The economic downturn has some local non-profits worrying about their future.

Jessica Forres reports....

Boomp3.com'>LISTEN TO THE STORY THAT AIRED ON WAMU RADIO

David Smith runs the Earth Conservation Corps an environmental organization that provides young people in the inner-city job skills while they help restore the Anacostia River.

WE'RE VERY CONCERNED AT THE CURRENT ECONOMY AND THE CURRENT MARKET AND WE'RE WATCHING CLOSELY.

Watching closely and preparing for the storm.

Chuck Bean is the Executive Director of the Non-profit Roundtable of Greater Washington and a member of WAMU's Community Council.

He says the recent events on Wall Street are going to have an impact on philanthropy.

THE STORM HAS MANY COMPONENTS, THE STOCK MARKET IS GOING TO HIT THE ASSETS OF THE ENDOWMENTS OF PRIVATE FOUNDATIONS, PRIVATE CORPORATIONS ARE NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO PICK UP THE SLACK AND THIS IS A TIME WHEN LOCAL GOVERNMENTS ARE REPORTING SHORTFALLS.

Smith has already started thinking about a Plan B…

THAT INCLUDES GOING AFTER FUNDERS WHO WE NORMALLY DIDN'T GO AFTER. FROM GOVERNMENT TO INDIVIDUALS AND IT ALSO INCLUDES DOING MORE WORK-RELATED TO FEE FOR WORK.

Non-profit leaders say they will start feeling the woes on Wall Street this holiday season. They say that's when many organizations receive most of their money from individual donors.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

_______________________________________________________

The continued woes on Wall Street have some local non-profits preparing for the worst.

Jessica Forres reports…

Boomp3.com'>LISTEN TO THE STORY THAT AIRED ON WAMU RADIO

At the Sitar Arts Center in Adams Morgan, one student learns how to play the drums.

[NAT: DRUMS]

Ed Spitzburg, the Executive Director, says the Center provides high quality arts education to children who mostly come from low-income households.

He says the current economic climate has created a sense of urgency within his organization.

WE ARE ALREADY ENGAGING OUR ENTIRE STAFF AND OUR BOARD AND OUR DONORS IN THIS SENSE OF URGENCY IN ORDER TO MAKE SURE THAT WE CAN CONTINUE TO OFFER THESE PROGRAMS.

Chuck Bean is with the Non-profit Roundtable of Greater Washington. He is also member of WAMU's Community Council.

He says many non-profits are preparing for a "category five" storm.

I'M TALKING TO NON-PROFIT LEADERS EVERY DAY AND THE MAIN QUESTION THAT HAS EMERGED IS WHAT IS PLAN B SO FOLKS ARE THINKING ABOUT THAT.

He says the economic downturn will hit the non-profit community this holiday season, when individual donors are most likely to give to charities.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

Some residents in Loudoun County, Virginia are blaming illegal immigration for the recent increase in violent crime in the community of Sterling Park.

As Jessica Forres reports, they voiced those concerns at a neighborhood meeting last night ....

Boomp3.com'>LISTEN TO THE STORY THAT AIRED ON WAMU RADIO

County Sheriff Steve Simpson stands in front of more than 2-hundred
people at Park View High School where he's asking residents for help...

TO WHAT DEGREE YOU'RE WILLING TO DO THAT I DON'T KNOW, BUT THAT IS
SOMETHING THAT WE ALWAYS LOOK AT AS NEIGHBORHOOD WATCHES AND PEOPLE
GETTING INVOLVED AND PEOPLE CALLING IN INCIDENTS THAT WE SEE OR YOU
SEE THAT LOOK SUSPICIOUS.

But his words prompt a very different kind of reaction......

[WELL I DON'T WANT TO HEAR ABOUT WHAT WE NEED, WE WANT TO HEAR ABOUT
WHAT YOU'RE GOING TO DO]

As the discussion continues, it becomes clear that some residents blame illegal immigrants for what's happening in Sterling Park....

[WE DIDN'T HAVE A GANG PROBLEM A YEAR AGO…THAT'S RIGHT…BUT THE SHERIFF
DIDN'T HAVE A PROBLEM SAYING HE WASN'T GOING TO GO AFTER ILLEGALS. SIR
PLEASE.. THOSE ARE THE REAL ISSUES THAT THIS MAN IS SPEAKING ABOUT.
YOU'RE UP HERE GIVING US A BUNCH OF FLUFF]

The Sheriff's Office doesn't record whether a crime was committed by an illegal immigrant and when we reached Simpson by phone today to address the allegations...he said there's more to it than simply pointing a finger at a particular group...

AS WE HAVE FOUND OUT IN DEALING WITH OUR GANG MEMBERS AND DEALING WITH THE CRIME ELEMENT THAT WE DO HAVE, THEY'RE NOT ILLEGAL, SOME ARE YES AND SOME ARE NOT MOST ARE NOT.

Four of the nine members of the county board of supervisors attended the meeting and the full board has previously discussed whether illegal immigration is responsible for the recent uptick in crime.

But Supervisor Eugene Delgaudio says he and others who want local laws
addressing illegal immigration don't have the votes needed to make them happen.

Jessica Forres WAMU

The District's Department of Health has launched a campaign to educate residents about new and controversial vaccine requirements in connection with the Human Papillomavirus.

Jessica Forres reports...

Boomp3.com'>LISTEN TO STORY 1 THAT AIRED ON WAMU RADIO

Brochures about HPV sat on a table...untouched...inside the King Greenleaf Recreation Center...About three residents from Ward 6 showed up for the event.

Sandra Robinson with DC's Department of Health.

SO MANY PARENTS ARE GOING TO WAIT UNTIL MUCH LATER ON TO MAKE A DECISION OR TO COME TO SOMETHING LIKE THIS WHERE THEY REALLY HAVE TO KNOW.

Beginging with the 2009 school year, girls entering the sixth grade will be required to have a series of vaccinations against HPV or exercise the voluntary opt out feature.

The Department of Health will host two educational sessions in each ward about the options...

But some residents like Peter Tucker...who showed up to the event... oppose the new requirements.

I'M WITH THE PARENTS AND CITIZENS COMMITTEE TO STOP MEDICAL EXPERIMENTATION IN DC. WE ARE A GROUP OF FOLKS WHO CAME TOGETHER WHEN WEHEARD ABOUT THIS BEING REQUIRED FOR SIXTH GRADE GIRLS. 11, 12 YEAROLD GIRLS, AND IT'S BEEN APPROVED FOR GIRLS AS YOUNG AS 9. BUT AGAIN THE WORDS OF DR. DIANE HARPER, A LEADING RESEARCHER AT DARTMOUTHMEDICAL SCHOOL... SHE'S CALLED THIS USED IN GIRLS UNDER 18 A GREAT BIGPUBLIC HEALTH EXPERIEMENT.

The next information session is October 25 at Emery Recreation Center.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

_____________________________________________

The District's Department of Health is hosting a series of informational sessions about the Human Papillomavirus vaccine.

Jessica Forres reports the city is trying to educate residents before the 2009 school year...when vaccination requirements go into effect.

Boomp3.com'>LISTEN TO STORY 2 THAT AIRED ON WAMU RADIO

Nathaniel Beers is with the District's Department of Health. He is in Ward 6 to educate local residents about a new law that will require girls…entering the sixth grade… to become vaccinated against HPV…av virus that can cause cervical cancer.

WHEN WE LOOK AT OUR RATES, THERE ARE SOME STUDIES THAT SUGGEST THE RATES ARE 3-HUNDRED TIMES WHAT THEY ARE FOR OTHER WOMEN IN THE COUNTRY SO THERE IS CERTAINLY A HUGE NEED TO MAKE SURE THIS COMMUNITY IS WELL-INFORMED WHAT THE RISKS ARE.

He says the next information session is October 25th at the Emery Recreation Center.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

In Virginia, the Loudoun County's Sheriff Office has called an emergency community meeting to discuss a recent rash of violence in Sterling Park.

Jessica Forres reports…

Boomp3.com'>LISTEN TO STORY 1 THAT AIRED ON WAMU RADIO!

Marty Pastrana lives down the street from where a 17-year old woman and 18-year old man were shot on September 13.

EVERY YEAR MORE AND MORE THINGS ARE HAPPENING OVER HERE IN THIS AREA.

That same night..a couple streets over...a young man was found with a knife-wound. His blood still stains the street. One resident...prefers to remain anonymous.

WE WERE REALLY SHOCKED AS I SAID THE NEIGHBORS THOUGHT IT WAS SOMETHING WRONG THAT I PROBABLY WAS SICK BECAUSE THE AMBULANCE WAS RIGHT THERE.

Five days later three young men were wounded in a drive by shooting near the other crime scenes. Chelsea Brucksheen, a college student, lives in the cul-de-sac where it happened.

THIS IS THE VERY FIRST VIOLENT CRIME THAT WE'VE HAD. THERE'S BEEN LIKE VANDALISM AND STUFF ALL THROUGHOUT, BUT THIS IS THE FIRST SERIOUS THING THAT'S HAPPENED.

The spurt of violence last week and an overall increase in crime throughout the county has Steve Simpson, Loudoun County's Sherriff worried…

WHEN YOU HAVE THIS TYPE OF VIOLENT CRIME WHETHER IT'S A RASH DEPENDING ON HOW THEY GO AND IF DOES TURN OUT TO BE GANG RELATE IT COULD BE THAT IT COULD LEAD TO MORE PROBLEMS.

Tonight there will a cummunity meeting about the recent events. It will be held at Park View High School at 6:30 p.m.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

_______________________________________________

In Virginia, the Loudoun County Sherriff's Office is reaching out to the community to talk about the recent acts of violence happening in Sterling.

Jessica Forres reports…

Boomp3.com'>LISTEN TO STORY 2 THAT AIRED ON WAMU RADIO!

Last week, nearly five young people were either shot or stabbed in the neighborhood of Sterling Park…one of the oldest residential communities built in Loudoun County.

Steve Simpson is Loudoun County's Sheriff. He says changing demographics, an increase in population and a bad economy may explain the recent crime wave.

THERE'S A LOT MORE FOLKS MOVING INTO THE COUNTY WHO DON'T SPEAK ENGLISH. THAT MAKES IT DIFFICULT FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT AND FURTHER SERVICES TRYING TO GET INTO THESE COMMUNITIES IN SOME CASES WHERE THESE FOLKS ARE VICTIMIZED BY THEIR OWN BASICALLY AND THEY'RE NOT COMFORTABLE IN OUR SYSTEM.

One resident…she prefers to remain anonymous…lives on North Amelia Street….where a 25 year old man was found with a knife-wound…His blood still stains the street.

THE AMBULANCE WAS RIGHT THERE. THE AREA HAS BEEN VERY SAFE, WE HAVE NO PROBLEMS WHATSOEVER THAT I KNOW OF.

The community meeting is tonight at 6:30 at Park View High School.

Hundreds of volunteers swept popular waterfronts for trash in the District. The clean up was part of a global effort organized by the Ocean Conservancy.

Jessica Forres watched as volunteers collected garbage at Anacostia Park.

Boomp3.com'>LISTEN TO STORY 1 THAT AIRED ON WAMU RADIO!

[NAT: I HAVE ANOTHER STRAW, CRUMPLE SOUND.]

Raychelle Daniel and her husband Kevin put small pieces of trash into a white garbage bag.

THERE SEEM TO BE LITTLE PIECES OF STYROFOAM COFFEE CUPS.

Kevin is in charge of logging each item they both find.

THERE'S A SPACE FOR 55-GALLON DRUMS BUT WE HAVEN'T SEEN ANY OF THOSE.

On Saturday, hundreds of people collected trash at waterfront sites int he District. Vicki Spruill is the President of Ocean Conservancy.

THIS IS THE SINGLE BIGGEST VOLUNTEER EVENT FOR THE OCEAN. WE'VE GOT 80COUNTRIES PARTICIPATING THIS YEAR ALL OVE THE GLOBE.

She says one volunteer found a bowling ball.

IT'S REMARKABLE, THE KINDS OF THINGS YOU FIND AND IT'S ALL ITEMSTHAT ARE THE RESULT OF OUR OWN CARELESSNESS. THIS STUFF DOESN'T FALLFROM THE SKY. IT FALLS FROM OUR HANDS.

This year marks the 23rd International Coastal Clean up.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

__________________________________________________

Hundreds of local residents collected trash in the District as part of a global effort to clean up rivers and oceans.

Jessica Forres reports…

Boomp3.com'>LISTEN TO STORY 2 THAT AIRED ON WAMU RADIO!

At Anacostia Park, three fishing poles are wedged into the ground. They belong to Butch Washington, a resident, who fishes the Anacostia River daily.

He says trash in the river is a big problem. Just the other day, he found an aluminum can with the words "Orange Soda "printed on the side.

THESE SODAS USED TO COST NINE CENTS IN THE SAFEWAY AND YOU HAD TO PAY FOR THEM HOT, THEY WEREN'T COLD AND IT WAS NO POP TOP ON THEM. I PULLED IT OUT THE RIVER THE OTHER DAY. SO DO YOU KNOW HOW LONG IT'S BEEN IN THE RIVER?

As Washington waited for the fish to bite, more than a hundred volunteers scoured the riverbank for trash. He appreciated their efforts.

ABSOLUTELY IT'S HELPFUL AND I LIKE IT CLEAN. CLEANLINESS IS NEXT TO GODLINESS.

The event held on Saturday marked the 23rd annual International Coastal Cleanup.

Vicki Spruil is the President of the Ocean Conservancy.

WE'VE GOT 80 COUNTRIES PARTICIPATING THIS YEAR ALL OVER THE GLOBE.LAST YEAR WE PICKED UP COLLECTIVELY 6 MILLION POUNDS OF TRASH.

She says volunteers also collected trash at the Lincoln Memorial and Rock Creek Park.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

The sudden downfall of Lehman Brothers and the uncertain future of American International Group have some local residents questioning their own financial fate.

Jessica Forres reports

LISTEN TO STORY 1 THAT AIRED ON WAMU RADIO

________________________________________________________________

As American International Group tries to raise billions of dollars to avoid meeting the same demise as Lehman Brothers, some local residents say they aren’t concerned about the future of their finances.

Jessica Forres reports…

LISTEN TO STORY 2 THAT AIRED ON WAMU RADIO

Standing on the red brick sidewalk in downtown Bethesda, Nick Franze talks about the recent events on Wall Street.

I WORK IN THE FINANCIAL SERVICES INDUSTRY SO YOU KNOW WE’RE GLUED TO THE TV TRYING TO FIND OUT WHAT’S GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT.

But he isn’t worried about his personal finances…

I’M NOT TOO WORRIED. I MEAN I DON”T LIKE LOOKING AT MY STATEMENTS BUT IT’S HOPEFULLY GOING TO COME BACK.

Neither is Jason Brown…

IN MY PERSONAL OPINION ONLY, THE MARKET IS SOMEWHAT HANGING TOWARDS A RECESSION BUT IN THE LONG TERM IT WILL REBOUND.

Robert Losey is an Assoiciate Professor of Finance and Real Estate at American University. He says -historically- people who’ve taken their money out of the stock market after a major drop haven’t faired as well as those who’ve weathered the storm...

THERE HAVE BEEN EXCEPTIONS TO THAT, THE GREAT DEPRESSION WAS AN EXCEPTION, YOU WOULD’VE BEEN MUCH BETTER OFF IF YOU SOLD VERY EARLY AND THEN WAITED FIVE OR TEN YEARS TO GET BACK IN.

Stephanie Giroux... the Chief Investment Strategist at TD Ameritrade...offers investors some advice.

I’D SLEEP BETTER AT NIGHT KNOWING THAT MOST OF OUR CLIENTS HAD EXPOSURE AT LEAST SOME EXPOSURE TO STOCKS, BONDS AND CASH. AND I THINK THAT’S THE MAIN MESSAGE I WANT TO GIVE TO PEOPLE . BECAUSE I THINK A LOT OF PEOPLE MAY ONLY OWN EQUITIES.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

The price of crude oil dipped below 1-hundred dollars per barrel on Friday... but Hurricane Ike has caused prices to remain high at the pump.

LISTEN TO THE STORY THAT AIRED ON WAMU RADIO

At a gas station in Bethesda, Maryland, Michael Corocoran fills up his station wagon with premium gas. [NAT: Sound of GAS pumping]

THIS 4.19 SOUNDS KIND OF HIGH ACTUALLY BUT I REMEMBER IT BEING 4.59.

Kaare Wieneke…also at the same gas station…puts 20 dollars worth of regular gas into his red truck.

IT'S 3.89 HERE IT JUST SEEMED TO GO UP OVER NIGHT.

Inside, Hassen Walle works the register. Though he's not responsible for determining gas prices at the station…he says it's increased by about 10 cents since last week.

I WAS WORKING THURSDAY, I'M NOT WORKING FRIDAY. WHEN I CAME IN IS GOING UP YA.

Triple-A Mid-Atlantic announced in a press release that Hurricane Ike is to blame for high gas prices. They say it could get worse since most of the refineries don't have power and it could take weeks before they do.

But Anastasia Khoo, another customer, thinks the hurricane is an excuse for gas stations and companies to raise prices.

I THINK IT'S PROBABLY BECAUSE OF GAS STATIONS TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE SITUATION. I DON'T THINK THAT IT'S HAD SUCH AN EFFECT ON REFINING AND ALL THAT. I THINK IT'S PEOPLE BEING OPPORTUNISTIC.

Triple- A says 25 percent of U.S. crude oil is produced in the Gulf region.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News.

Local power companies have sent more than 500 workers to help restore electricity to parts of Texas devastated by Hurricane Ike.

Jessica Forres reports….

LISTEN TO THE STORY THAT AIRED ON WAMU RADIO

Foresters, mechanics and supervisors working for Pepco Holdings will assist with restoring power in southeast Texas…where millions of people are still without electrcity.

Robert Dobkin, a spokesperson, says more than 1-hundred workers...driving repair trucks...left on Saturday.

IT'S A BIG UNDERTAKING. I MEAN DRIVING DOWN IN TRUCKS LIKE THAT IT'S NOT LIKE DRIVING IN YOUR CAR AT HIGH SPEEDS THEY HAVE TO TAKE IT SLOW AND STEADY. I'M NOT SURE HOW LONG THEY PLAN TO BE ON THE ROAD BUT IT WILL TAKE AWHILE.

The workers, he says, plan to stay about two weeks…but that may change…

ALL THESE GUYS HAVE VOLUNTEERED FOR THIS TO BE AWAY FROM THEIR HOMES,THEIR FAMILIES. IT COULD BE EVEN LONGER WE'LL JUST HAVE TO SEE HOW IT GOES BECAUSE WE UNDERSTAND THE AREA AS FAR AS THE ELECTRICITY GRID IS PRETTY DEVESTATED.

Virginia's Dominion power has sent nearly 500 workers to Texas.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

Hundreds of people from all over the country gathered in D.C. this weekend to show their support for presidential candidate Barack Obama.

Jessica Forres watched as they marched through the city.

LISTEN TO THE STORY THAT AIRED ON WAMU RADIO

[NAT] WE WANT CHANGE WE BELIEVE, WE'LL NO LONGER BE DECEIVED.

Obama supporters chanted and carried signs as they walked from Freedom plaza to the Lincoln Memorial on Saturday.

Miles Grant, a resident of Arlington, Virginia, says he is walking for change...

HERE WE ARE WE DON'T HAVE THE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE. WE DON'T HAVE THE VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE AND YET HUNDREDS, MAYBE A THOUSAND PEOPLE CAME OUT TO SHOW SUPPORT FOR THE CANDIDATE. WE DON'T NEED CELEBRETIES, WE DON'T NEED BIG STARS COMING OUT TO GET US OUT HERE. WE JUST WANT CHANGE.

But for tourists like Donna Workman and her mother...the rally... is scary...

I KNOW IT'S ALRIGHT TO PROTEST TO LET EVERYBODY KNOW HOW WE FEEL ABOUT THINGS BUT WE'RE DEFINITELY MCCAIN SUPPORTERS AND NOT FOR OBAMA.

Alfred Lawerence also supports John McCain...

THIS UPSETS EVERYBODY, TRAFFIC, PEOPLE, PEOPLE VISITING THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL, US WHO WANT IT TO BE QUIET, WE DON'T WANT THIS SORT OF THING, POLICE ALL OVER THE PLACE, I CAN'T EVEN GET TO MY CAR.

A grassroots group called Diversity4Change organized the event.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

D.C. officials say they will investigate whether a compnay used illegal workers to move furniture from some public schools.

As Jessica Forres reports, the company denies that claim even though some of the workers admit they are undocumented...

LISTEN TO STORY 1 THAT AIRED ON WAMU RADIO

Sitting behind a desk at the office of ASN Investments in Bethesda is Nemesia Aguilar...who says she is a supervisor for Motir Services, the parent company, she says, of ASN.

Motir was hired by D.C.'s School Construction Office to move the furniture from schools that have been closed.

Aguilar says her company verified the immigration status of the workers...

OF COURSE IT'S A CERTIFIED PAYROLL. YOU CANNOT BE INCOMPLIANT WITH THE LAW.

But three of the workers say no one ever asked them for their social security numbers or identifcation.

Richard...he would only give his first name....says his first paycheck was made payable to cash. He's still waiting for his second one....

THEY SAID WE ARE GOING TO GET OUR NEXT PAYCHECK ON THE FOLLOWING FRIDAY THEIR EXCUSE IS THAT THE PRIME CONTRACTOR MOTIR SERVICES DIDN'TGET PAID FROM THE GOVERNMENT.

Another says the company threatened him and others when they returned a week later to pick up those second checks...

TRYING TO TELL US TO BE THANKFUL THAT WE GOT A JOB AND WE GOT WORK ANDTHAT THEY CAN CALL IMMIGRATION ON US LIKE WE DON'T HAVE ANY PAPERS.

Whether the workers are legal or illegal depends on whom you ask.

We asked this man...

TU ESTAS LEGAL? NO

Tony Robinson, who works with D.C's School Construction Office, says Motir will be paid after it submits an invoice and a certified payroll list and after his office determines if any laws were violated...

IF THE SUBCONTRACTOR IS IN VIOLATION HE CAN BE SURE OF ONE THING, HE WILL NOT BE WORKING ON DC PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN THE FUTURE.

Motir Services also lists The National Institutes of Health and Andrews Airforce Base among its clients.

___________________________________________

D.C's School Construction Office plans to determine whether acontractor hired to move furniture is using undocumented workers to dothe job.

Jessica Forres reports...

LISTEN TO STORY 2 THAT AIRED ON WAMU RADIO

ASN Investments is a subcontractor for Motir Services which was hired to do the heavy lifting.

At its offices in Bethesda, we found five men...none of whom speak English...sitting in a large room, waitingfor their paychecks.

They claim the company owes them money; at least one of them admits that he is working illegally.

Outside in the parking lot, another worker...who says he does have a Green Card…is standing with three others. He didn't want to give his name....

BASICALLY, WE DIDN'T FILL IN ANY SOCIAL SECURITY, WE DIDN'T SHOW ANY FORM OF IDENTIFICATION.

Back inside, Nemesia Aguilar, who says she is a project supervisor for Motir Services, rejects the notion that any of the workers are illegal...

NO THAT'S NOT TRUE. PEOPLE ALWAYS YOU KNOW. WHEN YOU ARE IN THE BUSINESS THERE ARE SOME PEOPLE WHO ARE ALWAYS TRYING HA HA HA HA HA.

Tony Robinson…a spokesperson for the School Construction Office… says it will determine if the company has violated any laws once an invoice and a certified payroll list is submitted by the contractor....

WE GET INVOICED ON CERTAIN SEGMENTS OF THE WORK. SO ONCE WE VERIFY THE WORK HAS BEEN DONE, THEN YES WE MAKE PAYMENT BUT ON THIS MATTER WE CERTAINLY WILL TAKE ANOTHER LOOK TO MAKE SURE THE CONTRACTOR AND SUBCONTRACTOR DID WHAT THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO DO AND THEY HAD THE CORRECT PEOPLE DOING THE WORK.

Robinson says the contract with Motir is worth approximately three and a half million dollars.

The government take over of mortgage Goliaths Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, has many local non-profits worried the move will devastate the region's philanthropic community.

Jessica Forres reports…

LISTEN TO THE STORY THAT AIRED ON WAMU RADIO...

Linda Dunphy is the Executive Director of Doorways for Women and Families. Her organization runs a homeless shelter and she sits on theback porch...

IT'S IN A NEIGHBORHOOD, THERE ISN'T A SIGN OUT FRONT. IT LOOKS LIKE A HOME; IT MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE AND SO IT LITERALLY AFFECTS THE WAY PEOPLE FEEL ABOUT THEIR FUTURE WHEN THEY WALK THROUGH THAT DOOR.

The shelter wouldn't be operating today without the Freddie Mac Foundation's financial support.

The government take over of the two mortgage giants has Dunphy and other local non-profits wondering about the future.

WE ARE ALL PRETTY CONCERNED ABOUT WHAT THIS POTENTIALLY COULD MEAN BECAUSE I DON'T SEE OUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT STEPPING IN TO FILL THIS GAP AND THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT? WHO IS GOING TO FILL THAT GAP?

The gap she talks about is in the millions. Tamara Copeland is thePresident of the Washington Regional Association of Grantmakers.

BECAUSE THEY ARE BOTH HOME-BASED HERE. THIS IS THEIR ANCHOR. THEY HAVE DONE INCREDIBLE WORK IN THIS COMMUNITY AND WE JUST WANT IT TO CONTINUE.

Copeland says both enterprises contributed more than 60-million dollars to the community last year.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News
___________________________________________

With the government taking over mortgage giants Fannie Mae and FreddieMac, regional non-profits are wondering how the move will impact the philanthropic community.

Jessica Forres reports….

LISTEN TO THE SECOND STORY THAT AIRED ON WAMU RADIO...

In Arlington, Virginia, Linda Dunphy's non-profit organization runs a homeless shelter located in an upscale neighborhood.

THE HOME LOOKS LIKE IT FITS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD. IT'S A NICE COTTAGE.

Dunphy is concerned about the home's future. Its largest funder is the Freddie Mac foundation.

I DON'T KNOW WHERE WE WOULD TURN TO REPLACE THAT SIGNIFICANT CHUNK OF FUNDING THAT MAKES THIS HOME POSSIBLE EVERY DAY.

Tamara Copeland is the President of the Washington Regional Association of Grantmakers.

THE WHOLE COMMUNITY IS WORRIED ABOUT THE IMPACT OF WHAT'S HAPPENING AT FREDDIE AND FANNIE. THEY MAKE AN INCREDIBLE CONTRIBUTION SO WE ARE ALL WAITING TO SEE.

Copeland says both enterprises invested more than 60-million dollars in the community last year.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News.

Louis Palmer…a man from Switzerland...is touring the world by car and has arrived in D.C.

He has driven through nearly 40 countries without spending a penny on gasoline.

Jessica Forres got to ride along with Palmer in his car…powered entirely by the sun.

LISTEN TO THE STORY THAT AIRED ON WAMU RADIO

[NAT: Seat Belt Buckle. ]

Louis Palmer buckles up before driving his DOORLESS, two-seater "SolarTaxi". The tiny, blue and white painted car pulls a 16-foot-long trailer covered with solar cells.

IT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE TO HAVE SOLAR CELLS ON THE CAR. LEAVE THEM ON THE TOP OF YOUR HOUSE WHERE THERE IS SPACE; WHEN YOU ARE AT HOME YOU FEED THE ELECTRICITY INTO YOUR BATTERY.

Palmer has driven more than 30-thousand miles in five continents since the summer of 2007. His mission is to show the world one solution to global warming.

THE TECHNOLOGY IS HERE BUT PEOPLE DON'T KNOW, THE GOVERNMENTS DON'T KNOW. NOBODY REALLY KNOWS ABOUT IT.

[NAT: I'M JUST INDICATING THAT I TURN TO THE RIGHT SO THIS CAR IS ACTUALLY AS SIMPLE AS ANY OTHER CAR; IT'S ACTUALLY EVEN MORE SIMPLE BECAUSE THERE'S NO CLUTCH AND NO GEAR...AND COMPARED TO ANOTHER CAR I HAVE THREE HORNS.]

He says it would cost about 10-thousand dollars to manufacture the car and about 5-thousand dollars for solar cells that would give the car enough power to travel about 15,000 miles a year.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

_______________________________________

Louis Palmer, a man from Switzerland, has driven through nearly five continents without stopping for gas.

He is here in D.C. and Jessica Forres got to ride in his car powered entirely by the sun.

LISTEN TO THE SECOND STORY THAT AIRED ON WAMU RADIO

[NAT: I DON'T THINK I'M GOING TO MAKE IT]

Louis Palmer has trouble reversing his innovative car...that's because it's towing a 16-foot long trailer covered in solar cells.

THE SOLAR PANNELS ARE NOW ON THE TRAILER JUST FOR THE WORLD TOUR THAT I CAN SHOW TO THE PEOPLE THAT IT'S REALLY SOLAR POWERED...BUT IT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE TO HAVE SOLAR CELLS ON THE CAR. LEAVE THEM ON THE TOP OF YOUR HOUSE.

His mission is to teach people about solar technology … and it seems to be working.
Nilufer Oral, a student, gazes at the car.

WHAT IT SHOWED ACTUALLY, NUMBER ONE IF YOU HAVE A VISION YOU CAN DO IT AND YOU HEAR A LOT OF NAYSAYERS ABOUT SOLAR ENERGY BUT CLEARLY IT CAN BE DONE.

His next stop is Philadelphia.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News.

As autumn arrives so do sniffles and sore throats.

Jessica Forres reports that some patients are ditching their local doctor for on demand medical care at retail health clinics that are popping up around town.

LISTEN TO THE STORY THAT AIRED ON WAMU RADIO

[NAT: OPEN UP, SAY AHHHHHH]

Elizabeth…who prefers not to give her last name…gags as her throatgets cultured for strep bacteria.

I'VE HAD A FLU AND I NEED TO BE ON AN AIRPLANE LATER THIS WEEK AND I'M WORRIED MY EARS ARE REALLY CONGESTED.

She is seeking medical treatment at her local CVS in Bethesda, where a retail health center called Minute Clinic is located and run by a nurse practioner and off-site physcian.

I DON'T FEEL LIKE I NEED TO BOTHER THE SCHEDULE OF MY REGULAR DOCTOR AND ALL THAT'S INVOLVED IN GETTING AN APPOINTMENT.

There are more than 5-hundred Minute Clinic centers nationwide and Alexis Blount manages nearly thirty of them in the region. She says they treat minor infections such as strep and also offer vaccines.

IN MARYLAND WE GAVE OVER 3-THOUSAND FLU VACCINES LAST YEAR, INCLUDING THE BALTIMORE AREA. AND WE GIVE THINGS LIKE PNEUMONIA, MENINGITUS VACCINES.

But Bruce Smoller, the President of the Maryland State Medical Society, says these establishments don't provide continuity of care.

I WILL GIVE YOU AN EXAMPLE. SOMEBODY I KNOW ACTUALLY, A RELATIVE, WHO RECEIVED SOME IMMUNIZATIONS AT A MINTUE CLINIC RAN INTO SERIOUS PROBLEMS AND HER PHYSCIAN HAD TO PICK UP THE PIECES.

Elizabeth doesn't seem to mind.

IT'S A VERY NICE EXPERIENCE, IT'S VERY LIGHT AND BRIGHT AND IF THEREIS A WAIT AND HONESTLY THERE OFTEN IS, YOU'VE GOT THE STORE AND YOUCAN DO YOUR ERRANDS RIGHT HERE.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

____________________________________________

Retail health clinics providing on demand medical care are popping upin drugstores around town.

But as Jessica Forres reports one medical group in Maryland says somephyscians are concerned about the quality of care they provide topatients....

LISTEN TO THE SECOND STORY THAT AIRED ON WAMU RADIO

Elizabeth…who withholds her last name…walks to the back of CVS where there is a retail health center called Minute Clinic. She has the flu.
[NAT: SAY AHHHH]

I DON'T FEEL LIKE I NEED TO BOTHER THE SCHEDULE OF MY REGULAR DOCTOR AND ALL THAT'S INVOLVED IN GETTING AN APPOINTMENT SO IT'S JUST VERY QUICK AND EASY TO COME HERE.

Alexis Blount is the beltway regional manager. She says they treat minor infections and offer numerous vaccines.

WE KNOW THAT MANY DOCTORS OFFICES DON'T HAVE EXTENDED HOURS OR WEEKEND HOURS. AND WHEN YOU'RE SICK YOU CAN'T ALWAYS WAIT A WEEK TO GET AN APPOINTMENT.

Bruce Smoller is the President of the Maryland State Medical Society. He says physicians are concerned about the quality of care.

I THINK THE PHYSCIANS ARE MOSTLY CONCERNED WITH THE TWO THINGS IBROUGHT UP THAT THEY ADHERE TO STANDARDS FOR THEIR PATIENTS AND THAT THEY DON'T INUNDATE THE PHYSCIAN WITH PROBLEMS AND SIDE EFFECTS THAT THE PHYSCIAN HAD NO KNOWLEDGE OF BEFORE THE PATIENT WENT TO THE CLINIC.

Minute Clinic's Blount says they have a 98 percent customer satisfaction rate.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

In Maryland, the City of Gaithersburg celebrated the holiday with its 70th annual Labor Day Parade.

Jessica Forres attended the event...

LISTENT TO STORY 1 THAT AIRED ON WAMU RADIO

LISTEN TO STORY 2 THAT AIRED ON WAMU RADIO

The District has selected fourteen middle schools to test out a new incentive plan for students. The pilot program, a partnership between DC's school system and Harvard University, is meant to motivate students...with cash.

Jessica Forres reports...

LISTEN TO THE STORY THAT AIRED ON WAMU RADIO

Linda Clarke-Spate teaches at Francis Junior High School. She is disappointed that Ward 2, where her school is located, and Ward 3 are not included in the pilot program.

A STUDENT CAME TO MY ROOM TO ASK ME A QUESTION ABOUT THE PROGRAM SO I WAS INTRIGUED THAT SHE WAS SO INTERESTED I SAID I BETTER CALL DOWNTOWNTO SEE IF THEY'LL MAKE SURE OUR SCHOOL IS GOING TO BE A PART. UNFORTUNATELY, TODAY THE PAPER INDICATES THAT THERE WAS A SELECTIONWHICH DOES NOT INCLUDES FRANCIS STEVENS. HOWEVER I HOPE THAT THEY DO EXPAND IT.

Beginning this October, nearly 3,000 middle schoolers will be able to earn a maximum of a hundred dollars every two weeks for good grades and good behavior.

Larell Ayer, a parent, isn't convinced. He talks about his daughter who attends a middle school in Prince George's County as he stands in front of Garnet-Patterson-Shaw…one of the fourteen schools.

SHE DOESN'T DO GOOD FOR MONEY. SHE DOES GOOD BECAUSE IT'S IN HER TO DOGOOD. AND THAT'S WHERE THE REWARD IS. THAT'S ANOTHER QUESTION, ARE YOUDOING GOOD BECAUSE YOU'RE RECEIVING AND ONE DAY WHEN YOU'RE NOTRECEIVING FOR THE GOOD ARE YOU STILL GOING TO DO GOOD.

The District has set aside 2.7 million dollars for the program.