The Brookland Blog

Happy Great Brookland Yard Sale Eve!

2011-05-06T15:26:00.000-07:00

All systems are go for the Great Brookland Yard Sale! Tomorrow, Saturday May 7th from roughly 10am-2pm (individual sales may vary) there will be over 80 individual yard sales all over our neighborhood. Also, don't miss the 40 sales tables set up in front of St. Anthony’s School. The forecast calls for a perfect spring day - 72 degrees and mostly sunny.
Remember, you can print the yard sale map by clicking on the link below the map to the left. Yard Sale locations will have a small supply of maps to assist you as well. Want a map downloaded to your smart phone? Scan this QR code ---->

Questions?: Send an email to BrooklandCivic@yahoo.com

Come early, stay late, find great deals and buy lots of stuff!

Good Eats at the GBYS

2011-05-06T15:04:00.000-07:00

We know you're going to work up an appetite while your bargain hunting. While there are a number of cafes, restaurants and take out places in Brookland, we want to let you know about some special GBYS day eats:

The Guildfield Baptist Church will be selling fish, chicken, hot dogs, funnel cakes and homemade pies and cakes and more (1023 Otis Street NE).

One of the many tables at St. Anthony’s School will be serving homemade St. Louis Style BBQ! Items will include ribs, grilled BBQ chicken, pulled pork sandwiches, mac and cheese, homemade coleslaw, corn muffins and lots more! Check out the entry on the map for more info. Time: 9 a.m. until dusk. (corner of 12th and Monroe/Lawrence)

The DC Chocolatier is having special giveaways just for the Great Brookland Yard Sale. Stop by for free samples of premium Dove Chocolate (3115 12th St. NE)

Awesome GBYS Coverage at Brookland Avenue Blog

2011-05-06T14:30:00.000-07:00

Check out the thorough and colorful coverage of the GBYS on the Brookland Avenue Blog. If you haven't checked out this blog before, please do so, it's a great resource for those of us in the Brookland community.

Over 80 Households Signed Up!

2011-05-04T06:36:00.000-07:00

Last night we hit a milestone. Actually, we are way over 80 households, if you cound that several yard sales are combine multiple households - and last we heard there will be 20 or more tables at St. Anthony's. GO BROOKLAND!

GBYS Google Map Improvements

2011-05-04T06:31:00.000-07:00

FYI, the GBYS Google map has been updated by changing the "pushpins" to numbers, which makes it easier to identify yard sales. We also made the numbers correspond to clusters of houses in order to make it easier for shoppers to make their way around efficiently. Big thanks to Astrid Joehnk for working on the Google for many hours.

City Paper Ad

2011-05-04T06:24:00.000-07:00

Many thanks go out to the Menkiti Group for sponsoring this GBYS ad in the City Paper.

70 and Partly Cloudy - We'll take that gladly!

2011-05-03T05:36:00.000-07:00

So far the forecast is holding, with only a 10% chance of rain on GBYS day(Saturday May 7th).

Free Cold GBYS Cider!

2011-05-03T05:32:00.000-07:00

Our neighbor at 912 Irving Street NE says to stop by for some FREE cold cider on GBYS day. We just ask that you be sustainable & bring your own cup.

Free Chocolate Samples at the GBYS!

2011-04-30T05:35:00.000-07:00

How awesome is this? Special giveaways just for the Greater Brookland yard sale! Stop by The DC Chocolatier's GBYS table for samples of delicious, premium Dove Chocolate products. Just in time for spring & summer - she will have White Chocolate Lemon cupcakes, a tasting of chocolate BBQ sauce and iced Chai. Also, learn how to host a tasting party for your friends or start your own chocolate business. The DC Chocolatier will be at 3115 12th St. NE.

69 and Sunny!

2011-04-29T06:41:00.000-07:00

The weather forecast for the GBYS is looking great! Keep those fingers and toes crossed that it stays that way.

GBYS on the Radio!

2011-04-28T20:48:00.000-07:00

Shani, the treasurer of the Brookland Neighborhood Civic Association, will be interviewed for about five minutes about the GBYS on WPFW 89.3 FM this Friday at 9:40 am. Many thanks to Gloria Minott, host of the Metro Watch program, and WPFW for giving us the air time and the plug!

GBYS - Back to Basics

2011-04-27T05:06:00.000-07:00

The Great Brookland Yard Sale is right around the corner! Here is some basic info:

WHAT IS GBYS?: The Great Brookland Yard Sale is a set date for Brookland residents to host concurrent yard sales. This year, the GBYS is organized by the Brookland Neighborhood Civic Association (BNCA).

WHEN IS IT?: Saturday May 7th from 10:00 AM until 2:00PM (individual yard sale times can vary)

RAIN DATE: Sunday May 8th

WHERE IS IT?: All over the neighborhood, in individual seller's yards! Also, there will be over 20 sales tables set up in front of St. Anthony's School on 12th St. NE between Lawrence and Monroe. Please see the map to the left of this post for individual addresses and information.

WHO DO I CONTACT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS?: Send an email to BrooklandCivic@yahoo.com

Ribs, Ribs and More Ribs!

2011-04-26T06:50:00.000-07:00

Wondering what you might eat while shopping till you drop? One of the tables at St. Anthony's School (corner of 12th and Monroe/Lawrence) will be serving homemade St. Louis Style BBQ! Items will include ribs, grilled BBQ chicken, pulled pork sandwiches, mac and cheese, homemade coleslaw, corn muffins and lots more! Check out the entry on the map for more info. Time: 9 a.m. until dusk.

Over 50 Households Signed Up!

2011-04-18T07:20:00.000-07:00

Now that we have hit such a great milestone, we need to make sure the word gets out!

We have been working on outreach to local area blogs, free press and paid advertising in DC area local papers and Craigslist.

We can't do it alone - we need help from sellers!
1) Tell your friends, family and co-workers about the GBYS and the Brookland Blog.
2) Post a flyer in your office (if you would like a flyer to print, please email us at brooklandcivic.yahoo.com)
3) Put a free add about your individual yard sale on Craigslist.
4) Take out your own add in the post or other publication.
5) On the day of the event, place signage to direct traffic to your sales.

It’s that easy. Working as a team we can make sure that we get lots of buyers to show up! Let’s get going Brookland!

Get yer QR Code!

2011-04-12T09:16:00.001-07:00

Scan this QR Code for instant mobile access to the GBYS Google map.

GBYS Ad is up on Craigslist!

2011-04-12T09:10:00.000-07:00

As we get closer to GBYS day (May 7th), we are going to start kicking it up with the advertising. Today, we started posting on Craigslist. Of course, word of mouth is what we really need too! Don't forget to "like" the Brookland Neighborhood Civic Association (BNCA) Facebook page for updates!

What's better than a yard sale?

2011-04-01T22:12:00.000-07:00

25+ yard sales! With about a month to go, the GBYS has 25 yard sales registered. Our advertising blitz will begin soon, so the more yard sales that are registered, the more sellers we will attract! Register now by emailing the Brookland Neighborhood Civic Association at BrooklandCivic@yahoo.com.

Plant Sale! Support the Garden Club at the GBYS

2011-03-25T14:54:00.001-07:00

The Greater Brookland Garden Club is teaming up with the BNCA's Great Brookand Yard Sale for a SPRING PLANT SALE!

“Great plants at great prices and all locally grown”

When: May 7th 2011 (same as GBYS) from 10:00am - 4:00 pm

Where: Long and Foster Parking lot at 12th and Newton NE

They will be selling garden plants such as perennials, some shrubs and small trees, mostly from Brookland gardens. They will also have herbs, vegetables, flowering annuals, and some house plants for sale.

For more info contact: Mary Pat Rowan blair-rowan@starpower.net 202 526 8821 or Jo Moore 202 526 2356 jo.gbgc@gmail.com

Get On The Map!

2011-03-24T11:20:00.000-07:00

The 2011 Great Brookland Yard Sale map is up!

Sign up by contacting the Brookland Neighborhood Civic Association (BNCA) at BrooklandCivic@yahoo.com and give us your name, address and hours of your sale. Simple as that! If you want to super charge your sale, you can also provide a list of items and pictures. The information you provide will be posted to our nifty google map to your left and will be used to create a printed map to be handed out to buyers. This will help you stand out and help buyers find your sale!

This year's GBYS will take place on Saturday, May 7th 2011. Stayed tuned for updates on this blog as well as the BNCA Facebook Page.

Great Brookland Yard Sale - Table/Space Rental

2011-03-23T07:16:00.000-07:00

Don’t have a yard? Or don't live in Brookland or near heavy foot traffic? You can still participate in the Great Brookland Yard Sale! St. Anthony Catholic School is teaming up with the BNCA, and renting tables for $20.00, or bring your own table for a $15 fee. Tables will be on 12th Street between Lawrence and Monroe beginning at 7:30 AM. The sale generally runs from 9:30 AM until 2:30 PM.

Cash is accepted or checks may be made out to "St. Anthony Catholic School." All proceeds directly benefit the school. If you have any questions or would like to reserve a table please contact Michael Thomasian, Assistant Principal.

michael.thomasian@catholicacademies.org
(202) 526-4657, ext. 105

~~Reminders~~
- The GBYS will take place on May 7
- Get updates by "liking" the Brookland Neighborhood Civic Association's Facebook page

GBYS - Register Now!

2011-03-17T10:19:00.001-07:00

Registration is now open for the 4th Annual Great Brookland Yard Sale!

To participate please email us at BrooklandCivic@yahoo.com and include your name, address and hours of your sale. If you want to super charge your sale, you can also provide a list of items and pictures. The information you provide will be posted to a dynamic google map on line and will be used to create a printed map to be handed out to buyers. This will help you stand out and help buyers find your sale among the many we hope to occur that day.

Here is some addition info:

WHAT IS GBYS?: The Great Brookland Yard Sale, GBYS, is a set date for Brookland residents to host concurrent yard sales. This year, the GBYS is organized by the Brookland Neighborhood Civic Association (BNCA). There are three goals for the GBYS: 1) To bring people from across the city into Brookland to see what a great community we have. 2) To get all of us out and about to meet our neighbors and 3) To get rid of our stuff and make a little bit of money.

WHEN: Saturday May 7th from 10:00 AM until 2:00PM (individual yard sale times can vary).

WILL PEOPLE SHOW UP?: Thus far, the GBYS has been a very successful event. But, it takes work. Like previous years, this is a volunteer event and a lot of the coordination will be done via the Brookland Blog, the BNCA Facebook page, the Brookland Listserv, other and poster flyers. We hope everyone in the Brookland community will do our part to get the word out. As with previous years we will be marketing the sale via local press that includes: The City Paper, DC North, WTOP Funformation calendar, Brookland Heartbeat, local blogs and other paid and free media.

Individuals are encouraged to share information about the GBYS with their neighbors (especially those who aren’t on the internet!), other neighborhood list serves, with local churches, your office-mates and so on. As in previous years, we will create a dynamic map of the yard sale and make it available to print for each yard sale to distribute to your shoppers. Last year the attendance was strong and it was a great event. Of course weather and other factors will play into attendance. But what do you have to lose?

TIPS: We can create the event and conditions favorable to the yard sale, but can’t guarantee that those attending will want to buy what you are selling. However, participants who provided more details about their yard sale – items for sale, pictures, etc, tended to have more traffic and sold more things. Location helps too; those on the edge of Brookland got less traffic than those in the heart of Brookland.

WHAT IF I DON'T HAVE A YARD? In past GBYS events, local churches made tables available at a nominal fee ($20 or so) for those without yards so that they would have a place to sell their items. We have inquired with these same groups and hope that they can continue this tradition, we will keep you posted.

Save The Date!

2011-03-08T15:49:00.001-08:00

Hello Great Brookland Yard Sale enthusiasts!! First off, I would like to thank Andrew for doing such a great job organizing the GBYS over the last few years. BRAVO!! As you may have heard, Andrew has passed the GBYS torch to the Brookland Neighborhood Civic Association (BNCA) - and we know we have some big shoes to fill.

Ok, first things first - this year's GBYS will take place on Saturday, May 7th 2011. Ok, so we are pretty new to this, so that's all we have right now. But we promise - lots more to come! Stayed tuned for updates on this blog as well as the BNCA Facebook Page.

If you would like to contact us directly, please feel free to email us at BrooklandCivic@yahoo.com and we will try our best to answer any questions.

For more info on the BNCA, please check out our website.

Thanks, and we look forward to a super-successful yard sale!

Shani

Treasurer, Brookland Neighborhood Civic Association

Ready, Set, Go!

2010-05-08T04:44:00.001-07:00

Come one, Come All!

The weather forecast is a bit sketchy, but as of this morning, the radar is clear and the forecast doesn't call for rain until late this afternoon. So the yard sale is on, and we encourage you to come on down to Brookland.

Questions about the Weather?

2010-05-07T10:29:00.000-07:00

Keeping our fingers crossed

Well the forecast for Saturday is not as good as it was yesterday. A 40% chance of scattered showers. Interestingly this was the same weather forecast we had last year and things turned out just fine. So keep your fingers crossed. We will check the radar and weather in the AM and post any needed updates in the AM!

If you plan on coming to Brookland, we look forward to seeing you!

How to Shop the Great Brookland Yard Sale

2010-05-04T06:13:00.000-07:00

Easy as 1, 2, 3...

Attention Brookland Shoppers!

We have worked hard to make your attendance at the great Brookland yard sale easy. If you're interested in attending just follow these three easy steps:

1) Pick an address from the map on the left side of the page and come on over the Brookland.
2) Each yard sale will have a complimentary map to guide you to other sales in the area.
3) You can also print a map by clicking on our google map on the upper left side of the this blog. (Note: select print pages 1-3 or a similar narrow range or it will print a rather lengthy document with all the yard sale descriptions.)

Finally, check the weather. In case of a rain out, the sale will move to Sunday, May 9th.

We look forward to seeing you in Brookland!

Get Ready, Get Set....

2010-05-04T06:09:00.000-07:00

Brookland is scrubbed and ready!

Neighbors, a quick comment to say how great Brookland looks thanks for the efforts of Rachel and her army of volunteers. Great job! As we hit the countdown to the 3rd Annual GBYS, here are a few things to keep in mind.

First, we are marketing the yard sale in the following publications:
1) The City Paper (On line and in Print)
2) This weeks Washington Post and Express (Weds - Saturday)
3) Craig's List

Our efforts have also been picked up by local blogs. Of course, this doesn't garuantee that any of us will sell all that we want to sell or that folks will folk to Brookland, but it does put us on their radar screens.

Remember the best marketing is word of mouth. So please tell you friends, co-workers, fellow congregants and others about the GBYS!

Maximizing Your Sale

Remember, the yard sale map lists all sales and printed copies will be delivered this week by our sponsor the Mekiti group. If you submitted you name after April 23rd, you'll be on the on-line map and not on the printed map.

But all yard sales should remember that signage, balloons or other appropriate markers will help shoppers find their sale from the main routes through Brookland. So make sure to help customers find you sale. (And please remember to clean up your signs after the event).

Good Luck!

Making the most of the GBYS 2010!

2010-04-18T11:17:00.000-07:00

What we are doing, what you can do.

If there is one great way to promote a yard sale it is by word of mouth. Folks you know, work with or organizations you belong to are great ways to get the word out about the Great Brookland Yard Sale.

One of the neat things about our event is that it is loosely organized and you are free to take whatever actions you feel appropriate to promote your individual yard sale. We will focus on promoting the community wide event, putting together the online yard sale map and getting a printed version of it completed for everyone to have on hand on the big day.

What We Will Do:
1) Outreach to local area blogs to promote the GBYS and the Brookland Area
2) Outreach for free press and paid advertising in DC area local papers.
3) Send invitation letters to local churches and their members to visit us for the GBYS.
4) Advertise, as appropriate (and affordable) in Washington Post, other papers.

What you can do:
1) Tell your friends, family and co-workers about the GBYS and the Brookland Blog.
2) Post a flyer in your office (Flyer to follow!)
3) Put a free add about your individual yard sale on Craigslist.
4) Take out your own add in the post or other publication.
5) On the day of the event, place signage to direct traffic to your sales.

It’s that easy. Working in tandem we can make sure that we get good attendance and each of you has the ability and tools to maximize the information about your individual sales for potential shoppers. So let’s get going Brookland!

Brookland Clean Up Day, May 1, 2010

2010-04-18T11:12:00.000-07:00

Company is coming!

Our neighbor Rachel has organized a community-wide clean up day for Saturday, May 1, 2010.

Details are in her posting to the listserve which reads:

Hi clean up team,

The May 1 clean up is coming together!

The Menkiti Group has agreed to host a little party with ice cream and raffles for cleaners in their offices from 12-1 on Saturday. Thank you, Mary!

Also, thanks so much to Liz for putting her design skills to use in making up a flier/poster for the clean up! I'm attaching two versions-- please use them to advertise the event to your neighbors. One is a general one, and one is fill-out-able (either by hand or computer)-- that is, you can write in your name and print it out to hand to neighbors and others you might want to recruit for your area. I'll make a bunch of copies of both-- let me know if you need some and I can drop them by or leave them on my porch for you to pick up.

I'm also attaching a map with clean up zones marked off. As you can see, a lot of Brookland is covered, but there are areas in the "heart of Brookland" that don't have coordinators or volunteers yet. If you know anyone who lives in this area and would be willing to lead the charge, please put them in touch with me or Caroline. We need to cover more ground!

I've requested that DPW pick up full trash bags on Saturday from three locations-- 12th and Monroe, 12th and Franklin, and 18th and Monroe. We could only choose three places-- I chose the locations based on existing volunteer coverage and also where I know there'll be a lot of trash. Bags from other parts of the neighborhood should be placed in alley trash cans or brought to these locations. I'll keep you posted on this.

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. In the meantime, please spread the word and get your neighbors excited about the clean up! I'm looking forward to seeing a brighter, cleaner Brookland in just a few weeks!

Brookland Clean Up and Beautification Day - 2010!

2010-04-09T12:03:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendars!

The (first annual?) Brookland Clean Up and Beautification Day will be held on Saturday, May 1 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.

We'll clean up Brookland streets, sidewalks and gutters in preparation for the Great Brookland Yard Sale and in celebration of Spring.

Grab a neighbor, some trash bags, and just come on out!

At noon, the Menkiti Group will host a party to celebrate our new clean streets, location TBD.

Thanks to the Brookland Neighborhood Civic Association, Menkiti Group, Long and Foster, and Greater Brookland Garden Club for their support of this effort.

Please email Rachel MacClerry as rmaccleery@yahoo.com if you have any questions about this event or would like her to put you in touch with the coordinator for your part of Brookland.

Thanks and hope to see you there!

Marketing Begins

2010-04-07T11:16:00.000-07:00

City Paper Ad

As the yard sale date approaches, we are starting to roll out promotions. Starting today and for the next three weeks the ad below will be in the DC City Paper (April 16th print edition) and on their website.
As in years past we will hit up a variety of affordable and effective channels to get the word out. (City Paper, Craigs List, Etc).

Keep in mind that as this is a crowdsourced event, any Brooklander should feel free to take out similar ads in the Post or other appropriate forums!

City Paper Ad:

Neighborhood: Brookland/Catholic University

3rd Annual Great Brookland Yard Sale!

Your friends in Brookland invite you to the 3rd Annual Great Brookland Yard Sale!

The sale will take place on Saturday, May 8, 2010 with dozens of sales at homes across Brookland. A great opportunity to enjoy an interesting neighborhood and shop for all sorts of bargains.

Maps, hours and additional information are available at the yard sale website at www.brooklandblog.blogspot.com

Free Financial Fair in Adam's Morgan

2010-04-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

Capital Area Asset Builders 3rd Annual Financial Fair

Well, since the economy has been all but a circus this past year, I guess having a financial fair would be a good way to cope! The Capital Area Asset Builders (CAAB) will be hosting their annual financial fair on Saturday, April 10, 2010 at the Reeves Center at 14th and U Streets, NW. It's a great opportunity to take control of your financial future (minus the scary enthusiasm of Suzie Orman.)

At the fair you will be able to obtain:

Free tax preparation services
Free credit reports
Free financial planning sessions
Information & Exhibits.

You certianly can't argue with the price here, so why not learn more about this great event by chekcing out their website here.

Give Something Back

2010-04-02T06:39:00.000-07:00

A SAFE Bet?

We all know the economic crisis has hit our community hard. It has also drained support services for the most vunerable in our community. If you are looking for a place to share some of your yard sale proceeds, the Brooklandblog has been contacted by a local group that would welcome your contribution.

The Group is Safe, Inc.

SAFE, Inc. is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization that provides crisis intervention services for over 5,000 domestic violence victims in the District of Columbia every year.

They are the only organization that provides immediate emergency shelter 24 hours a day 7 days a week and are in need of funds to continue to provide this service. A donation of $100 buys 1 night of safe shelter for a woman and her children, and $250 provides two nights of safe shelter and one week of food to allow that family to obtain a longer-term safe place to live, legal assistance, and more. In times of economic crisis and during the Summer months, domestic violence rates rise in the District and across the country. Those two factors combined means that we are headed for a very busy time of year and need the support of District residents to serve this very vulnerable population.

Last year as the economy continued to crumble, we experienced an 11% increase in the number of clients we served. This year has shown the same increase again. I am happy to provide additional information about SAFE, Inc. for you or anyone in Brookland who are interested in supporting us. Our website is located at http://www.dcsafe.org/

Spread the Word Far and Wide

2010-04-02T06:05:00.000-07:00

Update

The Great Brookland Yard Sale continues to grow, with a total of 16 sales signed up as of this morning. You can get additional information and keep up with developments at the brookland blog at www.brooklandblog.blogspot.com.

The challenge for this weekend is to continue to get the word out to neighbors and friends, especially those who are not on the listserve.

As always, we have done our best to make it easy for you.

First, you can print a GBYS flier at home to hand out (Just email me at fortinandrew@hotmail.com) and I'll forward it to you.

OR

You can stop by the Mekiti Group offices at 2710 12th Street, NE. They have preprinted fliers for you!

We continue to be on track for another great event!

No Yard? No Problem!

2010-03-28T13:16:00.000-07:00

Saint Anthony's to Host Yard Sales!

St. Anthony Catholic School, located on 12th and Lawrence, will also host their outdoor market on Saturday, May 08 from 10-2 PM.

Tables can be rented for $20.00 each. Advance purchase only.

To book a table contact Michael Thomasian at michael.thomasian@catholicacademies.org

This is a great option for those without yards of those who live on the outer edge of Brookland.

Big thanks to Mike Thomasian for coordinating this!

2010 Yard Sale Map Posted!

2010-03-18T20:17:00.000-07:00

Put yourself on the map!

Ok Team Brookland, the 2010 Yard Sale Map is posted (see the map to the left). Time to start spreading the word and to sign up.

Put your sale on the map by emailing me your address, sale hours and any items you may want to sell.

Brookland Yard Sale FAQ

2010-02-28T15:28:00.000-08:00

What is the Great Brookland Yard Sale?

GBYS FAQ:The Great Brookland Yard Sale, GBYS, is a set date for Brookland residents to host concurrent yard sales. There are three goals for the GBYS: 1) To bring people from across the city into Brookland to see what a great community we have. 2) To get all of us out and about to meet our neighbors and 3) To get rid of our stuff and make a little bit of money.When is the Great Brookland Yard Sale?The Great Brookland Yard Sale is scheduled for Saturday, May 8, 2010 from 10:00 AM until 2:00PM (individual yard sale times can vary). The date was selected by a public survey on the Brookland Blog (http://www.brooklandblog.blogspot.com/) notice of which was posted to the Brookland list serve.

What do I need to do to participate in the GBYS?

Drop me an email at Fortinandrew@hotmail.com and provide your name, address and hours of your sale. If you want to super charge your sale, you can also provide a list of items and pictures. The information you provide will be posted to a dynamic google map and used to create a printed map each person can hand out at your yard sale. This will help you stand out and help buyers find your sale among the many we hope to occur that day.

How will the GBYS be marketed? Will People Show Up?

Like last year, this is a volunteer event and a lot of the coordination will be done via the Brookland Blog, the Brookland Listserve, and electronic communications. Our goal is to provide a common framework that Brookland residents can plug into and we can each to our part to get the word out. As with last year we will be marketing the sale via local press that includes: The City Paper, DC North, WTOP Funformation calendar, Brookland Heartbeat, local blogs and other paid and free media.

Individuals are encouraged to share information about the GBYS with their neighbors (especially those who aren’t on the internet!), other neighborhood list serves, with local churches, your office-mates and so on. As in 2008 and 2009, we will create a dynamic map of the yard sale and make it available to print for each yard sale to distribute to your shoppers. Last year the attendance was strong and it was a great event. Of course weather and other factors will play into attendance. But what do you have to lose?

Last year I participated and didn’t get any customers?

Sorry, we can create the event and conditions favorable to the yard sale, but can’t guarantee that those attending will want to buy what you are selling. However, participants who provided more details about their yard sale – items for sale, pictures, etc, tended to have more traffic and sold more things. Location helps too; those on the edge of Brookland got less traffic than those in the heart of Brookland.

What if I don't have a yard?

In past GBYS events, local churches made tables available at a nominal fee ($20 or so) for those without yards so that they would have a place to sell their items. We have inquired with these same groups and hope that they can continue this tradition, we will keep you posted.

Great Bookland Yard Sale 2010

2010-02-28T15:25:00.001-08:00

Date has been set: Saturday, May 8, 2010

Based on your feedback, the 3rd Annual Great Brookland Yard Sale will take place on Saturday, May 8, 2010.

Mark your calendars!

GBYS 2010: U pick the Date

2010-01-27T09:25:00.000-08:00

It's time to start planning!

Attention all Brooklanders, it's time to start planning for the 3rd Annual Great Brookland Yard Sale. While you start thinking about which of those holiday gifts you can unload, please review your calendars and take our survey to pick the date for this years event. The survey is on the top left of this page.

The dates under consideration are:

Saturday, April 24, 2010
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Saturday, May 15, 2010

As with years past, if there is inclement weather the GBYS make up day will be on Sunday.
Tell your friends so we can continue to grow the GBYS and to highlight our great neighborhood.

Great Brookland Yard Sale Video

2009-05-21T06:04:00.001-07:00

Great Brookland Yard Sale Photos

2009-05-12T05:54:00.000-07:00

Brookland Avenue Blog - Photo Spread

Tyler at Brookland Avenue posted some great pictures of the GBYS. Check them out here.

Feeling Blue?

2009-05-12T05:48:00.001-07:00

This week marks National Police Week.

There will be several events in the District of Columbia to honor not only the law enforcement officers the DC Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), but also law enforcement officers from the various states and the federal government. This week was set-aside by a Presidential Proclamation signed by President John F. Kennedy in 1962.

The primary purpose during this week’s events is to pay special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. Prayerfully, there have not been any law enforcement loss of live within the District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department. Please join me and the 5th District Citizens’ Advisory Council in honoring the service of DC MPD officers and other law enforcement officers around the country.

Brookland Avenue

2009-05-11T06:06:00.000-07:00

New Blog Featuring Brookland!

I had the chance to meet Tyler during the Great Brookland Yard Sale. He's launched Brookland Avenue, a new blog featuring Brookland news and activities. Check it out.

Send in Your Pics!

2009-05-11T06:04:00.000-07:00

Show off the GBYS

Another big thank you to all who put in their time and effort to make the GBYS another success!
I was out and about with my camera and will be editing the photos this week, so please check back here to view. Also, if you took any pictures, then feel free to send them in or send me a link and I'll publish it.

GBYS Another Success

2009-05-10T06:14:00.000-07:00

Looking forward to 2010

Thanks to everyone for their contributions of time and effort to make the 2009 GBYS a success. The weather was excellent. At the very least, it was a great day to get out and walk the neighborhood.

I got to visit some of the sales this year and will post some pictures and video this week. If you have any nice shots or clips, please send them in as we'll post them.

Looking into next year, we will be putting together a group of volunteers to help us with this growing event. Please look for the call on the listserve and the blog!

Thanks again everybody. It was a fun day.

Ladies and Gentlmen

2009-05-09T03:21:00.000-07:00

The Great Brookand Yard Sale is a GO!

Miracles do happen, the weather report today for for sunny weather at a high of 79!

The Great Brookland Yard Sale is on!

Don't forget to print the map to guide you shopping!

Let the Sunshine!

2009-05-08T05:53:00.000-07:00

We are Still A Go for Saturday!

The weather report for tommorrow is very similar to today's. Sun in the AM and showers hitting us later in the evening. So, unless we wake up to rain, it will be full speed ahead on the GBYS!

To be on the safe side, check back here in the AM. We will have a final update between 7:30 am and 8:00 am.

I'm guessing our collective goodwill will keep the clouds at bay!

How to Shop the Great Brookland Yard Sale

2009-05-06T07:15:00.000-07:00

Easy as 1, 2, 3...

We have worked hard to make your attendance at the great Brookland yard sale easy. If you're interested in attending, just pick an address from the map on the left side of the page and come on over. Each yard sale location will have a complimentary map that will help guide your to other sales in the area. OR you can print up the map (warning as it will contain yard sale summaries it will be many pages long!) and bring it with you.

So check the weather and come on down!

What if it rains on Saturday?

2009-05-06T07:11:00.000-07:00

The weather seems content to keep us guessing up until the last minute.

Per the weather channel this morning, there is an overall 60% chance of thunder storms on Saturday. But the good news is that Thunderstorms usually hit in the late afternoon or evenings.

The daytime forecast for Saturday is only a 40% chance of rain which increased to 60% later in the evening. So we will just have to keep an eye on the sky and this blog for updates!

On Saturday morning we will take a look at the data available and make a go or no go decision based on the local radar and other available info. So before you start setting up your sale, check here to see what the over all status is.

In case of rain:

If it does rain on Saturday and the yard sales are cancelled, Sunday has been scheduled as a back up day. Participation on Sunday, due to mothers day, won't likely be as high, but we can only play the hand we are dealt.

So check here for updates before you start to set up!

Complimentary Yard Sale Kits

2009-05-05T06:12:00.001-07:00

Delivery Scheduled Weds. thru Sat.!

Just an FYI, that the Menkiti Group will start delivering Yard Sale kits this Wendesday. The kits will contain copies of the yard sale map for customers and other goodies.

The kits will be delivered to addresses appearing on the printed version of the GBYS Map. You can view that map here.

The kits will be delivered between Wednesday PM and Saturday AM. If you signed up after April 29th, remember that you will be on the online version of the map, but won't be on the printed one. It is my understanding that kits will be going to those on the printed map only.

Looks like mother nature will keep us guessing up until that last minute. What a wet spring we are having. Keep thinking sunshine and remember to keep an eye on the blog for updates.

Weather Outlook

2009-05-04T05:38:00.001-07:00

30% Chance of Showers = 70% Chance of Sun!

It's been a dicey week looking at the forecast for Saturday and the Great Brookland Yard Sale. Last week the forecast was calling for an 80% chance of rain, but it seems luck is on our side and the evolving predictions have only a 30% chance for rain as of this morning. Keep thinking positive thoughts!

Yard Sale Map!

2009-05-01T13:55:00.000-07:00

Here's a preview of the printable map for the GBYS 2009. (Click for Larger)
Back

Making Your Yard Sale A Success

2009-05-01T13:44:00.000-07:00

Yard Sale Marketing Info:

Just a reminder that all the marketing of the yard sale that we've done promotes the overall GBYS. You'll need to put up signage and take other steps to ensure your sale is a success. Please read this so you understand what we are and are not doing to promote the big event.

Post Yard Sale Social

2009-05-01T13:41:00.000-07:00

San Antonio Bar and Grill

The San Antonio Bar and Grill has offered us extended happy hour prices and a place to gather following the Great Brookland Yard Sale. This would be a great opportunity for us to socialize and enjoy some refreshments. Since we will all (hopefully) have some cash in hand, why not?

If you are intersted, please drop me a quick email at: Fortinandrew@hotmail.com
This will let us alert them so they can be properly staffed.

Yard Sale Kits Coming

2009-05-01T13:39:00.001-07:00

Courtesy of our Sponsor: The Menkiti Group

The Menkiti group will be distributing yard sale kits on Saturday, May 9 before the yard sale kicks off. The kits will include several surprises, but most importantly, printed yard sale maps for you to hand out to shoppers to help them navigate Brookland. More details to follow.

Adopt a Sign!

2009-05-01T13:35:00.000-07:00

Help Pull in Traffic from Michigan and Rhode Island Aves:

We are looking for a few creative volunteers to post signs at four locations on the borders of Brookland to direct traffic into the yard sale areas. The locations are: 12th and Michigan, 13th and Michigan as well as 13th and Rhode Island and 12th and Rhode Island. If you want to help out drop me an email at fortinandrew@hotmail.com

This project would involve:
1) Making a sign that would be visible to passing traffic
2) Posting the sign in the morning on 5/9
3) Removing the sign following the yard sale.

And Now

2009-04-29T05:31:00.001-07:00

A Word from our Sponsor

I am very pleased to announce that the Menkiti Group is generously serving as the official sponsor of the Great Brookland Yard Sale 2009!

Headquartered in Brookland along historic 12th street and certified as an LSDBE, The Menkiti Group was founded in 2004 on the four core values of: Knowledge, Teamwork, Community and Excellence. The organization is a real estate services company dedicated to enhancing the fabric of life in America’s urban neighborhoods through the strategic development, management and sale of mid-market residential and commercial property.

The Menkiti Group will be providing yard sale kits to all those who are signed up as participants in the Great Brookland Yard Sale. The kits will include a bunch of goodies as well as printed maps of the Great Brookland Yard Sale for you to hand to shoppers to help them navigate the GBYS! Better yet, the kits will be delivered to you!

A big thank you to the Menkiti team for helping us build community!

Marketing Update

2009-04-28T13:36:00.000-07:00

City Paper, Craig's List and Post

Just a quick update that online ads promoting the Great Brookland Yard Sale 2009 are up on the City Paper and on Craigslist. As of today I have submitted both and online and print ad for including the in the Washington Post which will run from Sunday, May 3 to Saturday May 9, 2009. The print ad will be as seen in the picture and the online add will be have more detail and I will provide a link when it is posted. Plus we are listed on the Wtop Funformation Calendar and the DC City Events Calendar! Oh and we are list on Councilman Thomas' website.

Keep in mind this advertising will promote the overall yard sale event, not your individual yard sale. Click here for more information on how you can make the most of your individual sale.

Check out our Olive Oil

2009-04-27T17:01:00.000-07:00

And make Popeye jealous...

A few years back a friend of our Keith decided he needed a new challenge. With some introspection he turned his interest in Olive Oil into a booming small business. In fact, here's what Keith about his business All Things Olive.

All Things Olive was founded in 2004 out of a desire to share our love for real, extra virgin olive oil. A trip to Paris a few years before included an unexpected stop in a shop dedicated to olive oil from around the world. This planted the seed that has grown into All Things Olive. Response to our presence at the Kensington Farmers Market has been wonderful, and we are planning for the day when we can open our own shop dedicated to the world's finest extra virgin olive oils.

All Thing Olive will be taking part in the Great Brookland Yard Sale and offering an array of olive Oils at 1254 Irving Street, NE. Come check it out!

Also, visit his website by clicking here.

Yard Sale Flyer

2009-04-26T07:35:00.000-07:00

Print them up, Post them Around!

Thanks to our neighbor Jenny, I present you with the GBYS Flyer! You can print this up, or go to the Brookland listserve on Yahoo where you will find the file under the Files section in the folder called Great Brookland Yard Sale 2009. Print up a few copies and post them in your office, at your church, or share with friends and family!

You can also email me at fortinandrew@hotmail.com and I can forward the file to you!

Marketing Update

2009-04-22T05:04:00.000-07:00

Invitations Mailed

Thanks to the help of your neighbor Gloria, this week we mailed out personal invitation letters to more than 15 local area congregations. The letters invited local pastors to post a flier about the GBYS and included draft announcement language for the church bulletin. As reported earlier we are also on the WTOP Funformation Calendar and will be placing classifieds (both print and on line) as we get closer to the event.

For more information on who the yard sale is being marketed and what you can do to help ensure your sale is successful, please read this.

Deadlines

2009-04-22T05:03:00.000-07:00

Map Deadline Approaching!

As of today, we have more than 46 families signed up for the Great Brookland Yard Sale. If you'll be hosting a sale or just shopping around it is shaping up to be another great opportunity to showcase our wonderful neighborhood. Thank you to all that have signed up, helped out and sent in positive comments.

As a quick note, we will soon start working on the printed map showing all the yard sales across Brookland. Copies of the map will be made available to yard sale participants the week before the sale to hand out to shoppers. To be included on the printed map, the deadline for submitting your yard sale is WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2009.

If you miss the deadline, you can still participate in the yard sale, and we can still list you on the dynamic google map, but we won't be able to put you on the printed version.

Just the FAQs!

2009-04-20T05:58:00.000-07:00

Great Brookland Yard Sale FAQ

I got a good email this weekend asking about the details fo the Great Brookland Yard Sale and it dawnded on me that I haven't updated the blog with some of the basic information on the sale. If you missed it, here it is...

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

What is the Great Brookland Yard Sale?

GBYS FAQ:The Great Brookland Yard Sale, GBYS, is a set date for Brookland residents to host concurrent yard sales. There are three goals for the GBYS: 1) To bring people from across the city into Brookland to see what a great community we have. 2) To get all of us out and about to meet our neighbors and 3) To get rid of our stuff and make a little bit of money.When is the Great Brookland Yard Sale?The Great Brookland Yard Sale is scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2009 from 10:00 AM until 2:00PM (individual yard sale times can vary). The date was selected by a public survey on the Brookland Blog (http://www.brooklandblog.blogspot.com/) notice of which was posted to the list serve.

What do I need to do to participate in the GBYS?

Drop me an email at Fortinandrew@hotmail.com and provide your name, address and hours of your sale. If you want to super charge your sale, you can also provide a list of items and pictures. The information you provide will be posted to a dynamic google map and used to create a printed map each person can hand out at your yard sale. This will help you stand out and help buyers find your sale among the many we hope to occur that day.

How will the GBYS be marketed? Will People Show Up?

Like last year, this is a volunteer event and a lot of the coordination will be done via the Brookland Blog, the Brookland Listserve, and electronic communications. Our goal is to provide a common framework that Brookland residents can plug into and we can each to our part to get the word out.As with last year we will be marketing the sale via local press that includes: The City Paper, DC North, WTOP Funformation calendar, Brookland Heartbeat, local blogs and other paid and free media. Individuals are encouraged to share information about the GBYS with their neighbors (especially those who aren’t on the internet!), other neighborhood list serves, with local churches, your office-mates and so on.As in 2008, we will create a dynamic map of the yard sale and make it available to print for each yard sale to distribute to your shoppers.Last year the attendance was surprisingly strong and it was a great event. Of course weather and other factors will play into attendance. But what do you have to lose?

Last year I participated and didn’t get any customers?

Sorry, we can create the event and conditions favorable to the yard sale, but can’t guarantee that those attending will want to buy what you are selling. However, participants who provided more details about their yard sale – items for sale, pictures, etc, tended to have more traffic and sold more things. Location helps too; those on the edge of Brookland got less traffic than those in the heart of Brookland.

What if I don’t have a yard?

St. Anthony Catholic School will host its annual spring market on Saturday, May 9th from 10:00 AM- 3:00 PM.This is the same day as the Greater Brookland Yard sale.Tables are now available for $20.00 each. Proceeds will go toward the 8th grade's class gift.
Please email Mike for more details.michael.thomasian@catholicacademies.org

Marketing Update

2009-04-17T20:07:00.000-07:00

GBYS on WTOP Funformation Calendar!

A great resource for what's happening around town, the Funformation Calendar run by WTOP is a great public service for their listeners. The GBYS is now listed as an event, which often means free plugs on air! Yay!

You can check it out here.

Yard Sale Update

2009-04-17T20:00:00.000-07:00

44 Yard Sales and Counting...

The map is up to date as of Friday, April 17, 2009 and we currently have 44 families participating!

If you don't see you name, let me know and I will get it up ASAP!

Hotmail is Down

2009-04-14T07:50:00.001-07:00

Hotmail is down

Hotmail is down this moring. If you sent me a message, I'll get to it as soon as Mircosoft fixes their servive.

Marketing Update!

2009-04-14T07:32:00.000-07:00

GBYS - City Calendar, We Love DC Blog

Just a quick update that the GBYS is listed on DC's citywide activities calendar, which you can view here. In addition, the We Love DC Blog has a very nice piece about the yard sale and Brookland in general. The GBYS has also appeared in the Brookland Heartbeat. Tonight I'll be meeting with the Brookland Civic Assoication to promote the event and to do outreach to those who preferr their social interaction to be real versus via internet. Oh yeah, and we are in the process of sending personal invitations to more than 20 congregations in the greater Brookland area.

We're just getting started!

Also, keep in mind that this outreach is promoting the overall yard sale day, not individual sales. Make your you ask yourself -

"How do I make sure my sale stands out among the more than 40 yard sales that day?"

The answer:

Submit a short list of your hot items to include on the yard sale map.
Take a FREE ad out on Craigslist (the Weds. before the sale) to promote you individual yard slae
Make sure you put up signage to direct traffice to your sale.
Tell anyone and everyone you know about the GBYS!

Earth Day Sack Lunch - If that's your bag!

2009-04-13T08:01:00.000-07:00

EARTH DAY PICNIC in Ward 5

Some of our environmentally conscious neighbors are hosting a picnic to raise awareness of the hazardous cargo that often rattles through our nieghborhood on the train tracks!

JOIN US! for BYO food & drink, croquet, frisbee-tossing & other Earth Day fun.

Bring your cameras & photo-document the hazardous cargoes that move along the RR tracks over a 6-hour period.

HEAR from:JIM DOUGHERTY (Sierra Club), RICK HIND (Greenpeace) & FRED MILLAR (Friends of the Earth) about the hazards associated with the ultrahazardous rail cargoes that move through the neighborhood -- and what we can do about it. ROBIN BUCK about the proposed development of MCMILLAN PARK. JERRY PELOQUIN & the GREATER BROOKLAND COALITION about the hyperdevelopment proposals that threaten the neighborhood. WHERE: Ninth Street Park - just below Colonel Brooks, along the RR tracks (9th & Kearney)WHEN: Earth Day ~ Saturday, April 18th, 10 am - 4 pm (rain date: April 19th)WHAT: Mostly fun & good conversation

On a personal note, growing up in rural Michigan I had friends who had to evacute their house for a MONTH, when a train carrying toxic chemicals derailed more than a mile away from their home, and that was in the country!

Keep Spreading the Word!

2009-04-11T06:59:00.000-07:00

Share this flyer with your neighbors!

Remember to take a minute to click on the image above, print and hand to your neighbors!

More than 30 sales scheduled so far with three additional activities - music, artisan olive oil tasting and the Garden Club Plant Sale!

GBGC Plant Sale!

2009-04-11T06:56:00.001-07:00

Garden Club Plant Sale, May 9, 2009

The Greater Brookland Garden Club has scheduled it's annual plant sale for Saturday, May 9, 2009 from 10 am to 4 pm in the parking lot of the Long and Foster offices at 12th and Newton Streets, NE.

Another great addition to the Great Brookland Yard Sale!

To sign up to help with the plant sale, please contact Ewan Brown at Ewan_Brown@verizon.net or call at 526-2356.

Yard Sale Marketing

2009-04-10T08:22:00.000-07:00

What I’m doing, what you can do.

If there is one great way to promote a yard sale it is by word of mouth. Folks you know, work with or organizations you belong to are great ways to get the word out about the Great Brookland Yard Sale.

One of the neat things about our event is that it is loosely organized and you are free to take whatever actions you feel appropriate to promote your individual yard sale. We will focus on promoting the community wide event, putting together the online yard sale map and getting a printed version of it completed for everyone to have on hand on the big day.

Check out one of our first plugs on the blog We Love DC, which just did a feature on Brookland and has a mention of the GBYS.

What We Will Do:
1) Outreach to local area blogs to promote the GBYS and the Brookland Area
2) Outreach for free press and paid advertising in DC area local press.
3) Send invitation letters to local churches and their members to visit us for the GBYS
4) Advertise, as appropriate (and affordable) in Washington Post, other papers.

What you can do:
1) Tell your friends, family and co-workers about the GBYS and the Brookland Blog.
2) Send in a yard sale story – a 500 word maximum ‘story’ about your yard sale
3) Post a flyer in your office (Flyer to follow!)
4) Put a free add about your individual yard sale on Craigslist.
5) Take out your own add in the post or other publication.
6) On the day of the event, place signage to direct traffic to your sales.

It’s that easy. Working in tandem we can make sure that we get good attendance and each of you has the ability and tools to maximize the information about your individual sales for potential shoppers. So let’s get going Brookland!

No Yard?! No Problem!

2009-04-07T06:58:00.000-07:00

Saint Anthony's to Host Yard Sales!

St. Anthony Catholic School, located on 12th and Lawrence, will also host their outdoor market on Saturday, May 09 from 10-3 PM.

Tables can be rented for $20.00 each. Advance purchase only. Call Mike Thomasian, (202) 526-4657.

This is a great option for those without yards of those who live on the outer edge of Brookland.

Big thanks to Mike and Jessica Thomasian for coordinating this!

Poetry Reading!

2009-04-07T05:51:00.000-07:00

Brookland Area Writers and Artists Present:

Wednesday, April 8, 2009 - The Brookland Area Writers and Artists* presentsBrookland Poetry Series # 62: Bloom.

Poems of flowering, pollination, opening up, getting started, burgeoning, efflorescing, fructifying, waxing, freshness, the opening of flowers in general, opening to higher perfection, things that are stately and plump, things that go Bloom! and a mass of wrought iron from the Catalan forge or from the puddling furnace, deprived of its dross, and shaped usually in the form of an oblong block by shingling. Now is the time when limbs unfold,When all our trademark trees explode, And crowds return in droves to gawk, To choke both city street and walk, So thick with tourists you can't get by 'em. So let's, with poetry, enjoy this time, Not all about flowers, not all about Spring. A few poems will be (thankfully) on other things.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009 @ 7:00 PM at the Brookland Visitors Center , 3420 9th Street, NE. The BVC is 1/2 block from Brookland/CUA Red Line Metro across Monroe Street, and right across 9th Street from Colonel Brooks' Tavern.This reading is free and open to all. For further information call (202) 526-1632 oremail mgushuedc@yahoo.com. Also see the website www.bawadc.com

Marketing Update

2009-04-06T05:50:00.000-07:00

Getting the Word Out...

Over the weekend outreach began to ensure the promotion of the the GBYS. Getting the word out and building excitement helps draw people to our event and timing is everything. To date we've taken the following steps to promote the yard sale:

1) Submitted a request to be placedon WTOP's Funformation Calendar. Last year, this was a very effective marketing tool, in addition to being on their online calendar, they did several on air announcments the weekend of the event. When the item gets posted, I'll provide a link.
2) Local blog outreach including: What's On, Washington, We Love DC and other blogs.

There is way more to come. As with last year, we will run ads in the city paper, craigslist, and other appropriate forums. Also, as with last year, we will mail invitation kits to local churches.
Feel free to share any ideas.

Yard for those without one

2009-04-05T08:17:00.000-07:00

Yard Sale "Commons" Needed...Any Ideas?

Last year we had two locations for folks without yards to set up their sales - St. Anthony's and the Church on 16th and Irving St. Unfortunately, both my contacts at these locations are no longer current. Any thoughts or ideas for a location for people to set up their sale if they don't have a yard?

Let me know your thoughts at fortinandrew@hotmail.com

20 Yard Sales, Live Music and an Olive Oil Vendor

2009-04-05T07:40:00.000-07:00

Shaping up to be a big event!

Thanks to your outreach efforts our yard sale count has now passed 20 sales and counting!

In addition to the yard sales we have added a live music stop at Dave's Yard Sale at 1300 13th Street, NE and an artisan Olive Oil market at Andrew and Sam's Yard Sale at 1254 Irving Street, NE.

Like last year, it's shaping up to be a major event to promote our community!

Keep up the good work Brooklanders!

Tell 2 Friends!

2009-04-03T07:06:00.001-07:00

Recruitment Weekend!

Thanks to Jenny, we now have a flier for you to print out and give to your neighbors. It contains all the information you need to know to get signed up for the Great Brookland Yard Sale!

So, help us get the word out!

Simply click on the image above and print it out on your computer.
Use a pair of scissors to cut it in half.
Take a copy and drop it off with your neighbor!

It's that easy!

Also, if you have formatting issues of clicking on the image above doesn't work you can:

1) email me a Fortinandrew@hotmail.com and I will send you a printable copy
or
2) You can go the files section on the Brookland Yahoo group, then go to the folder marked "Great Brookland Yard Sale 2009" and click on the file called GBYS Sign-up Flier.

Good Luck!

Thank you Brookland Heartbeat!

2009-04-02T05:50:00.001-07:00

Keeping an Eye on our Officials

First she got threated by Councilman Thomas, now she's exposing the largese of the Ward 5 ANC delegation. Let me just say as a Brookland resident I'm so glad we have Abigail out their keeping an eye on our elected officials. Her article on "Blackberry-Gate" is the kind of journalism that we need more of not only in DC, but across the country. Good Job!

In case you missed it, here's the opening paragraph with a link to the full story.

ANC 5A Votes to Buy Themselves Cell Phones

Chair Backtracks after Questions Raised

On March 2nd, Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 5A voted unanimously to buy top-of-the-line “BlackBerry” cell phones for themselves with public funds. More...

As volunteers our ANC Commissioners should be allowed reasonable reimbursement, but top of the line Blackberries seem out of line and out of touch with the current challenges facing Brooklanders.

Tell Two Friends about the GBYS

2009-04-01T05:53:00.000-07:00

And They'll Tell Two Friends

With the weather getting nice and a forecast for sunny skies this weekend, why not make a commmitment to tell two friends about the Great Brookland Yard Sale and encourage them to sign up?!

I'll post a form on the listserve later this weeek. You can print it up and hand it to two of your neighbors and friends!

GBYS Map Posted

2009-03-29T08:24:00.001-07:00

Great Brookland Yard Sale Map

Seven families signed up and a couple of more waiting in the wings. Tell your neighbors, tell your friends, and let's have a great event!

View Larger Map

A Strong Foundation

2009-03-27T14:55:00.000-07:00

Building our Event

As of today, we have 8 families signed up for the Great Brookland Yard Sale.

Jenny (not Jennifer), who did the art work for last years yard sale, has again generously volunteered to put together signage for this year's event. Thanks Jenny!

Caroline Petti of the Brookland Civic Association has added the GBYS to their April 14th meeting to help us get word out to the community! Thanks Caroline.

Keep up the good work. This is a community event so you don't need permission from me or anyone else to take action to promote it, participate or offer ideas.

Here we go!

2009-03-27T14:51:00.000-07:00

Kickin it into High Gear?

Brooklanders, thanks to all for who have already responded as interested in participating in the 2009 GBYS. We've got some solid numbers to start things off and a lot of folks willing to lend a helping hand.

The preliminary map will start to come together this week along with a call for more participants.

Expect more regular updates to the Blog as we move forward.

What is the Great Brookland Yard Sale?

2009-03-18T06:17:00.000-07:00

GBYS FAQ:

The Great Brookland Yard Sale, GBYS, is a set date for Brookland residents to host concurrent yard sales. There are three goals for the GBYS: 1) To bring people from across the city into Brookland to see what a great community we have. 2) To get all of us out and about to meet our neighbors and 3) To get rid of our stuff and make a little bit of money.

When is the Great Brookland Yard Sale?
The Great Brookland Yard Sale is scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2009 from 10:00 AM until 2:00PM (individual yard sale times can vary). The date was selected by a public survey on the Brookland Blog (http://www.brooklandblog.blogspot.com/) notice of which was posted to the list serve.

What do I need to do to participate in the GBYS?
Drop me an email at Fortinandrew@hotmail.com and provide your name, address and hours of your sale. If you want to super charge your sale, you can also provide a list of items and pictures. The information you provide will be posted to a dynamic google map and used to create a printed map each person can hand out at your yard sale. This will help you stand out and help buyers find your sale among the many we hope to occur that day.

How will the GBYS be marketed? Will People Show Up?

Like last year, this is a volunteer event and a lot of the coordination will be done via the Brookland Blog, the Brookland Listserve, and electronic communications. Our goal is to provide a common framework that Brookland residents can plug into and we can each to our part to get the word out.

As with last year we will be marketing the sale via local press that includes: The City Paper, DC North, WTOP Funformation calendar, Brookland Heartbeat, local blogs and other paid and free media. Individuals are encouraged to share information about the GBYS with their neighbors (especially those who aren’t on the internet!), other neighborhood list serves, with local churches, your office-mates and so on.
As in 2008, we will create a dynamic map of the yard sale and make it available to print for each yard sale to distribute to your shoppers.

Last year the attendance was surprisingly strong and it was a great event. Of course weather and other factors will play into attendance. But what do you have to lose?

Last year I participated and didn’t get any customers?
Sorry, we can create the event and conditions favorable to the yard sale, but can’t guarantee that those attending will want to buy what you are selling. However, participants who provided more details about their yard sale – items for sale, pictures, etc, tended to have more traffic and sold more things. Location helps too; those on the edge of Brookland got less traffic than those in the heart of Brookland.

What if I don’t have a yard?
We will be looking for businesses and locations for those without yards to use for the yard sale, so don’t let that stop you.

What if I want to help organize the yard sale?
Drop me an email at Fortinandrew@hotmail.com. My day job keeps me quite busy with travel, but I can always reply to emails. We will set up face to face meetings as appropriate.

We need volunteers for:

1) Marketing, signage – including event day signage.
2) Map creation and maintenance.
3) Rounding up participants
4) Lining up sponsors
5) Any other creative ideas and such.

Let's get going!

Date Selected for GBYS 2009

2009-03-18T05:43:00.000-07:00

Survey Says....

Saturday, May 9, 2009 has been selected by survey participants for the Great Brookland Yard Sale 2009. As with last year's event we will make the following day the alternative day if weather intervenes.

So mark your calendars and start your spring cleaning!

Great Brookland Yard Sale

2009-03-15T09:43:00.001-07:00

Busy..

Thanks for all for filling in the Great Brookland Yard Sale survey.

Unfortunately, my job has had me on travel nearly every week this year and it looks like there will be no let up through the Spring. I'm bushed and I will not be able to properly focus my energies on the Great Brookland Yard sale this year. I am reaching out to a few community groups to see if they would like to take this on, so stay tuned for more updates.

The Brookland Listserve

2009-02-23T06:40:00.000-08:00

Just ain't what it used to be...

Calling all listserver participants! I know there are now multiple listserves that meet the needs of the Brookland Community. It seems the main list serve has evolved (devolved) into primarily a forum for 'political' discourse. Traffic seems to be noticeably down just based on responses and residects to the Brookland Blog. So, I'm asking you all for a favor.

Can you please put out a call for comments, participation and or intrest in the various Brookland-based list serves you may participate in? I know there is a GLBT, Brookland Moms and perhaps others. To assist you, here's a message you can cut and paste if you so choose.

Fellow Brooklanders,

It's that time of the year again to think about Spring and Spring Cleaning. Of course the best way to get rid of your unwanted items is to join in the 2nd Annual Great Brookland Yard Sale (GBYS). As with last year, this is a voluntary, neighborhood wide event to host a series of coordinated yard sales that maximize sales potential, gets people into Brookland and promotes our community as a positive place to live and visit. Planners are currently surveying residents to pick a date for this event. You can take the survey and keep up to date on developments at http://brooklandblog.blogspot.com/. Please take a moment to check it out.

Thanks to all for spread the good word.

San Antonio Bar & Grill - Welcome to Brookland

2009-02-23T06:00:00.000-08:00

A Worthy Sucessor to Ellis Island

One of my first encounters with Brookland was during my law school days at Catholic U. On Thursday nights, our last night of class, we would all head over to Ellis Island for burgers and beer. As we all worked during the day and went to school at night, this was our one, welcome pause during the 24/7 craziness that is law school. In fact, when I moved to Brookland in 2005, Sam and I went to Ellis Island for dinner the night we moved in to our Irving Street home.

As you can imagine, Ellis Island had a big place in my conception of Brookland and its closure was a big loss. That's why I was very happy to discover this Saturday, that the San Antonio Bar and Grill is a worthy successor to Ellis Island and certainly a welcome addition to the 12th Street Corridor.

The food was great (and I'm not a huge fan of Mexican or Southwestern Cuisine). The service was attentive, prices reasonable and the decor managed to pay homage to Ellis Island, yet great a more open and airy experience that is noticeably distinct from its predecessor. Since the demise of Ellis Island and Island Jim's, we've pretty much eaten in, but we will definitely be adding San Antonio to our agenda.

Survey Now Up!

2009-02-20T06:26:00.001-08:00

Make Your Voice Heard

If you look to the left on this page you will notice the survey for dates for the 2009 Great Brookland Yard Sale 2009. Please pick the date that works best for you and we will use that feedback in scheduling the big day.

Question: How were these dates selected?

These dates are in line with the time frame we hosted the GBYS last year which helps us build the GBYS brand. They are also far enough out to give us all time to plan and sort through our items to prepare. Finally, these are weekends where my job, which requires extensive travel, does not have me out of town.

Open Thread for Comments and Ideas

2009-02-19T18:13:00.001-08:00

Please use the comment section here to post ideas and or comments on what you'd like to see or what you'd like to volunteer to do for the Great Brookland Yard Sale 2009.

Great Brookland Yard Sale 2009?

2009-02-19T18:06:00.000-08:00

Time to Think Spring

Ok Brookland, it's time to start thinking Spring and that means the 2nd Annual Great Brookland Yard Sale. Like last year this is a voluntarily coordinated yard sale event to get folks from across the city to visit Brookland and to get us out and about to meet and visit each other.

Please use the comment section to weigh in with your thoughts on a date that would work for you (the survey function on Blogger isn't working at present).

The dates that are available are:

Saturday, May 2, 2009
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009

Please chime in and I'll get a survey up as soon as it is working.

Thanks!

Sunday Farmer's Market

2008-06-20T07:14:00.000-07:00

The Fruits Are Arriving!

Agora farms will have more of the fast selling BING CHERRIES as well as APPLE SCHNITZ, BLUEBERRIES, NECTARINES, and APRICOTS

Also on tap this weekend will be:

Free range eggs
Amish butter (unsalted)
Amish popcorn
Veggies - Baby spinach, spring mix, radishes, zucchini, summer squash, portabella & crimini mushrooms, potatoes - fingerling, red, white and creamers.
Amish tomatoes
Shelled peas
Broccoli
Green Beans

In addition, Fresh off the Roast will be there with amazing home roasted fresh coffee - beans by the bag, freshly brewed cups of hot or ice coffees too!

Sweet Daisy Cakes will be back with their mouth watering treats of rum cakes, chocolate cakes and delicate yogurt based treats.

Upper Crust Bakery with the remarkable breads and scones.

Roxanne with the wonderful gifts and crafts.

Kata with her one of a kind jewelry pieces.

Avner with images from around the world.

And perhaps one or two new vendors

So check us out on 12th and Newton from 10 am - 2 pm

Avner Ofer, Manager
Brookland Historic Farmers Market

2008 Presidential Contributions

2008-06-20T07:01:00.001-07:00

Brookland Loves Obama

More than 117 Brooklanders in the 20017 Zip Code have contributed to one of the presidential candidates in the current election cycle. Contributions show a clear favoring of Barack Obama, but donations covered a broad range of candidates.

Here is the dollar breakdown:

Obama -$46,117.00
Clinton- $19,351.00
Giuliani- $4,600.00
Richardson- $2,350.00
McCain - $1,900.00
Edwards- $720.00
Romney - $575.00
Huckabee- $550.00

Interesting stuff. You can view a map with more detail here.

Brookland Split on Fireworks Ban

2008-06-20T06:34:00.000-07:00

Issue doesn't make a bang with residents

Just in time for the 4th of July, it seems that Brooklanders are split 50-50 on the issue of banning fireworks. I'm torn, as every July 4th I'm up til all hours as my neighbors two doors down launch fireworks to all hours of the night, but at the same time, I loath giving the DC government more power to micro manage our lives.

Listserve Banishment

2008-06-20T06:14:00.001-07:00

Two to One Support Banning Bad Posters

By a vote of two to one (10 to 5) respondents favor some form of banishment from the listserve for bad or rude postings. The question came from a series of over the top, insensitive postings on the Pope's visit and some equally childish retorts. My thoughts here.

The logical next question would be, what type of behavior should trigger a listserve banishment?
See the survey at left.

Summer Time

2008-06-20T06:04:00.000-07:00

Sunny with a chance of occasional blogging.

A bit of a blog lapse on my part. Business travel and such. But more importantly, it's time to take advantage of the longer days and nice weather to sit on the porch and interact with you all in real time. More blogging to come, but perhaps not daily.

In the mean time, here are some cool pictures from my recent business trip.

The audidence for my lunch time speech.

A room with a view (Palms Casino, Las Vegas)

Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River

Cool Cell Phone Picture

2008-06-10T04:53:00.000-07:00

It looks sort of fake doesn't it? But this is a picture of my nephew warming up to pitch at a baseball game a few weeks ago. I have a Blackberry Pearl with electronic zoom. Anyway, I think it is somewhat interesting.

Friday Dance Off

2008-06-06T10:04:00.000-07:00

Enjoy

Byte Back Celebration and Auction Tonight!

2008-06-06T05:47:00.000-07:00

Byte Back will be Celebrating Steve Seiden, who is stepping down from thier Board of Directors after 8 years of service!

This event will feature a Silent Auction, hors d'oeuvres, wine and music.

Byte Back is located at 815 Monroe St NE, across from both the Colonel Brooks Tavern and the Brookland Metro.

Auction items up for bid include:
A Mexico Getaway to Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, or both!
Box Seats to see DC United Play the RedBulls next Saturday night!
A week in Ocean City right on the beach!
Four Redskins Tickets!
A week in Martha's Vineyard in a 6 BR house a block from the beach!
A set of 20 Movie Theater Tickets!
Dinner for Two at the Famous La Fourchette Restaurant in Adams Morgan!
An Ice Skating Birthday Party for Ten!
A $150 Gift Certificate to Brew Your Own Beer!
A Luxurious 50-Minute Massage at Somafit in Georgetown!
Five Hours of Landscape Design from a Harvard-Educated Landscape Architect!
Four Hours of IT Assistance
!Six Hours of Electrical Service!
A DVD player!
And from our own Ward 5: Foursome of Golf with Councilman Harry "Tommy" Thomas, followed up by lunch!
One Month of Martial Arts Training at Northeast Taekwondo Martial Arts Center!
$30 off shoe repair at Brookland Shoe Repair!
Two Large One-Topping Pizzas from Pizza Boli!
Apparel and earrings from the 3610 Shoppe!And much, much more!
Tickets are $25 at the door.

Bring your friends! Byte Back volunteers are admitted free of charge!

[Editor's note: With this many exclamation points, how could you not have fun!]

CAU Development Meeting

2008-06-06T05:44:00.000-07:00

Abdo development is hosting an informational meeting about their project at Catholic University.

The meeting will be Wednesday, June 18, 2008 from 7-9pm at The Catholic University of America, Pryzbyla Center, Great Room A

In the meantime, please feel free to contact Toby at Abdo if you have any questions. He can be reached at 202-265-9393 or by email at toby@abdo.com

St. Anthony's Spring Concert

2008-06-06T05:42:00.000-07:00

Please join the St. Anthony Music Ministry adult and youth choirs for thier annual spring concert.

The concert will be Sunday June 8, at 4 pm in the church at 12th and Monroe Sts. NE.

The music will be wonderful! The concert is free, but we take up a collection to benefit the youth music ministry scholarship fund. All are welcome, please join us!

Dance Africa @ Brookland's Dance Place

2008-06-06T05:36:00.000-07:00

DC's 21st annual festival celebrates the dance and music of theAfrican Diaspora while honoring traditional heritage and itstransformation into contemporary forms.

More info at Dance Place's Website.