more snow plowing needed in Bloomingdale ... ?

See this 2/9/2010 message from a household on the unit block of S Street NW:

My husband and I are new residents in the Bloomingdale neighborhood - hopefully. We purchased a house on the unit block of S Street NW and are supposed to be moving in this Friday, after 6 months of renovations. I'm getting more and more concerned that we are not going to make that deadline given that none of the side streets in Bloomingdale appear to have been plowed as of 11:50am Tuesday (today, right now). He and I have been making our way via Metro from our apartment over to the house everyday to shovel snow, and have not seen any improvements in our street conditions. It's slightly disconcerting considering nearby Rhode Island Ave and Florida are both completely clear. We even went so far as to flag down a plow and ask him to make a pass through that neighborhood. He said he was going off duty but would radio it in. We don't know for sure if he did, and I understand the magnitude of this storm, but if you check out this link to the DDOT Snow Tracking page (http://snowmap.dc.gov ) you can see that there are some side streets off Eckington Pl. NE that have had multiple passes. We apparently have not had a single one. Is there someone we should be contacting about this? Any suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated.

stolen mail in Bloomingdale

Okay, there appears to be interest in stolen mail, so here is an Email that your blog moderator received today from a Bloomingdale resident:

Just wanted to add a note that on S street NW (between 1st and 2nd) we had a stolen package this afternoon. Please consider having your packages sent to work - I am currently in the process of trying to contact several outstanding orders to get addresses changed. It was left opened with insulation strewn out of the package right on the front stoop of our house in plain view, so apparently our neighbors did not notice. We happened to be at work today, but with so many people home, I'm really surprised the perpetrator is still walking right up to people's front doors to take property. Please keep your eyes open so we can stop this as soon as possible! We were considering setting up a webcam and leaving package out again but we don't have a working camera at the moment. Anyone? ;)

what to replace the closing Safeway with ?

Okay, the Safeway at 4th & Rhode Island Avenue NE is closing in March.

What next?

See this message from Ward 5 resident Debbie Smith:

There has been talk that the Safeway, located in the Rhode Island Avenue Shopping Plaza, closing on March 6, 2010. Several people in the community are considering other grocer options.

Currently, the strong interest has been, Wegman and Trader Joe's. We would like to hear your thoughts. Please email your responses to: dlsmith112@msn.com as we take this poll.

Here is a 2/7/2010 update from Debbie Smith:

Since this is our community we need to take a stand and let the decision makers know what we want as a community. If you have not had an opportunity, please take the time and vote. Results will be made available next Sunday and posted by the Moderator of the Brookland listserv. Thanks.

You need to sign into yahoo, but it's at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Brookland/surveys?id=12984788

The poll will close next Sunday and the results will be reported to the whole listserv automatically.

Safeway at 4th & RI Ave NE to close on March 6, 2010

See this article from a new story on WJLA-TV's website:

Residents Fired Up About Safeway Closing in Northeast

posted 02/03/10 6:09 pm producer: Malachi Constant
http://www.wjla.com/news/stories/0210/702596.html

WASHINGTON - Store
closings are nothing new in the bad economy but on Rhode Island Avenue in Northeast Washington, a Safeway store closing is causing a big commotion.

After decades of serving one Northeast neighborhood, Safeway is shutting down its Rhode Island Avenue store where reaction Wednesday was swift and emotional.

"What are we going to do if they close the Safeway down?" asked one person.

"That's just crazy!" remarked another.

One resident asked, "What is the community going to do?"

Many residents say the supermarket is the center of their community where the elderly and others push their carts to shop, pick up their prescriptions and keep up on what's going on.

ANC Commissioner Marshall Phillips is angry. Phillips said, "They're just closing us down and leaving our community and where they going to take the money they've taken from here…"

Safeway told its employees the news Tuesday.

Safeway's Craig Muckle said, "We are closing the store effective March 6th and it's never an easy decision to close a store."

Safeway say they are losing business to a new Giant built half a mile down the street. They also say the type of stores in the nearby mall are not the kind that attract customers who would also shop at Safeway and so business is down.

One woman shared her reaction to the news about the closing, saying, "I'm like, 'good God, that's sad.' This is so sad."

One resident proposed, "They should work on keeping it open for us."

"We senior citizens don't have no place to go except up to the Giant and got a catch a bus to up there. That's crazy. Lord, have mercy, Jesus I don't know. I don't know. They treating us wrong," said one senior citizen.

the closed Hot Trout Grill place emptied out

A Florida Avenue NW sent this message today:

Today, crews have been moving equipment out of the former Hot Trout Grill between the liquor store and Christina Nails at the southwest corner of Florida Ave. and North Capitol Street NW. They are moving it all into a U-Haul parked in the alley between Florida Ave. and Bates St. NW.

I tried asking one of the workers what was happening as I passed, but he did not speak English well.

Do you or anyone else know what is going on there? Is something new moving in?
The Hot Trout Grill has been closed since I moved here in August.

seeking referrals for a structural engineer

See this request from a Rhode Island Avenue NW resident:

I'm looking for a structural engineer to survey a planned basement dig, reinforce 1st floor supports, and create plans to file with the city for my basement remodel.

I did try to contact an engineer from a previous posting but they're not answering.

Open Houses in and around Bloomingdale for 01/31/2010

Open houses scheduled in and around Bloomingdale for Sunday.

Yoga District: Family Yoga & Community Playtime

See this message posted by Bloomingdale resident Angela Robinson:

BloomingdaleKids, partnered with Yoga District, are pleased to bring you...

BloomingdaleKids

Family Yoga & Community Playtime
@ Yoga District, 1830 1st St., NW DC

Yoga 1:30-2:15pm,
one class pass per tot

($10 or less).

Playtime 2:15-3:15pm, by donation.

Sundays starting Feb. 7th, except Feb. 28. Feel free to come to one or both events!

Family yoga is a supportive, playful, and active yoga class for parents/guardians and their tots (crawling to 24 months). Tots become more confident in their moving bodies with yoga! As a tot's mobility increases, classes offer poses that encourage and support their physical explorations.

During this yoga class, crawlers and walkers playfully practice yoga postures while they are standing, sitting up, walking, and jumping with the assistance of their parent(s) or guardian. Parents/guardians also get to do a little yoga, but no yoga experience or flexibility is required.

All guardians/parents present will be asked to participate, as observers can distract tots, and there's no reason to not join in! Space permitting, we ask that you purchase one class pass ($10 or less) per tot. Two guardians/parents can come with one tot. Only if we reach capacity will we limit one guardian/parent per tot so that we can make room for as many tots as we can handle!

Click here (https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/asp/home.asp) to make a reservation (Please first purchase a pass and then scroll to Sunday's classes to make the reservation. Please make the reservation and pass purchase under the parent/guardian name). Mat rentals are available for $1, and we offer free mat storage if you have your own mat.

This class will be lead by two courageous, joyful mothers: Jayanti, a long-time yoga teacher for both youth and adults, and Chere, a teacher-understudy and long-time Yoga District intern!

We recommend that all participants wear clothing that moves with them and provides comfortable coverage.

Everyone is welcome to join us after class for a by-donation Community Playtime, where families from the neighborhood can meet and play! Toys will be provided, but if your little one would like to bring his/her own, please avoid heavy toys and art supplies (planned art activities with appropriate preparations will be announced in the future). Each family will be responsible for their own clean up. Please note that no shoes are allowed in the studio beyond the entry benches, so wear your favorite socks! And donate what you like - a few dollars goes a long way for Yoga District's shoestring budget! No need to reserve a spot- just come! Playtime ends promptly at 3:15pm to prepare for the next class.

Please note that youth without a participating and responsible guardian/parent cannot participate in the class nor playtime, and no day care services are offered. Parents/guardians will remain responsible for the safety of their tot at all times.

If you have additional questions about community playtime, please contact Mikaela Seligman at: mikaela.seligman @ gmail.com.

http://www.yogadistrict.org/
202-265-YOGA (9642)

to-open-soon Beau Thai restaurant seeks zoning assistance

See this message from a Randolph Place NW resident:

I have it on good authority (namely, the future owner/operator of the restaurant) that an authentic Thai restaurant will come close to us in Bloomingdale, just slightly west on the corner of R St. and New Jersey Ave., N.W., a couple of blocks from Big Bear Cafe due west on R...

The restaurant is going to be called Beau Thai. [Moderator note: it was mentioned back in October at the DC BACA blog here: http://dcbaca.wordpress.com/2009/10/20/two-new-restaurants /].

She is aiming for an early March opening. She is a veteran in the Thai food business (and a relative of the operator of Thai X-Ing on Florida Avenue NW).

She will at first only have take-out service, as her zoning appears to be restricted to that for the time being (take-out was apparently grandfathered-in through prior use of the, very nice, building). She told me that what she really wants to do is a full-fledged sit-down Thai restaurant, however.

I believe she will need our and our ANC Commissioners' support, as well as that of the Shaw community of course. I don't see why anyone would not want to support more sit-down restaurants. If anyone can help provide advice in this regard (re-zoning for commercial/restaurant use), I'm sure she will be happy to hear it -- I will update the listserv with her information to contact directly, once things are finalized on her end.

Also, does anyone know whether NCMS would be a source of any grants or other support for this welcome business addition, even though it's a few blocks away from North Capitol Street? If not, any other leads for similar organizations that would cover this location along NJ Avenue N.W.?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here is an update: Washington Business Journal reporter Missy Frederick spotted this blog enty and wrote about it here at her blog: "Beau Thai to Bloomingdale?"

http://washington.bizjournals.com/washington/blog/top_shelf/2010/01/beau_thai_in_bloomingdale.html?ana=e_du_pub

Rustik Neighborhood Tavern coming to 1832 1st Street NW

Prince of Petworth scooped me.

A new bar is coming to Bloomingdale.

No, this is not Baraki at 1st and T Street NW.

This would at 1832 1st Street NW -- the dark green space between Yoga District and the rear of Bloomingdale Wine & Spirits.

For more info, visit the blog posts at PoP here: www.princeofpetworth.com/2010/01/bloomingdale-to-get-a-neighborhood-bar-really.

I suspect that the new business owner will go through the voluntary agreement process for a tavern-class liquor license like Baraki did.

I look forward to meeting the new business owner.

man exposes himself on V Street NW last night

See this Sunday night, 1/24/2010, message from a 1st Street NW resident:

At about 9:10 pm tonight I, was walking the dogs down V St towards Flagler NW.

When I was about a third the way down the block, a thin young black man with long braids and a dark jacket crossed from the north to the south side of the street in front of me and walked up on to the steps of the house in front of the one where the two nice guys with the dog and the great xmas tree decorations live. I didn't recognize the guy and something felt off about him. I had my two big dogs with me so I didn't think much of it... It was just a slight twinge that something was off.

When I was about two houses down from him I said, "How you doin?'" as I say to everyone. He said it back.

When I stepped about fifteen feet closer I passed a large bush that had been blocking the fact that his pants were down and his c*ck was out.

I called him lame and a couple of other things, got home and called the cops.

By 9:40 pm, there were 3 cops in my livingroom taking a statement.

They said they'd seen someone who fit the description. They just left to go look for him.

Nothing like this has happened to me before when walking the dogs.

I suspect if he's done this to me, then he's done this to others.

This same neighbor sent along this additional comment this morning (1/25/2010):

I found this doc
http://www.uplink.com.au/lawlibrary/Documents/Docs/Doc81.html when trying to make sense of things and, though I'm no expert, this guy did not seem like a 2D (or one of the ones that is excessively violent).

He seemed more in the 1 B. He had an edge, he deliberately walked across the street to put himself in my path...he put down the cigarette he was smoking...it looked like a guy leaving his break to go back to work... but he seemed really self-contained. I never once thought he would approach me or follow me and I felt comfortable enough to tell him in a very disappointed, but not hysterical, angry or frightened tone...that "that is so lame". He didn't respond positively or negatively...But that might have just been the dogs. In fact, I was so cool through the event that the Dogs didn't even bark and when we are walking on a
rainy night they usually have hair triggers for strangers. I didn't even get scared till I got home.

The thing that worries me is that I saw the cops drive by my house and go down V towards Flagler and then they came to interview me five minutes later. They said they'd seen someone who fit the description which means, if it was the same dude...he just stayed on the street where he flashed me for another 20 minutes after it happened. If that is the case he was looking for another mark.

One final thing...
The guy was young, he looked college age or just older but he did not look like he was a student. He just had a different edge... He also was very well kept. He was clean, put together, orderly...he didn't look like he was drunk or on drugs and he very deliberately made eye contact...which would make sense considering the description above of what he was trying to get out of the exchange... the temporary high of frightening a girl walking alone on the street at night that would validate his low self esteem.

Open Houses in and around Bloomingdale scheduled for 01/24/2010

Here are open houses around the area scheduled for Sunday.

welcome facade improvements at the Sylvan Theater building

Great to see the facade of the former Sylvan Theater building near 1st & Rhode Island Avenue NW get spruced up!

donating a used car

From a resident of the unit block of R Street NW:

Does anyone have recommendations on donating a used car so that the charity actually gets whatever value there is and not 90% to a middle-man organization?

unappealing Bloomingdale commercial space for sale

You may have seen this commercial property at 81 Seaton Place NW, whose side abuts the rear of 1821 1st Street NW.

According to neighborhood legend, this building used to serve as a transfer station of sorts for the Washington Star newspaper. I do not know when it stopped being used for newspaper distribution.

During the past decade, the second story was added. Rather ugly.

The property is presently an active listing. You can see Suzanne Des Marais' listing from Saturday, 1/16/2010, here: http://mrislistings.mris.com/Matrix/Public/Portal.aspx?k=252400X2J6R&p=DE-99315428-2

The list price is $239,000.

Ove the weekend, I met the current listing agent. In the photo on the right, you can see the listing agent checking on the property from the alley side. He was meeting a man who is shopping around for salon space.


Here is the entry for this C-2-A-zoned property from the DC real property sales database:

Address: 0081 SEATON PL
SSL: 3110 0136
Neighborhood: ECKINGTON
Use Code: 41 - Store-Small 1-Story Class 3 Exception: No
Tax Type: TX - Taxable Tax Class: 002 - Commercial
Homestead Status: ** Not receiving the Homestead Deduction
Owner Name: BAYVIEW LOAN SERVICING LLC
Mailing Address: 4425 PONCE DE LEON BLVD; CORAL GABLES FL33146-1837
Sale Price: $82,960
Sale Date: 10/28/2009

interior demolition work at 1821 1st Street NW

There have been reports of interior demolition activity at the one-story commercially-zoned (C-2-A) former "antique store" (wink wink) at the northeast corner of 1st & Seaton Place NW in Bloomingdale.

Here are some pics of the building in its current state.

What are the plans for the building?

No one seems to know for sure.

The property was purchased in October 2009 by Yong C Choe.

Here is the abbreviated entry for this property sale from the DC real property sales database:

Address: 1821 1st St

SSL: 3110 0137

Neighborhood: ECKINGTON

Use Code: 41 - Store-Small 1-Story

Homestead Status: **Not receiving the Homestead Deduction

Owner Name: Yong C Choe

Mailing Address: 1821 1ST STREET NW; WASHINGTON DC 20001-1073

Sale Price: Not Available

Sale Date: 10/09/2009

Open Houses in and around Bloomingdale scheduled for 01/17/2010

New listings are picking up quite a bit as the new year starts off.

stolen mail

From a resident on the unit block of U Street NW in Bloomingdale:

It looks like someone stole my mail and is signing up for credit cards in my name. They also probably stole my credit card statement out of the mail.

jonesing for referrals for chimney sweeps

A LeDroit Park resident on Elm Street NW has this request:

I would like to solicit referrals for chimney sweeps.

I already got one and fear there was a lot of upsell, total estimate was nearly $10,000 stating it required to basically be torn out and rebuilt.

jonesing for a few pest control service referrals

A 1st Street NW resident has this request:

I'm wondering if anyone might have any recommendations of good exterminators in the area.

I've been experiencing a problem with mice and would like to have it taken care of by a reputable professional!

Bloomingdale Kids Yahoogroup

This message is from Bloomingdale resident and mother Angela Robinson:

Parents, have you joined the Bloomingdale Kids Yahoo Group yet?

Bloomingdale Kids was started last May for Moms and Dads with kids of all ages (or on the way) in/near Bloomingdale. It's a means to connect and build friendship, support and a stronger community for our children in a secure environment. We’ve organized play dates, had a clothing swap, and share great information on parenting, area events, schooling, and more. We’re also organizing some parent-child yoga classes and beginning organized efforts to work with our neighborhood schools. We’re already 80 members strong. We hope all of our parents will want to be part of another great thing happening in Bloomingdale.

So sign up today and be in the loop!

TO SUBSCRIBE please email: BloomingdaleKids-subscribe@yahoogroups.com with your name, street address and parentage to confirm residency in/near Bloomingdale. (For privacy, only the Moderator can access member information.)

Moderated by Bloomingdale resident and mom, Angela Robinson.


You can visit our site at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BloomingdaleKids/. (Not to be confused with Bloomingdale Moms, a Google group for new/expectant mothers.)

? what to do with a lost dog in the cold weather?

See this late Saturday morning, 1/09/2010 message from a Bloomingdale resident on the unit block of Rhode Island Avenue NW:

I wanted to alert you that there is currently a dog sitting at the corner of First and Rhode Island, NW right in front of Windows Cafe. It is clearly someone's dog that is lost and it is just sitting there waiting for its owners to pick it up. The dog doesn’t have tags on it, but it has a leash, so it clearly not a stray. It's a mid to larger size that is darkish brown and kind of a mix between a retriever and bulldog. It's certainly not dangerous and was very playful so no need to worry. I was hoping you could send something over the listserve so that the owner could find their dog? I would hate for it to be hit by a car or for Animal Control to take it away.

A resident of the 100 block of T Street NW sent this reply:

To the person submitting a tip to you at 11:09PM on a freezing cold night about a stray dog -- horrible! I can't believe this person decided it was better to just leave the dog out there and send you an *email* rather than really do anything.

I know they probably had good intentions, or maybe they are just not "dog people," but they should have either taken the dog in for the night or called Animal Control. In these frigid temperatures, just leaving it there likely means the dog is now dead. Also given the location it may have later been hit by a car. I wish I'd seen the dog while I was out walking my dogs last night, because I would have certainly given him shelter for the night, but unfortunately that corner is not on my route.

I'd just like to let this neighbor know that instead of emailing you (meaning no one will see the notice until the next day), if they actually cared about the safety of the dog, it would have been in the better to have called Animal Control, to mitigate the risk of the dog getting hit by a car or freezing to death.

I sure hope that dog is OK. I would personally feel *terrible* leaving a friendly dog out in this weather to freeze or get hit by a car.

North Capitol Street cloverleaf feasibility study has been released

DDOT has just released its "North Capitol Street Cloverleaf Feasibility Study."

The study is posted at the website of the DC Office of Planning

If you want to just read the executive summary, go here: http://www.planning.dc.gov/planning/frames.asp?doc=/planning/lib/planning/north_capitol_street_study/1north_capitol_report_web.pdf

If you want to read the entire study, then go here: http://www.planning.dc.gov/planning/cwp/view,a,1354,q,645949.asp

Two blogs — WashCycle and GreaterGreaterWashington — have commented on the just-released DDOT study.

You are invited to click on the links below to the two blog posts to see what they have to say about the North Capitol Street study.

From the WashCycle:

North Capitol Street Cloverleaf Feasibility Study
http://www.thewashcycle.com/2010/01/north-capitol-street-cloverleaf-feasibility-study.html

From GreaterGreaterWashington:

North Capitol study recommends parkway and boulevard
http://greatergreaterwashington.org/post.cgi?id=4559

Open Houses scheduled in and around Bloomingdale for 01/10/2010

As agents, buyers, and sellers settle back into post-holiday life, there's definitely more activity this week. Open Houses for Sunday can be seen here.

If you're not a subscriber to the Bloomingdale listserv, you're missing ten years worth of real estate data showing the ups and downs of the market, specific to the neighborhood.

North Capitol Main Street's call for auction items

See this message from Garry Clark, Executive Director, North Capitol Main Street, Inc.

North Capitol Main Street
CALL FOR AUCTION ITEMS
Winter Blues Party and Silent Auction
Saturday, February 27, 2010

A Call for Auction Items

North Capitol Main Street (NCMS) is proud to present our 2010 Winter Blues Party and Silent Auction on February 27, 2010, benefiting programs to revitalize and support commercial businesses located within the service area. NCMS needs your donations to help make the Winter Blues Silent Auction and Fundraiser a success! Donating auction items is a great way to support the programs and activities, like the Clean and Safe Sentinels, and encourage commercial revitalization for neighborhood serving businesses. For business-owners-this could be a great opportunity to promote your business! For everyone, it's tax deductible!*

PLUS, item donors will have their names entered into a special drawing for a FREE prize to be given away one week following the Winter Blues Fundraiser.

Hot items include travel and vacation packages, certificates to local restaurants, sporting and event tickets and other attractions and opportunities; original artwork, jewelry, and certificates for goods and services--fitness classes, spa treatments, etc. Themed gift baskets (stuff for guys, wine drinkers, gourmet food lovers or lovers of specific cuisine, or relaxation goodies) can be good sellers, too! RecognitionFor your donation, you will receive:

Acknowledgement on the auction bid sheets
Listing of your donation and name on the NCMS website
Listing in the Silent Auction Catalog, distributed to every attendee (if confirmed by print date)

To Make A Donation
Please complete the Silent Auction Donation Form and fax, mail, or email it to NCMS Executive Office at (202) 269-0014, 1703 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002, gclark@ncmsinc.org.

Donation form link:
http://www.ncmsinc.org/winterblues/silentauctiondonation.pdf

North Capitol Main Street is a non-profit organization, so your contribution is tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowable by law. *You might want to contact an advisor for details, but we'll be sure to give you a receipt to document your contribution.

Getting Your Item to the Auction
Please send/bring/arrange for pick up of your item(s) to the NCMS Executive offices as soon as possible or no later than February 15, 2010, along with a copy of the donation form. We will photograph your item and list your name in our Silent Auction Catalog.

Please contact Garry Clark at the North Capitol Main Street offices during business hours 9-5 pm at (202) 905-6039 or gclark@ncmsinc.org .

Open Houses scheduled in and around Bloomingdale for 01/03/2010

I expect to see quite a few new listings surface over January. So far, though, not a whole lot of new stuff and just a couple of Open Houses scheduled for Sunday.

want a tree planted in your yard? it's just $50

Did you know that you can have a tree planted in your yard for only $50? The $50 includes all costs.

Check out the info on the RiverSmart Homes program from the DDOE website.


RiverSmart Homes
ddoe.dc.gov/riversmarthomes

Stormwater Pollution and the District of Columbia

Stormwater is simply rainwater that, rather than remaining on the land where it falls, flows off of the site. Rainwater becomes stormwater when rain falls on impervious surfaces such as rooftops, driveways, roads, sidewalks and even lawns. As stormwater moves from our yards to our streams it picks up pollutants such as oil and grease from our roadways and driveways, nutrients from fertilizers on our lawns, and bacteria from pet waste and other animal excrement. Once in the stream, the fast-moving surges of water associated with storms cause erosion and destroys habitat for fish and other wildlife.

Thankfully, new development and large renovations of properties in the City are now required to install items that reduce stormwater pollution. Unfortunately, most of the District was developed before modern methods for controlling and treating stormwater were developed. If your home was built before the 1980s (and chances are it was!), you probably do not have any stormwater controls installed on your property, but there are steps that you can take to reduce stormwater pollution and beautify your yard. RiverSmart Homes can help you.


Learn more about RiverSmart Homes:

Program Overview (http://ddoe.dc.gov/ddoe/cwp/view,a,1209,q,499719.asp)
Frequently Asked Questions (http://ddoe.dc.gov/ddoe/cwp/view,a,1209,q,499005.asp)
Application Form (http://ddoe.dc.gov/ddoe/cwp/view,a,1209,q,499236.asp)
Success Stories (http://ddoe.dc.gov/ddoe/cwp/view,a,1209,Q,499068,PM,1.asp)

The FAQ section provides the info on the $50 tree-planting program.

If you ARE interested in this program, then you should consider submitting your application now, since the DDOE FAQ indicates that "it could be up to 3-5 months before you are contacted by DDOE, because of the high volume of interest in this program."

And a note to residents of Bloomingdale condos in buildings that were once apartment buildings -- that is, large buildings -- "large property complexes such as apartments, condos, and offices are currently not eligible for the RiverSmart Homes program."

Rosemarie Onwukwe: Andre Gore's "Need People You Trust" feed the homeless program

See this message from Bloomingdale resident Rosemarie Onwukwe:

The Power of One….
By
Rosemarie Onwukwe
Freelance Writer

November 15th 2009

I had been thinking about ways to give back recently and don’t get me wrong. It’s not because things are necessarily going well for me, because it really hasn’t, in fact my struggle will be another story at another time. I have always found that when I’m feeling sorry for myself the best way to tackle that demon is to do something for other people, it helps you see how good you have it.

I happened to make Andre’ Gore’s acquaintance just a few months ago, in fact we had never met, just corresponded via email and on the phone but when he sent me an email about coming out and helping volunteer to serve a meal to the homeless I was intrigued. I thought about my previous activities and didn’t recall working in a soup kitchen or feeding a homeless group but I had always wanted to. Besides my daughter, Nnenna a high school junior needed some volunteer hours. I chatted with a friend Jennifer and we made it happen. We were signed on to feed the homeless.

Gore considers himself as a simple man…but one that has had a dream for many years. Growing up in Washington, DC’s streets, Gore described himself as an ‘at risk’ child. He was exposed to the many dangers living in the city and one day promised himself that he would give back to the community where he lived and struggled.

Well that day finally came, and then some. Gore’s non profit group “Need People You Trust” or N-PUT had their 2nd feed the homeless program in Washington, D.C. on the 7th of November 2009 in a small CVS parking lot on the corner of 7th Street, NW and Florida Avenue.

Gore had a simple of idea. He wanted to provide hot meals for the homeless in Washington, D.C. a few meals during the year, and especially during the colder months. So Gore went to anyone he could find who could cook a good meal…from church members, restaurants, bakers, friends and family he rallied around and as a result had a delicious menu of: macaroni and cheese, seafood rice, stuffed salmon and crab meat, corn on the cob, green beans, chicken salad, fried chicken, baked beans, turkey, spaghetti/meat balls, stuffing, candied yams, cranberry sauce, potato salad, rolls, deserts, bottled water, sodas, bottled juice and a assortment of cakes and snacks.

Gore sounded the trumpet for family, friends and acquaintances and they all showed up. About 31 volunteers ranging from age 9 to 79 came to offer help and support to a just cause and outfitted with long sleeved t-shirts with EAT ALL U TAKE on them they did just that. Some volunteers had remarks like this.”It feels good to come out and show support with time rather than give a donation and never see the results,” and other’s said “It’s nice to have African Americans involved in helping our own and able to give back to our community. However the volunteer program is open to EVERYONE.

November 7th 2009 was a beautiful day a perfect recipe for Gore..with temperatures in the low 70’s bright and sunny. The volunteers came armed with tables, table clothes, heating pans to keep the food warm, and began setting up the pans and trays. By the time the volunteers starting loading up the food with trays..the homeless people had begun to line up at the bus stop. Instructions given were this: people that were not homeless were welcome to line up for the food, but the homeless people would be served first. This was a pleasant twist imagine that. The homeless would be served first for a change. They began to smile and nod in line as the announcement went on over and over again.

The line’s wrapped half way down the block at times, but everyone was fed and the number count of homeless reached 264 people. As the homeless people lined up to get their food they were greeted warmly with smiles and each homeless person said how much they appreciated our being there. The busy line kept everyone moving and the volunteers took out empty trays as food was finished and replaced it with more. I saw many men ranging from age 16 to 70, but also some women and a sadly a few children. I was too busy working my trays though to spend too much time ‘looking’ I had a job to do.


N-PUT’S mission statement is: “to build a structured program for youth and adults in the community that will bring forth change.”

In 2 ½ hours I had to round up my crew of 3 to leave for another meeting, my arms and shoulders ached but it was a good feeling. Yes anyone can write a check or donate money, but to be actually working in the midst of other people handing out food to grateful people with a smile making them feel special and loved… now that was priceless. And now I am ready to sign up again…for the next feed the homeless…time to stop focusing on my problems and help someone else out who has nothing, it just helps make me feel grateful to God for what I have.

Extra Note: EAT ALL U TAKE feed the homeless program had another session on Saturday December 7th 2009 from 1 p.m. at the small parking lot by CVS on the corner of 7th Street, NW and Florida Avenue.


Next events:
JOIN US IN THE STOP THE VIOLENCE MARCH N-PUT YOUTH MENTORING ORGANIZATION A 501 (c) (3) NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION STOP THE VIOLENCE NOW, WE CAN’T TAKE “NO” MORE COME ONE, COME ALL, WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT
WHEN: SATURDAY JANUARY 9, 2010
WHERE: 500 INDIANA AVE, NW WASHINGTON, DC 20001
(IN FRONT OF DC SUPERIOR COURT)
The march will start from DC Superior Court to 7th & Florida Ave, NW and back to the court, where it will end (about 2 ½ 3 miles). Wear comfortable shoes
TIME: 11: 30 am for briefing - March: Begins at 12: 00 Sharp
OUR GOAL IS TO BRING AWARENESS TO THE METROPOLITAN AREA AT LARGE AND ASSIST IN THE DECREASE OF VIOLENCE. NO MATTER WHERE IT'S PERPETRATED. MANY VIOLENT INCIDENTS ARE THE CAUSE OF OUR ECONOMY DOWNFALL. WE WOULD LIKE TO INVITE MEMBERS OF THE LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMUNITY TO VOLUNTEER ALONG WITH ALL CONCERNED CITIZENS OF ALL COMMUNITIES TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS STAND AGAINST VIOLENCE. WE ARE LOSING OUR COMMUNITY TO PRESSURE BROUGHT ON BY THE ECONOMY. UNRESOLVED ANGER BREEDS

Next EAT ALL U TAKE feed the homeless program will on February 6th 2010.


For more information please contact Andre’ Gore at NPUTIN@aol.com or call (202) 489-1733.
Tax deductible donations are warmly received by: N-PUT, 122 Seaton Place, NW Washington, D.C. 20001. Tax Exempt ID: 52-2290844.

Open Houses scheduled in and around Bloomingdale for 12/27/2009

At the moment, it looks like one Open House showing up for the last weekend of 2009.

Chuck Donalies, winner of the North Capitol Main Street 4th Annual Winter Blues & Silent Auction contest

Read this message from Garry Clark, Executive Director, North Capitol Main Street, Inc.

Congratulations, Charles Donalies . . . Winner

North Capitol Main Street’s 4th Annual Winter Blues & Silent Auction Contest

Charles Donalies

The Winner of 2 Reskins/Dallas Tickets

Thank you for your support,
North Capitol Main Street, Inc.

Garry Clark
1703 North Capitol Street, NE
Washington, D.C., 20002

special Redskins tickets offer from North Capitol Main Street

See this 12/24/2009 message from North Capitol Main Street, Inc. Board Chair Pat Mitchell:

Redskins Fans?
NCMS Winter Blues & Silent Auction is back!

Did you know you can purchase your ticket(s) online today to NCMS' 4th Annual Winter Blues & Silent Auction and be automatically entered to win 2 tickets to the Redskins/Dallas Game, this Sun, December 27th ($128 value) ?

Odds are really, really, really good... it could be you!

Click here to order your tickets online: http://ncmsinc.org/winterblues/ticketform.html .

Save 20% when you buy 2+ tickets

DRAWING HELD ON CHRISTMAS DAY, DEC 25TH. WINNER ANNOUNCED AT WWW.NCMSINC.ORG.

Offer Expires: December 25, 2009

suspicious man at Flagler & V St NW

See this 12/23/2009 message from a resident of Flagler Place NW:

Just wanted you to know that I noticed a suspicious man standing on the west side of Flagler, on the corner of V, this morning. He was just standing there and watching me as I left for work this morning. The way he was staring just struck me as odd. So, I waited a bit in my car before pulling off. But, before I did I stepped out of the car and asked if he needed some help (he was a fair distance away, so I could have made a
quick get away). He said that he was just waiting for someone. I circled back around the block in my car and he was still standing there several minutes later. I guess if he were up to no good, he would have gone away since it was clear he was "noticed". Who knows and I am not sure that this made any difference in the scheme of anything. Hopefully, he was really just waiting on a ride or someone and I just looked like a super paranoid person. I'll take that title if it plays a part in the our neighborhood watch.

seeking an eviction attorney or service

A resident of 1st Street NW has this request:

Looking for a great eviction attorney and/or service. Can someone provide a referral?

snow removal in Bloomingdale & LeDroit Park

See this comment from a Flagler Place NW resident:

It is imperative that we send the mayor letters indicating our displeasure in the way the snow removal in our neighborhood was handled this weekend. For an entire week or more, the City knew of the coming snow storm and to me, failed to prepare. Today, I watched as my neighbors took about 4 hours to dig out their car and then attempt to drive down Flagler; only to get stuck in the snow. It took them another 45 minutes to clear the snow from under the car and get it moving. I joined them in a ride to the supermarket and through a few other neighborhoods. Not surprising, the side streets of DuPont and Georgetown were cleared! This is unacceptable. We in Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park pay taxes too!

North Capitol Main Street Winter Blues & Silent Auction is back!

See this announcement from Garry Clark, Executire Director, North Capitol Main Street, Inc.

Having trouble viewing this email? Here is the link: http://campaign.constantcontact.com/render?v=001iv6lNzjdvpOmTBCrATdGom3PhzIQxEYgFmIlK3ldulRvRFO5R9RVWBq7l2eyN7wO5mxQzSwD2D5BUJObIY0RhuYKSUuhXdQlWdpAbbwzFfY%3D


North Capitol Main Street
--Save The Date--
Saturday, February 27, 2010
7pm to 10pm
The Winter Blues Party
and Silent Auction is Back!

Join friends and neighbors in closing out the cold month of February in style!

The Winter-Blues Party and Silent Auction activities include:

Live Jazz Band
Wine & Hors D'Oeuvres
Fabulous Auction Items
Great Door Prizes


Location:
Courtyard Marriot Hotel
Next to the New York Avenue Metrostation 1325 2nd Street Northeast
Washington, District of Columbia 20002

Purchase your tickets online by December 24th and be automatically entered to win 2 tickets to the Redskins/Dallas Game, Sunday, Dec 27th! ($128 value, winner announced 12/25/09)

$30 (At the door, single)
$25 (Online Price, single)
$40 (Online price for 2)

http://www.ncmsinc.org/winterblues/ticketform.html

Event Sponsors

District of Columbia Main Streets
DC Department of Small & Local Business Development

Open Houses?

There are a couple of Open Houses scheduled for the 20th, but not sure if they will happen with the snow. Just in case, though, here is what is scheduled.

NanBon is taking order for bread pudding, brownies, buttermilk pecan pies and dee-licious sweet potato pies

See this message from Bloomingdale resident Aisha Bond:

NanBon is happy to take orders for bread pudding, brownies, buttermilk pecan pies and sweet potato pies! We are excited to features festive packaging for gift orders that include a box of brownies or a box of a dozen tartlets and more. Feel free to review desserts, prices and place orders threw the website at www.nanbon.com or call 202- 409- 6485.

And as always, have a happy holiday season.

Aisha Bond

at Rene Albacete's home: Christmas cocktails with Aurora Bath & Friends

See this brief event announcement passed along by Bloomingdale residente Rene Albacete:

You are cordially invited to join us for
CHRISTMAS COCKTAILS
with Aurora Bath & Friends

Friday, December 18th
from 6:30 to 9:30 pm
at the home of René
Albacete
77 S Street, NW
(Near First & Rhode Island Ave. NW)
202- 423- 7607

SIP WHILE YOU SHOP
featuring the work of
our super-talented artsy friends:

• Handcrafted Aromatherapy
Soaps & Candles, Scarves, Headbands & Eclectic, In-Vogue Jewelry from Aurora Bath & Jewels
• Photographer Extraordinaire! Prints and Photo Tote Bags by Valerie Brown
• Whimsically Classic Animal Paintings and Landscapes by Dan Kessler
• Hip Fun Obama T-shirts by John Klaja
• Unique Handcrafted Jewelry by Janette Rodrigues