[[ please share + excuse cross postings ]]

Good Ward One Residents, Friends & Library Advocates:

The Dynamos are giving thanks to all who have participated in the design
process for the Mount Pleasant Library transformation plan.

This design process is still far from over... with time remaining to
re-work plans in collaboration with DC's Historic Preservation Review
Board and the Commission on Fine Arts, also to get any appropriate
permits, and finally getting Council approval of the contracts.

Within this time period, we are seeing Ward One residents who have been
left out of the conversation -- seniors, residents with disabilities,
and renters living behind the library -- openly question and protest the
proposed design plans for a couple of key reasons.

These particular Ward One residents will have to deal with the proposed
plans on a daily basis or whenever they use the library... and have
expressed concerns about the proposed accessibility ramp and how the
expansion unnecessarily further stifles emergency access to the
apartments behind the library.

* WILL DCPL LISTEN?
The track record says no... but the people are saying they have to!

It's our only Ward One Library, OURS -- not Chief Librarian Ginnie
Cooper's library.  Let's remember how DCPL promised a renovation of our
historic library years ago, but never did it, and then somehow switched
the project from a renovation-only plan to a renovation-and-expansion
plan without any reason or notice, without any needs planning and
analysis, without any spending plans to keep the newly renovated
building staffed.

Is this a logical way to proceed with the people's money?

* Please print out a petition and have your neighbors sign >>
http://www.districtdynamos.org/mount_pleasant

THE DYNAMOS ARE ASKING YOU TO CONTINUE TO MAKE SURE WARD ONE IS LISTENED
TO... WARD ONE RESIDENTS WHO WERE NOT READILY INVITED INTO THE
CONVERSATION ABOUT THIS PROJECT SHOULD BE HEARD!

---------------------------
Press release >>
http://www.districtdynamos.org/press_releases/mtpl_11_23_09
---------------------------

ANC-1C has asked Chief Librarian Ginnie Cooper to address the growing
concerns of Ward One seniors and residents with disabilities regarding
access for the Mount Pleasant Library project. The ANC was prompted by a
lengthening list of letters registering concern from groups such as
ADAPT and the Equal Rights Center.

Bryan Weaver, Chair ANC-1C, in a letter of November 12, stated that the
ANC expected DCPL to host public meetings -- with the help of the ANC—to
address the issues.

One issue is the location of an accessibility ramp, currently planned
for what is now the rear of the building. Advocates say the ramp will be
difficult to see, is too far from the entrance, and is too long and
high. Moreover, removing the indignity of entering through a secondary
entrance is a tenet of accessibility best practices. DCPL plans to
remove one secondary entrance below the front staircase and replace it
with another secondary entrance much farther away. Advocates seek an
alternative solution.

The second issue is access to buildings behind the library by emergency
responders, which will be reduced by DCPL’s planned addition to the
historic library building. Neighbors living around the library recall
the destructive fire at the Deauville and Meridian Baptist Church last
March. They are fearful of further reducing emergency access and lament
that the library renovation is not being used by the city as an
opportunity to improve access instead of diminishing it.

Commissioner Chris Otten (1C-02), a community organizer with the
District Dynamos, has asked Councilmember Jim Graham to help expedite a
response to the ANC letter since the clock is ticking on the project
timeline. Graham is helping to set up a meeting with the Dynamos & DCPL
to help find solutions.

* Do you want to be involved?

Community letters here >>
http://tinyurl.com/mtpl-lib-ramp-letters

ANC-1C letter here >>
http://www.tinyurl.com/mtpl-lib-anc1c-oct09-letter

============================

.
.
.


------------------
District Library Dynamos
http://www.districtdynamos.org
202-387-8030
dclibrarydynamo@...

As we previously advised, effective with the November issue the Selected Street
Crimes feature is no longer included in the print edition but instead is
available exclusively on our website by clicking the Street Crimes button
directly below that for Community News. These are now updated through October
27th and are added to the
archived reports back to July 3, 2009.

The time is here us to celebrate another successfulyear of working for and in our neighborhood!  Join your friends andneighbors at the U Street Neighborhood Association's AnnualHoliday Party and Silent Auction on Thursday, December 10, 7 pm, atTown Danceboutique, 2009 8th Street, NW.

Thisevent is always a great opportunity to celebrate, catch up with oldfriends and meet new ones. Our silent auction will feature a greatvariety of goods and services graciously donated by local businessesand neighbors.  We hope you can join us, and I encourage you to bringyour friends and neighbors to not only join in the fun, but to alsobecome part of the U Street Neighborhood Association!

More information online at >> http://www.ustreet-dc.org/joomla//content/view/261/47/

Happy Holidays!

 

We are looking for some reliable roofing companies to give us an estimate. Any recommendations would be very helpful.

I highly recommend our plumber Brian at Dynamic Plumbing Solutions. He can be
reached at (240) 375-2677 Feel free to give him a call to discuss your plumbing
issues. He can also do bathroom remodeling. If your goal is to get a
professional plumber at a fraction of the cost of one of the yellow page
companies give him a call and tell him Brenda sent you.

Respectfully,

Brenda Manley

We are looking for some reliable roofing companies to give us an estimate. Any
recommendations would be very helpful.

Wanted to let everyone who appreciates the quality, and room for individuality
of "good" vintage clothing that KULTURAs books in Tenleytown (on Wisconsin and
Fessenden) has a great selection, all very thoughtfully picked. I got a few
things and definetely will be going back.

Happy Hunting!!!

Dene

Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School
Still Has Spaces Available
in the Family Literacy Program

Classes are free for Washington, DC, residents

Classes meet at the school Mondays through Fridays from 3:30 to 5:30 and are
appropriate for students with no English language skills or with very basic
skills. Registration has begun and will take place until December 4th. Childcare
is provided for children between the ages of three and nine, but space is
limited and is not guaranteed.

For more information, call 202-797-4700, www.carlosrosario.org

Please click on following web link to download the Family Literacy flyers:

http://dclearns.org/files/2009/11/FamilyLitFlyer.pdf

Spread the  word!

Volunteers needed to assist with "Miracle in the Nation's Capital" – the
distribution of 10,000 holiday meal baskets for families-in-need living in the
District of Columbia.

December 3, 2009 • 6 am – 9 pm
Shifts: 6 - 9 am, 9 - 12 am, 12 - 3 pm, 3 - 6 pm, 6 - 9 pm
DC Armory, 2001 East Capital Street, Washington DC
(Stadium Armory Station on the Blue & Orange Lines)

To register, send an email with contact information and shift preference to
volunteer@.... Trainings will be provided leading up the event; volunteers
are needed for a variety of duties.

Sponsored by the District of Columbia, Executive Office of the Mayor, Feed the
Children and the National Basketball Players Association.

Dear Friends of the 14&U Farmers' Market

Saturday is the LAST MARKET of 2009 and  we will be chock full of great foods
for your Thanksgiving tables--and to stock up your freezers and larders.

Bundle Up.   It will be cool.   It should be sunny. But even if it rains....
don't let that stop you.   It will be dry under the tents.   So, come say
goodbye to your favorite farmers (who get  up at 4 am when it is REALLY cold),
and come buy your Thanksgiving goodies.

We will have some FREE HOT CIDER at the market table to warm you up if it is
cold.
Elaine Faucher is back with flowers for the last market! 

And please contribute a vegetable to our Martha's Table basket so that they can
make hearty soups for those 1700 homeless, cold people they feed every single
day.

Neighborhood news:

NEWSFLASH:  Diane tells me that CORK MARKET SHOULD OPEN ON MONDAY OR TUESDAY
NEXT WEEK, JUST IN TIME FOR THANKSGIVING.  A great selection of wines, and foods
to complement them.  14th Street between Pulp and Home Rule.

Note:  Gibson now offers a wonderful Guanciale ( pork jowls) sandwich with Truck
Patch pork.  Jeff and I loved it.

Bike Clinic:  Air. Oil. Advice from Dan and his volunteers.  Last chance to get
your bike into shape.

Here is a SAMPLE of only some of the foods you will find at market to make your
Thanksgiving the tastiest-- and most local-- ever.  All the producers are
bringing everything in their fields so the market will be  overflowing with
everything you want for your Thanksgiving table.  As  Adventures in Shaw
Stephanie says:  It is easy to make a local Thanksgiving at DC farmers'
markets...

*Thanksgiving Desserts to buy:, Lois' Pumpkin PIe, Pumpkin Whoopie Pie, Pumpkin
Rolls, Pecan Pie at Pecan Meadow
*HALF PRICE SALE on LARGE Winter Squash; special on pie pumpkins.
Chestnuts for Stuffing
*SALES on Breads from Panorama.  Bags of bread cubes for stuffing!  They all
freeze beautifully.
*Keswick Yogurt to drizzle on your squash soup.
*Keswick quark and ricotta for your pumpkin cheesecake...
*Cherry Glen and Keswick Cheeses to serve with apples and pears....

*Greens to braise and saute and stir fry:  collards, kales, spinach, chard, 
mustards, turnip, bok choy mizuna and other asian greens
*carrots (roast them in olive oil and rosemary),, kohlrabi., sunchokes
*Salads, lettuce mixes, arugula, mesclun
*Brussels sprouts  to bake and saute  (DON'T boil them! )
*Green and fractal Romanesco Broccoli
*Green, Red and Cheddar Cheese Orange Cauliflower.  (Think Scallops and roasted
cauliflower.)
*Red, white,  Napa and Savoy Cabbages-- sweet, baby bok choy to stirfry with
garlic.
* Old Fashioned Sweet Potatoes -- red and white --Slice, roast and sprinkle with
salt, cumin and lime... or mash them with butter and a drop of soy sauce.
*Potatoes (red, white and Yukon Gold) to bake, boil or mash
*Beets and baby beets with their greens
  *Winter Squash:   Butternut, Acorn, Carnival, Spaghetti, kabocha,
kuri.--varieties to mash, puree, roast or make into soup
*Red and White onions -- sweet and spicy
8Loose Pork (maple, sage, ground country) sausages to season your stuffing. 
Bacon, too.
Beef Sausages for stuffing!
*20 varieties of APPLES to eat, saute, bake or make into apple sauce or pies
including Honeycrisp, Gala, Goldrush, Fuji, Nittany, Stayman, Idared, York.....
*Pears inspire Cakes, Crisps, Cobbler.  My fave:  Elegant POACHED Pears in red
wine, honey & star anise.
*Fresh herbs for every dish.
*Turnips or daikons to braise in butter or roast or mash.
*Free range Eggs
*Kuhn and McCleaf Ciders to mull with spices or use it to brine your turkey. 
(Or freeze for later)
*Grass-range Turkeys at Truck Patch
*Stefano's jams make great dinner party gifts....
*Pheasant Tortellini with butternut squash puree if you are looking for an
unusual Thanksgiving appetizer.
*And even some tomatoes that the farmers harvested and put in their barns to
ripen slowly
Dolcezza Gelato to serve on your pies including Thanksgiving/Holiday flavors
like Quince, Persimmon, Crook Neck Pumpkin, Butternut Squash and Sumatra
Cinnamon,  Butternut Squash, Valrhona Chocolate Amargo, , Cappuccino, Lemon
Balm, Tahitian Vanilla Bean, Lemon Ricotta Cardamom, Dulce de Leche.  SORBETTI: 
Bosc Pear Bourbon, Lime Cilantro, Cranberry Apple Cider,

Pick up your Reserved Turkeys from Truck Patch.....

Stock up on  Pecan Meadow's grass fed and finished beef, lamb, chickens and
geese.,  Truck Patch's Pastured Beef and Pork, for Christmas, Hannukah, New
Year's and for your freezer.

Copper Pot:  Peanut Butter at Copper Pot made from Virginia peanuts.  Stefano
will have a huge assortment of pastas, jams, sauces and other treats at Copper
Pot: a pork pate ( cooked in a jar),  Jams: Strawberries and vanilla,
blackberries and ginger, quince and cinnamon, peach and prosecco, nectarine and
bourbon, apricot and rosemary, figs and balsamic, red beets and rhubarb,
Concorde grapes and grappa, and the new pear and ginger . All his classic
sauces. Pastas: beef tortellini, rabbit ravioli, duck ravioli, ham tortellini,
pheasant, sausage and sage, spinach and ricotta, maple roasted butternut squash,
pumpkin pappardelle,  the new Italian- style maccheroni and cheese, rigatoni,
spelt cavatelli.    Keep them cold while you are shopping.  Stefano can hold
them for you in his coolers.

And lots of recipe ideas at the market table!

Stock Squash and sweet potatoes in cool places,  Refrigerate Apples for months.

You can stock up on long- keeping winter squash in a cool room or closet.   Root
vegetables last a long time and if you use apple bags, apples last nearly all
winter in your fridge.   The small holes let the ethylene gas escape and the
bags prevent the apples from drying out).   Ask Caitlin which are the best
keepers.

See you Saturday,

Robin, Luke, Carrie and Maia


PPS,  Please follow us on Facebook through the winter.  We will continue to post
recipes, ideas and interesting articles.

I would also like to say that I too appreciate the contraflow bike lane on 15th
street.  I have been apprehensive about riding to work down 14th street because
of the many, many vehicles (delivery trucks and otherwise) that use the bike
lane as short-term parking.  If you look at http://dc.mybikelane.com/map, you
will see that 14th street is one of streets with the most bike lane violations
in the city.  If I don't leave my apartment by 7:30am, I might as well consider
the bike lane "turned off" for rush hour.  I have been using the southbound 15th
street lane and find it a relatively quiet ride.  Although a protected lane
makes it more difficult to pass other cyclists and makes leaf/ acorn cleaning
more challenging, I am glad I have a choice and would rather deal with these
minor inconveniences than the major inconveniences of the disregarded bike lane
of 14th street.  Thanks to everyone who worked to get this lane, and I hope to
see more bike lanes around the city, of any sort as long as they are accessible.



--- In ustreetnews@yahoogroups.com, Sundeep Hora <sundeephora@...> wrote:
>
> Just want to say that I really enjoy the southbound bike lane.  It was a
> great idea because with the barrier created by the parked cars, it is much
> safer to bike down 15th Street in comparison to 14th street where I
> constantly felt like I was going to be hit by a bus.  Thanks to all who came
> up with the idea and got it implemented.  I hope that more cyclists start
> using the new bike lane b/c if the city sees that it is being used, the
> concept may get implemented elsewhere.  I also think that the northbound
> lane on 15th street should be the same as the southbound lane.  I'd prefer
> not to ride in traffic with the cars who do not respect the fact that
> cyclists are permitted to use the entire lane.
>
> On Tue, Nov 17, 2009 at 8:48 PM, Mindy Moretti <anc1c04@...> wrote:
>
> >
> >
> > Councilmember,
> >
> > While we all appreciate the efforts you have made to improve pedestrian and
> > bicycle safety, I do have to take issue with one point in your email. You
> > state that you "advanced a bill which was passed by the Council to increase
> > the fine for motorists who violate the pedestrian right-of-way," but this
> > isn't a clear explanation.
> >
> > You actively lobbied against bill 17-0539 that was introduced by CM Cheh
> > (and 7 other councilmembers with two more signing on as co-sponsors) and
> > refused to bring it before your committee for a public discussion for a
> > noticeable period of time (7 months) until you received pressure to do so.
> >
> > You were so opposed to the legislation that when ANC1C was prepared to
> > offer a resolution in support of it, you emailed commissioners requesting
> > that they vote against the resolution (which was ultimately approved 6-0).
> >
> > Again, no one is denying that you have made efforts to improve pedestrian
> > and bicycle safety but it would be helpful if you were more clear in your
> > messages about just what you have done.
> >
> > Mindy Moretti
> > ANC1C04
> >
> >
> >
> > --- On *Tue, 11/17/09, Jim Graham <grahamwone@...>* wrote:
> >
> >
> > From: Jim Graham <grahamwone@...>
> > Subject: RE: [U Street News] Better notice needed: 15th Street Bike Lane
> > Project
> > To: "briangsmith@..." <briangsmith@...>, "
> > ustreetnews@yahoogroups.com" <ustreetnews@yahoogroups.com>, "Kass,
> > Jonathon (COUNCIL)" <JKass@...>
> > Date: Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 2:05 PM
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Thanks for your email Mr. Smith.  Please excuse the delay in responding,
> > but it has been an exceptionally busy time.
> >
> >
> >
> > I agree with you that all of these matters are serious ongoing safety
> > concerns.
> >
> >
> >
> > Regarding double parking, I authored a law that passed this summer to
> > improve enforcement against double parking and to improve the management of
> > loading zones.  District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is currently
> > developing new fines and regulations to comply with this law.  In addition,
> > the Council recently passed a law setting a specific fine for parking in a
> > bicycle lane.  I have recently asked for MPD's assistant Chief Burke and
> > DDOT Director, Gabe Klein, to report on enforcement of this law.
> >
> >
> >
> > Regarding actions to improve pedestrian safety, please review my strong
> > record.  To cite a few very recent accomplishments:
> >
> >    - I authored $1.5 million per year for the pedestrian and bicycle
> >    safety enhancement fund to accelerate implementation of the District
bicycle
> >    and pedestrian plans.
> >    - I advanced a bill which was passed by the Council to increase the
> >    fine for motorists who violate the pedestrian right-of-way.
> >    - I authored funding to train DDOT traffic control officers to issue
> >    moving and parking violations so that we could have increased enforcement
of
> >    traffic safety laws.
> >    - I authored funding to accelerate safety improvements to the most
> >    hazardous road segments around the District.
> >    - I advanced legislation to create and fund a Pedestrian Advisory
> >    Council, appointed by Councilmembers, to advise the Mayor and the
District
> >    Council on priority pedestrian improvements.
> >
> >
> > I encourage your ongoing involvement in pedestrian and bicycle safety
> > activities.
> >
> > Bests, CM Jim Graham
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > *I typically answer emails before 9 AM on weekdays. If you email me after
> > that, it is likely that you will hear from me the next weekday. If there is
> > a need to communicate prior to that, you may wish to call me. For most
> > effective communication, please use my direct email address: jim@grahamwone.
> > com <http://us.mc564.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=jim@...>*
> >
> >
> >
> > *Jim Graham, Councilmember, Ward One, 1350 Pa. Ave., NW, #105, Washington,
> > DC 20004. 202-724-8181; 202-724-8109 (fax).*
> >
> >
> >
> > *Chairman, Committee on Public Works and the Transportation (including
> > alcohol regulation). Main Committee Number: 202-724-8195. 1350 Pa. Ave., NW,
> > #116, Washington, DC 20004.*
> >
> >
> >
> > *Chairman and Voting Member, Board of Directors, WMATA/Metro.*
> >
> >
> >
> > *Website: www.grahamwone. com <http://www.grahamwone.com/>*
> >
> >
> >
> > *From:* Brian Smith [mailto:briangsmith @gmail.com]
> > *Sent:* Wednesday, November 04, 2009 1:50 PM
> > *To:* Jim Graham
> > *Cc:* ustreetnews@ yahoogroups. com
> > *Subject:* Re: [U Street News] Better notice needed: 15th Street Bike Lane
> > Project
> >
> >
> >
> > Councilman.. .if you would like to deal with traffic issues so that you
> > have something to talk about for re-election how about dealing with
> > double-parkers who block the already existing bike lanes (making it a
> > serious safety risk), idiots from Maryland who do not get the whole
> > "pedestrian in the crosswalk" law making U Street a re-enactment of FROGGER
> > and people who feel it is completely ok to "block the box"...dealing with
> > those issues will actually save lives and time (and not be an effort to
> > placate a few whiners who do not read their emails and community notices).
> > More bike lanes!  More efforts to make neighborhoods pedestrian friendly =
> > better Ward!
> >
> > On Wed, Nov 4, 2009 at 9:14 AM, Jim Graham <grahamwone@gmail.
com<http://us.mc564.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=grahamwone@...>>
> > wrote:
> >
> > Dear Friends,
> >
> >
> >
> > This weekend--with little or no notice or explanation- -DDOT temporarily
> > removed parking for an entire block of 15th Street (between U Street and V
> > Street).
> >
> >
> >
> > Parking is very scarce in Ward 1 neighborhoods.  Residents should not be
> > asked to live with such surprises.
> >
> >
> >
> > I am currently working with DDOT to make sure that area residents are
> > properly notified for all non-emergency removal of parking.
> >
> >
> >
> > DDOT has in mind a good purpose--a 15th Street Bike Lane Project--but that
> > does not excuse the need to let people know what is happening when a whole
> > block of parking becomes eliminated. Once proper notice is given, and Ward 1
> > neighborhood reaction solicited, we can better understand  that DDOT
> > proposes to establish a pilot bike lane without any loss of parking on 15th
> > Street above U. It may make great sense for pedestrians, bicyclists and
> > people who need to  park!
> >
> >
> >
> > I do appreciate that DDOT pulled out the poles once I brought this omission
> > to their attention.
> >
> >
> >
> > Please pass on to others who are interested.
> >
> >
> >
> > Bests, CM Jim Graham
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > *I typically answer emails before 9 AM on weekdays. If you email me after
> > that, it is likely that you will hear from me the next weekday. If there is
> > a need to communicate prior to that, you may wish to call me. For most
> > effective communication, please use my direct email address: jim@grahamwone.
> > com <http://us.mc564.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=jim@...>*
> >
> >
> >
> > *Jim Graham, Councilmember, Ward One, 1350 Pa. Ave., NW, #105, Washington,
> > DC 20004. 202-724-8181; 202-724-8109 (fax).*
> >
> >
> >
> > *Chairman, Committee on Public Works and the Transportation (including
> > alcohol regulation). Main Committee Number: 202-724-8195. 1350 Pa. Ave., NW,
> > #116, Washington, DC 20004.*
> >
> >
> >
> > *Chairman and Voting Member, Board of Directors, WMATA/Metro.*
> >
> >
> >
> > *Website: www.grahamwone. com <http://www.grahamwone.com/>*
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > No virus found in this incoming message.
> > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> > Version: 8.5.424 / Virus Database: 270.14.49/2480 - Release Date: 11/04/09
> > 07:37:00
> > No virus found in this incoming message.
> > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> > Version: 8.5.425 / Virus Database: 270.14.60/2496 - Release Date: 11/11/09
> > 07:40:00
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
> --
> SH
>

Want to make 15 direct contacts in one evening. Don't miss this unique
opportunity. Biz Direct Connect Speed Meet & Greet Networking Happy Hour Date
and time: 11/30/2009 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM Location: Mayorga Coffee Factory 8040
Georgia Avenue Silver Spring, MD 20910 featuring a Pre mix and mingle, business
card Gift basket raffle, and Co-ops and business partnerships workshop
invitation.  Advance registration is required @
https://www.regonline.com/BizDirectConnect

This is to advise that the November 2009 on-line edition has been up-loaded and
may be accessed at www.intowner.com. Included are the lead stories, community
news items, crime reports*, editorials (including prior months' archived),
restaurant reviews (prior months' also archived), and the text from the
ever-popular "Scenes from the Past" feature (the accompanying images can be seen
in the archived PDF version).

*Effective with this issue the Selected Street Crimes feature is no longer
included in the print edition but instead is available exclusively on our
website by clicking the Street Crimes button directly below that for Community
News. A particular advantage for readers is that these reports are being
archived in that section back to July 3, 2009. It should be noted, however, that
at the time this advisory circulates uploading of the most recent reports may
not have been completed, although we expect that it will be within approximately
48 hours.

The complete issue (along with prior issues back to January 2002) also is
available in PDF file format directly from our home page at no charge simply by
clicking the link in the Current & Back Issues Archive. Here you will be able to
view the entire issue as it appears in print, including all photos and
advertisements.

The next issue will publish on December 11th (the 2nd Friday of the month, as
always). The complete PDF version will be posted by the preceding night or early
that Friday morning at the latest, following which the text of the lead stories,
community news, and selected features will be uploaded shortly thereafter.

To read this month's lead stories, simply click the link on the home page to the
following headlines:

1) "Logan Circle Holiday House Tour to Feature an Eclectic Mix of Homes from
Contemporary Condo to Adaptive Re-use to 19th Century"; (2) "Ambitious Proposal
for 14th Street Improvements Face DC Development Office Uncertainty."