bloomingdale (for now) blog wants people to clean up their firework trash. Couldn't agree more. Shoot some bottle rockets, throw some black cats, whatever...just spend a few mins picking up the trash.

Vodka, beer, wine, fireworks, and the occasional treebox Victoria's Secret.

>submitted via Si from Life In Mount Vernon Square blog <

It's time to start highlighting some of the nice looking areas of the city too. My wife has dubbed this section "Beauty in the City". There are lots of great gardens and treeboxes out there. Here's one located close to 10th & P streets. Enjoy.

>don't forget to send me your highlights. email<

I'm happy to announce the kick-off of a neighborhood monthly clean up project. Myself, with the support of ANC2C02.org are launching this monthly project as a way to clean up hot spot areas in and around Shaw. This is planned to kick-off in August and will happen the second Saturday of every month.

The objective is to clean up targeted areas and create some long-term results in keeping areas clean and litter free. Plus, this is a great way to get out and meet others in the community and help clean up the environment.

Here are the details for the initial clean up. We'll target the 7th Street corridor from Rhode Island Ave. to New York Ave.

• Saturday, August 11, 2007 (not the 4th)


• 9:00 AM


• Meet at the Watha Daniel Library and we'll disperse from there. Bring gloves, friends, and some water for yourself.

Plus, we'll be doing a frequent litter-picker card. Get your card stamped three times and get a free gift!

Also, check out the flyer and share with your friends. Design donated by my wife, SugarB Studio.

VIEW FLYER

Rob Goodspeed, over at The Goodspeed Update blog, put together this cool post about street liquor economics. It's a fun, interesting read about the cans of Steel Reserve High Gravity and the bottles of Velicoff Vodka that plague our streets.

Check it out.

Did you know,

Sixty-four percent of the city’s largest trees died between 1973 and 1997.

The District’s tree-planting efforts stalled during those years as people moved to the suburbs and tax funds declined, said John Thomas, the arborist for the District’s urban forestry administration.

Read more in the article about how they are working to increase DC's tree population.

UPDATE:
The Goodspeed Update has a cool post about tree's in the city.

Mark your calendars for the 7th Street Garden BBQ.

• When: Sunday, August 5th


• Time: 3-6 PM


• Where: 7th street between P & Q

They are also looking for some volunteers and material donations to help support this event.

Volunteers needed to:
- Event promotion the week of July 30 (flyer's and chalking the sidewalk)
- Make/provide a side dish and drop off Saturday August 4 or Sunday August 5 (some menu items are hummus, salsa, pasta salad, salad, veggies and dip, bean dip, watermelon/fruit, DESSERT, etc.)
- Help with children's activities the day of the BBQ (making pots and planting seeds, painting a mural)
- Run the grill the day of... flipping burgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers, etc.
- Welcome crew and give tours of the Garden
- Setting up on the day of BBQ-- decorations, tables, chairs, activities, etc.
- "The Life Saver": Keeping food filled, ice in the cooler, and general little tasks that make this job crucial!
- DJ with CD's when the band isn't playing

Materials we would like to borrow or receive:
- Coolers
- Paper plates, napkins, plastic silverware (of course, we'll take the biodegradable kind too!)
- Paints and brushes
- Fold-up Tables
- Charcoal and lighter fluid
- (we'll also gladly accept donations to support the cost of this event)

To learn more:
Liz Falk, Director, Garden Programs, The 7th Street Garden
7thstreetgarden ]at[ gmail.com | (202) 441 9678