Ward 5 Dems Monthly Meeting - Monday, April 23rd

What: Ward 5 Democrats Monthly Meeting

When: Monday, April 23rd, 2007, 7pm

Where: Michigan Park Christian Church, 1600 Taylor Street, NE

Agenda Includes:
· DC Voting Rights and Self-Determination, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton invited
· DC Boards and Commissions Recommendations Report
· Appointment of Nominations Committee

Future Meetings:
Monday, May 28, 2007, 7pm
Michigan Park Christian Church
Agenda:
Announcement of Candidates Running for Office
Invited Speaker: Council Chairman Vincent Gray


Monday, June 25, 2007, 7pm
Michigan Park Christian Church
Agenda:
Election of Officers
Chair . Vice Chair . Treasurer . Recording Secretary . Corresponding Secretary

Councilmember Mendelson's Public Safety Town Hall Meeting - Monday, April 23rd

Councilmember Phil Mendelson (At-Large) recently announced that he is holding a Town Hall Meeting to address a wide spectrum of issues related to crime in the District of Columbia. The theme for the citywide session is "Make Public Safety a Community Affair." Members of the public are invited to join Mendelson and a number of officials who are slated to make brief presentations and answer questions on topics ranging from crime prevention to prosecution, and detention to rehabilitation.

The Town Hall will be held on Monday, April 23rd, 2007 at Ward Memorial A.M.E. Church from 6:30 until 8:30pm. Located at 241 42nd Street, NE, Ward Memorial is accessible via the Benning Road stop on Metrorail's Blue Line and is also accessible via the V7, U2, and W4 Metrobusses.

Confirmed guests at the Town Hall are: Chief of Police Cathy Lanier, DC Attorney General Linda Singer, US Attorney Jeffery Taylor, and Devon Brown, Director of the Department of Corrections. Also invited are representatives from the DC Superior Court, Public Defender Service, Pretrial Services Agency, Bureau of Prisons, and the Court Services & Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA).

"I urge the residents of the District to join me at this Town Hall and take advantage of this opportunity to air their concerns and get straight answers to their questions on public safety-related issues," stated Mendelson. "Not often are all of the key players in one place at the same time, and no issue is too large or too small when it comes to making our neighborhoods safer places to live, work, play, and learn."

Currently serving in his third term as At-Large Councilmember, Phil Mendelson is also Chairman of the Council's Committee on Public Safety and the Judiciary. For more information, visit http://dccouncil.us/mendelson/index.html.

DDOT Announces Work Update on South Dakota Avenue Bridge, NE

From DDOT:

First Phase of Major Rehab Underway; Off Peak Lane Closures Upcoming

As part of previously announced work on the South Dakota Avenue Bridge in Northeast, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will close the inbound and outbound left lanes Monday, April 23 through Friday, April 27 between the hours of 9:30am and 3:30pm.

The South Dakota Avenue Bridge runs on South Dakota Avenue, NE, between Vista Street/Franklin Street on the north side and 30th Street on the south side (over the CSX railroad tracks).

The lane closures will take place in the bridge area only.

DDOT will maintain three lanes of traffic in each direction, Monday through Friday during the morning rush hour (6:30 am to 9:30 am) and the evening rush hour (3:30 pm to 6:30 pm) One lane of traffic flows in each direction all other times.

Project summary: The $7 million restoration of the South Dakota Avenue Bridge uses a combination of federal and local funds. The rehabilitation work includes reconstruction of abutments and the bridge deck, in addition to roadway and intersection improvements on both sides of the bridge.

Weather permitting the project is slated to be completed in March 2009. DDOT will continue to update the public on the progress of the project. Hours of work are Monday through Saturday from 7am to 6pm.

DDOT encourages motorists to use extreme caution when passing through the work zone.

For more information, please see District closures, street closures and traffic alerts.

Calvin Coleman, II Artist Reception at Adobe Design Center - Sunday, April 22nd

Visual artist Calvin Coleman, II will display his works and talk to guests at the Adobe Design Center, located at 606-C Rhode Island Avenue NE (near the Rhode Island Avenue Metro station, above Flash Glass), on Sunday, April 22th, 2007 from 2pm to 4:30pm. He has exhibited at the National Black Fine Art Show in New York City, galleries in Philadelphia, Chicago, Atlanta, and throughout the Washington, DC area. In late 2006, he exhibited in Toulouse, France. His work is also featured in Unveiled, a book by R&B-jazz singer and photographer Will Downing.

Art will be available for purchase; refreshments will be served. This event is being hosted by the Arts and Letters committee of The Federal City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. For more info, call 202.545.1913.

Community Computer Sale & Recycling - Saturday and Sunday

Community Computer Sale
Join us at our upcoming Community Computer Sale on Saturday, April 21st, 2007, 10-2pm at Kennedy Rec Center (1401 7th Street NW, 202.671.4794). Hosted by United Planning Organization Head Start Program and Per Scholas.

Computers will be available for $230 & $330!

Per Scholas is a non-profit organization with a rich 12-year history of offering affordable technology to low-income families and financially challenged schools and community-based organizations. We are headquartered in Bronx, NY with offices in Miami and Baltimore. For the past two years, Per Scholas has partnered with the Head Start Program in various cities to reach out to families without home computers and technology-deprived schools, day care centers and after school programs.

Beyond the New York City area, we have co-hosted outreach events in Baltimore, Miami, Pittsburgh, Toledo, Wilmington, & Washington, DC. This is our third time in DC. Learn more about our threefold technology programs at www.perscholas.org.

Please spread the word about this event. We do not require proof of income nor applications. Instead, we ask community organizations serving financially challenged populations to share the information with their staff and the families they serve. These computers also ideal for organizations setting up classrooms and tech labs. We highly recommend placing advance orders at 866.907.1758 - although walk-ins are welcome.

Should there be any questions, please contact me (Angela Tyler) at 410.230.1819.

Angela Tyler
Marketing Director/Consultant
Per Scholas - Affordable computers year-round!
410.230.1819 / 866.907.1758

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Household Hazardous Waste, E-Cycling Collection
The DC Department of Public Works will hold its annual spring Household Hazardous Waste and E-Cycling collection event Saturday, April 21, 2007, 9am-3pm at the Carter Barron Amphitheatre parking lot at 16th and Kennedy Streets, NW. This drop-off service is free and open to all District residents.

DC residents can bring items including leftover cleaning and gardening chemicals, small quantities of gasoline, pesticides and poisons, mercury thermometers, varnish, solvents, spent batteries of all kinds, roofing tar, chemistry sets, automotive fluids, even asbestos floor tiles to the collection site for environmentally safe disposal.

Additionally, an electronics recycler will be onsite to take end-of-life consumer electronics including computers, computer monitors and other accessories, televisions, and office equipment. These machines will be broken down into their component parts (plastic, glass, toxic/heavy metals) and recycled or disposed of safely.

Items that will not be accepted during the Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics Recycling Collection include ammunition, bulk trash, wooden TV consoles, propane tanks, microwave ovens, air conditioners and other appliances, as well as radioactive or medical wastes.

For more information on household hazardous waste, visit the DPW site.

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Computer Recycling
Bring your old and unwanted computers and computer-related equipment to Freedom Plaza (13th and E Streets, NW) on Sunday, April 22nd, 2007, 11am-3pm, and the Environmental Protection Agency will recycle them for free in a manner that is safe for the environment.

Safely recycling and reusing computer equipment helps keep substances like lead and mercury from harming people or the environment.

Encourage your family, friends, schools, religious institutions, and other community organizations to do the same. We will take donations of computers, laptops, monitors, keyboards, scanners, mice, and other related computer equipment.

More information is available at www.epa.gov/oei/recycling.

MPD Youth Investigations Branch Open House - Saturday, April 21st

In honor of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Youth Investigation Branch (YIB) will hold an Open House on Saturday, April 21st, 2007, 11am–5pm. The event is free and open to the public. For additional information contact:

Youth Investigations Branch
1700 Rhode Island Avenue, NE
(202) 576-6768 (phone)
(202) 576-6561 (fax)

The Metropolitan Police Department, Youth Investigations Branch (YIB), is responsible for the following:
· Investigating Child Abuse and Neglect
· Investigating Child Sexual Abuse & Exploitation (including child pornography and child prostitution)
· Investigating Juvenile Missing Persons (under the age of 18 years) & Parental Kidnapping
· Investigating Persons In Need of Supervision (PINS)
· Juvenile Processing Center (process juvenile arrestees)
· Absconder Unit (locate youth in abscondence)
· Investigating Internet Crimes against Children Unit

For more information on YIB sevices and resources, visit this page of the MPD site.

Missing Person: James Johnson

From MPD:

The Metropolitan Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing person identified as James Johnson, who resides in Temple Hills, Maryland.

Following a doctor’s appointment, Mr. Johnson was last seen at about noon on Wednesday, April 18, 2007 in the 1000 block of North Capitol Street, NE boarding Metrobus Number 80. Metrobus Number 80 travels northbound on North Capitol Street, NE and covers the route from North Capitol Street, NE to the area of Fort Totten, NE.

James Johnson is 69 years old. He is described as a dark complexioned black male, 5'7" tall, weighing approximately 147 pounds, with brown eyes, a grey mustache, and is bald with grey hair on the sides of his head. Reportedly, he was last seen wearing a short blue jacket, champagne colored pants, and a greenish orange colored shirt with stripes of an unkown color. He may appear to be disoriented and is in need of medication.

Anyone who has information regarding Mr. Johnson’s whereabouts is asked to call police at 202.727.9099.

Brookland & Bloomingdale Neighborhood Clean-Ups, Trinidad Tree Planting - Saturday, April 21st

BLOOMINGDALE
The Bloomingdale Civic Association (BCA) will sponsor a Neighborhood Clean-Up this Saturday, April 21st from 9am to 12pm. A volunteer will distribute trash bags and loan cleaning equipment (rakes, shovels, brooms) from the pocket park at the intersection of First St, NW & Rhode Island Avenue, NW (in front of City Cleaners). Trash pick up locations will be marked by signs at the northeast corners of the unit blocks of:

Adams St. NW
V St. NW
and Thomas Streets, NW above Rhode Island Avenue and the northeast corners of the units blocks of
T St. NW
R St. NW,
and Florida Avenue, NW below Rhode Island Avenue NW.

BCA is seeking volunteers to help with its semi-annual Neighborhood Clean-up this Saturday, April 21st from 9am to 1pm. Timed to coincide with the national celebration of Earth Week, this Neighborhood Clean-up will spruce up our neighborhood in time for the coming good weather. Volunteers do one, two, or all of the followings tasks for their blocks:

· distribute Clean-Up flyers on their blocks,

· rally their neighbors to participate in the clean up

· assure that trash is placed in the correct location for DPW pick-up, and/or

· help schedule the pick up of household hazardous waste products from their blocks.

Any level of volunteer participation will be greatly appreciated. To lend a helping hand please email Cassandra at ACleanerPrettierBloomingdale@hotmail.com.

BCA will also assist by transporting the hazardous household waste to the Carter Barron of residents without automotive transportation. Please email Cassandra at ACleanerPrettierBloomingdale@hotmail.com to schedule a pick up from your home.


BROOKLAND
In conjunction with Catholic University of America students, we will be holding a street cleanup in conjunction with Earth Day, this Saturday from 10am to 12pm. We will join up with CUA students at the corner of Monroe and 12th streets. Gloves and bags will be provided.


TRINIDAD
Celebrate Earth Day by Planting Trees
Saturday, April 21st
9am - 1pm

Joseph H. Cole Recreation Center
1200 Morse Street, NE

We'll be planting around 15 trees at the recreation center on Saturday, so we'll need lots of volunteers.

Sponsored by Trinidad/Ivy City Garden Club in collaboration with Casey Trees.

Contact Trinidad/Ivy City Garden Club (202-398-4779) for more information.

Walking Town DC Spring 2007 - Saturday & Sunday

Saturday, April 21, 2007 - Sunday, April 22, 2007
Location: Across the City

Join Cultural Tourism DC for more than 60 free walking tours (and a few bike and boat tours) in 18 neighborhoods across Washington, DC. Check the overview schedule, email info@CulturalTourismDC.org or call 202-661-7581 for more information.

What you need to know:
· All tours are free.
· Reservations are not required, with the exception of the bike tours and a few others. Just show up!
· Consider taking Metrobus, Metrorail, or the Circulator. Most tours are readily available via public transportation.
· Tours are held rain or shine.
· Visit the City Guide at washingtonpost.com to check special features and post a review.
· Need more info or tips to plan your day? Click here!

Just a sampling of the tours that may be of interest to folks in NE:

SATURDAY, APRIL 21

Anacostia by Bike: The River and the Ridge
Saturday 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
Meet at the Harbor Police parking lot at the south end of Water Street, SW
Reservations required: 202-518-0524 or waba@waba.org
This 26-mile ride combines a tour of the Anacostia River Walk Trail with the spine of the Potomac Ridge. See Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, historic Anacostia, the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, and the Anacostia Community Museum. Participants should expect rough pavement, hills, and traffic, which will be heavy in spots. Helmets are mandatory. Bring water, food, and ID. Led by volunteer Jon Fleming and presented by the Washington Area Bicyclist Association.

Anacostia by Bike
Saturday 9 am – 12 noon
Meet at the entrance to the Washington Fish and Seafood Market Place, 1100 Maine Avenue, SW
Reservations required: 202-661-7581 or reply@CulturalTourismDC.org
Experience the Anacostia River by bicycle with Emeka Moneme, director of the District Department of Transportation. Ride the route of the future Anacostia River Walk Trail to see Anacostia Park and RFK Stadium. You’ll also learn about the many projects that will soon transform the Anacostia waterfront. Presented by the District Department of Transportation.

Explore Florida Market/Capital City Market
Saturday 9 – 11 am
Meet outside the north entrance of New York Avenue Metro station (exit to Florida Avenue)
The Florida Market is the city’s major wholesale food distribution center. Walkers will visit two Korean restaurants and vendors inside the DC Farmers Market building. The tour will also address development issues, such as increased demand for urban living. Led by Richard Layman and presented by Citizens Planning Coalition, Frozen Tropics weblog, and Rebuilding Place in the Urban Space weblog.

History of Brookland
Saturday 9 – 10:30 am
Meet inside St. Anthony’s School cafeteria, 3400 12th Street, NE
Learn about the development of Brookland over the last 120 years. Hear about the contributions of famous Brooklanders such as Ralph Bunche and Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, and discover neighborhood architectural styles. Led by volunteer residents and presented by Brookland Tour Committee.

History of Brookland
Saturday 10:30 am – 12 noon
Meet inside St. Anthony’s School cafeteria, 3400 12th Street, NE

History of Brookland
Saturday 12 noon – 1:30 pm
Meet inside St. Anthony’s School cafeteria, 3400 12th Street, NE

African Americans at the Top of the Hill
Saturday 1 – 3 pm
Meet in front of Union Station next to the Freedom Bell
Visit notable African American sites such as the first Washington home of Frederick Douglass, the statue of Mary McLeod Bethune, and the Emancipation Monument. Tour highlights also include the Supreme Court where Justice Thurgood Marshall made landmark decisions and the capital rotunda where Rosa Parks was honored. Led by Noel Paige and presented by Urban Communications (UC) Tours.

History of Brookland
Saturday 1:30 – 3 pm
Meet inside St. Anthony’s School cafeteria, 3400 12th Street, NE

History of Brookland
Saturday 3 – 4:30 pm
Meet inside St. Anthony’s School cafeteria, 3400 12th Street, NE

History of Brookland
Saturday 4 – 5 pm
Meet inside St. Anthony’s School cafeteria, 3400 12th Street, NE

SUNDAY, APRIL 22

Rediscovering Kingman and Heritage Islands
Sunday 10 – 11:30 am
Meet outside Stadium-Armory Metro station (north exit)
Kingman Island and the adjacent Heritage Island, located near RFK Stadium, are envisioned as a publicly accessible, 45-acre natural park that reconnects the neighborhood and all District residents with the natural wonders of the Anacostia River. Join Howard Ways, Anacostia Waterfront Corporation Ward Seven project director, as he tours the area and discusses plans for this space. Presented by the Anacostia Waterfront Corporation.

History of Brookland
Sunday 12 noon – 1:30 pm
Meet inside St. Anthony’s School cafeteria, 3400 12th Street, NE


Exploring the Hill East Waterfront
Sunday 1 – 2 pm
Meet outside Stadium-Armory Metro station (north entrance)
Hill East Waterfront lies along the shores of the Anacostia River at the southeastern end of Capitol Hill. This community will be transformed into an urban multi-use district, connecting the surrounding neighborhood to the Anacostia Waterfront via tree-lined public streets, recreational trails, and accessible waterfront parklands. Led by Jeff Seltzer, Capital Projects Manager for AWC and presented by the Anacostia Waterfront Corporation.

History of Brookland
Sunday 1:30 – 3 pm
Meet inside St. Anthony’s School cafeteria, 3400 12th Street, NE

Heard It Through the Grapevine: A Tour of Marvin Gaye Park
Sunday 3 – 5 pm
Meet outside Capitol Heights Metro station
Plans for the restoration of 55-acre Marvin Gaye Park call for a green stream valley with recreational amenities that complement and enhance surrounding communities. The project also includes a rejuvenated streambed, a multi-purpose trail, upgrades to sewer and stormwater management, and improvements to the pedestrian bridges. Led by Washington Parks and People and presented by the Anacostia Waterfront Corporation.

History of Brookland
Sunday 3 – 4:30 pm
Meet inside St. Anthony’s School cafeteria, 3400 12th Street, NE

History of Brookland
Sunday 4 – 5 pm
Meet inside St. Anthony’s School cafeteria, 3400 12th Street, NE

Wolfarth Galleries Presents "Double Vision: Naples & the Amalfi Coast" Opening Reception - Friday, April 20th

What: Meet the artists reception for William Papaleo and Michele Mari's "Double Vision: Naples and the Amalfi Coast" Paintings and Fine Photography - both artists are from the Amalfi Coast, and are flying here from Italy for the opening reception and present a clear vision of the Amalfi Coast and Naples in pastels, oils, and photography.

When: Friday, April 20th, 2007, 6-8pm

Where: Wolfarth Galleries, 3418 9th Street, NE

Additionally: Outdoor painting demonstration by William Papaleo, Saturday, April 21st at 9am. Papaleo will paint from life, in morning light, to demonstrate how his work uses color to reflect atmosphere and the changing effects in the light key of nature. The demo painting will be available for sale.

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

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

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

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

What: Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5C Monthly Meeting

When: Tuesday, April 17th, 2007, 7-9pm

Where: Catholic University's Life Cycle Institute (Directions: From Michigan Avenue, NE turn North onto John McCormack Rd, then left to parking garage next to Flather Hall, then walk Southwest to Institute)

Agenda Includes:
· MPD-5D Public Safety Report
· Update on DDOT Beautification Grants - Sharlene Reed, Ward 5 DDOT Planner
· Report on National Marathon Run through ANC-5C
· Update on Bloomingdale Farmers Market plans
· Report on Traffic Calming Proposals Approved by ANC5C
· Status of ANC5C Community Grant Awards of 12/06

Pardon My Dust

For those of you visiting via an RSS feed or similar application, my apologies for any confusion. Old posts are showing up as though they are new because I've been updating labels. I can't promise it won't happen again, but I think I'm done for now.

Voting Rights March Countdown: 3 Days!

From DC Vote:

We are only three days away from making history! On Monday, April 16th, we will Demand the Vote for DC and I hope you will be a part of the movement - rain or shine.

Here are the essential details for the Voting Rights March:


2:30 PM - Gather at Freedom Plaza, 13th and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW (Metro Center)
3:00 PM - March down Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
4:00 PM - Rally at Capitol Reflecting Pool, 3rd and Independence Avenue, NW (Federal Center SW)
6:00 PM - Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton invites all marchers to a "Push the Senate Reception" in Room 50 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building, Constitution Avenue and First Street, NE. The reception will be cosponsored by Sen. Joseph Lieberman (I-CT).


If you cannot march with us at 2:30 PM at Freedom Plaza, consider taking a few hours off work and join us for the rally at the Reflecting Pool at 4:00 PM.

Speakers:

Civil Rights Icon and Congressman John Lewis (D-GA)
Secretary Jack Kemp
Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC)
Congressman Tom Davis (R-VA)
Congressman Chris Shays (R-CT)
Mayor Adrian Fenty
Chairman Vincent Gray
Civil Rights Leaders

For more information, visit VotingRightsMarch.org or call 202.263.4397. See you Monday!

Sincerely,

Ilir Zherka
Executive Director

Even if you believe - as I do - that the proposed legislation will not guarantee us the voice statehood would (and I'm afraid that, if passed, we won't get another shot at full representation for a long time), your voice is still needed in the march. We need to let Congress know that real citizens, who pay all-too-real taxes, are absurdly disenfranchised in the very city in which they work. And maybe folks across the U.S. who aren't aware of our lack of representation will take notice, as well.

SMD 5A-09 Monthly Meeting - Sunday, April 15th

What: SMD 5A-09 meeting with Commissioner Shirley Smith

When: Sunday, April 15th, 2007, 2-3:30pm

Where: Woodridge Library, 1801 Hamlin Street, NE

Agenda: TBA

Future Meetings:
Sunday, May 13th
Sunday, June 10th
Sunday, July 8th
No meeting in August
Sunday, September 9th
Sunday, October 14th
Sunday, November 11th
Sunday, December 9th

NE DC Historical Society Meeting - Sunday, April 15th

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.

When: Sunday, April 15th, 2007, 2-4pm

Where: The Orelia Ledbetter Room of the Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ, 5301 North Capitol Street, NE (at the corner North Capitol and Riggs Road)

Presentations will include: The focus for this session will be the Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ, a beacon of light to the communities of Riggs Park, Lamond-Riggs, Fort Totten, Chillum, the South Manor community of Manor Park, and voting precinct 65. Plymouth Congregational's rich history dates back to 1881. So join us as Mrs. Orelia Ledbetter, longtime member and wife of Plymouth's departed pastor emeritus, acquaints us with this thriving and nurturing religious and community organization impacting youths through senior citizens.

Etc.: For those unable to attend this meeting, don't miss next month's meeting to be held from 2:00-4:00 pm on Sunday, May 20th, 2007. Our meeting will take place in Laboratory 1 of The Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street, NE. The presentations will include such topics as the Uline Arena, Union Station, Swampoodle, the H Street Trolley Car, and H Street's burgeoning entertainment district.

Our meetings take place the second Sunday of every month. During the months of April and May we will meet the third Sunday of the month. Contact queenstowndc@yahoo.com for further information.

Fatal Stabbing at 51st Street and Banks Place, NE

From MPD:

Shortly before 3:30 pm on Thursday, April 12, 2007, police and DCFD emergency medical personnel responded to the area of 51st Street and Banks Place, NE to investigate the report of a stabbing. Upon arrival, they discovered a male suffering from a stab wound to the upper body.

The victim, who has been identified as 40-year-old Moses Anderson, of the 7000 block of Greig Street in Seat Pleasant, Maryland, was transported to Prince George’s County Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 4:02 pm.

The case is currently under investigation by detectives assigned to the department’s Violent Crimes Branch. Anyone who has information regarding this case is asked to call 202.727.9099.

The Metropolitan Police Department is currently offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for any homicide committed in the District of Columbia.

Missing Brookland Man's Body Pulled from the Anacostia

From MPD (though I never saw an initial missing persons' report):

Earlier today, a news release was issued misidentifying the body of an adult male recovered from the Anacostia River at approximately 3 pm yesterday, April 10, 2007 as a person reported missing on March 23, 2007. It has now been determined that this missing person was located and returned home.

The individual recovered yesterday from the Anacostia River is now identified as 49-year-old Rodney Lindsey of the 1000 block of Michigan Avenue, NE. Mr. Lindsey had been reported missing on April 7, 2007. The cause and manner of death will be determined by the Office of the DC. Medical Examiner.

"Building Our Community Together" Ward 5 Economic Workshop - Saturday, April 14th

What: Councilmember Harry Thomas, Jr. will host a Ward 5 Economic Workshop - "Building Our Community Together"

When: Saturday, April 14th, 2007, 9-11am - Registration begins at 8:30am

Where: Catholic University, Caldwell Hall Main Floor [pdf] (Caldwell Hall is located in square B-C/11-12 on the linked map. The lower or southern end of Caldwell, closest to the Basilica, is also called the "Seton Wing" of Caldwell (and it is so labeled on the map) and that is where the entrance to the Auditorium is located. Visitors can park in the lot right next to Caldwell, in the McMahon parking lot.)

Workshop Partners Include: DC Office of Small & Local Business; DC Office of Planning; Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF); and Washington, DC Economic Partnership.

For additional information call 202.724.8028.

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Celebrate Emancipation Day in Ward 5
Immediately after (2pm), you can head over to the Ward 5 Emancipation Day Community Event at the U.S. Soldiers' Home at Rock Creek Church Road and Upshur Street, NW. Celebrate with Chuck Brown, the All City Marching Band, and the Dance Place Step Team. Additional details are here.

"City's Definition" Opening Reception at Roxanne's ARTiques - Thursday, April 12th

Roxanne's ARTiques and Gallery Presents
"City's Definition"

featuring artists:

Miles Bumbray
K. Wesley E. Clark
Shaunte Gates

Opening Reception
Thurs. April 12th - 6-8:30pm

Closing Reception & Artist Talk
Sunday May 6th 4-6pm

Exhibition Dates
April 12 - May 6, 2007

Roxanne's ARTiques & Gallery
3426 9th Street, NE
202-526-7020

CUA Display on New Opus Hall Project

From Craig Parker, CUA General Counsel and Associate VP for Community & Government Relations:

The Catholic University's neighbors in Brookland are invited this week, Wednesday through Friday, to see a display regarding Opus Hall, CUA's newest residence hall project which begins construction later this spring. The display features a full-size mock-up of a typical suite in the new building. The Office of Housing Services invites the community to learn more through "The Opus Hall Experience" which will take place April 11 to 13 on the third floor of the Pryzbyla Center. On April 11, from noon to 7 p.m., and April 12, from 9 a.m. to noon, there will be visual displays, voting opportunities on color selections and the full-size mock-up of a suite. On April 13 displays will be available in the Pryzbyla Center, Room 209. For more information, contact housing services at cua-housing@cua.edu or 202-319-5615.

Thanks to Craig Parker for this information and his continuing efforts to bridge any gaps between CUA and the greater Brookland community.

Food & Friends to Deliver 10 Millionth Meal - Tuesday April 17th

Join Special Guest, Mayor Adrian M. Fenty,

and Food & Friends' Clients, Volunteers, Board, Staff and Supporters

as we Commemorate our 10 Millionth Meal!

Mayor Fenty will Package Food & Friends' 10 Millionth Meal

and Deliver it to a Food & Friends Client

Tuesday, April 17
8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
Food & Friends
219 Riggs Road, NE
Shuttle Service Available from Fort Totten Metro Station

Breakfast will be Provided

RSVP by this Friday, April 13

Community Workshop #3 for the Brookland/CUA Metro Plan - Thursday, April 12th

What: The DC Office of Planning invites you to attend the third community workshop in a series for the Brookland/CUA Metro Small Area Plan

When: Thursday, April 12th, 2007, 6-9pm

Where: Noyes Elementary School, 2725 10th Street, NE (enter at Franklin Street auditorium door)

Agenda: This community workshop focuses on the guiding principles of the development plan for the neighborhoods surrounding the Brookland/CUA Metro station. Open House,6-6:30pm; Workshop, 6:30-9pm.

RSVP: 202.610.0005 or rsvp@jsallc.com

Questions and additional information: Deborah Crain, Ward 5 Planner, at 202.442.7615 or deborah.crain@dc.gov

Upcoming Community Workshops:
• Design Concepts - Wednesday, May 16th, 6-9pm

» Consultant's reports and additional information are available here.

Two-Alarm Fire in Trinidad Leaves Residents Homeless

From NBC4:

Residents of four row house apartments in Northeast are looking for temporary housing following a morning fire.

D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services spokesman Alan Etter said the fire broke out at about 9:30 a.m. Tuesday in the 1200 block of Raum Street.

Etter said residents of all four units were home when the fire occurred.

They escaped without any apparent injuries, but a senior woman is being evaluated for medical problems.

At least a dozen people lived in the four apartments that were damaged by the fire. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.

Additional details and pictures can be seen at dcfire.com.

PCDC Forum on School Reform - Wednesday, April 11th

From the Premier Community Development Corporation (PCDC):

Contact: Hazel Thomas, Chair, 202-491-9245
Dominique West, Forum Chair, 202-898-5063
Stephanie Rones, Executive Director, 202-250-PCDC

Citizens to Debate Council Vote and School Reform Proposal at PCDC Pubic Forum on April 11th, 2007

Premier Community Development Corporation (PCDC), a nonprofit community membership organization designed to improve housing, economic development, and the quality of life in Ward 5, is sponsoring a forum to discuss the school reform proposal.

The forum, entitled: "Standing Up for Children, Families, and Communities: The Role of Government and Stakeholders in Improving Our Schools, Our Neighborhoods," will be held on Wednesday, April 11th, 2007, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, at the North Michigan Park Recreation Center located at 13th and Emerson Streets, NE.

The Forum will be a public discourse on school governance and will focus on critical topics such as: citizens' involvement in the decision making process, the impact of the environment on academic achievement in the District, and possible solutions to improving schools and neighborhoods. Invited guest panelist include: representatives from the Mayor's office; School Board President, Robert Bobb; and others. The panel will address questions from the moderator and the audience; for example:

- The mayoral schools takeover -- a panacea, cure-all, current fad, or public relations attention-grabber?
- What is the cost of the proposed school takeover and the impact on bureaucracy?
- What does accountability entail? Will being in charge guarantee success and problems fixed?
- How can D.C. reduce the problems in communities and homes that affect teaching and learning?
- How can the D.C. school system improve school performance now?
- What are the roles and responsibilities of parents, teachers, civic leaders, business leaders, labor, faith community, and government leaders in improving education?
- How does the "No Child Left Behind" law impact schools?
- How can we make a difference in education and make D.C. a model for the world?
- Should traditional D.C. schools be funded like charter schools? Why are charter and traditional schools regulated differently overall?
- Should there be a referendum for any Home Rule charter changes? Can we wait for Wards 4 and 7 elections?

The forum is free and open to the public.

Premier Community Development Corporation
Improving Ward 5 Housing, Economic Development and Quality of Life
1309 Rhode Island Avenue NE, Suite B, Washington, DC 20018

Phone: 202.250.PCDC
Fax: 202.250.PCD3
premiercdc@yahoo.com

If anyone knows more about PCDC (I couldn't find a website or other online presence for them), please leave details in the comments.

Homicide in the 1800 Block of Central Place, NE

From MPD:

At approximately 12:30am, on Sunday, April 8, 2007, police were called to an apartment building located in the 1800 block of Central Place, NE, for the report of an unconscious person. Upon arrival police located 56-year-old Robert Beidleman, Jr., of the above address, inside of an apartment suffering from apparent multiple stab wounds to the body. DC Fire Department emergency medical personnel responded to the scene but could find no signs consistent with life. He was taken to the DC Medical Examiner’s Office 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 Metropolitan Police 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.

Brookland Civic Association & SMD 5A-06 Monthly Meeting - Tuesday, April 10th

What: The Brookland Civic Association and SMD 5A-06 monthly meetings will be held jointly.

When: Tuesday, April 10th, 2007, 6:30-8:30pm

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

Agenda Includes:
· 7th and 8th Street Changes Update
· Ronald McDonald House Relocation Proposal
· MPD-5D
· Elsie Whitmore School; proposed sale to charter school (located at Oakview Terrace, Perry and Otis between 12th and 13th Streets)
· Cardinal's Nest Restaurant; customer service issues
· Larry Sanders, owner of the 10th Street Shopping Center; plans for the future
· Discussion of proposed closing of Brookland Elementary and Slowe Elementary Schools

Etc.: For more information, call Marie Baird Curry at 202.635.1970.

ANC-5B Monthly Meeting - Thursday, April 5th

What: Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5B Monthly Meeting

When: Thursday, April 5th, 2007 at 7:30pm

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

Agenda: TBA

NE Teen Missing Since Monday

From MPD:

The Metropolitan Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing person, identified as Altonio Herbert Johnson. He was last seen at approximately 9am, on Monday, April 2, 2007, leaving his residence located in the 100 block of 49th Place, NE.

Altonio Johnson is 13 years old. He is described as a medium complexion black male, 5’7” tall, weighing approximately 125 to 130 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. He was last seen wearing blue jeans and blue or white shirt.

Anyone with information regarding Altonio Herbert Jonhson’s whereabouts is asked to call police at 202.727.9099.

Suspect Fires Gun in Pants - Shoots Officer and Himself

This would have been so much funnier if the officer hadn't been hit...from WUSA9:

A DC Police officer is recovering from a gunshot wound to the left calf. He was among 3 officers from the 5th District Focus Mission unit who were patrolling the streets in the Trinidad neighborhood in Northeast when they encountered three men drinking in an alleyway off of Penn Avenue [Street?].

Investigators say two men complied with a request to pour their alcohol out but a third man took off and was caught a short time later. As they attempted to arrest him, police say there was a struggle and the suspect fired a gun that was in his waistband, hitting himself in the left thigh and the officer in the left calf.

The unidentified officer is expected to make a full recovery. The suspect underwent surgery Tuesday night. He'll be charged with assaulting a police officer, a far more serious charge than drinking in public.

Woodridge & Brentwood Civic Associations Monthly Meetings - Tuesday, April 3rd

What: Woodridge Civic Association Monthly Meeting, in conjunction with the Brentwood Community Civic Association Monthly Meeting

When: Tuesday, April 3rd, 2007, 7:00-8:30pm

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

Etc.: Mayor Adrian Fenty will be in attendance. Both civic associations meet the first Tuesday of the month, except July and August, at the Washington Center for Aging Services.

DC Likely to Reimburse Feds $3.36M Over Closed DMV Inspection Station

From today's Examiner:

The District anticipates having to repay more than $3 million to the federal government now that the Department of Motor Vehicles has decided not to reopen its Northeast Inspection Station.

Outdated, in disrepair and poorly equipped, the station, located at 1827 West Virginia Ave. NE closed in 1999 for reconstruction. Today, despite having spent nearly $8 million to rebuild it, the facility remains shuttered, and the decision has been made to keep the bays locked permanently.

DMV Interim Director Lucinda Babers recently told a D.C. Council committee that the agency’s lone inspection station, at 1001 Half St. SW., experiences "little to no lines" except on Mondays, at lunchtime and after holidays. Waits were reduced through improved staffing and new equipment that streamlined the process, she said.

"We realize that it may be more inconvenient for customers who have to still come to Southwest," Babers said. "But the cost effectiveness isn’t there."

The District spent $7.9 million, including $3.36 million in federal highway funds, to rebuild the Northeast facility.

D.C. officials say the feds likely will have to be reimbursed, though the government has yet to ask for its money back.

Just in case, D.C. is working "to identify the appropriate source of funding," mayoral spokesman Mafara Hobson said.

"Nothing’s concrete in terms of how we’re going to pay them back, but we’re sure we’re going to come up with something so we can proceed," Babers told the council committee.

The building, now 90 percent complete, likely will be turned over to the Department of Public Works for use in fleet maintenance.

The city stopped work on the station in 2003 out of frustration with delays it blamed on the contractor. The District ended up paying D.C.-based HRGM Corp. nearly $3.7 million in two installments to settle the matter.

Ward 1 Council Member Jim Graham, who has oversight of the DMV, said the federal reimbursement is an important but unanswered question. But not operating the Northeast station, he said, should save the District money in the long run.

"It certainly makes sense to pause and not do it if we don’t need it," Graham said.

7-Year-Old Missing in NE

The Metropolitan Police Department is asking for the public's assitance in finding a missing 7-year-old boy.

Police said William Jones was last seen Tuesday at 8:30pm leaving his home in the 5000 block of Jay Street, NE.

Jones is described as a black male, 4 feet in height, weighing about 48 pounds with brown eyes and black hair. He was last seen wearing multicolored pants (red, white, blue), a multicolored shirt (red, white, blue), and a camouflage coat.

Anyone who knows his whereabouts is asked to contact the Metropolitan Police Department at 202.727.9099.

I'll post a picture if/when one becomes available.

Homicide on Mount Olivet Road

**UPDATE** This case was closed on Wednesday, April 11, 2007 with the arrest of 18-year-old Cordell Anthony Smith, of the 2600 block of Brinkley Road in Temple Hills, Maryland. He has been charged with Murder I while Armed and is scheduled to be arraigned in DC Superior Court.

From MPD:

At approximately 1:30 this morning, Wednesday, March 28, 2007, police were called inside a 2nd floor hallway of an apartment building located at 1060 Mount Olivet Road, NE, for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival officers located 20-year-old Rayshard Austin, of the 1100 block of Cherry Hill Road, in Beltsville, Maryland, suffering from apparent multiple gunshot wounds to the body. DC Fire Department emergency medical personnel responded to the scene, but could find no signs consistent with life. He was taken to the DC Medical Examiner’s Office 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.

Brookland Ties for Worst Neighborhood to Grab a Bite to Eat

Though it was sweet of the new Share Your DC site to include Brookland in its survey, Michael Grass at FreeRide wonders if Brookland was included as a "sacrificial lamb":

So we'll see what the crafty marketers extract from the input of experts and everyday people like you and me. Maybe, just maybe, we'll get a slogan like this: "Explore Your Nation's Capital: Just Don't Eat in Brookland."

Don't hate the messenger, hate the reality of the message, particularly based on recent negative reactions to the Cardinal's Nest and the limited options for sit-down dining. What do you think?

ANC-5A Monthly Meeting - Wednesday, March 28th

What: Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5A Monthly Meeting

When: Wednesday, March 28th, 2007 at 7pm

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

Agenda Includes:
· ANC Business
· Police Report - MPD-5D
· Crime Solvers - Presentation
· DC Rape Crisis Center - Presentation
· Community Concerns

Next Meeting: Wednesday, April 25th, 2007 at 7pm, Turkey Thicket Recreation Center, 1100 Michigan Avenue, NE

Providence Hospital Community Health Fair - Wednesday, March 28th

What: Providence Hospital is hosting its 5th annual community health fair

When: Wednesday March 28th, 2007, 12:30-4:00pm

Where: Providence Hospital's Carroll Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 1150 Varnum Street, NE

Etc: In celebration of National Nutrition Month, National Kidney Month, and National Social Workers' Month, the fair will have over 40 representatives from local and regional health organizations. The American Kidney Fund will sponsor a free kidney screening. For additional information please call 202.269.7100.

Drum Circle at Café Sureia - Sunday, March 25th

What: Café Sureia presents a community drum circle to celebrate the arrival of the spring/vernal equinox

When: Sunday, March 25, 2007, 2-4pm

Where: Café Sureia, 3629 12th Street, NE

Details: Join your neighbors to celebrate the coming of SPRING! Feel the primal rhythm of the universe, play midwife to SPRING and drum your ass off! NO EXPERIENCE necessary. All ages and all levels of experience are welcome. Just bring your joy for life and prepare to have the time of your life. Jerry Peloquin, Brookland resident, organizational psychologist, and a drummer who played with such famous artists as Nina Simone, Paul Winter Consort, and Jefferson Airplane will facilitate the drum circle.

Bring your percussion instruments — hand drums, shakers, claves, tambourines, etc. (no snares, please). A donation of $5.00 per person is requested.

About Drum Circles: Drumming and rhythm are natural parts of our daily lives. Our very life blood and existence are driven by the beat or our hearts and the steady rhythmic pattern of our breathing. The sea pulses upon the shore. The clock ticks away the hours. We are naturally attuned to the beat. It is a profound part of our nature and once we reconnect, it frees us and binds us. When the beat builds and is driven by the group, it links us all together.

National Marathon, NE Street Closures, and Volunteer Opportunities - Saturday, March 24th

Folks in Eckington and Bloomingdale, along the North Capitol Street leg of the National Marathon, are planning on helping out tomorrow by cheering and handing out cups of water. A water station will be set up at North Capitol and Quincy Place (I'm not sure if it'll be on the NE or NW side), and race officials are asking that they be prepared by 8:45am tomorrow morning, March 24th. If you can add to the needed 30 gallons of water and 1000 small cups, I'm sure it will much appreciated.

» DC.gov info about street closures from 7am-2pm, Saturday, March 24th - the only ways over North Capitol during that time, unless you go north of Michigan Avenue or south of K Street, will be the bridges on Rhode Island and New York Avenues.
» View the National Marathon course map here (PDF).
» View the race turn-by-turn here (PDF).

9th Street Galleries' Spring/Summer Reception - Friday, March 23rd

What: 9th Street Galleries' wine and cheese reception for the opening of the spring and summer season

When: Friday, March 23rd, 2007, 6-8pm

Where:
· Wohlfarth Galleries, 3418 9th Street NE (Fine Painting and Drawings, and Sculpture)

· Washington Works on Paper, 3420 9th Street NE (A nonprofit gallery; will be showing local artist Ray Allard's Prints)

· Roxanne's Artiques & Gallery, 3426 9th Street NE (Paintings, Sculpture, Jewelry)

Rhode Island Avenue-Brentwood Metro Redevelopment Update

DCmud has an update on the proposed development coming to the Rhode Island Avenue-Brentwood Metro. If we're lucky, it will block the views of the Rhode Island Place (or RIP - my household's pet name) and perhaps even spur the management to take better care of it. Better yet, I hope it creates a clamor in the Ward 5 community to demand urban-style, pedestrian-friendly, dense development rather than suburban-style strip malls floating in seas of asphalt.


Images from Mid-City Urban, LLC and A&R Development, respectively, below.

Free Rita's Ice and Dunkin' Donuts' Iced Coffee - TODAY

To celebrate the first full day of spring, both Rita's Ice and Dunkin' Donuts are offering free goodies!

» Free regular Italian Ice at Rita's - 2318 Rhode Island Avenue, NE (near the corner of Rhode Island and South Dakota Avenues)

» Free 16oz small iced coffee at Dunkin' Donuts - 1803 Rhode Island Avenue, NE

Washington Central Parks Community Meeting - Thursday, March 22nd

What: Washington Central Parks Community Meeting (see this entry for more info on their recent Fort Totten Park tour)

When: Thursday, March 22nd, 2007, 7:30pm

Where: 801 Shepherd Street, NW (MPD's Northern Regional Operation Command Center/ROC)

Agenda:
· Learn more about the Washington Central Parks concept and where the project stands
· Hear about the status of development plans at the Armed Forces Retirement Home and McMillan Park
· Find out how to become involved in this exciting initiative


- - -

Washington Central Parks is a community-based organization that is working to reopen and revitalize the historic parks and open space network of North-Central Washington.

Three parks - Fort Totten, Old Soldiers’ Home, and McMillan Park (reservoir and filtration field) could be threaded together with pedestrian and bicycle trails to create a unified network of open space and parks that would serve neighborhoods from Brightwood to Bloomingdale, Columbia Heights, Pleasant Plains, Park View and Petworth to Catholic University and Brookland.

We are seeking the support and help of our community in this important endeavor. PLEASE JOIN US TO REOPEN WASHINGTON CENTRAL PARKS – NOW! For more information, contact Reyn Anderson.

ANC-5C Monthly Meeting - Tuesday, March 20th

What: Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5C Monthly Meeting

When: Tuesday, March 20th, 2007, 7-9pm

Where: McKinley Technology High School, 151 T Street, NE

Agenda Includes:
· Update on Armstrong School Renovation plans
· Update on National Marathon run through ANC5C
· Update on Bloomingdale Farmers Market plans
· Update on Saint Martin's Housing Plan
· MPD-5D public safety report
· Update from Julius Bell, whose proposed sitdown restaurant "J. Bell's" should be opening soon at North Capitol and P Streets, NW

NE DC Historical Society Meeting on the Terra Cotta Neighborhood - Sunday, March 18th (Updated Date and Agenda)

**Due to special events and holidays in March and April, the normal Sunday monthly meeting of the NE DC Historical Society has been changed to Sunday, March 18th and Sunday, April 15th, respectively.**

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.

When: Sunday, March 18th, 2007, 2-4pm

Where: Washingtoniana Program Room in the Washingtoniana Division
of The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G Street, NW

Presentations will include: "Search & Discovery" session at the Washingtoniana Division of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library. The focus for this session will be a topic of recent interest and debate — "Terra Cotta." This session will be of interest to inhabitants along the Metropolitan Branch of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad from Brookland to Takoma Park. Join us as we go beyond the bricks, sewer pipes, and train wrecks of times long past to uncover more than one site for Terra Cotta.

Etc.: 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, April 15, 2007. Our host will be the Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ at 5301 North Capitol Street, NE in Manor Park. They will share with us their "Youth in the Ministry" church and community history project.

Our meetings take place the second Sunday of every month. During the months of March and April we will meet the third Sunday of the month. Contact queenstowndc@yahoo.com for further information.

- - -

» Washington City Paper on the "Terra Cotta" neighborhood, Fort Totten/Lamond-Riggs
» Topographic map of Terra Cotta in DC

Trinidad Recreation Center Grand Opening - Saturday, March 17th

What: Mayor Adrian Fenty and DC Parks and Recreation invite you to the Grand Opening of the Trinidad Recreation Center

When: Saturday, March 10th, 2007 at 10am

Where: Trinidad Recreation Center, 1380 Childress Street, NE

Etc.: The reopening follows an extensive, two-year, $6.8 million renovation. The new 21,000 square-foot state-of-the art facility features an indoor gymnasium, multi-purpose room, weight room, arcade/game room, enhanced landscaping, computer room and an arts and crafts room. The outdoor basketball court and tot-lot playground will be completed later in the spring 2007. The grand opening activities will include entertainment, demonstrations and a facility tour.

Brookland's Primal Fitness Featured in Express

Primal Fitness, located at 903 Girard Street, NE, is featured in today's Express "Fit" insert. You can also view the article on the FreeRide blog.

Primal Fitness describes it's brand of training:

Primal Fitness combines the proven fitness methods of CrossFit with the functional fitness gained by practice in Parkour - essentially obstacle coursing through your everyday environment - to develop skills to overcome any obstacle using only the natural movements of the human body. Classes can include weight training, conditioning, rope climbing, medicine ball throwing, box jumping, vaulting, and a host of other fun, functional fitness!

Possible Human Skull Found Near CUA

Police said the partially decomposed skull was discovered about 6 p.m. Monday near a 7-Eleven at Hawaii Avenue and Taylor Street, NE. This morning a DC Police cadaver dog discovered skeletal remains in the woods, near the corner of Hawaii Avenue and Fort Totten Drive, NE.

**UPDATE 7:18pm: Investigators discovered a rope near the crime scene, and are looking at the possibility that this was a suicide.**

Details:
» The CUA Tower
» MPD
» WaPo
» WTOP
» NBC4
» WUSA9
» The Examiner

MPD Community Survey Deadline - Wednesday, March 14th

Purpose
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) of the District of Columbia, under the new leadership of Acting Chief of Police Cathy Lanier, is committed to reducing crime and the fear of crime by establishing "customized community policing" strategies to address individual neighborhood problems. As part of this, the Department is conducting a citywide survey to identify ways to improve services to all community members.

Who Can Participate?
District residents and business owners, commuters and visitors are welcome to participate in the survey.

How do I Participate?
Your participation is voluntary, but is very important to the success of the survey. To complete the survey, click on the link below, which will take you to a companion website hosted by SurveyMonkey:

· MPD Community Survey 2007
· MPD Community Survey 2007 (en Español)

Alternatively, you can download a PDF of the printed Community Survey, fill it out, and send to us via US Mail by March 14, 2007, to:

Annie Russell, Director
Policing for Prevention Division
300 Indiana Avenue, NW
Room 5140
Washington, DC 20001

When Does the Survey Close?
Survey respondents are asked to complete the survey by March 14, 2007, whether they do so electronically or via a printed form.

How Do I Learn More?
Call Annie Russell at 202.727.1585 or annie.russell@dc.gov

Is the Survey Confidential?
Your answers are confidential and will be used only to help the Department understand community issues. MPD plans to track its progress over time through additional surveys just like this.

SMD 5A-11 Meeting - Monday, March 12th

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

When: Monday, March 12th, 2007, 6:30-8:30pm

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

Agenda: Includes discussion on the South Dakota Avenue Bridge repair over the CSX railroad

Fort Totten Park Tour - Sunday, March 11th

**UPDATE**
Petworth News has a post and a collection of photos from Sunday's tour.

Please join Washington Central Parks this Sunday, March 11 at 12:30pm (don't forget Daylight Savings this weekend!) to explore one of the emeralds in Washington’s green necklace – Fort Totten Park.

Mary Pat Rowan – landscape architect and expert on Washington’s natural landscape, plants and geology – will lead the way. Bring your children; your neighbors; a thermos and bagels; your pets; a camera; a ball and a blanket! We’ll meet at the Hitching Post, across from the entrance to the Armed Forces Retirement Home/Old Soldiers’ Home, at the corner of Upshur Street NW and Rock Creek Church Road.

- - -

Washington Central Parks is a community-based organization that is working to reopen and revitalize the historic parks and open space network of North-Central Washington.

Three parks - Fort Totten, Old Soldiers’ Home, and McMillan Park (reservoir and filtration field) could be threaded together with pedestrian and bicycle trails to create a unified network of open space and parks that would serve neighborhoods from Brightwood to Bloomingdale, Columbia Heights, Pleasant Plains, Park View and Petworth to Catholic University and Brookland.

We are seeking the support and help of our community in this important endeavor. PLEASE JOIN US TO REOPEN WASHINGTON CENTRAL PARKS – NOW!

Links from a neighbor on the Brookland listserv:
» Fort Totten Then
» Fort Totten Now
» Fort Totten on Wikipedia

SMD 5A-09 Meeting - Sunday, March 11th

What: SMD 5A-09 meeting with new Commissioner Shirley Smith

When: Sunday, March 11th, 2007, 2-3pm

Where: Woodridge Library, 1801 Hamlin Street, NE

Agenda: TBA

DCist Exposed Photography Show - Opening Reception Friday, March 9th

I'm honored to be a part of the first DCist Exposed Photography Show; additionally, thanks to Amanda of Creative DC for the plug!

From the press release:

DCist.com is pleased to announce our first ever DCist Exposed Photography Show at the Warehouse Arts Complex from March 9 -16, 2007. More than 35 local photographers, both amateur and professional, were chosen out of over 200 who submitted their work for the show through the DCist Flickr site. Every day DCist.com selects photos from this user-generated photo pool to use in its daily coverage of local news, arts and entertainment, politics, food and sports.

The exhibit will showcase new talent as they reveal the city to us through the eyes of people who live and work in the D.C. metro area. In a city too often seen purely as a collection of federal government buildings or a destination for tourists, these photographers capture the local music, art, architecture, and urban surroundings that give Washington, D.C. its unique cultural vibrancy.

An opening reception will be held Friday, March 9, 2007 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Warehouse is located at 1017-1021 7th Street NW, between New York Ave. and L St. in downtown Washington, DC, across the street from the new Washington Convention Center.

You can view the list of participants, with links to their photos, here (I'm "wageslaves" on Flickr). Do say hello if you make it out on Friday!

Brookland, Bloomingdale in the Big Blogs Today

Brookland - well, select areas, including the debatable Cardinal's Nest - is featured today in the Express FreeRide blog.

DCist features Bloomingdale's anticipated EC12 restaurant at the corner of North Capitol and Quincy Place, NW. Two cheers for creating sit-down restaurants in Ward 5! From the DC Business Resource Center site:

Vacant for nearly a decade, Old Engine Company 12 will transform into a full-service, sit-down restaurant named "EC-12" with a second-floor cultural and performing arts space programmed by XM Satellite Radio, a marketing partner on the team, who will broadcast live music events from the location. The lounge will also provide community meeting and exhibition space. EC-12 will include a sidewalk café and a renovated rooftop deck to accommodate an outdoor seating area.

Public Workshop #2 for the Brookland/CUA Metro Plan - Thursday, March 8th

I'm terribly bummed that I have a seemingly perpetual Thursday commitment and haven't been able to make it to the last few meetings....

What: The DC Office of Planning invites you to attend the second community workshop in a series for the Brookland/CUA Metro Small Area Plan

When: Thursday, March 8th, 2007, 6:30-8:30pm

Where: Brookland Elementary School, 1150 Michigan Avenue, NE

Discussion topics will include:
· Neighborhood Character & Land Use
· Economic Development and Shopping
· Transportation, Connectivity, and Walkability
· Greenspace and Environmental Issues

RSVP: 202.610.0005 or rsvp@jsallc.com

Questions and additional information: Deborah Crain, Ward 5 Planner, at 202.442.7615 or deborah.crain@dc.gov