11th Annual Brookland Day Festival - Saturday September 29th

11th Annual Brookland Day Festival 2007
Saturday September 29th, 2007, 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
12th Street, NE (between Monroe and Otis Streets)

Brookland, one of Washington DC's Main Street communities, will hold its 11th annual Brookland Day Festival on Saturday, September 29th, 2007. The festival is a community-oriented event for all ages and it always captures and highlights the special small-town-in-town flavor of Brookland.

At 10:30 a.m., a parade featuring bands and the Festival's spoof brigades of neighborhood residents, including phalanxes of dog walkers, lawnmower pushers, and baby stroller pushers, will march up 12th Street from Franklin Street to Michigan Avenue, NE.

Between 12:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., performance and exhibit pavilions, including nonprofit organizations, businesses, and arts and crafts exhibitors, will be featured in booths along Brookland's commercial district, on 12th Street, between Monroe and Otis Streets, NE.

Performance stages will feature the ADTI Inspirational Choir and Moroccan Ensemble led by percussionist Jason Walker, the Archie Edwards Blues Foundation, Bemcha - a latin Jazz ensemble, the Backyard Blues Band with members of Barrellhouse Brawl, the salsa group Movimiento, the Brian Settles jazz trio, and demonstrations by Northeast Tae Kwon Do, Dance Place's Carla & Company, and DC World Beat Ensemble, among others. You can view the complete performance schedule here.

Click here to see a slide show from the 2006 festival.

Festival Schedule:
Parade, 10:30 a.m.-12:00 noon
12th Street NE, between Rhode Island and Michigan Avenues

Children's Fest, 12:30-4:30 p.m.
Newton Street NE, between 12th and 13th Streets

Entertainment & Exhibits, 12:30-5:00 p.m.
12th Street NE, between Newton and Monroe Streets

Arts & Crafts Fair, 12:30-5:00 p.m.
12th Street NE, between Otis and Newton Streets


The Festival is sponsored by Citibank, DC Lottery, Douglas Development Corporation, EYA, Mayor Fenty's Constituent Services Fund, Horning Brothers, Keller Williams Capital Properties, Menkiti Group, PNC Bank, Verizon, and The Washington Post.

The festival is coordinated by the Brookland Community Development Corporation, the parent organization of Historic Brookland Main Street, the commercial district revitalization program working with property owners, business proprietors, residents, and other stakeholders to bring about focused improvements to the commercial district.

For further information on sponsorship or to participate in any events, contact the Brookland Festival Committee by phone at 202-526-4848 or e-mail rl.brookland@yahoo.com.

**Volunteers are still needed in the following areas:

Set up: 7:30-10 a.m. (10 volunteers needed to help filling balloons, setting up tents and chairs, decorating the children's area etc)

Cloths Line Art Sale 8:00-10:00 a.m. and 12-5 p.m. (2 volunteers needed for each shift to help set up and hang art for sale and assist in transactions throughout the day)

Parade Marshals: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (10 volunteers needed to help coordinate parade participants, block off streets and direct participants during the parade)

Clean Up: 5-6 p.m. (10 volunteers needed to help take down the tents and decorations and put away chairs and tables)

Please email Mary Hodges at maryphodges@gmail.com to sign up for any of these volunteer jobs.

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Neighborhood Tours of Brookland
Saturday September 29th, 2007 - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
As part of Cultural Tourism DC's WalkingTown DC program, the Brookland Tour Committee will be offering neighborhood tours throughout the day. Teh "History of Brookland" tour offers insights into the development of the one-time trolley suburb and its rich heritage. Discover neighborhood architectural styles and the work of architects such as John Joseph Early, Howard Mackay, and Hilyard Robinson. See the homes of famous residents such as Ralph Bunche, Justine Ward, and Pearl Bailey (or in some cases, the sites where their homes once stood). Each tour is 1.5 hours long and meets at St. Anthony's Church at 3400 12th Street NE. Tours start at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m.

You can view more information as well as a listing of all the tours being offered that day here. You can also participate in the WalkingTown DC photo contest.

Dwellings Will Be Closing Soon

Less than a month after Basements & Attics abruptly closed, Brookland's Dwellings will be closing soon:

Dear Friends & Customers,

It is with much sadness that we must announce that Dwellings will be closing at the end of October 2007. Although it was our desire to be a part of the Brookland landscape for many years to come, the store was not growing at a rate that could ultimately sustain itself. We truly enjoyed serving the Brookland community and will miss the relationships that we established with so many of you. We sincerely thank you for your patronage during the past 2 1/2 years.

Yours truly,
Roz Moore
Owner

This is a terrible loss and a severe blow to the revitalization of Brookland's retail core. While many in Brookland want to see a more dynamic and successful commercial "main street" along 12th Street, the fact remains that the neighborhood's density, along with the selection of businesses, are factors in the corridor's struggle to become a destination for shoppers. And while we'd all like shops and restaurants that serve "us" (however broadly or narrowly each resident defines "us"), we have two university communities right next door who would also utilize a commercial strip that serves them. I'd love to see the same number of CUA and Trinity students populating 12th Street Thursday-Saturday as I normally see on the Metro platform, taking their money out of Brookland and down the Red Line.

Would promoting that type of foot-traffic have kept these two stores open? Would it be the impetus for more - and better quality - sit-down restaurants along 12th?

We all seem to know what we want, but too often fight our neighbors and proposed density that will help get us there.

Volunteers and Participants Needed for the 2007 Brookland Day Festival on September 29th

From Mary Hodges and the Brookland Day Festival Planning Committee:

The Brookland Day Festival Planning Committee is in full force and could use some help from additional volunteers and participants.

Brookland Day is a great way to promote your company or organization to the Ward 5 community. If you would like to be in the parade or have a booth at the event, please contact me (Mary Hodges) at mary@menkitigroup.com or Richard Layman at rl.brookland@yahoo.com.

We are seeking help from volunteers in the following areas:

1. Exhibitor Recruitment (This would involve contacting a list of local community organizations, artists and craftsmen and businesses and encouraging them to participate in the festival)

2. Parade Participation Recruitment (Contact groups and encourage parade participation- antique car owners, duck tour etc.)

3. Event Promotion and Marketing (Work with designers to create flyers and distribute to local businesses and organizations)

4. Day of festival set up and cleanup support.

We meet Mondays from 7:00-8:00 p.m. at the Brookland Visitors Center. Please email me at mary@menkitigroup.com or call 202.243.7717 if you would like to volunteer.

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL:
The annual Brookland Day Festival on 12th Street NE between Monroe and Otis Streets is scheduled for Saturday, September 29th, 2007.

Greater Brookland celebrates this year the 80th Anniversary of what could be considered the first Brookland Festival, held in 1927 to celebrate the paving of 12th Street NE. The occasion included a parade, an 80-piece band, remarks by District Commissioners, and dancing at St. Anthony’s Hall.

In honor of this auspicious anniversary, we are planning a grand event, with special emphasis on expanding dance, music, and spoken word performances and on enhancing the Children’s Fest, an area of the Festival designed to engage children.

Mark your calendars for September 29th and be sure to join us for Ward 5's premier annual celebration!

Mary Hodges
202.243.7717
mary@menkitigroup.com

REMINDER: Tuesday Night Historic Brookland Farmers Market

4pm - 7 pm

10th and Otis Streets NE (adjacent to the Brookland subway station)

NOTE that we are tending to move the location to under the Michigan Avenue bridge, in case of inclement weather.

This week, Michigan Park neighbor Roxanne Carter joins the market with plants (grown locally) and baskets.

Tonight's market features peaches, apricots, more fruit and vegetables from Licking Bend Creek Farm in Pennsylvania and the Community Supported Agriculture/CSA producers Stoney Lonesome Farm from Gainesville, Virginia. Wonderful cookies and pastries come our way from Lynnette's Cakes and Catering (Virginia), and italian ices from Little Jimmy's Italian Ices (Woodridge DC).

From the Brookland CDC's Richard Layman:

Speaking of peaches, a great way to change your breakfast routine in the summer is to make fruit smoothies, with orange juice and ice, or with yogurt and ice (or both). This morning I had a peach banana smoothie, featuring "scratch and dent" peaches from D&S Farm (from the Sunday Market).

There will be plenty of peaches at the Tuesday Market, that you can use to perfect your own smoothie recipe.

This internet recipe for a ginger peach smoothie sounds pretty good too:

4 Peaches Peeled & sliced
8 oz. Vanilla Yogurt
1/2 Tsp. Grated fresh ginger
2 Tbsp. Honey
1/3 Cup Orange Juice

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The SUNDAY MIDDAY MARKET is located on Newton Street NE, next to the CVS drug store. The hours are from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m, every Sunday through October 28th, 2007.

The TUESDAY TWILIGHT MARKET will remain at its location near the Brookland/CUA Metro Station for the convenience of commuters. It will be open each week from the hours of 4:00-7:00 p.m, every Tuesday through October 30th, 2007. The TUESDAY TWILIGHT MARKET is located on the grassy area on Otis Street NE, between 10th Street NE and the Brookland Metro station.

For more information, contact Richard Layman, Interim Program Manager
Historic Brookland Main Street Program
Brookland Community Development Corporation
Brookland Visitors Center
3420 9th Street NE ▪ Washington, DC 20017 ▪ phone 202-526-4848
BrooklandCDC@AOL.com ▪ www.HistoricBrookland.org

Brookland Bed & Breakfast Now Open!

David Fox has opened up the Brookland Bed & Breakfast, located at 3619 12th Street, NE. The B&B offers 5 double rooms and 1 single room at $85/night for the single and $95/night for the double; rooms are reserved via reservation only.

Amenities include:
· Clean, cozy, and convenient lodging for your visit to the Nation's Capital and at a reasonable price
· One block from the Brookland station on the Washington Metro system's Red Line
· A number of shops and services are located immediately around the B&B
· The B&B features five double rooms and one single room over two floors
· Continental breakfast served every morning from 7:30am to 9:30am
· Each room in the B&B features cable TV
· Complimentary wireless high speed internet access is also provided

For information or to make a reservation, please call 202.315.8714, or e-mail David at david@brooklandbandb.com.

"At Home in Brookland" Celebration & Related Events - Saturday, June 9th

At Home in Brookland event to celebrate the spirit of home
Saturday June 9th, 2007, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

The Historic Brookland Main Street program and businesses in the Greater Brookland neighborhood are sponsoring "At Home in Brookland," on Saturday, June 9, 2007, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 pm. Events will take place on 12th Street NE, Brookland's main commercial corridor, as well as on 9th Street NE, with complementary events in other parts of the neighborhood.

"At Home in Brookland" will feature events, demonstrations, and products to highlight and capture the spirit of home. Events will focus on purchasing, designing, furnishing, decorating, improving, repairing, entertaining, and relaxing at home.

(This event is designed to complement the annual Brookland House and Garden Tour, which is held the second Sunday of June. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the House Tour won't be held this year.)

Businesses and community organizations will be offering free trainings and presentations throughout the day, including:

- DC Fire and Emergency Services firehouse Engine Company 17 "reopening" open house celebrating the completion of an 18 month renovation project during which the firehouse was closed, 1227 Monroe Street, NE;
- the 20th anniversary open house and Community Media Day for DCTV, the District's community access cable television organization, 901 Newton Street, NE (Colonel Brooks Mansion);
- Community Computer Day at Byte Back, a community access computer training organization, 815 Monroe Street, NE;
- and the week long DanceAfrica event at Dance Place, the community and regional arts center devoted to the presentation and expansion of dance, 3225 8th Street, NE.

WALK THE BROOKLAND MILE: Community members are invited to put on their comfortable shoes and "Walk the Brookland Mile" to meet and greet local business owners and their neighbors, while exploring all the goods and services locally available for their home. Use the list below to locate participating businesses or look for the white tents or green, yellow, and blue balloons that mark the business locations. All participating businesses will have free bottled water.

Participating Businesses:
Allstate, 2901 12th Street NE
Keller Williams, 3124 12th Street NE
Keller Williams will hold an open house with free credit reports and Home Value Reports and will have a Moon Bounce for the children.
The Total Relaxation Store, 3101 12th Street NE
Visit Total Relaxation for a highly coveted Gift Certificate or for candles, soaps, and lotions to help you relax. Events include free Mini-Spa Treatments.
Basements & Attics, 3217 12th Street NE
Visit Basements & Attics, a re-sale/consignment furniture and home accessories shop. Proprietor Norvell Jackson invites you and your family to investigate new arrivals.
Classic Framing & Art, 3219 12th Street NE
Frame a family picture or special work of art at Classic Framing & Art or choose a work of art from their own collection.
Brookland True Value Hardware, 3501 12th NE
Brookland Hardware will be demonstrating an environmentally friendly, no chemicals carpet cleaning machine-the new Host Dry Carpet Cleaning System. Host can be used on all types of carpet, including wool and sisal.
Dwellings, 3509 12th Street NE
Dwellings will feature demonstrations throughout the day on entertaining at home, featuring wonderful tapenades and other gourmet treats.
Edward M. Johnson & Associates, 3612 12th Street NE
The Johnson pavilion will feature workshops on paint colors, building green, and renovation ideas.
Citibank, 3800 12th Street NE
PNC Bank, 3806 12th Street NE
Yes! Organic Market, 3809 12th Street NE
Petals Ribbons & Beyond, 3906 12th Street NE
Petals, Ribbons, & Beyond will be holding an outdoor tent sale, with birdhouses, plants, and summer wreaths. From 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm, visitors can learn the art of making a flower centerpiece. Those wishing to take a centerpiece home may do so for $15.00 (for flowers and container).
The Menkiti Group Sales Team and The Ilora Condos, 400 Evarts Street, NE
Menkiti Group will host the closing reception at the Ilora Condos from 4-6 PM with remarks by Councilmember Harry Thomas, Jr. as well as refreshments, a raffle drawing, and an opportunity to tour the first fully renovated Ilora condo unit.

For more information about "At Home In Brookland," contact Richard Layman, Interim Program Manager, Historic Brookland Main Street program, at 202.526.4848, or by email at rl.brookland@yahoo.com.

At Home in Brookland - Related events

Brookland Fire Station Reopening Celebration
After almost 2 years of renovations, Brookland's fire station (Engine Co. 17) has reopened! In celebration, Captain Redington and all our local firefighters and medics are hosting a neighborhood open house on Sat., June 9th from 10am to 5pm. Festivities will include:

*Free cook-out
*Free fire helmets and balloons for kids
*Tours of the fire engine and the paramedic unit
*Tours of the fire station, which still has its original brass fire pole
*Fire safety instruction for kids
*Antique fire apparatus on display

Come one, come all...The fire station is located at 1227 Monroe St, NE.

DCTV's Media Access Day / 20th Anniversary Celebration
DCTV cordially invites you to attend its 20th Anniversary Celebration Saturday, June 9th. DCTV will host an all day extravaganza of food, workshops, entertainment and games for the entire family. The all day event will be held at Brooks Mansion. A reservation is required.

Byte Back Community Computer Day
In conjunction with DCTV's Media Access Day / 20th Anniversary Celebration. Stop by for free classes on various topics and kids activities from 10am-5pm.

There will also be free computer recycling from 10 - 4. This is an opportunity to clean your house of that old computer equipment and dispose of it responsibly. We are especially looking for monitors - an organization that sends computers to Tanzania will be collecting the monitors.

If you have any questions, please contact Patricia M. Jayne, Executive Director at pjayne@byteback.org or 202.529.3395.

DanceAfrica presented by Dance Place
DanceAfrica, DC 2007 will run from June 4 through June 10, 2007. DC's 20th annual festival celebrates the dance and music of the African Diaspora. The vitality and richness of African culture is experienced through dance, music, visual arts, food, clothing and crafts. Through master classes, outreach to school children, a performance series and an African Marketplace, DanceAfrica, DC promotes a greater understanding of African culture and illuminates its importance to this city and the nation. The festival is hosted by artistic director and festival Griot, Chuck Davis.

The week long festival includes:
• Master Classes, June 4-10
• African Marketplace, June 9-10, 1:00 – Sundown
• FREE Outdoor Performances, June 9-10, 1:00 – 7:00 pm
• Indoor Target Family Series Matinees, Saturday, June 9 and Sunday,
June 10 at 3:00 pm
• Indoor Evening Performances, Saturday, June 9 and Sunday, June 10
at 8:00 pm

Where: Dance Place, 3225 8th Street, NE; two
blocks from Brookland/CUA red line subway station, free and convenient parking.

Tickets: Target Family Series Matinee Tickets: $20 day of, $15 in advance, $7 children 17 and under (part of the Target Family Series – each paying adult may reserve a free ticket for one child 12 & under.)

Evening Performance Tickets: $30 day of show, $25 in advance, $10 children 17 and under. To purchase tickets, call 202-269-1600.

Historic Brookland Farmers' Market Reopens this Weekend for the 2007 Season

The Historic Brookland Farmer’s Market reopens this spring for the 2007 season in two locations. The Historic Brookland Farmer's Markets are sponsored by the Historic Brookland Main Street program of the Brookland Community Development Corporation.

The SUNDAY MIDDAY MARKET launches on Sunday May 13th, on Brookland's Main Street, the 12th Street NE commercial district. It is located on Newton Street NE, next to the CVS drug store. The hours are from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m, every Sunday through October 28th, 2007.

The TUESDAY TWILIGHT MARKET will remain at its location near the Brookland/CUA Metro Station for the convenience of commuters. It launches on Tuesday June 5th, and will be open each week from the hours of 4:00-7:00 p.m, every Tuesday through October 30th, 2007. The TUESDAY TWILIGHT MARKET is located on the grassy area on Otis Street NE, between 10th Street NE and the Brookland Metro station.

At the beginning of this farming season, the markets will feature:

. freshly picked strawberries
. freshly picked vegetables
. freshly baked artisan breads (Sunday only at this time)
. Amish cheese
. eggs from happy chickens
. preserves
. ginger-related products (Sunday only)
. a variety of bedding plants
. fresh roasted coffee (Sunday only)

Farmers who participate in these producers-only markets grow food using low pesticide and organic methods. All food is grown within 150 miles of Washington, DC.

These farmers participate in a number of food support programs including:

. The Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC)
. The Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP)
. The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (Senior FMNP)

Dogs are welcome at the Market, but must be kept away from the farmer's stalls. Please leave your dog with the Market Master while you shop for food.

Note to community organizations: The Main Street program would like to extend the invitation to Ward 5 organizations to exhibit at the Sunday Farmers Market, which provides your organization the opportunity to introduce your organization to the patrons of the Brookland commercial district. The intent is to feature a different organization each week. There is no cost for exhibiting. The Main Street program will provide a tent, but you would have to provide your own table and chair(s).

For more information, contact Richard Layman, Interim Program Manager
Historic Brookland Main Street Program
Brookland Community Development Corporation
Brookland Visitors Center
3420 9th Street NE ▪ Washington, DC 20017 ▪ phone 202-526-4848
BrooklandCDC@AOL.com ▪ www.HistoricBrookland.org

Shop in Brookland for Mother's Day Gifts, Dwellings Tea Party - Saturday, May 12th

Upcoming events from Dwellings (3509 12th Street, NE), including tomorrow's Tea Party:

Tea Party
Saturday, May 12th, 2007, from 11am to 7pm
Red tea? Green tea? White tea? Black Tea? Join us as we celebrate the vast spectrum of tea. Taste a variety of teas from The Republic of Tea & Tea Forte.

Learn about where different teas originate, their healthful benefits, and some great tea recipes. Receive tips on how to plan a tea party with panache!

Memorial Day Weekend Holiday Cook-In
Saturday, May 26th, 2007, from 11am to 7pm
Kick-off the cook-out season at our Memorial Day Weekend Holiday Cook-in! Enjoy tasty tapenades, zesty mustards, and grilling sauces by Wildly Delicious. Sample sweets from Dean & Deluca. Quench your thirst with a cup of Passion Fruit Papaya Iced Tea by The Republic of Tea. Receive great ideas on how to host the ultimate cook-out!

"Entertaining at Home" Demonstration
Saturday, June 9th, 2007, from 10am to 5pm
Whether planning a dinner party for 10 or hosting an unexpected guest, Dwellings will show you how easy it is to entertain at home. With our Wildly Delicious line of products, we'll demonstrate how to serve gourmet food in seconds, including oven roasted tomato bruschetta, chicken with blood orange & ginger teriyaki glaze, and cheese with cranberry & port compote.

We'll also mix up a variety of summer iced teas that your guests will be sure to love!

» Dwellings 2007 calendar of events
» Sign up here for updates
» Through the entire month of May, save 10% at select Brookland merchants with the ad below (click on it for larger size to print or clip it from the May issue of DC North)

Brookland Multi-Modal Transportation & Streetscape Study Final Community Meeting - Tuesday, April 24th

What: The Final Community Meeting for the Brookland Multi-Modal Transportation and Streetscape Study (not to be confused with the ongoing Brookland/CUA Metro Small Area Plan)

When: Tuesday, April 24th, 2007, 6:30-8:30pm

Where: Saint Anthony's Church cafeteria, 3400 12th Street NE (between Lawrence and Monroe Streets)

Etc.:
Study Goals and Objectives
· Enhance transit connectivity, pedestrian and bicyclist safety, accessibility, and efficiency.
· Reduce traffic congestion at key intersections.
· Reduce impact of truck traffic on residential neighborhoods.
· Lay the groundwork for future transportation investments.
· Reinforce a sense of place through creative and sustainable urban design, and create a safe, inviting, and interesting public realm that supports diversity of use and activities.

Check the project website to view and download the final report (March 2007, 166 page PDF).

For questions and special accommodations, please contact Sharlene Reed, Ward 5 Transportation Planner (Sharlene.Reed@dc.gov; 202.671.0493), or William Carlson (wcarlson@volkert.com; 703.642.8100).

Basements & Attics After-Work Gathering - Thursday, April 19th

Basements and Attics, 3217 12th Street NE, would like to invite our neighbors and friends this Thursday, April 19th, 6-9pm for an "After-Work Gathering" to say thank you for supporting us these last few years. Complimentary wine, food, and other refreshments will be available for the entire family.

The last time I visited this fabulous store, I picked up a Kodak Brownie Starlet in its original box with all the paperwork inside! The home furnishings are a mix of traditional and eclectic - luckily for my hubby I was walking that day and couldn't pick up a set of dining room chairs on a whim. Take a look at some new arrivals here.

12th Street NE Commercial Corridor Vandalized

Both the Brookland CDC (the site is still under reconstruction) and Richard Layman have brought to my attention the tagging of 12 buildings along Brookland's main street this past Wednesday, including our new Yes! Organic Market and the Historic Newton Theater/CVS. I also noticed a few weeks ago the back of the Long & Foster at the corner of Monroe and 12th had been tagged pretty heavily.


Many thanks in advance to Richard, the Brookland CDC, Alice Thompson - Ward 5 Neighborhood Service Coordinator, and DPW for cleaning this up in a timely fashion.

Brookland's Annual Celebration of Lights - December 15th-17th

HISTORIC BROOKLAND'S
ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF LIGHTS
Friday-Sunday, December 15-17, 2006
___________________________________________________

This year's Celebration of Lights, a three-day event that features a variety of activities on Historic Brookland's Main Street as well as Trolley Tours of the neighborhood's elaborate holiday light displays, will be held on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, December 15-17.

A Tree-Lighting event on Friday night at 6:30pm will kick off the Main Street Open House weekend, which includes caroling and other performances along 12th and 9th Streets NE, Friday late-night hours in gaily bedecked galleries and shops, craft demonstrations, special sales, refreshments, and a complimentary shuttle that will transport shoppers and revelers between areas of activity. Santa is expected to visit Main Street on Saturday.

The weekend culminates with a holiday reception at the Brookland Visitors Center and Trolley Tours with Master of Ceremonies John Feeley, who leads trolley-loads of revelers in song as they seek out the most spectacular light displays in Brookland. While waiting for the trolley to arrive, guests mingle with their neighbors, roast chestnuts, enjoy hot cider and an open fire, and listen to Christmas music. This is the 11th year of the Celebration of Lights, which has become a much loved tradition in Brookland and has expanded to include the community's relatively new Main Street program. The weekend's schedule of events is as follows:

Friday, December 15, 2006

Tree Lighting, 6:30-7:00pm
Southwest corner of 12th and Monroe Streets, NE

Main Street Open House, 6:30-9:00pm
12th Street NE, between Rhode Island and Michigan Avenues

Saturday, December 16, 2006

Main Street Open House continued, 11:00am-6:00pm
12th Street NE, between Rhode Island and Michigan Avenues

Visit From Santa Claus, 2:00-4:00pm
12th Street NE, between Monroe & Newton Streets

Sunday, December 17, 2006

Celebration of Lights Trolley Tour, 6:00-9:00pm
The Brookland Visitors' Center, 3420 9th Street, NE

Holiday Reception, 6:00-9:00pm
The Brookland Visitors' Center, 3420 9th Street, NE

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The Celebration of Lights Weekend is sponsored by The Brookland CDC and its Historic Brookland Main Street Program.

The weekend's activities are supported in part by THE WREATHS FOR BROOKLAND PROGRAM

The wreaths are in and are beautiful - order one while they last!

Yes! Organic Market Grand Opening - TOMORROW

That's right - TOMORROW, Wednesday, November 15th marks the grand opening of Brookland's very own Yes! Organic Market located at 3809 12th Street NE, on the southeast corner of the intersection of 12th and Quincy Streets, NE. The phone number is 832-7715. PLEASE NOTE THE PARKING LOT IS ACCESSED FROM 12TH STREET ONLY. Yay!

So Much to Do this Weekend!

Just a selection of the events going on this weekend in and around NE....

BROOKLAND COMMUNITY CLEAN-UP

What: In cooperation with CUA and the DC Department of Public Works' Helping Hand Program, the Brookland CDC is sponsoring a community clean-up in anticipation of the grand opening of Yes! Organic Market (I do not know the exact opening date yet). All tools and trash bags are being supplied through DPW.

When: Saturday, November 11th, 9am-12pm. The clean-up will be followed by a complimentary buffet lunch for all volunteers at the new Cardinal Club, 3514 12th Street, NE.

Where: The clean-up will begin at 12th and Michigan, then travel south along 12th Street picking up trash and cleaning out the tree boxes and planters through Monroe.

Etc.: Contact the Brookland CDC to volunteer at 202.529.8400 or brooklandcdc@aol.com, though I'm sure you'll be welcome if you simply show up.

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CHILDREN'S BOOK SIGNING AND ART EXHIBIT AT ROXANNE'S ARTIQUES

From the press release:

Roxanne’s ARTiques, located at 3426 9th Street NE, on Historic Brookland’s Gallery Row, across the street from the neighborhood landmark Colonel Brooks Tavern, will be showing art produced by the young students of the Harlem School of the Arts. The show features illustrations included in the children's book, Kara Finds Sunshine on a Rainy Day.

An opening reception will be held on Thursday, November 9, 2006, from 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm, featuring a book signing by author Caroline Brewer. On Saturday, November 11, 2006, from 1:00pm - 3:00pm, there will be a reading accompanied by music, and a book signing afterwards. The show will be displayed through Sunday November 12, 2006 [I have also heard the show will be on display through November 19th].

Kara Finds Sunshine on a Rainy Day is no ordinary book! All of the illustrations were produced by children, some as young as six years old, by students attending the prestigious Harlem School of the Arts in New York City and the Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey school system. The students created ceramics, pastel drawings, and collages in the style of Romare Bearden.

According to Brewer, "The theme of Kara Finds Sunshine on a Rainy Day is that the sun is always shining even when we can't see it. It's a book of hope and healing for all ages." Readers are introduced to courageous and inspirational historical figures, such as Rosa Parks, Anne Frank, Sitting Bull, Kim Phuc, Cesar Chavez, A. Phillip Randolph, and Mahatma Gandhi. A teacher/parent guide is included to help adults discuss with children coping with life's joys and pains.

Proceeds from sales of the book are being directed to book donations to Gulf Coast families disrupted by Hurricane Katrina.

Roxanne’s ARTiques is owned by Roxanne Carter, a long-time resident of Michigan Park in Greater Brookland. The gallery features artifacts and works of art by national and international artists. The Gallery is open from 12:00 noon to 7:00 p.m., Thursday through Saturday, and from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, and is located one block from the Brookland/CUA Metro station on the Red Line. For more information contact Roxanne Carter at (202)-526-7020, by email at roxannesartiques@hotmail.com, and on the internet at www.roxannesartiques.com.

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OPEN ART STUDIO

What: Bloomingdale resident, blogger, and artist, Sean Hennessey, is opening his studio in at the Washington Glass School in Mt. Rainier, MD to the public. Visit his art blog, Paint and Plaster, for detailed information and directions.

When: Sunday, November 12th, 2006, 1-5pm

Where: Washington Glass School, 3708 Wells Avenue (REAR), Mt. Rainier, MD

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NE DC HISTORICAL SOCIETY MONTHLY MEETING

What: NE DC Historical Society Monthly Meeting - exploring the history of our Northeast Washington communities - past, present, and in years to come.

When: Sunday, November 12th, 2006, 2:30-4pm (later starting time than usual)

Where: Lamond-Riggs Library 5401 South Dakota Avenue, NE (at Kennedy Street)

Presentations:
· Chris Holben of the DC Department of Transportation Bicycle Program with an update on the Metropolitan Branch Trail for commuting and communing with neighborhood history, art, and nature.
· James Loewen, best-selling author and noted sociologist on "Sundown Towns: The Exclusionary Communities Around Washington, DC."

Etc.: Meetings are always free and open to the public. For those unable to attend this meeting, don't miss our next month's meeting to be held from 2:00-4:00 pm on Sunday, December 10th, 2006. The meeting location and presentation topics will be announced early next month. Please plan to join us as we focus on more of the history of our prized neighborhoods and institutions of NE DC. Our meetings take place the second Sunday of every month. For further information contact: queenstowndc@yahoo.com.

10th Annual Brookland Day Festival - Saturday, October 7th

From the official press release:

Brookland, one of Washington DC's Main Street communities, will hold its 10th annual Brookland Day Festival on Saturday, October 7, 2006. The festival is a community-oriented event for all ages and it always captures and highlights the special small-town-in-town flavor of Brookland.

At 11:00 AM, a parade featuring the Archbishop John Carroll High School Band and the Festival's spoof brigades of neighborhood residents, including phalanxes of dog walkers, lawnmower pushers, and baby stroller pushers, will march [on 12th Street] from Franklin Street to Michigan Avenue, NE.

Between 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM, performance and exhibit pavilions, including nonprofit organizations, businesses, and arts and crafts exhibitors, will be featured in booths along Brookland's commercial district, on 12th Street, between Monroe and Otis Streets, NE.

With Amanda Sweet as its Master of Ceremonies, the main stage on Otis Street will feature performances by The DC National Guard's Capitol Sounds, The Dance Place, The Archie Edwards Band, Benat Baharat, and The High Signs. Performances will start at noon.

The Festival is sponsored by the National Capital Revitalization Corporation, Keller Williams Capital Properties, The Washington PostCitibank, DC Lottery, and PNC Bank.

The festival is coordinated by the Brookland Community Development Corporation, the parent organization of Historic Brookland Main Street, the commercial district revitalization program working with property owners, business proprietors, residents, and other stakeholders to bring about focused improvements to the commercial district.

For further information on sponsorship opportunities or to participate in any events, contact the Brookland Festival Committee by phone at 202-529-8400, fax at 202-526-0837 or e-mail brooklandcdc@aol.com.

The Brookland Community Development Corporation (BCDC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that was created to promote the arts and to protect and capitalize on the cultural resources of the Brookland neighborhood for the purpose of building community pride and fostering responsible economic development. The BCDC is located at 3420 9th Street NE, Washington, DC 20017.

# # #

Can't wait to see you there!

Brookland CDC Meeting on the Future of 12th Street, NE - Thursday, September 14th

I pretty sure I didn't miss a listing for this somewhere else...This morning while riding the Metro I came across a blurb entitled "Transforming 12th St., NE" in the Express (it's also in this post on their blog, "Free Ride"). Yay, I think, media coverage for the Brookland Main Street Initiative (informative PDF here)! The problem is, I know a lot more of us are interested - even those of us that live 10 or more blocks away - than are able to make a meeting on seemingly random Thursday morning. To that I say, "Boo!"

What: Brookland Community Development Corporation and the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development are holding a meeting for those interested in the ongoing improvements along Brookland's "main drag," 12th Street, NE.

When: Thursday, September 14th, 2006, 8-10am

Where: Café Sureía, 3629 12th Street, NE

Random musings/ranting: Why is Rhode Island Avenue, NE from Eastern Avenue in Woodridge to 4th Street, NE near Edgewood (certainly one of the gateway corridors to and from Maryland - just check out the tags of the cars parked M-F at the RI Ave. Metro) not a part of the "Great Streets Initiative?" A sliver of Benning Road, NE is all Ward 5 gets for now, though it's worth a peek at Target Area #8 of the Neighborhood Investment Fund (Woodridge be damned!). Areas in Ward 5 and/or Northeast also targeted for the Neighborhood Investment Fund are #1-Shaw, #3-Deanwood Heights, #7-Bloomingdale/Eckington, and #10-H Street NE.

Brookland Festival Committee Meeting - Wednesday, September 13th

With less than a month to go, here's a message from Heather Phipps, Brookland Festival Committee Chair:

The Brookland CDC and I would like to invite all neighbors in the greater Brookland area to attend the next Festival Committee meeting at 7:00 pm this Wednesday, September 13th, at the Brookland Visitors Center, 3420 9th Street NE.

The Brookland Festival and Parade will be taking place on Saturday, October 7th along 12th Street from Monroe to Otis. We are making great progress with planning this event but we could always use more volunteers to help with the final tasks! So if you are interested in making the Brookland Festival a fantastic event this year, please join us this Wednesday evening.

Thanks so much and hope to meet you soon,
Heather Phipps
Brookland Festival Committee Chair
and Your Neighbor on 15th!

Vote for Dwellings in the Washington Post's 2006 Best Bets (and more!)

Do it now and do it often! If you haven't yet been to Dwellings, try to stop by this weekend. The owner, Roz Moore, and her staff are extremely helpful and kind, the products are lovely, and the prices are very reasonable (I wouldn't be surprised if you've seen a number of their accessories at other boutiques for twice the price). What a gem on 12th Street!

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While I'm in endorsement mode, sneak a vote or three in for Washington Improv Theater. I've been a WIT student and volunteer - and soon to be class TA - for over a year-and-a-half. In that time I've made a number of great friends, reclaimed my "funny," and gained confidence I knew was hiding in me somewhere. Looking ahead, I'm partnering with their staff to fulfill their mission in the community by sharing the gifts of improv with local youth.

And, finally, take a look at the Best of Washington, DC Shop run by Brooklander dc gal. A comprehensive online shop for DC merchandise and political gear - t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, ringers, baseball jerseys, tote bags, messenger bags, mugs, stickers, teddy bears, and more. Look no further for your neighborhood gear....

Brookland Main Street Committees Looking for New Volunteers

The new Executive Director of the Historic Brookland Main Street initiative, Lee Alexander, sent out a message last week:

We are actively scouting for new volunteers to join the community working within our four main program committees. We seek volunteers with all types of backgrounds and experiences -- people who want to be part of the action; people who want to be "in-the-know"; people who are looking to become active and involved and give back to the community!

Here's just a taste of how to get involved:

Promotions Committee: Creates the excitement for our commercial district. Coordinates our street festival, parades, retail events and promotional campaigns. This committee meets the first Thursday of every month. This committee is meeting Thursday, July 6, 2006 at 7:15 PM! (apologies for my tardiness on this one -jaime)

Organization Committee: Involves creating a framework for our community that is well represented by businesses, property owners bankers and neighbors. In other words, a strong organization provides the stability to build and sustain long-term success. This committee meets the second Tuesday of every month. Our next committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 11, 2006!

Economic Restructuring Committee: Gets involved in analyzing current market forces to develop the long term success of our merchants as well as becomes active in helping to recruit new businesses to our neighborhood. This committee meets the third Tuesday of every month. Our next committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 18, 2006!

Design Committee: Works to enhance the street appeal and attractiveness to our business district. This committee meets the third Thursday of every month. Our next committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July, 20, 2006!

Our meetings are held at the Brookland Visitors Center, 3420 9th Street, NE, and typically begin at 7:00 PM. If you would like more information about each committee, please contact me, Lee Alexander, Executive Director - Historic Brookland Main Street/CDC. I can be reached during normal business hours Monday through Friday at (202) 529-8400.

Please plan join us at one, two, or all program committee meetings this month!

More info about the Historic Brookland Mainstreet intiative here, here, and here (from 2004).

Brookland CDC Annual Meeting TONIGHT

From the Brookland CDC:

Come mingle, network and nibble!
Doors open at the Brooks Mansion (901 Newton Street, NE) at 6:00 PM, Monday, June 19, 2006!

The Brookland CDC is pleased to announce we will be holding our annual meeting on Monday, June 19, 2006, at 6:00 PM. The meeting will be held at the Brooks Mansion in the Brooks Room. The evening's program is an exciting one! Please join us as we introduce and welcome our new executive director, Lee Alexander. John McGaw from the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning & Economic Development will give a presentation on the progress of the Historic Brookland Main Street program and will introduce our new program manager, Tom Litke. Upcoming projects and activities will also be presented for the community to provide input and direction as well as participation opportunities.

Agenda:

6:00 Reception
6:30 Opening Remarks
6:40 Business of the CDC
7:00 Program Committee Reports & Main Street Updates
7:30 Q&A
7:45 Adjournment

Please RSVP at your earliest convenience to: Lee Alexander, 202-529-8400 or brooklandcdc@aol.com.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Vinnie

Lavinia Wohlfarth
President, Brookland CDC
3420 9th Street, NE
Washington, DC 20017
(202) 529-8400

***Update: Short and sweet synopsis of the meeting at Best of Washington DC.***