COMMUNIT-E
July 13, 2006
COMMUNITY FAIR THIS SATURDAY
From: evemel8@aol.com
On Saturday, July 15th, 2006, the MPD will be having a gathering
with the community and on behalf of them, as part of the city-wide
initiative called "40 Days of Peace." It is intended to promote positive
family activities within the community. Forest Hills Park is located
adjacent to the parking lot of the 7th Day Adventist Church on
Chesapeake Street, N.W., on the East side of Connecticut Avenue,
N.W.
Set-up will start at 12 Noon. The event begins at 1pm. Aside from
a moon bounce and popcorn, there will also be a cotton candy machine!
We are still hoping for the band at 2 pm but that's entirely up
to the community response. Epicurean Restaurant is helping us with a
hot dog and hamburger barbecue! The event will end at 6 pm.
Clean-up follows until 7 pm.
Melissa E. Haendler
(Civilian Co-facilitator to the Lieutenant, PSA 203,
2nd District Precinct, MPDC)
[There is more about this fair at the end of this issue of
COMMUNIT-E – – Kathy Smith ]
TWO HEADS UP
**** From: Hilary Dove <hilarypelldove@yahoo.com>
Today my mother and I were driving around 1:20 pm. I was on
45th taking a left onto Ellicott where I had the right of way.
There was a brand new BMW SUV coming down Ellicott
that was supposed to stop at the stop sign, but instead ignored
it completely. Since I was in the road having the right of way,
I blocked him some. He gave me flack and I told him to back
off as I have the right of way.
He then turned around and followed me. He stopped when I
had stopped to start parking and told me to **&* off. I told him
he had broken the law, that this street has lots of kids and people
need to stop using it as a fast thorough fare, and to please
stop being rude in front of my child. Anyway, he finally went away.
The car was a dark BMW SUV with temporary tags with something
like 913503 V. If you see him and he is lurking around, please keep
your eyes out. Thanks!
**** From: David <howcroft@msn.com>
WARNING - Wash & Shine Car Wash
Last Saturday morning I took our car to the Wash & Shine Car Wash
at 5020 Wisconsin Ave. While waiting out front for it to finish, the
manager, who was a "Mr Hans" advised that I had a flat tire, claiming
I must have run over a nail. It was obvious to me that the car wash
equipment had malfunctioned and the car had somehow apparently
jumped the automatic track and hit part of the machinery. The tire had
a five inch gash in the tread. The front left bumper trim was also
crushed in and the rear left quarter panel had new scratches. Mr. Hans
insisted that it was a nail and refused to provide a refund, owner or
insurance information.
Upon reaching home, we called the DC Police and Officer Roberts
responded; he was professional and a pleasure to deal with. He advised
the Police were aware of other "incidents" with that particular Car Wash
including a broken windshield and he personally had witnessed an Audi
get a flat there just the day before.
The Car Wash is incorporated as "Automotive Center of America" with
a Joseph Claudio listed as the representative. This information will be
necessary for Small Claims Court as our damage is approximately $500.
Meanwhile, I would be interested to hear from anyone else that has
experienced problems with the Wash & Shine Car Wash, especially
the Audi driver. The investigating Officer also advised in the future to
always call them from the actual scene and wait there for them to respond.
Apparently their Reports are tied to address and not business name,
since he came to our house, that is now the address on the report which,
in this case, would make it more difficult to pull any potential info
concerning other Wash & Shine Car Wash "incident" reports.
[I cut out some of David’s detail. Please contact
him for additional information – – Kathy Smith]
FREE LANDSCAPING STONES
From: Laura Akgulian <laura@marginata.com>
The response to my listing about stones was astonishing. Many of you
wrote within minutes, at least a dozen more soon after. Sorry, folks,
our 30+ containers are gone! For those who went away empty
handed, I promised to share their predicament with the community.
If you come across stones--of any size!--while digging in your yard
or garden, instead of throwing them away, please toss them in containers
& notify COMMUNIT-E: your neighbors are eager to use them! Among
those who contacted us were landscapers, a homeowner building a wall,
a neighbor adding a pond, someone constructing a "dry river bed look"
to discourage weeds from returning, and more. With this much demand
right here in the neighborhood, I can't believe we waited a decade to
distribute them and even thought about dumping them in Rock Creek
Park. People offered to drive over immediately to take them off our hands.
What easier way to share the bounty? Let's keep those stones rolling...good
luck, one and all!
REPORTING BUSES
From: Robert Hyman <roberthyman@erols.com>
I recently witnessed a metro bus run a clearly red light in the
2300 block of Wisconsin Ave in front of the Whole Foods store.
Two people were already in the crosswalk as he sped by. I noted
the bus number and time and then called the Metro Complaint hot
line at 202-637-1328. Surprisingly enough I did not have to wait
long to speak to a representative who took my information. Please,
if you see a Metro bus being operated in an unsafe manner, note the b
us number located on the rear upper section and call 202-637-1328.
You could be saving a life! Robert Hyman, Glover Park
COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
**** From: Kathy Smith
I would like to recommend Kevin Rozier for electrical work.
He has done several jobs for me, including the installation
of an attic fan. His work is excellent and his charges are
very reasonable. He can be reached at 202-841-8021.
**** From: Ruth Rose – ruthrose678@hotmail.com
Can anyone recommend someone who does a quality job with
clothes alterations for reasonable prices (i.e. cheaper than at the
dry cleaners)? Thanks much!
**** From: <jslattery@bloomberg.net>
Our wonderful nanny of 6 years is looking for extra hours
in the aft from 3 to 5 or 3 to 6 pm. Preferably in upper northwest. Available
now beginning in early july. If interested pls call me julie her employer
at 202
237 1977. Txs. Julie
**** From: Brennan.Ross@epamail.epa.gov
FREE: Gasoline-powered mower with mulching attachment.
Badly needs tune-up. Contact Ross at brennan.ross@alum.colby.edu.
**** From: KDH20016@aol.com
I would like to recommend an excellent house painter:
Roberto Gramajo, whose firm, R&G Painting, Inc., is licensed
and insured. I have never in all my 28 years of home ownership
in the District been so pleased with any contractor as I have been
with him. He is meticulous, punctual, honest, hardworking, and
reliable, as well as courteous, professional, and personable.
My house is a wood frame colonial built in 1923, and requires high
maintenance on a regular basis. It has been painted many times,
but never with such care and detail - and at a very reasonable, fair
price! And on schedule! If you need exterior or interior painting,
please give Roberto a call at (202)243-8789 or (202)907-8349.
You may also call me at (202)966-9244, as I am more than happy
to be a reference for him, or drive by my house and take a look for
yourself at an example of his work.
Kenneth Heisler
**** From: Copingptnr@aol.com
Will the person who wanted to borrow a chipper/shredder
(an item in a previous newsletter) please contact me? We may
be able to work out a deal, if you would be willing to shred my
compost when you borrow. Susan Beale (202) 363-0976.
**** From: Jacinda Cannon <jacinda.cannon@gmail.com>
I live in Tenleytown and I am looking for a reasonably priced but
reputable tennis instructor for private or group lessons. Do you know
of anyone?
Thanks! Jacinda
**** From: Yuri, Mrs. Olga E. (WDC) <yuriolga@paho.org>
Announcement 1
Birthday Cakes! AU Park Resident (45th and Chesapeake Sts).
Homemade pound cakes. Will decorate with fondant and gum paste!
I have been making and decorating cakes for many years and my
friends have finally convinced me to “go out there” and start selling
cakes. So here I am! Call for ideas on cakes and prices:
Olga: 202-244-4741.
Announcement 2
My wonderful, caring 11 year daughter is willing to babysit, be a
“mother”s helper”, walk your dog, watch your house while you are
out of town, water your plants, etc, (either for some cash for movies,
etc. or voluntary/community service hours) during the summer months.
Since she hasn’t taken the CPR course, I will be willing to supervise
while she babysits for you. We have been residents in AU Park for
about 1 ½ yrs. She is in 7th grade and attends Annunciation School.
Good references available. If interested, call me (the mother) Olga Yuri
at 202-244-4741 or 202-294-3834.
**** From: Carol Barth <carolbarth@starpower.net>
For Sale
Dining Room Set - 1930's mahogany - 52" table with 2 - 10" leaves,
china cupboard, buffet & server chests. Also 6 caned back chairs
from a different set. $750/negotiable. Available immediately
**** From: "Ellis, Susan" [susanwashdc@comcast.net] My retirement
plan is to grow fig trees (from my two large healthy ones) in my
greenhouse and sell them for about $30 when they are a couple of feet tall.
They are strong and bear many fruit each fall. Anyone interested please
contact me.
**** From: Deborah Dougherty <deborahd@millkern.com>
Currently there are 2 openings in my Yoga Therapy class (Thursday
nights at 7:00). This class is especially suitable for anyone interested
in releasing tight neck, shoulder and back muscles.
During each 90-minute class you will:
* Learn the best stretches to release tight muscles;
* Learn exercises to do at home;
* Work with simple props (i.e., bands and small balls) to release
muscles;
* Work to safely strengthen the underlying muscles which
contribute to back, neck and shoulder pain.
Classes are on-going, enroll at anytime. All classes are semi-private,
in a fully-equipped studio. Each 5-week session costs $85.
Call (202) 462-6234 for further information.
Deborah Dougherty
MS, RYT
Certified Thai Yoga Massage
**** From: barbara dinsmore <barabaradinsmore@msn.com>
CD CASES - I have about 100 empty CD cases that our children have
left at home. Is anyone interested in them? Free for the taking or I would
be happy to deliver.
Many thanks.
Barbara Dinsmore
**** From: starr kopper <starrkop@starpower.net>
I still have my one bedroom furnished apartment for rent in McLean
Gardens. Sunny, charming, quiet. please email me or call 207-255-4363
Thanks. Starr Kopper
CRIMES IN THE CITY AND THE ‘HOOD
If you’ve read the Washington Post over the last two
days, you’ll know that robberies have occurred in places
where they don’t usually happen, such as The Mall.
There have also been an increase in homicides, including
the recent one in Georgetown. Chief Ramsey has declared
a crime emergency (see July 12 Washington Post for details).
The following Post article discusses the role of juveniles
in committing crimes:
>From The Washington Post:
D.C. Police Chief Lobbies for Access To Youth Records
Local Coalition Criticizes Bill Introduced by Council Chairman
By Petula Dvorak
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, June 13, 2006; Page B02
Juvenile crime is rising in the District, and D.C. Police Chief Charles
H. Ramsey spent yesterday afternoon trying to sell a D.C. Council
committee on a controversial plan to help buck the trend.
Ramsey wants the case records of the most dangerous juvenile offenders
-- information he says is often unavailable to investigators because of
privacy laws -- released to his department.
"One out of every six juveniles arrested in D.C. today is charged with a
violent offense, compared with one out of every 20 adults arrested,"
Ramsey said in testimony before the council's Judiciary Committee.
"Today, it is not uncommon for us to see packs of three or four or more
juveniles, some of them armed, committing street robberies in our city."
After a weekend in which five homicides occurred, including the shooting
of a 28-year-old man on his porch by four teenage assailants, Ramsey
said his detectives need better tools to track underage suspects who
drift in and out of the juvenile justice system below the official radar.
Ramsey spoke on behalf of a bill introduced by D.C. Council Chairman
Linda W. Cropp (D) that would give police access to criminal records of
juveniles, home addresses of the juveniles and their family members and
other sensitive information. Police would be able to find out, for
example, about placements in group homes or juvenile detention facilities.
The records would be made available only for juveniles arrested three or
more times or for juveniles accused of a single violent crime or
unauthorized use of a vehicle, according to the bill.
The Justice 4 D.C. Youth! Coalition -- a group of parents, youths and
community advocates -- criticized the bill as an unnecessary intrusion
that could lead to police harassment. Other critics said they feared the
confidential information would be leaked to the public, causing further
harm.
Police can get the information they need on a case-by-case basis, said
Joseph B. Tulman, a professor at the University of the District of
Columbia law school.
The council hearing drew testimony from a group of youths who said the
relationship between juveniles and police is already an uneasy one. The
group said giving police access to their records could lead to
harassment and prompt police to create lists of "good" and "bad" kids.
"Kids are supposed to get a second chance," said Larry Prescott, 16, a
student at Caesar Chavez Public Charter School, who spoke along with
other classmates .
Ramsey said police are talking about the youths who get fourth, fifth
and sixth chances, because young offenders are usually on the street
soon after being arrested, and they turn the juvenile justice system
into a revolving door.
"The kids think it's a joke, and, quite frankly, it is," Ramsey said.
Police said the perfect case for the bill came up at the department's
morning crime briefing yesterday. Officials discussed a juvenile who was
arrested in January for stealing a car, in March for stealing another
car, last month for robbery and last weekend for a more violent robbery,
Executive Assistant D.C. Police Chief Michael J. Fitzgerald. Without
access to records, "we wouldn't get to know where he is" once he leaves
court, Fitzgerald said.
Council member Phil Mendelson (D-At Large), who heads the Judiciary
Committee, said the earliest the bill could come up for a vote by the
full council would be in the fall.
NEED HOME IMPROVEMENT AFTER THE HEAVY RAIN? DCRA
WARNS RESIDENTS TO BE "SMART CONSUMERS"
From: dcracommunications@dc.gov
>From DCRA’s Communications Team
Need Home Improvement After the Heavy Rain?
DC's Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs
Warns Residents to be "Smart Consumers"
Do you have a wet basement, problems with gutters or
other issues after days of rain?
The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) is reminding
District residents to be savvy consumers when dealing with home
improvement contractors.
"While the unprecedented days of rain may have created urgent needs for
home repair, consumers should verify that a home improvement contractor
has a valid Basic Business License before agreeing to any work or signing
any contracts," said DCRA Director Patrick Canavan, Psy.D. "A Basic
Business License lets residents know that a home improvement contractor
has met the criteria to do business in the District. DCRA also has the
power to take action if work is not performed to a reasonable standard.
Residents should also take the time to get estimates from a few home
improvement contractors," said Canavan.
Consumers can verify Basic Business License information online at:
http://rplv.dcra.dc.gov
or by calling 442-4400.
Here are some tips from DCRA's Consumer Corner:
Guidelines to Follow When Working With a Home Improvement Contractor:
• Ask for a written estimate.
• Refuse to sign a contract that does not have all blank spaces filled in.
• Get two copies of a written statement of your right to cancel the
contract within three business days (if you signed it in your home or at
a
place that is not the seller’s permanent place of business).
• Ask for proof that the contract has been approved by DCRA (it has the
cancellation clause).
• Ask for a copy of the contract after you sign it.
• Ask for names and license numbers of all salespersons or contractors who
participated in negotiating the contract.
• Approve any charges that are more than the written estimate.
• Refuse to pay for work that is not covered in the contract and that you
did not previously approve.
• Ask for written warranties for materials and workmanship.
• Ask for proof that all subcontractors and suppliers have been paid,
before you pay the final installment.
• Ask for a receipt for your payment.
Contract Guidelines
Any contract you get should include the following:
• Name, address, phone number, and license number of the home improvement
contractor.
• Description of the work to be done and the materials to be used.
• Payment terms.
• Approximate start date and completion date, which should not change
except by written agreement between you and the contractor
Tip-offs to a Potential Scam
Not all contractors work within the law. Here are some tip-offs to
potential rip-offs:
A less than reputable contractor does the following:
• Solicits door-to-door.
• Offers you discounts for finding other customers.
• Happens to have materials left over from a previous job.
• Accepts cash payments only.
• Does not list a business number in the local phone directory.
• Tells you your job will be a “demonstration.”
• Pressures you to make a decision right away.
• Offers extra-long guarantees.
• Asks you to pay for the whole job up front.
• Suggests that you borrow money from a lender the contractor knows. If
you’re not careful, you could lose your home through a home improvement
loan scam.
If You Have a Problem
If you have a problem with your home improvement project, first try to
resolve it with the contractor. Many disputes can be resolved at this
level. Follow any phone conversations with a letter you send by certified
mail. Request a return receipt. That’s your proof that the company
received your letter. Keep a copy for your files.
Who to Call for Help
If you can’t get satisfaction, consider contacting these organizations for
more help:
• DCRA: (202) 442-4400, dcra.dc.gov
• The Office of the Attorney General (OAG): (202) 442-9828, oag.dc.gov
• The Better Business Bureau: (202) 393-8000, mybbb.org
• National Association of Home Builders: (202) 266-8200, nahb.com
Tips from DCRA's Consumer Corner:
http://www.dcra.dc.gov/dcra/cwp/view,a,1343,q,635148.asp
Basic Business License information: http://mblr.dc.gov/◊
The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs protects the health,
safety, economic interests, and quality of life of residents, businesses,
and visitors in the District of Columbia by issuing licenses and permits,
conducting inspections, enforcing building, housing, and safety codes,
regulating land use and development, and providing consumer education and
advocacy services.
INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE STUDENTS
From: Kathryn Ray and Dennis Beaufort <kcrdlb@gmail.com>
For several years, my family has volunteered with AFS ( http://afs.org/
),
an international high school exchange student program. We have hosted
2 girls from Japan (one of whom we are visiting in August.) The students
live with a family for the school year, and are treated as a son or daughter.
AFS also partners with the State Dept. (YES program) to bring young
Muslim students to the US to promote international understanding. Our
immediate need is for a host family in DC for a female teen from Indonesia.
We need to place her with a permanent family, but right now we are trying,
at minimum, to find a "welcome" family to host her until a permanent family
can be found.
Please contact us for more information about this student
and the program.
All YES/AFS students receive a stipend, are 100% insured
by AFS, and the students are 100% supported by the AFS
organization and its volunteers. You can read more about
AFS Intercultural Programs through its website at www.afs.org
.
We accept all types of families. Our chapter places students in
the Maryland and Virginia suburbs, as well as DC.
If you would like to have an opportunity to open your home a
nd your heart to this student, please call Chana Hays,
AFS Chair in DC, at 202 265 8744 .
Our chapter sends U.S. students abroad, as well as hosts
students here. If your child might be interested in spending
a year of high school in another country, please consider
hosting a student first. Your child will gain valuable insight.
Feel free to call me with any questions.
Thanks.
Kathryn
202 244-0770
[I cut out some of Kathryn’s detail. Please
contact her for additional information – – Kathy Smith]
COMMUNITY FAIR (continued)
From: evemel8@aol.com
We’re having a bad that does R & B and jazz. The band leader,
Seth Kibel, plays extraordinary sax and clarinet. And Shaun is
a fantastic keyboard player! As it goes, w can get, for a very
good price, between 3 and 4 musicians! Very cool.
We have only between $50 and $250 left to raise, folks, if
all who said they would contribute DO so! I, myself, believe
in this and am contributing $120. Heck, why not? We have a
party filled with people we know, free barbecue, live
entertainment, a moon bounce, face painting (if some nice
folks you know would please volunteer) AND most of us do
not even have to drive home - we can walk!!
Can you please let me know very soon if there is anything you
can contribute to the band, even if it's $20? Call me!
Also, we still need volunteers to help out, clean up, bring
refreshments.. Anyone out there? Call me, Call me!
Thank you so much!
Melissa 202-244-6021, any time is all right!
– END–