5th Annual Great Brookland Yard Sale

The fifth annual Great Brookland Yard Sale will take place on Saturday May 12th from 10:00 AM until 2:00PM. Over 50 households have signed up to have yard sales. For more information, visit the Brookland Civic Associations Website.  This years rain date is May 13th.
Thi annual event is always a great way to get out, meet neighbors and find some great deals and steals!  In past years participation has been mostly by Brookland  residents, but this years map shows a few houses in Michigan and North Michigan Park as well.  If you would like to participate in the GBYS, follow this link, and provide your name and address of your yard sale.  Also send  a list of specific items for sale, and photos to draw people to your sale. This will get you on the official Map and hopefully increase your foot traffic!

View Great Brookland Yard Sale 2012 in a larger map

Want to Get Away From It All...Try Being a Hermit in NE DC

  Architect Magazine has run an interesting piece on a hermitage (yes for hermits) to be built on the gorounds of Mount St. Sepulchre (aka the Franciscian Monestary in Brookland), designed by CUA's Architecture Students.  The full article can be found here.
"The process began in 2010. Fourteen students were charged with designing a 350-square-foot cabin to house not just monks, but anybody who wanted to withdraw from this world of perpetual connectedness. (Eventually, the Fransciscans want to build as many as four modern hermitages on their grounds to rent out, for one week at a time.) As a preliminary exercise, instructor Bill Jelen asked the students to turn off their various electronic implements for an hour and just sit by themselves. 'It’s amazing how many people couldn’t do that,' Jelen says."

It's seems like a very interesting idea, and one that many of us could potentially benifit from. Especially considering the hyperconnected, stress magnified, perpetual motion world we live in inside the beltway.  More information on the hermitage can be found below:
http://www.myfranciscan.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=158&Itemid=62
http://publicaffairs.cua.edu/releases/2012/franciscan-hermitage.cfm

WACIF/DSLBD 12St NE Business Corridor Needs Assessment Survey

  The Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF), in partnership with the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD), is conducting a business needs assessment for the Brookland  12 St NE Business Corridor. The survey is asking residnets for inputs regarding what changes you would like to see take place on 12th St including businesses, accesibility and safety.  The Poll is quick and shouldn't take more than 5 minutes, and could be helpful in attracting new business opportunities to the neighborhood.  The Survey can be found here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/8HMVCWX
  WACIF is a non-profit community development loan fund located in Brookland, whose mission is to empower underserved communities and individuals in the Washington, DC metropolitan area by providing access to capital and technical assistance to small businesses, childcare centers, affordable housing developers, and community organizations.

Broadway Comes to CUA: Presenting "Nine"

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.

Capital Bikeshare Hits Brookland

  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

  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!

Dog Found...Help us out!

Once we woke up this AM, we let our dogs out to pee before their walk as usual  and saw a little white dog scurry up the street. Then around 11 while out walking the two of them, we were approached by the same little white fella (looks to be a Bichon Mix) and were followed for about five blocks up 8th to Buchanan. We then spent the next 2 hours scouring the neighborhood all the way up to Providence to see if anyone knew him.  Alas, we had no luck,  If you know this dog or he looks vaguely familiar, PLEASE send us a message.  We already have two large dogs and can't handle a third.

Brookland, The District's Craft Beer HQ?

  There is no hotter trend in the country right now than the home and craft brewing movement.  A month doesn't go by where the Mid-Atlantic Brewing News doesn't run an article on a group of old friends whose love of suds has turned into a budding business.  Often these small batch, craft or artisan (a word we think is thrown around way too much these days) brewers are responsible for creating some of the most uniquely inspiring beers available.  It seemed that this country wide trend, however, was skipping over DC. 
  The Nation's Capitol has no shortage of brew pubs and beer spots (i.e. Cap City, District Chop House etc...), but a true brewery has been absent from the landscape...until recently.  The much publicized start up, DC Brau, has pumped life into a DC Beer scene that has laid dormant since the Heurich's ceased production in the late 50's.  As the buzz around DC Brau gradually turns into a dull roar (and deservedly so...the promise is all too exciting), it seems that the emerging beer culture sprouting in Brookland is going unnoticed. 

Mount St. Sepulchre

  Known more for it's plethora of Roman Catholic institutions, hence the "Little Rome" moniker, Brookland is not the first name that comes to mind when you think of brewing.  This may be changing!  The active home brewing movement seems to be growing each year, with more and more residents deciding to take the plunge into back yard fermentation chemistry.  This however, is not what qualifies Brookland to be the new home of brewing in the District.  This distinction is being formed by two fledgling brewing operations, one by a Brookland resident, that could move the quite neighborhood into the brewing spotlight.
  Brookland resident Nathan Zeender has turned his passion for beer into more than just a simple home brew operation.  DesJardin Brewing is a small batch brewing operation taking place in NE, that attempts to bring traditional monastic brewing to life in DC.  What makes Nathan's endavour more unique is that he is utilizing ingridents he cultivates himself on the grounds of Mount St. Sepulchre Franciscan Monastery (if you have never visited the monastery it is a must for any DC'ite)  He has planted and maintained a decent sized crop of hops as well as several bee hives to use in his creations.  While this fermentation endeavor has gotten some press, there is yet another newly announced operation that could bring even more attention to Brookland.
 
Enter Chocolate City Beer.  The name itself causes people to do a double take and look a little harder.  The brew operation named after the 80's era moniker for the District has just laid down roots in Brookland (ok technically Edgewood but who's really keeping track) in the last two weeks.  The brewery was the brain child of friends Ben Matz, Jay Irizarry and Brian Flanagan and was originally slated to be located in Anacostia.  The brew team however, has just signed a lease and began renovating a property at the head of the Metropolitan Branch Trail. The former Stone Cutting facility (then briefly occupied by a machinist), appears to ooze cool.   The planned micro, err...nano, brewery will look to distribute it's products regionally and hopefully have a nice tap room for tasting.

Chocolate City's Location in Brookland

  One thing is for sure, between DC Brau and what is taking place in Brookland, the brewing scene is alive and well in the District.  Only time will tell, however, whether the "Little Rome" moniker will be replaced with "Little Milwaukee!"

New Mural Going Up In Brookland

A new mural has been started on the side of Brookland Cafe/Inn on 12 St. NE.  The mural will definitely add some character and color to the developing street scape. Many residents are excited to see this mural go up and add to the distinctive aesthetic that Brookland already has.  However, some locals are not too thrilled with the way mural is turning out and question how well it represents the community.

What do you think of the 12th St. Mural?

CUA South Campus Redevelopment Advances

As we continue working our way through the twist and turns or ANC5A redevelopment, next on the list is Abdo Development's Brookland/CUA project.  Interestingly enough, as we began to dig in and get updates, CUA must have read out minds and made a release via their website on the projects status.  So rather then duplicate work, and mostly out of sheer laziness, here is the article for you reading pleasure.
"The redevelopment of Catholic University’s South Campus into a vibrant mixed-use, transit-oriented community advances with today’s announcement that Abdo Development has teamed with The Bozzuto Group, a Washington D.C. area-based residential real estate company, and Pritzker Realty Group, a Chicago-based real estate investment company, to finance the project.
“I am so pleased to welcome The Bozzuto Group and Pritzker Realty Group to the partnership that The Catholic University of America initiated earlier with Abdo Development,” said CUA President John H. Garvey.
“The redevelopment of the university’s South Campus — so important to CUA’s long-held goal of transforming the gateway to the heart of our university — has moved another step closer to fruition. These two new partners will bring an added dimension of expertise and resources to the effort, making us even more confident about the positive changes that await CUA and its neighbors.”
Jim Abdo, president and CEO of Abdo Development, said, “We are thrilled to have secured financing for our Catholic University redevelopment project. Through this partnership, we will achieve our vision of creating a new community made up of vibrant residential housing, artist studios and community space, as well as a main street with eclectic, local retail — all just minutes from the emerging 12th Street retail district and three Metro stops from Union Station.”

The multi-phase development is located on five city blocks in Washington, D.C.’s Brookland neighborhood, adjacent to the Brookland-CUA Metrorail station and just three miles north of the U.S. Capitol. The community will ultimately consist of a progressive mix of uses: approximately 720 residential units, 45 townhomes, 83,000 square feet of street-level retail, 15,000 square feet of artist studio space, a 3,000 square-foot community arts center, and 850 parking spaces.
Approved plans also include streetscape and hardscape improvements that will greatly improve the South Campus’s walkability, creating a lively, pedestrian-friendly atmosphere and significantly improving traffic patterns and pedestrian crossings along Michigan Avenue.
“We couldn’t be more delighted to be a part of the team working with Abdo Development and Catholic University to move this tremendous project forward,” said Tom Bozzuto, CEO of The Bozzuto Group. “Jim has created a great project, in a terrific location, and we are honored that he’s asked us to co-develop, build, and ultimately manage the community.”
Penny Pritzker, CEO of Pritzker Realty Group, noted that “The Catholic University South Campus redevelopment project is a prime example of mixed-use, transit-oriented, urban infill development. Coupled with Washington, D.C.’s favorable supply/demand outlook and the nation’s lowest unemployment rate, we are confident that this is a remarkably sound investment. We very much look forward to working with Catholic University, Abdo and Bozzuto to create a dynamic new community for the Brookland neighborhood.”
The development, scheduled to break ground by the end of next year, represents the first equity commitment by the recently-formed $75 million Bozzuto/Pritzker Realty Group joint venture."

Courtesy of  CUA Public Affairs (http://publicaffairs.cua.edu/releases/2010/10SouthCampusDevelTeam.cfm)

Deer Oh Deer!!!

  Living in a major metropolitan area affords little interaction with wild animals...not including the all too common rodent scurrying out from trash cans.  The District, however, is dealing with an animal problem that seems to be popping up in other cities (including Detroit and New York City)...White Tail Deer!  While many residents of Chevy Chase and neighborhoods near Rock Creek Park are used to seeing deer on a regular basis, the sighting's outside the heavily wooded sections of DC were nearly non-existent.  The past two summers, however, have shown a change in the typical range of the deer population in the City.  In August of 2009, several local news outlets reported on the recent explosion of the once negligible White Tail Deer population in Rock Creek Park.  The "Summer of the Deer" was capped off by deer encounters in a Silver Spring grocery store, as well as the now infamous doe that leaped into the lion's den ar the National Zoo.  However, it seemed as though much of N.E. DC was spared run-ins with the antlered terrors.  This is true no longer.

Deer at Ft. Totten Metro 7/20/10

   Starting as early as late April of 2010, deer began to make, what were thought to be extremely rare, appearances in and around the Ft. Totten Metro, Ft. Bunker Hill, and Queens Chapel.  As spring ran into summer, it seemed as if the sightings became an almost weekly event in much of the ANC 5A area.  Looking at aerial maps of the city shows how the lightly wooded strip park that runs from CUA right up through Queens Chapel and into Maryland lacks any connection to Rock Creek Park.  The same goes for an aerial view of Ft. Bunker Hill, which is almost an island of green alone in the suburban neighborhood of Brookland.  This means that deer are traversing through extremely urban neighborhoods in order to make it to their new homes in NE.  As common sense would dictate...this is not a very safe combination for any party involved. 
  Many residents enjoy walking through the park areas and encountering an animal often associated with the country.  However, the issues associated with a growing population of deer in a heavily urban area were quickly realized.  In late May, a deer was struck and killed on South Dakota Ave. causing a twocar accident that shut down the street for two hours.  Several homes in the area also report disappearing flowers (impatiens seem to be candy for the invading hordes) as they look to find new foraging grounds.  As the deer become more acclimated to interacting with humans, they also have a tendency to become non-responsive or even aggressive towards them.

Aerial Map of ANC 5A

  Any time you see the increase of an animal population, there is the  inevitable outcome of an increased presence of their predators.  "What would possibly prey on deer in the city ?" you may ask yourself.  The answer is simple...Coyotes!!  Many people don't associate Coyotes with the east coast, but area biologists now place the Coyote population in the DMV area over 1200.  Often a quiet night in Rock Creek Park is pierced by the howl of the wild canine.  As the deer population in the city increases, so will the potential for Coyote predation...and not just on deer (evidence of which can often be seen in Rock Creek).  Northern Virginia has seen an increase of coyote attacks on house pets as well as humans in past years, and it is no coincidence that this appears to be proportional with the increased deer population.
  The National Parks Service, which administers much of the green space in the city, is in a tough spot.  Culling the population seems to be necessary but very unpopular.  The question remains at how do you decrease a wild animal population in an major metropolitan area?  Suggestions have been numerous, and ranged from sharpshooters in RCP to catch and relocation programs.  Perhaps DC can take a note from the play book of Helena, MT (yes, we did suggest for the nations capital to follow suit with Montana) or even the booming mecca of Oshkosh, WI!  No matter what the ultimate solution is, the city needs to act soon before the negative impacts of deer interactions with humans become too great.

Turkey Thicket tabbed as Heat Relief Center

As the oppressive heat continues to have it's way with the Mid-Atlantic States, the DC Government continues to keep operate Heat Relief Centers throughout the city.  Turkey Thicket Rec Center in Brookland will remain open tonight until 9 PM to provide relief to local residents and citizens from across the city.
Turkey Thicket Recreation Center
1100 Michigan Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20017
(202) 576-6414

View Larger Map

DDOT Updated Bike Sharing Map

 As DDOT unveils it new proposed Bike sharing locations, it appears parts of ANC5A are deservedly included while others were completely ignored. Although CUA (at the Brokland Metro) and Downtown Brookland (12th and Newton) will soon boast new bike sharing locations, they remained the only neighborhood local's that were included in DDOT's expansion plan. DDOT hopes to have the mix of Bixi, Smart Bike and other bike sharing programs available to the new locations by fall of 2011, but only time will tell if DC will become the new Cophehagen.  Below is the newly updated DDOT Map showing the current and planned expansion sites for Bike Sharing.

View Capital Bikeshare in a larger map

Olympic Swimmer Teaches Life Saving Lessons at Turkey Thicket

Olympic gold medal swimmer and current men's 50-meter USA record holder, Cullen Jones, was at Turkey Thicket Rec Center today providing a potentially life saving lesson to local youths.  Jones, teamed with the Make A Splash Foundation, are taking a grass-roots approach to decrease the number of drownings in urban areas across the nation.  The program teaches local youths the fundamentals of swimming, as well as provides essential education to parents on the essentials of safe water play.  This all comes less than a month after the drowning of a local youth at Turkey Thicket...a subject all too close to Cullen.  At age 5, while playing in a city pool, Cullen nearly drown himself.  After this shocking moment, his mother enrolled him in a similar program and his love for the water began. 
The event has gotten a lot of media coverage, both locally and nationally, and has showcased one of the cities most modern recreation and swimming centers right in our own backyard.

The Brookland Food Beat

As the heat of summer imposes it's will on the DC area, it is time for a quick update on the food front.  There are two items to note  in particular taking place on 12th Street NE. 
  First is the long awaited ABRA decision regarding the Brookland Cafe.  We are happy to report that after a 6 month long battle, the Cafe has finally received it's ABRA Liquor License and is once again serving it's signature drinks and other alcoholic wares along with their wonderfully crafted food.  Although the Cafe has yet to update it's website menu, they have been  posting drinks specials on their Facebook page, as well as outside their establishment.  Congrats to the management, and we look forward to seeing what you can do to wow us!
  Second is the renovation and official name change of Bobby Q's restaurant to Optimism.  The ever changing store-front location, on the corner of Kearny and 12th St. NE, seems to be a revolving door for the restaurant and bar industry.  The long time location of  Nate's Comfort Zone became Bobby Q's Restaurant  about a 2 years ago (a barbecue and take-out location, turned bar/lounge), in which the bar was more acclaimed than the BBQ.  Recent refurbishment and renovation of the site showed an official change to a new name, Optimism (completed by new signage on the building).  Owned and operated by the owners of Bobby Q's, Optimism is billed as an upscale Bar/Lounge featuring live music, sporting events, late night drinks and a limited bar menu. 
  It is always good to see new ventures taking off on the Brookland Main Street, and we look forward to the contnue success of these two re-vamped establishments! 

Brookoland Home & Garden Tour 2010: A Decade Long tradition

  Well, after a short hiatus from Blogging (not by choice...blame Comcast for their terrible customer service and un-notified service schedule shuffling) we are back online and hoping to enrich your weekend.  Taking place this sunday,  June 6th, is the "crown jewel" of Brookland...The 2010 Home and Garden Tour.  The Greater Brookland Garden Club is hosting the 10th edition (that's right, the tour has been around for a Decade) of the neighborhood showcase, and it promises to be the best yet!  Beginning at noon, the tour consists of 16 residences in the Brookland area as well as a reception from 5 -7 (at 1703 Lawerance St NE).
  The theme of this years tour is "New Along 12th St."  Not only has 12th St. received a face lift in the past year, but several new and renovated business have sprung up along Brookland's main drag.  Four participants that deserve a prolonged visit are the recently renovated Brookland Firehouse (1227 Monroe St), the wonderfully quaint Aunt Bea's Bed and Breakfast (3619 12th St.), the always delicious Brookland Cafe (3740 12th St) and the construction site that will be Casey Trees Corporate Headquarter and Staging Area (3015 12th St).  Casey Trees will be running a neighborhood centered tree programs throughout the Tour and includes a sneak peak of their new office, a mini treewalk, a tree care expo and the one we are looking forward to most...their Rain/Rooftop Garden preview. 
  Tickets for the event cost $10 and can be purchased at Petals, Ribbons, and Beyond (3906 12th St. NE).  A full map and schedule of all participants and events will also be provided.  Make sure you make your way out and support our growing neighborhood!

Brookland Cafe Free Tea and Coffee Tasting

  Make sure you stop by the Brookland Cafe tomorrow, Saturday May 22 for a free Coffee and Tea Tasting from Organo Gold.  Organo will be sampling some of it's newest tea and coffee offering for free from Noon until 2PM.  It's a great chance to check out the Cafe's new menu offerings, or make a first time visit to the neighborhood gem!

Dear Vince Gray, Use Your Head...

  The usual sluggish stop and go morning commute through Brookland this morning had another factor to contend with...dreams and aspirations.  The dreams and aspirations of Mayoral Candidate Vince Gray to be precise.  Mr. Gray and his cohort of overly exuberant supports were out early this morning trying to rally support for the man looking to take the city by storm.  However, the lack of judgement displayed by Mr. Gray soured several community members.    "Lack of judgment?" you ask...let us explain. 
  As the cars inched along 12th St. NE towards the intersection of 12th and Monroe, they were greeted by the boisterous clapping and cheering on of Mr. Gray by his supporters, often encouraging drivers to honk their support...seems harmless enough, right?  Well when you combine this with the  fact that at the corner of 12th and Monroe is St. Anthony's Church, the waters muddy a bit.  Not because there is something inherently uber-sacred about the street corner a Catholic Church sits on, or because Catholic's are better than others.  No, it's when you add into the fact that in this Church at the same time Vince Gray has his supporters out yelling, whistling and getting honks, a funeral was about to start. Yes a funeral! Now how could one know a funeral was about to start?  Simple, the hearse was being unloaded with the priest and family members helping to move the coffin into St. Anthony's.  Some may say "Well, Mr. Gray does not control where his supporters choose to hold rallies," and they may be right.  Except for the fact that Mr. Gray himself was walking up and down in front of the church, between lanes of traffic no less, trying to rally support by talking to motorists. 
So let's get this straight Mr. Gray, your plan to win over members of this community are as follows:

1. Increase traffic congestion for your own gain.
2. Walk in the middle of Traffic during rush hour.
3. Attempt to stop motorists on a congested street and talk to them.
4. Allow your campaign supporters to carry on across the street from a Church while a family attempts to mourn.

Now while none of these demonstrate anything ethically or morally askew in Mr. Gray, it does show a distinct, and particularly pointed, lack of judgment. Looking back at politicians and their careers, one is lead to believe that having sound judgment is key to being successful.  It's always about the little things Mr. Gray, and with regards to your display this morning, you failed. Please, use your head next time and we look forward to seeing a much better thought out plan in the future.

 
Note: The Totten Life does not endorse any particular candidate...it simply reports on local events and the impact they have on the local community.

Washington Hospital Center Nursing Protest

  Along the Michigan Ave. entrance to the Washington Hospital Center, dozens of Nurses and supporters are out braving the elements protesting changes to the nursing contract proposed by the hospital's new management.  Negotiations between Nurses United of the National Capital Area and WHC's new head honchos have been ongoing for weeks, attempting to bridge the gaps dividing the two sides.  The major issue seems to be a proposed change in staffing levels.  The 1,600 nurses employed by WHC are citing that a change to the current staffing levels (proposed by WHC as a cost saving measure) will cause a drop in the quality of care patients will receive, in particular patients with critical needs.  As the current Nursing contract expired yesterday (originally slated to expire April 24 but extended through May 10), the nurses are out in mass taking their message to the street.


Q: What do you do when your nose goes on strike?
A: Picket. 

In Bloom: Time for DC's Farmers Markets

View DC Farmers' Markets by The Totten Life in a larger map
  As the weather continues to warm and the sun shines hotter around the DC Metro area, the ever expanding field of Farmer's Markets begin to open. The once limited selection, that boiled down to a choice between Eastern Market and Foggy Bottom, now has blossomed to 25 seasonal and year round markets. In particular, Brookland now boasts two seasonal Farmers' Markets which are both slated to open in the coming weeks. It is a perfect chance to get out enjoy the beautiful weather and support our local and community growers and merchants. If you have any knowledge of DC Farmers Markets not listed on the map, let us know!!! Happy hunting!