
Psa 202 3/5/2006 1:10:00 am
5200 b/o 43rd st nw
Robbery Gun
"C1 reports while entering her vehicle, s1 approached wearing
a black face mask & brandished a black handgun. S1 demanded
various property. C1 complied. S1 fled in a gray auto driven by
an unknown male subject."
---------------------
Psa 202 3/4/2006 4:00:00 pm
4800 b/o Brandywine st nw
Property Destruction <=$200
"C1 reports unknown person(s) broke the front windshield of her
auto with a brick while it was parked, unattended."
---------------------
Psa 203 3/3/2006 12:00:00 pm
3600 b/o Yuma st nw
Ccn 6028239
Theft f/auto C1 reports that unknown person(s) removed both tags
from her vehicle while it was parked at the listed location.
---------------------------
Psa 202 3/4/2006 10:00:00 am
4600 b/o Chesapeake st nw
Property destruction > $200
"C1 reports that while his vehicle was parked at the listed
location, unknown person(s) used an unknown object to
scratch the words ""***"" on his vehicle's hood. Also, the
right rear view mirror to the vehicle was broken."
---------------------------
Psa 202 3/4/2006 6:30:00 am
4600 b/o Chesapeake st nw
Property Destruction <=$200
C1 reports that unknown person(s) used an unknown tool
and scratched (keyed) the hood & side panel to c1's vehicles
while they were parked at the listed location.
------------------------
Psa 202 3/10/2006 9:10:00 pm
4500 b/o Ellicott st nw
Burglary Attempt
"C1 reports while sitting in her kitchen in close proximity to
the rear door, s1 attempted to gain entry into her home. As s1
was tampering with the door, c1 turned on the light and s1
fled the scene.”
---------------------------------
Psa 202 3/11/2006 10:20:00 am
4200 b/o Yuma st nw
Robbery pbs
"C1 reports s1 came up from behind her, snatched her purse
and fled. S1 was stopped by an unknown citizen and a struggle
ensued. S1 dropped the purse, broke free and fled the scene.
---------------------------------
Psa 202 3/11/2006 10:30:00 am
4200 b/o River rd nw
Robbery Assault w/Intent
C1 reports that s1 approached her from behind and attempted
to snatch her purse. C1 held on and a struggle ensued. C1
screamed and s1 let go and walked away. S1 returned and
tried to take the purse again.
---------------------------------
Psa 202 3/12/2006 2:00:00 am
4400 b/o Butterworth pl nw
Assault
"C1 reports while walking, s1 grabbed her from behind and
pushed her to the ground, without saying anything. C1 then
kicked s1 and ran back to her residence. C1 can only id s1
as a black male.
---------------------------------
PSA 203 3/11/2006 11:30:00 AM
3600 B/O Chesapeake st nw
Robbery Pbs
C1 reports foots steps approached her from behind. S1 snatched
c1's tote from her left shoulder and ran to the vehicle driven by s2.
S1 & s2 then fled the scene in the vehicle with c1's tote.
----------------------------
PSA 202 3/13/2006 9:00:00 AM
4400 B/O Grant rd nw
Burglary
"C1, c2, c3 and c4 report the home was entered by unknown
person(s) forcing the side door with a shovel and various
property was stolen."
-------------------------
PSA 202 2/16/2006 12:01:00 AM
3700 B/O Upton st nw
Fraud
C1 reports that her credit card was used several times at several
merchants. C1 was made aware of the offense when c1 received
her credit card statement. C1 is in possession of her credit card.
(credit card fraud)
-------------------------
Psa 202 3/9/2006 9:00:00 am
3900 b/o Huntington st nw
Fraud
"C1 reports that unknown person(s) transfered funds from her
saving account to her checking account without her permission,
on-line. Two checks were written on-line for $46,909.07 &
$47,009.89. Both checks were blocked by citibank."

CRIME TIP
From: Kathy Smith
A neighbor, whose house was broken into, passed on the
following tip which was given to him by the investigating
police: The officer said that most people keep valuables
of one sort or another in the top dresser drawer or top desk
drawer. Thieves know this and go immediately to that drawer.
He suggested that the homeowner hide valuable items such as
money, keys, valuable jewelry, etc in places that are less
obvious, even if a bit less convenient.

SENIOR CITIZENS WARNED ABOUT NEW
MEDICARE SCAM
From: reports@crimereports.com

DC Attorney General Robert Spagnoletti this week
warned senior citizens and people with disabilities
to beware of phone scammers looking to bilk them
out of hundreds of dollars in a new Medicare scam.
Telephone scammers, using the so-called “$299 Ring,”
are scamming Medicare beneficiaries for money and
checking account information to “help them enroll”
in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan. This scheme
is called the “$299 Ring” for the typical amount of
money Medicare beneficiaries are talked into
withdrawing from their checking accounts to pay for
a non-existent prescription drug plan. DC officials
remind all residents that legitimate Medicare drug
plans will not ask for payment over the telephone
or the Internet, nor will they ask a person with
Medicare for bank account or other personal
information over the telephone. Whenever you
have a question or concern about any activity
regarding Medicare, call 1-800-MEDICARE. If you
suspect you have been a victim of the scam, repor
t it to the MPDC by calling the police non-emergency
number, 3-1-1, or by calling the Centers for Medicare
& Medicaid Services (CMS) at 1-877-7SAFERX
(1-877-772-3379).

FOOTNOTE I: For more information on common con
games and swindles, and how you can protect yourself, go to:
<ahref=http://mpdc.dc.gov/mpdc/cwp/view,a,1237,q,543154,
mpdcNav_GID,1547.asp>Consumer Protection Safety Tips</a>

FOOTNOTE II: To speak with someone about identity t
heft, phone scams and other types of fraud, contact the
MPDC’s Financial Crimes and Fraud Unit at (202) 727-4159.

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

**** From: Kathy Smith
I’m thinking about putting an exhaust fan in my unfinished
attic. This would also involve installing a switch on the
second floor. I’m looking for someone to do the job and
would appreciate any recommendations. I’m particularly
concerned about fire hazards and would want someone who
is really up to speed on this type of project. If you have any
suggestions or thoughts about this type of project, I’d like to
hear them. I’m assuming that an exhaust fan would help cool
the second floor by removing heat from the attic above it.
The attic now has side louvers for ventilation, and insulation
under the flooring. Am I correct in assuming that summer heat
would still seep into the rooms below the attic without a fan
to remove it? Thank you for you thoughts and suggestions.
----------
I also want to thank those folks who recommended Yi’s in
Rockville for upholstering. They did several chairs for me and
I am very pleased with their work. They have an impressive
selection of fabrics.

**** From: marnie1322 <marnie1322@yahoo.com>
FOUND KEY
Has anyone misplaced a key? It was on my steps, off
Albemarle between 47th and 48th..

**** From: Elizabeth Williamson <williamsone@washpost.com>
LOOKING FOR PRESCHOOL
Sounds clueless, but this is our first experience with DC
preschools and so we've gotten a late start in searching one
out for our toddler for next year. We're hoping for the 'hood,
or upper NW, with openings either in Sept or Jan, for a boy
who turns 3 in Jan. Does anyone have a suggestion?
Many thanks--Elizabeth Williamson, 202 365 6479.

**** From: MargaritaCrocker@aol.com
FREE FIREWOOD
I am giving away well-seasoned hardwood from maple
and locust trees (the trees were cut down 3 years ago -- the
wood has been stacked under a tarp since then). The wood
would need to be split before it can be used as firewood.
Call Margarita 202-237-8992 or email me.

**** From: Afhindc <afhindc@starpower.net>
DOG CRATE NEEDED
Does anyone have a plastic dog crate that you are not
using? I could use one for fostering dogs.
The size needs to be for 40-50 lb dogs (Brittany Spaniels).
Thanks! - Ann
Contact me at 202-362-2288, or salem27104@starpower.net

**** From: Lrol@aol.com
RENT OR HOUSE SIT
A family celebration will be bringing family members to DC
from all over the US and Australia and England for the 1st
weekend in August. We would love to find a house/apt or two
to rent OR house/animal sit for you. I am a long time resident
of American University Park. Some family members would like
a full week as well. Please email me if you have something
available. Thank you.

**** From: Sheehancat@aol.com
FRENCH HOUSE SWAP OR HOST WANTED
French families seeking host or “home swap” this July/August
In order to make it easier for several friends and families to come
from France to our DC wedding on August 5th we are looking for
several families that might be interested in hosting or perhaps
swapping their home for a French home this summer for up to a
week. The friends and families who are interested in being hosted
or in swapping homes come from the Paris area, as well as
Provence in the south of France.
For further information either email wbbruno@yahoo.com or call
Will or Catherine at 202.362.4405.

**** From: Gina Trippi <sgtrippi@gmail.com>
DOG TRAINER
If anyone is looking for a dog trainer, I have interviewed (and
heard good reports) about Bark Busters. You can read about the
training methods at www.barkbusters.com and The Northwest
Current ran a story about Bark Busters on January 25th. Bark
Busters was started in Australia and provides in home training
throughout the world. The Web site describes the method as
mimicking canine communication and relies on non-nphysical
means. The method can be used on any dog, any age, with any
problem, and all training comes with a life-of-the-dog guarantee.
There is a dog behavior quiz on the Web site. The local trainer
is David Sundland at (577)-224-2239 or
sundland@hotmail.com

**** From: Jo March <redrufus818@yahoo.com>
DOG WALKER
My fabulous dog-walker (also my yoga teacher) is available to
walk dogs in upper northwest between 9 am and 5 pm. Modest
grooming also provided. Leave a message at 202/244-8093.

**** From: Kathleen Conley <kathleenconley@starpower.net>
FOR SALE
(1) Blue IKEA Futon (Washable cover and 2 cushions), excellent
condition - $160, and (2) IKEA cabinet W/glass shelves and
doors - $55. If you are interested, please call Marcela:
(301) 654-2542 (or email: mcbethesda@aol.com).

**** From: Roberts, Amanda <Amanda.Roberts@bea.gov>
GARDENER AVAILABLE
I live in the neighborhood and enjoy maintaining gardens on
weekday evenings and weekends. I would like to extend my
services to those living in the community for an hourly fee.
I am available for spring clean up, plant maintenance
and balance.
Amanda C. Roberts
(202) 285-6060

**** From: Rebecca Drobis <rebecca@rebeccadrobis.com>
NATURAL PHOTOGRAPHS OF YOUR CHILDREN/FAMILY!
Looking for dynamic and unposed portraits of your children?
Professional photographer specializes in environmental images
of kids, adolescents and families.
Reasonable fee, please contact for samples, resume, inquiries.
Rebecca Drobis, Documentary
Portrait Photographer
rebecca@rebeccadrobis.com or 310.903.7225

**** From: Jim Greene <jpgreene@erols.com>
RENOVATION DISPOSAL & SALE.
Will entertain any reasonable offers where $$ prices are listed
1. Pine drop-leaf table, 38” L x 21”W x 28”H. with 8”
leaves (approx 39 x 38 w/ leaves up), turned legs, removable
for transport. Needs sanding and coat of varnish on top. FREE
2. Olivetti portable typewriter, with cover, case and instruction
book – FREE
3. Silver plated water pitcher, 1 ½ to 2 quart capacity, marked
on bottom “Academy, silver on copper”, 6 ½” H, 4 ¾” across. $ 10.00
4. Reed & Barton silver plated water pitcher, 48 oz., mark on
bottom “5662” $ 10.00
5. Stereo System – $ 200.00
Magnavox single CD player w/ manual
Pioneer stereo receiver/tuner w/ manual
Pair JBL speakers (14 W x 22 H x 8 D) with wooden adjustable floor stands
Cables, wires, surge protector
6. Square country drop-leaf wooden end table – 29”H x 19 D X 17” W
(leaves down) or 35.5 “W (leaves up) - came from Harpers Ferry area
$ 50.00
7. Black halogen floor lamp, modern style $ 20.00
8. Antique brass magazine or firewood holder with loop handle
15” L x 10.5” W x 11 “ D, $ 50.00
9. Draftsman’s or artist’s work light, brown, weighted base,
spring loaded to stay in any position, adjusts to 33” high maximum.
$ 25.00
Call (202) 966-0731 or e-mail jpgreene@erols.com

SCHOOL FUNDRAISER
From: email-janneyrn@starpower.net

School Without Walls Fundraiser at Politics & Prose
Saturday, March 25 9am-11pm
Come support the School Without Walls and learn about this
exciting alternative Senior High School from former Janney/
Deal students. We will have students there most of the day to
answer your questions. Purchase books, CDs, DVDs for
yourself or support the school by purchasing books for
classrooms and the library. We will have wish lists from
teachers and the librarian to help guide your shopping. Be
sure to spread the word to friends, coworkers, and neighbors.
Any books purchased that day will benefit Walls, as long as
the purchaser mentions the school at checkout.
Politics and Prose is located at 5015 Connecticut Avenue NW.
The store will be open from 9am to 11pm on the day of the Book
Fair. We look forward to seeing you!

WISCONSIN AVENUE BEAUTIFICATION
From: KColombant@aol.com

Dear Friends and Neighbors,
March and April are fund raising months for the
Wisconsin Avenue Beautification Project.

Last year we organized two clean-up days; we mulched
the entire project twice; we did new planting along the
west side of the avenue, getting grass to grow and having
it mowed regularly during the summer. We worked with
American University on the maintenance of Tenley Circle
and with DC Parks and Recreation on the maintenance
of the triangle park at Wisconsin avenue and Fessenden
street. In the Fall we planted pansies along the project.

We were able to do some maintenance and planting in
2005 , but not as much as would have liked because
donations were down and the number of volunteers has
decreased.

We hope that this year you will provide greater support
for this project by volunteering on our clean-up days
(next one is on April 29) and by making a generous
contribution.

Checks can be made out to WABP (Wisconsin Avenue
Beautification Project) and are tax deductible. The address
for the project is 4439 Davenport st. NW,
Washington DC 20016.
If you need more information call Kersti at 202 966 88 37.

Many thanks for your support
Jo Cooper
Project Chair

The Wisconsin Avenue Beautification Project is a partnership
effort among local residents, businesses, and insitutions to
relandscape Wisconsin Avenue between Tenley Circle and
Fessenden Street.

NORTHWEST SPORT & HEALTH CLUB
From: vstewart@shcorp.com

Want to get fit where YOU “fit in”? Do you want to dress down,
not up to work out? Do you want to prove that 50 is the new 40?
Do you want a club that wakes up when you do? Well, IT’S YOURS
….at NORTHWEST SPORT & HEALTH. We have everything to
take care of your fitness needs: Great classes from muscle sculpting,
group cycling, kickboxing to yoga, belly dance and pilates. The
latest cardio machines and weight equipment. But above all we
have a fabulous staff to make sure your fitness experience is a great
one! Northwest Sport & Health is located at 4001 Brandywine St.
For more information, call 202-244-6090 or check us out at
www.sportandhealth.com.

----------
From: KS – This is a great little gym. I highly recommend it.

IN THE EVENT YOU WALLET, PURSE, CREDIT CARDS
OR CHECK BOOK IS LOST OR TAKEN
From: edw3qc@comcast.net

The following suggestions or actions should be followed to
prevent identity theft.

The next time you order checks have only your initials (instead
of first name) and last name put on them. If someone takes
your checkbook, they will not know if you sign your checks with
just your initials or your first name, but your bank will know how
you sign your checks

Do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, put
"PHOTO 10 REQUIRED".

When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts,
DO NOT put the complete account number on the "For" line.
Instead, just put the last four numbers. The credit card company
knows the rest of the number, and anyone who might be handling
your check as it passes through all the processing channels won't
have access to it.

Never put your telephone or social security numbers on your checks.
You can add it if it is required (ex. IRS). But if it’s printed anyone can
get it.

We have been told we should cancel our credit cards immediately.
But the key is having telephone numbers and card numbers handy
so you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them.
On the computer, in the trunk of your car is where I keep mine.

File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your credit
cards, etc., were stolen. This proves to credit providers you were
diligent, and this is a first step toward an investigation (if there
ever is one).

But here's what is perhaps most important of all:
(I never even thought to do this.)
Call the 3 national credit-reporting organizations immediately to
place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number.
The alert means any company that checks your credit knows
your information was stolen, and they have to contact you by
phone to authorize new credit.

Now, here are the numbers you always need to contact about
your wallet, etc., having been stolen:
1.) Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271
2.) Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
3.) Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742 4.) Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289

CONCERT SERIES
From: Shirley Moyer – semoyer@comcast.net
Phone: 410-721-8523 or 443-370-4020 (cell)
New two-concert series presented by the arts council of
Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church features
winners of the New York piano competition of the
Stecher & Horowitz foundation

New Partnership to be Launched Sunday, March 26 at 4:00 p.m.
Two young artists, both major prize winners of the New York
Piano Competition, are the inaugural artists in the new Young
Artists Both Sunday concerts – March 26 and June 11 - are at 4 p.m.
at Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church, 3
401 Nebraska Avenue NW. Free. 202-363-4900

The first concert of the series on Sunday, March 26 features
twenty-two year old Utah-native Jonathan Coombs. His program
will include Beethoven, Beach, Bartok, Schumann and
Mily Balakirev.

The June 11 concert features Tbilisi-born pianist Natalia Kazaryan.

CATS IN SEARCH OF HOMES

**** From: Anita at 1-410-798-6768
Flossie, at about 15 pounds, is a mouser extraordinaire.
She's a big country girl who is gentle with people but a
terror to rodents. She can be an indoor or an indoor/outdoor
cat. Her color is a pretty grey and black striped tiger. Her
owner died and she needs new territory to hunt and a new
home. She was well cared for and is spayed and up to date
on her shots.

**** From: Darnot@aol.com
Poor little Sophie was rescued from a high kill shelter on the
day she was going to be euthanized. She was so happy at her
foster home--she thought she'd finally found safe haven. But
her foster mom could not keep her as she already had a house
full of cats so Sophie was moved to a rescue. She is a sleek
black mink stole of a girl at 2 years old. She is fine with kids
and cats. She has never been with dogs, but would probably do
fine with them if they are gentle with her. She loves to play,
sunbathe in a window seat, sleep in your lap, or get on top of
your computer and swat at the screen while you're working!
She is an easy going girl who wants to fit in! Won't you give
her a chance? She is up to date on shots, tested, and spayed.
Please contact cawad@cox.net.

–END –