Big Bear Cafe now serving Black Bean Texas Steak Chili with Farm Corn Bread

See this 12/31/2010 messaage from Big Bear Cafe's Lenora Yerkes:

Hope everyone is enjoying the holidays!

Big Bear Cafe is now serving Black Bean Texas Steak Chili with Farm Corn Bread. It is delicious. Look for more new menu items in the coming weeks!

Our cafe hours:

Monday--Thursday 7 am to 8 pm
Friday 7 am to 9 pm
Saturday 7:30 am to 9 pm
Sunday 8 am to 8 pm

Hope to see you all soon,
_______________________
L•E•N•O•R•A•Y•E•R•K•E•S

Bloomingdale gets a shout-out in 12/31/2010 WaPo article "D.C. cultural scene adopts new trends in food, fashion, arts, entertainment"

Yes, Bloomingdale is mentioned in this 12/31/2010 Washington Post article:

D.C. cultural scene adopts new trends in food, fashion, arts, entertainment
By Lavanya Ramanathan and Fritz Hahn
Washington Post Staff Writers
Thursday, December 30, 2010; T16
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/30/AR2010123001825.html

Of the four cultural scene categories listed -- food, fashion, arts and entertainment -- Bloomingdale gets a mention under the nightlife category.

Possibly driving this neighborhood focus, Reza notes, is gentrification. New residents are moving en masse into Petworth, Bloomingdale and other areas that lack many restaurants and bars. ``They`re spending more time in their own neighborhoods,`` he says, and don`t want to travel every time they want to grab a beer and watch a football game.``

Bloomingdale's Rustik Tavern would match this description -- a place where reisdents can go to grab a beer and watch a football game -- in their own neighborhood.

ANC 5C meet-and-greet -- Saturday, 1/1/2011 at Rustik

See this 12/28/2010 message from ANC 5C04 Commissioner John Salatti and ANC 5C07 Commissioner-Elect James Fournier:

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5C

Invites You to Meet and Greet all the Commissioners for the 2011-2012 Term at a New Year`s Celebration

Rustik Tavern
84 T Street N.W.
Washington, DC

Saturday January 1, 2010
8:00 pm -- 10:00 pm

And thanks to Rustik`s owner, Diton Pashaj, for encouraging and hosting this community-building event!

1 year old cat available (spayed, neutered & given shots) -- looking for a new home

See this message from a Bloomingdale resident:

I am looking for someone who would like to adopt a 1 year old cat. Her name is Dottie. She was a rescued alley cat that has since become house-broken and has turned out to be a very good-natured and playful companion. She has a quiet meow, and is both very social and very mellow. She was spayed, neutered and given shots when she lived outside, but is now a very good inside cat. Her previous care-takers are moving to where they cannot have pets, so I am helping them find her a home.

If anyone is interested, please contact Jonathan at jonathandruy@gmail.com. More pictures are available.

daytime attempted basement break-in on the unit block of W St NW

See this 12/23/2010 afternoon message from a resident on the 100 block of W Street NW regarding a basement rental unit located on the same block:

Dear all,

1:15 pm broad daylight today!

I wanted to let you know about a recent attempted breaking of [xyz`s] basement apartment about an hour ago, please note this guy is at large and may be back to the neighborhood.

Medium build black male, medium complexion about 6 foot tall shaved head with mustache. He was wearing jeans large dark brown overcoat with hoody sweatshirt underneath. He was using a very large screwdriver to pry the front door jamb open.

I caught him as was walking out the front door to walk my dog.

I heard a noise because he was attempting to kick the basement door in.

I confronted him that he did not belong there and he quickly responded no he didn`t shoving his long screwdriver in his back pocket and taking off running.

I called the police they were here in about 5 minutes and gave them a description.

The guy took off running on foot down the alley as soon as i confronted him.

Please be on the lookout for our neighbors who may be out of town for the holidays.

Followed by this quick response from ANC 5C04 Commissioner John Salatti:

Thank you for your foiling this burglary. And thanks for getting a good description out to neighbors.

An extra gift to you and your dog!

Merry Christmas
John
--
John T. Salatti
Commissioner, ANC 5C04
(202) 986- 2592
``Together, Building a Better Bloomingdale``

resident encourages Bloomingdale retail businesses to peform patron surveys - "How did you get here today?"

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

I find the results of the Bloomingdale Farmers` Market survey in yesterday's Bloomingdale Email – that 84% of Bloomingdale Farmers` Market attendees surveyed walked and 9% biked -- very surprising. Do we know when other neighborhood establishments (churches, markets, liquor stores, etc.) will be performing the same survey among their patrons? It seems surprising there is talk about parking issues focused solely on the Farmers` market on Sundays - it would be nice to get to the bottom of this issue so the local residents can go to the ANC with specific statistics in order to come up with the appropriate solution to any parking issues there may be.

two referrals: Michael Maggio, roofer; John E. Barry Plumbing

From a resident on the unit block of S Street NW:

I recently found I had to plug a leak in my roof. I was lucky enough to be referred to Michael Maggio. He looked over it and gave me a tour explaining what he felt had to be done. He typed all of that up in detail and gave me an estimate. Even given the freezing weather we`ve been having, he had it fixed before the next rain! He gave me another tour of the roof - the work was solid, not ad-hoc like some of the roofing jobs I`ve seen. I`d happily use him again, both to repair problems and for add-ons/ enhancements. Another note: on the second trip, he saw that my wooden garage was in disrepair and fixed it up at no additional cost. Nice guy.

Michael Maggio
240 439 2948
Michaeljmaggio@gmail.com

I have also had to have some plumbing work done. I`ve used a couple of plumbers now for this persistent problem. I`m happy that a neighbor referred me to John E Barry Plumbing. The plumbers they sent out worked through their problem-solving with me. Within an hour, we had isolated the problem and were on our way to fixing it. The last two plumbers I used seemed to apply the try-everything, see-what-works method. Barry Plumbing`s guys were methodical, a characteristic that leaves me content and, I suspect, with fewer persistent problems. And they cleaned up before they left, so I was able to just enjoy my problem-free plumbing.

John E Barry Plumbing
202- 842- 2424

ANC 5C votes to /oppose/ zoning map amendment change for Big Bear Cafe

So you missed last night’s ANC 5C meeting?

Edgewood resident and avid community meeting notes taker Michael Henderson thankfully attended and took notes. You can read his entire set of notes from the December 2010 ANC 5C meeting here: http://www.edgewooddc.org/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/anc5c_december_2010.pdf

The zoning map amendment change request for Big Bear Café was on the agenda. It looks like it was an animated discussion.

Did you know that ANC 5C voted back in 2008 to support the zoning change (from R-1 to C-2-A)?

Last night, the commissioners voted to rescind that 2008 motion. ANC 5C07 Commissioner Barrie Daneker`s motion to support opposition to change the zoning was passed, with ANC 5C04 Commissioner John Salatti voting no.

So ANC 5C has switched its position of voting to support the zoning map amendment change to opposing it.

....And Washington City Paper Housing Complex columnist Lydia DePillis reports on last night's ANC 5C meeting: http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/housingcomplex/2010/12/22/zoning-fights-that-make-me-sad

Lydia's prediction: "The powers that be will likely ignore the ANC appeals for ... monochromatic residential character."

Stay tuned.

take the North Capitol Main Street survey evaluating our business district

See this message from Lonna Hook, Executive Director, North Capitol Main Street:

North Capitol Main Street would like your feedback as we formulate our plans for 2011.

Please take a few moments and complete the survey our business corridor. Hard copies were distributed with the year-end Newsletter and you can also get a copy from our website www.ncmsinc.org if you cannot access Survey Monkey.

If you provide your contact details (which will not be shared!!) you will be entered to win a TD Bank $100 Visa Gift Card. Happy Holidays!!!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/JSJ6MSK

Community Meeting w/Councilmember Thomas- Parking for Farmers Market, Churches, BBC

All-

There will be a meeting with Councilmember Harry Thomas, Jr. on Monday, Dec 20th to discuss the future of the Bloomingdale Farmers' Market as well as parking issues related to local churches and the Big Bear Cafe.

The meeting will be at 7pm at the Metropolitan Wesley AME Zion Church at 1st and North Capitol, NW, and the meeting is open for all to attend.

The goal is to have an open dialog, and to allow all residents the opportunity to voice both concerns and desires for what they want in their community.

Please come and share your voice with the Councilman.

Metropolitan Wesley AME Zion Church

1712 North Capitol Street, NW

(on the border of Bloomingdale and Eckington)

Monday, Dec 20th

7pm

seeking referrals for antique mantel appraisers

From a Rhode Island Avenue NW resident:

We`re wondering if any Bloomingdale residents know of and can recommend someone who appraises and purchases things like antique mantles. We`re thinking of
removing a large mantel in our house that has a mirror and glass door cabinets. It`s a really nice piece and we may not end up parting with it, but we have no idea where to start a process like this to see if someone would buy and then remove it.

December 2010 Safety Walk & Cocoa Social – Sunday, 12/19/2010

See this 12/16/2010 message from Bloomingdale resident Melissa Ortiz, assistant to ANC 5C04 Commissioner John Salatti:

Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner John Salatti, the Residents of McGill Row and the Claremont Apartments, and the Metropolitan Police Department invite you to take part in a

Bloomingdale Public Safety Walk

Help Bloomingdale continue to grow into a safe neighborhood!

Who: You! ...and your children, dogs, friends, etc.
All are welcome to come, regardless of where you live. This is about making a strong presence in the community, showing that Bloomingdale will not tolerate crime in our neighborhood.

When: Sunday, December 19, 2010 at 6:00 P.M.

Where: Northwest corner of 1st and Rhode Island NW
(Meet in front of Windows. Dress warmly and bring a flashlight!)
A hot chocolate social will follow the walk in the lobby of the McGill Row Apartments
2201 2nd Street NW

Together, Building a Better Bloomingdale

Mortgage Broker Recommendations

Does anyone have a good recommendation for a mortgage broker for getting a refinance on a home?

I know times are tough in the real estate market, and it is hard to find a good broker who can fight to get through the red tape.

You can reach me by responding to this post or by emailing me at studavenport @ gmail (dot) com.

This is for a friend, and if anyone is looking for a recommendation in the future let me know. Hopefully we will find someone.

-Stuart

Bloomingdale resident Dana Matassa: Eric Finn Custom Clothiers of Dupont Circle special pricing for December

From Bloomingdale resident Dana Matassa:

Eric Finn Custom Clothiers of Dupont Circle is offering some special pricing for December.
$20.00 off any custom shirt
$100.00 off any custom suit
feel free to visit our web-site at www.ericfinn.com

To set up an appointment contact
Dana Matassa
Dmatassa@ericfinn.com
703.887.7733

Viagra! Cialis! here are some notes from this past Friday's LAYC/YouthBuild JF Cook School disposition hearing

I attended the Friday, 12/10/2010, hearing at the Wilson Building on the disposition of the JF Cook School on the unit block of P Street NW. .

Committee of the Whole public roundtable, 10 a.m. Agenda: “J.F. Cook School Disposition Approval Resolution of 2010,” PR 18-0749.

I took some notes at the hearing.

I have posted my notes over at the Bates Area Civic Association blog: http://batesareacivicassociation.org/2010/12/12/my-noncomprehensive-notes-from-the-12102010-jf-cook-school-hearing

You are invited to read my hearing notes.

Open Houses in and around Bloomingdale scheduled for 12/12/2010

Check out these open houses on Sunday. Here is the same information in a map format. Scroll over the push pins on the map to get details on each property.

North Capitol Main Street November 2010 Clean Team report

See this message from Lonna Hooks, executive director of North Capitol Main Street:

The NCMS Clean team collected 1,670 bags for the month of November, this equates to 25.05 tons of rubbish collected. They also removed 101 Graffiti & Poster markings.

The team replanted the hanging baskets with winter combinations getting us ready for Winter & the Holidays.

The team also replanted the planters and installed additional (Planters provided by NCMS) three planters with winter combinations.

Here is the detail:

NCMS Rubbish Collection Report

November 1, to November 30, 2010

DATE # of BAGS WEIGHT IN LBS (30 LBS/BAG)

Sunday
Monday
Tuesday 11/2/10 83 2490
Wednesday 11/3/10 56 1680
Thursday 11/4/10 71 2130
Friday 11/5/10 84 2520
Saturday 11/6/10 68 2040
Week Total 362 10860

Sunday 11/7/10 0 0
Monday 11/8/10 0 0
Tuesday 11/9/10 103 3090
Wednesday 11/10/10 88 2640
Thursday 11/11/10 83 2490
Friday 11/12/10 83 2490
Saturday 11/13/10 91 2730
Week Total 448 13440

Sunday 11/14/10 0 0
Monday 11/15/10 0 0
Tuesday 11/16/10 97 2910
Wednesday 11/17/10 97 2910
Thursday 11/18/10 65 1950
Friday 11/19/10 77 2310
Saturday 11/20/10 66 1980
Week Total 438 12060

Sunday 11/21/10 0 0
Monday 11/22/10 0 0
Tuesday 11/23/10 89 2670
Wednesday 11/24/10 68 2040
Thursday (Thanksgiving) 11/25/10 0 0
Friday 11/26/10 71 2130
Saturday 11/27/10 69 2070
Week Total 297 8910

Sunday 11/28/10 0 0
Monday 11/29/10 0 0
Tuesday 11/30/10 125 3750
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Week Total 125 3750

Monthly Total 1,670 50,100


Ready Willing and Working (RWW)
Graffiti & Poster Removal Report
NCMS
Nov-10
Page 1 of 1

DATE CLEANED ADDRESS FIXTURE NUMBER OF MARKINGS

11/3/2010 First & Rhode Island Ave NW Lamp Post 22
11/3/2010 2nd & Rhode Island Ave NW Lamp Post 10
11/3/2010 1424 N. Capitol St NW No Parking Sign 2
11/3/2010 1414 N. Capitol St NW Lamp Post 2
11/3/2010 1338 N. Capitol St NW Lamp Post 4
11/3/2010 N. Capitol & Hanover St NW Stop Sign 4
11/3/2010 1304 N. Capitol St NW Lamp Post 4
11/3/2010 N. Capitol & Florida Ave NW Lamp Post 4
11/5/2010 N. Capitol & Florida Ave NW Lamp Post 2
11/5/2010 N. Capitol & Randolph St NW Lamp Post 2
11/5/2010 N. Capitol & R St NW Lamp Post 5
11/10/2010 N. Capitol & Randolph St NW Lamp Post 6
11/10/2010 First & Seaton Pl NW No Parking Sign 6
11/10/2010 N. Capitol & Randolph St NE Lamp Post 6
11/13/2010 8 Seaton Pl NW Tree 2
11/30/2010 12 Florida Ave NW Terminal Box 6
11/30/2010 N. Capitol & Florida Ave NW Lamp Post 10
11/30/2010 First & Florida Ave NW Lamp Post 4

Monthly Total 101

Soul Day Spa closing

Family and Friends of Soul!

Please come and CELEBRATE with us on December 16, 2010 at 7pm, as we say farewell to Soul Day Spa and Salon. For nearly a decade, I have attempted to create a beautiful relaxing place for the community. We have had tremendous successes--helping the women of Rachael's Women's Center, donating to dozens of community fundraisers, and being named one of the best by many respectable publications. But, now it is time to move forward and accomplish new goals and dreams. I want to personally thank each and every team member who has ever worked at Soul--you created joy in people, which is a God given talent. And finally, I say thank you to each and EVERY person that ever stepped foot into Soul as a guest. We tried to give you an amazing experience each and every time, and you supported us for eight years. THANK YOU!!

We will begin liquidating all furnishings, artwork, etc. immediately before we close our doors at years end. Please contact me with any questions or concerns and we look forward to celebrating on December 16th!!

Fondly,

Nicole Cober, Owner
Soul...Day Spa and Salon

meet DC Brau co-founder Brandon Black (also a Bloomingdale resident)

See this article by Amanda Abrams from Modern Luxury:

The District Beer Wars: two local breweries hop to it – and put DC on the beer map
By Amanda Abrams
http://digital.modernluxury.com/publication/?i=53669&p=119

DC Brau co-founder Brandon Black is indeed a Bloomingdale resident!

Visit the DC Brau website, too: www.dcbrau.com .

Turkish spiced lamb with cucumbers and herbed yogurt sauce...

Turkish spiced lamb with cucumbers and herbed yogurt sauce at the Big Bear Cafe tonight. Genevieve was up all night making it and it is delicious.

Also, smoky cauliflower and potatoes with tomato sauce, chives and pinenuts (optional) on grilled pita.

The carolers are done at 7pm (Elle and Capitol Blend). If your night is slow, or you are looking for a destination it is a beautiful night out!

Happy Holidays
Big Bear Cafe
1700 1st Street, NW

Open Houses scheduled in and around Bloomingdale for 12/05/2010

Check out the list of Sunday open houses by clicking here. You can see the same properties mapped out here. Scroll over the push pins on the map to see details of each property.

Dec 5th: Bloomingdale Holiday Art Market at the Big Bear Cafe

Get your Art! Drink your Rum and Cider!
Buy your Christmas Trees!
The Bloomingdale Holiday Art Market Returns!

On Sunday December 5th, from 4-9pm, the Bloomingdale Holiday Art Market returns to the Big Bear Cafe in Washington, DC.

A small sampling of Artists and Artisans selected from the Crafty Bastards Arts and Crafts Fair will be setting up their work to sell. Big Bear Cafe will be open, Special Holiday Drink will be served, and fresh cut Christmas Trees will be available.

Vendors Include:

Goshdarnknit:

Ghost writers, imaginary friends, runaways, unite! Goshdarnknit is illustrated notebooks for your pockets and knit paintings for your walls, all by DC artist Rania. She knits, paints, embroiders, and gocco prints every surface imaginable with swirly tales of cherry swallowing, bunny spinning, arm doodling fun.

Sean Hennessey:

Sean Hennessey creates beautiful wall sculptures from upcylced glass combined with concrete and steel. Using common and slightly nostalgic imagery, he presents work as archeological remnants of our present world and ways of thinking, with hopes to inspire and make your life better.

60bugs:

"60 bugs" is a punk rock song written by a 5 year old. 60bugs is the line of awesome hand-embroidered and gocco-printed stuff inspired by it. Sometimes funny, sometimes absurd, mostly always cute, Debbie Lee of 60bugs makes fun items for all ages like tee shirts, pins, greeting cards and reusable coffee sleeves.

Tiger Flight:

I have a compulsion to make stuff. Lately (at least for the past 2 years) I have been really taken with making stuff out of other stuff. I use recycled materials in the creation of my animals which forces me to incorporate the patterns and shapes inherent in the found materials and work within the limited size and availability of the materials. Each piece I make is unique and done mostly without pattern which helps to reinforce the idea of originality inherent within each creature.

Eve VanDalsen:

Since taking summer classes at Parsons many years ago and apprenticing for a leather smith, I have slowly developed my own business of designing, making, and selling handbags, wallets and dog collars. I use material from deconstructed old leather bags and clothing as well as odd lot remnants and past season skins. Very rarely are two pieces the same. Every single piece is made by me from start to finish in my Capitol Hill basement and dining room table.

Figs & Ginger:

Figs & Ginger makes recycled Sterling Jewelry for all stages of life. Pieces are inspired by Forests and designed to grow with you. A new line of charms & family critter necklaces has been added to the Figs family. Pieces start at $10 and none go above $80. We're affordable, well made, and oh so cute!

Other Special Events!


Book Signing by Rosemarie Onwukwe

New from local author Rosemarie Onwukwe is Bloomingdale, the latest title in Arcadia Publishing’s Images of America Series. In over 200 vintage photographs, Rosemarie shares the history of this historic neighborhood. The book was released on June 14, 2010.

Caroling by Capitol Blend

Capital Blend is a Washington DC based all-female a cappella group.  The group formed in the spring of 2008 when several coworkers at Discovery Communications learned they shared a common interest in singing.  Capitol Blend will be bringing lyric sheets so others may join in.






Buy Holiday Portraits at the Photo Booth
There will be a photo booth with a Christmas themed background. Bloomingdale photographer Tony Rich will be snapping your photos and printing them on the spot.

Christmas Tree Sales from Painted Hand Farm

Painted Hand Farm is a sustainable diversified farm located in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. In addition to Christmas Trees, Painted Hand Farm is a regular vendor at the Bloomingdale Farmers Market.








What: Bloomingdale Holiday Art Market
When: Sunday, December 5, 2010
Time: 4-9pm
Where: Big Bear Cafe: 1700 1st Street NW, DC [First and R NW]

(this was cross posted on my personal blog  )

Heres the FACEBOOK page