by Peggy Robin
CP Listserv members are SOOOO helpful to each other! Whenever someone posts a question -- even an off-the-wall, I-know-this-is-a-longshot sort of thing -- there's usually at least one poster to track down the information needed to answer the question or solve the problem. Often several -- and all of them different creative and workable ways to help the OP out.
They're even forthcoming with helpful hints without needing to be prompted by a query.
These are the kinds of messages that can earn a nomination for a Listy in this category. Here are the five that stood out to our judges this year:
1. Resources related to elevated ICE presence in DC
From Kristen L. on May 7, Message #224985
In light of ICE’s presence at many restaurants this week, and with multiple DC schools prepping for potential ICE visits, I’m sharing info from Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid on what to do if you see immigration agents near you or know someone who was arrested by ICE: https://migrant-resources-dmv.my.canva.site/english
Below are the local ICE emergency hotlines, which all have English and Spanish accessibility and coordinate with each other:
Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid hotline (serves DC and MD): 202-335-1183
CASA hotline (serves MD and VA): 888-214-6016
Immigration Rapid Response Hotline Virginia
Network (serves VA): 855-298-3271
Network (serves VA): 855-298-3271
Also, this website has printable know-your-rights documents (“red cards”), and I know Eaton Elementary has these available for free in multiple languages outside the main door, too:
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2. DMV Renewal - The Big Glitch
Posted by Nancy L. on June 11, Message #226083
Dear Neighbors,
I am writing to alert you to a “glitch” in DMV’s website the week of May 24 that may have affected drivers other than myself.
I received an email from DMV alerting me to the imminent expiration of my registration and parking and inspection stickers. The email said that drivers could no longer renew any of these items at DMV facilities, but could do so either online or by regular mail. The email provided a link for renewal. I used the link, which automatically calculated the fee for each item. The problem was that the auto-filled numbers entered the decimal point for the registration fee in the wrong place, and I was as charged a total of $1,400 for that item alone. The total charge for all three items was $1,545.00.
The renewal notification via email provided the following two numbers to call for inquiries regarding DMV: 311 or (202) 737-4404. After calling the latter and listening to a very long recording of irrelevant information, I had the option of speaking to a person. She informed me of the glitch the week of May 24 and said she notified DMV, and that I would receive two emails from them over a 7-day period informing me of the method of refunding the overcharge.
I am posting this in the event the “glitch” may have affected other registrations during the week of May 24, and perhaps other weeks as well. In the past, I encountered a “overcharge” glitch in D.C.’s online payment system for property taxes, so unfortunately we can’t take for granted that the City’s online payment systems are working as intended.
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3. SHOVEL SNOW SAFELY: A How-to Video!!
Posted by Gabrielle C. on Feb 12, Message #222312
Neighbors!
I made this quick video on the eve of previous big snowstorm several years ago. Here's how to take care of your body and get the job done: Shovel Snow Safely Video
Questions? Let me know how it goes!
Take care, stay safe and enjoy!
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4. Don't remove fallen leaves!
Posted by Ann C. on Oct 8, Message #229869
Now is the time to preserve habitat for the little critters that are essential to our natural world. They need dead leaves to survive the winter. Rake fallen leaves under trees, bushes, and flower beds, and spread thinly on lawns:
Helps beneficial insects
Feeds birds
Saves fireflies
Increases mosquito predators
Improves soil
Sequesters carbon
Protects plants against temperature extremes
Increases biodiversityReduces landfills that create methane
... and it's less work!
This is the best thing you can do for the environment right now!
For more information contact Ann....
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5. Well, this is awkward. Here's our final nomination for Best Response to a Query, but we don't know the name of the list member behind the good deed in response. On December 2nd, David G. posted this photo of his package left in the hallway of an unidentified apartment building, along with this request [Message #231612]:
If this message wins the Listy for Best Response to a Query, we hope the anonymous good samaritan will come forward to claim the little gold plastic statuette. And we'll also award one to David .G, for sending in the message [#231622 on Dec 3] that updated the Listserv on the above-and-beyond-the-call-of-duty response to his query:
Just a note to thank this amazing community (Listserv and Cleveland Park both). I posted a message late last night about my missing package, with a photo of the apartment hallway to which it had been delivered -- and by the time we were up this morning some kind neighbor had already left the package on our porch. Thanks!
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The 2025 Cleveland Park Listies are posted in a series of messages, one for each of the categories, on the weekends leading up to the final one on the last Saturday of the year (December 27), when the winners will be announce. Next up: The five nominations for Best Long Discussion Thread. Watch for it on Sunday, December 7th.
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