TWO ITEMS ABOUT COMMUNIT-E
**** If you want to publish an item about an upcoming event, it's best
to send it to me two full weeks ahead of the week it's supposed to
occur. That makes it much more likely it will get into the newsletter in
time.

**** Back issues of COMMUNIT-E are stored (my many thanks to Advisory
Neighborhood Commission 3F)  on www.anc3f.org.  The first compilation of
community suggestions for repair people and other services was the
January 5, 2002 issue. One of these days I will update it.
 
 
 

WISCONSIN AVENUE CORRIDOR STUDY
The next meeting of the Wisconsin Avenue Corridor Study  is this coming
Wednesday, Jan 15 at 7 pm at Mazza Gallerie.  I have received a fair
amount of e-mail on this and will send it out as a separate COMMUNIT-E.
I don't want to make this issue too long.

The first draft of their proposal is expected to be done by February 6.
If you have input, I urge you to either attend the meeting or send an
e-mail to Robert Collins,  Neighborhood Planning Coordinator - Ward 3,
DC Office of Planning at  robert.collins@dc.gov
 
 

 
RESULTS OF AU PARK WATER TESTING
From:  <nevel@eli.org> Bonnie Nevel
Hi everyone, I have heard from about 15 of you regarding the results of
your water
tests. The majority of tests came back showing lead levels below the
lab's 0.001 mg/L detection limit. A few tests showed slightly higher
levels but well below EPA's limit of 0.015. One test came back with a
level higher than the EPA limit.

I think it's probably safe to say that we do not have a systemic lead
problem in AU Park, which is very good news. However, for those of you
whose houses tested high for lead, especially if you have young
children, I would encourage you to take further steps to mitigate it. A
good place to start is with EPA's online publication about lead in
household drinking water: http://www.epa.gov/ogwdw/pubs/lead1.html.

Thanks again to everyone who participated in the testing!
Bonnie
 

---------
>From Kathy Smith -- I'd like to thank Bonnie Nevel  for making it easy
for us, who didn't want to wait, to get our water tested. Her's was a
real service to the community.
 
 
 

MAYOR'S CRIME FORUM - 1/25/03 - 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
From: "Floto, Mary Ann (EOM)" <MaryAnn.Floto@dc.gov>
You are invited to attend:
A FORUM ON CRIME & PREVENTION WITH Mayor Anthony A. Williams
"Building Partnerships for Safer Neighborhoods"
Saturday, January 25,   8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.,  Eastern Senior High
School
1700 East Capitol Street, NE, Metro Stop:  Stadium/Armory, Parking
available, Translation Services Available. The crime forum will feature
interactive break-out sessions, one-on-one discussions with police
commanders, on-site crime reporting Command Center and a Crime
Prevention Marketplace.  For more information, contact the Office of
Community Outreach at:  (202) 442-8150
 
 
 
 

THANK YOU FOR THE CHILDREN'S COATS AND CLOTHING
I'd like to thank the following neighbors for their donations of
clothing to the Children's Advocacy Center at 300 E Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20001:
-- Sena & Brian Murphy
-- Mohini Malhotra
-- June Kronholz
-- Karan Swaner
 
 
 
 

TURTLE PARK STORY TIME
From:  <toddandjean@netzero.net> (Jean Kintisch)
Friends of Friendship Park is sponsoring our fourth annual winter story
time on Saturday mornings. It began January 11 and will run through
through March 15.  This free drop-in program will run from 10:30-11:15
am and will take place in the Turtle Park recreation center at 45th and
Van Ness Streets NW.  The story time will be programmed by the volunteer
host-of-the-week and will include stories and a light snack.  This
series is targeted for preschool children with accompanying adult, but
all families are welcome.  Please join us and tell a friend!
Jean Kintisch
VP Events
Friends of Friendship Park
 
 
 

FORMATION OF AU PARK WALKING GROUP
From: "Rao, Chhaya" <Chhaya_Rao@ace.nche.edu>
I am interested in forming an early morning AU Park walking group and
welcome hearing from anyone else in the neighborhood who may be
interested in joining me. Here are some thoughts:
Walking twice a week (probably Tuesday and Thursday); starting at 5:45
or 6:00 a.m. and walking for about 45 minutes or so; meeting at a
central,  well-lit location with parking, such as Crate &
Barrel/Starbucks; walking  in rain, shine, or snow (but not in
treacherous weather!); following a  pre-determined loop through the
neighborhood (so that late-comers can catch up with us).

Additional possibilities--runners could start off with the group and
then go ahead; dog owners could join, too. These ideas are not set in
stone, and I would be interested in hearing  feedback, other ideas,
and/or possible routes from other people.  Feel  free to forward this
notice to anyone else not on this mailing list who  might like to
participate.  Please contact Chhaya Rao at craodc@aol.com  if you are
interested.
 
 
 
 

UPCOMING TRAINING AT IONA
From: "Alena Biagas" <ABiagas@iona.org>
IONA Senior Services, a neighborhood non-profit organization that
provides support and advocacy for senior citizens, seeks volunteers to
work both at the center and directly with seniors in the community,
performing such tasks as visiting, shopping or accompanying them to
doctor's appointments.

Time commitments start as little as an hour a week, or two hours a month
- it's up to you!  Orientation and training are provided and the next
training session will be held Saturday, January 25, 2003.
Pre-registration is required.  To learn what you can do to help seniors
in your neighborhood, please phone Alena Biagas, Volunteer Program
Coordinator, at 202-895-9425, or e-mail to ABiagas@IONA.org."
 
 
 
 

HELP SUPPORT THE MLK, JR. KNOWLEDGE IS POWER BOOK DRIVE!
From: "Monica Lofton" <monica.lofton@dc.gov>
Donate a book on African American History to the DC Public Libraries!
Daimler Chrysler, DC Public Libraries, and Greater DC Cares are
encouraging youth to "read and  remember" the legacy of Dr. Martin
Luther King Junior through the citywide Knowledge is Power Book  Drive.
The Book Drive will coincide with the national celebration of Dr. King's
birthday.  From January  10th through January 20th, donate a book on
African-American history to guarantee that every young  person in the
District can find the books they need in February, African-American
History Month.  The books will be distributed to 27 branches of the DC
Public Library, helping to ensure that every young person in the city
will have access to books during African-American history month.

Help young people in the District connect to Dr. King through reading!
Donate NEW books for young  people ages 4-17. A list of suggested books
can be viewed and purchased by visiting  www.dc-cares.org/mlk.  Books
may also be purchased and dropped off at any local Borders, Olssons,
and Books-A-Million bookstores. The books may also be dropped off at 4
local libraries:
-- MLK Library, 901 G St. NW;
-- Cleveland Park, 3310 Connecticut Avenue, NW;
-- Takoma Park, 416 Cedar Street, NW; and
-- Benning Road, 3935 Benning Road NE.
For more information  email: gdcc@dc-cares.org  ::: web:
http://www.dc-cares.org/mlk
The MLK, Jr. Knowledge is Power Book Drive is sponsored by
DaimlerChrysler, DC Public Library and Greater DC Cares
 
 
 
 

RESIDENTIAL PERMIT PARKING -- ISSUE REVISITED
From: Jack McKay, jack.mckay@verizon.net
Thru: themail@DCwatch.com
The District's residential permit parking (RPP) system is terrible. It's
supposed simply to prevent commuters from using neighborhood streets as
free all-day parking lots. But the District's poor attempt at RPP has
four severe flaws. First, RPP zoning is not neighborhood-wide, but is
done block by block, so that the non-permit people just drive to the
unzoned blocks and walk from there. The problem isn't solved, but is
merely shoved onto adjacent blocks, and intensified, as the number of
unzoned blocks dwindles. Second, the decision to zone a block is made by
petition, not by vote, so only the pro-RPP side of the story is heard.
The petitioners don't gather signatures with RPP opponents alongside.
Besides, people will sign petitions just because it's hard to say no,
and to get rid of the petitioner quickly. This stacks the deck heavily
in favor of RPP advocates.

Third, residents of unzoned blocks are denied RPP permits, as if they
are commuters, and not legitimate, taxpaying residents of the
neighborhood. Residents of unzoned blocks find themselves prohibited
from daytime parking around the corner from their own homes. Fourth,
getting visitor parking permits is unreasonably burdensome. The
homeowner must go, in person, to the police, to get permits for
visitors, or household employees, or contractors. Most homeowners just
tell their visitors to go find parking spaces on the unzoned blocks, and
walk from there (which takes us back to Flaw the First). The District
knows that this RPP system is intolerable ("needs revamping", says
Councilmember Patterson, delicately), and a task force has been
organized by the Mayor to try to fix it.
 
 
 
 

OVER THE COUNTER DRUG ALERT!
From: william asbury <wasbury@bellatlantic.net
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is taking steps to remove
phenylpropanolamine
(PPA) from all drug products and has requested that all drug companies
discontinue marketing products containing PPA.  In addition, FDA has
issued a public health advisory concerning phenylpropanolamine. This
drug is an ingredient used in many over-the-counter (OTC) and
prescription cough and cold medications as a decongestant and in OTC
weight loss products.  For more information, see
http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/ppa/default.htm.
 
 
 
 

MORE ON PLASTIC WRAP AND MICROWAVES
From: <edw3qc@att.net
Check out the following web sites:
-- http://www.urbanlegends.com/ulz/plastic.html
-- http://www.breakthechain.org/exclusives/dioxins.html
 
 
 
 

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

**** From:  Melissa Clarry <melissaclarry@yahoo.com
Searching for summer child care for my son, who will be 18-months this
summer.  He is generally an easy-going guy with a sunny disposition.
Willing to consider mature high-school student, college student,
stay-at-home parent, or center care (seems as if centers are difficult
to get into for only the summer months.)  Willing to consider all or
part of the summer (May-August).  Our house is 1 block from the Tenley
metro.  Please contact me at melissaclarry@yahoo.com if interested.

**** From: "Derek & Lara Meisner" <dmmum92@erols.com>
We are seeking a part-time nanny (Mon, Tues & Thurs) to care for our
3-month old between 8am and 6:30pm.  We are looking for someone with
previous experience caring for infants.   If you have previous
experience and/or know any available nannies, please contact us at
dmmum92@starpower.net or 202-364-6080.  Thanks.

**** From: "Joanne Levine" <joannelevine@earthlink.net
I left out the phone number for the painter I recommended, Francisco
Sorto.  It's 301-434-3660.

I have some suggestions for the person who was receiving spam.  He or
she can forward deceptive-looking spams to uce@ftc.gov.  The FTC can't
stop them, but if a particular spam advertisement seems deceptive and
widespread, they may decide to investigate and act to prevent it in the
future.  The reader's Internet provider may be able to help with
stopping the spam if it comes from a few sources.  I also recommend
using Earthlink.net as a provider -- it has an excellent filter that
keeps out spam while not rejecting large-volume mail from legitimate
sources, such as Communit-e, e-fare notices from airlines, and
newsletters from Politics & Prose.
 
**** From: "Tommy Tomlinson and Penni St. Hilaire" <tommyt@erols.com
Can anyone provide the name and phone number of a competent and
reasonably priced computer repairman who can replace a hard disk and
correct other possible sources of computer misbehavior?   We prefer one
who will perform the repairs on site.

**** From: <Topspindc@aol.com> ( Laurie England)
I'd like to recommend Dave Felton of Mac the Knight if you ever have a
problem with either your Mac or PC. He can be reached at 703-447-7323
or  e-mail at shining-armor@mactheknight.com. He makes house calls to
help you  out of all kinds of dilemmas. (Laurie England,
Leng20007@aol.com)

**** From: "Aaron Epstein" <aajacks@starpower.net>
Our baseball group has lost two members. So...anybody want two good
adjacent seats in lower deck along left field line (Sec 66, Row KK) for
all Orioles' Sunday home games in 2003? Opponents are Red Sox (twice),
Devil Rays (twice), Royals, Rangers, Brewers, Phillies, Blue Jays
(twice), Angels, Yankees and Mariners. Cost is $520 for two tickets for
all 13 games. You can use them all yourself or split among friends.

**** From: <Hahagerty@aol.com (Herb Hagerty )
I have used and heartily recommend a plumbing company named
Smallenbroek. Check their listing in the Yellow pages; their DC phone
number is 237-6400, I believe.

**** From: "Ken Giles & Davida Perry" <kenanddavida@starpower.net>
I need my chimney cleaned.  Can anyone recommend a good company?

**** From: <anc3b@aol.com>
Winter Afternoon Retreat at St. Luke's, January 25th.
A quiet afternoon to discover spiritual treasure in the natural images
of  the season. Saturday, January 25, 2-5 pm, St. Luke's United
Methodist Church, 3655 Calvert St., NW Washington, DC 20007,
202-333-4949,  www.saintlukesmethodist.org.
 
 
 
 

MORE ON THE 'LOVELY WOMAN' SCAMMER

**** From: "Mary Abate" <mma1126@hotmail.com
Almost a year ago (Feb. 4), I stopped for gas on the way home from a
late evening at work, at the station at 15th & U St., NW.  As I emerged
from my car, she walked up to me, beautifully dressed and seemingly from
out of nowhere.  The story was the same--she had locked her keys in her
BMW; could not take the subway because she lived too far out;  everyone
who worked at her law firm had already gone home for the day; she had
left an extra house key under her door mat; she needed to pack for a
trip the next day; etc.  She was very charismatic and well-spoken. While
she was engaging me in conversation, a blue-collar type man walked up
and asked both of us for money.  She brushed him off--and I later
realized that they must have been working together.  I ended up giving
her cab money and my office address, and she promised to return it the
next day (of course she didn't).  She also gave me a fictitious law firm
name, address, and phone number.  I reported it to the 2d District, and
they sent two officers to interview me.  They were sympathetic, but they
said there was no crime involved, since I had given her the money
voluntarily, and thus there was nothing they could do.

**** From: <Fhmjwade@aol.com Frank Wade
I have met the African American lady looking for cab fare. I work at St.
Alban's Episcopal Church and ran into her on the cathedral grounds
several months ago.  She is quite a name dropper and refers to all sorts
of people who could vouch for her but, of course, there is no time to
check these references. I think the best thing is to let people know she
is a scam artist and to deny her any help.

**** From: <Rengl12965@aol.com> (Rob English)
For the record, I, too, was approached by the very same woman described
below (using the
same scam) on Christmas Eve (5pm) while shopping at The Chevy Chase
Pavilion located at
the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue and Western Avenue. The Chevy Chase
Pavilion Security Force came running out from their various stations
inside the mall and immediately asked me what direction the scam artist
woman ran  after trying to swindle me out of 30 dollars.  (I gave her
nothing.)

The Pavilion Security Force did tell me that they were able to get her
on camera while she was working her attempted con job on me. I learned
that she had been able to swindle 8 individuals during the Christmas
shopping period for several hundred dollars in the Chevy Chase Pavilion,
alone. Call the police immediately should you see her.

She is a very well dressed, fast talking, petite, late 40's to early
50's African American woman. She tries to approach people by immediately
telling her "sad tale" about her purse being  locked in her car in a
nearby garage and how she does not want a towing service to damage  her
BWM by breaking in to get her purse with her keys in it. She claims she
needs 30 dollars to catch a cab home back in Aspen Hill, MD and that if
you give her your address she will pay you back by sending a check. (She
even promises to double the cash you loan her as a gesture of thanks.) I
wanted to post my story to  shed a little more light on this matter.

**** From: <Infomang@aol.com> (Carla Freeman )
She got me a while ago at the Friendship Heights in the parking lot.  I
asked her many questions, having been scammed before and not being sure
whether she was for real or not.  She got very annoyed with me as I shot
holes in her story, but I did give her $5 just in case there was some
truth, actually, I felt that she earned it!  A few minutes later I saw
her in the Giant, buying food.  Actually healthy food.  I guess this is
just her job.  A friend of mine who lives at the Americana Finmark
apartments just at Georgia and the Beltway was hit in her parking lot.
The woman had the name of someone who lived there and said... I am so
and so and I am locked out of my apartment, blah blah.  It was the same
story, and my friend, less suspecting than I gave her $40 and felt like
a dope. I think we just don't give her money and I guess report her to
the police, or give her money and just consider her a panhandler.

**** From KS -- I'm a bit troubled by the last comment of the above
item. Someone with this elaborate a scheme is very likely to be into
other scams and  crimes beyond panhandling. I wouldn't be at all
surprised to learn that she is into more serious scams, shop-lifting,
theft from autos or other thefts.  I would urge you not to encourage her
in any way and do anything you can to help move her out of the area.
 
 
 
 

FEB. 5 HEARING ON NEW WATER METERS
From: "Pagano, Penny (COUNCIL)" <Ppagano@dccouncil.washington.dc.us>
Thru: tenleytown@yahoogroups.com
Coucilmember Kathy Patterson would like to let residents know that the
DC Council's Committee on Public Works and the Environment, headed by
Councilmember Carol Schwartz, has scheduled a public hearing on WASA's
new water meters on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2003 at 10 am in the Council
Chamber (Room 500) at 1350 Pennsylvania Ave, NW.  At the hearing, WASA
plans to brief the Committee and the public on the installation of its
new water
meters and the differences in billing from the old and new meters.
Anyone wishing to testify should contact Jim Slattery on the Committee
at 724-8105 or by email at jim.slattery@dc.gov.
Penny Pagano, Chief of Staff
 
 
 
 

SUSPECT INDICTED IN CATHEDRAL AVE. SHOOTING
From: "Pagano, Penny (COUNCIL)" <Ppagano@dccouncil.washington.dc.us>
Following is an announcement from the Office of the US Attorney for the
District of Columbia on the Jan. 7, 2003 indictment of a suspect in the
shooting last July of a Ward 3 resident at 4200 Cathedral Avenue, NW.
News release provided by the Office of the United States Attorney for
the District of Columbia United States Attorney Roscoe C. Howard Jr.
announced that Javan Estep, 48, of Ft. Washington, Maryland, was
indicted on Tuesday, January 7, 2003 by a DC Superior Court grand jury
on multiple counts, including assault with intent to kill while armed,
armed robbery of a senior citizen, aggravated assault while armed,
mayhem, and numerous weapons offenses for the July 21, 2002, robbery and
shooting of a 62-year-old woman in the 4200 block of Cathedral Avenue,
NW. If convicted of the charges, Estep faces more than 100 years of
imprisonment. An arraignment date has not yet been set by the court.
The indictment stems from an incident in which the victim was walking
toward her apartment building in the 4200 block of Cathedral Avenue, NW,
on July 21, 2002, when she was accosted by a man wearing a sky-blue
shirt with red sleeves. As he took the woman's purse, the man allegedly
shot her in the head, arm and shoulder. He then jumped into a waiting
vehicle, which left the area at a high rate of speed. The 62-year-old
victim survived her wounds.

Subsequent investigation determined that within hours of the shooting,
Javan Estep was recorded on video surveillance wearing a sky-blue shirt
with red sleeves, allegedly using the victim's credit cards at various
convenience stores in Oxon Hill, Maryland, and Southeast DC.  In
announcing the indictment, US Attorney Howard thanked Detective Anthony
Brigidini of the Metropolitan Police Department's Second District for
his tireless and thorough investigation. Howard further thanked Special
Agent Jerry Hanafin of the FBI who assisted in the investigation. US
Attorney Howard also commended the work of Assistant US Attorney Darrell
C. Valdez of the Homicide/Major Crimes Section, who investigated the
matter with Detective Brigidini and indicted the case.  For more
information contact: Channing Phillips US Attorney for the District or
Columbia, Public Affairs (202) 514-6933
 

-- END --