by Marlene Berlin Some mail can’t wait for the next visit by the mail carrier, or is too sensitive to leave out for them. So recently, I set out to mail some tax forms and checks. First I tried a U.S. Postal Service collection box I’ve used before, at Connecticut Avenue and Albemarle Street. But […]
Are your water lines leaded or unleaded? As DC Water works on lead pipe replacement, it’s not always easy to find out
by Marlene Berlin The day before the snowcrete fell, DC Water came to my block to post “No Parking” signs. It was another sign that the utility’s lead service line replacement project would soon arrive on my street. On some streets west of Connecticut Avenue, DC Water is also digging up and replacing the water […]
In appreciation: Erica Carlsson, formerly of DPR and DOEE, for her environmental stewardship and community-supporting work
We like to periodically express our appreciation for DC and federal government workers who have done so much to make our lives easier and better. They include the Ward 3 mayor’s office liaisons, a former MPD commmander, and the National Park Service crew who quickly clears fallen and unsafe trees from roads and trails. Now, […]
Snowzilla, the Sequel: How to prep sidewalks and pipes for the next monster storm
If the forecast models are accurate, we’re in for a doozy of a storm this weekend, plus several days of frigid temperatures. Capital Weather Gang reports the snowfall totals could be the largest since 2016, when a storm dubbed “Snowzilla” buried the region under 17 to 32 inches. Longtime Washingtonians know to stock the pantry. […]
Reminder: It’s illegal (and bad for plants and animals) to dump pumpkins and Christmas trees in parks and forests
by Kathy Sykes Area park managers and stewards have been telling us for years that parks and forests are not suitable places to dump pumpkins and Christmas trees. View this post on Instagram A 2022 post shared by Rock Creek Conservancy (@loverockcreek) The people who do this are likely well-intentioned, and may have heard that […]
A roundup of recent and ongoing DC work in the neighborhood
by Marlene Berlin At times in recent days, it has seemed like there’s a DC government project on every street in the neighborhood. Here’s a list of the work we’ve spotted over the past two weeks, and you’re welcome to add your own sightings in the comments section below. Early last week, the DDOT started […]
DC Water’s next project in the neighborhood: water main and lead pipe replacement
by Marlene Berlin DC Water, still wrapping up its long-running Soapstone Valley sewer rehabilitation project, is about to start another project in the neighborhood. Beginning in November, the agency will replace small water mains and lead service lines on Brandywine, Cumberland, Chesapeake and Davenport Streets west of Connecticut Avenue. “We’re replacing and updating the existing […]
Still need your covid and flu shots? CVS is welcoming walk-ins without prescriptions
by Marlene Berlin Before this week, we needed prescriptions to receive covid vaccines at pharmacies in the District (except at CVS MinuteClinics, such as the one in Tenleytown.) But that restriction went out the window on Monday, after Mayor Bowser signed the DC Council’s emergency legislation permitting residents without a prescription to get the vaccine. […]
This Sunday is Sun Day, a chance to learn about harnessing solar power at home, even if your home is an apartment.
by Barbara Green Every spring since 1970, on the day of the spring equinox, people around the world have been observing Earth Day, a celebration and acknowledgement of what a privilege it is to live on this planet. This Sunday, just ahead of the autumnal equinox, we will mark Sun Day. We know that because […]
Farmers market finds: A toddler-friendly tomato
by Marlene Berlin On Tuesdays in the summer, you’ll often find me at New Morning Farm’s market at Sheridan School (36th Street and Alton Place. And one recent Tuesday, I thought I’d pick up something my daughter, son-in-law and almost two-and-a-half-year-old grandson might like. (I’ll also admit that Mom and Dad were afterthoughts.) So I […]