Petworth News

Dog Walk video

video courtesy of Wayan V.

Give it up for the sponsors:

Brighter Days, Yoga House, Looking Glass Lounge

and the kind host, Domku

Halloween block party

[from Michelle E.]

Friendly reminder, we are gearing up for our 4th Annual Celebrate Petworth Halloween Party this Saturday!

When: Saturday, October 31, 1:00pm - 4pm

Where: 500 Block of Taylor Street NW (Between 5th St and New Hampshire Ave)

Activities:

... Games

... Moonbounce

... Kids Costume Contest

... Face and Pumpkin Painting

... Raffle Prizes

... Music

... Free Eats

Looking forward to seeing you there!

2009 Petworth Dog Walk Halloween

[from Wayan V.]

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Thanks to Petworth Dogs the premiere neighbourhood pooch event is happening tomorrow! 

2009 Petworth Dog Walk Halloween 

A costume celebration of dogs and owners 

Wednesday, October 28, 7pm 

@ Domku Restaurant 

--- We have prizes for every category! --- 

* Best Doggie Costume - the classic, dress 'em up! 

* Best Twins - Celebrating how dogs and owners can look alike 

* Best Trick - Costume or not, show your dog's skills 

Contestants - meet at 6pm at the Clark School (7th and Allison Streets NW) to wear out your favorite pooch, before suiting them up in a great costume. 

From there, we'll walk our bedazzled best friends down to Upshur Street where they'll be judged by local personalities. 

The Domku patio will be the reviewing stand and the post-parade party 

spot for participants and observers.

Streetcar meetings

[from DDOT]

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The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is embarking on a public outreach tour to all eight wards of the District to engage residents and businesses in the implementation of improvements proposed for the transit system for the city, including streetcars.

DDOT will be holding a series of open houses beginning later this month to present the findings of the DC’s Transit Future study. DC’s Transit Future studied short-term and long-term surface transit improvements for the District, potentially including additional limited-stop bus services, bus rapid transit (BRT) and streetcar services. The open houses will focus on DDOT’s proposed streetcar network.

DDOT initiated the study in 2004 as a joint effort with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). [...] The Interim reports of the study recommended a number of improvements, many of which DDOT has already implemented, such as bus improvements on Georgia Avenue/7th Street, 16th Street, and the Metrobus 30s Line with the launch of express services.

DDOT has already initiated construction on two streetcar lines, and the open houses will give District residents an opportunity to hear about the current progress and view updated plans for future streetcar lines and other exciting transportation investments across the District.

The dates and locations of the open houses are as follows:

Ward 1: Monday, October 26, 2009

Columbia Heights Education Campus, 3101 16th Street, NW

Ward 4: Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Brightwood Elementary, 1300 Nicholson Street, NW

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All of the open houses will be held from 7pm to 8:30pm

Call for artists

[from Kera C.]

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On December 12, Domku will host the fifth year of the Upshur Street Arts Fair. This year, for the first time, the fair will be themed around recycled and eco-friendly arts and crafts. While it would be great to have pieces that are 100% green, it is enough to be have some sort of green component. What does that mean? The items should be made of recycle or sustainable materials, have some sort of eco function, or promote a green message -- or all of the above. All items should be handmade, original creations. 

Anyone interested in participating should send a message here.

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New ANC 4C meeting location

[from Joseph Martin, ANC 4C Chair]

NEW MEETING PLACE FOR ANC 4C MONTHLY MEETINGS: 

Roosevelt Senior High School 

Access through the driveway between MacFarland Middle School (4400 Iowa Avenue NW) and the Petworth Library. Iowa Avenue NW comes off of Georgia Avenue NW next to the Petworth Library.

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ANC 4C will meet at Roosevelt starting next week at our first regularly scheduled meeting (second Tuesday of each month) on Tuesday, October 13, from 6:30 pm to about 8:45 pm. 

Too often we all worked to squeeze into the community room at 801 Shepherd Street during ANC meetings. As chair, I have always been extremely uncomfortable seeing residents standing in the back of the room and spilling into the hallways because we had no more room for residents. 

When the ANC had MPD Chief Cathy Lanier arrive at one particular meeting and saw so many residents in the hallways, she looked at me and all the Commissioners remarking, "You need a bigger space."  That was not the first time we heard that suggestion, nor the last. 

I am touched when neighbors come to the ANC meetings. As Commissioners, I felt, we have an obligation to meet in comfortable space, ideally in a public building with ample room for all of our neighbors. This week I asked a senior - who lives a few houses from 801 Shepherd - how she felt about the switch to Roosevelt. She told me she welcomed the move.

WHAT ROOSEVELT OFFERS

Roosevelt Senior High School is more centrally located than 801 Shepherd for the ten, single-member districts that make up ANC 4C. There are several, huge, meeting space options within Roosevelt. For town hall meetings, there is a newly-renovated, stunning auditorium. The capacity there is probably a thousand. 

The faculty of Roosevelt Senior High School are encouraged by the thought of more community members coming to the school. Several students have told me to my face that they are eager to see us meet there and participate in our meetings. 

Roosevelt has a legendary roster of graduates who continue to make their mark in the world. In addition to the academics, Roosevelt has legendary sports teams. The high school includes a journalism program for students, a television studio, a radio studio, music program and large music practice room, a library, a weight room, a hair salon for students who want to learn that useful profession.

The culinary arts program has a project going with the Food Channel. There is a greenhouse that needs some elbow grease (neighbors?) and an herb garden on the south side of the building. Culinary arts students and their chef have already said they would like to show off their talents to the community. 

There have been a few objections to holding our meetings at Roosevelt, and I understand. Nonetheless, I think we should give Roosevelt a good try -- at least for a few months. If it doesn't work out, we can ask ourselves why and consider other options.

ANC 4C website

Up on the roof

 

Nice set of photos of the Park Place opening party, courtesy of Danny Fowler.

Photos on Flickr

Halloween Party

[from Michelle E.]

We're gearing up for our 4th Annual Celebrate Petworth Halloween Party!

When: Saturday, October 31, 1:00pm - 4pm 

Where: 500 Block of Taylor Street NW (Between 5th St NW and New Hampshire Ave NW) 

Activities: 

... Games 

... Moonbounce 

... Kids Costume Contest 

... Face and Pumpkin Painting 

... Raffle Prizes 

... Music 

... Free Eats 

All are welcome! Photos from previous years are here and here.

Hit and run

Long-time Petworth resident struck and killed on Georgia Avenue:

Scooter Rider Dies in Hit-and-Run

Yard sale - Sunday

[from Leslie P.]

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Sunday, October 4, 9am-1pm

 

Lots of good quality household items that need to go!! Items include furniture, kitchen items and appliances (including brand new microwave), linens, lamps, antiques, collectibles, carpets, toys, clothes, and much much more.

 

312 Shepherd Street, NW (Shepherd Street, between 3rd and 4th Streets) in Petworth

NO EARLY BIRDS

Medians update

[from Brandon Todd, Director of Community Outreach, Office of Councilmember Muriel Bowser]

Good morning Neighbors:

We are in touch with DDOT. They have informed us, the digging to allow the trees to be planted has been completed and Casey trees has agreed to plant the trees. Councilmember Bowser is asking DDOT to take interim steps to beautify the medians until the trees can be planted next spring. We will continue to monitor progress with DDOT and keep you informed.

If you have further questions regarding this matter please do not hesitate in contacting our office.

Yard sale

[from Hannah NJ]

I live in Petworth/Columbia Heights and my parents live up by the Popeye's on Georgia (13th and Ingraham St). They are having a huge yard sale this weekend.

Saturday, Oct 3

9am to 3pm

1238 Ingraham St

Lots of beautiful vintage furniture, wicker, baskets, bookshelves, toy & other kids stuff, all priced to move.

Rock Creek Market

Sorry I'm a bit late on this, the Park View DC site has photos from the now-open Rock Creek Market. Great to hear, hope residents will support the place while it gets on its feet. In urbanism circles they say the first step in building a quality community is reclaiming the corner store from blight (or in this case, fire, but you get the point). Wonderful to see the lack of bulletproof glass.

Now Open: Rock Creek Market

The Green Room

New Bar Coming to 3632 Georgia Ave Applies for Alcohol License

From Prince of Petworth, an update about the sports bar to open next door to Looking Glass Lounge. Look for links to PoP's previous post and an interview with the owner.

Short films at Park Place

[from Susan A.]

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WASHINGTON, DC (September 14, 2009) — Capture DC Life, an engaging short film contest and viewing event designed to call attention to the visual excitement of the city, is now accepting submissions at www.CaptureDCLife.com through Friday, September 25. The winning films will have their world debut at a premiere party October 8 celebrating the official grand opening of Park Place Apartments at Petworth Metro.

The short films should depict an aspect of life in the Washington DC area as seen through the lens of the filmmaker.

Sponsored by the new Park Place Apartments at Petworth Metro, DC Short Films Festival, On Tapmagazine, Ketel One and Stella Artois, the Capture DC Life film contest will award a $1,000 grand prize, a $500 runner-up check, and a special people’s choice prize.

The winners of the Capture DC Life short film contest will be announced the evening of Thursday, October 8, as the highlight of the rooftop terrace grand opening party for Park Place Apartments at Petworth Metro — a 161-unit apartment building located within walking distance from Columbia Heights at 850 Quincy Street, NW.

“We believe that the Capture DC Life film contest will showcase many of the unique and bold aspects we’ve strived for with this project, and that presenting diverse views of DC lifestyle is the perfect match for celebrating the official opening of Park Place Apartments,” said Chris Donatelli, president of Donatelli Development, the Bethesda-based developers of the property, which is managed by Bozzuto Management.

“The apartments represent transit-oriented development at its best, with direct access to Metro and dynamic interiors that reflect the excitement and renewed energy that are the foundation of what is happening in the DC and Petworth neighborhood,” he added.

Capture DC Life film contest guidelines, as well as details on how to RSVP for the October 8 Grand Opening Premiere of Park Place Apartments at Petworth Metro, are immediately available at www.CaptureDCLife.com.

Happy Afternoon

[from Wayan V.]

Are you a professional living in Petworth who works from home? Do feel alone too? Like the only one in the neighbourhood who juggles report deadlines, house repair, and the chatty neighbor? Or do you keep reminding your spouse and boss that "work from home" really means you work?

Then break your tradition of taking conference calls in your pajamas. Come down to Domku for a Happy Afternoon on Friday to meet all the other Petworth professionals who share your same situations. 

We'll start around noon and spend the afternoon making friends and sharing stories of domestic employment drama. Those not constrained by daycare can even make it a Happy Hour as well. And all during the event, you can use the Domku wi-fi to actually work too. 

Petworth Professionals Happy Afternoon

Friday, September 11, from 1-6pm

Domku Bar & Cafe, 821 Upshur St NW

Used book sale

[from Reyn A.]

The Friends of the Petworth Library is holding a Used Book Sale THIS WEEKEND:

Saturday, September 12, 10am-4pm

4200 Kansas Avenue NW

Hardcovers, paperbacks. Most books $.50 - $1. To benefit the Petworth Branch of the DC Public Library.

Library renovation

[from Archie Williams, DCPL]

The Petworth Neighborhood Library, 4200 Kansas Avenue, NW, is being renovated. The cost of the renovation is approximately $11.4 million.

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Phase I -- Exterior renovation began June 2009. Library remains open during this time.

Work includes: window and door restoration, masonry repointing and cleaning, roof repairs, new exterior lighting, improved ADA access, and a new cupola and balustrade on the roof according to the original design intent.

Phase II – Interior renovation begins November 2009. The library will close at this time and will re-open Spring 2011. A 4,200 square foot interim library will open on site in November.

Improvements include: new mechanical and HVAC systems, better lighting, improved use of space, restoration of original interior finishes and furniture, new furniture, elevator improvements, new floors, updated bathrooms, electrical and fire alarm upgrades, landscape enhancements, and a new outdoor area for programs and activities. The Interim will be a full service library, featuring 20 computers, free WiFi Internet, regular library hours, and a wide range of library materials.

Do you like hot yellow banana peppers?

[from Wayan V.]

Then claim my late harvest of about a dozen hot banana peppers that will be ripening throughout September. My garden is producing a second crop but I learned from the first that these babies are too spicy for my wife's delicate senses. Peppers are free to those willing to pick them up at the Vota Farms in Petworth, DC.

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photo by Wayan Vota

639 Farragut

[from K.]

I live on the 600 block of Farragut Street, NW. The house at 639 has been abandoned all year. Quick background: A fractious couple lived there with 2 kids. They began major excavations of the basement last year. The project was abandoned when they wouldn't pay the contractor. The debris -- including a metal I-bar, broken concrete, and lumber -- has been strewn across the backyard since. The backyard, BTW, hasn't had its grass cut all year. I have REPEATEDLY called the City about this and no one ever returns my calls.

 

The owner was busted in January 2009 by the the FBI/ATF for selling drugs. The house has been abandoned ever since.

 

Tonight, I heard banging in the house's basement. When I looked outside, people who were NOT the owners had the door off its hinges and had hauled the furnace out of the basement and into the front yard. I called 911. Although the police were quick to respond, they Let Them Go. I watched them drive off with the furnace in the back of a MD truck. I have repeatedly called the 4th District station and no one is answering their phone line.

 

I believe a bank seized the property long ago but I don't know how to find out who actually owns the title and is responsible for the house/yard upkeep.

 

Can anyone on this blog help? My neighbors and I are sick and tired of this eyesore and apparently, anyone who still has a key to the front door now has free reign to take valuables out of it.

Book sale

[from Carol H.]

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The Friends of Petworth Library book sale will be Saturday, 9/12. Donations are being accepted now at the library, 4200 Kansas Avenue.

Want to join the Friends? Dues are $20. Meetings are the last Monday of each month at the library, beginning at 7pm. For more information, email me.

MPD award for heroism

[from MPD Officer Matt Morris]

We had a small awards ceremony today in which myself, Officer Sean Hill and Officer Pernell Blount along with Kevin Blackwell received achievement awards from Chief Lanier.

 

The basis for the award was in November 2008, Mr. Blackwell was walking his dog near the church at 32 Grant Circle. He heard the security alarm going off and saw a male subject exiting with a large bag over his shoulder. Mr. Blackwell, being a member of the church knew that there shouldn't be anyone in the church at that hour and did not recognize the man as a member either. The subject then ran across the street into the Grant Circle park with Mr. Blackwell chasing him. Mr. Blackwell caught the man and held him until myself and the other officers arrived.

 

Intially we could only arrest the man for Unlawful Entry. But knowing the area was having a burglary problem we did a follow up investigation over the next couple days and were able to determine that the bag the man had in his possession contained various items that had been stolen from inside the daycare center of the church. We were able to add the charge of Burglary 2 to the subjects original charges. With this arrest were were also able to close several burglaries as well.

 

The Chief of Police honored Mr. Blackwell for his heroism and dedication to the community and the officers for the dedication to the community and for removing a dangerous subject from the community and making the Petworth area safer.

Qualia in WCP

Qualia Coffee (Georgia Ave between Randolph and Shepherd) got a nice writeup by Washington City Paper. Starts about halfway through the article.

Mom & Baby Yoga

[from Shoshana R.]

Looking for a way to practice yoga along with your baby? At Mom & Baby Yoga, you’ll get your body back by strengthening your core while you learn to breathe, relax and bring more serenity into your life. The class is also a great way to connect with other moms and share the journey of motherhood. Best for moms with babies 6 weeks to crawling.

 

Join Kundalini Yoga instructor and mom Shoshana Rosenbaum at Yoga House Studio, 3634B Georgia Ave NW, just south of the Petworth metro, Tuesdays 2-3pm beginning September 1.

 

See www.yogahouse.org for more details or email me with questions.

Spray park can stay open!

[from Marni L.]

It worked!!! Thanks to all who wrote! I received this this morning:

Good morning, with the approval of Director Hartsock, and in response to the outpouring of community sentiment, I am pleased to report that the spray park will remain open through Labor Day. The extended hours will be Mondays-Fridays 4pm to 7pm and Saturday 11am to 4pm. Thank you for the feedback and for supporting this little gem.

Best, Sean A. Link
DPR Aquatics

photo © Bill Crandall

Fusion brunch

[from Barry D.]

Starting from this weekend, for $20 a person, Fusion restaurant will serve Indian brunch buffet on Sundays. Though the selection changes each week, you'll always find red meat, chicken, egg, fish, lentils and two vegetables. Also fresh fruit and salad.

Sunday brunch will be served from 11am to 3pm. Reservation are recommended. The brunch also offers unlimited champagne/mimosa. Please visit our website for more information.

Tree watering followup

[from Jeff G.]

Please join us again for the Saturday watering of the NH Ave median trees: 

Sat 78/15 @ 8am - meet at Petworth metro

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See previous post for more info.

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The last tree watering was very successful, we were able to get all the trees watered by 9am. Please continue to spread the word about the tree waters, as this will not be an one-time event as additional trees are planted (additional sources of water and additional community supporters will need to be identified) within the medians on New Hampshire Ave in both Wards 1 and 4.

 

And again, thank you to Donatelli Development for supporting this effort. They continue to show that they are true members of the Petworth community.

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photo courtesy Jeff Green

Yes! opening

[from Gillian C.]

From Muriel Bowser's newsletter:

... At 3 pm on Monday, August 17, the grand opening of Yes! Organic Market will take place. The store is located at 4100 Georgia Avenue NW. Yes! will provide samples of fare available at the store. Police officers from the Fourth District will be on hand to distribute newsletters and other important safety materials. The arrival of Yes! is really a great day for Ward 4 and is just part of the Petworth community’s continued revitalization.

[Ed. note - Yes! will open on Wednesday 8/19 at 10am]

Yes! job fair

From the Prince of Petworth:

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YES! Organic Market in Petworth (Georgia Ave. and Taylor) To Host Job Fair Monday, Looks Close to Opening

Rec Center meeting

[from Marni L.]

Please join us for an important meeting of the Friends of the Petworth Rec Center, this Saturday at 4:30pm, at the playground (so the kids can play).

There are some important decisions to be made and the more people involved the better! If you can not make it but are interested in being on the mailing list, please respond directly to me. We are also looking for people to do some paperwork (tax stuff, incorporation application... neither a big deal).

Email me with questions!

Tree watering

[from Jeff Green]

What: Watering campaign, bucket brigade for 17 median-strip trees. 

When: 7am Saturday morning 8/8. Early is better, safer to deal with traffic. 

 

How: We have permission to use the Donatelli water connections. 

Where: Meet in front of the Petworth Metro statue. I will bring hose, buckets and a water key. If anybody else has buckets, please bring them. 

Goal: Enough people to work quickly, efficiently.

Please pass the message on to any other interested people. If we get enough people, we should be able to move quickly.  

RSVP to Jeff Green or Carol Herwig

Movie night at West

West Education Campus is pleased to announce 

Screen on the Schoolyard 

Wednesday, August 5, 7–9pm 

1338 Farragut St NW 

Cost: FREE!!!!! 

 

RAIN* or SHINE 

 

Please join us for a family friendly movie evening on the West School field. The movie, The Incredibles, will be FREE and concessions will be sold to benefit the activities we have planned for the year. Bring your favorite blanket or lawn chair, come on out to meet your fellow West families and community members and enjoy! 

*In the event of rain, the event will be moved into the gymnasium. 

Lincoln Cottage discount

For DC Residents Only:

Buy One Get One Free at President Lincoln's Cottage 

Every weekday in August, DC residents receive one free ticket with the purchase of a regular adult ticket AND 10% off in the Museum Store at President Lincoln's Cottage.

 

Promotion is available at with a valid DC identification card or other proof of residence and is not available through online ticket purchases. The 10% discount applies to store merchandise only and is valid the day of ticket purchase.

President Lincoln's Cottage

Upshur Street at Rock Creek Church Road, NW

Washington, DC 20011

www.lincolncottage.org

Pinnacle, again

[from Amy C.]

I know the thread on Pinnacle is closed, but I thought I would let you know that someone from Pinnacle came to my door four times in two days! Despite efforts to send them on their way and let them know we were not interested, the man was quite aggressive about talking about my security system.

They said they were upgrading ADT security systems. The man definitely wanted to come into my home. I became irritated enough to call ADT. Pinnacle is in no away affiliated with ADT. ADT also let me know that they received several complaints as of late about Pinnacle.

At minimum this is fraud, or some kind of money scam. At worse, they could be casing people's homes. I also called the police this evening. The will be keeping an eye out for this man. He is white, medium height with sandy brown hair. I believe he is in his 20's and he wears a light colored polo shirt and khaki shorts.

I just thought I would let people know. I don't want to get into another Pinnacle thread, but this seemed really, really dicey.

Robert Whiddon

[from Everett Lott, ANC Commissioner 4D05]

Regretfully and with a very heavy heart, I am writing to share with you the loss of our friend, neighbor, co-worker, and Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner - Robert Whiddon. Robert passed away on Friday, July 17, 2009. He leaves behind a very loving wife and two beautiful sons.

There will be a viewing on Wednesday, July 22, 2009 2-4pm at Money and King Funeral Home. The address is 171 W. Maple Ave. Vienna, Va.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 24, 2009 at St. Gabriel's Church at 11am. The address is 26 Grant Circle NW Washington DC.

Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Robert Whiddon and sons during Ft Totten tour, photo © Bill Crandall

Park Place news

Check out Prince of Petworth's coverage of the Park Place official opening yesterday:

Park Place Ribbon Cutting Ceremony (Above Petworth Metro) Plus Some Details on Retail Revealed!

Varnum Street work

[from Wayan V.]

This morning, work crews are preparing to repave a short section of Varnum Street NW, along the 500 block where utility repairs were made. But anyone who drives along Varnum from Grant Circle to Georgia Avenue knows that is not enough. This short stretch of road has more patch repairs and potholes than the rest of Petworth combined. So how and when can we get the whole street repaved right? 

Caribbean Carnival street closings

[from Chante Brodie, MPD]

The 2009 Caribbean Carnival is Saturday, June 27 and Sunday June 28 from 11am to 5pm. It will start from Missouri Avenue NW and 7th St NW. It will end at Georgia Avenue NW and Barry Place NW. 

On Saturday, June 27 the above section of Georgia Avenue NW will be closed from 11am to 5pm.

Parking Restrictions:

No parking on Georgia Avenue between Missouri Avenue and Barry Place NW from 12:00am-7pm on Saturday June 27. 

No parking on Georgia Avenue between Euclid and Barry Place NW on Sunday June 28.

There will be no parking from 1am on Saturday, June 27 until 7pm on Sunday June 28 on the following streets:

- Barry Pl from Georgia Ave to Sherman Ave (both sides of the street)

- 9th St from Barry Pl to Euclid St

- Sherman Ave, Barry Pl to Euclid St

The link for the Caribbean Carnival is here.

Roosevelt HS reunion

[from Sonya W.]

The 2009 Class of 1989 Reunion Committee would like to invite fellow Theodore Roosevelt High School "Rough Riders", Petworth neighbors, friends, and family to our 20-year reunion on the Spirit Cruises located in Baltimore, MD on Friday, July 10, 2009. Boarding begins at 6:30pm, sailing from 7:00-10:00pm.

 

We strongly encourage that you pay via using PayPal. Contact Ms. Kenyetta Keys at kenyetta.c.keys@medstar.net or 301-523-7354. All the information you need is below! Remember this was done for you by request, so please do what is needed and contact Ms. Keys!

Boat Cruise/ Dinner Dance

Tickets: $65.00 per person

Dress Code:  Business Casual (Dress to Impress)

Boarding At: 561 Light Street, Baltimore, MD 21202

 

All money is due no later than Tuesday, July 7, 2009!

Saturday, July 11th is the All Roosevelt Alumni Cookout in Rock Creek Park, Lot 24, 1:00pm until dusk (all are welcome).

 

Reunion Committee:

Gwendolyn Floyd-Wilson, Chairman/President

Kenyetta Keys, Treasurer/Payments

Ryan E. Duvall, Research Communications

Sonya Wilcox, Research Communications

Restaurant news

Looks like this one is moving from open secret to actual news:

Marvin's Owners May Expand to Petworth

Medians update

[from Jeff Green]

Just have been informed that DDOT will be addressing the issue with the depth of the New Hampshire medians. The medians will be dug out to a depth of 48" and the elm trees will be planted per DDOT's original plan.

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*****•

Here are some nice photos by Wayan Vota, of Muriel Bowser's visit to the medians today. I see Jeff Green in there on the right in the first pic. Kudos and thanks again to Muriel, Jeff, Carol Herwig, and everyone else who stepped up to make this right.

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Library donations

[from Brooke M.]

The Friends of Petworth Library requests the following items for the September 21, 2009 book sale and for the library:

Book donations (all genres)

Board game donations for children and teens

Electronic game donations for Playstation II

Items can be delivered to the Petworth Library, attention to: Robin Imperial, Manager

Median problems

[from Jeff Green]

There is a serious issue with the medians being installed on New Hampshire Avenue. For the medians to support trees and other plant life they should be excavated to a depth of 36-48” inches. This is so the trees (DDOT and UFA planned for elms, like the ones across from the metro station) can develop root systems that are able to support themselves as they grow.

Members of the community have identified that DDOT and their contractor are only excavating to varying depths of 6-24 inches, depending on the conditions. During excavation DDOT and their contractor unexpectedly found compacted stone and have chosen to not remove this material, which in the future will cause problems with the trees that are to be planted. Additionally the contractor is leaving piles of concrete below the back fill as they install the medians, which will have adverse affects on any other plants that are planted.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dcmetroblogger/3554282759/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dcmetroblogger/3586057958/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dcmetroblogger/3586058172/

DDOT initially denied that there was a problem and after admitting it they are now refusing to correct. I have requested that the Ward 4 Councilmember’s Constituent Services Coordinator, Judi Gold, brief Councilmember Bowser on the issue with the medians and make an inquiry to DDOT for a solution to this problem.

Please take a few moments out of your day and email (addresses listed below) your ANC representatives, Councilmember Bowser, and the DDOT managers of this project to let them know that Petworth wants this project completed correctly the first time without any corners being cut.

Thanks!

Click on names to get email addresses:

Joseph Martin, ANC4C Chairman

Shanel Anthony, ANC4C07

Timothy Jones, ANC4C08

David Tumblin, ANC 4C06

Muriel Bowser, Ward 4 Councilmember

Judi Gold, Ward 4 Constituent Services Coordinator

Paul Stephenson, DDOT Project Manager

Said Cherifi, DDOT Program Manager

Karina Ricks, DDOT Associate Director

Jeffrey Marootian, DDOT

Yes Market alcohol license

[from Joseph Martin, ANC 4C Chair]

ANC 4C's Tuesday, June 9th public meeting agenda includes consideration of the ABRA permit application allowing Yes Organic Market in Petworth to sell beer and wine.

ANC 4C and Gary Cha, Yes owner, would like to hear from you. Gary Cha's email is here. The Yes contact person for this is Kathy Rachel at 703-927-9506. 

Share your emails to Mr. Cha with ANC 4C. My email address is here. I will share your emails with the entire ANC 4C Commission. You need not show up at the ANC meeting to voice your opinion. You may also email your own Commissioner directly http://www.anc4c.org/cms.html.

The Alcoholic Beverages and Regulatory Administration (ABRA) hearing on this application is scheduled for Monday, July 13, 2009 at 10:00am at (ABRA) 941 N. Capitol Street NE, Suite 7200. 

Petitions or requests to appear before the ABRA Board must be filed before June 29, 2009, the official "petition date," from the ABRA notice mailed to the ANC.

The Petworth community and ANC 4C have voiced vigorous, extensive support for Yes from the beginning as has Ward 4 Councilmember Muriel Bowser. Councilmember Bowser changed the law last year to allow for this permit application. Previously, new supermarkets in Ward 4 were not allowed to apply for beer-and-wine licenses.

The permit application mentioned above is the last step of the process to allow for a full service grocery store in Commissioner Shanel Anthony's single-member district, SMD 4C07. The community's voice is always crucial. Please share your voice (and emails) again.

There is considerable history on the Yes-Petworth issue for information junkies (like me) on the Petworth News, the Northwest Current and the Prince of Petworth - if anyone wants to read the archives.

NH accident

From unofficial reports, a car stopped by police in 3D had sped off. Rounding the turn onto New Hampshire Avenue at Shepherd around 9:30pm or so, it lost control, careened onto the wrong side of the median, and slammed into oncoming traffic. I heard the impact from a block away. Neighbors said four guys took off running north on New Hampshire. The road was cordoned off within minutes by MPD, the scuttlebutt is that all perps were caught but that's unconfirmed. At least one was arrested at the scene, I saw him taken away.

Any other info out there? Click on any picture to see bigger.

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 photos © Bill Crandall

Yard sales

[from Laurie L.]

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Saturday, June 6th, 9am-3pm

Multiple houses - 7th Street NW (4000 and 4100 blk) and Taylor Street NW (500 blk). A Google map is here.

Set of black dining room chairs, flower pots and gardening supplies, couch and loveseat, 2 full-sized mattress and boxspring sets, futon with microfiber cover, queen-sized Aerobed, bookcase, Storehouse entertainment unit with matching coffee and end tables, household and kitchen items such as dishes, pans, decorative items, Epson printer ink cartridges, luggage set, and much much more! 

Housing for rent

[from Wanda T.]

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NW/Petworth - Large, bright 1 bedroom apartment for rent. Move in immediately. Hardwood floors, new carpet, cable ready, trash removal, and recycle service, security safe, fenced in backyard. Quiet tree-lined street, 1 block to busline and walking distance to greenline Petworth/Georgia Ave metro, street parking. Call for viewing, 202-722-1823

Eurasia Dance Society

[from Matt T.]

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The Eurasia Dance Society is is a new organization based on Longfellow Street in Petworth (although this weekend's event is in Silver Spring). The organization exists to promote the traditional dance styles of the countries and cultures of Eurasia, principally through a school and a performing ensemble.

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This weekend, they'll be offering free classes as a preview of offerings this summer and fall. Classes include various levels of Ukrainian and Russian dance, and will be held at St. Andrew's Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Silver Spring.

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Here's a link to the event:  

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http://www.eurasiadance.org/Free_Class.pdf

Yes Market progress

[from John K.]

Qualia update

[from Joel F.]

Hello coffee lovers,

I wanted to let you all know about some upcoming changes at Qualia Coffee. Starting next week, we will be extending our evening hours to 7pm on weekdays and 6pm on weekends.

Also next week, we will debut a line of fine baked goods, including muffins, scones, biscotti and cakes provided by the local bakers of Paisley Fig. And, of course, we continue to offer a wide selection of freshly roasted beans and coffees brewed by the cup as well as our well-loved cold-brewed ice coffee.

And for you Brooklanders, Chris Girardot (aka the Bread Guy) will be stocking up on bags of Fresh Off the Roast beans for sale at the Historic Brookland Farmers Market, which has moved a couple blocks from its old spot and is now located at 10th and Newton Streets.

See you soon!