HAPPY GROUNDHOG DAY IN ADVANCE!
 

ANOTHER LOOK AT THE HECHINGER BUILDING
I'd like to hear what others think about the following proposal:

From:   Jcapper@worldbank.org (Joanne Capper)
Has anyone considered/discussed the possibility of de-historizing the former
Hechingers building?  It appears that its historical status is part of what
is preventing it from becoming purchased by a business that may be desirable
to our neighborhood, such as the Home Depot.  The survey that was conducted
and reported when HD was being considered, indicated that most neighbors
think it's a rather ugly building.   I  would love to see it go.  There's
nothing that can be done to it to make it attractive, and sitting empty only
exacerbates it's ugliness.  What do you think about initiating such a
campaign?
 
 

PROGRAM ON HOSPICE AND END OF LIFE CARE
Denise Brownlee sent me a notice on a program with IONA on Hospices and
dying. I neglected to get it into the newsletter on time.  If this is
something that you would like to know more about, contact her at (202)
895-9457. Her e-mail address is Dbrownle@iona.org.
 
 

TENLEY LIBRARY LOOKING FOR SOME HELP
From:   Marthans@aol.com (Martha Saccocio)
The Friends of the Tenley-Friendship Library are looking for volunteers to
help sort books for our semi-annual book sale.  Anyone who is interested can
send an e-mail to MarthaNS@aol.com.  Hours are flexible and include Tuesday
and Thursday evenings until 9pm.  Thanks.
 
 

HOW TO GET A COPY OF A POLICE REPORT IF YOU ARE A VICTIM
From:   MPDC2DCMDR@aol.com (2D Commander Peter Newsham)
Please let your readers know that they should not contact an officer directly
regarding a report.  They should contact a supervisor (a lieutenant).  If
they are unable to reach a lieutenant they can contact a captain or myself on
(202) 282-0042.  All of the lieutenants, captains, and myself are also
accessible by E-mail on www.mpdc.org. Go to MPDC.org - click on 2D - Click on
roster - then you can click on individual addresses. Thanks.
 
 

HOMELESS DYING ON THE STREETS
The following is excerpted from a letter to the Washington Post by Gunther
Stern who works with homeless:

"It may be time ... for the District to consider some amount of coercion.
Model treatment laws allow authorities to intervene before death is imminent.
The Treatment Advocacy Center has a proposed law that the D.C. Council should
consider.

In Portland, Ore., Central City Concern Hooper Inebriate Emergency Response
takes 3,000 people off the street to sober up under supervision each year.
Once sober,  patients are offered counseling and an opportunity for
treatment. This is a model that might have saved one or more of the four we
lost this winter."
 
 

ADVICE FROM A BURGLARY VICTIM
**** From: vwheeler@erols.com (John Wheeler)
Last Friday afternoon, I came home to find glass on the floor and
then saw that the side door window was broken.  About 5 seconds later, I
heard the kitchen door slam.  For a second I thought it was my wife, but
I was sure she was still out.  I ran out the kitchen door and then to
the street and saw a young man (probably about 20 years old) running
down Yuma St.  I ran back in the house and called the police dispatcher
(911)  and within about 3-4 minutes, two policemen showed up.  After
I described the man, one took off in his cruiser looking for him.  I'd
only been away from the house about an hour, maybe less.  The policeman
said that a house on Alton St. had been broken into about 30 minutes
earlier.  While the police were there, they received a report that
someone had just come home and a house on 43d Place near River Road had
been broken into.  The police believe the man uses a car to quickly get
away and to store stuff in.  They also said that it's likely that they
observe people leaving a house, wait a few minutes, and then break in.
I know now that we'd become complacent in not securing our house.  In
addition to things that can be done to make the house more secure (good
locks, alarms, etc.) the police said not to be shy about calling 911.
They said if you are suspicious of someone you see walking down the
street or alley, call 911 and let the police check it out.

**** From: KWisnosky@MEICOMPANY.com (Wisnosky, Kerry)
I wanted to put on your list a head's up that someone attempted to break
into our house last week. They did not get in. My wife and I called the police
when we noticed the potential breakin (it was a few days later).  The police
said
they would make a note and let other officers know.  We live on 38th St.
 
 

SPEEDING CONTD....
**** From: JPHIPPARD@aol.com
I'd like to commend Lt. Carter for his plans to increase traffic enforcement.
 This is badly needed, not just within the hood but also on the through
streets (Wisc. and Mass.Aves).

On these through streets, the violation that is equally dangerous as speeding
(and sometimes more so) is tailgating.  It is rampant on these streets.  It
is the norm to be tailgated at least three times in a rush hour drive between
48th & Mass. and Wisc. and Mass.  Walking to the metro in the rush hour, one
can see numerous violations in the 30 seconds it takes to walk from 48th and
Albemarle to the metro entrance.  Tailgating is an infraction that needs
unmarked vehicles -- very few tailgaters are going to tailgate a marked
police cruiser.

**** From: sfiguli@hgl.com (Figuli, Samuel)
I have a response to the comment about speeding.  It's been my experience
that the only effective deterrent to chronic speeding is a reputation for
firm and consistent speed limit enforcement by the police.  It also seems
like consistent enforcement (i.e. tickets and fines) could be a HUGE and
steady source of revenue for the police department, especially on streets
like River Rd and Fessenden.
 
 

PARKING CONTD....
**** From: MGB PA@aol.com (Margaret Beveridge)
On the issue of parking: I also find the two hour limit  frustrating. Even
more so, is the obviously large area that covers the Zone 3 permit. It seems
that everyone and his brother has a Zone 3 permit that permits them to park
on my street all day, sometimes all week, while  my family who come to visit,
can't find anywhere to park at all. I purposely bought a house within walking
distance of Metro(and probably paid for the privilege in the price of the
house), I also have my own parking on my property, but can't have visitors.
Perhaps the Zones should be smaller?
Any ideas?

**** From: kayandpaul@erols.com  (Kay McClenon)
About registration cards for automobiles, For many years my husband has gone
to DMV and gotten duplicate registration cards, so both of us could carry
one with our permits.  It is the same process as if you had LOST your card,
and maybe your wallet.  It costs $5 and takes a while, but you don't have to
wait thru very long lines.

As to parking frustration, I hope we are all besieging our city council
people to change the law.  I know Phil Mendelson lives in a residents
parking area.  Probably other citycouncil people do.  Complain!  In
Montgomery County, every resident gets a couple of visitor parking permits
to be used and returned each time a guest or employee comes.
 
 

ITEM ON AU 10-YEAR PLAN
From:   Jtopa62045@aol.com (Joan Topalian)
Two AU representatives came last week to talk to the Board of Trustees at
Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church. The Church sits across from AU
on Nebraska Avenue at New Mexico.  Mr. Taylor and Mr. Abud described the
campus 10 year plan.  The major item we wanted to hear about was any changes
proposed for Nebraska Avenue.  The Facilities Manager, Mr. Abud, told us that
AU is planning to add an additional lane on Nebraska Avenue from Ward Circle
down past the Church to help alleviate traffic congestion.  Option A called
for taking that lane from the Church side of the Avenue; Option B called for
taking that lane from the AU side of the Avenue. Mr. Abud told us that the DC
Zoning Commission Meeting would be held February 15.
 
 

TRAVEL ADVICE
From:   barthel@dellnet.com (Hetty Barthel)
I too have some hotel recommendations if anyone is heading to Italy or San
Francisco.
 
 

FACTS WORTH KNOWING ABOUT THE TOWER
The following is a letter by Tim Cooper that was published in the Washington
City Paper.  January 12, 2001

William Reed--- a paid consultant for the American Tower company--claims that
Ward 3 residents are preventing DC residents from enjoying "vital" new
technology (The Mail, 1/5; "Unbending Reed," 12/15/00). Nothing could be
further from the truth.

While Mr. Reed's paid position is wholly consistent with the haze of smoke
the tower company issues to mask the truth, City Paper readers should know
that the technology for high-definition television broadcasts is already in
place and is being beamed out daily from Tenleytown, where the tower
company's ill-fated tower now stands like a monumental beacon built to poor
corporate choices.

The fact of the matter is this: All of the major television stations,
including channels 4, 5, 7, and 9, are already capable of transmitting
digitally from their current Tenleytown locations. And Channel 26 is
currently broadcasting digitally from its Virginia site. Without question,
Tenleytown bears a disproportionate burden of broadcast towers already,
which, it should be noted, serve not only the District but also Maryland and
Virginia. In other words, this is a regional issue, not a local one.

While tower company representatives hope to camouflage their true
intentions-- which is to erect what one industry expert describes as a
"monster" tower that will be the largest telecommunications tower on the East
coast, capable of carrying up to 250 antenna, and even larger than the
colossal tower on the top of the World Trade building in New York City-- it
has little to do with providing city residents with state-of-the-art digital
technology. In fact, the digital industry, according to the Washington Post,
may be a failing industry whose time will never come, to be replaced sooner
rather than later by satellite technology.

One thing is certain: A tower that poses significant safety risks and
possible health hazards, including the very real threat of falling ice as
well as "significantly increased radiative activity" in the community and
city from electro-magnetic radiation, has no business--none whatsoever--
being plunked down in the middle of a residential/small business area inches
away from a heavily trafficked sidewalk and a busy secondary artery, and
within the immediate vicinity of, among others, Wilson High School, Alice
Deal Junior High School, Janney Elementary School, which are home to
schoolchildren from across the city.

Timothy Cooper
Stop the Tower Coalition
Tenleytown
 
 

STREET TREES
From:   DPWheeler@HHLAW.COM (Wheeler, Douglas P.)
The District has begun to plant trees at spots marked by pink circles (as
previously reported), most recently in the 4400 block of 45th Street.  They
intend to plant fast-growing (and pollution resistant) zelcovia (sp?), but
will substitute red maple upon request.
 
 

BILL RICE'S BULLPEN
Friday, Feb 2, 2001, @ Old Ebbitt Grill
What:    Bullpen to mark February 2nd 2001, as the 200 anniversary of first
petition to Congress for representation (see Close to Home, WPost, Sun., Jan.
28)
When:    6:00 PM, Friday, Feb. 2, 2001
Where:   Old Ebbitt Grill, 675 15th Street, NW, across from the Treasury
Bldg.

If you'd like to continue receiving notices about these, contact Bill Rice at
483-2037, ricebill@aol.com, to get on his mailing list.
 
 

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

**** Aijacelbl@aol.com (Aija Blitte)
Aija, Oriental Rug Consultant - Advice on how to decorate with handmade
oriental rugs, where to get the best rugs at the best prices by using my many
contacts in the DC area, outside of our area, and outside of the U.S.  I'm a
member of the Textile Museum of DC, a director in the International Hajji
Baba Rug Society here and am on the planning committee for the International
Conference on Oriental Carpets to be held in Washington in April of 2003.
For further information, please either call me on (202) 362-1231 or e-mail me
at   aijacelbl@aol.com.

**** From: Jcapper@worldbank.org (Joanne Capper)
Regarding contractors: Several of the contractors I've had come to give
estimates on some remodeling work said that they didn't want the work if I
was going to  get a permit and get it inspected by DC Inspectors.  They said
they never come on time - sometimes just don't show up or show up 2 days
late, and the process of getting a permit is horrendous.  Was that a factor
in the Mayor's report card?  If not, it should be.  They also said that there
is no such problem in Montgomery County.
  --also--
For sale:  Plantation chair from Indonesia - excellent condition - $250.
Also an antique carved king sized headboard from Indonesia - was once probably
a decorative element on a traditional Javanese house.  It's really beautiful,
with elaborate carvings, made of teak. (202) 537-1620)

**** Burchard.Robert@epamail.epa.gov
We  have a young daughter who will be ready for elementary school in several
years.  Do you know where I can find out about the Janney School? (like
whether parents think it is a decent school).  Thanks.

**** From:  larry_buron@abtassoc.com (Larry Buron)
Does any one know of good day care (center, home, or to share) for infants in
our area?  We are trying to arrange care starting in September, but possibly
earlier in the summer. (244-8528). Thanks for your help.

**** From: reeddewey@starpower.net (Reed Dewey)
We are looking for a nanny to take care of a one year old (a cutie) for about
20 hours a week near Tenley Metro.  Position would start soon. Or call
202/363-8433 and ask for Betsy.

**** From: jbmahaffie@coatesandjarratt.com (John B. Mahaffie)
Jose Bustillos is a plumber I know personally as well as through his
services. I highly recommend him.  He is at: 301-674-6333.

**** From: hfrebold@earthlink.net (Hazel F. Rebold)
You might want to remind everyone that plastic bags are collected in front of
Safeway and Giant for recycling.

**** From: billrogers@bigfoot.com (Bill Rogers)
#1  A major part of the hood's rat problems is people leaving the lid
    off their trash can or not replacing broken, cracked of "topless"
    cans.  I've seen multiple rats running out of broken cans in my
    block's alley late at night.

#2  A GREAT interior painting recommendation:  no wallpaper and no
    exterior.  They said they were the best and they'd be the most
    expensive.  They are definitely the former and came in cheapest
    of 4 rather expensive bids, but perhaps we shouldn't tell them
    that.  SUPERB quality:  Washington Painting Company, 7106
    Westmoreland Rd., Falls Church, VA  22042-2534  (703) 849-8200
    Fax (703) 849-8211.
 
 

OTHER NEIGHBORHOOD INFORMATION SOURCES
Subj:    New Website for ANC 3B Glover Park/Cathedral Heights
From:   historymatters@att.net (History Matters)
The website for Advisory Neighborhood Commission 3B is up and running. The
site contains the agenda for upcoming meetings, minutes of past meetings,
testimony given before City Council on issues of significance to Glover Park
and Cathedral Heights, useful links to pages for city services and elected
officials, and other information.  Check out the site at
http://www.dcneighborhoods.net/anc/3b/

The ANC has also established a list-serve to distribute time-sensitive
information to the community.  To receive list-serve postings (which we
promise will be sent once a week at the maximum), send your e-mail address to
anc3b@att.net.  Please also forward to ANC3B's e-mail box any notices or
other information that you would like the ANC to consider disseminating on
this list-serve.

The ANC thanks Person-to-Person PC for donating the initial design of  this
site and Edna Johnston of Davis Place, NW for her work to establish and
maintain the site.

Contact Information:
Ann Lloyd Breeden; Vice-Chair, ANC 3B; Glover Park/Cathedral Heights
202.687.4311; anc3b@att.net
 
 

DAILY MOMENT OF ZEN
1.  Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead.  Do not walk ahead of me, for
I may not follow.  Do not walk beside me either,  just get out of my way.

2.  Sex is like air. It's not important unless you aren't getting any.

3. Never test the depth of the water with both feet.

4. It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning
to others.

5. Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That
way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.

6. If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.

7. Some days you are the bug, some days you are the windshield.

8. Don't worry, it only seems kinky the first time.

9. The quickest way to double your money is to fold it in half and put it
back in your pocket.

10. A closed mouth gathers no foot

COMMUNIT-E

Hechingers:

Please send your comments on Hechingers directly to me. The neighbor who
raised the issue is getting a lot of comments and will just have to forward
them to me anyway. I plan to publish all the comments I get in a future issue
of COMMUNIT-E.
 
 

Virus Alert:

Last year I ran a virus alert and a number of you were kind enough to respond
and send me web sites as to where the validity of these alerts can be
checked. I am sorry to say, I haven't tried to use those sites. I kept
meaning to list them in an issue of COMMUNIT-E.  I still mean to do that, but
in the meantime, I received the following warnings.

As I understand it, these viruses are activated just by opening the e-mail;
nothing needs to be downloaded, and they are especially destructive.  I
STRONGLY recommend that you back up all your data on floppies. It seems that
destructive viruses are almost inevitable these days.

1.)  I can vouch for the source of this one:

Do not open a message from:  hahaha@sexyfun.net. The subject may vary, but
one is "Snowwhite and the Seven Dwarfs".
 

2.)  I cannot vouch for the next one, but it sounds plausible and I believe
it's better to be safe than sorry. But do back up your data.

From:   Blecherm@aol.com:
"VIRUS WITH NO CURE"

IF YOU RECEIVE AN E-MAIL THAT READS "UPGRADE INTERNET2"
DO NOT OPEN IT, AS IT CONTAINS AN EXECUTABLE NAMED
"PERRIN.EXE."  IT WILL ERASE ALL THE DATA IN YOUR HARD DRIVE AND IT WILL
STAY IN MEMORY.

EVERY TIME THAT YOU UPLOAD ANY DATA, IT WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY ERASED
AND YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO USE YOUR COMPUTER AGAIN.

THIS INFORMATION WAS PUBLISHED YESTERDAY IN THE CNN WEB SITE.
THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS VIRUS.

TO THIS DATE, THERE IS NO KNOWN ANTIVIRUS PROGRAM FOR THIS
PARTICULAR VIRUS.

ALSO CHECK THE LIST BELOW, SENT BY IBM, WITH THE NAMES OF
SOME E-MAILS THAT, IF RECEIVED, SHOULD NOT BE OPENED AND MUST BE DELETED
IMMEDIATELY, BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN ATTACHED VIRUSES. THIS WAY YOUR COMPUTER
WILL BE SAFE.THE TITLES ARE:

1) buddylst.exe
2) calcu18r.exe
3) deathpr.exe
4) einstein.exe
5) happ.exe
6) girls.exe
7) happy99.exe
8) japanese.exe
9) keypress.exe
10) kitty.exe
11) monday.exe
12) teletubb.exe
13) The Phantom Menace
14) prettypark.exe
15) UP-GRADE INTERNET2
16) perrin.exe
17) I love You
18) CELCOM Screen Saver or CELSAVER.EXE
19) Win a Holiday (e-mail)
20) JOIN THE CREW O PENPALS

ONCE AGAIN, DO NOT OPEN THESE E-MAILS.
 
 
 

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