RSS FeedSpring Cleaning – Not Just For Your Home
This Saturday, April 26th at 9 a.m. (that’s tomorrow!), neighbors will meet at the park at 5th and Massachusetts Avenue NW to participate in our spring park cleanup. You are invited to help spruce up the future “Chinatown Park” and then move east along Massachusetts Avenue — ending at the large park at 2nd and Mass. Ave.
Volunteers are needed to pick up trash, weed, and rake. Please wear work clothes and bring gloves; tools and trash bags. Snacks will be provided.
This is a great way to meet your neighbors! This event will go on rain or shine.
If you need more information, e-mail Bill McLeod at the Mt. Vernon Triangle Community Improvement District (CID) at: mvtbill [at] downtowndc.org
Quality Vs Quantity
The DC Public Library is launching 2008’s The Big Read today, and this year they’ve chosen The Great Gatsby as the book for DCers to read. Nothing against Gatsby, it’s a (pun alert) great book. But we wonder if the Big Read always has to be a recognized literary classic? Again we love Gatsby, and it’s a pretty easy read for most. Last year’s choice of Zora Neale Hurston’s, Their Eyes Were Watching God, while a great book, is not what many would call an easy read.
But would it hurt for DC to branch out a little one year, maybe choose George Pelecanos‘ Dereck Strange Triology (sure that’s three books, but they’re fast, fun reads)? Or perhaps Larry McMurtry’s Lonesome Dove? We’re thinking books that are a little more accessible to the average (or first time?) reader might spark more interest in reading, eventually leading to more traditional literature.
It could be that the DC Public Library is limited by what the NEA offers as featured books. If that’s the case then you certainly can’t complain about their choices so far. Some of us may prefer My Antonia or The Maltese Falcon, but all the NEA featured books are certainly worth a read.
Howto: Getting To New York For One Dollar (Boltbus)
The beauty of living downtown is its proximity to the nerve centers of Washington DC’s transportation networks be it subway, bus, highway or airport. This writer knows many downtown residents who have ditched their car and its associated responsibilities and replaced it with a good daily workout, a Metro Smartrip card, a grocery cart, more time and additional financial freedom. We told you how to get to Dulles Airport for three dollars. Now, it’s New York for one dollar…intrigued? Read on! Continue Reading >>
PQ Neighbor Documents Chinatown Fire This Morning
krwaltondc was on the scene this morning at about 10am when a fire broke out at 517-519 H Street NW. The photo set reveals a rooftop rescue that took place at the rear of the building. Click here to see the great pics!
As of tonight, krwaltondc reports that damage seems to have been isolated to the one building with just a couple of windows boarded up.
Being only 2 blocks away from our neighborhood fire station (500 F St NW) must have contributed to the quick response.
Edit: It is also worth mentioning that the DC Fire Department website also posted photos of the incident. The DCFD webmaster usually posts photos of major fires within 24 hours of an event!