It's about being a good neighbor

View fullsize

This.

I've mentioned before on the blog (ok, complained) about litter in front of people's homes... saying unless you're infirm, how about grabbing a bag and spending a few minutes picking up litter once in a while?

Today, walking home from the Metro, that's exactly what I saw David Bylsma doing on 7th Street NW. I walked by and said "Thanks for picking up the garbage!" and he gave me a smile and a thumbs up. 

Then I remembered my earlier post, and realized that I wanted to shine a light on this neighbor who was doing something positive for his street. So I walked back, introduced myself and started chatting with him.

"It looked so bad today," David said. "So I thought I'd get a bag and pick some up. Then I decided I'm just gonna do the whole block." 

With a pair of gloves and a garbage bag, he picked up all the litter strewn along his part of 7th Street. "It hasn't taken me that long to do the whole block. My back isn't that sore," he said with a smile.

This is something we should all take the time to do once in a while.

Thanks David!

5/25 Update: To put an interesting perspective on this article, it has been one of my most popular articles on Facebook. It's been read 3,306 times, Liked 118 times. And the comments are great. Give them a read.

Family yard-sale at Quincy & 5th Saturday

Cute kid for sale, or maybe it's just cute kid clothes...

There's a large yard-sale happening this weekend at Quincy St, at 5th St. and Rock Creek Church St. NW

Eight families are taking part in the sale, offering clothes for boys and girls, baby and toddler stuff and more. 

Saturday, 23 May
9am - 2pm

Though from the Craigslist post, it sounds like they're selling the whole shebang and getting out of dodge: selling the kid, baby AND the house...

Source: Craigslist

How well do you know DC streets?

Image from Washington Post

The Washington Post has a light-hearted quiz to test how well you know DC streets (quadrants, flowers, syllables, oh my!). 

Take a quick (and kinda easy) quiz on at the streets of our fair District.

Summer may be hot, but winter should be cool

Even though we're headed into what will probably be a hot hot summer, there's good news for winter time fun.

The US House of Representatives has passed a measure that would allow sledding at the Capitol grounds again (it basically instructs the Capitol Police to ignore a provision of the law).

From the DCist.com article:

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, who lead the charge to allow sledding on Capitol Grounds, is stoked about the provision.

“Today the commonsense non-enforcement of the sledding ban on Capitol Hill, the way it has been for many years, is assured,” Norton said in a statement. “District of Columbia families can also pat themselves on the back for organizing strong community support for non-enforcement of the sledding ban. Now I will be working in the Senate to have them follow suit and ensure that our kids have a ball on America’s front lawn next snowfall.”

Source: DCist

Petworth Dance Project asking for your support

The Petworth Dance Project entertained neighbors at its first production at Petworth Park earlier this month, and they're gearing up to do more shows throughout the summer.

They could use our support (and you get a few cool perks)!

Check out their Indiegogo campaign and if able, throw them a little support. You can pick from Petworth Citizen, Lighthouse Yoga, or even a hearty Thank You from the organizers (you'll get that I'm sure no matter what you donate).

Check out their Facebook page to learn more.

Donate to the Indiegogo campaign today!

Another successful Grant Circle Social

Another successful and fun Grant Circle Social tonight. Not sure of the count, maybe 40 or more neighbors showed up. A lot of new faces as well, which was great.

Feel free to tag yourself in the photos on Facebook! (As a "Page" I can't tag individuals... odd, yah?)

Speaking of properties in the area...

I noticed that 3912 8th Street NW, which has had an "Under Contract" sign hanging from the Fairfax Realty sign for quite a while, now has a Vacant Property sticker on the window. Of course, that sticker really goes with the smashed glass of the security door and the pile of newspapers on the porch.

Also interesting, newly renovated and very expensive 703 Upshur St NW also got a nice bright yellow Vacant Property sticker on its window. Wasn't there on Sunday, I don't believe, when they had an open house. Oops.

More info on how and why the city considers properties vacant is available on the DCRA website.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

16 Grant Circle ... now rubble.

On my way to ANC 4D meeting, saw what was left of 16 Grant Circle.
(Spoiler: it's rubble.)

According to local realtor Ryan DeSilva, "It was a really nice large detached house with a wrap around porch."  

Really hope the new design of the structure they're going to build compliments the neighborhood (which is now an Historic Landmark).

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

Celebrate Petworth Daily! (and in a newsletter)

If you weren't sure about all the great things happening in Petworth this summer then A) you're not reading Petworth News enough, and 

B) you're not subscribed to the "Celebrate Petworth Daily" bi-weekly newsletter. It's a great source of neighborhood activities.

Check out the latest edition.

4th Street Block Party in Takoma

June is busy! Takoma is having a "4th Street Block Party" on Saturday, June 13th from 5-7pm.

From an email on the listservs from Laura Barclay, the Executive Director of the Old Takoma Business Association:

"There will be food trucks, live music and activities for the kids at this inaugural all Takoma block party! Federal City Brothers Food Truck, straight out of Union Kitchen, will be making its first visit to Takoma along with Takoma favorite, DC Ballers (they're one of Drew's favorites, too). Additional trucks will be announced. Free popsicles for the kids! Music as well.

4th Street Block Party
Saturday, June 13th, 5-7pm

Location: 4th St NW between Cedar and Butternut Sts, NW (Google Map)
One block from the Takoma metro

Presented by the Old Takoma Business Association, Your Main Street Takoma, Takoma Station Tavern and Rock Creek Property Group.

More info on their event website.

Grant Circle Social is Wednesday, 5/20

The Grant Circle Social is 6pm this Wednesday at the ... well, at the Grant Circle.

Come hang out with your neighbors on what should be a good weather day! (Oh great, I just jinxed it.)

RSVP on Facebook.

See you there!