The Totten Life

Walmart Neighborghood Partnership Initiative

noreply@blogger.com (Totten Life) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 19:24:00 +0000

In response to public pressure, city council concerns or whatever the reasons may be, Walmart announced it's Neighborhood Partnership Initiative on their DC Website this morning. In this announcement, Walmart announced it's intention to not only provide the District with some 1,800 permanent jobs city wide, but also increasing the District's tax revenue by some $15 million while they also "identify and create charitable partnerships during this timeline worth $21 million in critical areas of unmet needs such as hunger relief, health and wellness, education and workforce development." The major construction projects they plan to start will also utilize DC based contractors and distributors for at least 35% of work, implement transportation demand management measures for each new store (Capital Bikeshare, bus shelters, bike racks, Smart Trip, electric car charging stations), as well as "create and fund a city wide workforce development program that provides training services for DC residents, with emphasis on programs that assist low income families, minorities, veterans, at-risk yourh and formerly incarcerated residents." Along with the proposed workforce development program, Walmart plans to focus even more keenly on creating jobs in the communities surrounding their developments through the use of hiring centers located near each site, as well as job fairs and cooperation with CCDC and Community Groups. Several of these items address many of the major concerns people have with the Mega Box Store, however they extent to which these are carried out and how much leverage the District has to ensure these happen will not be realized until much of the planned development in near or has been copmpleted,

An Unexpected Tenant: Walmart Surprise in Ft. Totten

noreply@blogger.com (Totten Life) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 22:47:00 +0000

The quiet community is an often sought after, seldom attained dynamic in any major city...and the District is no different. The communities surrounding Ft. Totten have been one of these rare species, and are now facing extinction straight in the face. The announcement that Wamart is moving ahead with a bold plan to open six locations in the District, one of which will anchor the Ft. Totten Square Development, will certainly usher in a new community dynamic. The often controversial box store giant's plan will add some 1,600 jobs in the district and create almost 600 construction jobs in the process. The Ft. Totten location will occupy most of the first floor of the Ft. Totten Square project and sit below some 350 apartments along Riggs Rd, NE.
Much of the community seems split regarding the planned development, and this will surely fuel the fire for both sides. While the neighborhood will surely be faced with all manner of city planning and public safety issues, this announcement will surely add a turbo booster to the stagnent Ft. Totten Square project and help bloster not only jobs but also increase property values. Regardless of the stance, this unexpected announcement looks to be moving ahead...at what speed and where the speed bumps lie are still unknown.

Neighborhood Farm Initiative Open House & Pot Luck

noreply@blogger.com (Totten Life) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 18:56:00 +0000

Ahh fresh foods...one of the many items that seem to help magnify the gap in the District between the "have's" and the "have not's." The Field to Fork initiative is an organization that is trying to make a difference locally by helping to teach the trade of urban gradening across our fair city through the Neighborhood Farm Initiative. Perhaps the bet known example of their success' lies in our own back yard at the Ft. Totten Demonstration Garden located north west of the Ft. Totten Metro station behind the Mamie D. Lee School.
View NFI Ft Totten Demonstration Garden in a larger map
As a means to sread the word on what they are accomplishing in Ft. Totten and help teach newbies the art of farming, the group holds several open houses and events throughout the year. Coming up in merely a few weeks is NFI's Open House and Pot Luck. The event will be held at the Ft. Totten Demonstration Garden

Saturday, October 1 · 9:00am - 1:00pm.

The Release from NFI reads:

"Interested in learning how to garden or interested in seeing an urban garden in DC? We’re celebrating the end of our third growing season, in which more than 200 different volunteers have worked over 1,500 volunteer hours, and still counting! Join us in the morning to get your hands dirty and help with various fall clean-up tasks, or join us in the afternoon for a potluck lunch and garden tours. We’ll be showing what we’ve spent the year doing, congratulating our current volunteers, welcoming newbies, and sharing a meal potluck-style, so please bring a dish to share if you can.
Directions to the Fort Totten garden: To get to the garden from the Fort Totten metro station, turn left (north) and walk up the sidewalk past where the busses stop. Across from the parking lot and after some trees, you'll see a paved path going up over a slight hill on your left (going north), take that path across a field and you'll see us at the top of the hill!
If you Google-map 100 Gallatin Street NE, you'll see the field from the satellite view and the path that connects Gallatin street to the metro stop.
Please contact NeighborhoodFarm@gmail.com or visit our website for more info, http://www.neighborhoodfarminitiative.org/
Can't wait to see you there! "

SMD 5A Community Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Totten Life) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 15:08:00 +0000

The ANC SMD 5A monthly community meeting will be held Wenesday September 28th from 6:30 to 9:00 PM at the lecture Hall of Providence Hospital. The Meeting Agenda Includes:
· Meet and Greet
· ANC Call to Order – Welcome
· Open Forum – Neighborhood Concerns & Issues
Scheduled to attend as the months guest speaker is current MPD Chief of Police Cathy L. Lanier. Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr is also scheduled to be in attendance.

Date: Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Time: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Place: Providence Hospital – Lecture Hall
1150 Varnum Street, NE
Washington, DC 20017
Agenda
- Meet and Greet

- ANC Call to Order – Welcome

- Open Forum – Neighborhood Concerns & Issues

- Introduction of Guest Speaker

- MPD Chief of Police Cathy L. Lanier

- Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr.- Ward 5

- Councilmember-At-Large, Vincent Orange (invited)

Youth Breakfast Fundraiser for Boystown

noreply@blogger.com (Totten Life) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 12:33:00 +0000

Boys Town DC will be hosting their "Spirit of Youth Breakfast Fundraiser" September 22nd at the Ritz Carlton on 22nd St in the District. The nationwide organization, which has it's DC location in the Michigan Park area is dedicated to assisting the city's at-risk youth by providing them various services form housing, to mentorship and trianing. Not only is the organization selling tickets for the event, they are also looking for sponsors! Details can be found on the Boys Town DC Website or by contacting Tosha Roundtree, Boys Town Washington, D.C. Development Director at 202-650-6313 or tosha.roundtree@boystown.org.

                         Date: Thursday, September 22
                         Time: Networking 7:30 a.m., Program 8:30 - 10 a.m.
                         Location: The Ritz Carlton
                                           1150 22nd St, NW

Washington, D.C. 20037

Buy Tickets or Sponsor The Eevent Here!

DC Works! One Stop Shop Career Center Moving Into CCDC Backus

noreply@blogger.com (Totten Life) — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 16:46:00 +0000

With all the announced projects coming to the District (and specifically Ward 5), the apparent lack of qualified DC residents to fill the forecoming job openings is clear. While the expansion of UDC-CCDC throughout the city provides one means to creating an in demand workforce, the DC Department of Employment Services (DoES) provides another avenue to create a more competent and valued workforce. DoES runs a series of Career Centers that provide various levels and types of training and assistance to the Districts current workforce. However, news of a DC Works! One Stop Career Center moving into the newly renovated CCDC Backus Campus is causing quite a stir in the surrounding communities.
The move, initially announced in a Feb, 2011 brief given by the DoES, will close the current One Stop Center on Franklin St, NE and relocate it to the CCDC Backus Campus this month. The DC Works! One Stop Career Centers provide job seekers with a number of employment opportunities. Each center provides career counseling, career planning, resume assistance, direct job placement, classroom and on-the-job training, access to America's Job Bank (both online and via telephone), information about local and national labor markets, unemployment compensation and much more. Daily workshops are held to better train the DC workforce to compete in todays local and national job markets. The move would allow DoES to leverage CCDC's ability to provide training in Health care, Construction trades, Hospitality and Office and Administrative technology in their training and placement efforts.

At first glance this move appears to be a natural fit, and would benefit not only CCDC and DoES, but the community as a whole. Many local residents however, seem to see it in a differnet light. Many feel this agreement was made with little neighborhood involvement, and almost no notification. An open house was held at CCDC with Councilmember Thomas Wednesday (20 April 2011) afternoon, but many people only received notification of the meeting late that very afternoon. Some residents equate the One Stop Center as an employment "DMV," which will bring many people into the neighborhood and disturbe the quiet peace many enjoy. Some fear that the increase in people traffic to the area will bring in an undesired element. All concerns for increased traffic and crime aside, the lack of preceived communitcation between city leaders and the community seems to be the real issue. Many community members do not fully understand the size and scope of this proposed move, or even what DC Works! programs provide the community. The impact on the neighborhood will be very clear soon, as the new one Stop Center will be opening it's doors in meer weeks.

How do you Feel about the relocation of the DC Works! One Stop Career Center to CCDC?

Fatal Shooting near South Dakota and Riggs Rd. Intersection

noreply@blogger.com (Totten Life) — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 14:36:00 +0000

News Channel 4 is reporting that a fatal shooting occured last night near the intersection of Riggs Rd and South Dakota Ave. The victim appears to be an african american male, with other details not currently being released at this time. We will update as more information is released on this incident.
This crime comes on the heels of an indicent that took place earlier this month. 40 year old male, Kirk Garnes was found in the rear of the 200 block of Riggs Road, NE. due to apparant extreme blunt force trauma to his upper body. Mr. Garnes was pronounced dead on the scene.

Ward 5 Easter Egg Roll

noreply@blogger.com (Totten Life) — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 19:45:00 +0000

Now that spring time has arrived, we are all looking for better ways to get out and enjoy our community a little bit more. This coming Monday, Ward 5 Councilmember Harry "Tommy" Thomas Jr. is giving us that chance. The Councilmember will be hosting the "Ward 5 Easter Egg Roll" on Monday, April 25th at Ft. Circle Park on South Dakota Avenue from Noon until 4:00 PM.
View Easter Egg Roll in a larger map
The event will be a great chance to not only meet with your Ward 5 Councilmember, but also to meet some of your neighbors and enjoy the food, fun and giveways for the kiddies! More information can be obtained by contacting Councilmember's Office or by visiting his website here.

Ft. Totten in the News

noreply@blogger.com (Totten Life) — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 14:58:00 +0000

Alot of peoiple have been worried about grim outlook of Ft. Totten in DCMud post a few weeks ago. The post viewed Ft. Totten as a lost cause and floundering. However, we were contacted by Andrew Siddons of Urban Turf right before the DCMud article ran, and had began talking with him on his neighborhood profile piece. His article has finally ran, and it paints a much different picture of our quiet corner of the city. Regardless of which position you side with, it is always interesting to see our neighborhood garnish a little attention.

Extreme Makeover: Ft. Totten Metro Station Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Totten Life) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 14:50:00 +0000

As the construction traffic increases and multiple development projects prepare to permanently change the neighborhood landscape surrounding the Ft. Totten Metro, the residents are left pondering the question "what is being done to improve the neighborhood for us." Well, DDOT has heard your pleas. In fact, a little known plan has been in existence for quite some time that will totally re-invent the current pedestrian, cycle and motorized traffic patterns around the entire neighborhood. The selected design concept for 1st Pl and Galloway St, NE will improve circulation in the area, improve the astetics of the metro station and make it more comfortable for all users going to and from the Fort Totten Metrorail Station.
As a means of sharing this information with the neighborhood and getting your input and feedback, DDOT will be holding a meeting reviewig the proposed plan this coming Tuesday at the WMATA Police substation. The presentation will not only review the changes to the station astetics, but also show proposed path locations (yes a cut through for the park between g\Galloway and Gallatain is in the proposal!), improved traffic signals/signage, improved lighting, improved bike storage/access and improved/additional cross walks (the below maps details areas and changes that were studied for the proposal). If you live in the neighborhoods surrounding , or regularly use, the Ft. Totten Metrorail Station, this meeting is a must attend!

Ft. Totten Metro Station Transportation Access Final Project Presentation
Date: Tuesday, March 22nd, 2011
Time: 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Location: WMATA Police Substation
5315 1st Place NE
Washington DC 20011
(next to the Fort Totten Metrorail Station)
Presentation Agenda:
1. Recap of the project goals & process
2. Present preferred design
3. Discuss next steps for the design

Find out more at: http://www.tooledesign.com/forttotten

SMD 5A05 Community Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Totten Life) — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 23:36:00 +0000

This is a reminder to everyone that the Single Member District 5A05 Communnity Meeting is happenign in hte next few days. Get out and make your voice heard.

Meeting Agenda Includes:

· Meet and Greet
· ANC Call to Order – Welcome
· Open Forum – Neighborhood Concerns & Issues
· Introduction of Guest Speaker
Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr.
Ward 5 Chairman, Economic Development Committee

Date: Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Place: Providence Hospital – Lecture Hall
1150 Varnum Street, NE
Washington, DC 20017

Post Holiday Items of Note

noreply@blogger.com (Totten Life) — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 17:26:00 +0000

Join Council-member Harry "Tommy" Thomas at the Ward 5 Council Office Open House on Tuesday, January 4, 2011, from 3 to 7 PM to celebrate the beginning of his second term. Festivities follow the first legislative session of City Council Period 19. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW -- Suite 107

North Michigan Park Civic Association Meeting
Wednesday, January 5th at 7pm
Guest: Councilmember Phil Mendelson

Holiday Tree Collection between January 3rd and 15th
Holiday trees and wreaths will be picked up curbside from January 3 to January 15. Remove all decorations and place the greenery in the treebox space in front of your home between Sunday, January 2, and Sunday, January 9. Please do not put the trees in plastic or cloth bags.
• Any trees not collected by January 15 should be set out with your trash to be picked up as space in the trash trucks allows over the following weeks.

Make a difference in the fight against HIV/AIDS in DC and Ward 5!

noreply@blogger.com (Totten Life) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 00:42:00 +0000

The HIV/AIDS epidemic in our Nations Capitol is always a hot point of contention among our leaders and citizens. It touches almost every aspect of our lives, whether we realize it or not. Currently more than 3% of D.C.'s population is living with HIV/AIDS- a prevalence rate higher than West Africa. According to the 2009 HIV/AIDS Epidemiology Report, this rate has increased 22% from 2006, signaling that a dramatic response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in D.C. is necessary. It is important to note that the disease is not limited to a specific sexual orientation or demographic. D.C. residents of differing races, sexes, and levels socio-economic status have all been affected. Men having sex with men is the leading mode of transmission however; heterosexual transmission and injection drug use are not too far behind in numbers. These sobering facts often leave people helpless and unsure of what they can do to help. Well here is your chance to have your voice heard and help fight this menace to our society!

The D.C. HIV Prevention Community Planning Group (HPCPG), along with the Department of Health’s HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD, and TB Administration (HAHSTA), is looking for people who are interested in finding a solution to the local HIV epidemic. HPCPG is looking for new members to sit on the committee to help guide the city’s approach to HIV/AIDs detection and prevention. HPCPG members serve two year terms. The HPCPG is currently recruiting new members from all backgrounds, and welcomes unique and differing perspectives on the issue, as we work together to find a solution. Applications for the group are due on December 2nd; therefore it is best to get your application out sooner rather than later.
The District of Columbia HPCPG guides HIV prevention in the District, along with the DC Department of HAHSTA. Members of the HPGCP are from local communities and/or HIV/AIDS prevention specialists and reflect the District’s diverse population. The HPCPG is responsible for deciding which populations are in greatest need of HIV prevention services, as well as deciding what the best ways to meet those needs are. HAHSTA, in turn, is responsible for funding programs and services that match the HPCPG’s decisions.
How can you become involved? Easy! There are two ways to participate in the HPGCP...join the HPCPG or come to meetings! The membership application can be downloaded from http://doh.dc.gov/hiv. Even if you do not join, you are always welcome at any of our meetings. The HPCPG meets monthly on the second Thursday of the month from 5:30-8:00 PM at Department of Health facilities. Meeting dates and times are posted on our website: www.doh.dc.gov/HPCPG. If you have the time, or can make the commitment, please take the time to get involved. Let's make it a priority to help control the HIV/ADS epidemic before it's too late.

Broadway Comes to CUA: Presenting "Nine"

noreply@blogger.com (Totten Life) — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 14:57:00 +0000

Catholic University’s Benjamin T. Rome School of Music presents the musical, “Nine”, based on Federico Fellini's semi-autobiographical film, “8½”. The 200 square foot back drop depicting the Grand Canal and the Rialto Bridge is painted by local artist Jeff Wilson. The show is directed by Kurt Boehm, with musical direction by Denise Puricelli -- straight from Broadway! The show is loaded with energy -- superb costuming -- stunning vocals-- great dancing -- ALL PLAYED BEFORE A LIVE ORCHESTRA!
Tickets are $15 for general admission and $10 for students, seniors and CUA alumni, faculty and staff. Performances are Nov 12, 13, 14, and 19, 20, 21; Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30, Sundays at 2:00. Presented in Ward Recital Hall, just north of the Basilica on Harewood Road, next to the Hartke Theatre. Ward Recital Hall is an intimate space with real charm -- exposed old brick, heavey construction beams, chandeliers, and nice accoustics. A perfect period location for a period Venetian piece. Call to get your tickets because some shows have been selling out! For more information, contact the Benjamin T. Rome School of Music at 202-319-5414.

Early Morning Shooting Near Ft. Totten

noreply@blogger.com (Totten Life) — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 17:37:00 +0000

Shots rang out in the early morning near the Ft. Totten Metro today. The MPD and US Park Police were called to Fort Circle Park at the intersection of Galloway and 11th St. NE at around 3 in the morning. The victim appears to be an adult male who suffered a gun shot to the head, but details beyond that have not been released. What makes this particularly disturbing is that the area this violent crime took place in is know for a having very low crime rate. This raises the question of what could have caused such a violent crime in such a quiet and safe neighborhood. Currently the MPD is leading the investigation, and the Park Police have closed Fort Circle Park indefinitely. A statement is scheduled to come from the MPD regarding the crime shortly and will hopefully shed some light on the incident. One thing is for sure, however, and that is the entire neighborhood is on edge as the investigation continues.

-UPDATE-

TBD.com reports that "D.C. police have identified the man who was fatally shot in a Northeast park early Friday as 29 year-old Keith Banks.
Banks, of the 300 block of Quackenbos Street NW, was found unconscious in the 1100 Block of Galloway Street NE about 3 a.m. by officers responding to a report of gunfire.
Banks had been shot and was unresponsive, police said. He was taken to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, police said."

Anyone with information is asked to call (202) 727-9099 or 1-888-919-CRIME (1-888-919-2746).

ANC 5A MONTHLY COMMUNITY MEETING

noreply@blogger.com (Totten Life) — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 15:10:00 +0000

That special time of the month is almost upon us, the monthly ANC 5A Monthly Community Meeting. This months meeting will take place next wednesday, Nov 17th, from 6:30 - 9:00 PM at the Church of Our Savior (1616 Irving Street, NE).

The agenda will include the following:
· Councilmember Harry Thomas, Jr.
· MPD – 5D Police Report
· Community Concerns
   (1) Renewal of Liquor License for Lace
   (2) Renewal of Liquor License for Eclipse
   (3) Ronald McDonald House Special Exception Approval limitation
· FORUM: Helping Our Elderly and Incapacitated Neighbors in Hard Times
· Guests: Representatives of resource agencies
· Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5A:
(5A-01) Sandi Washington, (5A-02) Patricia Roberts, (5A-03) Angel Alston, (5A-04) Herman Preston,
(5A-05) Stephen McCoy, (5A-06) John Feeley, Jr, (5A-07) Carolyn Steptoe, (5A-08) Timothy Thomas,
(5A-09) Shirley Rivens Smith, (5A-10) Phillip Blair, (5A-11) Janae Grant, (5A-12) Robert (Bob) King

The next ANC 5A Meeting is scheduled for wednesday, Jan 26th from 6:30 - 9:00 PM with the location still to be determined.

McMillan Sand Filtration Planning Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Totten Life) — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 16:14:00 +0000

This Saturday there will be a panel introduction meeting of the design team that is in charge of the final design plan for the McMillian Sand Filtration Site. This is the first of a three part series discussing the project, and will give the neighborhood a chance to voice their comments and concerns, and gain a better understanding of the project's scope. The development of the site has been a point of contention among many groups, so the meeting should be action packed!

Meeting Details:

Date: Saturday, October 16, 2010

Time: 10:00 AM

Where: St. Martin`s Church

1908 North Capitol Street, NW

Washington, DC 20001

Attendees:

The Deputy Mayor for Planning & Economic Development

Ward 5 Council-member Harry Thomas, Jr.

Vision - McMillan Partners Design Team

If you are planning on attending the meeting here is a brief history of the facility. The McMillan Sand Filtration site is a 25 acre decommissioned water treatment plant located at the intersection of N. Capitol and Michigan Ave, adjacent to the Washington Medical Center. The complex dates back to1905 when it's completion signaled a milestone in DC public health through the use of sand, rather than chemicals, to eliminate communicable diseases. The original design of the site was dual use, also serving the city as a walking pedestrian park. Two paved courts lined by regulator houses, tower-like sand bins, sand washers and the gated entrances to the underground filter cells provided a promenade for citizens enjoying the parks unique beauty. The complex served the city until 1986, and then in 1987 the District of Columbia purchased the site for $9.3M in order to develop the sight. In 1991, the D.C. Historic Preservation Review Board designated McMillan Park a Historic Landmark.

"The site has been described as an imaginative combination of landscaped park, with promenades, sculpture, curving carriage drives, careful grading and the placement of trees planned and personally supervised by Olmsted. The heirs of Senator McMillan personally financed the landscaping. Crowning the park was a pink granite fountain, designed by Adams and Platt and dedicated in 1913 as a memorial to Senator McMillan. Featuring three nymphs representing faith, hope and charity, the monument was funded by contributions from every Michigan county. The fountain has since been removed."**

Also, here is a youtube video we found from BloomingdaleNow regarding the site.

**Wikipedia

Dog Found...Are you missing a Yorkshire Terrier???

noreply@blogger.com (Totten Life) — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 21:24:00 +0000

Reader S.R. sent us the below message this morning regarding a Yorkshire Terrier she found this morning. If you, or some one you know are missing a dog, please read below and help this little guy out.
---------------------------
Hello There,
I'm hoping you can post something for me. I was out running at about 7:30 this morning on Puerto Rico Ave NE and I found a little stray dog who kept wandering into traffic. He (or she?) looks like he may be a Yorkshire Terrier. He has a pink harness on but no collar. I got him to follow me home and now Animal Control is on their way to pick him up. Unfortunately I can't keep him here because I have my own dog and a cat. Animal Control will only keep him for five days, so I'm really hoping that if you can post this information and some pictures on your blog, whoever lost him can go pick him up before it's too late. AC's phone number is: 202-576-6664.

-----------------------------

Vince Gray's Ward 5 Town Hall Meeting Video

noreply@blogger.com (Totten Life) — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 16:05:00 +0000

Take a look at this very informative, yet somewhat lengthy, Town Hall Meeting video. It is a really good look at what our incoming Mayor has to say about not only our city, but also Ward 5!

Ft. Totten Square: Finally Getting Squared Away

noreply@blogger.com (Totten Life) — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 17:21:00 +0000

The Ft. Totten Square (FTS) project has gone through many phases since it's announcement in 2006. The once proud and highly anticipated community changing project had lost it's financial and community support, and saw a project site sit and decay for over three years. Just when things couldn't look worse for the FTS project, the clouds parted and the sun began to shine. Cassidy Turley Commercial Real Estate Services took on the major task of finding investors who have capitol available to refinance the project, and within months of coming on board they were able to close the refinancing deal for Lowe Enterprises.
For those of you that have been distracted by the massive road construction project at the intersection of Riggs and South Dakota in NE, or who haven't ventured up into this quiet section of the city, the demolition has finally begun on the former strip mall that sat on the project site. In a city feeling the economic strains shared with most of the country, the project will give a much needed economic boost to the City and Ward 5 economy. This project will not simply create a temporary boost for blue collar jobs, but more importantly will create long term sustainable jobs in the massive mixed use project. When we sat down with Ward 5 City Council Representative Harry Thomas last month, he noted the fact that Ward 5 job set asides are always at the top of his priority list when it comes to discussions with new commercial establishments. Second on his list would be assisting locally owned business, especially restaurants, acquire the funding they need to gain a foothold in the new neighborhood markets.
While the new time line has not yet been revealed (both Lowe and Cassidy Turley had been contacted serveal times but provided no response), the future surely looks bright for the FTS project. The coming retail and culinary additions to the neighborhood landscape will be closely followed, and hotly debated (most exciting of which could be the new full service grocery slated to anchor the retail side of the development). But only time will tell how the project pans out, and what direction the project ultimately takes. One thing for sure is that the project is moving forward at a brisk pace, and regardless of the final product it has removed a growing eyesore from the neighborhood.

Artist's rendition of the finished Ft. Totten Square project
(Ft. Totten Metro and S.D. Ave at top right of image)

Capital Bikeshare Hits Brookland

noreply@blogger.com (Totten Life) — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 22:22:00 +0000

The proposed expansion of the Capital Bikeshare program has finally arrived in Brookland! For those of you unfamiliar with the Capital Bikeshare Program, it is a network of 1,100 bicycle located at over 110 stations across Washington, D.C. and Arlington, VA. The daily, weekly, monthly or annual membership allows a member to pick up a bike from one Bikeshare locations, and drop it off at another. The way it works is members are sent a Capital Bikeshare key allowing them access to bikes at every location. Once you have arrived at one of the locations, you insert your key into any bike dock with an available bike and remove the bike for use. Once you are done you simply return the bike to an open slot at any location. The system is not meant for all day or week use of a single bike, but rather short term point to point use of bikes for commuting like purposes.

The Brookland location can be found along the 12th St. side of CVS (below the intersection of 12th and Netwon St.), and is already operational, and is in perfect position for a quick trip down the Metropolitan Branch Trail to Union Station!

Information and membership information can be found at the Capital Bikeshare website.

Action Packed Weekend in 20017

noreply@blogger.com (Totten Life) — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 18:57:00 +0000

On this first beautiful weekend of October, there is surely no shortage of things to take up your time in the wonderful neighborhoods of 20017! First get your weekend started off with the unveiling of the newest addition to the Brookland Neighborhood Street-scape. In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Brookland Cafe will be unveiling Joel Bergners latest mural. The event, sponsored by DASH(District Alliance for Safe Housing) and Lovebus Events, will feature free food and Live Performances at the Brookland Cafe from 4-6 PM.

On Sunday,Oct 3rd, a fundraising 5k will be taking place around North Michigan Park, Brookland and CUA to benifit the Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy Institute.The Office of Disability Support Services is hosting a 5K to raise money for the Kennedy Institute's Infant and Toddler Program. This program serves three to six year olds, with and without development delays, in an inclusive setting. The race will take place on October 3, 2010 at the Dufour Center, with check-in beginning at 9:30am. Registration is $15.00 per person for CUA and Kennedy Institute Affiliates ($17.00 day of the race) and $20 for the general population ($25 day of the race). The race will be followed by a fun fair at the Dufour Center fields. To sign up to walk or run, please visit the Disability Support Services website (dss.cua.edu) and follow the link for the registration website.The 5K Fun-Fair from10:00am until 2:00pm on Sunday, October 3, there will be a will feature carnival games with prizes, a moon bounce, and food courtsey of DC Slices Pizza, Red, Hot, and Blue BBQ and Rita's Water Ice. There will be a "donation fee" of $5 to enter the fair. The race and fair will also impact those of you who choose not to participate, through the closing of several local streets for a period in the morning.

If you are more of a pet person, then we have something for you as well! The Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America, located at 1400 Quincy St NE, will hold its annual Blessing of the Animals as part of the celebration of the Feast of St. Francis this Sunday at 1:30 pm. The event is open to all, and is always a very festive and entertaining event!

NFI Brews Up Fundraising Success for Ft. Totten Community Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Totten Life) — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 18:19:00 +0000

The Neighborhood Farm Initiative's "Home Brew Harvest Festival" held last weekend at the La Casa Community Center (in the Mt. Pleasant neighborhood of DC) was an overwhelming success. The event hosted by NFI (with support from DC Brau and Bread and Brew) could only be described as part seminar part Oktoberfest! Not only were five very tasty home brews featured, but a great spread of locally sourced fresh food -courtesy of the Petworth Community Market, Mount Pleasant Farmer's Market and the Bloomingdale Farmer's Market- and a beginners lecture on home brewing from Aaron Lavallee and Morgan Pinnellmade truly made it a Festival! With the small La Casa Community Center filled to the brim with eager supporters, brewers and staff, the festival gave some much needed exposure and monetary support to NFI's efforts across our fair City. The time and care each backyard brewer spent to craft their specialty brews was evident with each sip; and the featured home brewed adult beverages were a great compliment to the cornucopia of pesto, salsas, raw veggies, dips and spreads prepared from local ingredients of the highest quality.
While this fundraiser was a casual event, it was also a contest. So as is the case with many things, there can be only one...or uhhh three winners. After the polls closed and all the ballots were accounted for, the grand champions were crowned. Terry Chang took home the prize for best overall brew, with second place going to the Cutting Edge Brew Team - Bea Trickett, Dave Cahill and Jaime Garay- and third place went to the first name only brew team of Aaron and Morgan. Perhaps the best outcome of this event was NFI raising $830 to put them well on their way towards installing a deer fence around the Mamie D. Lee garden at the Ft. Totten Metro. A big shout out goes to Bread and Brew and DC Brau for their support in making this event happen. Hopefully we will see this event become a yearly tradition, celebrating a wonderful harvest and some great local home brews!

For more information on the Neighborhood Farm Initiative please check out their website or their BLOG for up to date info about events and harvests!

Another accident on South Dakota Ave. NE Near Ft. Totten Metro

noreply@blogger.com (Totten Life) — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 22:53:00 +0000

As the rain trickles down, yet another accident has taken place on South Dakota Ave NE near the intersection of Galloway St. NE. This new crash is less than 100' from where a devastating accident occurred less than 2 months ago. This newest fender bender took place between a commercial gardening truck and a compact pick-up, and appears to be far less severe than the July 22nd accident.
Yet another shining example of why there needs to be stricter traffic enforcement or new traffic control measures put in place on the main thoroughfare. South Dakota Avenue is currently closed at the Ft. Totten Metro, right next to the new CCDC Backus Campus.

Clear Those Election Blues With A Home Brew Fest Benefiting The Ft. Totten Community Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Totten Life) — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 01:26:00 +0000

As the District sits back and holds their collective breath as the the Poll results are calculated, we have a wonderful event to take your mind off of the potential change in leadership of our fair District...a home brewed beer fest!!! To make it even sweeter, or maltier perhaps, the particular Home Brew Fest is being held as a fund raiser for the Mamie D. Lee Community Garden at the Ft. Totten Metro. So break out your carbouys, fermentation locks and hydrometers and show the local green thumbs what you can do!
This wonderful home honed fermented potables (that fancy speak for home brewed beer) contest will be held this Saturday Sept. 18 at the La Casa Community Center in Mt. Pleasant (3166 Mt. Pleasant Street NW). The Home Brew Harvest Fest will run from 7-10 PM and cost $10 per person to enter. The contest is open to all levels, beginner through expert, and will be judged by the paying attendees. All entries will be judged on overall popularity, and brewers are encouraged to enter as many subcategories as they would like to(with prizes to be awarded in all categories). There will also be a home brew workshop from 7-8 PM, explaining the process of home brewing to all those interested! If you would like to enter your home brewed concoction, details can be found here. All proceeds will go towards installing a fence around the 68 plot community garden located at the Ft.Totten Metro Station, to fend off those pesky deer from eating the gardeners hard work.

Thanks to reader Jessica Lombardo for the heads-up on this event...it looks to be a really great time!