Even though the hypothermia season has begun and despite the District reporting plenty of empty beds, some homeless people continue to avoid the city's shelters.

Jessica Forres reports…



Lounging on a sidewalk in Tenleytown, Tyrone Murray tilts his head toward the sky and thanks a woman who just gave him fifty cents…

[NAT: GOD BLESS YOU]

I'M DISABLED SO I GET A DISABILITY CHECK FOR 637. I STILL AIN'T GOT A PLACE TO STAY. ALL THAT MONEY I GET THERE WITH A LITTLE BIT OF MONEY FROM THE PEOPLE I GET ON THE STREET, I PAY 70 DOLLARS EVERY DAY AT A MOTEL.

Murray says he has his reasons for avoiding the shelters…

PEOPLE IN THE SHELTER, THEY STEAL FROM YOU, THEY STEAL A LITTLE BIT OF STUFF THAT YOU GOT. I'VE LOST A LOT OF CLOTHES AND THEN I CAUGHT CRABS AND SCABIES AT THE SAME TIME.

City councilman Tommy Wells has been making daily checks on shelter vacancies since the end of September when the Fenty Administration closed the Franklin shelter in Northwest…

I'M VERY CLOSELY MONITORING THIS. I'M SURE I'LL MISS SOME THINGS. BUT THERE'S A LOT OF INFORMATION AND MISINFORMATION THAT I'M HEARING THAT'S WHY I WANT TO BE HANDS ON TO BE SURE THAT OUR HOMELESS FOLKS ARE GETTING AS BEST WE CAN AS A CITY GETTING THEM WHAT THEY NEED.

In recent weeks, the District's daily shelter vacancy rate has exceeded 62 beds.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

_________________________________________

Some homeless people in DC continue to sleep outdoors even though there are plenty of empty beds at the District's shelters every night.

Jessica Forres reports…



Phillip Roberton sells copies of Street Sense, the newspaper written by homeless people, and paces a sidewalk in Tenleytown.

He says he became homeless five months ago, when he couldn't pay 25-thousand dollars in medical bills after losing his job and house...

I HAD SURGERY I WENT INTO THE HOSPITAL AND WHEN I CAME OUT OF THE HOSPITAL I BECAME HOMELESS.

Every night, he returns to the place he now calls home...an alley behind an electronics store... where he says he feels safer than sleeping inside a city shelter...

I'M AFRAID OF BEING ROBBED AND BEING HURT INSIDE THE SHELTER. YOU'D BE SURPRISED THAT'S WHY A LOT OF HOMELESS PEOPLE SLEEP OUTSIDE.

City council member Tommy Wells says he doesn't know why people such as Roberton choose to sleep outdoors despite the help available to them...

I THINK THAT A NUMBER OF PEOPLE THAT END UP HOMELESS ARE OFTEN PEOPLE WITH SOME EMOTIONAL OR MENTAL HANDICAPS AND FOR THOSE WHO ARE MOST SEVERLY HANDICAP AND DEVELOPMENTALLY CHALLENGED, WE CREATED HOUSING FIRST FOR THEM AND THAT'S WHERE WE MOVED 4-HUNDRED MEN AND WOMEN INTO HOUSING.

The District provides 1 thousand ,7 hundred 15 beds for men and 6 hundred 55 for women whenever nighttime temperatures fall to or below 32 degrees.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 news

Thanksgiving is over and your fridge is probably full of leftovers. But as Jessica Forres reports that food can make you sick if stored and heated improperly...


The best part of Thanksgiving dinner, for some people, is leftovers. Richard Cohen, a resident... says he's going to make the turkey last a long time ....

WE'LL PROBABLY HAVE IT FOR ABOUT A WEEK. WE'LL JUST PICK AT IT HERE AND THERE.

But storing leftovers for more than three or four days can be dangerous Arleen Porcell, with the Centers for Disease Control, says foodborne illnesses spike this time of year...

FROM THANKSGIVING TO NEW YEARS, DOCTOR'S OFFICES ARE FLOODED WITH CALLS FROM HOLIDAY REVELERS THAT ARE FIGHTING INTENSTINAL PROBLEMS.

Maribel Alonso is a food specialist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. She says people should also take precautions before chowing down on left over slices of turkey.... .

YOU CAN EAT THEM COLD IN A SANDWICH BUT IF YOU ARE GOING TO REHEAT THEM YOU HAVE TO MAKE SURE THEY REACH 165. YOU CAN'T LEAVE THEM LUKE WARM BECAUSE THAT WILL BE A LITTLE BIT DANGEROUS.

If Turkey is heated up in the microwave, she says, it should be steaming hot.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

In the District, residents by the thousands gathered at the Washington Convention Center for the annual "Feast of Sharing" ...

Jessica Forres reports...




[ANCHOR TAG: SAFEWAY MADE FOUR TONS OF TURKEY, 180 GALLONS OF GRAVY AND 15-HUNDRED POUNDS OF STUFFING FOR THE EVENT]

Inside the largest exhibit hall , Dierdre Anderson is one of 750 volunteers, she escorts three people to a banquet table where they will be served a plate full of turkey with all the trimmings and pumpkin pie...

PEOPLE ARE SAYING THE ECONOMY IS SO HARD RIGHT NOW. IT'S REALLY TOUGH, IT'S REALLLY TOUGH. SO WE WANT TO DO WHATEVER WE CAN.

A record 52 hundred people came for the free meal. Greg Ten Eyck is a spokesperson for Safeway. He started the "Feast of Sharing" nine years ago ...

WE'RE SERVING MORE PEOPLE THAN WE EVER HAVE BEFORE AND I THINK THAT KIND OF SHOWS THE STATE OF THE ECONOMY AND THE STATE OF THE CITY RIGHT. THERE'S MORE NEED THAN WE'VE EVER SEEN BEFORE FOR THIS EVENT.

It's the first year for Jacquie Clarke. She is thankful for the holiday treat...

WELL I KNOW THAT THE RECESSION IS GOING ON AND FOOD IS NOT PLENTIFUL LIKE IT USED TO BE. JUST TRYING TO MAKE ENDS MEET.

Guests of the feast were offered free flu shots and health screenings.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

Volunteers already are working to make Thanksgiving a happy holiday for needy families in the Washington region.

Jessica Forres observed some of them this weekend as they packed and delivered baskets of food...



As hundreds of volunteers inside Bell Multi-Cultural High School in Northwest pack boxes, Maureen Murphy-Smith and Vernon Lee wait at a loading dock outside. They will deliver food baskets to three families in DC...

WE HAVE TO WAIT FOR OUR BOXES. OUR NUMBER ARE 384. THEY GO BY NUMBERS, SO WE HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE BOXES TO COME OUT.

Inside, Theo Malloy is in charge of the sweet potatoes...

THERE IS A STATION FOR EACH TYPE OF FOOD AND THE BOXES JUST COME AROUND AND STOP AT EACH STATION FOR A PACKAGE.

Ransom Miller watches intently. He's the founder of Project Giveback, which began feeding six families 14 years ago...

OUR PROGRAMS ALLOW PEOPLE TO COME IN ONE DAY, GIVE UP ONE MORNING WORK THEM REAL HARD, AND THEY CAN SEE THE FRUITS OF THEIR LABOR WHEN THEY DELIVER THE BASKETS AND SEE HOW APPRECIATIVE THE PEOPLE ARE.

Project Giveback will feed 5-hundred families this Thanksgiving.When volunteers Murphy-Smith and Lee make their first stop at Elaine Farley's house, her reaction is priceless.

OHHHHH MY GOSH. Y'ALL HAVE TO COME SEE ALL THIS. CIARRA, COME LOOK, SWEET POTATO PIE, OOOHHHH.FRUIT APPLES, WE'VE GO TWO CHICKENS HERE LAUGH, LAUGH.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

_______________________________________

Many needy families in the Washington area are receiving free turkeys, vegetables and fruit for the holiday, thanks to the efforts of volunteers.

Jessica Forres spent some time this weekend observing how one local non-profit is making a difference...

Ransom Miller started Project Giveback 14 years ago to provide Thanksgiving meals to families who might otherwise have gone without them....

EVERYBODY GETS A TURKEY, TWO CHICKENS, TWO SAUSGE, TWO ELBOW MACCARONI, TWO BOXES OF ORANGES, ONIONS. POTATOES, SWEET POTATO PIE.

Project Giveback has grown from serving 6 families to feeding 5-hundred this year. Ransom says the need is greater than ever...

PEOPLE WHO IN OTHER YEARS WHO WERE CONSIDERED BLESSED OR HAD ENOUGH, THEY DON"T. A LOT OF PEOPLE OUT OF WORK. A LOT OF PEOPLE FACING MORTGAGE ISSUES, ECONOMIC ISSUES PEOPLE FACING IN THE WASHINGTON, DC AREA.

More than 6-hundred volunteers took time this past weekend to sort, pack and deliver the baskets of food.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

Consumers are reacting to the weak economy in a number of ways . As Jessica Forres reports.....their personal finances dictate whether they are an optimist or a pessimist.....

ECONOMY2-FORRESmp3'>LISTEN TO THE STORY THAT AIRED ON WAMU 88.5 FM

[NAT: Christmas Music]

Santa Claus, ornately decorated Christmas trees and holiday music are the sights and sounds inside a mall in Bethesda, Maryland where David Johannes says the holidays will be different this year...

NUMBER ONE I OWN A RETAIL STORE. I OWN A GARDEN CENTER AND GOURMET FOOD STORE SO WE'VE SEEN A LITTLE BIT OF A DOWNTURN.

As he sees sales decline, Johannes says he's encouraging his 9 year old son to adjust his own expectations when he sends his wishlist to Santa...

WHAT WE'VE ENCOURAGED HIM IS TO PICK OUT MORE THINGS THAT ARE LESS EXPENSIVE SO HE CAN GET A VOLUME OF THINGS AS OPPOSED TO PICKING OUT A BIKE OR A VIDEO GAME SET THAT MIGHT BE MORE EXPENSIVE.

Billy Beacham and Jeff Whisenaut are cruising the mall before heading to the Redskins game. They're optimistic because....

WE WORK FOR SMITHFIELD FOODS. PEOPLE GOT TO EAT. HAMS, HOT DOGS, BACON THAT'S US.

The Holiday shopping season traditionally begins on what;s called Black Friday…the day after Thanksgiving.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 NEWS

__________________________________________________

As they wait for the economy to improve, some consumers in the Washington region have decided to be a lot more frugal when they shop for the holidays.

Jessica Forres reports…

ECONOMY1-FORRESmp3'>LISTEN TO THE STORY THAT AIRED ON WAMU 88.5 FM

Shopping at a mall in Bethesda, Maryland, Michele Krucoff says the weak economy has convinced her to think small...

I'M GOING TO BUY A COUPLE SPECIAL ITEMS FOR FAMILY MEMBERS BUT NOTHING LIKE I DID LAST YEAR AND IN YEARS PAST.

And that includes when she buys presents for her young son...

THIS YEAR HE WILL GET A LITTLE BIT LESS AND ACTUALLY INSTEAD OF BUYING THINGS I WOULD RATHER TRAVEL.

Sarah Locke, a mother of two boys, says spending less is nothing new for her family...

WE'VE NEVER HAD VERY EXCESSIVE CHRISTMASES. THEY USUALLY GET ONE PRESENT FROM US AND THEY HAVE AUNTS AND UNCLES AND THEY GET THEM PRESENTS TOO. THEY DON'T EXPECT A WHOLE LOT.

The day after Thanksgiving begins the traditional Holiday shopping season but many retailers already are offering discounts.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

Another sign that the holiday season is upon us.....The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots drive is underway again.

Jessica Forres reports…

TOYS2-FORRESmp3'>LISTEN TO THE STORY THAT AIRED ON WAMU 88.5 FM

Lance Corporal Mindy Sanford and three other Marines are collecting toys at a mall in Bethesda, Maryland...

WE STAND HERE AND MAKE OUR PRESENCE KNOWN. WE DON'T TRY TO MAKE SOMEONE DROP A TOY OFF. WE ALSO COLLECT FIVE DOLLAR DONATIONS WHICH A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE BEEN DONATING THAN DROPPING OFF A TOY.

She says the toys will be distributed to local needy children to brighten their holidays. Donna Sudano of Rockville is donating a teddy bear....

I WANT TO HELP OUT CHILDREN THAT MAYBE DON'T HAVE ANYTHING FOR CHRISTMAS. I WANT TO MAKE SURE THEY HAVE SOMETHING TO OPEN UP.

Local Marines say they've collected almost 100,000 toys.....so far.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

____________________________________________________

The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Holiday Drive is underway and as Jessica Forres reports...past and present members of the Corps are doing their part to make the holidays bright for thousands of children...

TOYS1-FORRESmp3'>LISTEN TO THE STORY THAT AIRED ON WAMU 88.5 FM

Four uniformed Marines stand at the entrance of the Build-a Bear Workshop inside the Westfield Mall in Bethesda, Maryland.Lance Corporal Mindy Sanford points to a cardboard box filled with stuffed animals and other toys that people have dropped off throughout the day...

THESE ARE BUILD-A BEAR BEARS ACTUALLY AND A LOT OF PEOPLE COME IN AND DROP OFF THEIR BUILD-BEAR THEY DON"T HAVE TO BUT THEY DO IT. THEY ARE UNWRAPPED NEW TOYS. THESE TOYS RIGHT HERE GO TO THE CHILDREN IN NEED FOR CHRISTMAS.

Donna Sudano is building a bear to donate to Toys For Tots....

THEY HAVE YOU STEP ON A PEDAL WHILE THEY GET THE STUFFING GOING AND THEY PUT A LITTLE HEART IN THERE AND YOU MAKE A WISH AND THEN YOU JUST COME BACK OVER HERE TO THE DRESSING STATION

She says the effort and the cost are worth it..

I WOULD RATHER GIVE UP SOMETHING SO THAT A CHILD COULD HAVE SOMETHING TO OPEN UP CHRISTMAS DAY.

Lance Corporal Sanford agrees...

WHEN THEY RECEIVE A TOY THEY ACTUALLY JUMP UP AND DOWN AND THEN THEY GO PLAY WITH THEIR FRIENDS… IT'S REALLY, REALLY AWESOME.

So far, she says local Marines have collected 97-thousand toys.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

The District says progress is being made in the effort to revitalize the Anacostia Waterfront despite the nation's economic crisis.

Jessica Forres reports…

ANACOSTIA1-FORRESmp3'>LISTEN TO THE STORY THAT AIRED ON WAMU 88.5 FM

Inside the Red Porch Restaurant at Nationals Ballpark, Mayor Adrian Fenty lists the more than 8 billion dollars worth of economic development projects that are moving forward…

POPLAR POINT, SOUTHWEST WATERFRONT, HILL EAST WATER FRONT, WATER FRONT STATION WHICH IS KNOWN TO A LOT OF US AS WATERSIDE MALL AND THE YARDS…

Those projects are part of a 20-year plan to build housing, offices, retail stores and parks on the east and west banks of a pollution-free Anacostia River...

DEVELOPED A ANACOSTIA 2032 PLAN TO MAKE THE ANACOSTIA RIVER BOATABLE, FISHABLE AND SWIMMABLE AND THAT WE'VE ADDED REAL TIME WATER QUALITY MONITORING TO OUR WEBSITE.

Neil Albert, the city's Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, says the financial crisis has made getting projects financed a much longer process but not a more difficult one...

THE FACT THAT THE DISTRICT IS INVOLVED IN MANY OF THESE DEALS HERE THROUGH PUTTING THE LAND IN OR MAKING SOME KIND OF FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION IS REALLY HELPING TO SUSTAIN A NUMBER OF THESE PROJECTS BUT WE CONTINUE TO BE BULLISH IN THE DISTRICT.

A free community fair to celebrate the ongoing progress will be held tomorrow at Nationals Ballpark.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

New regulations to make chicken farming in Maryland less harmful to the environment won't take effect until January but as Jessica Forres reports….some experts already are claiming the rules won't do much to reduce pollution in the Chesapeake Bay but WILL hurt farmers….

CHICKENS2-FORRES'>LISTEN TO THE STORY THAT AIRED ON WAMU 88.5 FM.

Mandatory planting of vegetative buffer zones and better managing of chicken manure are part of the new regulations from the state Department of the Environment. Agency representative Robert Ballinger says the new rules are designed to show how Maryland can reduce the amount of nutrients that flow into and pollute the Bay…

DELAWARE AND VIRGINIA DO HAVE SIMILAR REGULATIONS. WE FEEL VERY STRONGLY THAT OUR REGULATIONS ARE STRONGER AND MORE PROGRESSIVE.

But some experts say the tougher regulations will put Maryland's poultry farmers at a competitive disadvantage with their neighbors. Ellen Silbergeld is with Johns Hopkins University….

THIS IS THE KIND OF THING WE REALLY DON'T WANT TO HAVE HAPPEN EITHER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT OR FOR THE ECONOMICS OF THE STATE OF MARYLAND. WE NEED TO DO SOME UPSTREAM THINKING THAT IS FOR EXAMPLE GETTING ANTIBIOTICS OUT OF POULTRY PRODUCTION ALONG WITH THAT IS THE ISSUE OF USE OF ARSENIC IN POULTRY FEED.

The arsenic, she says, end up in the manure and are carried into the Bay when it rains as well as groundwater. Silbergeld says the state should first consider whether the new requirements will make a significant difference...

DON'T PLACE THE BURDEN ON THE FARMER. THE WAY IN WHICH POULTRY IS PRODUCED IN MARYLAND AND THE UNITED STATES IS REALLY DICTATED BY THE MAJOR PRODUCERS. AND THE FARMERS WORK AS CONTRACTORS TO COMPANIES LIKE TYSON, PERDUE, ETC SO IF WE REALLY WANT TO A CHANGE THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE IN THIS INDUSTRY, WE HAVE TO ENGAGE THE SECTOR THAT'S MAKING MOST OF THE MONEY.

The Department of the Environment will accept public comments for one more week.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

The Maryland Department of the Environment is hearing from citizens about regulations on the state's chicken farms.

Jessica Forres reports on what people said at Chesapeake College on the Eastern Shore…

CHICKENS1-FORRESmp3'>LISTEN TO THE STORY THAT AIRED ON WAMU 88.5 FM

Mark McCready raises chickens in Preston, Maryland and he's frustrated by requirements for some poultry operations to plant vegetative buffers, properly store manure and permit state inspections as of January first…

I THINK WHAT THEY'RE DOING FIRST OF ALL IS ILLEGAL. NUMBER TWO IT'S MISREPRESENTATION, NUMBER THREE, THERE"S NO SCIENCE TO WHAT THEY ARE DOING, THEY'RE JUST PICKING ON PEOPLE AND I'M TIRED OF IT.

Robert Ballinger, with the MDE, says the new rules would affect about 2-hundred of the state's 8-hundred chicken farms…

WHAT WE'RE TRYING TO DO IS WORK IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS TO MAKE SURE THAT THE NUTRIENTS AND PHOSPHOROUS THAT ARE RUN OFFS FROM CHICKEN LITTER THAT MANY FARMERS USE ON THEIR FIELDS DO NOT RUN OFF INTO THE BAY.

Chicken farmer McCready sees it differently, saying farmers have done their part to preserve the bay…

I'LL KISS YOUR BUTT ON THE COURT HOUSE SQUARE AND GIVE YOU AN HOUR TO DRAW A CROWD IF I'M THE ONE POLLUTING THE BAY. THIS IS RIDICULOUS.

The final public hearing takes place in Frederick this afternoon.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

Stricter regulation of chicken farms is the topic of a series of public hearings in Maryland.

As Jessica Forres reports the proposed regulations are meant to reduce the amount of poultry manure that ends up in the Chesapeake Bay.

CHICKENSH1-FORRESmp3'>LISTEN TO THE STORY THAT AIRED ON WAMU 88.5 FM

Under new rules proposed by Maryland's Department of the Environment, 2-hundred of the state's largest chicken-producing operations would be required to properly manage and store manure…or pay fines.

Kim Coble with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation says that would bring more than 50 percent of the state's poultry litter under MDE regulation.

IDEALLY A FARMER HAS A MANURE STORAGE SHED. NOT ALL FARMERS HAVE THOSE AND SO IF YOU DON'T HAVE THOSE THAN THE MANURE IS OPEN TO THE RAIN AND THE RAIN CAN WASH THE NUTRIENTS INTO THE BAY SO YOU WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT STOCKPILE IS DONE PROPERLY.

Bill Satterfield with Delmarva Poultry Industry Incorporated says chicken growers are heavily regulated under the Water Quality Improvement Act of 1998.

THE MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT SEEMS TO THINK THAT THIS NEW DUPLICATIVE SET OF REGULATION WILL SOMEHOW IMPROVE WATER QUALITY IN MARYLAND. WE'RE NOT SURE HOW THAT CONCLUSION IS MADE.

A public hearing is scheduled tonight at 6pm at Chesapeake College.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

_____________________________________________

A poultry trade association says new regulations...meant to reduce the amount of manure polluting the Chesapeake Bay...could cripple chicken farmers in Maryland.

Jessica Forres reports...

CHICKENSH2-FORRESmp3'>LISTEN TO THE STORY THAT AIRED ON WAMU 88.5 FM

The Maryland Department of the Environment wants to subject about 200 of the state's largest chicken farms to scrutiny and potential fines for improper use and storage of chicken manure.

Bill Satterfield is with the Delmarva Poultry Industry Incorporated.

THERE MIGHT BE FARMERS WHO SAY THE HECK WITH MARYLAND, I'M NOT PUTTING UP WITH THIS, I'M MOVING SOMEWHERE ELSE. ONE OF THE DANGERS OF THIS REGULATION IF IT'S PUT IN LIKE IT'S PLANNED IS THAT IT COULD REDUCE THE SIZE OF THE CHICKEN INDUSTRY IN MARYLAND.

Kim Coble with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation says that's unlikely.

IF YOU OWN A COUPLE HUNDRED ACRES OF FARMLAND, YES YOU CAN SELL THAT AND MOVE TO ANOTHER AREA BUT IT'S A LITTLE DIFFICULT, IT'S NOT AS EASY TO DO AS ONE MIGHT PRESUME.

A public hearing is set tonight at 6pm at Chesapeake College.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

"Going to church" is taking on a new meaning for a growing number of congregatins in the U.S. and across the Washington region.

As Jessica Forres reports, one of these so-called "theater churches" is located in Alexandria, Virginia...

CHURCHES1-FORRESmp3'>LISTEN TO THE STORY THAT AIRED ON WAMU 88.5 FM

[NAT: HOSANNA, HOSANNA, HOSANNA IN THE HIGHEST]

At some churches, Sunday morning service opens with a hymn played on a pipe organ….but not at DC Metro Church...where a rock band provides the music.

John De Veny, who used to attend what he calls a traditional church, likes the change...

THE HYMNS ARE QUITE OLD. I STARTED LOOKING AT THE DATES OF THEM, SOME ARE FROM 1100, 1200, 1800 AND I WAS LIKE IT'S GOT TO BE BETTER THAN THIS.

He found his new church at the Potomac Yard Regal 16 multiplex in Alexandria, where David Stine is the Pastor...

THE MOVIE THEATER JUST LENDS ITSELF SO WELL TO BEING A VERY REAL, RELEVANT AND ENJOYABLE ENVIRONMENT ALREADY AND PEOPLE DON'T FEEL THREATENED BY A STEEPLE OR A CHURCH BUILDING.

"Theater churches" are growing in popularity. Stines' DC Metro Church, which opened a year ago with 70 members…now hosts 250 on any given Sunday...

WE'VE SEEN SEVERAL CHURCHES DO THIS ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND REALLY JUST KIND OF A POST MODERN PUSH TOWARDS MAKING CHURCH AN APPROACHABLE PLACE ONCE AGAIN.

There are approximately 180 "theater churches" now operating nationwide.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

________________________________________________

Finding "God" inside a local movie theater is becoming a nationwide trend and as Jessica Forres reports, several local congregations are part of the movement...

CHURCHES2-FORRESmp3'>LISTEN TO THE STORY THAT AIRED ON WAMU 88.5 FM

At the Potomac Yard Regal 16 in Arlington, Virginia, approximately 250 worshipers are watching a scene from the movie Braveheart…in which William Wallace inspires his army to fight against the English....

[ NAT: JUST ONE CHANCE, TO COME BACK HERE TO TELL OUR ENEMIES THAT THEY MAY TAKE OUR LIVES BUT THEY WILL NEVER TAKE OUR FREEDOM]

The movie clip is part of David Stine's sermon. He's the pastor at DC Metro Church...

[IS THAT WE WANT TO HAVE THIS FREEDOM IN RELATIONSHIP AND NOT ONLY IN RELATIONSHIP BUT IN OUR OWN LIVES]

A growing number of churches hold their services inside movie theaters. Pastor Stine says it's part a post-modern push to make church "approachable" again....

WHAT WE FOUND IS THAT PEOPLE WHO USED TO GO TO CHURCH NO LONGER GO TO CHURCH AND THE SECOND REASON THAT CHURCH BECAME WEIRD AND THAT CHURCH BECAME BORING. AND SO WE ARE COMBATTING BOTH THOSE THINGS BY HAVING CHURCH IN A MOVIE THEATER.

Pastor Stine says his service attracts mostly young families and adults. People such as Andrea Clarke...

IT'S PARTICULARLY INTERESTING TO ME BECAUSE I GREW UP IN A TRADITIONAL, BLACK SORT OF METHODIST CHURCH. BUT I FEEL LIKE IT INCORPORATES A LOT OF PEOPLE HERE. YOU HAVE PEOPLE FROM CATHOLIC BACKGROUNS, OBVIOUSLY PROTESTANT EPISCOPALIAN.

National CineMedia, which works with :theater churches" says 180 of them now operate in the U.S.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News.

The incoming Obama Administration has some eco-friendly business owners expressing optimism about the future.

Jessica Forres found them at the Convention Center this past weekend attending D-C's "Green Festival"...

GREENDC1-FORRESmp3'>LISTEN TO THE STORY THAT AIRED ON WAMU 88.5 FM

Lonna Anderson talks about Tranquil Soul… a clothing boutique in Takoma Park, Maryland...

WE ARE A WOMAN OWNED OPERATED FAIR TRADE ORGANIC BOUTIQUE AND WE MAKE SURE EVERYONE IS GETTING FAIR WAGES AND EVERYTHING WE DO IS ENVIORNMENTALLY FRIENDLY.

The economic crisis has hurt business, but she remains optimistic...

EVENTUALLY IT'S GOING TO SHIFT BACK BUT IT'S BEEN STEADY TO SLOW AND WE'RE GOING ON THE UPSWING. OBAMA IS IN SO THANK GOD.

GENE TROY is based in Silver Spring where his company specializes in making homes energy efficient...

WHEN THE ECONOMY IS DOING BAD, PEOPLE GENERALLY WANT TO SAVE MONEY AND THAT's WHEN WE DO WELL.

And he says business will continue to do well...

I THINK THAT IT'S GOING TO BE GOOD FOR EVERYBODY AND THIS IS THE RISING TIDE THAT FLOATS ALL BOATS.

DC's Green Festival attracted more than 360 vendors and more than 20,000 visitors.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

______________________________________________

Some local, environmentally-friendly businesses are expressing optimism despite the ongoing economic crisis.

Jessica Forres reports…

GREENDC2-FORRESmp3'>LISTEN TO THE STORY THAT AIRED ON WAMU 88.5 FM

More than 360 vendors set up shop at D.C's 5th annual Green Festival at the Convention Center. Joelle Novey of Co-op America, one of the sponsoring groups, says the financial crisis is actually creating a positive impact...

I THINK IT'S REVEALED A LOT OF THE IDEAS THAT WE"VE BEEN TRYING TO TALK ABOUT ALONG THAT OUR ECONOMY SHOULD PRODUCE REAL WELL BEING FOR REAL PEOPLE TO SOLVE REAL PROBLEMS AND NOT BE ABOUT SPECULATION AND NOT BE ABOUT GREED.

Consultant KARA STRONG says a green economy makes sense.........

I'M STARTING TO THINK IT'S RECESSION PROOF. I WORK AS A GREEN BUILDING CONSULTANT WE GET CALLS ALL THE TIME FOR NEW WORK.

More than 20,000 visitors attended the Green Festival.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

A Latino advocacy group says some hispanic voters in Prince William County may have been intimidated by the heavy police presence at one polling site.

Jessica Forres reports...

Boomp3.com'>LISTEN TO THE STORY THAT AIRED ON WAMU 88.5 FM

Two police cruisers flashing their emergency lights are parked at the entrance of Occoquan Elementary School in Woodbridge.

Gabriela Lemus is with the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement. She says her group has been monitoring the site all day.

FIRST IT STARTED OFF WITH ONE SHERIFF THEN WE HAD THREE THEN THERE WERE SIX. NOW THERE ARE FOUR.

The police presence, she says, could be seen by some Latino voters as intimidating.

I THINK IT DOES KIND OF INTIMIDATE PEOPLE BECAUSE OF SORT OF THE ANTI-ATTITUDES THAT HAVE BEEN AROUND HERE. IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE FOCUES ON CRIMINAL IMMIGRANTS BUT IT REFLECTS ON THE WHOLE HISPANIC COMMUNITY.

Glendell Hill, the County's Sheriff, says no more than three officers were present at the location….and they were there to direct traffic.

YOU KNOW WE WERE NOT THERE TO INTERFERE WITH VOTERS JUST TO MAKE SURE THE CITIZENS GOT IN AND OUT SAFELY.

Lemus says her group is considering filing a complaint to the State Board of Elections.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 NEWS

Dogs in D.C. are marking new territory.

Jessica Forres reports that the first public dog park has opened in the city.



Standing in the rain, Emily and Matt Scherer are watching their dog driver run around the new 15,000 square foot Shaw Dog Park.

HE'S OVER THERE. HE LIKES TO CHASE OTHER DOGS. HE LIKES CHASING LITTLE DOGS BECAUSE HE CAN DOMINATE THEM. BECAUSE HE LIKES THAT. IN A FRIENDLY PEACEFUL WAY.

[NAT: BUDDY FIREMAN, WOOF, WOOF]

Another dog owner George Kassouf shows off Buddy's singing skills. He is one of the people who created the Dog Owners of Greater Shaw.

WE'VE BEEN WORKING TO GET A DOG PARK AT LEAST FOUR YEARS OR SO AND WE MADE OUR APPLICATION JUST IN MAY BUT WE'VE WORKING ON IT FOR MONTHS.

His hard work finally paid off. The dog park...located on 11th Street and Rhode Island Avenue.. is the first to open in the District.

Kassouf says it's more than just a park for dogs.

IT'S A GREAT PLACE FOR US ALL TO GET TOGETHER. IT"S SORT OF LIKE OUR OWN FRONT PORCH. THIS IS WHERE EVERYONE GETS TOGETHER IN THE EVENINGS AND JUST CATCHES UP.

DC''s Department of Parks and Recreation has budgeted 6-hundred thousand dollars over two years for public dog parks in the city.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

D.C. police continue to work with federal authorities to monitor sex offenders.

Jessica Forres rode along with a team on Halloween night to observe...

Boomp3.com'>LISTEN TO THE STORY THAT AIRED ON WAMU 88.5 FM

WE'RE GOING TO HEAD OUT TO THE FIFITH DISTRICT POLICE STATION TO MEET UP WITH THE POLICE DEPARTMENT WHO ARE ASSISTING US

Paul Brennan is with the sex offender unit from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency, or C-SOSA. His unit and MPD work together every day…tonight they are visiting the homes of child sex offenders.

HALLOWEEN IN PARTICULAR BECAUSE WE HAVE CERTAIN SEX OFFENDERS WHO ARE NOT ALLOWED TO HAVE CONTACT WITH MINORS AND THEM HANDING OUT CANDY TO CHILDREN WOULD BE A VIOLATION OF THEIR RELEASE.

We visit the home of one man who doesn't seem to have a problem with the unannounced visit.

I'M A REGISTERED SEX OFFENDER AND PART OF MY PROBATION REQUIRES ME TO STAY IN ON HALLOWEEN TO PROTECT THE COMMUNITY. I MADE A BAD CHOICE IN MY LIFE AND I HAVE TO PAY FOR THAT.

Brennan says his unit visits offenders homes at least twice a week and monitors others by satellite.

THE UNIT HAS EVOLVED OVER THE YEARS SO THAT WE ARE PRETTY SOPHISTICATED AND WE HAVE QUITE A BIT OF TECHNOLOGY TO HELP US DO OUR JOBS AND THAT'S ALLOWED US TO MANAGE A VERY DIFFICULT AND CRAFTY POPULATION.

He says there are about 580 sex offenders in D-C assigned to C-SOSA officers.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 news

In Virginia, some local cab drivers will provide free transportation to voters tomorrow.

Jessica Forres talked with one driver who is volunteering his time…

Boomp3.com'>LISTEN TO THE STORY THAT AIRED ON WAMU 88.5 FM

[NAT: LET ME HAVE YOUR NUMBER INCASE703- 915]

Mulugeta Yimer, a taxi driver for Union Cooperative Cab, is writing down Tameka McClure's phone number. She's a passenger who says she can't vote on Election Day.

I MOVED FROM NORTH CAROLINA AND I CAN'T VOTE BECAUSE I TRIED TO REGISTER HERE AND I WAS TOLD I'D GET MY INFORMATION AND I'VE NEVER GOTTEN IT.

Yimer is a volunteer for a voter outreach group called Virginia New Majority.

I WISH IF I KNOW HER BEFORE BECAUSE WE WORK WITH A CERTAIN DIFFERENT GROUP SO WE CAN DO THAT MAILING FOR HER IN PERSON.

His group is working with 24 Union cab drivers who will give voters free rides to the polls tomorrow.

I BELIEVE TO HELP PEOPLE. THE AMERICAN COUNTRY DID A LOT OF THINGS FOR US FOR US REFUGEES.

He is orginially from Ethiopia and now a U.S. Citizen...being able to vote is a dream come true.

YOU'RE SCARED TO VOTE, YOU'RE SCARED TO RAISE YOUR VOICE. IN THE UNITED STATES YOU CAN SAY ANYTHING TO THE PRESIDENT YOU'RE STILL ALIVE. THIS IS A DEMOCRATIC COUNTRY AND IT'S BUILT ON IMMIGRANTS.

He says voters can call Union Cab on Tuesday for free rides.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

______________________________________________

In Northern Virginia, some taxi drivers are volunteering their time to help voters get to the polls on Election Day.

Jessica Forres reports….

Boomp3.com'>LISTEN TO THE STORY THAT AIRED ON WAMU 88.5 FM

Driving a mini-van, Mulugeta Yimer, a taxi driver, picks up a passenger at Braddock Metro Station in Alexandria.

[NAT: CAN YOU TAKE ME TO REGAL THEATER-YA]

His meter is on today, but on Tuesday he will turn it off. He and 23 cab drivers with Union Cooperative Cab will provide free transportation to voters on Election Day.

FIRST OF ALL IT'S A CIVIC DUTY, NUMBER TWO WHEN WE COME TO THIS COUNTRY THIS IS A FREEDOM FOR US TO HELP FOR ELECTION SO WE ARE HELPING THE PEOPLE HERE.

Yimer says he's orginally from Ethiopia and now a U.S. citizen.

By giving people free rides to the polls, he says, he can help them take part in the democratic process.

IN MY COUNTRY YOU DON'T HAVE A RIGHT TO VOTE IF YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO VOTE THEY ARE GOING TO ARREST YOU BECAUSE THE SAME PEOPLE WANT TO GET ELECTED EVERY YEAR YOU CANNOT CHANGE..IN THIS IS COUNTRY YOU HAVE FULL FREEDOM TO CHANGE THE PRESIDENT, THE COUNCIL MEMBERS, OR WHOEVER.

He says voters in need of transportation should call Union Cab.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News