Mid City DC Magazine – March 2024

WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

Two Blossom Festivals at the River

On Saturday, March 23, 2 to 9 p.m., The Wharf celebrates spring with Bloomaroo, a free festival featuring live music, dancing, crafts and public karaoke. Explore family-friendly activities including koi kite decorating, balloon artists, and ower vendors in the Kids Zone near The Green. Fireworks at 8:30 p.m. wharfdc.com.

On Saturday, April 6, 1 to 9 p.m., celebrate spring at Capitol Riverfront’s Petalpalooza with a full day of live music and engaging activities. This free, day-long all-ages celebration brings art, music, and play to multiple outdoor stages, interactive art installations, a cashless beverage garden, family-friendly activities, roaming entertainers, and more. Fireworks at 8:30 p.m. (Fireworks are also visible from Anacostia Park.) nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.

DC Moth StorySLAM: Dazzled

On Monday, March 11, 7:30 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.), listen to true stories or share your own at their open-mic storytelling competition. This night’s theme is “Dazzled.” Prepare a ve-minute story of a time you sparkled. Drippin’ in diamonds down the red carpet, smooth cruisin’ in a Corvette, or cosplaying as Marilyn Monroe. Share your shini-

est, knock out memories that no one believes or the moments that prove that all that glitters is gold. Admission is $15. DC Moth StorySLAM is at Miracle Theatre, 535 Eighth St. SE. There is a public parking lot underneath the highway on Eighth Street, SE between I Street and Virginia Avenue. themoth.org.

National Gallery Nights

The spring season of the popular (and free) National Gallery Nights takes place on the second Thursday of March, April and May, 6 to 9 p.m. This season they celebrate “Color Theory” on March 14, “Flowers After Hours” on April 11, and “Art Prom” on May 9. Music, live performances, artmaking, and pop-up talks center around each theme. Light fare, gelato, and beverages, including beer, wine, and specialty cocktails, are available for purchase throughout the East Building and in the Terrace Café and Espresso & Gelato Bar. Their April and May programs also feature activities on the Fourth Street Plaza which are open to all without registration. Due to its popularity, registration is through a lottery system. The lottery takes place the week before each event. Additional passes are available at the East Building entrance— rst come, rst served—starting at 5:30 p.m. on the afternoon of each event. nga.gov/calendar/community-events/nights.

RIGHT: The East Building comes alive during National Gallery Nights programs on March 14, April 11, and May 9. National Gallery of Art, Washington.

WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

Artomatic

Artomatic is an open-entry creative art showcase of visual art, music, lm, performance, poetry and fashion. They typically occupy a large commercial space of over 90,000 sq ft that is either in transition or has recently been delivered to the market. This year Artomatic is at 2100 M St. NW. From March 8 to April 29, Artomatic is open Wednesdays and Thursdays, 5 to 9:30 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, noon to midnight; and Sundays, noon to 9 p.m. All art is sold commission-free and remains on the walls until the show closes. artomatic.org.

A Wildflower Hike at Turkey Run Park

On April 2, 3 or 4, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., discover the spring splendors of the Potomac Gorge, a 1,900-acre natural area spanning Maryland and Virginia that is one of the most botanically diverse places in North America. Hike north from Turkey Run Park along the Potomac Heritage Trail on a wilderness adventure inside the Beltway as you admire lush upland forests and oodplains brilliantly decorated by Virginia bluebells and other spring ephemeral wild owers. Keep an eye out for great blue herons and other native fauna in the temporary pools and side channels and in the Potomac River itself. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on the adventure. Your study leader Melanie Choukas-Bradley, a naturalist and the author of six regional nature books, has explored the Potomac Gorge from Great Falls to Theodore Roosevelt Island for a forthcoming book, and this trek covers one of her favorite sections. $75. smithsonianassociates.org.

Ireland at the Wharf

On Saturday, March 16, noon to 6 p.m., grab a drink from the Guinness Beer Garden, then enjoy live music performances by the 19th Street Band, Poehemia, and Ben-David Warner & Friends on the District Pier main stage during Ireland at The Wharf. Here’s the schedule: noon, Festival Activities and Six Nations Rugby Championship Begin; noon, Irish Dancing--Boyle School of Irish Dance; 12:30 p.m., Poehemia; 2:15 p.m., The 19th Street Band; 2:30 p.m., Irish Dancing--McGrath Morgan Academy; 4:15 p.m., Ben-David Warner Band. wharfdc.com/ireland.

Nicki Minaj at Capital One Arena

Nicki Minaj is a Trinidadian-born rapper, singer, and songwriter often referred to as the Queen of Rap. She is one of the best-selling music artists with 100 million records sold worldwide. Billboard has ranked her as the top-selling female rapper of the 2010s and one of the greatest rappers of all time. She is the only female rapper to have three number-one albums on the Billboard 200 chart. She is at the Capital One Arena, 601 F St. NW, on Monday, April 1, 8 p.m. (doors at 7 p.m.). Tickets are $96 to $310. capitalonearena.com.

Mike McMullen’s Yellow Triangle

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WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

Busboys and Poets Weekly Open Mic

For two hours each week at seven Busboys and Poets locations, audiences can expect a diverse chorus of voices and a vast array of professional spoken word performers, open mic rookies, musicians and a different host every week. Expect to be moved, expect a packed house, expect the unexpected, but above all come with an open mind and ear. Times are subject to change. Here are the locations, 14th and V, Tuesdays, 8 to 10; Columbia, Thursdays, 8 to 10 p.m.; 450 K, Wednesdays, 6 to 10 p.m.; Shirlington, Mondays, 8 to 10 p.m.; Hyattsville, Thursdays, 8 to 10 p.m.; Baltimore, Wednesdays, 8 to 10 p.m.; Brookland, Second, Third and Fourth Fridays, 9 to 11 p.m. busboysandpoets.com.

Little Shop of Horrors at Ford’s

Little Shop of Horrors is a nonstop blast, sci- horror comedy, love story and rock musical that has become one of the most treasured pieces of American musical theatre. While paying homage to doo-wop and Motown recordings, the story follows a luckless orist shop worker, Seymour, who raises a wisecracking carnivorous plant that develops a craving for human blood. He delights in the fame and fortune that his leafy, ever-growing friend attracts, while trying to show his co-worker Audrey that she is the girl of his dreams. As Seymour discovers his plant’s out-of-thisworld origins and intent toward world domination, he learns the lesson: “Don’t feed the plants!” Tickets are $25 to $95. Ford’s Theatre, 514 Tenth Sy. NW, from March 15 to May 18. fords.org.

Busta Rhymes’ BLOCKBUSTER TOUR 2024

Busta Rhymes is an American rapper, songwriter, record producer and actor. His favorite rapper as a teenager was LL Cool J, who was the inspiration and reason for Busta Rhymes writing his rst raps. He was creatively inspired by American singer and record producer George Clinton for “being over the top and outlandish and brave as far as his showmanship.” In 2021, Busta Rhymes released the 25th Anniversary Edition of his debut studio album, The Coming. In late 2023, his eleventh studio album Blockbusta was released. Fillmore Silver Spring, 8656 Colesville Rd., Silver Spring, MD, on Monday, April 6, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $81.85. livenation.com.

Baltimore Street Food Festival

The Baltimore Street Food Festival is returning to Power Plant Live!, 34 Market St., Baltimore, on April 6 and 7, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., both days. They are shutting down an entire city block and bringing out the area’s best food vendors, entertainment and excitement. All food items will be priced at $5 or less. This provides the best opportunity to sample as many vendors from around the world as possible. Come for the food and stay for the fun as there will be tons of live entertainment, a huge general vendor market, kids fun zone experience, axe throwing, an indoor climate-controlled giant beer garden, breakdancing expo, mechanical bull riding, free hard seltzer sampling, crazy eating challenges and more. General admission tickets required. powerplantlive.com.

Busta Rhymes has received 12 Grammy Award nominations for his work making him one of the most nominated.

At the Wedding at Studio Carlo crashes her ex’s wedding with three simple goals: Don’t get drunk. Don’t make any kids cry. Don’t try to win back the bride, no matter how boring the groom is. (She’ll ultimately fail at all three.) A very, very funny play about loneliness, estrangement, and a slow-burn romance with being alive. Studio Theater, 1501 14th St. NW, from March 13 to April 21. Sstudiotheatre.org.

Artwork based o of photo of Derrick D. Truby, Jr. and Chani Wereley by Scott Suchman.

Theater Night A Curated Review of Theater in the DMV

by Matthew McClure

As the weather warms, spring reminds us that nature’s ancient processes of rebirth have a few important lessons to impart. Transformation is not only always possible, but inevitable. If you’re brave enough to lead the charge – like those first tender buds after the last frosts of winter – change often has its own rewards. This month’s column focuses on theater that examines change, transformation, and rebirth in ways both literal and metaphorical.

On Right Now

Beauty and the Beast, Toby’s Dinner Theatre Showing Mar 15– Jun 16

It’s a tale as old as time… Girl longs to escape her life of boredom in a sleepy village. Girl tumbles upon a hexed castle. Girl falls in love with a badtempered beast who is really a handsome prince under a powerful spell that only true love can break. If this fantastical story sounds familiar, it’s probably because you grew up watching it on the Disney Channel.

Like the enchantment that is cast over the titular Beast’s castle and its inhabitants, Beauty and the Beast has bewitched audiences for over 30 years. The stage musical was adapted from the 1991 Academy-Award winning film in 1994, and this month Maryland’s Toby’s Dinner Theatre invites both young and old to experi ence its interpretation of this lyrical stage adventure. For its 2024 iteration, the theater has paired a newcomer – Rachel Cahoon – in the role of restless, romantic Belle with a Toby’s stalwart – David James – as the uptight but loyal butler/mantel clock Cogsworth.

Perhaps part of Beauty and the Beast’s perpetual allure is that it explores themes of transformation and change in ways both obvious and subtle. It

doesn’t hurt that renowned composer Alan Menken’s magical songs weave through the action. “This is the first time I’ve done Beauty and the Beast, and my first time working at Toby’s,” Cahoon says. “Belle talks about change a lot. She wants something different, something new. Something to change her life for the better.” James has been with the Toby’s Dinner Theatre family for over 30 years and is no stranger to the role of Cogsworth. “The first time I did this was in 2005. But it’s great because every time there’s new faces which I love, because I get to work off new people. The climate that we’re in right now, with so much stuff happening in the world, there’s always that ray of hope at the end when we change

and learn and grow. There’s always a brighter future. That’s the prominent theme throughout the show which I love.”

The eponymous Toby Orenstein of Toby’s Dinner Theatre has focused on change and transformation for most of her professional career. She formed the Young Columbians – a youth group focused on the performing arts – in 1975 and has unlocked the creative potential of the performing arts for thousands of kids since 1979, when she opened her Maryland theatre. With an array of awards under her belt, Orenstein has remained committed to transforming young minds through creative expression. “Toby has always used her theater as a teaching aid for young audiences,” says James. “Theater is such an important teaching tool for children.”

This play, however, isn’t just for kids. “There’s something about Beauty and the Beast that’s always catered towards people of any generation,” Cahoon points out. “That’s why it’s one of the most iconic Disney movies and musicals of all time. There’s something so humbling about accepting the fact that change is inevitable and that to become a better person you must accept that you’re going to change and grow. That’s the learning element of this show.”

Catch Before Closing

Tempestuous Elements, Arena Stage

Showing Feb 16 – Mar 17

Hot off the heels of his acclaimed play Monumental Travesties at Mosaic Theater, playwright, director, and actor Psalmayene 24 returns to Arena Stage to direct Kia Corthron’s Tempestuous Elements, a drama focused on a chapter in the life of Anna Julia Cooper, and the ways she transformed African American education forever against impossible odds.

You probably already know who Anna Julia Cooper is without realizing it. This prolific scholar, author, educator and speaker’s ruminations on the significance of freedom appear on pages 24 and 25

David James as Cogsworth. Courtesy Toby’s Dinner Theatre

of US passports. Tempestuous Elements – the 11th installment of Arena Stage’s Power Play initiative – is part of a rising tide of interest in telling the stories of African American educators and changemakers active in DC in the 19th and 20th Centuries. Also in March, the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum’s Dr. Samir Meghelli opens an exhibition focused on African American art teachers in the city during this tumultuous period of history. It’s high time that these moments of history get the attention they so richly deserve.

“Anna Julia Cooper’s life really epitomizes the essence of reinvention, because this is a woman who was born enslaved and went on to get her PhD from the Sorbonne.” says Psalm. “This idea of transformation, of change, of metamorphosis, is embedded in Cooper’s life.” Tempestuous Elements (the title comes from Cooper’s own writings and refers to the volatile social conditions that Black girls and women frequently endure) covers Coo-

per’s time at DC’s historic M Street High School, where she was caught up in the crossfire between two opposing teaching methodologies that would pave the way for future African American education in the US. “Anna was dealing with that tension between a classical and a vocational curriculum.” Explains Psalm. “These ideas are embodied by W.E.B Du Bois, who supported the classical curriculum for African Americans, and Booker T. Washington who espoused the vocational approach. But both approaches were about uplifting Black people.”

Psalm has been surrounded by strong Black women his whole life, so for him this play is in-tensely personal. “Her story, for me, feels like coming home.” Who does he hope comes to see it? “Everybody in the DC area. I want Black women to see this play because they get to see a mirror of themselves in some ways. A lot of the hurdles that Anna had to overcome are the same ones that Black women today must deal with.”

Special Mention

Little Shop of Horrors, Ford’s Theatre

Showing Mar 15 – May 18

Imagine a strange species of plant that no amount of water or fertilizer seems to satisfy. It’s only when you accidently snag your finger that a drop of blood perks this peculiar perennial right back up. You’ve just met Audrey II, the star attraction of Mr. Mushnik’s florist on Skid Row, and timid shop assistant Seymour Krelborn’s ticket to fame, fortune and possibly even love. But you’d better arm yourself with your gardening shears because Audrey II is about to transform into a voracious, flesh-eating houseplant that threatens to engulf both Mushnik, Seymour, and possibly the entire world!

This is the plot of Ford’s Theatre’s rockmusical rendition of Little Shop of Horrors, directed Kevin S. McAllister and starring Derrick D. Truby Jr. as Seymour and Chani Wereley as Audrey, Seymour’s secret crush and after whom he names his bloodthirsty botanical specimen.

Little Shop of Horrors is a vast and intimidating creative legacy. A plethora of film

and musical adaptations, peppered by a host of celebrated actors, have graced stage and screen from the 1960s all the way through to 2019. The origins of the story can be traced back to an 1894 sci-fi novel by H.G Wells. However, for Truby and Wereley, McAllister’s interpretation of this musical – and their contributions as actors of color - is about changing this legacy. “I grew up with the show. I’ve seen the movie so many times!” laughs Wereley. “Being a little Asian girl, I didn’t see myself in Ellen Greene. I latched onto the urchins! But I’m realizing how much I’ve always wanted to play this role. Having the honor of playing Audrey in this theater is really special.” Truby concurs. “It’s a very different show when you have people like us in it. The two of us are not typically the people you’d think would be chosen to play Audrey and Seymour. But we’re given this opportunity. It’s such a huge gift but also a responsibility to pay homage to the communities we come from.”

McAllister’s Little Shop of Horrors promises to show you a rocking good time, but also hint at how urban life is irrevocably transformed by processes such as gentrification, migration, and economic transition. u

Gina Daniels stars in Tempestuous Elements at Arena Stage.

Photo: Tony Powell.

Derrick D. Truby Jr. as Seymour and Chani Wereley as Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors

“From Scratch”

Ethiopian Fare at Chercher

Asavory and spicy aroma fills the air in the cozy dining rooms at Chercher Ethiopian Restaurant’s Shaw location at 1334 Ninth St. NW. Just past the bright red exterior doors, large circular platters of Ethiopian specialties fill the small tables. The ambiance and fresh food are reminiscent of home for owner Alemayehu Abebe, who hopes the dining experience will make everyone feel at home, too.

Named for Abebe’s native region in Ethiopia, the intimate eatery opened in 2012 with only 10 seats in the building’s basement. As the popularity of the restaurant grew, Abebe was fined for exceeding capacity in an effort to meet neighborhood demand. Since then, the restaurant has expanded to include the first and second floors and outdoor patio seating that, in total, can accommodate over 100 people. Even with the increased seating capacity, Abebe said, “we are packed every day.”

Business Briefs

by Sarah Payne

The Washington Post has called Chercher one of the “10 best Ethiopian restaurants in the Washington area.” The restaurant received Bib Gourmand status in the first edition of the DC Michelin Guide, a high honor.

Eater DC named Chercher one of the “15 Essential Ethiopian Restaurants around DC” and mentioned that noted chef and “Top Chef judge Kwame Onwuachi always makes a point to visit when he’s back in town.” The restaurant has been honored by Washingtonian magazine as one of

the 100 Very Best Restaurants in Washington and featured as one of its favorite Cheap Eats.

While Abebe lauds the cuisine of other local restaurants serving Ethiopian eats, many, he says, are really a fusion. At Chercher, the focus is on entirely authentic cuisine from Ethiopia, and Abebe’s commitment to authenticity begins in the kitchen. All of the dishes, including beef, fish, lamb, chicken and salmon, are freshly prepared in-house and are cooked with spices specially blended for him in Ethiopia. The restaurant also makes its own injera, a teff flour flatbread, from scratch. Injera is used to scoop up food for eating, instead of knives and forks.

The menu is complete with a variety of options for vegan and vegetarian diners, including lentils, salads and an upcoming menu addition of vegan platters featuring a variety of vegetables. The large platters are easily shared with family or friends and allow diners to try a variety of Ethiopian specialties. The restaurant also offers a full bar.

Chercher has two sister restaurants, at 3608 14th St. NW and 4921 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda.

Chercher is open Monday through Sunday, noon to 10 p.m. Visit www.chercherrestaurant. com to learn more and place a take-out order.

Chercher Ethiopian Restaurant in Shaw is owned by Alemayehu Abebe.

Photo: Alexander M. Padro, Courtesy Shaw Main Streets

Whitlow’s, Where History

Meets Food and Fun

Three paintings at Whitlow’s, at 901 U St. NW, tell the historic bar/restaurant’s story, from DC to Virginia and back again.

The first painting depicts the initial location, which opened in Penn Quarter in 1946. After closing in 1989 to accommodate a redevelopment, the restaurant never reopened downtown. In 1995, as the second painting shows, owners Greg and Susie Cahill, along with their son Jon Williams, reopened Whitlow’s across the Potomac in Clarendon. It quickly became a popular neighborhood hangout.

After closing again in 2021, the family set out to find Whitlow’s a new home back in the District, reopening on Ninth Street NW in Shaw in 2022, as shown in the third painting. Wanting to expand but stay in the neighborhood, they found their current home a few doors down (formerly The Brixton), reopening in July 2023.

The larger space has allowed the restaurant’s team to recreate every era of the Whitlow’s legacy on three floors, each with its own bar, offering a unique experience every night of the week. The new location, says general manager Mike Egan, “just felt like home.” The Shaw community “is fantastic,” Egan adds. “It has a very similar vibe to what we had cultivated in Arlington.”

The neon sign from the Arlington location now glows on Ninth Street, once again welcoming patrons. The first floor features a family-friendly neighborhood restaurant that pays tribute to the District’s rich history, complete with booths from St. Patrick’s Cathedral, antique light fixtures and neon signs. The second-floor transforms into a space for dancing and live music, as well as private events. The top floor, better known as the Beach Bar, offers great views and a relaxed atmosphere for happy-hour specials and more.

The comfort food menu ranges from pub snacks (pastrami chili, corndog bites, jalapeno poppers, smoked wings, cheese fries) to sandwiches (Cuban, shrimp po-boy, pulled pork, falafel, grilled cheese), burgers, salads and entrees. The bar offers wine and cocktails, including cocktails and beer on tap, and canned beer.

Something is happening every night: happy hours, live music, comedy, trivia, bingo, drink specials, burger night, brunch. Regardless of the day, time or theme, Egan says “everybody’s having a good time” at Whitlow’s. Whitlow’s is open Monday through Wednesday, 5 p.m. to 12 a.m.; Thursday, 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Friday, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Saturday, 1noon to 2 a.m.; and Sunday, noon to 12 a.m. Brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday, noon to 3 p.m. All guests must be 21 years of age or older to enter after 9 p.m. daily. Visit www.whitlows.com to learn more.

Sarah Payne is a reporter for Capital Community News. She can be reached at sarahp@hillrag. com. u

General Manager Mike Egan oversees the historic Whitlow’s, now in Shaw. Photo: Courtesy of Whitlow’s DC

Shaw Streets

by Pleasant Mann

Little Gay Pub Mural Inaugurated

A ceremony on Feb. 13 inaugurated the recently installed mural at the Little Gay Pub at 1100 P St. NW. The mural, sponsored by the British Embassy Washington, is part of the United Kingdom’s GREAT Love campaign, which celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community and the shared values that the UK and US have for equality and diversity.

After a survey of the District, Shaw’s Little Gay Pub seemed like a suitable site for the mural. The English-themed watering hole had developed a reputation over its first year of opening as a beloved and welcoming space. After bar owners Dusty Martinez, Benjamin Gander and Dito Sevilla supported the idea, the District’s MuralsDC office searched for an artist to conceive and work on the project.

The commission to design and paint the mural was awarded to noted muralist Lisa Marie Thalhammer. Her work is well known in the District and in Shaw, including the much admired “Love” mural in Blagden Alley. Thalhammer’s design starts with a traditional red English phone booth, surrounded by flowers representing the four nations of the UK: the rose of England, the thistle of Scotland, the daffodil of Wales and the shamrock of Northern Ireland. The flowers take on the rainbow colors of the Gay Pride flag.

The inauguration of “Great Love for Everyone” was led by Dame Karen Pierce, the British ambassador to the US. She was joined by Kimberly Bassett, secretary of the District of Columbia, representing Mayor Murial Bowser. According to Ambassador Pierce, “fundamentally what we are celebrating here is freedom, and we are celebrating rights and celebrating the intersection of those things, and we are celebrating the community of this area, of this pub and this wonderful city where so many people can come together with the goal of helping each other.” After the ambassador led a toast to the mural and the Little Gay Pub, Thalhammer expressed her hope that people who saw her artwork would “feel the courage to live their full selves authentically.” Ambassador Pierce, Secretary Bassett, the owners of the Little Gay Pub and the other dignitaries then went outside to cut the inaugural ribbon.

DC9 Celebrates 20th Anniversary

DC9, Shaw’s venerable nightclub on Ninth Street, celebrated its 20th anniver-

sary on the afternoon of Feb. 11, Superbowl Sunday. The action started on the second floor of the club, where Crush Funk entertained the crowd with New Orleans jazz-influenced brass band numbers. A video presentation reviewed the personalities and live acts that had kept the music going for the past 20 years. After an hour, the band and crowd hit the street to begin a second line parade. The celebrants followed the band and DC9 proprietor Bill Spieler, in a pink jacket and umbrella. The parade went down U Street and circled

Muralist Lisa Marie Thalhammer completes the “Great Love for Everyone” mural at the Little Gay Pub. Photo: Alexander M. Padro, Courtesy Shaw Main Streets

DC9 Nightclub celebrates its 20th anniversary with a New Orleans-style parade. Photo: Pleasant Mann

British Ambassador Dame Karen Pierce, muralist Lisa Marie Thalhammer and the owners of the Little Gay Pub cut the ribbon to inaugurate the “Great Love for Everyone” mural. Photo: Pleasant Mann

back to the entrance of DC9, where Crush Funk continued to entertain the crowd until things cooled down before the football game.

Watha T. Daniel Library

Hosts Senior View of Black History

Seniors View: Black History Month” was the title of both an event at the Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Library on Sunday afternoon, Feb. 4, and a documentary lm that was screened there. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library and Shaw Main Streets, the event o ered an opportunity to review the history of the Shaw neighborhood by some of the people who made it. Neighborhood videographer Curtis Mozie presented a 30-minute tape he made of seniors relating their lives and experiences in Shaw as a lens on Black history. A discussion followed, with Ibrahim Mumin recounting how he began his civic activism at the age of 13, when he was part of a protest against the segregated library in Columbus, Georgia, his hometown. ( e headline in the local paper at the time reported “Seven Negroes Enter Library.”) His activism continued in DC as a student at Howard University and as the director of the Shaw Project Area Committee (Shaw PAC), which helped ensure

that the development of the neighborhood after the 1968 riots re ected the needs of its residents.

Alexander Padro, executive director of Shaw Main Streets, related the e ort in recent years to attract more commercial businesses and new residents to Shaw while maintaining its stock of a ordable housing. en Mozie discussed “ e Tale of the Tape,” where he had videoed the activities of neighborhood teenagers, some of whom later met violent deaths. Mozie struck a poignant note when he related that a number of youth in Shaw have asked him for footage so that they could get an idea of the lives lived by the fathers they were never able to meet.

Shaw Main Streets Annual Meeting, March 27

Shaw Main Streets, the neighborhood small business support and historic preservation nonpro t, will hold its annual meeting on Wednesday night, March 27. e annual meeting gives the organization an opportunity to present its year’s work to the community and outline plans for the next year. e meeting will also elect members of the Shaw Main Streets board. is year’s meeting will be held as a virtual conference. For more information, go to www.shawmainstreets.org. ◆

Alexander Padro, Ibrahim Mumin and Curtis Mozie relate Shaw history at the Watha T. Daniel Library.

Photo: Pleasant Mann

Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 1B held its meeting for February on ursday evening, Feb. 1, 2024. It was held as a virtual meeting. e commissioners in attendance were Sabel Harris (1B08, chair), Larry Handerhan (1B01, vice chair), Sean Holihan (1B02), Jamie Sycamore (1B03), Santiago Lakatos (1B04, treasurer), Miguel Trindade Deramo (1B06, secretary), Ashleigh Fields (1B07) and Tucker Jones (1B09).

ere was a quorum to conduct business.

Alcoholic Beverage Regulation (ABR) Committee

e applicant for Firehouse, 903 U St. NW, requested a new license for cannabis delivery and also an entertainment endorsement. e owners of the establishment have said that they would like to establish a settlement agreement with the commission. e lawyer for Firehouse sent a draft settlement agreement.

e owners have also submitted a security plan to the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration.

ere was a question about what neighbors thought of the shop. e answer was that some wondered about the risks of having all-cash transactions there. Another question was on how much cannabis will be allowed on site. ere is no limit, but there will be a monthly limit on customers.

e committee suggested that the commission protest the license. ANC 1B voted unanimously to protest the new cannabis license.

Economic Development Committee

On Jan. 29, the Zoning Commission held its third hearing on the map amendment proposal for 1617 U St. NW. A fourth hearing was scheduled for Feb. 2, when parties in opposition to the amendment will be able to speak. e hearings only address the issues of upzoning and the map amendment.

is year, the committee would like to focus on disposition of public property, the redevelopment of the Reeves Center, the Grimke School, 1815 Florida – HFA and the status of the Shaw Duke Plan.

Public Safety and Community Engagement Committee

e committee wanted a resolution to send a letter to the O ce of ANCs (OANC) asking for clearer

ANC 1B

by Pleasant Mann

guidance on the restrictions on raising funds for food at events and the prohibition on grants to groups that would duplicate public e orts. e resolution was approved unanimously.

Crime seems to have gone down in the commission’s boundaries. ere were 167 crimes for the month a year ago, while there were only 149 crimes this January, with no homicides.

Transportation Committee

e committee asked the commission to pass two resolutions. e rst was in support of the District Department of Transportation’s (DDOT) U Street Bus Priority Project, which would add a bus lane on U Street from 18th Street to Ninth Street NW.

e second resolution supports DDOT’s Florida Avenue Bus Priority project to develop initiatives to improve the ow of buses along Florida Avenue. Both resolutions passed.

Zoning, Preservation and Development Committee

Howard University presented a proposed map amendment for an area comprising some of its properties. e area is bound roughly by Florida Avenue, Georgia Avenue, Euclid Street and Fifth Street NW. Most of this area is zoned for industrial use with some residential. Howard wants to change that to MU-10 or MU-9 mixed use. e neighbors in LeDroit Park would like to have some setback or distinction between any high-density Howard development and their community. No action was taken by the commission.

A resolution to support a zoning case calls for drastically reducing the parking requirements for publicly assisted a ordable dwelling units that are near public transportation. e commission passed the resolution in a vote of 7-0 with one abstention.

ANC Committee Chairs

e ANC voted on the chairs of its working committees for this year. Committees can have an ANC commissioner as chair as well as a co-chair from the ANC 1B community.

• Alcohol Beverage Regulation – Ashleigh Fields, Commissioner Chair

• Economic Development – Tucker Jones, Commissioner Chair; Krishna Kumar, Com-

munity Chair

• Public Safety and Community Engagement –Ashleigh Fields, Commissioner Chair; Gabriella Savelli, Community Chair

• Transportation – Santiago Lakatos, Commissioner Chair

• Zoning, Preservation and Development –Tucker Jones, interim Commissioner Chair

New Business

Jones stated that the October 2023 ANC meeting did not have proper public notice, so that some of the votes taken may not be considered valid. He suggested that the commission take new votes on three items.

A resolution called for new tra c safety initiatives at the intersection of 13th Street and Florida Avenue NW. ere had been plans to make improvements there, but DDOT had not started before a child was injured at the intersection. e resolution calls on DDOT to start work immediately. e resolution passed unanimously.

A resolution called for a District-wide taskforce to inventory and determine initiatives to correct the problem of vacant and blighted properties. It passed unanimously

Zoning Variance for 1235 W St. NW.

A developer presented a proposal at the October 2023 meeting that was approved by the commission. Jones asked to have the developer brie y go through his proposal again before a new vote. e developer is asking for a variance from the Board of Zoning Adjustment to complete a section of their project. Sycamore said that there was a problem with the developer’s communication with the neighbors. e developer outlined the attempts made to contact adjacent residents. ere was an extended, and at times acrimonious, discussion of what was proper notice and what e ect it would have on the approval of the variance. Comments from the community largely complained about the project’s increase in density for the neighborhood, burdening street parking and other amenities. Sycamore made a motion to hold a separate meeting on the issue, which was defeated. A motion to support the zoning variance passed by a vote of 4-1-0.

ANC 1B will hold its next meeting on ursday, March 7, starting at 6:30 p.m. Plans are to hold this meeting as a virtual conference. Visit www.anc1b.org for more information. ◆

Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 2G held its monthly meeting for February on ursday evening, Feb. 8, 2024. e meeting was held as a virtual conference. Commission Chair Rachelle Nigro (2G06) called the meeting to order. Commissioners Alexander M. “Alex” Padro (2G02), Sranda Watkins (2G03, secretary), Steven McCarty (2G04, vice chair) and Sheena Berry (2G05) were in attendance. e commission had a quorum to conduct business.

Update from Councilmember Pinto

Ward 2 Councilmember Brooke Pinto outlined her work as the chair of the DC Council’s Committee on Public Safety and the Judiciary. She has spent the past year working with residents to improve the District’s response to crime. Last fall, she introduced 12 bills to address this issue, while Mayor Bowser introduced two more. In January, Pinto merged all of these initiatives into a single omnibus package entitled Secure DC, which was passed by the Council on Tuesday of that week.

Secure DC makes over 100 interventions to improve public safety in the District. e actions fall into the categories of preventing crime, establishing accountability for criminal activity and the improvement of government coordination to maintain public safety.

Nigro mentioned that she is working to repeal the issuance of building permits to open a new jail on 501 New York Ave. NW. She asked Pinto if she would sign her petition against the jail. Pinto responded that the building had to be renovated because of the state of the DC Central Cellblock. She related that conditions imposed on the project include sound-proo ng and the provision that prisoners would not be released at the New York Avenue site. She also noted that the use of the building to hold prisoners was only for a temporary period of 18 months. If any of these conditions are not met, Pinto will oppose the renovation.

Berry expressed her concern that Secure DC would ease the protocols for neck restraints and re-

ANC 2G

by Pleasant Mann

establish the use of drug free zones. Pinto responded that the legislation made no speci c mention of neck restraints, although there was relaxation of some restrictions on police o cer movement. e establishment of drug free zones was due to drug hotspots still occurring, including one near an elementary school. e establishment of a zone is intended just to disperse criminal activity and can be set up for only ve days.

Padro said he supported using drug free zones to deal with areas like that at Seventh and T streets. McCarty asked about the pretrial detention features of Secure DC. Pinto responded that the new measures were needed, since it is currently very difcult to hold someone in jail, even if they have been indicted for serious violent crimes.

Third Police District Report

Lieutenant Tarr of the ird Police District gave the police report. ere were three robberies in the previous month. Year to date, general crime has gone down, but violent crime in Police Service Areas 307 and 308 has gone up.

Zoning, Planning and Historic Preservation Committee

e applicant for 933 N St. NW requested support for a project before the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB). e applicant requested the subdivision of the Henrietta building into two separate lots. Historic plat maps show two lots on the site, but they were combined in the 1980s. e formerly separate lot is a vacant strip next to the Henrietta. e project would place a new building on the lot with two separate units. Nigro said that the committee supported the project. A motion to support the project passed, 5-0-0.

e applicant for 1322 Ninth St. NW requested support of a revived HPRB application. e site is a gravel lot that backs into Naylor Court. e project had been presented to the HPRB about a year ago, but no vote was taken on the matter. Darryll Carter, the owner of an adjoining building, had expressed concerns about the plans for the new

structure. ere is a new developer for the building, and this revised application addressed the concerns about the original design. e commission voted to support the HPRB application unanimously.

Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Committee (ABC)

e applicant for 1114 Ninth St. NW, Your Only Friend, requested renewal of a liquor license. McCarty said that applicant had recently opened and had strong support for this license. A settlement agreement was on le. Padro said that the ABC supported the renewal. A motion to support the license renewal passed in a vote of 5-0-0.

e applicant for 1314 Ninth St. NW, Chill Tobacco, requested a license to distribute medical marijuana. Applicant had been operating as an “I-71” gifting shop in the neighborhood for a few years. McCarty said he found the community had a problem with the store’s previous operations. He said the applicant was willing to enter into a settlement agreement. Padro added that the ABC supported the license. e ANC unanimously approved supporting the license for Chill Tabacco.

Carter G. Woodson Home Update

Vince Vaise of the National Park Service gave an update on the status of work on the Carter G. Woodson home in Shaw and its establishment as a national historic site. Vaise said that the home would be completed and ready to accept visitors by this fall. He also noted that during February the Park Service was conducting a Black History Month event to recognize Dr. Woodson’s time in the Shaw neighborhood, including a walking tour with a Woodson reenactor and Commissioner Padro as a Shaw historian.

ANC 2G will hold its next meeting on ursday, March 14. e meeting will start at 6:30 p.m. Plans are to hold this meeting as a virtual conference. Visit www.anc2g.org for more information. ◆

BULLETIN BOARD

Chef Jose Andres & Friends at the Lincoln Theater

On Thursday, March 21, at 8 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.), Chef Jose Andres hosts an evening of interviews, cooking and live music at the Lincoln Theater, 1215 U St. NW. The founder of the nonprofit organization World Central Kitchen, and recipient of the James Beard Foundation’s Outstanding Chef award, Andres is celebrating the launch of his new cookbook, “Zaytinya: Delicious Mediterranean Dishes of Greece, Turkey, and Lebanon.” He has invited friends for a live recording of his podcast, “Longer Tables,” and a night filled with food stories, Mediterranean favorites and more. Tickets are $45 to $95. www. lincolntheaterdc.com

Tax Help at Shaw Library

Through April 15, select DC public libraries are hosting income-tax-return preparation for qualified residents. The DC Library partners with the AARP Foundation to provide service to eight neighborhood locations. Find locations and tax help hours at www.dclibrary.org/using-the-library/tax-preparation. During regular tax assistance hours, pick up a taxpayer information packet that contains the intake and interview forms to be filled out, as well as a list of documents needed to prepare returns. Tax help hours at Shaw Library, 1630 Seventh St. NW, are Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For questions, call 202-656-0442 and leave a message, or email www.20051018@aarpfoundation.org. A tax preparer will reply. wwwdclibrary.org

Registration Opens for WallMountables 2024

Registration opens on May 1 for WallMountables

2024, DC’s largest open community exhibition and the DC Arts Center’s annual fundraiser. During WallMountables, anyone can purchase as many 2 x 2-foot squares on the gallery wall as they’d like and display whatever artwork they want. Artists keep 100% of all proceeds when their work sells. WallMountables launches on July 12, with a celebration starting at 7 p.m. The exhibition closes on Aug. 11, with a reception starting at 6 p.m. Anyone is welcome to join the exhibition at any time. Installation takes place by appointment. Deinstall takes place immediately following the closing reception. Read more at www.dcartscenter.org.

iOS VoiceOver Clinics at MLK Library

On Thursdays, March 14, 21 and 28, noon to 12:45 p.m., attend a drop-in VoiceOver for iPhone class for total beginners and practice gestures and other basic skills. From 1 to 2 p.m., learn to use iOS

VoiceOver at the introductory level. From 2:25 to 3:15 p.m., learn to use iOS VoiceOver at an intermediate level. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library is at 901 G St. NW. www.dclibrary.org

Take 5: Jazz at SAAM with Tyler Leak

On Thursday, April 18, celebrate a uniquely American art form with Take 5: Jazz at SAAM, a series of free, live performances in the Kogod Courtyard, with North Carolina percussionist Tyler Leak. Based in DC, Leak collaborates with leading musicians locally and worldwide. On May 16, Take 5 features DC-based trumpet player, arranger, composer and educator Ally Hany Albrecht. Free but registration is encouraged. Attendees can also enjoy playing board games, and refreshments are available for purchase from the Courtyard Cafe. The Smithsonian American Art Museum is at Eighth and G streets NW. www.americanart.si.edu

Jose Andres at the 2013 Feeding the Planet Summit at George Washington University.

DCHFA, Your Homeownership Resource in the District.

DCHFA, Your Homeownership Resource in the District.

DC Open Doors

DC Open Doors

DC Open Doors

DC Open Doors

DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership inthe city. is programo ers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on rst trust homebuyer or a D C. resident , be purchasing a home in the District of Columbia

DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership int city. is programo ers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on rst trust homebuyer or a D C. resident , be purchasing a home in the District of Columbia

DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership inthe city. is programo ers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on rst trust homebuyer or a D C. resident , be purchasing a home in the District of Columbia

HPAP provides interest free deferred loans for down serves as a co-administrator of this DC Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) rst-time home buyer program.

DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership in the city. This program offers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on first trust mortgages.You are not required to be a first-time homebuyer or a D.C. resident to qualify for DCOD. You must, however, be purchasing a home in the District of Columbia.

HPAP provides interest free deferred loans for down serves as a co-administrator of this DC Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) rst-time home buyer program.

HPAP provides interest free deferred loans for down serves as a co-administrator of this DC Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) rst-time home buyer program.

DC4ME

years or older who have fallen behind on insurance and tax payments as a result of their reverse mortgage. Quali ed District homeowners can receive up to

years or older who have fallen behind on insurance and tax payments as a result of their reverse mortgage. Quali ed District homeowners can receive up to

DC4ME provides mortgage assistance with optional down payment assistance to D.C. government employees. DC4ME is o ered to current full-time District government employees, including employees of District government-based instrumentalities, independent agencies, D.C. Public Charter Schools, and organizations, provided the applicant/borrower's employer falls under the oversight of the Council of the District of Columbia.

years or older who have fallen behind on insurance and tax payments as a result of their reverse mortgage. Quali ed District homeowners can receive up to

DC4ME provides mortgage assistance with optional down payment assistance to D.C. government employees. DC4ME is o ered to current full-time District government employees, including employees of District government-based instrumentalities, independent agencies, D.C. Public Charter Schools, and organizations, provided the applicant/borrower's employer falls under the oversight of the Council of the District of Columbia.

COVID-19

DC4ME provides mortgage assistance with optional down payment assistance to D.C. government employees. DC4ME is offered to current fulltime District government employees, including employees of District government-based instrumentalities, independent agencies, D.C. Public Charter Schools, and organizations, provided the applicant/borrower’s employer falls under the oversight of the Council of the District of Columbia.

COVID-19

DC4ME provides mortgage assistance with optional down payment assistance to D.C. government employees. DC4ME is o ered to current full-time District government employees, including employees of District government-based instrumentalities, independent agencies, D.C. Public Charter Schools, and organizations, provided the applicant/borrower's employer falls under the oversight of the Council of the District of Columbia.

DC MAP COVID-19 provides nancial assistance to those a ected by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Quali ed borrowers can receive a loan of up to $5,000 per month to put toward their mortgage for up to six months.

COVID-19

DC MAP COVID-19 provides nancial assistance to those a ected by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Quali ed borrowers can receive a loan of up to $5,000 per month to put toward their mortgage for up to six months.

DC MAP COVID-19 provides nancial assistance to those a ected by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Quali ed borrowers can receive a loan of up to $5,000 per month to put toward their mortgage for up to six months.

how to apply to any of DCHFA’s homeownership programs.

AdMo Art Walk

The DC Arts Center, with the Adams Morgan Partnership Business Improvement District, presents the 2024 AdMo Art Walk ‒ a new way to experience art. Every year, local businesses in Adams Morgan are partnered with local artists, who are invited to display their work all month long in the business storefronts. The result is a free neighborhood art exhibition where Adams Morgan becomes a personal art gallery. This year’s art walk is from April 11 to 30. Applications are open at www.dcartscenter.org/artwalk.

Monthly Open Mic at MLK Library

On Sundays, March 10, April 7, May 5 and June 2, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., the MLK Open Mic Series invites you to be a part of an afternoon of poetry and music. Sign up beginning at 3:15 p.m. to take the stage and show your talents. Note that the library only supplies a speaker and microphone. Any additional equipment must be supplied by the performer. For special requests, including interpretation, email adultservices.dcpl@dc.gov at least one week prior to the event. For all other questions or concerns, contact adultservices.dcpl@dc.gov. Mar-

tin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library is at 901 G St. NW. www.dclibrary.org

Constellation Theatre Company’s “Desperate Measures”

In the wild West, a gun-slinging nun must team up with a shrewd sheriff and a saucy saloon dancer to save her bad-boy brother from certain death. “Desperate Measures” is at the Source Theatre, 1835 14th St. NW, through March 17. Tickets are $20 to $55. www.constellationtheatre.org

Safe Commercial Corridor Hub in Chinatown Opens

On Feb. 12, Mayor Bowser opened DC’s first Safe Commercial Corridor Hub in the Chinatown neighborhood. It is at 675 H St. NW and is open for residents to walk in for services from Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The hub will be staffed with representatives from the Metropolitan Police Department, Mayor’s Office of Community Relations and Services, Mayor’s Office of Nightlife and Culture, Mayor’s Office of Asian Pacific Islander Affairs, the Department of Human Services

WIDE SHOE OUTLET

Men’s

Arboretum Flowering 5k Run/Walk

On Sunday, March 24, at 9 a.m., enjoy spring at the US National Arboretum during FONA’s Flowering 5k. is run/walk will pass garden collections brightly colored with spring owers and traverse tree-lined streams winding their way to the Anacostia River. All roads are closed to cars to ensure safe running or walking through a 451-acre urban green space. Strollers and dogs are welcome but dogs must stay on a six-foot, non-retractable leash. $50 registration ends on March 21; race weekend registration is $55. Registration is free for kids to age 12. Register at www.fona.org/events_programs.

and the Department of Behavioral Health. Two additional hubs, set to open in spring, will be established in the U Street area and in Anacostia.

Free Financial Wellness Workshop

Want to learn more about personal nances? Do you need help in the reallocation of debts, saving in higher-yield vehicles, tax advantage investment strategies and/or protection from market volatility? Bitter Grace in the Union Market District is hosting free nancial workshops in its space (and virtually) on Wednesdays, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., through May 8. www.bittergracedc.com/products/ nancial-services

DC Fish Art Contest

Join DC’s Department of Energy & Environment in celebrating the beauty of the District’s local sh species with Wildlife Forever’s Fish Art Contest. e contest deadline has been extended to March 31 and is open to all District residents between the age of ve and 18. Read more and enter at www.doee.dc.gov/service/ sh-art-contest.

FreshFarm Market Open Year-Round

FreshFarm Farmers Market is open on Sundays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (April to December, opens at 9 a.m.) at the Plaza at e Dock (adjacent to Union Market), 1309 Fifth St. NE. www.unionmarketdc.com

AWS’s Earth Day Cleanup

Started by Seafarer’s Yacht Club of DC, the Anacostia Watershed Society’s Earth Day Cleanup (this year on April 20) is the society’s largest annual volunteer event. Join thousands of volunteers around the watershed to collect trash and enjoy the Anacostia River. For participation opportunities and updates, visit www.anacostiaws.org.

How to Submit a Complaint to ABCA

e Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration investigates all public complaints about licensed and unlicensed alcohol and cannabis businesses. Complaints may be submitted 24/7 online (recommended). ABCA’s new complaint portal provides a mobile-friendly interface with expanded menu options, allows related les to be attached and issues a unique tracking number for each submission. By phone call ABCA’s main line at 202-4424423. e previous complaint line has been disconnected. Additional guidance is available at www.abca. dc.gov. Email ABCA.Director@ dc.gov with questions.

Friends of the SW Library Book Sale

e Friends of the SW Library are hosting a book sale on Saturday, April 20, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday, 1 to 3 p.m., on the second oor of the Southwest Library, 900 Wesley Pl. SW. Most items are $1 or less with a $5 bag sale on Sunday, 2 to 3 p.m. Proceeds go to library supplies and programs not provided in the city’s budget. Payment can be made with cash, checks and Venmo. ere is a car park at the rear of the building. Email friendsofswlibrary@gmail. com if you have questions.

Strategies to Redevelop Downtown DC

Mayor Bowser has released two planning initiatives to support and drive the revitalization of Downtown DC: the Downtown Action Plan and the Downtown Public Realm Plan. The plans provide strategies to ensure the long-term success of the commercial core and identify key investments in public spaces that will help attract residents, businesses and visitors. The plan was developed by the DowntownDC and Golden Triangle business improvement districts with support from the Federal City Council and the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development. The plans identify five foundational elements: 1) Anchoring Downtown’s Comeback in Public Safety; 2) Creating a Place of Choice to Locate and Do Business; 3) Building a Residential Base; 4) Planning for Transportation as an Asset and 5) Making It Happen. www.reimaginedowntowndc.com

Women’s History Month 5k

Mayor Bowser’s sixth annual FITDC HerStory 5k highlights Women’s History Month. On Saturday, March 9, the run starts at Freedom Plaza, 1455 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, with a pre-race warmup, kids dash and remarks from prominent female figures. After a scenic run down Pennsylvania Avenue, the festival ends with music, food and vendors from local women-owned businesses and women-led government agencies. Registration begins at 9 a.m.; kids’ dash at 9:30 a.m. and 5k at 10 a.m. Free registration is at www.herstory5k.com.

Mayor Bowser’s Downtown Action Plan identifies five geographic nodes and the special attributes of each area, underscoring a commitment to creating a unique sense of place and character.

Summer in the City Connects DC Youth with Opportunities

Mayor Bowser and the Office of Out of School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes are inviting parents and families of school-aged kids to the second annual Summer in the City, set to take place on Saturday, April 6, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Raymond Elementary School, 915 Spring Rd. NW, in Ward 4. At the event, families will be able to connect with government agencies, nonprofit organizations and community-based organizations to learn more about the summer programs available to students.

Folger to Reopen on June 21

The Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol St. SE, has announced the reopening of its historic home on Capitol Hill on Friday, June 21. The $80.5 million renovation has made the building more accessible and added a wing, the Adams Pavilion, with 12,000 square feet of public space. Accessible garden entrances and visitor lobbies, a cafe, a new learning lab and collaborative research spaces and an expanded gift shop are among the visitor amenities and building enhancements added during the four-year construction project. www.folger.edu/about-us/ press/folger-open-june21-2024

2024 Fireworks at Nationals Park Fireworks return to Nationals Park on Friday nights, April 19, May 3 and Sept. 13, and special Freedom Fireworks on July 3. Find the season schedule at www.mlb.com/nationals/schedule/2024/fullseason.

St. Jude Rock and Roll Half-Marathon

On Saturday, March 16, discover the District while running the St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Washington DC. The eclectic running tour passes iconic monuments including the White House, US Capitol, Lincoln Memorial and more. The 5k is $75; half-marathon is $139 (fees may rise). Register at www.runrocknroll.com/washington-dc-register.

Giant Pharmacy Launches

CPR Certification Program

Giant Food has announced the launch of a CPR Certification Program for local businesses and organizations. The on-site program, offering two-year certifications led by Giant Food’s certified pharmacists, provides the skills necessary to respond to lifethreatening cardiac emergencies. The course teaches

the proper way to perform chest compressions and rescue breathing, and will cover the proper methods for adult, child and infant CPR plus AED training. Giant’s CPR Certification Program is available for groups of six or more individuals, starting at $69.99 per person. Contact the Giant CPR team at www. pharmacy@giantfood.com to learn more about developing a custom certification program.

Residential Street Sweeping Starts

The Department of Public Works has started residential street sweeping beginning Monday, March 4, through Thursday, Oct. 31. During this time, motorists are asked to obey posted signs indicating the schedule of parking restrictions in order to ensure streets are swept thoroughly. For more information, visit www.dpw.dc.gov. u

CHANGING HANDS

Changing Hands is a list of most residential sales in the Midcity DC area from the previous month. A feature of every issue, this list, based on the MRIS, is provided courtesy of Don Denton, manager of the Coldwell Banker office on Capitol Hill. The list includes address, sales price and number of bedrooms.

1106

DOWNTOWN

920 I St NW #803

DUPONT CIRCLE

2100 R St NW

N St NW #214

N St NW #104 1745 N St NW #406

1617 Swann St NW #1

ECKINGTON 50 Florida Ave NE #626

1625 Eckington Pl NE #PH301 2004 3rd St NE #203

KALORAMA

2127 California St NW #305

2126 Connecticut Ave NW #63

2123 California St NW #G5

1811 Wyoming Ave NW #T6

2227 20th St NW #104

LEDROIT PARK

475 Florida Ave NW #1

345 Oakdale Pl NW #103

LOGAN CIRCLE

1117 10th St NW #1004

1211 13th St NW #104

1440 Church St NW #206

1515 15th St NW #223

1300 13th St NW #807

1115 12th St NW #302

1215 11th St NW #1

1313 Vermont Ave NW #11

1311 13th St NW #106

MERIDIAN HILL

1471 Florida Ave NW #RESIDENCE 3 $540,000

MT VERNON TRIANGLE

475 K St NW #606

811 4th St NW #406

OLD CITY #2

1447 Swann St NW #A 910

301

PENN

SHAW

TRUXTON

3554

68

Kids & Family

New at the Zoo: Meet Nick

Nick is a 16-year-old, 700 lb. male California sea lion and he is the largest sea lion the National Zoo has had in the last twenty years. His bark is incredibly loud and quite impressive, and visitors will love watching him bask in the sun, play with the other sea li ons and just be in awe at how large he is. He also joins the ranks of be ing one of many rescued, non-releasable animals at the Zoo. Nick was found alone on Seal Rock in North Laguna, California with his umbilical cord still attached. He was rescued by the Pacific Marine Mammal Center and because he was so young, Nick needed to be bottle-fed and was hand-raised by humans. He found a permanent home at the Denver Zoo when he was 10 months old. Summer hours begin March 15; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last entry at 5 p.m.). Free zoo admission: parking is $30. na-tionalzoo.si.edu.

The Denver Zoo is giving their sea lion habitat some upgrades and needed a temporary home for Nick while they complete the con-struction. Nick will return to Denver once those habitat upgrades are completed.

Blossom Kite Festival

On Saturday, March 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (rain date, Sunday, March 31), join kite enthusiasts, beginners, families, and friends at the Washington Monument Grounds for activities, music, competitions, and performances. The 2024 Blossom Kite Festival will feature: Sakura Taiko Fest at Sylvan Theater, produced by Miyako Taiko, a day-long celebration of dynamic traditional Japanese drumming; Performances by Not a Saint Band Ian Carroll and Guava Jelly; Mr. Mikio Toki, a master of traditional Edo-style kites, who is traveling all the way from Japan to showcase his kites for attendees; Choreographed performances and demonstrations by Team KiteLife, Wings Over Washington Kite Club, and other nationally and internationally recognized professional kite fliers; and Adult Kitemakers Competition and Youth Kitemakers Competition. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.

Peter Pan at the National

This high-flying musical has been thrilling audiences of all ages for close to 70 years and is now being brought back to life in a new adaptation by celebrated playwright Larissa FastHorse, directed by Emmy Awardwinner Lonny Price and choreography by Lorin Latarro. The adventure begins when Peter Pan and his mischievous fairy sidekick, Tinker Bell, visit the bedroom of the Darling children late one night. With a sprinkle of pixie dust and a few happy thoughts, the children are taken on a magical journey they will never forget. This extraordinary musical full of excitement and adventure features iconic and timeless songs including “I’m Flying”, “I Gotta Crow”, “I Won’t Grow Up” and “Neverland.” Peter Pan is at the National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, from April 9 to 21. Tickets start at $55. broadwayatthenational.com.

“I am youth! I am joy! I am freedom! You can never defeat me!” Introducing Nolan Almeida as the beloved Peter Pan, with a first look at the extraordinary costume design by Sarafina Bush.

Chicken Feeding at Oxon Hill Farm

Every day at 10 a.m., learn all about chickens and their role on an American farm. Guided by a Park Ranger, you will visit the feed barn, see the chicken coop, and even try feeding the chickens. This program is great for all ages. Children must be supervised by an adult for the entirety of the activity. Meet the ranger at the Visitor Barn. Oxon Hill Farm is at Bald Eagle Rd., Oxon Hill, MD. nps.gov/oxhi.

Easter Eggstravaganza! at Lincoln Park

National Community Church’s Easter Eggstravaganza! at Lincoln Park, East Capitol Street between 11th and 13th, is on Saturday, March 23, noon to 3 p.m. Please pre-register at national.cc/eggstravaganza.

Tudor Place Easter Egg Hunt

On Saturday, March 23, Friday, March 29 or Saturday, March 30, join Tudor Place for Eggstravaganza!, a favorite spring tradition. Children of all ages can take part in a lively Easter egg hunt and egg roll on the South Lawn. Afterwards, make crafts and take a picture with the Easter Bunny. The egg hunt begins at 10:30 a.m. and the egg roll begins at 10:45 a.m. This outdoor event takes place rain or shine. Please dress for the weather. Each child must bring a basket, hard-boiled egg, and spoon to participate. $18 per child; $8 for accompanying adult. Tudor Place is at 1644 31st. St. NW. tudorplace.org.

Change YOUR Game/Cambia TU Juego at American History Museum

Invention and technology can make the difference between victory and defeat as well as expand the field of who can participate in sports. “Change YOUR Game,” is a family-friendly, interactive exhibition on the intersection of invention, sports and technology. The exhibit show-cases dynamic stories and objects related to diverse inventors, athletes, and technologies that have changed how sports are played. Visitors will be invited to identify themselves as inventive problem solvers who can become “game changers” in their daily lives. In addition to handson activities in the gallery’s four key sections, the adjacent Draper Spark!Lab also features themed activities. Beginning March 15, Change YOUR Game is in Jerome and the Dorothy Lemelson Hall of Invention and Innovation Gallery on the American History Museum’s first floor, west. americanhistory.si.edu.

Library on the Go-Go Book Bike Ride with Hill Family Biking

On Saturday, March 23, 10:30 to noon, all are welcome to join Hill Family Biking and the Library on the Go-Go Book Bike for a fun ride to the lovely Southwest Library. Stop by for story time inside the branch after the ride. Meet up at the Eastern Market Metro Plaza to join an approximately four-mile group bike ride down some of the most bikeable streets in the District. The ride will kick off at 10:30 a.m. and end around 11:30 a.m. at Southwest Library. Stick around after to enjoy a story time or check out a book. Free registration at dcli-brary.libnet.info/events?l=Southwest+N eighborhood+Library.

Black Kids Swim

The Black Kids Swim website celebrates and publicizes the truth that African-American children can and do excel in the sport of swimming. Black Kids Swim highlights the accomplishments of Black children in the sport of swimming and also serves as a resource for families with expe-rienced swimmers and those with chil-

dren who want to explore the sport of swimming. There are also multiple resources to help Black children learn basic water safety skills. Black Kids Swim wants to see children do more than simply survive in the water. They want them to develop valuable techniques that can benefit them physically and professionally throughout their lives. blackkidsswim.com.

Visit NMAAHC’s Website for Kids

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture has an educational website that will provide a variety of learning activities designed to share African American history using the museum’s collection. The “North Star: A Digital Journey of African Ameri-can History” website is designed for the discovery and creative use of Smithsonian’s digital collections and tools by educators and students in grades six through twelve. Accessible through desktop, laptop and tablet devices, this site gives students and educators access to more than 35 digital education curricula that will

NSO Family Concert: Music of Duke Ellington

On Sunday, March 17, at 2 p.m., in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall, take the A-Train to a special afternoon of music paying tribute to the beloved jazz composer and bandleader. Conducted by Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser, the National Symphony Orchestra performs this swinging session as part of the Kennedy Center’s season-wide Ellington 125 celebration. Most enjoyed by ages five and older. Tickets are $18 to $20. Prior to the performance, the NSO Volunteer Council’s Musical PLAYspace gives children the opportunity to try out the instruments they’ll see played on the stage. Following the performance, young audience members can ask questions and hear stories from the show’s artists and creative team. kennedy-center.org.

Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana” at the KC

Contrasting monumental masterworks and new compositions, E Pluribus, Una Vox (“Out of many, one voice”) examines the in uences of the world’s abundant fortune, both on the human experience and the fractured spaces we create. Carl Orff’s timeless Carmina Burana returns to the Kennedy Center stage under the baton of Uniting Voices Chicago’s Josephine Lee. Inspired by over 200 poems and songs from the 11th through 13th centuries, the scenic cantata tells the story of humanity through all of its peaks and valleys. The Choral Arts Symphonic Chorus and Orchestra welcomes youth voices from Uniting Voices Chicago for the experience. Scenic for different reasons, Ted Hearne’s Partition tells the story of New Haven, Connecticut. Despite the city’s meticulously planned infrastructure and local cornerstones, New Haven remains segregated by the very roads that make up the city. Join Choral Arts as they sing the story of these collective yet con icting experiences chronicled centuries apart. Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana” is at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall on Sunday, April 7, 5 p.m. Tickets are $16 to $69. kennedy-center.org.

share an overview of American history through the African American lens. The North Star digital journey exposes users to themes, people and moments in history, with units such as Slavery in Colonial America, The Civil War, The Black Arts Movement and the Modern Civil Rights Movement. nmaahc.si.edu/learn/digitallearning/northstar.

engineergirl.org

The Engineer Girl website is designed to bring nation al attention to the exciting opportunities that engineering represents for girls and women. Why girls and women? Because despite an increase in female par-ticipation in many traditionally male-dominat-

ed professions such as medicine and law, women remain grossly under-represented in engineering. Engineering and engineers are central to the process of innovation, and innovation drives economic growth. Diversity of thought is crucial to creativity, and by leaving women out of the process of inno-vation, we lose a key component of diversity and sti e innovation. The website is a service of the National Academy of Engineering. engineergirl.org.

Marvel Superhero Day with Capital City Go-Go

On Sunday, March 24, at 3 p.m., DC Public Library presents Marvel Superhe-

ro Day at the Entertainment & Sports Arena, 1100 Oak Dr. SE. Students come out for a special Marvel Superhero themed game including super activities, giveaways and more. This unique experience will be fun for the whole family. Experience Go-Go in a never seen way with a combination of hoops and comics at ESA. Tickets start at $15. capitalcity.gleague.nba.com.

Discovery Theater on the Mall

On April 9, 11, 12, 25 and 26, 10:15 and 11:30 a.m., the magic of earth science takes center stage in this fun, interactive Discovery Theater original. Explore the origins of our planet, sing about the water cycle, and understand our vital role to protect the ecosystem. Science and folklore about the “big blue marble” we call home kick off Earth Month, and audiences become Earth Superheroes and take home some great ideas to start right away. Shows are $8 for adults; $7 for kids; $3 for kids under two. Discovery Theater’s Ripley Center is at 1100 Jefferson Dr. SW (on the National Mall). discoverytheater.org.

Let’s Build with Duplo blocks! at MLK Library

Kids through age twelve can come to MLK Library, 901 G St. NW, every Tuesday at 4 p.m. for an hour of playing with Duplo blocks. You can build the weekly challenge, or you can build your own creation. dcli-brary.org.

Teen Graphic Novel Reading Group

On Tuesday, March 12 and Wednesday, April 10, 5 to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday, May 11, 10:30 a.m. to noon, teens are invited to come to the National Portrait Gallery, Eighth and G streets NW, and read a selection of graphic novels inspired by the sitters in the National Portrait Gallery’s collection. Through group discussion about autobiographies, fantasy and historical fiction, attendees will develop visual literacy and critical thinking skills. Open to teens ages 13 to 19. Free. Registration required at npg.si.edu.

Bilingual Cinderella: A Salsa Fairy Tale

What will happen to Cinderella at the ball … game? That’s the surprising question in this contemporary Latin-American Cinderella musical that weaves subtle lessons on empathy, sportsmanship, and respect into an exciting, high-stakes story. This is an Imagination Stage original that broke new ground in bilingual children’s theatre. Best for ages five and older. Tickets start at $12. Cinderella: A Salsa Fairy Tale is at Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, MD, through April 5. imaginationstage.org.

Adventure Theatre

Presents “Junie B.

Jones: The Musical”

It is Junie B.’s first day of first grade, and a lot of things have changed for her: Junie’s friend, Lucille, does not want to be her best pal anymore and, on the bus, Junie B. makes friends with Herb, the new kid at school. Also, Junie has trouble reading the blackboard and her teacher, Mr. Scary, thinks she may need glasses. Featuring a tremendously loveable character and fun-filled songs, Junie B. Jones will capture your heart just as the books captivated an entire generation of students. Through March 30. Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased online at adventuretheatre-mtc. org or by calling 301-634-2270.

Earth Day Family Festival (save the date)

On Saturday, April 20, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., join the National Portrait Gallery and the American Art Museum in the Kogod Courtyard to learn how art and science can help protect the earth. Attendees of all ages can enjoy naturethemed activities and there will be face painting for children 12 and under. A scavenger hunt in the galleries features works from both museums that highlight the Earth’s natural wonders and the various ways artists help care for our planet. Free but registra-tion encouraged. americanart.si.edu. u

NSO Music for Young Audiences: String Thing

Attention: kids, parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, rubber chickens... but especially kids and rubber chickens. This daring double act of classical fun is back. National Symphony Orchestra musicians—bassist Paul DeNola and violinist Heather LeDoux Green—introduce young audiences to some of the greatest music ever written. You’ll never hear a word out of them during the concert, but with instruments in hand and a trunk full of gags, this “silent” comedic tagteam presents a hilarious program of music and mayhem. String Thing is at the Kennedy Center Family Theater on Saturday, April 6, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 7, 1:30 and 4 p.m. It is most enjoyed by ages three and up. Tickets are $20. Prior to each performance, the NSO Volunteer Council’s Musical PLAYspace gives children the opportunity to try out the instruments they’ll see played on the stage. kennedy-center.org.