The East of the River Clergy Police Community Partnership (CPCP) will conclude the "40 Days of Increased Peace" celebration with an Open House and Block Party on Wednesday, August 1, 2001, from 11 am to 7:15 pm in the 4100 block of First Street, SE. The Open House begins at 11 am, with musical guests at 1 pm, and more live entertainment starting at 3 pm, as part of a day-long block party.

The "40 Days of Increased Peace" was conceived as an intensive, community-based effort to bring down violence while building up communities during the summer months. The effort was led by Reverend Donald Isaac, CPCP Executive Director, and embraced by Metropolitan Police Chief Charles H. Ramsey , the MPD's Regional Operations Command (ROC)-East, DC Department of Parks and Recreation, and WPGC Radio 95.5FM .

Since June 23, a series of neighborhood events have brought together thousands of young people, police officers, community-based organizations, the faith community, and other service providers, in an act of solidarity against violence that affects children and youth.

Chief Ramsey stated, "I applaud the incredible success of the '40 Days of Increased Peace' initiative and the CPCP's ongoing efforts to bring positive, life-affirming activities and resources to the young people in our East of the River communities."

The Chief noted that the "40 Days" program has been emulated in ROC-Central, which is in the middle of its own youth crime prevention program called " Prevention through Pride: 39 Days of Life and Respect ," which runs through August 30.

For more information about the CPCP and the Open House and Block Party, contact Reverend Donald Isaac , (202) 373-5767.