Woodridge Farmers Market Relocates

The Marketplace in Woodridge relocated to 3001 Bladensburg Road NE in the Fort Lincoln neighborhood. According to market manager and founder Janice Booker, the new location is in the center of residential buildings “in a beautifully landscaped patio area.” Ms. Booker said parking and transit links are excellent (MetroBus lines H6 and B9) and the market is only 5 minutes from its former location on Rhode Island Avenue. The year-round market offers fresh produce on Wednesdays from 10am to 2pm and Saturdays from 8am to 2pm. Homemade goodies—including options for diabetics—are available on the first Saturday of the month.

For more information call (202) 529-3610 or email info@themarketplace1915.com.

Hearing Scheduled for Col. Brooks Development

A public hearing has been scheduled for developer 901 Monroe Street LLC to present its plans and seek approval for a new mixed-use development on the site of Colonel Brooks Tavern and several surrounding properties. The hearing will take place on January 19, 2012 at 6:30 pm at the D.C. Zoning Commission. The proposed project will contain 205-220 apartments and 12,720 square feet of ground-floor retail space. There will be approximately 150 below-grade parking spaces and 66 bicycle parking spaces. The proposed building height is approximately 60.7 feet.

Testimony from individuals and organizations can be given in person or submitted in writing. For more information go to www.dcoz.dc.gov.

AARP Holiday Luncheon to Feature Poetry, Song, Dance

The annual holiday luncheon gala of AARP Brookland-Woodridge Chapter 2414 will celebrate the glory of Christmas through poetry, song and dance. The celebratory event will take place on Monday, December 19, 11:30 am – 2:30 pm at Northeastern Presbyterian Church, 2112 Varnum Street NE. A donation of $25.00 per person covers lunch, DJ and entertainment. For tickets, contact Edith Roberts, 202-635-7736 or Phelonese Suber, 202-526-0331.

Monthly Happy Hour Draws Local Crowd

In the spirit of getting to know one’s neighbors, local resident Jennifer Parker organizes monthly happy hours at a rotating list of nearby watering holes. The happy hours are “come one, come all” and take place on the first Thursday of every month. The November happy hour at Lace on Rhode Island Avenue attracted more than 65 residents.

Locations are announced in advance on local listservs and Jennifer’s facebook page at facebook.com/jenniferlynnparker3. Email jennifer.parker3@yahoo.com for more information.

5D CAC Officer Elections

The Metropolitan Police Department 5th District Citizens Advisory Council (5D CAC) will hold officer elections at its December 15 or January 26 monthly meeting. Meetings are held at 5th District headquarters at 1805 Bladensburg Road NE. For more information, including how to join, go to www.5dcac.org. Join the MPD-5D yahoo group to receive regular updates.

Archbishop Carroll Launches Mentorship Program

In November, Archbishop Carroll High School launched its inaugural Women of Carroll event, at which high school girls were paired with alumnae mentors. Since Archbishop Carroll has been coed for only 21 years, the mentors “are young and dynamic and many of them are deeply involved in their careers,” said Bunny Polmer, Archbishop Carroll public relations manager.

The program is intended to help young college-bound women navigate the challenge of preparing for college and careers.

The event took place in the cafeteria, where the air buzzed with the chatter of people getting to know each other. An “ice breaker” eased the way: each student was given a list of personal facts she had match to each mentor by going around the room and asking them questions.

Junior Adaire Crabbe said she was looking forward to meeting her mentor at the event. “I’m hoping to get a person to look up to – someone besides my parents,” she said.

Ms. Crabbe, a Brookland resident, said she wanted to go to dance classes or horseback riding or ice skating with her mentor. She said her “dream” is to go to Syracuse University and major in science.

Michelle Dorsey, Archbiship Carroll class of 1990, was present to meet her student mentee. Ms. Dorsey, who is an educational counsellor with the College Board, said she was pleased to be a part of the program. “I’m excited that this program is up and running and it gives alums the opportunity to connect with current students.”