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.

- - -

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.

- - -

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

- - -

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.

Preliminary Election Results - Including ANCs - Available

You can view the preliminary DC General Election results on the Board of Elections and Ethics site (PDF).

My SMD, 5A-09, had no candidate, as I previously thought. I know I received at least three write-in votes (you betcha' one of them was mine), but certainly not the majority of the 132. I'm interested to hear who the winner is. My sincerest congratulations to Kris Hammond, 5C-02, and Janae Grant, 5A-11 and co-coordinator of the Coalition of Concerned Neighbors, on their successes in two of many hotly contested ANC Commissions.

Worshippers Robbed at Union Wesley Zion Church Sunday Mass

Absolutely disgusting...from MPD:

At approximately 8:05 am, on Sunday, November 5, 2006, members of the Full Gospel Zion Church were holding services in a chapel of the Union Wesley Zion Church, located in the 1800 block of Michigan Avenue, NE. It was at this time that two armed men entered the chapel and robbed three women and two men. Taken were purses, wallets, cash, credit cards and a cell phone.

The first suspect in this case is described as a black male with a light complexion, 5’8” tall, 160 pounds and wearing a black bandanna over his face. He was last seen wearing a grey hooded sweat shirt and black pants. He was armed with a silver colored handgun. The second suspect is described as a black male with a light complexion, 6’ tall, 160 pounds and wearing a wool mask over his face. He was last seen wearing a grey hooded sweat shirt, blue jeans and a dark grey jacket. He was armed with a black handgun.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call police at (202) 727-9099.

The Metropolitan Police Department currently offers a reward of up to $10,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for any robbery committed in the District of Columbia.

- - -

Also of note - homicide at 4013 Gault Place, NE - from MPD:

At approximately 8:57 pm on Friday, November 3, 2006, Metropolitan Police were called to an apartment building located in the 4000 block of Gault Place, NE, for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located 23-year-old Matheno Immanuel Nichols, of the 2100 block of County Road in District Heights, Maryland, suffering from apparent multiple gunshot wounds to the head and body. Personnel from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for the District of Columbia responded to the scene and pronounced Mr. Nichols dead.

The case is under investigation by members of the MPDC'w Violent Crimes Branch. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call police at (202) 727-9099.

The department currently offers a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for any homicide committed in the District of Columbia.

- - -

Homicide in the Unit Block of Quincy Place, NW, from MPD:

At approximately 11:05 pm, on Thursday, November 2, 2006, Metropolitan Police were called to the unit block of Quincy Place, NW, for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located 27-year-old James Burton, of the 1600 block of First Street, NW, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the head. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services personnel responded to the scene, but could not find signs consistent with life. The victim was taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for the District of Columbia and pronounced dead.

The case is under investigation by members of the MPDC's Violent Crimes Branch. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call police at (202) 727-9099.

The department currently offers a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for any homicide committed in the District of Columbia.

Learn About the Benefits of Composting - Monday, November 6th

What: DC Master Gardeners will explain the many benefits of turning leaves, kitchen scraps and yard waste into an organic, earth-friendly soil amendment that your garden plants will love.

Nature doesn’t waste anything, so why should we? Ed Bruske and John Wheeler, two composting experts, will show simple and economical ways to recycle the organic material around your home. You’ll spend less time bagging leaves. You’ll make fewer trips to the garden center and save money. Learn about composting systems designed for urban and small-scale gardening.

Where: Turkey Thicket Recreation Center, multi-purpose room, 1100 Michigan Avenue, NE

When: Monday, Nov. 6, 2006 at 7pm

Contact DC Master Gardeners with any questions you might have about composting.

Collecting and Displaying Art Workshop at Roxanne's ARTiques - Saturday, November 4th

What: Roxannes’s ARTiques & Gallery presents "Collecting and Displaying Art for Interiors."

Topics include:
• Selecting & Collecting Art for the Home - Identify the right kind of art for your interior decorating needs
• The Effect of Art in Interior Space - Discover how choosing a theme can bring continuity to art displayed in your home
• Displaying Art in the Home - Display art in unique ways in your interior space

Presenters include:
• Sharon J. Burton - Art Consultant, Authentic Art Consulting
• Susan Featherstone-Schemm - Principal Designer, Design Scheme Interiors, LLC
• Sherry Burton-Ways - Principal Designer, Design Scheme Interiors, LLC

When: Saturday, November 4, 2006 from 2-4pm

Registration Cost: $20.00 (advance) $25.00 (day of event). Registration includes refreshments and 10% off purchase of artwork. Register early - limited space available.

For more information: Roxanne’s ARTiques, 3426 9th Street, NE (CUA/Brookland Metro Station), 202.526.7020

Hat tip to DC Gal

ANC-5B Monthly Meeting - Thursday, November 2nd

What: Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5B Monthly Meeting

When: Thursday, November 2nd, 2006 at 7:30pm

Where: Washington Center for Aging Services, 2601 18th Street, NE

Agenda: TBA

Woodridge Library Book Sale - Saturday, October 28th

What: The Friends of the Woodridge Library used book sale. We (disclosure: I am a member of the Friends - we'd love for you to join our group!) have hardcovers, paperbacks, fiction, non-fiction, books for adults, books for children, books on tape, records, videos/DVDs, and much more. All proceeds benefit the Woodridge Library.

When: Saturday, October 28th, 2006, 9:30am-4pm

Where: Woodridge Neighborhood Library basement, 1801 Hamlin Street, NE (at the corner of 18th and Rhode Island Avenue)

Etc.: We are always accepting donations of books, videos/DVDs, records, comic books, and the like. For additional information call the library at 202.541.6226 or e-mail the Friends at woodridgefriends@yahoo.com.

7th Annual Ward 5 Economic Development Summit - Saturday, October 28th

What: 7th Annual Ward 5 Economic Development Summit

When: Saturday, October 28th, 2006, 8:30am-2pm

Where: Trinity University, 125 Michigan Avenue, NE

Invited Developers, Presentation, and Updates: Armed Forces Retirement Home; Fairfield Residential, LLC; DC Office of Planning; Florida Market - "New Town"; Fort Linclon - Costco/Shoppers Food Warehouse/Target; Irving Street Conference Center - Mariani Architects Engineers; McMillan Reservoir - National Capital Revitalization Corporation/NCRC; New York Avenue Arboretum - Abdo Development; Rhode Island Metro - Mid-City urban, LLC; Riggs Plaza Apartments - The Cafritz Foundation; Travel Lodge - Hotel Development Complex; Yes! Organic Market

For additional information please call the Ward 5 Council Office at 202.724.8028.

Council Hearing on New Central Library - Friday, October 27th

From the Federation of Friends:

On Friday, October 27, 2006 at 1:00 pm, Councilmember Kathy Patterson, Chairperson of the Committee on Education, Libraries and Recreation, will hold a public oversight hearing on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library. This meeting has been rescheduled from its’ original date of October 16, 2006. The purpose of the hearing is to examine the feasibility of the Carnegie Library site to serve as the location for a new central library for the District of Columbia [yes, yes, please - what a fabulous option!]. The Committee wishes to examine this option from programmatic, architectural, and financial perspectives. The public hearing will begin at 1 p.m. in the Room 412 of the John A. Wilson Building at 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.

The Committee invites the public to testify or to submit written testimony, which will be made a part of the official record. Anyone wishing to testify at the hearing should contact Evelyn Bourne-Gould, Legislative Assistant to the Committee on Education, Libraries and Recreation, at 724-8195, or via e-mail at egould@dccouncil.us. All witnesses will be permitted a maximum of three (3) minutes for oral presentation.

If you are unable to testify at the hearing, written statements are encouraged and will be made a part of the official record. Copies of written statements should be submitted either to the Committee on Education, Libraries and Recreation, or to Ms. Phyllis Jones, Secretary to the Council, Room 5 of the Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20004.

ANC-5A Monthly Meeting - Wednesday, October 25th

What: Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5A Monthly Meeting (this link shows you the tentative 2006 schedule - no meeting in December)

When: Wedensday, October 25th, 2006 at 7pm

Where: Mt. Horeb Baptist Church, 2914 Bladensburg Road, NE

Agenda Includes:
· Village at Washington Gateway presentation by Michele Hagans - site is slated to include 375 townhomes and retail (Shoppers Food Warehouse, Costco, Target, sit-down restaurants, and banking have all been mentioned - what I haven't heard much about is how NY and South Dakota Avenues are going to handle the increase in traffic and why we continue to allow suburbanesque, anti-pedestrian development - like Rhode Island Place/RIP at the RI/Brentwood Metro - in the name of Ward 5 progress)
· Invited: Democratic Nominees Adrian Fenty, Mayor; Vincent Gray, Council Chairman; Phil Mendelson, At-Large; Harry Thomas Jr. Ward 5
· 4th & 5th District Police Crime Reports
· Community Concerns

Next ANC 5A Monthly Community Meeting: November 15, 2006 – Washington Jesuit Academy, 900 Varnum Street NE

Teen Book Discussion at the Woodridge Library - Wednesday, October 25th

What: Teens are invited to share their thoughts on The First Part Last by Angela Johnson, Coretta Scott King Author Award winner. This novel is about a teenage father and his struggles to raise his child. All are welcome - even if you haven't read the book, the discussion will be of interest!

When: Wednesday, October 25th, 2006 at 5:30pm

Where: Woodridge Neighborhood Library, 1801 Hamlin Street, NE (at the corner of 18th and Rhode Island Avenue)

ANC Citizen Conference - Monday, October 23rd (TONIGHT)

From the Coalition of Concerned Neighbors:

The first DC ANC Citizen Conference will be held at Turkey Thicket Recreation Center located at 1100 Michigan Avenue, NE, from 5-9pm on Monday, October 23rd, 2006. Opening remarks will come from Mayor Anthony Williams, Chairman of the Council Linda Cropp, and Councilmember Vincent Orange. Discussion will commence from the Director of the Office of Advisory Neighborhood Commissions, Gottlieb Simon. There will be an ANC panel discussion moderated by The Washington Informer publisher, Denise Rolark Barnes. Issues will pertain to zoning, ABRA, and EMA. All are invited to attend.

The Coalition of Concerned Neighbors can be contacted at 202.903.6197 or concerneighbors@yahoo.com.

DCPL/Woodridge Library Updates and Upcoming Events

You may have heard that all DC Public Libraries, with the exception of the Deanwood Kiosk, are now wired for free Wi-Fi.

Also, as of this past Sunday, October 15th, 2006, MLK, Jr. and all full-service branch libraries will be open from 1-5pm every Sunday. From the DCPL press release:

The exceptions are the four small community libraries and the Deanwood Kiosk, which will continue to be open Monday through Friday. "Sundays are generally when families spend the most time together so it’s great they will now be able to make their local branch library a family activity where every member can find something they enjoy," said Ginnie Cooper, the D.C. Public Library’s Chief Librarian. "Whether it’s families or individual residents, we’re going to be attracting groups of people who wouldn’t normally have time to come to the library during the week. This is going to enable us to serve many, many more people who have information needs but perhaps did not have time to get their needs met."

....

In addition to the new hours, Chief Librarian Ginnie Cooper announced that beginning immediately there is no longer an age limit for children to obtain a library card, and no longer will there be a children’s handwriting requirement for a child to apply for a card. Now, parents and guardians may apply for a library card for very young children and it will be issued in the child’s name. Cooper says this change will help to encourage children to read at a younger age, which is a hallmark of her library philosophy. She continued by saying, "Our former policy is historically common, and may still exist at other libraries. I have had the pleasure of changing similar policies at other places."

We are definitely taking baby-steps in the right direction.

___________

The Woodridge Library, 1801 Hamlin Street, NE (at the corner of 18th and Rhode Island Avenue), invites young adults and parents to meet Melinda Robertson, author of "Motherhood...What You Don't Know!", for a discussion and book signing this Friday, October 20th, 2006 at 5:30pm.

From the author's website:

"The book serves two purposes. One to show how complex motherhood really is, as it is intended to provoke young women to think about what it would really mean to have a baby. Secondly, Nicole, the main character, can be an encouragement to the thousands of teenage mothers raising children today, because [of] the 'straight talk, no chaser' conversations Nicole's mother has with her...."

- - -

Woodridge is also hosting an adult book discussion on Tuesday, October 24th, 2006 at 2pm. Come and bring your favorite book to share with others - all are welcome! Participants in the Adult Summer Reading Program will discuss the books they've read.

- - -

Preschool storytime (ages 3-5) is scheduled for Thursdays at 10:30am. Call the Woodridge Branch for additional information on these and other programs at 202.541.6226.

ANC-5C Monthly Meeting - Tuesday, October 17th

What: Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5C Monthly Meeting

When: Tuesday, October 17, 2006, 7-9pm

Where: Harry Thomas Recreation Center, 1743 Lincoln Road, NE

Agenda Includes:
• MPD-5D, Public Safety Report
• Community Concerns
• Leila Batties of Holland + Knight, PUD* for the Washington Gateway at Florida and New York Avenues NE
• Maybelle Bennett, Director of Howard University Community Association (HCUA) on Howard University's Living and Learning Center / HU's Men's Dorm

*PUD - (not the best) definition here

Teen Girl Missing from NE Home

From MPD:

The Metropolitan Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing person identified as Cherita Gladden. She was last seen leaving her home address located in the 200 block of 35th Street, NE at about 8:00 am on Wednesday, October 4, 2006.

Cherita is fourteen years old. She is described as a dark complexioned black female, 5’2’ tall, weighing about 160 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair worn in braids. She was last seen wearing a white shirt, a white jacket, blue and pink pants, and a Dallas Cowboys baseball cap.

Anyone who has information regarding Cherita Gladden’s whereabouts is asked to call police at (202) 727-9099.

Warning: I don't mean to be insensitive to any one else's pain, just truthful....Now that Michelle Gardner-Quinn's body has been found, could we get a little local coverage for this missing child?

***UPDATE***
Cherita returned home Monday, October 16th, but the lack of media coverage has caused a bit of a stir.

Argonaut Benefit TONIGHT for Quike Morales

I've been following the story of Luis "Quike" Morales at Frozen Tropics. After leaving work at the Argonaut Tavern, Morales was shot in the head outside his girlfriend's home in the 600 block of 14th Place NE at 5:30am September 30th. The Argonaut, at 1433 H Street NE, is hosting a benefit tonight, starting at 7pm, with a silent auction and DJ in an effort to raise money to aid Morales and his family during his recovery. My prayers go out to them during this difficult time.

Florida Market Tour - Saturday, October 14th / Public Hearing - Friday, October 20th

Both Richard and Elise have posted a wealth of information on the tour they're hosting this Saturday. I've gone, I've enjoyed, and you should, too.

Also, if you can, consider attending the public hearing Friday, October 20th, 2006 on proposed legislation for Bill 16-868: "New Town at Capital City Market Revitalization Development and Public/Private Partnership Act of 2006." The proposal intends to "create a public/private partnership between the District of Columbia and New Town Development, LLC for the purposes of economic, social, and cultural revitalization of a 24 acre site located in Ward 5." Richard and Elise have written extensively on the future of the Florida Market and what we could lose if New Town becomes a reality (searches on their respective blogs will bring up the relevant posts).

Fire in Brentwood Displaces 41 - Water Pressure Too Low to Battle the Blaze Properly

From WTOP:

Fire quickly spread through eight townhouses in Brentwood Sunday, displacing 41 people, most of them children.

"That fire went from a single room to the entire row in less than five minutes," says D.C. Fire Battalion Chief Kevin Sloan. "The entire roof area became involved in less than five minutes."

The 4 p.m. fire [at 2255 15th Street, NE], started in a third floor bedroom of a middle unit. While it did not go below the roof line of the building, all eight units of the renovated apartment building sustained some water damage.

Firefighters had some difficulty fighting the fire because the building had a tarred flat roof that was covered by a pitched roof. The tar on the roof spread the fire quickly. There also was concern that the roof would collapse. About 100 firefighters battled the blaze.

"Because of low water pressure in some areas, we weren't able to put all of our lines in service," says Deputy Fire Chief Kenneth Ellerbee.

Sloan says one man was injured when he jumped from third floor of the unit where the fire started. His injuries are not life-threatening.

The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.

Why, oh why, was the water pressure so low that the fire department couldn't do their job?

Homicide in the 3100 Block of 10th Street NE

Just a few hours after MPD Chief Ramsey led a march for peace, 28-year-old Eddie Watkins was shot and killed in front of 3124 10th Street, NE. From MPD:

At approximately 11:30 pm, on Tuesday, October 10, 2006, Metropolitan Police were called to the front of a building located in the 3100 block of 10th Street, NE, to investigate the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located 28-year-old Eddie Watkins, of the 3100 block of 10th Street, NE, suffering from apparent multiple gunshot wounds to the head and body. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services personnel responded to the scene, but found no signs consistent with life. He was taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for the District of Columbia and pronounced dead.

The case is under investigation by members of the MPDC's Violent Crimes Branch. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call police at (202) 727-9099.

The department currently offers a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for any homicide committed in the District of Columbia.

- - -

Another senseless teenage death in NE on Tuesday, this time due to reckless driving:

On Tuesday, October 10, 2006, at approximately 4:25 pm, at the intersection of 8th Street and South Dakota Avenue, NE, 20-year-old Jonas Lee Underwood, of the 4900 block of 7th Street, NE, was the driver of a 1997 Chevy Monte Carlo making a left turn from westbound South Dakota Avenue NE, onto southbound 8th Street. As Mr. Underwood was making his turn, his vehicle was struck by a 2004 Chevy Avalanche being driven by 35-year-old Brian Omar Johnson, of the 1200 block of Delafield Place NE.

The impact caused massive intrusion into the right passenger’s side of the Monte Carlo. Consequently, the right rear passenger of the Monte Carlo, identified as 16-year-old David Duarte, of the 5000 block of 54th Place in Hyattsville, Maryland, was transported to the Washington Hospital Center’s MedSTAR Unit, where he was pronounced dead 5:10 pm.

Jonas Underwood was treated at the Washington Hospital Center for facial lacerations. The front seat passenger was treated at Howard University Hospital for head pain and facial cuts, and then released. The third passenger of the Monte Carlo was not physically injured.

Brian Johnson and his two passengers in the Chevy Avalanche did not sustain any physical injuries.

The case is under investigation by members of the MPDC's Major Crash Investigations Unit. Investigators have established that the intersection where the crash occurred is controlled by a stop sign for both northbound and southbound traffic. Therefore, the contributing factor in the crash is the failure to yield the right of way on the part of the operator of the Chevy Monte Carlo.

While the accident may certainly have been caused by Jonas Lee Underwood's failure to yield, I've no doubt that the oncoming traffic was travelling much faster than the posted speed limit. My guess is that may have contributed to the intensity of the crash.

- - -

Finally, my apologies for not keeping up with all the happenings in the community lately. I've been under some serious time constraints that don't appear to be ending any time soon. While I'd like to go back and touch upon everything I've missed, I know that will only put me even further behind. So forward we go - with a few bumps in the road ahead....

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!

Seriously - Don't Drink the Water...

Again. And the affected area is exactly the same as last time. Okay, okay - for good measure, here's the September 29th press release from WASA (though it didn't hit the news until today, and yes, the emphases are mine):

The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (WASA) has detected high nitrite levels in the drinking water at six properties served by a privately owned 8” water main along 8th Street NE that is not maintained by WASA. As a matter of caution, after consulting with the Department of Health, WASA is advising the occupants of these buildings near the intersection of 8th and Varnum streets N.E. not to drink the tap water [boiling will not help]. The affected properties include 4401 through 4415 8th Street NE and 831 and 832 Varnum Street NE. No other customers are impacted.

WASA issued a similar notice on August 15, 2006 when high nitrite levels were found at some of these addresses during routine water quality monitoring. Nitrites are usually found in stagnant water and generated by the decomposition of organic material. The large size of the private water main and its low use are believed to be major factors in the high nitrite levels that were detected from the pipe. Elevated nitrite levels in tap water are a particular health concern for infants below the age of six months.

WASA is arranging a meeting with District agencies and the impacted customers to determine the best course of action to resolve the problem. Meanwhile, as a precaution, WASA continues to regularly flush the line.

ANC-5A Monthly Meeting - Wednesday, September 27th

What: Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5A Monthly Meeting (this link shows you the 2006 schedule - no meeting in December)

When: Wednesday, September 27th, 2006 at 7pm

Where: Providence Hospital, Ross Auditorium, 1100 Varnum Street, NE

Agenda: Emergency Preparedness Presentation: Providence Hospital; DCRA Illegal Construction: What Every Citizen Should Know; 4th & 5th District Police Crime Reports; Community Concerns

An additional note from a neighbor on Perry Place, posted on the Brookland listserv (with a number of responses):

I know that the liquor license protest that is currently ongoing against the Cardinal's Nest is to be on the agenda and if anyone is interested in attending, please do. As I mentioned in a post last month, the Cardinal's Nest - which is going to be a cyber cafe on 10th Street across from the Turkey Thicket Recreation Center (in the old video store) - wants to be open until 2:00am most nights of the week and until 3:00am on the weekends. Those of us who live steps from the place think these hours are far too late for a coffee shop (especially one with a liquor license). The next status update with the ABC board will be the second week in October regarding the protest. Thanks.

P.S. It appears that the place opening up in the old Johnny K's on 12th Street is actually called the Cardinal Club which is different from the Cardinal's Nest. They are also applying for a liquor license.

Teens Attack and Shoot Metrobus on Rhode Island Avenue

Yet more proof that the curfew is nothing more than a band-aid on a festering wound that, I believe, improved social programs and community investment can help heal. The story is on NBC4 and WTOP. The "facts" vary, and why the bus continued en route to Ft. Lincoln remains a mystery, but what seems to jive in all versions is this:

Around 4:45pm Wednesday, September 20, 2006, near Rhode Island and Montana Avenues, NE, a group of juveniles threw either rocks or a brick through a window in the bus. One of the juveniles proceeded to push a gun through the broken window and fire off two rounds. Between 15 and 35 people were on board, and no one was injured. It is believed that the intended target was a group of teens that likely boarded the bus at the Rhode Island Avenue Metro. Before transit police were able to get involved, all of the passengers (i.e. witnesses and potential suspects) were dropped off at their respective stops. I will be terribly impressed if the authorities are able to get any leads now that everyone involved is scattered.

The curfew couldn't stop this; gun control couldn't stop this. Being proactive in our children's lives can. It really does take a village, and anyone who finds that trite or cliché is no better than the problem at hand.

ANC-5C Monthly Meeting - Tuesday, September 19th

This month's is chock-full of development.

What: Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5C Monthly Meeting

When: Tuesday, September 19th, 2006, 7-9pm

Where: Harry Thomas Recreation Center, 1743 Lincoln Road, NE

Agenda:
• Kyrus Freeman of Holland + Knight, PUD* for 1600 North Capitol Street
• Paul Tummonds, Community Amenities Package for "Fairfield at Capitol Commerce Center"
• Leila Batties of Holland + Knight, PUD* for the Washington Gateway at Florida and New York Avenues NE
• Maybelle Bennett, Director of Howard University Community Association (HCUA) on Howard University's Living and Learning Center
• Craig Parker, General Counsel of CUA on the Catholic University Project
• Robert Taylor of Thoron Development on 14 O Street, NW
• MPD-5D, Public Safety Report

*PUD - (not the best) definition here

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!

Coalition of Concerned Neighbors Meeting - Monday, September 11th

What: Coalition of Concerned Neighbors Monthly Meeting

When: Monday, September 11th, 2006, 6:30-8:30pm

Where: Woodridge Library, 1801 Hamlin Street, NE (18th and Rhode Island Avenue), 202.541.6226

Special Guests: Mr. Reginald Weaver - President, National Education Association (NEA); Ms. Deidre Neal - Principal, Backus Middle School (their site, likely out of date, lists Mr. Alfonzo Powell as the Principal); Ms. Linda Little - Principal, John Burroughs Elementary School; Mrs. Valorie Powell - Principal, Thurgood Marshall Elementary School @ Ft. Lincoln; Ms. Barbara Campbell - Principal, Langdon Elementary School; Mr. Reginald Burke - Principal, Springarn Senior High School

Please bring school supplies to this meeting to help homeless children in the local community shelter.

Contact: Additional questions or concerns, please call Ms. Llyod at 202.903.6197 or 202.257.0001

Don't Forget the ANC Elections!

Indeed, all ANC Commissioner posts are up for grabs this year. I want to commend Robert, aka RobbyCU, for his efforts in encouraging folks to run in their SMDs on the Ward 5 and Trinidad listservs:

Where there's no names someone should run. Where there's one name, two more people should run, and so on. We need strong ANCs. They are our first level of government. If you want safe streets, economic development, better city services, better quality of life you need strong ANCs. Its not too late to run! You have until Friday to turn in your petitions.

A number of SMDs have no candidates to date, including mine. Take a look at yours: 5A, 5B, and 5C.

- - -

Kris Hammond is utilizing the blogosphere in his bid against incumbent Cleopatra Jones for ANC 5C-02 Commissioner. DC Blogs noted today, "Win or lose, this neighborhood will gain if Hammond keeps his blog." I concur. Hmmm, any takers for adding me as your write-in candidate for 5A-09 on November 7th?

ANC-5B Monthly Meeting - Thursday, September 7th

What: Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5B Monthly Meeting

When: Thursday, September 7th, 2006 at 7:30pm

Where: Washington Center for Aging Services, 2601 18th Street, NE

Agenda: TBA

Upcoming Ward 5 Council Candidate Forums

Here are three that I know of, in chronological order:

What: Coalition for Voter Empowerment (COVE) is hosting a Ward 5 "Meet the Candidates" Forum.

When: Wednesday, August 30th, 2006, 6:30-9:30pm

Where: Mount Sinai Baptist Church, 1646 Third Street, NW (Third and Q Streets)

About: COVE is a collaboration of civic associations that represent citizens on the southwestern end of Ward 5 - i.e., the Bates Area, Bloomingdale, Edgewood, and Hanover Area Civic Associations, respectively.

From 6:30 until 7:00pm, there will be an opportunity for the candidates to meet residents of these communities in an informal social gathering at the church. The forum will take place between 7:00 and 9:00pm and, again, between 9:00 and 9:30pm, candidates will have the opportunity to chat with residents after the formal part of the program.

:: :: ::

What: Premier Community Development Corporation is presenting a Ward 5 Council Candidates Forum on the issue of affordable housing.

When: Thursday, August 31st, 2006 at 6:30pm

Where: Greater Mt. Calvary Family Life Center, 605 Rhode Island Avenue, NE

Contact: For more information, call Hazel Thomas at 202.491.9245 or Stephanie Rones at 202.832.3448

:: :: ::

What: Ward 5 Council Candidates Forum

When: Wednesday, September 6th, 2006 at 7pm

Where: North Michigan Park Recreation Center, 1333 Emerson Street, NE

About: Candidates will be give two-minute opening and closing statements; question will come from the audience.

Brookland Festival Committee Meeting - Wednesday, August 30th

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, August 30th, 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 and we could really use a group of volunteers to help organize and plan the event. So if you are interested in making the Brookland Festival a fantastic event this year, please join us this Wednesday evening.

We could really use volunteers to help with the following event activities:

• Contacting vendors, businesses, non-profits, community organizations, government agencies, schools, etc. to participate in the festival


• Organizing the parade


• Organizing childrens activities


• Logistics; set up and break down of event


• Developing banners and posters

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

Because Same-Sex Marriage Doesn't Start with "E"

I can only guess how much The Washington Times despises the other Democratic candidates if it's willing to devote 779 words to the big O. Nearly two weeks after casting judgment on the morality of his opponents, Orange now says "...one of the key differences between himself and other candidates is that he is the only one who recognizes that the city's economic development has occurred according to a 40-point plan called 'The Economic Resurgence of Washington, D.C.' and developed by the city council in 1998." It gets a bit warmer and fuzzier in the following paragraph, but all I really want to know at this point is if "bring[ing] in the citizens" means just the straight ones?

Washington Post Endorses Thomas for Ward 5

From today's WaPo editorials:

Ward 5 has an especially attractive field of candidates. Three stand out as able potential successors to Mr. Orange: Frank Wilds, a businessman and Ward 5 Democratic Party vice chairman; Bruce Marshall, an attorney and former government administrator; and Harry "Tommy" Thomas Jr., a community leader and director of a youth mentoring and learning program. Four years ago, when he captured 40 percent of the vote against Mr. Orange, we said that "Mr. Thomas is close to the Ward 5 community and makes a strong impression on those voters he seeks to win over" but that he would have to broaden his reach to be successful. Mr. Thomas has done that in the intervening years by deepening his service to Ward 5 residents, expanding his civic accomplishments, and earning the respect and support of civic and community leaders. He bears the name of his father, the late former council member Harry Thomas, and the strengths and attributes of his mother, former public school principal Romaine B. Thomas. But Harry Thomas Jr., through the services rendered and experience gained in Ward 5 activities, has earned the nomination of his party on his own.

I'm still undecided. I do know that Frank Wilds has disappointed me by leaving recent ANC-5A meetings midway through - if you're a commissioner, you know you have at least one two-hour committment every month, and this seems more obvious to me than to Wilds. Anyone else?

Help Make the Alexander Crummel School Community Center a Reality - Thursday, August 24th

What: The Department of Parks and Recreation Ward 5 Town Hall Meeting. Stand in solidarity with your Ivy City neighbors in getting the historic Crummel School transferred to the jurisdiction of the Department of Parks and Recreation as a multi-purpose recreation center.

When: Thursday, August 24th, 2006, 6:30-8:30pm

Where: North Michigan Park Recreation Center, 1333 Emerson Street, NE

Background: (from Empower DC)
Ivy City Has a Youth Detention Center - We Need a Youth Opportunity Center!

The continued trend and current rise in crime among youth in the District underscores the dire need for more services, employment opportunities and youth development programs.

The Historic Ivy City/Crummell School Revitalization Coalition is a community based organization dedicated to the rebirth of the historic Alexander Crummell school into a multi-use facility that would provide services to youth and largely underserved senior residents of Ivy City, Langston-Carver Terrace, Trinidad, and surrounding neighborhoods.

The renovated school and its two acre grounds must be transformed from a place of blight and decay to one of community uplift and opportunity including job training, tutoring, mentorship, recreation and other needed programs.

Why Crummell School? The Alexander Crummell School is named for abolitionist, educator and clergyman Rev. Doctor Alexander Crummell whose life's mission was the uplift of Black people. The school was built in 1911 to serve African American children from the historic working-class community of Ivy City and neighboring Trinidad. The school served as the civic heart of the community and as a site for recreational programs until around 1980. Since that time the DC government has allowed the building to sit and rot, and depress its surrounding neighborhood. Residents of Ivy City have long been on record asking that their broken heart be repaired, and turned into a multi-use center to serve youth and elders. Now is a critical time to make this vision a reality.

We are asking the City Council to immediately transfer the Crummell School building and its grounds from the office of Property Management and add it to the inventory of the Department of Parks and Recreation for renovation and community use. Help us hold elected officials accountable to caring for the lives of our youth.

Support the Campaign for Crummell School By:

* You or Your Organization/Institution Signing-On as an Endorser

* Participating in on-going Campaign Activities

Partial List of Endorsing Organizations:

Empower DC
Historic Ivy City/Crummell School Revitalization Coalition
Movement for Love and Unity
Bread for the City
Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project
DC Statehood Green Party
Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless
Sasha Bruce Youthwork, Inc
Youth Leadership Support Network
Save Our Schools
Power Palette
Gray Panthers of Metropolitan Washington
Stand Up! for Democracy in DC
Committee to Save Franklin Shelter
DC Library Renaissance Project
Fix Our Schools
GCH Endowment to Promote Quality Early Childhood Education
Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington, DC

Parisa B. Norouzi
Co-Director/Organizer
District of Columbia Grassroots Empowerment Project
(Empower DC)
1419 V St, NW
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 234-9119


More background information at Frozen Tropics, Cultural Tourism DC, and the Ivy City-Trinidad Citizens Association.

Alley Cat Allies Community Meeting - Wednesday, August 23rd

Our neighbors were kind enough to arrange for Alley Cat Allies to handle the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) of the family of feral kittens (and momma) that appeared in our shed not long after we moved in last year. My biggest fear was that our small colony (6-8, give or take) would quickly become it's own sovereign nation of feral cats. Months later, I'm happy to report that all the kitties are still around, sans additions.

While stray and feral cats are not what most folks would consider ideal - we have three very domestic and spoiled felines of our own, so of course I wish everyone had a home - they are a reality in our urban landscape. And you simply cannot turn a feral cat into a snuggly lap warmer. Our colony - along with a few other strays - is fed daily from at least two backyards and seems to be quite content romping around the block, particularly between our yard and the neighbors'. I urge you to attend this meeting and/or support Alley Cat Allies in any way you can. Also see the National Feral Cat Day site (October 16th this year) for additional information.

What: A free community meeting hosted by Alley Cat Allies. Learn what differentiates a feral cat from other domesticated cats. Hear about non-lethal, humane, and effective means of controlling stray and feral cat populations. See what a humane trap looks like. Learn about available spay/neuter resources in the DC area. Come voice your concerns and learn more about what you can do to help your neighborhood cats.

When: Wednesday, August 23rd, 2006 at 7pm

Where: Petworth Library, 4200 Kansas Avenue, NW (Georgia Avenue and Upshur Street).

Etc.: For more information about this and other neighborhood cat programs, contact MCATdc@alleycat.org.

Ward 5 Council Candidate Forum - Saturday, August 19th

What: Ward 5 Council Candidate Forum at the "Continue Our Legacy - Each One, Teach One" Community Festival

When: Saturday, August 19th, 2006, 10am-1pm

Where: Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ, 5301 North Capitol St., NE (corner of Riggs Road and North Capitol Street)

Details: The Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ 125th Anniversary Committee, The August Calendar Club, WPFW (89.3), and The Board of Social Action will present the "Continue Our Legacy - Each One, Teach One" Community Festival on Saturday, August 19th from 10am to 4pm followed by a Jazz Concert at 6pm.

The Festival will include a health fair, dancers, drummers, children's activities such as a balloon bounce, hip-hop bands, book signings, vendors, artists, a jazz concert, a literacy van, the HIV-AIDS screening bus, tabling for organizations, and two candidates forums – one for candidates for the president of the D.C. School Board and a second forum for candidates for the Ward 5 DC City Council seat. The Ward 5 forum will be held from 10am-1pm, and will be moderated by Renee Bowser, noted labor union representative, Ward 4 ANC Chair, and former Statehood/Green Party candidate for Ward 4 City Council. The forum for the D.C. School Board President will be held from 1:30-3:30pm and will be moderated by several education activists.

Don't Drink the Water!

4401 through 4415 8th Street, NE and 831 and 832 Varnum Street, NE have been warned not to drink their water because of elevated levels of nitrates. Not good. Stunning, late-breaking images of water being flushed out on Fox5.

Hear Him, See Him: Orange's Early Week Media Blitz

Wow - here I was thinking he'd all but given up on the Mayoral race (doesn't bother to show for the forums I'm able to attend). But no, he's still in the game, and he knows EXACTLY what the most important issue is for DC residents ducking bullets and still-sky-high housing costs: gay marriage. And I quote:

I'm the only one that is opposed to same-sex marriage. The other four, they say they believe in God, they go to church, but they are also for same-sex marriage. So I think coming down the stretch that is going to be the issue. I don't think they are morally fit to run this city.

Watch the video from Fox5 here if you're in the mood to punch out your computer screen. [4/21/11 - original link has moved, now updated with a link to a YouTube video]

This afternoon, out of the kindness of his heart, Kojo Nnamdi had Orange on for and "intimate" interview. No mention of morality today - clearly Orange is savvy enough to know the difference between his Fox and NPR constituents. If I recall correctly, today's piece goes something like, "Blah, blah, blah, MY New Town, blah, blah, blech." When asked who he would like to see as Mayor if he doesn't win, Orange replies that Cropp would be best "for the stability of the government." What an even-tempered response - and/or he's hedging his bets on the rumor that "Cropp is offering Orange the possibility of an administrative position in her cabinet should she prevail." I suppose that sounds better than Jonetta's suggestion, "Ad man - that's the job!" Pick your listening poison here (the segment lasts ≈16 minutes).

Ward 5 Council Candidate Debate - TONIGHT

What: The Coalition of Concerned Neighbors is hosting a Ward 5 Council candidate debate, moderated by Madeline LaCore, Community Relations Senior Producer for WUSA9

When: Monday, August 14th, 2006, 6:30-8:30pm

Where: Michigan Park Christian Church, Carter Hall, 1600 Taylor Street, NE, (202) 526.3355

I don't have information on who has confirmed their appearance. For a good primer on a number of the candidates running on the Deomcratic ticket, check out the July/August issue of the Brookland Heartbeat (membership to the Brookland listserv required).

Surprise! ANC 5A Meeting TOMORROW

I'm puzzled about this, but it's true there couldn't have been a quorum at July's meeting. From neighbors on the Brookland Listserv:

Just wanted to share that we just learned that our ANC 5A (led by commissioner Mary Currie) will be having a meeting at 11AM Saturday (August 12th) at the Turkey Thicket Recreation Center. Apparently this is due to the regular July meeting's quorum failure. If anyone has any issues they want to raise before the next regularly scheduled meeting on Sept. 12th, it would be good to try and make this meeting. There is a lot going on in Brookland as you all know and these are excellent opportunites to let you voices be heard.

P.S. We don't know when this meeting was called - we just learned of it today (the day before the meeting.)

My guess is that it may be a continuation of the discussion that nearly devolved into an argument about the forthcoming charrette for the Brookland/CUA Metro development. Yes, an near-argument about a plan to come up with a plan.

Suspect(s) Sought in Armed Robberies/Carjackings in Woodridge

I know most of us take precautions when out in the evenings, but these incidents all occurred in the early morning, presumably as folks are heading off to work or returning from their night shifts. Luckily, no one was hurt, but I can't help but think about how pissed - and perhaps more inclined to use the gun - the perpetrator(s) must be, since two of the attempts failed. I'd like to remind everyone that pepper spray (NOT mace) is legal in the District, though it must be registered with the MPD. I purchased mine from Arnold Passman of Live Safe America when he spoke on personal safety at my office; if you tell him you live in DC, he can supply you with the proper paperwork to file. From MPD:

The Metropolitan Police Department is seeking the public's assistance in identifying and locating the person or persons responsible for a series of similar armed offenses committed against female victims within the Fifth District. None of the victims in these cases sustained physical injuries.

The first offense, an armed carjacking, occurred in the 3400 block of South Dakota Avenue, NE, at about 4:30 am, on Saturday, August 5, 2006. Reportedly, an adult female was approached by a tall, thin black male armed with a silver colored handgun while she sat behind the wheel of her auto at a red traffic light. The suspect entered the passenger side of the auto and made the victim drive. He then directed her pull over in the vicinity of 20th Street and South Dakota Avenue, NE, where he told her to exit the vehicle and then forced her into the trunk of her car. The suspect drove for a while, and apparently picked up another black male. At some point, the victim was coerced into revealing the Personal Identification Number (PIN) for her ATM card. The suspect(s) then obtained cash from the victim's bank account. The victim was released from the trunk of her car in the area of 20th and Franklin Streets, NE, and her car and keys were returned to her before the gunman fled on foot.

The second offense, an attempted armed carjacking, occurred in the area of South Dakota Avenue and 22nd Street, NE, at about 5:17 am, on Wednesday, August 9, 2006. As she sat behind the wheel of her auto, an adult female was approached by a tall, thin black male wearing a white mask and a white tee shirt and armed with a silver colored handgun. The suspect threatened the victim with the gun, but she drove away.

The third offense, an attempted armed carjacking, occurred in the 2600 block of South Dakota Avenue, NE, at about 5:30 am, on Wednesday, August 9, 2006. As she sat behind the wheel of her auto, an adult female was approached by a tall, thin black male wearing a white mask and a white tee shirt and armed with a silver colored handgun. The suspect threatened the victim with the gun, but she drove away.

The fourth offense, an armed robbery, occurred in the 3800 block of 22nd Street, NE, at about 5:44 am, on Wednesday, August 9, 2006. An adult female waiting for a [G8] bus at a bus stop was robbed at gunpoint by a tall, thin black male wearing a white mask and a white tee shirt and armed with a silver colored handgun. The suspect stole the victim's purse and fled on foot through the north alley.

These cases are under investigation members of the MPDC/FBI Robbery Task Force and Fifth District detectives. Anyone with information about these offenses is asked to call police at (202) 727-9099.

The Metropolitan Police Department currently offers a reward of up to $10,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for any robbery committed in the District of Columbia.

I'll post updates if/when they come in.

Public DCPL Board of Trustees Meeting - Wednesday, August 9th

What: The first Trustees meeting held since the arrival of new DCPL director, Ginnie Cooper.

When: Wednesday, August 9th, 2006 at 6pm

Where: Chevy Chase Branch Library, 5625 Connecticut Avenue, NW

I've been told that a members of the Tenley community will be there protesting the ongoing closure - since December 2004 - of their branch. I hope folks from Anacostia, Benning, and Watha T. Daniel/Shaw do the same.

- - -

Robin Diener, Director of the DC Library Renaissance Project, passed along this interesting tidbit from the Washington Business Journal:

Nat'l Geographic pictures itself at new District site

The National Geographic Society is looking to migrate east, to the sprawling site of D.C.'s old convention center.

The media organization, based in a nearby three-building complex at 17th and M streets NW, is pursuing a deal with D.C. officials to build a museum, retail and entertainment complex -- and possibly office space -- on the city-owned portion of the property.

You should be able to read the entire article if you have a subscription (unfortunately I don't). Now, go straight to the comments, where NGS employee, imgoph, tells us this is nothing more than a delicious rumor.

Two Teens Shot Outside Market Lounge

A friend called this evening and was giving me the details of her bus rides (yes, plural) home to SE from H Street NE. Much of the story revolved around a group of teens both on the bus and at her transfer that was quite excited and vocal about some other kids getting shot. Because I can't help it, I had the TV on in the background. About an hour into our conversation, there was the shooting on Fox 5 news! Now, Fox 5's website stinks, imho, and they don't have RSS, but NBC4 has the goods:

Police are investigating a shooting incident that left three people injured Monday evening in northeast Washington.

Authorities said two teens exchanged gunfire just after 6 p.m. in the 1200 block of Fifth Street Northeast [though I believe I first heard the argument occured at 5th and Morse]. Investigators said the shooting occurred shortly after a concert for teens let out at the Market Lounge, which is a club above the D.C. Farmer's Market in the 1300 block.

Officials said three 15-year-olds were injured [see update below]. A female sustained gunshot wounds to the legs. A male was shot in the hand. Another male was pistol-whipped.

Two teens were arrested for fighting. One had a gun. Investigators said they recovered a car and another gun that may have been related to the shooting, but the person who police said fired the shots is still on the loose.

The dance was scheduled to end early enough so teens could get home before the new 10 p.m. curfew.

Police believe the shooting may stem from an ongoing dispute between two groups of young people.

I'm bothered more by the likely age group of the perpetrators than the fact that this is the second shooting at the Capital City/Florida Market in less than a week. That and how "cool" the incident was to about 200 of our young people....

- - -

At least three other people were shot last night in the District:

An adult male was shot in the 300 block of 61st Street NE just before 10pm. His injuries were not considered life-threatening.

Just after midnight, another shooting was reported in the 5200 block of Just Street NE. A male suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

A fourth shooting incident occurred at 3am in the 4600 block of Livingston Road SE. An adult male suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the upper body. The victim was transported to an area hospital in serious condition.

***UPDATE*** This WaPo article has more details. Those injured include a 14-year-old girl shot in both legs, a 13-year-old boy shot in one leg, and a 17-year-old youth who was pistol-whipped. Another 17-year-old who sped away from the scene was stopped by MPD and arrested after they found a shotgun in his car.

Armed Robbery at Capital City/Florida Market

From MPD:

The Metropolitan Police Department is seeking the assistance of the public in attempting to identify the suspect wanted in connection with an armed robbery and shooting.

At approximately 6:50 am on Friday, August 4, 2006, four men were sitting in front of the Donald Chin Supply Company located at 1323 4th Street, NE. It was at that time that a lone male subject armed with a handgun approached the group and forced them inside. One of the victims was subsequently shot in the right and left leg and robbed of his wallet before the subject fled on foot. That victim was transported to an area hospital where he was admitted in critical but stable condition. His name and the identities of the other victims in this case are being withheld due to the fact that they are witnesses.

The suspect in this case is described as a black male, possibly in his 30s, 5’10” tall with a slim build, medium complexion and large sideburns. He is further described as wearing a light gray tee-shirt, light blue jeans and black and white tennis shoes.

This case remains under investigation by detectives from the department’s Fifth District. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call police at (202) 727-9099.

The Metropolitan Police Department is currently offering a reward of up to $10,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for any robbery committed in the District of Columbia.

You can watch the surveillance tape (the actual shooting is not on tape) here.

- - -

In other news, an arrest was made in the November 2005 shooting death of 29-year-old Patrick Carter on the 1800 block Corcoran Street, NE.

Finally, New Kid on the Eckington Block gives a shout-out to the cops for getting one more gun off our streets.

Ward 5 Candidate Forum - Monday, August 7th

What: DC Fair Budget Coalition's Ward 5 Candidate Forum

When: Monday, August 7th, 2006, 7-8:30pm

Where: 4860 Fort Totten Drive, NE (Milestone Place)

About: Come learn the candidates’ positions on these and many other issues:

Child Care
Disability Rights
Domestic Violence
Education and Youth Development
Emergency Assistance
Health
Housing, Homelessness, and Shelter
Jobs

Questions? Contact Marina Streznewski, CFLS, at 202.347.0511, ext. 414 or mstreznewski@cflsdc.org.

"The Fair Budget Coalition fights for a just and inclusive District of Columbia through advocacy and organizing and by advancing budget and public policy initiatives which reflect the interdependency of the District’s community and economic development systems. Organized in 1994, Fair Budget is a coalition of grassroots community groups, human service providers, advocates, faith organizations, and concerned community members." For information about the Fair Budget Coalition, contact Martina Gillis at 202.328.5513 or mailto:swade@washingtonregion.net.

DC Environmental Network Mayoral Candidates Forum - Thursday, August 3rd, 1-3pm

What better time to attend an environmentally geared Mayoral Candidates Forum than in globally warmed 100°+ temperatures? Well, perhaps June 29th, but I'm guessing it just wasn't hot enough for Fenty, Cropp, and Johns (in all fairness, Fenty did show up just in time for the last question of the evening).

But enough about my disappointment with a few of the contenders the first time around; let's just hope they don't squander this second chance:

OPEN TO ALL!
D.C. Environmental Network to hold Mayoral and Council Chair CANDIDATES FORUMS @ Friends of the Earth

District of Columbia environmental organizations, individuals and activists will hold Mayoral and Council Chair Candidates Forums in August to highlight key issues in the recently released DC Environmental Agenda. Candidates will have an opportunity to present their environmental vision for the District to residents and explain their thoughts on issues that most directly impact the environmental health of our communities.

MAKE-UP Forum for Mayoral Candidates FORUM
DATE: Thursday, August 3, 2006
PARTICIPANTS SO FAR: Linda Cropp, Marie Johns, Adrian Fenty
TIME: 1:00 TO 3:00 PM
PLACE: FRIENDS OF THE EARTH, 1717 Massachusetts Avenue NW #600 (Dupont Circle Metro - South Exit)

Council Chair/At-Large Council Candidates FORUM
DATE: Thursday, August 17, 2006
PARTICIPANTS SO FAR: Phil Mendelson, Kathy Patterson
TIME: 12 TO 1:30 PM
PLACE: FRIENDS OF THE EARTH, 1717 Massachusetts Avenue NW #600 (Dupont Circle Metro - South Exit)

Please remember to bring a picture ID to get in the building!

About the DC Environmental Agenda
In 1999, twelve District environmental organizations created the first ever Environmental Agenda for the District of Columbia. This agenda was a collaborative effort of citizen activists to chart a course for environmental protection. It recognized that a new Mayor and Council would have an opportunity to reverse some of the negative trends of years past and promote working towards a more livable city for all residents. It made recommendations, for action and drew upon the collective wisdom of many District environmental leaders as well as successful initiatives in other parts of the country.

Today in 2006, the Summit Fund of Washington and over 30 environmental, health, faith, citizen and civic organizations are answering a call to action by participating in creating a new environmental agenda for the District. This new agenda will build on the successes of the past six years and will set a new standard of environmental excellence for the District.

Together, these proposals will chart a course toward excellence in the provision of city services and the protection of public health. As we believed in 1999, restoration of environmental quality in the District is a pro-business, pro-economic growth platform that more and more public officials are starting to embrace and act on.

For more information please contact Chris Weiss at 202.222.0746.