Perry Place NE "Take Back Our Block" Event - Thursday, December 20

From a neighbor on Perry Place:

With the recent spike in crime on our block, it is time to show that we are concerned and attentive to what has been happening. Please join us this Thursday, December 20 for a “Take Back Our Block” night. We will be attending the PSA 502 Meeting at Turkey Thicket Recreation Center across the block at 7PM to discuss crime-fighting strategies. We will then meet at the corners of 10th and Perry Place, with police and community leadership at 8PM, to march around the block and alleyways. We hope to see you there!

Brookland Holiday Party - TONIGHT

What: A Brookland Holiday Celebration with refreshments. music and cash bar.

When: Wednesday December 19th, 6:30-9:30pm

Where: Cardinal's Nest, 3748 10th Street NE (across from Turkey Thicket)

Sponsored by: ANC Commissioner & Brookland Civic Association President Mary Baird Currie, Friends of Turkey Thicket, and Turkeys Unlimited.

Hosted by: The Cardinal's Nest owners, Darrell and Tammy Green

Quick Links - Catching Up

» "Beacon House Falcons Win Super Bowl" - WaPo, Monday, December 10 - see background here.

» "8 Fired From System; 30 Choose to Retire" - WaPo, Sunday, December 9 (6 days after I announced it - this should have been bigger news)

Almost 40 employees of the D.C. Public Library system -- about 10 percent of the workforce -- will be leaving their jobs in early January as part of what officials describe as a plan to "transform" the beleaguered system and rejuvenate its personnel.
The group leaving includes the head librarians of seven of the District's 27 libraries.
The head librarians at the Mount Pleasant, Petworth and Woodridge branches were fired, along with five subject specialists at the central Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library. The eight were let go "without cause" on Nov. 29 or 30, officials said. They were placed on paid administrative leave through Dec. 31, then accompanied to their desks to retrieve their belongings and escorted out the door.

» Vincent Orange elected to Capital Riverfront BID board - Washington Biz Journal, Wednesday, December 5

» From a neighbor: daytime break-ins have increased around Evarts, 28th, and 30th since construction has started on the South Dakota bridge.

» New Brookland Listservs! Do you want announcements without some of the usual list drama? Sign up for the Brookland Announcements List. Also check out the new Brookland Yoga Listserv.

» NoMa BID has updated their website.

Mayor's Public Meetings on School Closing Plan - Wards 4 & 5

- December 11, 2007, 7:30-9:30 p.m., Noyes Elementary School, 2725 10th Street NE

- December 18, 2007, 6-8 p.m., Barnard Elementary School, 430 Decatur Street NW

- January 10, 2008, 6-8 p.m., Emory Elementary School, 1720 1st Street NE

Edgewood's Beacon House Falcons Headed to Pop Warner Super Bowl this Saturday

Edgewood Terrace's Beacon House Falcons have advanced to the Pop Warner Super Bowl and will play the Tustin Black Cobras for the Pee Wee Championship this Saturday at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex. Check out the brackets - the Falcons haven't given up a point yet!

Our thanks to Fannie Mae and NBC4 for sponsoring the trip the team couldn't have otherwise afforded:

Thanks to donations from News4 and a grant from Fannie Mae, the Falcons will be able to go to Orlando.

Fannie Mae awarded a $100,000 grant to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington to send the Falcons to compete in the pee wee division. The grant also allows 2006 midget division champs, the Marshall Heights Bison, to defend their title.

Last year, the Fannie Mae Foundation donated $30,000 so Marshall Heights could make the trip.

We should be extremely proud of our teams...not only for making it to the National Championships, but also considering that Pop Warner is the only youth sports organization with an academic requirement.

You can watch video of the Falcons here.

Meeting: What Economic Development Changes Are Coming in 2008 for Northeast Residents? - Wednesday, December 5

What: "What Economic Development Changes Are Coming in 2008 for Northeast Residents?", sponsored by the Coalition of
Concerned Neighbors.

When: Wednesday, December 5, 2007 at 6:30 p.m.

Where: Woodridge Neighborhood Library, 1801 Hamlin Street NE

Panelists Include:
· Councilmember Harry Thomas, Jr.
· Harriet Tregoning, Director, D.C. Office of Planning
· Neil Albert, Deputy Mayor for Economic Development (or his representative)
· William Washburn, Urban Planner

Woodridge Head Librarian Fired Firday; Firings at Other Branches

I can't yet find documentation of the most recent housecleaning at DCPL, but Woodridge's head librarian, Mary Cooper, was fired along with a number of other branch librarians on Friday, November 30. I believe (though anyone with more accurate info is encouraged to post a comment) that those let go included the Petworth and Mt. Pleasant head librarians.

This comes on the heels of DCPL's November 7 announcement that a number of branches will no longer have Sunday service through the holiday season (and beyond?) "due to anticipated staff shortages [at] some libraries," including Woodridge.

Sunday service will be maintained at:
· Anacostia
· Benning
· Cleveland Park
· Lamond Riggs
· Martin Luther King Jr., Memorial Library
· Mt. Pleasant Southeast
· Takoma Park
· Tenley
· Washington Highlands
· Watha T. Daniel / Shaw
· West End

Woodridge Library Book Sale - Saturday, December 1

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, December 1, 2007, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

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.

Ward 5 Emergency Education Town Hall Meeting - Monday, December 3

What: Emergency Education Town Hall Meeting to review the proposed reform plan to close 9 Ward 5 schools.

When: Monday, December 3, 2007, 7-9 p.m.

Where: Bertie Backus Middle School, 5171 South Dakota Avenue, NE

For More Information: Contact the Ward 5 Council office at 202.724.8028

24 DC Schools Proposed for Closure; 9 in Ward 5

From WaPo:

Ward 5 has the most proposed closures, with nine. That section of the city has experienced a recent influx of young families moving into such neighborhoods as Brookland and LeDroit Park, but many of them are choosing charter schools or going out of boundary rather than enrolling at neighborhood schools, which have been plagued by declining enrollment and poor test scores. Ward 3 is the only one with no schools on the list.

The document says those schools on the closure list would be taken "off the list for modernization, targeted repair, or blitz work (excluding things that are necessary for basic quality of life)."

The document also raises questions about the pace of repair work needed to upgrade schools that would take students from closed facilities. According to the list, Brookland Elementary in Northeast would close next year and the students would be sent to nearby Bunker Hill Elementary. Bunker Hill, however, would close two years later.

But the document also says there are plans to "rebuild a new [pre-kindergarten through eighth-grade school] on the Brookland site. This is a high priority to move up. Can we get a design team up in early '08 and complete construction by '10?"

In Ward 5:
Bertie Backus Middle - Fort Totten
Brookland Elementary - Brookland/Michigan Park
Bunker Hill Elementary (summer 2010)- Brookland/Michigan Park
Burroughs Elementary - Woodridge
Gage-Eckington Elementary - Ledroit Park/Bloomingdale
J.F. Cook Elementary - Eckington
Mamie D. Lee (summer 2009) - Fort Totten
M. M. Washington Career High - Eckington
Slowe Elementary - Brookland

ANC-5A Monthly Meeting - TONIGHT

What: Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5A Monthly Meeting

When: Wednesday, November 28, 2007 at 7 p.m.

Where: Providence Hospital - Catherine Ross Hall Conference Room 1, 1150 Varnum Street, NE

Agenda Includes:
· SMD 5A-07 vacancy and election - Don Padou and Carolyn Steptoe running
· MPD-5D and MPD-4D crime reports
· Invited Guests: Potomac Lighthouse Public Charter School (PLPCS). PLPCS is planning to relocate into a vacant building at 8th and Varnum Streets NE, formerly known as Brady Hall, 2 blocks west of Providence Hospital. PLPCS is currently located in Michigan Park Christian Church at 1600 Taylor Street NE. The project is being developed by Joel D. Scharfer, CEO of Charter Schools Development Corporation and Edward M. Johnson, a Brookland-based architect. PLPCS currently serves 120 students and is hoping to increase its student body to between 250 and 400 pupils.
· Community concerns

Brookland CDC Holiday Wreath Sale

Brookland CDC's 5th Year Celebrating "Wreaths for Brookland"

24" Fresh Canadian Balsam Holiday Wreaths
Available November 27 through December 23 or while they last - just $20.00

Order by phone or email: Brookland Main Street Office 202.526.4848, Brooklandcdc@aol.com

** Our Elves Deliver and Install **

All proceeds support this year's "Celebration of Lights," which includes a trolley ride through Brookland to enjoy our holiday lights, hot chocolate, holiday treats, roasted chestnuts, and photos with Santa!

** 13th Annual Brookland Celebration of Lights - Save the Date! **
Sunday, December 16, 6:00 to 9:00 PM
Brookland Visitor Center
3420 9th Street NE
Brooklandcdc@aol.com

PG & DC Police Chase 14-Year-Old Carjacker Through 4th and 5th Districts

No injuries were reported from the 4-car accident caused by the chase...from NBC4:

Prince George's County Police initiated a chase of a carjacked Jeep Cherokee driven by a 14-year-old boy Monday afternoon.

Police on patrol spotted the Jeep, which they said was carjacked at gunpoint on Nov. 15, and tried to pull it over in the area of Eastern Avenue near Riggs Road.

Police pursued the Jeep after it fled.

The chase went for several miles at varying speeds through neighborhoods in the district.

The Jeep went down Missouri Avenue, past the Fourth District Station, down 16th Street, down North Capitol Street, and out Rhode Island Avenue before ending up in the 3800 block of Harewood Road, NE, where the driver fled onto the campus of Catholic University, according to officials.

The driver was arrested a short time later. D.C. Police from the fourth and fifth districts, along with the D.C. Police Helicopter and Prince George's County Police assisted in the chase.

Police said the chase contributed to a four-car accident, but no injuries were reported.

PCDC's "Creating a Community Vision" - Saturday, November 17

What: Premier Community Development Corporation / PCDC presents Dominic Moulden, Executive Director of ONE DC and all Ward 5 residents, neighbors, stakeholders, and community businesses in a discussion on "Creating a Community Vision."

When: Saturday, November 17, 2007, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Where: Mount Calvary Family Life Center, 605 Rhode Island Avenue, NE

Discussion Includes: A shared vision for our communities in Ward 5, including an overview of Ward 5's history, demographics, economics, politics, and organizations. What is a vision? Who benefits from a community vision? Who decides what will happen in a community vision? How does a community vision get implemented? What can the community do?

Additional Information: Contact PCDC at 202.252.PCDC (7232) or premiercdc@yahoo.com

SMD 5A-11 Monthly Meeting - TONIGHT

What: SMD 5A-11 meeting with Commissioner Janae Grant

When: Tuesday, November 13th, 2007, 6:30-8:30pm

Where: Friendship Public Charter School - Woodridge Campus, Cafeteria, 2959 Carlton Avenue, NE

Agenda Includes: South Dakota Ave. bridge and traffic update; speed bumps and other traffic calming requests – with Department of Transportation; Fire Engine 26 - relocation plans

Woodridge & Brentwood Civic Associations Monthly Meetings - Tuesday, November 6th

Woodridge Civic Association Monthly Meeting

When: Tuesday, November 6th, 2007, 7:00-8:30 p.m.

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

Etc.: Meets 7:00-8:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month, except July and August, at the Washington Center for Aging Services - call 202.269.0354 for more information.

- - -

Brentwood Community Civic Association Monthly Meeting

When: Tuesday, November 6th, 2007, 7:30-8:30 p.m.

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

Etc.: Meets 7:30-8:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month, except July and August, at the Washington Center for Aging Services

Mayor Fenty Attending Brookland Civic Association Meeting - Tuesday, November 6th

What: Mayor Fenty will be the special guest at this month's Brookland Civic Association Meeting.

When: Tuesday, November 6th, 2007, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Where: Turkey Thicket Recreation Center, 1100 Michigan Avenue, NE

For more information: Contact Brookland Civic Association President Mary Baird Currie at 202.635.1970.

Homicide in University Heights/Brookland

From MPD-5D Commander Lamar Greene:

On Friday, November 2, 2007, at 2135 hours, members of the Fifth District responded to the 2900 block of 10th Street NE (10th and Franklin Street NE) for the sounds of gunshots.

While the responding officer was canvassing at this location, another call for service was dispatched to the front of 4015 9th Street NE for a shooting. Upon arrival to this location, the members located an unconscious male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The DCFD responded and all life saving efforts were attempted and proved futile. The decedent was transported to the OCME.

The decedent was identified as: Rick Kearney, B/M, 24 years of age, (residing in SE Wash DC)

It should be noted that the driver of the vehicle that the decedent was traveling in has been arrested and charge with two weapons charges. The investigation is ongoing, and making excellent progress at this time!!

On Saturday, Commander Greene noted that while no charges had been made, a possible suspect was in custody.

ANC-5B Monthly Meeting - Thursday, November 1st

What: Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5B Monthly Meeting

When: Thursday, November 1st, 2006 at 7:30 p.m.

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

Agenda: TBA

**Also of note - ANC-5B has started a Google group (similar to the Yahoo! groups many neighborhoods in DC use). You can join here.**

The Library Saloon's Open House for Brookland - Saturday, October 27th

In response to the recent grumblings from the Brookland community, The Library Saloon is having an open-house with free food and soda tomorrow night for the locals from 5-7 p.m. Additionally, owners Brian Westlye and Gaynor Jablonski recently posted the following response to reoccurring complaints on the Brookland listserv:

1- We appreciate all of the feedback we have received, both positive
and negative, with that feedback we can do our best to try and give Brookland residents a place they can enjoy. Keep it coming please!

2- As of this week our beer selection will be increased to more than three times of what we were originally carrying. Unfortunately, due to the size of our cooler and amount of draft lines we have, a majority of the selections will be in bottles. They range from a nice selection of Light beers to select imports and a few micro-brews. Please come check that out sometime later this week.

3- The glass issue is a work in progress. Glass will be used until a certain point in the evenings where it gets extremely busy. We have been working very hard with our Security staff to do our best to prevent any cups leaving our establishment.

4- The surly bartender who has drawn the ire of many Brooklanders (and us) has been let go. We are currently looking for a new bartender with a more sunny disposition. I myself will be there on Tuesday through Happy Hour if anyone would like to come in and give me some feedback in person.

More on The Library, Cardinal's Nest, and Ellis Island from CUA's The Tower:
» "'Library' Owners React to Local Concerns: Say They Are Cracking Down on Underage Drinkers, Want to be 'Neighborhood Saloon'" - 10.19.07
» "Card's Nest, Ellis Seek Changes To Liquor Licenses" - 10.19.07

While I Was Out....Homicides in Ward 5

In Carver-Langston on Sunday, from MPD:

At approximately 3:30 am, Sunday, October 21, 2007, officers of the Fifth District responded to the 900 block of 21st Street, NE, for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, they found 20-year-old Ashley M. Black, of the 1200 block of North Capitol Street, NW, suffering from a gunshot wound. She was taken to the Washington Hospital Center’s MedStar Unit where she was pronounced dead.

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

The department 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.

And, a man found shot inside his car on Rhode Island Avenue in Woodridge on Monday has died:

A 44-year-old Temple Hills man who was found shot inside a vehicle on Monday in the 3100 block of Rhode Island Ave. NE has died. The Metropolitan Police Department’s preliminary investigation revealed that Clive Valentine of the 2700 block of Bell Brook Street in Temple Hills, Md. may have been shot when another vehicle pulled up alongside and fired shots into his vehicle.

Police responded to the report of a shooting on Rhode Island Avenue at approximately 11:36 pm on Monday, October 22, 2007. Valentine was transported to the Washington Hospital Center’s MedStar Unit and admitted in critical condition. He was pronounced dead at 11:15 pm on Tuesday, October 23, 2007.

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

The department 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.

MPD-5D has reported that the driver of a silver Honda or Volkswagon is the suspected shooter. The suspect was last seen turning right (south) on Eastern Avenue.

Quick Links

I'm on my way out of town for a week, so posting will be light-to-nil. I don't have the time to create posts for each of the links below, but I wanted to share them in case you missed them in the news this week (and I think this may be a good way for me to get info out quickly and more frequently):

» "1300 Rhode Island Avenue - New Name, New Birthday" - DCmud, Friday, October 19th - The "1300 Rhode Island Avenue" development is now dubbed "Brookland Square"
» "Academy Expands Facility, and Hope" - WaPo, Thursday, October 18th - Inspirational news from the Academy of Hope, now located in Edgewood Terrace
» "4 Catholic schools to fight charter conversion" - The Examiner, October 18th - St. Francis de Sales in Woodridge is one of the schools trying to escape charter conversion; St. Anthony's in Brookland will remain under the Archdiocese of Washington's umbrella
» "Owner's letter OKs crackdown" - The Washington Times, October 18th - The company managing the Rhode Island Place shopping center has authorized the MPD to crack down on crimes being committed by day laborers who go there seeking work

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

What: Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5A Monthly Meeting

When: THURSDAY, October 25th, 2007 at 7pm (note change from Wednesday to Thursday this month)

Where: Thurgood Marshall Elementary School, 3100 Ft. Lincoln Drive, NE

Agenda: Update discussion on Ft. Lincoln retail development and community concerns

Woodridge Library Programs This Weekend

The Woodridge Branch Library is having two programs of interest to the community this weekend.

The First Annual Multicultural Program will be held on Saturday, October 20th from 1:30-3:30 p.m. This is a family program for all ages.

On Sunday, October 21st, a celebration of Young Adult reading will be held for teens ages 12-19 from 2:00-3:30 p.m. Holla'Back and Teen Read Week participants can extend the fun of reading, games, chats, and more - including door prizes and refreshments!

The Woodridge Library is located at 1801 Hamlin Street, NE at the south corner of Rhode Island Avenue and 18th Street.

For more information call the library at 202.541.6226.

Estella's Hats & Boutique Building For Sale

Estella Wheeler (be sure to click on the link for a lovely tribute from NPR's All Things Considered) passed away earlier this year, and now the building that has long been home to Estella's Hats & Boutique is for sale (login required, MLS #DC6564419). The current list price for the 2 retail storefronts with 4 apartments above is $825,000.


» NPR/All Things Considered - June 14, 2007, "Hats Off to Beloved D.C. Haberdasher"
» NPR/All Things Considered - March 27, 2005, "Easter Hat Roundup: Estella's View from Church"

ANC-5C Monthly Meeting - TONIGHT

What: Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5C Monthly Meeting

When: Tuesday, October 16th, 2007, 7-8:30 p.m.

Where: St. George’s Episcopal Church, 160 U Street, NW

Agenda Includes:
· Alice Thompson, Ward Coordinator, Community Relations and Services Office
· MPD-5D Public Safety Update
· Office of Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas, Jr.
· Dance Place Expansion Presentation and Coyaba Dance Group Introduction
· Children's National Medical Center East Wing Expansion Presentation
· Announcement of Procedure to Fill Vacant 5C-05 Seat

**Kudos to 5C for keeping up on their minutes!**

NE DC Historical Society Meeting: DC's Climatic History and the Future - Sunday, October 14th

What: Join the NE DC Historical Society as they continue to explore the history of our Northeast Washington communities - past, present, and in years to come. This month's meeting will take place in the Kenilworth community. Chris Weiss, Director of the DC Environmental Network, will provide us with a "Briefing on the Activities of the Capital Climate Coalition."

When: Sunday, October 14th, 2007, 1-3 p.m. (please note earlier time!)

Where: Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens, 1550 Anacostia Avenue, NE

Etc.: For those unable to attend this meeting, don't miss next month's meeting to be held from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, November 11th, 2007. The meeting will take place at the Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Place, SE. Speakers will include Diane Dale, president of the Anacostia Historical Society presenting on "The History of Black Anacostia" and Claire Douglass from the Chesapeake Climate Action Network speaking on "Global Warming and What You Can Do About It."

NE DC Historical Society meetings take place the second Sunday of every month. Contact queenstowndc@yahoo.com for further information.

SMD 5A-09 Monthly Meeting - Sunday, October 14th

What: SMD 5A-09 Monthly Meeting with Commissioner Shirley Smith

When: Sunday, October 14th, 2007, 2-3:30pm

Where: Woodridge Library, 1801 Hamlin Street, NE

Agenda: TBA

Future Meetings:
Sunday, November 11th
Sunday, December 9th

Chairman Gray Attending Brookland Civic Association Meeting - Thursday, October 11th

What: Council Chairman Vincent Gray will be the special guest at the next Brookland Civic Association meeting. Chairman Gray will answer questions on public safety, education, infrastructure, and economic development.

***This would also be a good time to voice your concerns over the demolition of previously hidden and original Deco detailing on the shopping center at 10th and Perry. View pictures taken last week after the most recent façade was removed for renovation. Since those photos were taken, the panels have been removed and the Historic Preservation Office deemed the structure to be of no historical merit. This is what the final renovation is slated to look like - bleh in comparison to the original - and seemingly well preserved - enamel panels.***

When: Thursday, October 11th, 2007 at 6:30 p.m.

Where: Turkey Thicket Recreation Center, 1100 Michigan Avenue, NE

For more information: Contact Mary Baird Currie, President, at 202.635.1970

Ward 5 Meeting on Crime & Safety - TONIGHT

What: Ward 5 Constituent Meeting - Share your thoughts on crime and safety concerns in Ward 5 with the new Commander of the 5th District, Lamar Greene.

When: Tuesday, October 9, 2007, 6-8:30 p.m.; reception will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Where: Noyes Elementary School, 2725 10th Street, NE

For additional information contact the Ward 5 Council Office at 202.724.8028

Listerv Squabble Over "The Library" Makes the News

Because what we say on our neighborhood listservs isn't behind closed doors....FreeRide also points to a CUA Tower article on students being arrested recently for providing false IDs on the way in.

2 More Children Missing FOUND in NE

**UPDATE** from WUSA9:

Missing siblings 4-year-old Wali McJunkin and 15-year-old Chantryce Johnson have been found safe.

The brother and sister were located, apparently safe and healthy, at a location on Rhode Island Avenue NE, this afternoon. DC police officials are reuniting the two children with the parents. Their mother told 9NEWS NOW that she planned to hug them and kiss them, and to get help for her daughter.

Previously from WUSA9:

On WTOP this morning, Police Chief Cathy Lanier said police may have a lead in the case of missing siblings 4-year-old Wali McJunkin and 15-year-old Chantryce Johnson.

They have been missing since yesterday when Johnson picked up McJunkin at the Peaches 'N Cream Day Center located in the 300 block of Eastern Avenue, NE.

Police sources say Johnson has been listed as a runaway since September 22. She was spotted Wednesday for the first time when she picked up her little brother from daycare.

Police tell 9NEWS NOW that they have set up two command posts in the girl’s Southeast neighborhood and in the 300 block of Eastern Ave. NW at the daycare center.

The children’s mother, Gwen Johnson, tells 9NEWS NOW that she finds it difficult to eat or sleep with two of her children missing. She says the staff of Peaches 'N Cream Day Center should never have allowed a minor to take her son.

The mother of five children says she has tried everything she could to get help for the 15-year-old. She says, her daughter has run away eight times since December. She had her daughter in therapy prior to the disappearance.

Two 9-Year-Old Girls Missing FOUND; Last Seen in NE

WTOP is reporting that Brittany and Deasia have been found by PG County police.

From NBC4:

The Metropolitan Police Department asked for the public's help in locating two missing 9-year-olds on Wednesday night.

Deasia Tashay Wooten and Brittany Bennett went missing from Rudolph Elementary School in D.C. around 3:17 p.m.

They were last seen at a McDonald's restaurant on South Dakota Avenue and Delafield Street.

Wooten is black with black hair in cornrows and brown eyes. Family said she is about 4 feet 7 inches or 4 feet 8 inches tall and was wearing a white shirt and blue jumper.

Bennett is black with a medium complexion. She is about 75 pounds with brown eyes and black hair. She is 4 feet 5 inches and was wearing a white jacket with blue pants.

Police said anyone who locates the children should immediately call 911.

Updates on Artist Housing in Woodridge and Brookland

I missed it a couple of weeks ago, but the Post ran a piece on artist housing in DC, featuring the Douglass Street project I mentioned back in July. The application process will likely open up again in the spring, and I'll post the info here if I catch it in time. Overall, a good article, if you just strike the following:

The biggest downside of the Douglass Street project is its location. While Mather Studios is in the heart of downtown, the Douglass [sic] Street project is in Northeast, near New York Avenue.

God forbid. Seriously, who wants to live near the Arboretum, the Gateway Arts District in Maryland, or Abdo's forthcoming Arbor Place? Oh, maybe it's not that bad....


But I digress. Artspace's Dance Place Project is gathering steam, with construction estimated to start in early 2008:

Artspace will develop a mixed-used project that will include 30 to 40 affordable live/work units for artists and a new home for Dance Place, a nonprofit organization that operates a dance company, a school, and a variety of children's programs. Two existing buildings on the site will be torn down to make way for the project.

A hearty welcome to our future neighbors!

Brookland Preservation Meeting - TONIGHT

Concerned Brookland resident Dan Vera has called an emergency preservation meeting this evening:

We're having a meeting this evening at 6 p.m. to see what can be done about the beautiful art-moderne façade imperiled in Brookland at the 10th Street market. We'll be meeting there to look at the beautiful tiling underneath and then having coffee or whatever at Cardinal's Nest in the complex.

If you only know this place from the last 30 years of its being covered up, you really owe it to yourself to see what lies underneath. It is reminiscent of the Stop-and-Shop on Connecticut Avenue, and we're trying to get people to do what they can to stop further demolition.

It's a glimpse into Brookland's unique beauty.

I know it is short notice but you can do something about this. We all can.

Hope you can join us. We *especially* need old hands in historic preservation.

6 p.m. Tonight!
Cardinal's Nest, 3748 10th Street NE (across from Turkey Thicket)

» You can view Dan's photos, taken today, here.

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.

- - -


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.

Four-Alarm Fire at Coosemans' Warehouse in NE

Two firefighters were injured in DC's first four-alarm blaze in nearly 7 years....From WUSA9:

DC Fire and EMS units fought a warehouse fire at 2144 Queens Chapel Road, Northeast, Thursday night. The location is off of Bladensburg Road near New York Avenue.

About 60 workers were inside the warehouse when the fire started. They told 9 News Now the flames first appeared near the rooftop sometime before 8pm. They tried to put out the fire with an extinguisher, but when their efforts failed, they called 911.

More than 160 firefighters were still battling the blaze three hours after it started.

"This is a very significant event. You can see the plumes of smoke even in the dark," said D.C. Fire Spokesman Alan Etter.

The first units responding ordered an exterior attack shortly after calling the second-alarm. The fire then grew to four alarms.

"Whenever you get into a sprawling structure like this, there's always a danger to firefighters," said Etter. "Our roof team could actually see part of the roof bowing in, so that's when you got to get everybody out."

At 7:50 p.m., Battalion Chief Kenneth Crosswhite, on the scene, told STATter 911 this is a 200 by 200 foot warehouse housing the DC operation of Coosemans Worldwide Produce. Chief Crosswhite said the crews were pulled out of the building because of the bowing of the exposed bar joist roof structure. He said there was fire throughout the building.

Coosemans workers said there were 8 diesel trucks inside the complex as well as hundreds of boxes containing highly flammable materials. However, firefighters were able to contain the fire so it did not reach those boxes.

Here's how Coosemans DC describes itself on its website:

For over 20 years, Coosemans DC has been providing some of the best specialty and exotic produce in the Washington/Baltimore area. First as Rock Garden and then joining forces with Coosemans, we have steadily grown to become a major importer, re-packer and distributor of over 400 specialty items.

Mayor Adrian Fenty visited the site around 10pm. Firefighters were still using a double ladder hose to reach the deep-seated pockets inside the building.

Fenty compared the fire to the Eastern Market blaze. "This is devastating," he said.

Additionally, about 145 people were relocated from two nearby homeless shelters when the power was shut down on the block.

You can view raw video footage shot by D.C. Fire & EMS photographer Vito Maggiolo here.

» dcfd.com
» dcfire.com

Eastern HS Teacher Honored with the 2007 Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education

Reynauld Smith, a social studies and AP American History teacher at Eastern High School, was one of three educators nationwide honored with the 2007 Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education. According to the Mc-Graw Hill Companies, the Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education "annually recognizes outstanding individuals who have dedicated themselves to enhancing learning in this country and whose accomplishments are making a difference today."

Mr. Smith is being recognized as an innovative educator who took over Eastern's fledgling Model United Nations program in 1999, and introduced the program as part of his AP American History class. Smith has worked with 500 students in his Model UN program and has taken dozens of students to Ecuador, Portugal, the Dominican Republic and Mexico. He previously taught in Montgomery County, MD, where he helped start a diversity club for U.S. and international students.

Homicide in Kenilworth Monday

From MPD:

At approximately 9:07 pm on Monday, September 24, 2007, officers from the Sixth District responded to 45th and Quarles Streets, NE for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival they located 30-year-old George Hill, of the 1300 block of Cougar Lane in Capitol Heights, Maryland, suffering from apparent multiple gunshot wounds to the body. He was transported to the Washington Hospital Center’s MedStar Unit and pronounced dead.

The case is under investigation by members of the department’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.

ANC-5A Monthly Meeting - Wednesday, September 26th

What: Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5A Monthly Meeting

When: Wednesday, September 26th, 2007 at 7pm

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

Agenda: TBA

Fatal Shooting on New York Avenue NE

Haven't seen the press release from MPD - though they've been spotty at best lately....From NBC4:

Police are investigating a fatal shooting in Northeast D.C.

Authorities said that at about 3 a.m. on Monday, officers were called to the intersection of First Street and New York Avenue for the report of a shooting.

When they arrived at the scene, police found a male victim suffering from gunshot wounds.

Police said they do not yet have a suspect or motive in the shooting.

As always, if you have information regarding this case call MPD at 202.727.9099.

Violence Erupts Among Day Laborers in Brentwood; Community Opposes Proposed Multicultural Training & Employment Center

The Washington Times - perhaps because of their NE home base - have been closely following the controversy over the proposed multicultural training and employment center in Brentwood. They recently reported the only mention I've found of a brawl erupting Thursday, September 13th among the day laborers:

Community leaders scheduled a public-safety meeting in a Northeast neighborhood after a bloody clash among a group of Hispanic men that residents said began in an area where day laborers gather looking for work.

As many as 200 mostly Hispanic day laborers congregate each day at a shopping plaza in Brentwood looking to link up with area contractors for jobs....

The incident occurred at about 7:30 p.m. last Thursday, when police found a Hispanic man lying on a sidewalk and bleeding from his head near 10th Street and Rhode Island Avenue in Northeast — only a few hundred feet away from the shopping plaza.

Police said the victim — who was identified only as "John Doe" in police reports — also had a stab wound in the center of his back.

Mr. Chandler said his constituents who live in the area told him the man was assaulted during a fight involving a large group of men that began behind the Bank of America at 915 Rhode Island Ave.

The clash then spilled over from a hill behind the bank onto 10th Street, where [ANC Commissioner Raymond] Chandler said men were "rolling over people's cars" during the fight....

Mr. Chandler and other residents adamantly oppose constructing the center, saying employment services already exist in the area and that city money should not be used to fund a center for day laborers, many of whom are illegal aliens.

The incident caused Mr. Chandler to organize a public-safety meeting for community residents and businesses to voice their concerns to police.

The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Oct. 9 at Isle of Patmos Baptist Church [1216 Saratoga Avenue NE/1200 Isle of Patmos Plaza NE] in Northeast.

The same day they also ran one of Tom Knott's "insightful" columns, where law-abiding citizens get screwed at the expense of "lawbreakers":

The good folks of Brentwood have made it clear to D.C. Council member Harry Thomas Jr. that they do not want a day-laborer center in a Northeast shopping center on Rhode Island Avenue....

But Mr. Thomas, Ward 5 Democrat, presses forward, because he thinks on a higher plane than the good folks of Brentwood. He knows many of the day laborers are illegal aliens, and he knows many of them urinate and defecate on the properties belonging to the good folks of Brentwood, and he knows that if impotent lawmakers at all levels of government merely enforced the existing laws, there would be no illegal-alien mess in this nation....

But our lawmakers, who purport to be in the public-service business, are not heeding the words of those who elect them to office. Mr. Thomas is not unlike so many other legislators at the local, state and federal levels. He blames the illegal-alien problem on some other part of the bureaucracy. He is merely trying to address a situation in the Home Depot parking lot, even if he is dead wrong, even if his constituents in Ward 5 do not want public funds being spent on an illegal-alien center....

I could hang out at the day-laborer center and read Spanish-language materials. And if anyone ever objected to my illegal existence, I would shout racism and bigotry, because that always works, especially around pathetic, whiny white people who have this profound sense of guilt.

Our useless lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are showering our dollars on illegal aliens, who turn around and wave the silly-looking flag of their country. Sorry. I forgot how it works. If they wave the flag of the country they abandoned, it is called pride. If Americans wave their flag, it is called jingoism.

Mr. Thomas undoubtedly expects the legal residents of the city to follow every last law. But there he is ready to reward lawbreakers. While he is at it, he might as well appropriate more of our tax money to equip the illegal-alien center with a health spa.

It is crazy.

As are you, sir.

» The Washington Times, 9.20.07, "Melee spurs calls for action on day laborers"
» The Washington Times, 9.20.07, "Note to Brentwood: Don't doubt Thomas"
» Previous community workshop, 9.8.07
» Previous town hall meeting, 8.15.07
» WaPo, 6.17.07, "As Plan for D.C. Day-Laborer Center Idles, Anger Over Workers Grows"
» The Washington Times, 7.5.07, "Day laborers shower us with culture, irrigation"
» The Washington Times, 7.16.07, "Two sites eyed for D.C. day-labor center"

Developer Pulls Out of Washington Gateway in Ft. Lincoln/New Town

Unfortunately I don't have the time right now to comment on this other than to say I'm happy the discussion with any potential developers will include the desire for less big-box design and an emphasis on protecting the wetlands, but all-in-all the news is a big blow to the surrounding community....from the Friday, 9.21.07, Washington Business Journal:

Real Estate
Peterson quits Washington Gateway project in D.C.

Washington Business Journal - September 21, 2007
by Prabha Natarajan, Staff Reporter

The Peterson Cos. has pulled out of the project to develop Washington Gateway, a massive retail center on New York Avenue NE that was slated to include D.C.'s first Costco.

"There's a time and place for everything, and it was not the right time for us at Washington Gateway," said Paul Weinschenk, vice president of retail at Peterson.

The $67 million Washington Gateway, which was scheduled to start construction next April, would have housed 412,000 square feet of retail including big-box stores, such as Staples and Target, at the corner of New York and South Dakota avenues NE.

The plan was approved by the National Capital Revitalization Corp., whose responsibilities are now under the deputy mayor for planning and economic development, and received a preliminary nod from the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC).

However, this spring, the deputy mayor's office suggested changes to address any impact on the property's wetlands and alter the design from that of a big-box complex to a more contemporary look.

According to Weinschenk, the changes would mean more delays and more work on a project thought to be in its home stretch.

"From our perspective, we felt that until some of these issues could be worked out it didn't make sense for us to continue with this process and we needed to suspend our efforts," Weinschenk said.

Fort Lincoln Realty Inc., a D.C. developer, had brought in Peterson in 2003 as the developer of the retail/restaurant portion.

Peterson came back with a proposal to put in a 151,700-square-foot Costco, a 67,500-square-foot Shoppers Food Warehouse and a 123,735-square-foot space for both Staples and Target stores.

People in the neighborhood loved the plan. The Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5A endorsed it, and it was seen as a destination for the 128,000 cars that drive in and out of the city daily on New York Avenue.

After last fall's preliminary NCPC approval, Peterson and Fort Lincoln Realty were going to present an updated plan and either an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement concerning the wetlands to the commission this October.

The deputy mayor's office and the Office of Planning, however, had ideas that would have changed the existing plan and accommodated the wetlands in the development.

"We had a different development scheme to protect the wetlands," said Harriet Tregoning, D.C.'s planning director.

"If the city was interested in a Costco on the site and a Target, ... then you can't assume you will keep all the natural features on the site as they exist," Weinschenk said. "The city has to decide whether it wants those [retail] uses and allow land to be developed to support these uses, or you allow the land and its natural features to drive the uses."

Tregoning said the city still wants retail on that site, which ties in with its objective to get more stores in the District.

"We think the original design, which is 20 years old, can be improved upon," she said.

At this point, it is unclear what will happen to the retailers that signed on or expressed interest in being a part of the project.

Peterson said the leases were in various stages of negotiation, and it is up to the retailers to pursue the space. Industry insiders say Fort Lincoln Realty is looking for a retail developer to pick up where Peterson left off.

A change in developers is not something new to this site.

Before Peterson, there was Federal Realty Investment Trust of Rockville and Trammell Crow Development. A $10 million tax-increment financing deal was approved in 2004. The 42-acre project was expected to create 124 construction jobs and $6.2 million in new taxes for the city.

All is not lost yet, said Robert King, ANC 5A commissioner.

Fort Lincoln Realty is expected to give a project update at the ANC board meeting Oct. 10, including information on will happen to the retail site, and King said the news will be good.

"As far as we know, the project is moving straight ahead with a new developer. The train is still on track," he said. "I have been working for 20 years on this project and would jump off a bridge if it doesn't happen."

» A bit of history on Ft. Lincoln/New Town, "Fort Lincoln: Finding a Leafy Enclave" - WaPo, 7.18.92
» Our litigious buddy, Roy Pearson, and a 2002 lawsuit against Fort Lincoln New Town Corp., "Residents sue, charge Ft. Lincoln New Town developer with fraud" - The Common Denominator 8.12.02
» New residential development in Ft. Lincoln, "Hope Stirs In Fort Lincoln: Growth, New Neighbor Inspire Pocket of D.C. to Believe in Change" - WaPo, 4.30.07

Are the DC Rollergirls Moving to NE?

I just caught wind of a fantastic rumor...the DC Rollergirls may be skating in the District next year - they're currently skating out in Virginia. Even better, the new location, while not finalized, is likely to be in NE! While we wait for official confirmation, why not check out their last scheduled bout of the 2007 season this Saturday:

Come help your DC Rollergirls determine the fate of our great nation by participating in a Raucous Caucus on Saturday, September 22nd! Don’t miss the last match-up of the season between Scare Force One and the DC DemonCats!

Purchase your tickets here from BrownPaperTickets.com, the first and only fair-trade ticketing service!

Date: September 22, 2007
Time: Doors @ 4pm, Bout begins @ 5pm
Price: $12
Location: Dulles SportsPlex, 21610 Atlantic Blvd., Sterling, VA

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.

Book Drive to Benefit DC Youth - Through Sunday, September 23rd

From the inbox - I can't resist spreading the word about an event that pairs children and books:

First Book, a nonprofit organization, has teamed up with the Veterans of Foreign Wars, SunTrust Bank, and SunTrust Mortgage to host a book drive in DC through this Sunday, September 23rd. The drive will enable First Book to achieve its mission of providing children in low-income families the opportunity to read and own their first new books. Social venture company Better World Books will sell the books online and First Book will use the proceeds to bring thousands of new books to children in need in the DC community.

Between now and this Sunday, September 23rd, you can drop off your used books at select DC SunTrust locations, or, if you don’t live in the area, donate them by following the instructions on our webpage: www.firstbook.org/betterworld. This site also provides guidelines on which kinds of books are most helpful.

Volleyball with Your Neighbors at Turkey Thicket - Tuesdays and Thursdays

What: Amateur, adult volleyball - no particular skill level required; no leagues, just good exercise and neighborly fun!

When: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7-8:30 p.m. (Thursdays were added for the summer, but will continue if attendance stays up)

Where: Turkey Thicket Rec Center, 1100 Michigan Avenue, NE in the main gym

Chungs Close Custom Cleaners in NE

Despite successfully defending themselves against judge Roy Pearson and his $67 million pants (generously reduced by Pearson to $54 million), the Chung family has closed two of its three Custom Cleaners, including the 3174 Bladensburg Road, NE location. If you live or work near the Convention Center, consider taking your delicates to their Happy Cleaners shop at 7th and M, NW while they fight Pearson's appeal.

» "Chung Family Closes Custom Cleaners" - DCist
» "Financial, Emotional Toll Too Much on Dry Cleaners" - WTOP
» "Family Sells Cleaners Caught In $54 Million Lawsuit" - NBC4
» "Business Sold After Million-Dollar Pant Suit Case" - WUSA9

600-Pound Man Found Dead In Brentwood Apartment

Wow, I wonder if he had any immediate family or was isolated...from NBC4:

A 600-pound man was found dead inside his apartment in Washington Wednesday morning.

D.C. fire said they will have to use a crane to remove him from his apartment in the 1300 block of Adams Street in Northeast.

The cause of death is unknown.

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

Celebrating Brookland Artists 2007 - September 15th-October 13th

» Roxanne's ARTiques & Gallery, 3426 9th Street NE
» The Miller - Peralta Gallery

Saint's Bourbon Street - Live Music in September

Check out the free, live music at Saint's Bourbon Street, 1812 Hamlin Street NE, in September:

Friday, 9/14 - Stacey Brooks and Friends Blues Band @ 8:00 p.m. Stacey Brooks and Friends are coming back for a repeat performance. This talented new band play well together and the stellar vocals by Ms. Stacy Brooks herself add to that blues and rhythm sound that has them performing all around the country.

Saturday, 9/15 - Allan and Friends @ 8:30 p.m. Award winning local songwriter with several CDs. Allan will be releasing 2 more CDs this summer, and will be playing songs from those, as well as his earlier material.

Friday, 9/21 - Meteor Band @ 8:30 p.m. This blues band has a sound all their own. Their style has people all over DC area coming in on Fridays to hear them. Get here early!

Saturday, 9/22 - After Hours Band 8:30 p.m. At Saint's for the second time! If you were here last time, you may have noticed the superb showmanship, polished professionalism, and musical magic of this jazz and blues band. You know they say it only gets better the second time around! Can't wait to prove that one true!

Friday, 9/28 - First Thing Smokin' @ 8:30 p.m. With a motto that reads "If you cant feel it, it ain't real," these acclaimed blues performers are always welcomed and celebrated by Saint's customers. They play national blues festivals and are known for giving people a good time.

Two Teens Shoot in Brentwood Overnight

From NBC4:

D.C. police are investigating a double shooting in Northeast.

Authorities said the shooting happened in the 1200 block of Brentwood Road at about 10 p.m.

Many people were hanging out in the courtyard, including two male teens, a 14-year-old and a 19-year-old, who were playing with boxing gloves, when three people in hoods walked up and opened fire, hitting the teens, News4's Pat Collins reported.

Police said the victims were struck in their stomachs.

Both were taken to a hospital in serious condition. Both are expected to survive.

There's been no word on a suspect or possible motive in the case.

People who live at the complex said violence is not unusual there.

» Video here - Councilmember Thomas makes an appearance

SMD 5A-09 Monthly Meeting - Sunday, September 9th

What: SMD 5A-09 Monthly Meeting with Commissioner Shirley Smith

When: Sunday, September 9th, 2007, 2-3:30pm

Where: Woodridge Library, 1801 Hamlin Street, NE

Agenda: TBA

Future Meetings:
Sunday, October 14th
Sunday, November 11th
Sunday, December 9th

NE DC Historical Society Meeting: Community History & DDOT Archives - Sunday, September 9th

What: Join the NE DC Historical Society as they continue to explore the history of our Northeast Washington communities - past, present, and in years to come. This month's meeting will take place in the Michigan Park community. Bill Rice, Washington community historian, will share photos and other materials from the District of Columbia's Department of Transportation (DDOT) archives.

When: Sunday, September 9th, 2007, 1-3pm (please note earlier time!)

Where: HSC Pediatric Center (formerly known as the Hospital for Sick Children), 1731 Bunker Hill Rd NE

Etc.: For those unable to attend this meeting, don't miss next month's meeting to be held from 1-3pm on Sunday, October 14, 2007. NE DC Historical Society will be exploring the climatic history of DC and its water resources. The meeting will take place at the Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens, 1550 Anacostia Avenue, NE. (Please note earlier meeting time.)

NE DC Historical Society meetings take place the second Sunday of every month. Contact queenstowndc@yahoo.com for further information.