CONGRATULATIONS TO CAPTAIN ANTHONY POTEAT, 2D
On July 2, Anthony and his wife Marilyn became adoptive parents to
"Little Tony" who is now 27 months old and doing well.  They've cared
for Tony since he was six months old and tell me that he's brought a lot
of joy and happiness into their lives. They and all adoptive parents
deserve a round of applause.
 
 

I'M GOING TO HAVE TO CHANGE THE WAY I DRIVE
I used to drive along pretty much at the speed that other cars around me
were driving. With the new fixed and mobile speed cameras that the
police are using,  I will have to pay attention to the speed limit
rather than the other drivers. If we all go past the camera at a higher
speed, we'll all receive a ticket. But that's not a bad thing. More
drivers paying attention to speed and to red lights (also with cameras)
will go a long way toward reducing fender benders, more serious
accidents, and struck pedestrians. Bring on the cameras; I'm ready.
(For more information about this, check out the MPD web site at
www.MPDC.org)
 
 

INCIDENT ON UPTON STREET
From: webmaster@anc3f.org
Dear Neighbors:
I am writing to pass on some information about an incident on Upton
Street early Sunday morning, July 8, 2001.

At about 6:10 am we heard some noise on Upton Street that sounded like
glass shattering. Then we heard an individual screaming in the street.
This took place on the portion of Upton Street between the Burke School
and Connecticut Avenue. We called 911, and were able to see the person
who was out in the street.

He was a very thin white male, about 6 feet tall, with short light brown
hair.  It was raining outside, and he was walking around, barefoot, with
only his boxer shorts on.

He was pacing around the street screaming and limping. It appeared that
his foot may have been cut.  We also noticed two cars parked on Upton
with front-seat windows that had been broken out.

This individual then proceeded north on the alley that connects Upton
and Van Ness Streets.  The police dispatcher called us back at this time
and we reported that he was moving toward Van Ness Street.  At this
point, I do not know if the police ever apprehended him.

Late Sunday afternoon, we noticed a police officer in the same alley
taking a report from two individuals.  I went to talk to them, and one
of them, who has been living in the neighborhood for only a week, had
the windshield of his car broken out (a third car). Nothing was stolen
from his car.

I asked the officer if I could find out if the person from the morning
had ever been taken in.  He was unable to confirm this. But, he did tell
me that because none of us had actually witnessed him breaking car
windows, that the only charge they could apply would be indecent
exposure (for which only a fine applies) with a possibility of taking
him to a hospital for medical observation.  If that actually happened,
he would be released from the hospital within three days.

I have never seen this person before and do not know if he lives in the
neighborhood.  He appeared to be under the influence of something and
was obviously violent.  The police officer told me that they are not
allowed to give out the addresses of people they apprehend.  I am
inclined to believe that he does live nearby, or at least was spending
the night in the area.

A further problem that I had with this entire incident is that, after
our initial call to 911, we called back to report that the individual
was walking north up the alley.  However, my first attempt to call 911
was disconnected, and on my second attempt the phone rang for about 15
rings before the 311 operator (non-emergency) picked up the line.

Please keep a lookout, and do report any damage to your cars to the
police.
Grace Lang, 4000 block of Connecticut Avenue

**** From: MPDC2DCMDR@aol.com (Commander Peter Newsham)
You can get arrest book information simply by visiting the Second
District station, and asking the desk Sergeant.  The information that we
provide is the information that was given to us by the arrestee at the
time of arrest, so it may not be accurate.
 
 

RODENT ALERT
From: DDerman527@aol.com
We have recently seen rodents in the alley between Brandywine and
Burlington (45th and 46th St.) I'm sure its the result of trash laying
around (mostly it seems from Student rental homes). Have had great
difficulty trying to contact a responsible DC Govt. contact who handles
rodent control --their automated phone system leaves a lot to be
desired. Any tips or ideas ?
 
 

SPIDER BITES?
Last week I attended the annual meeting of the American Arachnological
Society (spiders). One of the more interesting papers had to do with the
apparently frequent  misdiagnosis of a number of skin conditions where a
wound was diagnosed as caused by a brown recluse spider bite, when it
fact the  wound was caused by something else. Some conditions that can
or have caused wounds that might resemble those caused by the brown
recluse are: Infections with Staphylococcus or Streptococcus, Herpes
simplex or Herpes zoster, Erythema multiforme, diabetic ulcer, Lyme
disease, fungal infection, Pyoderma gangrenosum, Lymphomatoid papulosis,
chemical burn, poison ivy/oak dermatitis, squamous cell carcinoma,
localized vasculitis, syphilitic chancre.

Brown recluse spiders don't normally live in or near the Washington
area, but  if  this interests you as either a traveler or a physician,
you might be interested in the paper, "Medical Myth" by Dr. Richard
Vetter, University of California, Riverside. It was published in the
November 2000 issue of Culture And Medicine. Rick Vetter can be reached
at vetter@citrus.ucr.edu.
 
 

YET MORE ON THE COMPUTER CLINIC CENTER
**** From: "Janet Solomon" <dr.j@erols.com>
I agree that they should have been out of business  years ago.  I took
my computer there shortly after they opened (still in the Sharon Pratt
Kelly years) and they not only didn't fix it, but stole a valuable chip
out of it.  I wound up having it repaired elsewhere (a university lab)
and they said it had been damaged internally - an impossible feat for me
as a rank beginner / new computer owner who was terrified of the innards
of the magical machine.  I reported them to the DC Consumer Affairs
Office who actually interviewed them and was told that they had had
numerous complaints from the get-go of The Computer Clinic's opening
month.  Nothing was ever done, except the DC Consumer Affairs Office was
chopped out of the Barry budget. Another associate of mine had his
computer returned by them with a dent in the side - they had clearly
dropped it on the floor! And they still go on!  Isn't there something we
can do about them?

**** From: "Richard Abbott" <abbott1229@erols.com>
I want to add my voice to those who have had bad experiences with
Computer Clinic Center on Wisconsin.  A couple of years ago they charged
me over $100 to remove a virus, which I later found out was not
removed.  I disputed the charge but didn't have enough evidence to back
it up.  Earlier this year, I made the mistake of going back to them with
an older computer and printer which had been donated to a non-profit I
work with.  It took three visits and over $400 in charges before it was
in working condition.  The last $200 of this was for a minor correction
to the software which must have taken 5 minutes to fix.  The problem, as
always, is that you usually don't know enough about computers to
question their charges, and I'm sure they rely on that.  I would like to
contribute however I can to doing something about these rip-off artists,
hopefully shutting them down entirely.  They're a disgrace to our
neighborhood.
 
 

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
During the Summer it's particularly important to send me notices well in
advance of when you think they might be published -- professional
meetings, vacations and all that.

**** From: carol church <carch4330@yahoo.com>
A neighbor of mine, Margaret Lusky, does not have a computer.  Her
housekeeper is looking for more work. Margaret asked if I would send
this for posting in Communit-E.
HOUSE CLEANING
Housekeeper looking for work. Experienced, with references.  Please call
Ruth Rodriguez - 202-244-2010 (allergic to cats)

**** From: "DavidH" <howcroft@msn.com>
The Tree contractor that's making the rounds in AU Park finally hit our
block early yesterday morning. The first thing he did was accidentally
cut the Pepco power line and knock the electric line for the whole block
until Pepco was dispatched to fix. On top of that, I'm not impressed
with their artistic abilities at pruning the proper limbs, etc.
 
Regardless; "Responsible laborer wanted to demolish old shed and haul
away debris. Contact howcroft@msn.com or 202/244-8066".
 
**** From: Doug Harris <wemmickdc@yahoo.com>
I seem to recall a request for missing street signs, so I'll add the
small triangle formed by River Rd., Brandywine St., and 42nd St. Of the
three crossings here, only the intersection of River and 42nd is marked
-- but the signs are hidden behind a "No Turn on Red" sign!

**** From: "Jeff and Leslie" <jcusterdem@aol.com>
We are having a problem with some moisture in a corner of our basement.
We need to get someone in to help assess and fix the problem but don't
know where to start. Does anyone have a contractor/waterproofer/basement
expert (not sure what we need) to recommend?? If so, send info to
jcusterdem@aol.com or cal 202-363-0599. Thanks much.

**** From: "Paula & Will" <paulawill@erols.com>
Mother's Helper/Part-time babysitter sought. Seeking a college student
or mature high school student to babysit several weekday hours each week
for Bridget, an adorable one-year old girl.  Hours and days are
flexible.  We live on Warren Street NW in Tenleytown.  Call Paula
O'Brien day or evening at 202-362-6841.

**** From: Liz Jones <jonesburon@msn.com>
We are looking for a nanny to care for two extremely cute 6-month old
babies starting in September.  Full time days.  Live out.  Mature.
Experienced.  References required.  Needs car. Call Liz at (202)
244-8528 or email at jonesburon@msn.com.

**** From: Andrew_Strasfogel@blm.gov
Attic stairs (pull-down) - I have a pull-down folding aluminum ladder to
access an attic or crawl space.  It has a wide tread and will fit into a
53" X 25" ceiling opening (approx.).  $25/OBO or free to a charitable
organization.  Please call Andrew Strasfogel, 202 966-6194,
squasher@altavista.net

**** From: "Melissa W. Clarry" <mclarry@bruman.com>
CHILD CARE SUGGESTIONS NEEDED. Though this seems a bit early (as I have
not yet had
the child), I am searching for any recommendations for child-care for
infants -- I have already done some preliminary searches and most
waiting lists are approximately 1 1/2 years.  Ideally I am searching for
part-time care  (3 days/week) for what will be a 5 month old child.  If
anyone has any suggestions, ideas, or resources I would greatly
appreciate it.  Thank you so much!
 
**** From: Mullandoty@aol.com (Pat Mullan)
RECYCLING USED COMPUTERS
I found the web site for the Electronic Industries Alliance Consumer
Education Initiative (www.eiae.org).  The site lists organizations, by
state, that accept used computers or their components.  I have never
used this myself but its worth looking at.

**** From: "Nancy Horan" <nhoran@armydistaff.org>
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
I'm director of development/marketing at Knollwood, a continuing care
retirement community at 6200 Oregon ave., and am looking for an
assistant.
----
Development/Marketing Assistant position supporting the Director
Development/ Marketing for retirement community. Maintain fundraising
database, acknowledge gifts, assist with publications, advertising and
event management. Assist with admissions by responding to
inquiries for information, conducting tours. Must have bachelor's
degree, excellent written and oral communication skills, and be computer
literate in Word, Excel, Pagemaker. Knowledge of Paradigm a plus.
Excellent opportunity for creative individual. Team-oriented office
environment. EEO.  Fax resume to Ms. Pat Johnson, HR Director,
202-364-2856.
 
 

MORE ON MILLS IN OUR 'HOOD
**** From:  jbhelm@enter.net (Judy Helm)
The person who writes under the name We Live in DC has got the Little
Falls Branch mixed up with the Murdock Mill Creek.  They are not close
to each other.  The Murdock Mill was inside the District, east of
Western Avenue, and south of Massachusetts Ave. near Yuma St.  The mill
that WLinDC refers to is in Maryland, about a mile west of the District
Line, but also south of Massachusetts Avenue.  I hope someone will check
out the historical marker near the Capital Crescent Trail, and tell us
what it says!

The mill on Little Falls Branch may have been called the Loughborough
Mill.  One of the Loughborough family houses was near that Branch, and
still stands at 5312 Allendale Road in Green Acres, off River Road.

**** From: "Richard Abbott" <abbott1229@erols.com>
I've been following with interest the messages about the history of
water mills in our area, including Murdock Mill.  I'm guessing that
quite a few readers of this newsletter are aware of the existence of a
completely equipped (and formerly operational) water mill on Rock Creek
-- Peirce Mill.  When I was a volunteer there from 1988 to 1993, many
local residents would come in to buy flour and corn meal which we
produced. Sadly, the mill broke down in 1993 and hasn't turned since
because the National Park Service could never find the money to restore
it.  This is what prompted me to organize the Friends of Peirce Mill in
1996, a 501(c)(3) non-profit.  Maybe some of you saw the recent articles
about us in both the Post and the Times. With the help of our 95
members, we have to date raised $265,000 toward the cost of restoration
of the mill and work has begun on repairs to the floors inside the mill.
We need close to $1million to get it running again, and continue to hope
that the Park Service will budget funds to cover a part of this, but we
can't count on that so are continuing to submit applications for grants
to foundations and corporations.  If you haven't seen the mill in its
beautiful setting on Tilden St. by Rock Creek, go down any day from
Wednesday through Sunday and look around. Then consider joining our
organization.  As work progresses, there will be opportunities to get
directly involved in the restoration. Membership forms are available at
the mill. I'd be happy to respond to questions or comments at
abbott1229@erols.com  or by phone at  244-2379. Richard Abbott
 
 
 
 

MORE ON POSSIBLE SCAM
From:  FJHDCME@aol.com  (Frank J. Haendler)
For 2D Commander Peter Newsham:
As suggested in a recent Communit-E,  I am letting you know that on July
5 I received
a phone solicitation to contribute to a Drug and Alcohol Program.
Though the caller pressed hard, I declined to contribute by telephone
and asked for something in writing.  A letter mailed July 6 came from
the DC Coalition of  Police, 1718 M St NW, Suite #233.  It enclosed a
pamphlet alleging that the group was part of IUPA AFL-CIO and there was
a sticker from the International Union of Police Associations.  I
understand that you have never heard of this group and I have no
intention of sending them money.
------
Today I received a telephone call from a Sgt. Hargrave (the name was
difficult to understand) of the Financial Crime Section.  He said that
he was checking into the DC Coalition of Police and learned that it is a
legitimate corporation.  It apparently engages contractors to make
telephone calls to raise money.  He said he is checking further.  In the
meantime, curious about the return address on the envelope (1718 M St
NW, Suite 233), I checked the DC telephone book and found that a Mail
Boxes outlet is at that address.  I  could not find a listing for the DC
Coalition of  Police.  I am not quite sure what to think.  But I am not
about to send money.   Frank Haendler
 
 

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS ON HISTORIC PRESERVATION

**** From: "Buddy Yingling" <ray@usp.org>
I have a few notes in response to what Joe Pinder wrote:
Regarding the Tenley firehouse.  The firehouse issue may be settled, but
that doesn't preclude folks examining what happened and questioning the
power of historic preservation boards, commissions, and societies.

Mr. Pinder wrote:
"As to re-building existing municipal buildings such as Janney and Deal,
some of  the best expertise in the country at rebuilding such facilities
is local -- the Rouse Co., in Columbia -- who have an immense and
impressive track record showing quite clearly that the historic
character of a building can be retained while providing for modern ..."

Fine, but what historic character?  Unless some momentous event took
place in one of those schools, I see no  "historic character" that needs
to be preserved.  I doubt it is less expensive to renovate those
buildings than it is to build new ones.

Mr. Pinder wrote: "The aspect of all citizens having ultimate control
over their property is a powerful and appealing argument until the
downstream ramifications become evident. If  my next-door neighbor, for
example, were to want to build out the rest of the lot in an unpainted
cinder-block building three stories tall, by this reasoning I'd have no
cause to object, nor way to halt that sort of intrusion onto my property
values.  "

This has nothing to do with historic preservation.  We already have
zoning laws to cover this scenario.

As for his point about Richmond, most of downtown Richmond was destroyed
in the Civil War.
 

**** From: Robert Nieweg <Robert_Nieweg@nthp.org> (National Trust for
Historic Preservation)
To:  "'skodon@zzapp.org'" <skodon@zzapp.org> Sorry for the delay in
responding.  If you haven't already done so, I recommend that you
contact the DC Preservation League (http://www.dcpreservation.org/) or
the District of Columbia's Historic Preservation Program
(http://www.dchistoric.org/) for answers to your questions.