Micky's

Soccer Tonight

Hey guys,

Announcement:

I won't be able to make it out tonight, but here is the information for the weekly game:

Field at 19th and Constitution NE

Note that there are two fields on either side of Constitution so check both

Tuesdays (weather permitting)

6:30 pm

I have heard people are still playing at Kingsman Field on Tuesday nights when it is available so it looks like you may have another option if you can't make it to the field above. I have no idea how regular the Kingsman Field games are so I can't guarantee people will necessarily be there.

Cheers,

Omar

Subsidized Rain Barrels

The New York Times has an interesting piece on rain collecting in western states. Apparently it was illegal in some places due to valuable water rights. The story is worth a read, and it reminded me of something I'd meant to write about anyway.

I recently had a rain barrel installed courtesy of DC Greenworks and the District Department of the Environment (thanks guys!). I first heard about the opportunity to sign up for the heavily subsidized rain barrels a while back, and was thrilled to find out that DC had gotten with the program on this one. I'm a huge fan of recycling, municipal composting, backyard composting, rain barrels and such. I believe that cities should strongly encourage/offer such programs. For this reason I sometimes cruise other city's sites and knew that some of them offer very cheap (because they are heavily subsidized) compost bins and rain barrels. So I signed up as soon as I learned that DC was offering the program.

Basically you can sign up online, they eventually contact you, you agree on an appointment time, and they come out and install your rain barrel. The barrels themselves are just large black plastic containers (they hold 133 gallons of water). Under the River Smart Homes program (the program includes more than just rain barrels) you pay $30, instead of the $300 you would pay for the barrel and installation.

Here's why you should get a barrel:
-save $ on water for plants
-not waste water from your hose to water plants
-reduce overflow pollution in the Anacostia. DC, like many older cities has a combined sewer system. That's really bad news when we get heavy rains that the system can't accommodate.

Mudrick's

Family Fun Night @Joe Cole

Sorry for the late notice guys:

FAMILY FUN NIGHT!

at

Joseph H. Cole Recreation Center

Friday, June 26th, 2009

(TONIGHT!)

8:00pm

Summer is here so come relax on the grass with an outdoor movie and socialize with your neighbors

Board games and card games will be taking place inside

Some snacks and refreshments will provided but please feel free to bring more

Festivities will begin at 8:00pm

Movie will start at sunset on the east side of the recreation center

Joseph H. Cole Recreation Center

1200 Morse Street, NE

Washington, DC 20002

Frozen Tropics on Kojo Monday

Catch me on Monday's Kojo Nnamdi show. He's doing a segment on hyperlocal bloggers and I'll be one of the guests. 88.5 FM WAMU at 12:00pm.

WP: More on the Joyner Shooting

The latest from the Post on the shooting of Trey Joyner.

Last Call For Submissions

Not THAT kind of public art.
The deadline for submissions for Trinidad boxes for Art on Call is tomorrow. Art on Call is an exciting program that gives exposure to artists and brings art to the streets. The works, which are donated by the artists (we pay for the materials), are on permanent display, and receive exposure through blogs, local neighborhood websites, tours, and other means. It's a terrific, and dynamic way to showcase your work. I'm issuing this last minute call to ensure that Trinidad gets enough submissions, and because I heard that one of our neighbors didn't get enough submissions. This is the LAST year that Cultural Tourism will be administering this program, and it isn't clear whether the program will continue after that time. The District has given us a grant for each callbox, but if we don't use it it just goes away. That money might go away tomorrow. If you are an artist, or an amateur artist, please submit any sketches to trinidadneighborhood[at]gmail.com. Do not worry about the longevity of materials if you plan to draw, use photos, or paint, as we can pay for the fiberglass transfer. We do ask that artists opperate within a $200 budget. We recognize that this is small, but it is for a very good cause, and you will receive great exposure. Please consider submitting a sketch. Any overflow submissions will be passed to our nearby neighbor.

++++++++++++++++
UPDATE
++++++++++++++++

Artists and any sponsors will also receive credit on the back of the callbox. We in Trinidad hope that this will be the tip of the iceberg. We have already identified at least two spaces for public murals. We are excited about being a community that embraces and creates public art in many forms.

Dwarfed

WP: Justice Dept. to Review Shooting

The Post reports that the Justice Department will review the role of a law enforcement task force in the recent shooting of Trey Joyner in Trinidad.

Shell No! Team Seeks Help

Here's what I received over email:

Neighbors- the latest...and what is needed....

1) The Public Space Committee hearing is this THURSDAY, JUNE 25 at 10:00 a.m.; 941 North Capitol Street, 7th Floor. We need some help finding someone who can monitor the meeting progress and alert the ANC Commissioner and neighbors who can attend to speak in opposition to the permit application.

The plan is to have someone arive at the meeting around noon and call the ANC Commissioner, who will represent us in Bill's absence, with a heads up when our agenda item is about an 1/2 hour away from being taken up. Likewise, heads up to neighbors that are able to speak at the meeting would need to be given.

2) Please let Bill Schultheiss<schlthss[at]yahoo.com>, or I, Michelle Grifka michellegrifka[at]yahoo.com know if you are available to monitor the meeting and/or can attend to speak.

Bill is sending talking points that will be helpful to raise at the hearing. I will send those around to give more of an idea about the messages we need to communicate to the Public Space Committee.

If you are available for a portion of the time, or perhaps know someone who is retired, out of school, etc. that might be able to serve the community by monitoring the meeting please let me or Bill know ASAP.

Please don't hesitate to call if you have any questions, feel free to share this information with neighbors and just say, Shell No!

Michelle

(202) 340-0138

------------------------
UPDATE
------------------------

Dear Neighbors-

We have a meeting monitor. She will call speakers with a heads up, roughtly one hour before our agenda item is anticipated to be taken up by the committee.

We still need folks who are willing to appear at the meeting and testify in opposition to the permit. If you work downtown or can easily travel to 941 N. Capitol, please consider attending.

We will provide you with talking points you may wish to consider using, the form needed for appearing before the Committee and answer any questions you may have.

Please let me know ASAP if your schedule will permit you to participate.

Thanks,

Michelle

VOH Articles to Check Out

H Street Mural Takes Shape
With Help, H Street Going Green
H Street Connection Plans on the Move
H Street Trolley Power Still Under Debate
Losing Meads Row

Also check out the ANC reports:
6A
6C

WP: Full Coverage of Metro Train Wreck

My local Metrorail station, NY Ave.

The Post, and pretty much every news outlet in town has detailed coverage of the horrific accident that killed nine (two others were very seriously injured). The cause of the crash is not yet clear. This was by far the deadliest incident ever on a metro train. Even so, looking at the numbers for Metro over the years, it remains very clear how much safer it is to take the train than to hop in your car and drive to commute. There is much more out there, but here is a site containing information about a certain Amtrack stretch from Boston to NY and comparing the same commute if made by car or plane.

Here are some other interesting links looking at train and mass transit safety versus that of automobiles:

A Comparative Analysis of Six Methods for Calculating Travel Fatality Risk (2003)

Public Transit = Much Safer Travel (2001)

Mass transit can be a real lifesaver (2005)

Terrorism, Transit and Public Safety: Evaluating the Risks (2005 -pdf)


What Metro needs is more funding to replace older cars. The train that struck the first train was from a series that is more than thirty years old. Newer trains are built to better withstand impact (reducing injuries and fatalities), and have better equipment to avoid such impacts (though it isn't clear if the use of a newer train would have prevented this tragedy). We also need to make sure the basic structure of the system is safe and solid, and that operators (let's recall the recent door opening scandal) are well trained.

------------------------------
UPDATE
------------------------------

The City Desk coverage is worth a read.
Also check out this Post online discussion with experts about the possible causes of the crash.

Try the Country Club for Father's Day

The H Street Country Club will always suspend its 21 and over policy to allow patrons of all ages to play golf this Sunday in honor of Father's Day as long as a supervising adult is present. No reservations are necessary to golf at the Club. They will open at 5pm.

WP: Conner Contemporary Review

The Post likes what it sees at the Conner Contemporary's current show.

Repass for Trey Joyner

The following was sent to me:

R E P A S S
For
Trey Alexander Joyner

Where: 1310 Childress St. N.E.
Washington, DC 20002

When: Friday June 19, 2009

Time: 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
All Please Bring a DISH, Preferably if you can store bought or carryout cooked. Such as: Chicken & Biscuits from KFC or Popeye’s. Potato Salad or Cole Slaw and Desserts from Safeway or Giant and Can Sodas and bottle water only.

- Paper products will be donated by Councilman Harry Thomas, Jr.

Farmers Market Tomorrow

625 H Street
9am-12pm
A producers only market with meats, cheeses, breads, flowers, fruits, veggies, and more.

Plenty of Progress at Angelico's

If you walked by the former Sun and Moon building at 14th and H at all recently you, no doubt, noticed the large amount of work progressing quickly at the site. There is still a tremendous amount of work left to be done, but the progress is a reminder that one day a pizzaria will grace the space.

Fitness Togther Promotion

Montello

Trindad Crime Survey

Here is a survey you can take about crime in Trinidad. This is an official survey, not something I put together, so please be serious if you decide to take it. This is not a joke, please don't treat it like one. For the sake of reference, here are the boundaries of Trinidad:
North: Mt. Olivet
South: Florida Avenue
East: Bladensburg Road
West: West Virginia Avenue. Please confine your survey responses to these boundaries.

NYT: Green Drinking at the Pug

The New York Times reports that the Pug hopes to make its bloody marys this summer from chilies and tomatoes grown on its green roof. As you will recall, there are incentives for businesses along the H Street Corridor to install green roofs, and DC Greenworks obtained a grant for the installation of numerous such roofs on the Street.

Spoiled and Rotten Offers Girls Spa Camp

Here's the info they provided:

Kids SPA Camp for Girls
(SIMILAR to Charm School)
“Stress knows no age”

We are trying to teach youngsters how to care for themselves and learn how to live healthy lifestyles, and so stress-busting classes like Yoga & Kick boxing & are offered, along with nutritional advice.

WEEK 1
Spa etiquette, Leadership skills, self esteem class, Dealing w/anger, bulling, stress & teasing
Eating Healthy, Make your own Spa Products
Activities: Tennis, Golf, Swimming, Karate, Yoga,
Field Trips: Spy Museum, National Aquarium, Zoo

WEEK 2
Licensed Technician will teach classes on the following:
Grooming, Nail Biting, Hair, Modeling, Facials, Fashion Industry, Massages
Last Day will be a Talent Show/ Fashion Show

Location: 1012 Hst NE; 202-398-5437; WWW.SPOILEDROTTENBOUTIQUEANDSPA.COM
Starts June 29th Ending August 18th
Registration Fee: $30; Ages: 5-13
Price: $299 for 2 weeks 5 Days from 8:30-4:30 ( includes all Field trip, lunch, spa camp shirts )
$50 additional per week for before & after care from 7:30 and until 6:00pm
EXCLUSIONS: NO Breakfast and NO Lunch on Field trips ONLY

Shooting in Carver Terrace

From the MPD 5-D listserv:

The Homicide Branch of the Criminal Investigations Division is currently investigating a homicide.

On Tuesday, June 16, 2009, at approximately 4:20 p.m., members of the Fifth District were dispatched to the 1000 block 17th Place, N.E., for the report of a shooting. Upon the arrival of the officers, they located the victim lying on the sidewalk unconscious and suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The DCFD responded to the scene and transported the decedent to an area hospital. At 4:47 p.m., the victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead by the attending physician.

If anyone has any information regarding this crime, please call the Command Information Center on (202) 727-9099.

WP: Free Wheeling

The Post reports on Lee Wheeler, the man behind much of the art you'll find in bars along H Street, and beyond.

Enter Here

Fundraiser Thursday @the Pug

The Pug is holding a tip driven fundraiser for Open Arms Housing. Stop by on Thursday and have a drink for a good cause.

DCBOEE: No Referendum on Same Sex Marriage

The Post reports that the DC Board of Elections and Ethics rejected the idea of a voter referendum to ban the recognition of same-sex marriages conducted in states where such marriages are legal ruling that such a referendum was prohibited under the DC Human Rights Act because it would authorize discrimination prohibited under the DC Human Rights Act.

From the Post story:

Bishop Harry Jackson, a same-sex-marriage opponent who is pushing for the vote, called the ruling an "insult." His attorneys said they plan to file an appeal today in Superior Court.

"The real human rights issue at stake in this decision is whether the people of D.C. will be given their right to vote," Jackson said. "We are not going to sit still for allowing an unelected board of bureaucrats to deny voters their rightful say on this issue and, by their action, allow the institution of marriage to be radically redefined.

My personal suggestion is that Mr. Jackson reread the Loving v. Virginia decision, and well as the Brown v. State Board of Ed. decisions. The fight for civil rights for gays and lesbians isn't the same as the fight for civil rights for Blacks, but the legal portion related to these decisions isn't all that different. The Court in Loving found that it wasn't Constitutional to disallow mixed race couples to civilly marry just because some people found it unpleasant, or an abomination (a pretty radical redifnition of marriage for some). In Brown the Court found that separate but equal wasn't really equal. This was the same basis on which a Massachusetts court found it was wrong to exclude gays and lesbians from civil marriage (think we can all recall something from both decisions about a stamp of inferiority).

Though LGBT individuals have been subjected to much discrimination and violence, I don't think anyone would argue that the official violence from the US government could equal that visited upon African-Americans. But that doesn't, to my mind, excuse anyone from agitating for continued discrimination against any group. To me, that only makes such agitation, considering the past wrongs we all know so well, even worse. I have watched and listened to many shows, emails, forums on the issue. I'll agree with a recent commentor (he was speaking about WPFW's Jonetta Rose Barras Show) in saying that there seems to be a tremendous amount of hatred and bias (in terms of speakers) going on on that show. He said, and I'll agree, that many of those who oppose the State recognition of gay marriage (I'm not saying all) seem to view gays as a kind of cancer on society (particularly during the recent show they spoke of it as a risk to the Black family).

Having grown up in Oklahoma, I'm not a stranger to outlandish ideas about gays recruiting the innocents, or praying upon families (a common idea growing up was that gays reproduced by molesting youth). Such ideas were commonly passed around in circles that I'm ashamed to admit were closer than I'd have ever liked. I went to public school and such doctrine was actually taught to students in some of those public schools (even the reportedly liberal ones that I attended). Though I understand that things have changed for many high school students in the schools I once atteneded, I still shudder to think of the impact upon both gay, and straight (and anything in-between) students of such teachings. We taught, and subsidized through tax dollars, hate and ignorance.

Some have objected to the recent legislation on the grounds that the Council made law without a vote of the people. Really, they just made sure that we operated withing the existing law. In the 1960s courts did the same thing through their intepretation of the law. If it hadn't been for the courts, racial segregation might have wrongly persisted for a much longer period. Racial discrimination was wrong then, and discrimination based on sexual orientation, and who you fall in love with, is equally wrong now. Then, as now, some churches embraced love and equal rights, while some objected, claiming biblical justification for discrimination. I hope that we can correct our wrongs and learn from them. Now is not the time to repeat our mistakes and rebaptise ourselves in ignorance and bigotry.

Takedown in 1000 Blk of 4th Street?

I received a report of large turn out of federal enforcement agencies including: US Marshals, DEA, ATF and DCIS. Apparently they arrive in 6 or 7 black SUVs, and a helicopter was also involved. This took place around 12:30pm today.

Candle Light Vigil Tonight

Not to start off a comment firestorm here, but I'm passing on from the listserv the following:

Candle Light vigil will be held for Trey Joyner on Sat. June 13, at 7:00PM. Location Holbrook and Morse Street N.E.

Funeral will be held on Friday June 19, 2009 at Temple of Praise, 700 Southern Ave. S.E.

Wake @ 9:00AM and Service will commence at 11:00AM.

As I've said before, I think candle light vigils can help people to heal after a death, or other tragedy. A young man was recently shot and killed by the police. What exactly happened still isn't clear, but there are conflicting accounts. By passing this on I'm not endorsing any particular view point, but rather providing information that I think is relevant to many in the neighborhood who knew him. Regardless of your viewpoint on the shooting, or the events that led up to it, I think we can all agree that it is a tragedy when someone dies so young. That, and I think the living need some outlet for their grief/shock.

Farmer Market Tomorrow

9-12pm
Middle of the 600 block of H Street.
Vendors and some of their featured products:

~ Atwaters Bakery (breads, granola, cookies)
~ Blueberry Hill (organic)
~ Cedarbrook (pork, eggs)
~ Dolcezza (gelati and sorbetti, maybe tart cherry!!)
~ Garden Path Farm (meats, eggs)
~ Keswick Creamery (yogurt, cow's milk cheeses)
~ Quaker Valley Orchard (strawberries)
~ Richfield Farm (spring veggies, flowers)

The Sierra Club will be around tomorrow talking about their streetcar campaign.

More on the Shooting

Police have released the name of the 27 year old man fatally shot by Park Police Monday night. His name was Trey Joyner. The Post offers more, and talks about a meeting held at Holy Name about the shooting. Right now there are lots of rumors swirling, and the police aren't able to release much information because of the ongoing investigation.

WP: On H, a New Spot for Swingers

The Post reviews the H Street Country Club.

Soccer Tomorrow

Hello everyone,

Soccer tomorrow night at Kingsman at 6:30. If the field is occupied, we'll move to the field at 19th and Constitution NE.

Please let me know if you plan on showing so I can get a preliminary head count.

6/10/09

6:30 pm

Kingsman Field (D Street NE, between 13th and Tennessee)

Alternative Field (19th and Constitution Ave NE)

See you then, weather permitting.

Omar

Park Police Shoot Man in 1200 Blk Holbrook Street

Police responded to a call of a male with a gun around 8pm last night. The individual was reportedly in his late teens to early twenties. Multiple officers opened fire, and guy was killed. Not a lot of info available at this time, but last night was a hot night, and the crowd that gathered wasn't happy.

WUSA9 reports.
The Post reports.
ABC News 7.

Call for Artists: Art on Call

The Trinidad Neighborhood Association is currently seeking artists interested in gaining exposure, and creating beauty that will be seen by residents of, and visitors to, the Trinidad neighborhood. Artists would, with input from the community, develop and execute concepts that celebrate the history, and spirit of the Trinidad neighborhood. The art would be on display permanently in the area's police and fire callboxes that stand on street corners throughout the neighborhood. The Art on Call project, which is administered by Cultural Tourism DC, would cover the cost of materials. Artists who live or work in, or near, the Trinidad community are especially encouraged to apply (but we are seeking applications from any interested individuals or groups). Amateurs, as well as professionals (and youth groups) are encouraged to apply. Please send emails to TrinidadNeighborhood@gmail.com, or call 202-631-8254 if you are interested. You can also attend tomorrow night's Neighborhood Association meeting:

Tuesday June 9th
7-8:30pm
Trinidad Recreation Center
1310 Childress NE

Up in the Horseshoe

An abandoned rowhouse in Trinidad. Interestingly, there is a sign next door advertising a luxury development that will likely never get built.

Formerly Known as Nifty Thrift

A building in the 1300 block of Florida Ave that is slated to become a funeral parlor.

Shooting on 16th Street

HOMICIDE IN THE 2000 BLOCK OF 16TH STREET, NE

Detectives assigned to the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide which occurred on 16th Street, NE.

At approximately 3:50 a.m., on Sunday, June 7, 2009, members assigned to the department’s Fifth District responded to the 1400 block of Okie Street, NE for the report of a shooting. Through a preliminary investigation, officers discovered that the shooting occurred in the 2000 block of 16th Street, NE and that two victims suffering from gunshot wounds from the scene were transported by private vehicle to an area hospital where one of the victims was subsequently pronounced dead at 4:37 am.

The decedent in this case has been identified as 22-year-old Jerrell Haney, of the 4200 block of Argyle Terrace, NW.

The identity of the other victim is being withheld at this time, because he is a potential witness in the case.

This case remains under investigation by detectives from the department’s Homicide Branch. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call police at (202) 727-9099 or 1(888) 919-CRIM[E] 1-888-919-2746.

The Metropolitan Police Department currently offers a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons wanted for any homicide committed in the District of Columbia.

Additionally, anonymous information may be submitted to DC CRIME SOLVERS at 1-866-411-
TIPS and to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE by text messaging 50411. If the information
provided by the caller to the Crime Solvers Unit leads to an arrest and indictment, that caller will be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

Folkman Adds Cap Lounge to Task List

Chef Teddy Folkman is a busy guy these days. Not only is he the Executive Chef at Granville's and lending a hand at the Country Club, apparently he has also just been named Executive Chef at the Capitol Lounge.
Folkman is appearing in the series the Next Food Network Star. Join the official viewing party at the Argonaut each Sunday at 9pm. Hell, you can even sit exactly where Teddy was standing when he defeated Bobby Flay in the Throwdown.

Trinidad Neighborhood Association Meeting

Trinidad Neighborhood Association

Meeting

Tuesday, June 9th, 2009
Trinidad Recreation Center
1310 Childress St NE
7:00 PM-8:30 PM

~ refreshments will be served ~



The Trinidad Neighborhood Association is a community based, volunteer driven organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the Trinidad Neighborhood by identifying and addressing community concerns, and promoting opportunities for economic development by engaging community stakeholders.

Agenda

·Old and New Business

· Committee Reports

· Discussion Topic: Hyacinth’s Place – a boarding house for 15 formerly homeless women who are recovering from mental illness to be built at 1058 & 1060-1062 Bladensburg Rd. NE (Between: Mudricks Supermarket and the Capitol City Diner)

o Guests:

§ Leila Finucane Edmonds, Director, Department of Housing and Community Development

§ Nicholas A. Majett, Deputy Director For Customer Service & Communications, DCRA

§ The Project’s Developers

· ANC Announcements/Community Concerns

__________________


E-mail: trinidadneighborhood@gmail.com

http://groups.google.com/group/trinidadneighborhood

Soccer Tonight

Hello everyone,

Soccer tonight at Kingsman at 6:30. If the field is occupied, we'll move to the field at 19th and Constitution NE. Sorry for the haphazard schedule, but it will probably be like this until I get a schedule nailed down with Department of Parks and Recreation.

6/3/09
6:30 pm

Kingsman Field
D Street NE, between 13th and Tennessee

Alternative Field
19th and Constitution Ave NE

See you then, weather permitting.

Omar

March 2007

Meads Row on Endangered Properties List

The Post covers the Preservation League's list. Meads Row is located on H Street at 1305-1331. The owners want to tear down the buildings and replace them with a parking lot.

POP: Naby's Island

Prince of Petworth looks at Naby's Island and asks who makes the best Jamaican food in DC.

Book Signing Thursday @the Pug

Stephan Rea will be at the Pug selling and signing copies of his book Finn McCool's Football Club before and after the DC United match on Thursday. Friday and Saturday you can stop by for a look at the scooters when Scootergate returns to town.

Spreading Out

CP: H Street Rowhouses

The City Paper reports on a group of rowhouses the owner wants to demolish.
Greater Greater Washington weighs in on the issue.

H Street Country Club Closed Today

They are putting the final touches on the golf course and running a bit of maintenance on some equipment. They will reopen tomorrow at 5pm.

Red & the Black's Patio is Open

The New Orleans themed bar recently opened its back patio.