Mid City DC Magazine – May 2023

In the (French) Heights

Things are looking up in NoMa, literally. In this bustling neighborhood, Nicholas Stefanelli has unveiled Upstairs at the Morrow, 222 M St. NE. The celeb chef has already brought us Michelin-starred Masseria (near Union Market) and French-themed Le Clou (next door to the Morrow), among others.

Upstairs offers a chic rooftop venue to sip Champagne, tequila, espresso martinis and other upscale libations. To accompany these potent potables, the innovative chef has created whimsical tidbits like duck confit-stuffed taquitos, Lyonnaise deviled eggs, za’atarspiced grilled chicken sandwiches and jazzed up sushi. And—while savoring all these delicacies--guests can ogle panoramic vistas of the US Capitol, Union Station and—in the distance—the Washington Monument. Naturally, we had to check it out. Since the Upstairs didn’t open until 4 p.m., we lunched at Stefanelli’s Le Clou brasserie.

Le Clou (French for “the nail”) is ensconced

Insatiable

by Celeste McCall

in a former nail factory. Seated in the serene, cutting-edge dining area, we considered the Petite and Grand seafood towers: The “grand” was stacked with an entire Maine lobster, a dozen oysters, shrimp and more. Next time.

Instead, we settled for coquilles Saint Jacques— raw marinated Taylor Bay scallops presented in their shells, adorned with lemon, chives and even a tiny bottle of Tabasco (not that the yummy mollusks needed further embellishment). I went for the house-made pate campagne, served with tiny toast points and preserved prunes. Absolutely delicious, but we were still hungry. Therefore, we ordered dessert, choosing a trio of French cheeses escorted with jam, marmalade, and house-made preserves. From the French wine list, we sipped a dry rose and mellow Cote du Rhone. Lunch for two came to $90, including tax and tip. Our excellent server, Shavon, was friendly and knowledgeable.

Later, we were escorted to Stefanelli’s Upstairs dining area/bar and admired the view. For more information on Upstairs, visit www.themorrowhotel. com. For Le Clou, visit www.lecloudc.com.

Summer at the MVT Market

It’s official: The winter market season is finally over and spring/summer has arrived in Mount Vernon Triangle. That means FRESHFARM MVT (and Biergarten), located at the corner of Fifth and I Streets NW, has reinstituted its spring/summer hours: Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Spotlighting a rotation of local brewers, the Market’s popular Biergarten will operate from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every second Saturday from April through October.

The Market also welcomes a number of new vendors, including Boso Foods. After poppingup several times during the winter market, Boso Foods is hawking its specialty roasted nuts and vegetarian soups. New

to the market this spring are Filipino specialties like Ube Donuts from Cocoi’s Sweets and Pastries. Taco Loco continues to dispense breakfast and brunch tacos, burritos and more.

Unfortunately, FRESHFARM MVT bids adieu to Call Your Mother, Sexy Veggie & Just AJ’s.

For a complete list of Market vendors and other information, visit www.freshfarm.org.

More good news from MVT: Congrats and best of luck to MVT establishments which have been named finalists for the 2023 RAMMY Awards:

Rising Culinary Star: Chef Elias Taddesse (Melange, now closed);

Favorite Best Bites: Rasa, Stellina Pizzeria; Pastry Chef of the Year: Teresa Velaquez (A Baked Joint).

See this month’s Shaw Streets column for 14 Shaw neighborhood RAMMYs nominees.

Winners will be announced July 9 at the RAMMY Awards Gala at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. For tickets and more information, visit www.therammys.org.

In NoMa, chef Nicholas Stefanelli has unveiled Upstairs, atop the Morrow Hotel, with its panoramic view of Washington, DC.

Another favorite Gallic appetizer is Le Clou’s pate campagne, with assorted garnishes.

At Ivy City Smokehouse market, Smoked Salmon Jerky is ideal for a snack or mixed with cream cheese.

Wine About It

Here’s something fun in Shaw, ideal for early summer relaxing (and imbibing): Lulu’s Wine Garden, 1940 11th St. NW. is casual, communal, al fresco venue is like a beer garden, only it specializes in wine. Oenophiles will nd 50 a ordable bottles to choose from, plus wine by the glass. (Yes, you can also order a snazzy cocktail.)

Dreamt up by local husbandand-wife team Paul and Brittany Carlson, Lulu’s also dispenses winefriendly fare created by chef and partner Cable Smith.

Among crowd pleasers Smoked white sh, whipped feta, crab tostada, chili-mango wings, roasted beet salad, whole (or half) rotisserie chicken, sweet fry bread. Visit www.luluswinegarden.com for details.

More from MVT

Here’s something for a special occasion: dLeña by Chef Richard Sandoval, located at 476 K St. NW, is presenting his “Luxury Chef’s Table Experience,” a lavish eight-course repast. For the dinner, seasonal delicacies include charred avocado with green apple relish (how’s that for a

culinary marriage); scallop ceviche with smoked trout caviar; wagyu tartare with preserved lemon and scallions; Chilean sea bass with chipotle miso; cordero a la leña (grilled rack of lamb); platano a la leña (crème fraiche ice cream with salted caramel sauce and other goodies). You get the idea. O ered Tuesday through Saturdays with two seatings per night, the dinner is $160 per person, with $75 optional beverage pairings. e tab is exclusive of tax and gratuity. Guests may also order a la carte from the regular menu. Reservations are available through Open Table. For more information, visit www.dlenadc.com.

Market Watch

While purchasing smoked white sh salad at Ivy City Smokehouse, 1356 Okie St. NE, manager Gator pointed out Smoked Salmon Jerky. Ideal for a snack or mixed with cream cheese, a 1.7-ounce packet is just $5.99. Visit www.ivycitysmokehouse.com.

Bon Anniversaire!

Le Diplomate, 1601 14th St. NW, is celebrating 10 years of dispensing fabulous French cuisine to Logan Circle diners and beyond. ◆

BUSINESS SPEED COACHING

Tuesday, May 2, 2023 • 9:00 am • R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center

2730 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE, Washington D.C. 20032

Register: dlcpsbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events/60682

WEBINAR: LEARN HOW TO BECOME A CERTIFIED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE (CBE)

Wednesday, May 3, 2023 • 10:00 am Register: dlcpsbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events/58979

GENERAL BUSINESS LICENSE BOOTCAMP

Thursday, May 4, 2023 • 10:00 am • Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection

1100 4th Street SW, 2nd Floor Room E-200, Washington, D.C. 20024

Register: dlcpsbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events/61581

GENERAL BUSINESS LICENSE BOOTCAMP

Thursday, May 4, 2023 • 2:00 pm • Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection

1100 4th Street SW, 2nd Floor Room E-200, Washington, D.C. 20024 Register: dlcpsbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events/61746

LICENSING BASICS FOR INDUSTRIAL TRADES AND INDUSTRY

Monday, May 8, 2023 • 10:00 am • Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection

1100 4th Street SW, 2nd Floor Room E-200, Washington, D.C. 20024

Register: dlcpsbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events/61806

DLCP AT YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD LIBRARY –LEARN THE PROCESS OF STARTING A BUSINESS

Tuesday, May 9, 2023 • 6:00 pm

Martin Luther King Jr. Library • 901 G St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001 Register: dlcpsbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events/60824

THE LATEST ON SHORT-TERM RENTAL WORKSHOP

Wednesday, May 10, 2023 • 10:00 am • Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection

1100 4th Street SW, 2nd Floor Room E-200, Washington, D.C. 20024 Register: dlcpsbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events/61736

WEBINAR: MADE IN DC: BUSINESS RESOURCES FOR THE CREATIVE/MAKES BUSINESS

Thursday, May 11, 2023 • 10:00 am Register: dlcpsbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events/60795

2ND SESSION GENERAL BUSINESS LICENSE BOOTCAMP

Tuesday, May 18, 2023 • 10:00 am • Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection 1100 4th Street SW, 2nd Floor Room E-200, Washington, D.C. 20024 Register: dlcpsbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events/61582

GENERAL BUSINESS LICENSE BOOTCAMP

Thursday, May 18, 2023 • 2:00 pm • Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection

1100 4th Street SW, 2nd Floor Room E-200, Washington, D.C. 20024 Register: dlcpsbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events/61747

FIND FUNDING FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Tuesday, May 23, 2023 • 10:00 am • R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center 2730 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE, Washington D.C. 20032 Register: dlcpsbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events/61543

SHORT-TERM RENTAL ORDINANCE WORKSHOP

Wednesday, May 24, 2023 • 10:00 am • Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection 1100 4th Street SW, 2nd Floor Room E-200, Washington, D.C. 20024 Register: dlcpsbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events/61737

RECURSOS PARA SU NEGOCIO (RESOURCES FOR YOUR BUSINESS)

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 • 5:30 pm • Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) 1401 Columbia Rd NW, Washington DC 20009 Register: dlcpsbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events/61546

SBRC ONE-ON-ONE CALL SESSION: STEPS TO OBTAINING A BUSINESS LICENSE

Monday – Friday by appointment between 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Register: dlcpsbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events

SBRC ONE-ON-ONE CALL SESSION: “TALK BUSINESS AFTER HOURS”

Wednesdays by appointment between 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm Register: dlcpsbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events

LLAMADA TELEFONICA: 1:1 PASOS PARA OBTENER UNA LICENCIA COMERCIAL CON LA SRA. HERRERA

Miercoles con cita de 12:00pm a 1:00pm Registro: dlcpsbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events/61546

MEET IN PERSON MONDAY - 1.1 BUSINESS SESSION

Mondays by appointment between 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Register: dlcpsbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events

Small Business Resource Center (202) 442-4538 | dlcp@dc.gov

In Mount Vernon Triangle, dLeña, by Richard Sandoval Hospitality, is presenting its Luxury Chef’s “Table Experience,” a lavish eight-course repast. Photos: Richard Sandoval Hospitality

Serving a Side of Neighborliness Pizza D’Oro

Seeking a slice after a late show at the nearby 9:30 Club or a fresh seafood platter? Pizza D’Oro awaits.

Pizza D’Oro, 717 T St. NW, serves its authentic pizza, seafood and snacks with a side of neighborliness. “We know most of our customers personally by now because they come over all the time,” Owner Abdelilah Souada observed. “They come in, we know what they like, sometimes they don’t even have to order, we just know what they want.”

Souada’s path to the kitchen was not straight. While studying computer programming in Geneva, Switzerland, he worked in a restaurant to pay the bills. Working under the tutelage of the restaurant’s Italian chef piqued his interest in the culinary arts. In 2005, Souada moved to DC in pursuit of his love of cooking. In 2011, he opened his cozy neighborhood pizzeria, employing recipes and techniques learned in Geneva. Pizza D’Oro’s expansive menu is a diverse combination of authentic Italian dishes and American fare. It ranges from authentic pizza, pasta, calzones, veal and meatballs to wings, subs, salads, French fries, gar-

Shaw Bites

by Sarah Payne

lic bread, onion rings and desserts.

The variety provides something for everyone. It is a perfect spot for late-night munchies. The kitchen also caters to virtually any dietary restriction or preference. Local sourcing and fresh ingredients are pillars of the Pizza D’Oro menu. Diners can enjoy Maryland crabcakes and house made pasta sauces.

There are also sister locations in Petworth at 3618 14th St. NW and in Mount Rainier, MD. For more information about Pizza D’Oro, visit pizzadorodc.com.

Music, Dining and Cocktails MK Lounge

Multicolored lights, hip hop and Afrobeat music and “really good vibes” greet visitors to MK Lounge, 1930 Ninth St. NW. Located in the heart of Little Ethiopia, the lounge offers patrons a premium selection of liquor, food, and music. The lounge is the brainchild of owner Dereje “DJ” Zewdie.

Zewdie is the co-owner of Habesha Market and Carryout, a casual Ethiopian restaurant across the street from MK Lounge. A former photographer, he now indulges his creativity by creating the lounge’s beverage and cuisine menus. He attends bartending exhibitions and conventions to discover the latest cocktail trends.

The food menu features Zewdie’s own recipes. Sample his unique take on baked wings, kebabs and seafood. Zewdie constantly tweaks the food selection, incorporating new ingredients discovered in his culinary ramblings. Cheese quesadillas, a recent addition, are the restaurant’s new bestseller.

Seeking a late-night bite? MK Lounge’s kitchen closes just thirty minutes before the bar. Zewdie noted the importance of customer experience and serving food to customers throughout the night. The lounge is the perfect place to “just sit down and chill.” All patrons must be 21 years or older. For more information, visit mkloungedc.com.

Carryout with an Ethiopian Twist

Doro Soul Food

“I wanted to bring some of my story and background and incorporate all of the techniques and training that I’ve learned over the years and introduce some Ethiopian flavors in a different way,” Elias Taddesse said of his newest creation, Doro Soul Food, 1819 Seventh St. NW.

A veteran of Michelin-starred kitchens in New York and named Eater DC’s Chef of the Year in 2021, Taddesse is best known locally for Mélange, a now closed Mount Vernon Triangle fast-casual

Abdelilah Souada owns Pizza D’Oro in Shaw and Petworth. Photo by Alexander M. Padro, Courtesy Shaw Main Streets.

Dereje “DJ” Zewdie is the owner of MK Lounge in Shaw’s Little Ethiopia.

Photo by Alexander M. Padro, Courtesy Shaw Main Streets.

restaurant that o ered his take on burgers and chicken sandwiches. At Doro, which opened in 2022, he prepares classic American soul food dishes with a unique East African twist, using spices and avors drawn from his Ethiopian heritage and French techniques.

A lover of Popeyes since age nine, he o ers ri s on fried chicken, mac and cheese, cornbread, collard greens and more. ere is even a vegan tender option.

“My ultimate goal is really to highlight Ethiopian food, not just in what we traditionally know like at bread,” Taddesse said. “I’m trying to see how far I can push the avor pro les.”

Doro Soul Food’s menu is only available for takeout and delivery.

For more about Doro Soul Food, visit dorosoulfood.com.

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

Shaw fast-casual Doro Soul Food is award-winning chef Elias Taddesse’s newest restaurant. Photo by Alexander M. Padro, Courtesy Shaw Main Streets.

Shaw Streets

by Pleasant Mann

Shaw Cleans Up on Earth Day

The morning of Earth Day 2023, April 22, saw two cleanup teams organized for the Shaw neighborhood. One was formed by Mayor Muriel Bowser, made up of her staff and members of her political Green Team. They met at the Howard Theater, fanning out to clean up the blocks of northern Shaw.

Ward 2 Councilmember Brooke Pinto, Shaw Main Streets and District Cleanups, a communitybuilding group that sponsors monthly cleanups around town, put together another team at Bundy Field on the 400 block of P Street NW. After enjoying free La Colombe coffee, the group of volunteers and neighborhood residents swelled to over 100 people. From there, everyone got their orders to go through Shaw and pick up all the trash they came across. The effort ended at Seventh and Q, where the participants dropped off the bagged refuse they collected in the Shaw Main Streets Clean and Safe Team truck before take a welldeserved respite at Dacha Beer Garden.

Shaw Restaurants Get RAMMY Nominations

The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington has announced the finalists for its 2023 awards and, as usual, a number of Shaw restaurants and personalities made the list.

The Causa/Amazonia restaurants in Blagden

Alley are nominated for New Restaurant of the Year. Oyster Oyster and The Dabney are nominated for the best Formal Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year. Service Bar is nominated for Cocktail Program of the Year, and Lost and Found could win Beer Program of the Year, while Lulu’s Wine Garden is nominated for Wine Program of the Year. Jessica and Alfredo Solis (Anafre, Mariscos 1133 and Mezcalero) are up for the Rising Culinary Star of the Year Award, as well as Elias Taddesse of Shaw’s Doro Soul Food. Both Crescencio Martinez of All Purpose (Shaw) and Veronica Rodriguez of Truluck’s Ocean’s Finest Seafood are nominated for Employee of the Year. The Manager of the Year award could go to Christine Kim of Service Bar. Unconventional Diner is nominated for Service Program of the Year.

The RAMMYs this year also has a new category of awards where non-members of the association can be nominated, and awards are determined by a popular vote. Ivy and Coney, Shaw’s famed dive bar, could win the award for Best Bar. Seafood-focused

FishScale is up for the Hottest Sandwich Spot. Votes can be submitted at the NBC4 Washington website until Wednesday, May 31.

The winners of the 2023 RAMMY awards will be announced on Sunday, July 9 at the Washington Convention Center.

T Street Taskforce Meets

The T Street Taskforce, a group of DC agency personnel, local businesses and Shaw neighborhood leaders devoted to arresting the deteriorating environment on the 600 block of T Street, held its monthly meeting on Friday morning, April 28. It was conducted as a virtual conference.

Ward 1 Councilmember Brianne Nadeau started by announcing that she was trying to put money in the new fiscal year 2024 budget that would provide social services outreach to people on the 600 block of T. These services would be similar to ones provided in Columbia Heights, which have shown progress in ameliorating problems there.

Commander Boteler of the Third Police District was asked whether the 600 block of T Street would get priority given the recently announced new community policing strategy. Boteler explained that the strategy was not just devoting resources

Mayor Bowser’s Green Team came to Shaw on Earth Day.

Photo: Pleasant Mann

Volunteers and neighborhood residents get together to clean up Shaw.

Photo: Pleasant Mann

to static designated hot spots, but was encouraging o cers not on calls for service to get out of their patrol cars and engage with people in the community. MPD o cers will be seen on T Street regularly, but they will not be permanently stationed there.

PEPCO’s Jamaal Jordan ended the meeting with a description of PEPCO’s Capital Grid Project and its impact on T Street. e project is building a new 10-mile underground transmission cable to provide reliable electrical service to the District. e project will reach the 600 and 700 blocks of T Street NW this summer. Construction will require the excavation of one lane of T Street.

Eat. Drink. Shaw.

Scheduled for June 14

Just a reminder that Shaw Main Streets will celebrate its 20th anniversary at its annual food and beverage showcase, Eat. Drink. Shaw., on Wednesday evening, June 14 at the Howard eater. At Eat. Drink. Shaw., the neighborhood’s renowned restaurants and bars show o what they do best. is year, 300 attendees will be able to enjoy unlimited samples of food and drink items from at least 25 Shaw drinking and dining establishments for two-and-one-half hours. For more information, visit www.eatdrinkshaw.com.

Cleaning Shaw streets for Earth Day. Photo: Pleasant Mann

Shaw Main Streets Executive Director Alexander Padro, Ward 2 Councilmember Brooke Pinto and District Cleanups Leader Brad Milliken. Photo: Pleasant Mann

Whatcha Gonna do about the Electric Vehicle Charging Blues?

by Catherine Plume

Its 2023, and “electric” is in –and gas is out—for leaf blowers, stoves, and especially cars. There are now more than 7000 electric vehicles (EVs) registered in DC (about two percent of all registered vehicles in the District), and that number is growing daily. Unfortunately, as that number increases, so too do the headaches of finding a charging station to recharge that EV. DC’s vast housing stock of rowhouses, condos, apartments, and narrow alleys makes EV charging even more difficult. Where feasible, some residents are installing their own charging stations. DC’s Department of Transportation (DDOT) has published suggestions and accommodations for residential and commercial EV stations (see https://ddot.dc.gov/page/electric-vehicle-charging-stationprogram), but while the program is making EV charging easier, it’s not keeping up with the fastgrowing need for charging stations across the District.

For most EV owners, charging their EV in the District requires some flexibility and creativity. Hill residents Joe Britton and Katie Ehly know this all too well. They wanted to cut their carbon emissions, so they bought a Tesla Model X three years ago. While they love the car, charging it has been more challenging than anticipated. Joe notes, “I’ve only found only two places on the Hill to charge my car: the Trader Joe’s at Eastern

A map of DC EV Charging Stations. Credit: plugshare.com/. The green symbols represent publicly available charging stations while the yellow symbols represent high-powered charging stations.

Market and the Whole Foods, just south of 395. I almost always park overnight in the Trader Joe’s parking lot. You pay to park, but then there are three free-to-use Sema Connect chargers. We rarely have trouble accessing a charger there.” Katie notes, “We were surprised—and disappointed—that the Safeway on 14th Street (SE), with its huge new basement parking garage, hasn’t installed EV charging stations yet.”

A map of EV charging stations across the District highlights the lack of charging stations. Currently, most charging stations are clustered in parking garages downtown—while many DC residents are still working from home.

Fortunately, there’s pending legislation—including incentives for DC residents and business owners— before the DC Council that will lead to the installation of at least 7,500 dual port charging stations across the District by 2027 and help the District meet its goal of at least 25% of DC registered vehicles being zeroemission by 2030. In January 2023, Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen introduced the “Comprehensive Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Access, Readiness, and Sustainability Amendment Act of 2023.” In a nod to the bill’s overwhelming popularity, every member of the DC Council signed on as a co-introducer. In addition to significantly increasing the number of EV charging stations across the District, if passed, this bill would create a wide array of EV charging opportunities and requirements including:

• requiring the installation or consideration of installation of EV chargers in all major streetscape projects;

• establishing an Electric Vehicle Charging Station Grant Program for DC residents, nonprofits, businesses, and others to incentivize the purchase, installation, and upgrades of EV charging stations;

• requiring all new or substan-

tially upgraded commercial and multi-unit dwellings with parking lots to include even more EV charging infrastructure than the law currently requires; and • creating a permitting requirement for newly built or renovated single-family homes with driveways or garages to be EVcharging ready.

Importantly and as written, the bill would even give renters and condo owners the right to install EV charging stations at their place of residence, with reasonable requirements, safety restrictions, and landlord approval.

Councilmember Allen designed this bill with an eye to promoting the implementation of EV infrastructure across the District. He notes, “Transitioning from gas-powered vehicles to electric ones is a significant step towards decreasing emissions. However, DC has nowhere near the number of EV charging stations to create the type of access that’s needed to make this switch feasible or realistic. My bill will help rapidly scale the necessary infrastructure vital to increasing access and is designed to ensure an equitable and sustainable network of EV charging stations across the District in every neighborhood.”

A first hearing on the bill is tentatively scheduled for early summer. With such broad Council support, it’s all but sure to pass. And, as this bill will use federal money, there will be no need to allocate DC taxpayer revenue to fund the bill in the FY24 budget. But in the meantime, DC EV owners will need to keep those creative juices flowing as they look to keep their EVs charged and on the road.

Catherine Plume is a lifelong environmentalist, a writer, and an active member of the Sierra Club DC Chapter. Perspectives expressed are her own and do not necessarily represent the positions of that organization. u

Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 1B held its public meeting for April on ursday evening, April 6, 2023. e commissioners are Sabel Harris (1B08, Chair), Larry Handerhan (1B01, Vice Chair), Sean Holihan (1B02), Jamie Sycamore (1B03), Santiago Lakatos (1B04, Treasurer), Alan Kensek (1B05), Mark Johnson (1B06), Ashleigh Fields (1B07) and Tucker Jones (1B09, Secretary). ere was a quorum to conduct business. It was conducted as a hybrid meeting, taking place at the DC Housing Finance Agency with some participants connecting via Zoom.

Interim Deputy Mayor Keith Anderson

Before the formal start of the commission meeting, Keith Anderson, interim Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, was invited to give a presentation on the Mayor’s proposed budget for Fiscal 2024. He started by noting that hard choices had to be made, with cuts in some programs required due to the revenue projections provided by the DC Chief Financial O cer. A current priority was trying to bring Downtown DC back to its pre-pandemic vitality. Federal workers, who ordinarily count for 190,000 people per day Downtown, continuing to work at home has had a signi cant impact.

Still, there are areas that have been maintained. Although the $100 million dollars devoted to the Housing Production Trust Fund in the budget is a lower amount than previous years, it is still substantial. e District has put approximately $1 Billion dollars into the Trust Fund and has met about 80 percent of its goal for building a ordable housing units.

Public Safety and Community Engagement Committee

e committee received a sponsorship request from the Purpose Party for one of their events in front of the Reeves Center. ey usually distribute food and hygiene products to the community during their events. e sponsorship request was for $500 to cover the cost of hygiene products. e commission approved the sponsorship.

ANC 1B

by Pleasant Mann

Zoning, Preservation and Development Committee

1815 Eighth Street NW. Support for special exception zoning relief. e project is an addition with a proposed third oor and a rear addition that will extend past the rear wall of adjacent properties. e committee supported the request as long as adjacent property owners gave letters of support for the addition. A property owner to the north provided a letter, while the property to the south had an absentee owner who never responded. An owner of a nearby property gave his concerns about the addition. e committee chair suggested that the commission support the variance. A motion to support the special exception zoning relief passed.

1901-1911 Fifth Street NW. Parcel owned by Howard University. ey are requesting zoning relief to allow the construction of o ces. Currently the land is only zoned for residential use. Committee recommended supporting zoning relief. A motion to support passed the commission.

Economic Development Committee

1617 U Street NW. e Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) wants to issue a Request for Proposals to dispose of the public property on the block bounded by U Street, 16th Street, V Street and 17th Street, currently occupied by a re station and the ird District police station. e commission had a draft resolution in support of a zoning Map Amendment from the O ce of Planning, rezoning the site from MU-4 to MU-10 to increase the density allowed.

Commissioner Kensek said that he looked forward to having a ordable housing on the site, but since he could not get guarantees for facilities and building setbacks, he could not vote for the resolution. Commissioner Fields said that she also had concerns about the resolution and Commissioner Sycamore stated that he could not support it, as is. Commissioner Harris noted that the Map Amendment would automatically trigger the provisions of Inclusive Zoning +, which would require a large percentage of the housing units to be a ordable. As a result, she was voting for the resolution.

A number of neighborhood residents, some who have lived in the area for decades, objected to the Map Amendment. Some questioned why the site

had to be given to a developer. Couldn’t the District develop the site itself without having to adjust to the whims of a pro t-making business? ere was also the belief that upzoning to an MU-10 site would overwhelm the area.

e DC Zoning Commission Board will address the issue on June 24. An amendment to the resolution was proposed that asked for a study of the displacement in the neighborhood that could be caused by a large project on the site. e amended resolution passed 7-1-1.

Transportation Committee e committee presented two resolutions to the commission. e rst was in support of more bus shelters. e second was a resolution to oppose the reductions in service proposed for the Circulator bus and the Metrorail Yellow Line north of Mount Vernon station. Both motions passed.

Alcoholic Beverage Regulation (ABR) Committee

Commissioner Holihan, the committee chair, presented four settlement agreements to be approved by the commission:

Pho House, 634 Florida Avenue NW Wet Dog, 2100 Vermont Avenue NW

Andy’s Pizza, 808 V Street NW Red Lounge and Hookah, 2013 14th Street NW e committee chair asked to have them approved en bloc. ey were all approved.

Gramophone, 647 Florida Avenue NW. License renewal. e committee recommended ling a protest, given the concern of neighbors about noise. A motion to protest the license passed.

New Business

Mirror Lounge, 1920 Ninth Street NW. Commissioner Houlihan found that there was a fth settlement agreement to be approved by the commission. A motion to approve passed.

Commissioner Sycamore asked to be permitted to change his vote on the 1617 U Street Map Amendment from an abstention to a No vote. e commission allowed the change.

ANC 1B will hold its next meeting on ursday, May 4, starting at 6:30 p.m. Visit www.anc1b.org for more information. ◆

Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 2G held its monthly public meeting for April on Wednesday evening, April 12, 2023. Commission Chair Alex Padro (2G02) called the meeting to order. Commissioners Anthony “Tony” Brown (2G01, Treasurer), Alex Lopez (2G03, Secretary), Steven McCarty (2G04), Sheena Berry (2G05) and Rachelle P. Nigro (2G06, Vice Chair) were in attendance. e commission had a quorum to conduct business.

Third Police District Report

Lieutenant Steven Miller of the ird Police District started his report by saying that the numbers for all categories of crime were down from last year. e numbers were up for 3D overall, but down for ANC 2G. Four juveniles were arrested for committing a total of 17 robberies in DC, three of them in the ird Police District. ey have also successfully closed a bank robbery on the 1900 block of Seventh Street NW that occurred last year with an arrest.

Allen Lew Memorial

Claude Bailey of the Allen Lew Memorial Committee came to the commission to get support for the renaming of Mount Vernon Place, NW, the street at the front entrance of the Washington Convention Center, to Allen Y. Lew Place. Mr. Lew, who died in 2020, started his work in the District managing the construction of the new convention center, completed in 2003. He then became responsible for the construction of Nationals Ball Park and later the renovation of a number of District schools and public libraries. He was also City Administrator during the administration of Mayor Vincent Gray, who introduced the memorial legislation. Bailey, who characterized Lew as “the Robert Moses of Washington, DC,” said that the committee debated the best way of honoring Mr. Lew and decided that renaming Mount Vernon Place after him would be most appropriate.

Commissioner Padro said that he was familiar with the work Mr. Lew did to bene t the District and that he supported the proposal. Commissioner Nigro was also in full support. Commissioner Berry said that she had heard good things about Mr. Lew. She made a motion to support renaming Mount Vernon Place to Allen Y. Lew Place. Bailey noted

ANC 2G

by Pleasant Mann

that the resolution should be sent to Evan Cash, Director of the DC Council Committee of the Whole with a copy to Councilmember Vincent Gray. e motion passed unanimously.

Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Committee (ABC)

Petite Cerise, 1027 Seventh Street NW. Renewal of license for a newly opened French restaurant. e license also has a sidewalk café endorsement. ey plan on serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Commissioner Nigro made a motion to support the license renewal. e motion passed unanimously.

600 T, 600 T Street NW. License renewal. e owner described the establishment as a speakeasy. Padro said that since they already had a settlement agreement with the commission, the ABC supported the renewal. A motion to support renewal of the license passed 6-0.

Ambar, 1547-49 Seventh Street NW. License renewal. e applicant told the committee that the establishment would be applying for a substantial change to the license soon, seeking an entertainment endorsement and also had an outdoor patio under construction. e committee recommended protesting the license, since there was no settlement agreement in place and the restaurant has a retractable roof and operable windows. is was supported by the applicant’s counsel to get additional time to work on the agreement and additional endorsements. A motion to protest the license renewal passed 6-0.

Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC)

Resident Parking on 600 Block of L Street. Commissioner Nigro brought up earlier in the meeting a Notice of Intent (NOI) from the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) proposing the removal of the Residential Permit Parking (RPP) designation from the north side of the 600 block of L Street NW. DDOT said the reason for the move was due to a lack of residents on the street, something that was not true according to Nigro. She informed DDOT that residents with addresses on McCullough Court relied on those spaces, but DDOT said they would not rescind the NOI. A number of residents expressed their condemnation of the move

to the commission.

Commissioner Lopez said that the TAC took up the matter, agreed that there were residents on the block that needed the RPP designation and recommended that the commission send a resolution to DDOT opposing the NOI. A motion to oppose the NOI passed unanimously.

Dangerous Intersections. Commissioner Lopez brought up a resolution to deal with the issue of safety at the several intersections of ANC 2G where tra c fatalities had occurred. He noted that an employee of the Marriott Marquis hotel had been killed at 10th Street and Massachusetts Avenue and that a scooter rider died recently from injuries resulting from an accident at New Jersey Avenue and P Street last year. He wanted DDOT to study intersections where a fatality has occurred. Lopez’s resolution called for DDOT to do a safety study at these and other intersections that had fatal tra c crashes. e resolution passed unanimously.

Public Safety Committee

ANC 2G’s bylaws have provisions for a Public Safety Committee, but the committee currently does not have a chair. Commissioner McCarty nominated Dylan White, who has lived in the 2G area for seven years and is currently a member of the Friends of 10th Street Park. A motion to appoint White chair of the Public Safety Committee passed 6-0.

Resignation of Commissioner Lopez

Commissioner Lopez announced that he planned to give up his seat on the commission, e ective April 24, since he was moving to Bellingham, Washington. Commissioner Padro said that he was saddened by the loss, a feeling that was also expressed by other commissioners.

Lopez’s departure presented an immediate issue in that he was the point of contact for two protests of liquor licenses. A motion to make Commissioner Padro the contact for the protests passed.

ANC 2G will hold its next meeting on ursday, May 11. 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

All Things Equal: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Supreme Court Justice “RBG” welcomes a friend of the family to her cozy chambers to convey, over the course of ninety fascinating and often funny minutes, a sense of her life and its many trials: losing her mother the day before she graduated as valedictorian of her Brooklyn high school … being one of only nine young women studying law at Harvard while also raising a daughter and helping her husband battle cancer … fighting for women’s rights in the nineteen-seventies before condescending all-male courts … and taking courageous stands for human rights as a voice of reason amid a splintering and increasingly politicized Supreme Court. An evening with a great and compassionate icon of straight-thinking

American justice emerges. Lincoln Theater, 1215 U St. NW, on Friday, May 19, 8 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.). $35 to $50. thelincolndc.com

MLK Library Poetry Open Mic

If you are a poet, they want to hear it. Not a poet? Recite your favorite poetry. On the second Thursday of every month (May 11, June 8, etc.) from 6 to 7:30 p.m., in the MLK Dance Studio (level A), MLK Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW, welcomes the community to their poetry open mic night series. This is a free event open to the public and attendees of all ages are encouraged to attend. Participants are asked to keep their poetry to no more than three to five minutes and keep content PG-13. For questions or concerns, contact them at adultservices.dcpl@dc.gov.

One Jewish Boy at Theater J

In this sophisticated and quick-fire new British comedy about antisemitism, Jesse, a nice Jewish boy, falls in love with Alex, a nice mixed-race girl. The love between them is pure and absolute, but Jesse has never been able to shake off the vicious attack that changed him forever. This provocative play received a massive antisemitic response when the UK production opened in 2018; posters were defaced, and the writer received death threats. Don’t miss the US premiere of this urgent and unflinching comedy, which pits the impact of hatred against the power of love. One Jewish Boy is at Theater J, 1529 16th St. NW, from June 7 to July 2. theaterj.org.

Half Street Central Farm Market Opens for Second Season

DC’s newest farmers market, Half Street Central Farm Market, 1250 Half St. SE in the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood, opens for its second season on Saturday, May 6, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The dog-friendly market features over 30 farmers and vendors with products including meat and poultry, seafood, dairy, breads and pastries, produce, prepared foods, and juices. Marketgoers can also enjoy table seating, chef demos, children’s activities, and live music performances each week. There is garage parking on N Street and lot parking at First and N. For a list of vendors, visit centralfarmmarkets. com/half-street-vendors.

Bike to Work Day

Bike to Work Day is Friday, May 19. Join fellow bicyclists at over 100 pit stops in DC, MD, and VA for this free event for a fun and healthy way to start your day. The first 15,000 who register and attend at a pit stop receive a free T-shirt. There will also be giveaways, food, and beverages at participating locations, while supplies last. To find your local participating 2023 pit stop and for details about the pit stop, visit biketoworkmetrodc.org/find-your-pit-stop. Read more and register at biketoworkmetrodc.org.

Friends of the National Arboretum Summer 5k

On Saturday, June 3, 8 a.m., enjoy the US National Arboretum in full swing during FONA’s Summer 5k. This race will take you past garden collections in full bloom, over tree-lined rolling hills, and along streams winding their way to the Anacostia River. All roads are closed to cars during this race so you can safely enjoy running through this 451-acre urban green space. Come early to enjoy the tunes of their 5k DJ. Strollers and dogs are welcome, but dogs must stay on a 5’ nonretractable leash. All in-person participants will be required to pick up their race packet on Friday, June 2 between 2 and 6 p.m. Pacers 14th St. or on race morning at the starting line from 6:15 to 7:55 a.m. Race registration is $40. Register at fona. org/events_programs.

SAAM Fellows Lectures

On May 17, 18 and 19, 1 to 5 p.m., join the 2022–2023 class of Smithsonian American Art Museum, Eighth and G streets NW, research fellows as they present new scholarship on a range of topics and time periods, media and messages. Speakers will share research discoveries and offer fresh perspectives on works of American art. More information and a detailed schedule are available at AmericanArt.si.edu/ research/fellowslectures.

Writing Workshop Inspired by I Dream a World

On Tuesday, May 23, 5 to 7 p.m., this creative writing workshop, at the National Portrait Gallery, Eighth and G streets NW, will explore the lives of the extraordinary women featured in “I Dream a World: Selections from Brian Lanker’s Portraits of Remarkable Black Women.” Using guided writing exercises, participants will pay tribute to pioneers such as Althea Gibson, Odetta, Cicely Tyson and Oprah Winfrey, reflecting on the ways they have shaped American culture while fighting for social justice and civil rights. Open to writers of all levels who are 18+. Registration required. npg.si.edu

The Great Brookland Yard Sale

The Great Brookland Yard Sale is a day for Brookline residents to host concurrent yard sales. This year the sale is on Saturday, May 13, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The rain date is Sunday, May 14. Online map : https:// brooklandcivic.org/yard-sale-map. brooklandcivic.org.

Photo: Courtesy of Friends of the National Arboretum

Live! at the Library: Experience the Main Reading

The Library’s Thomas Jefferson Building and all of the Library’s exhibitions are open for extended hours on Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m. Visitors are invited to enjoy happy hour drinks and food available for purchase in the Great Hall while immersing themselves in the Library’s exhibits, collections and programs. The series regularly features special conversations, music, performances, films and workshops that showcase the broad range of holdings at the national library. On Thursday evenings, the Library of Congress now also welcomes visitors to experience its grand Main Reading Room in the Thomas Jefferson Building.  Free timed-entry passes required. loc.gov/live.

Help Name New Redesign of Florida- NY Ave. Intersection

The reconfiguration of the Florida Avenue/New York Avenue NE intersection, often referred to as the “Virtual Circle” or “Dave Thomas Circle,” is scheduled to begin later this year. In addition to improving safety and navigation for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers, this project will improve the overall experience for everyone by bringing three new public spaces to the area immediately adjacent to the intersection. For more details, visit floridaaveproject.com/florida-avenew-yorkave-intersection. In advance of the delivery of these new spaces, the NoMa BID is partnering with DDOT and inviting members of the public to suggest one overall name for the trio of new

public spaces. Through June 25, the public can submit a name recommendation by completing an online survey at NameThisNoMaSpace.org.

Community Day: Hidden No More—Outstanding Classical Vocal Artists

On May 18, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (doors at 10:30 a.m.), the National Museum of African American History and Culture hosts two extraordinary musical programs that highlight talented youth and uncover the history of overlooked African American classical artists. Shared Voices, a program of the Denyce Graves Foundation, is a collaboration between HBCUs and top schools of music that promotes equity and inclusion in American classical vocal

arts by championing the hidden musical figures of the past while uplifting diverse young artists. This year’s students, from eight outstanding academic institutions, will present their capstone projects in the Museum’s Heritage Hall. As part of its mission to encourage young musicians, the United States Navy Band inaugurated the Alton Augustus Adams Sr. Award for Emerging Composers. Adams was the first African American Bandleader in the US Navy. In 2022, the inaugural award was presented to Jaylin Vinson of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, for his chamber work “Afrophilia,” which will be played by the United States Navy Band’s Woodwind Quintet. Free but registration required at etix.com/ ticket/p/7321395.

Jazz in Canal Park

Enjoy Jazz in the middle block of Canal Park, 200 M St. SE, Wednesdays this Spring for a free, live performance by local groups. Here’s the remaining schedule: May 3, Heru Peacock; May 10, DC’s Di erent Drummers; and May 17, Tobago Bay Calypso. capitolriverfront.org/canal-park.

Register for the Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy Workshop

On Tuesday, May 16, 6 to 7:30 p.m., learn about hosting and tourism entrepreneurship on the Airbnb platform. You will participate in an immersive 90-minute education program that explores entrepreneurship, experiential learning, and fostering community while providing a pathway to hosting with con dence. Register at wacif.org/events.

NGA’s Jazz in the Sculpture Garden

Concerts return on Fridays, May 19 through Aug. 4, 6 to 8:30 p.m. with new lottery system for registration. e twelve concerts will explore the American soundscape, including jazz, Latin fusion, zydeco, Indigenous fusion, and funk. Due to high demand, they are instituting a free lottery system so anyone interested in attending Jazz in the Garden has an equal chance to participate. Each concert will have its own lottery, which will open the week prior on Monday and close that Friday at noon. nga. gov/calendar/concerts/jazz-in-thegarden.html.

Community Forklift’s First Fridays Return

Community Forklift’s popular First Friday returns on May 5, 5 to 7 p.m. e reuse warehouse will be open late and they’ll have local artists and vendors, live music, refreshments, and

ENVISIONING THE FUTURE OF DC: Public Conversations

The Committee of 100 on the Federal City is marking their 100th anniversary by hosting public conversations on topics of interest to DC residents, neighborhood commissioners, elected officials, and all who care about our nation’s capital and call it home. Remaining conversations are Reclaiming the Commons--The Value of Public Space on Wednesday, May 24, 6:30 to 8 p.m.; Before Development is a Done Deal…Empowering Residents with ArcGIS Visualization on Wednesday, June 7, 6:30 to 8 p.m.; and Does DC’s Planning and Zoning Need an Overhaul? In September. Date and time TBA. All programs are in person and will be recorded at First Congregational UCC, 945 G St. NW. Light refreshments afterwards. Read more and register at committeeof100.net/ centennial-conversations.

Arts, Beats, and Eats Festival Returns

Arts, Beats, and Eats Festival, a full day devoted to visual, musical and culinary arts, returns for the third time on May 13, noon to 8 p.m. Hosted by miXt Food Hall, Studio 3807, Portico Gallery, Artisan 4100 and the Arts Annex at Artisan 4100 (all one block apart) they invite you to visit their vibrant arts district in Brentwood, MD, right over the DC line. Musicians from Just Rock will have live music throughout the day at their studios and at miXt Food Hall. Free and open to the public. Street parking only. artsbeatseatsdmv.com.

Photo: Kurt Kaiser

Post-Game Fireworks at Nat’s Park

This year, Nat’s Park post-game fireworks are on Friday, May 12, Nationals vs. Mets; Friday, June 2, Nationals vs, Phillies; and “Freedom Fireworks” on Monday, July 3, Nationals vs. Reds. Look for the fireworks close-by on the southwest side of the Park. mlb.com/nationals.

modern and vintage salvaged materials to enjoy. Community Forklift is at 4671 Tanglewood Dr., Edmonston, MD. communityforklift.org.

Public Art Grant Request for Applications

The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities is soliciting applications from qualified individual artists or organizations for its Fiscal Year 2024 Public Art Building Communities Grant Program (PABC). Multiple awards may be made under this RFA. Award amounts vary. Submission deadline is July 17, 9 p.m. CAH staff contact is Kerry Kennedy, Public Art Program Coordinator at kerry. kennedy.dc.gov.

Hiring Bonuses for New MPD Recruits Increased

The hiring bonus for new Metropolitan Police Department recruits has increased from $20,000 to $25,000. The increase will make the department

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.

more competitive and support the goal of getting MPD back on the path to 4,000 sworn officers. To learn more about how to become a MPD officer, incentives for new hires, and the Cadet Corps Program, visit joinmpd.dc.gov.

Summer Blast Off! at Wolf Trap

On Sunday, May 28, at 8 p.m., the Marine Band will once again celebrate Memorial Day weekend with its annual Summer Blast Off! concert at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts with a mix of patriotic favorites, popular movie soundtracks, Sousa marches, and Broadway show tunes. As always, the program will conclude with a medley of the Armed Forces’ service songs honoring all those currently serving, veterans, and their families, followed by one of the best fireworks displays of the year. Free admission. wolftrap. org. u

Photo: Nan Raphael

Kids & Family

Li ve on the Hill: The Great Zucchin i

The Great Zucchini is an award-winning preschool and kindergarten children’s entertainer who has been a staple in the DC metro area for over 25 years. He performs his hands-on, interactive magic shows for more than 700 groups a year. He will be at Eastern Market Metro Plaza Park, 701 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, on Saturday, June 3, Sunday, July 2, and Saturday, Sept 9, from 10:30 a.m to noon www.barracksrow.org

Capitol Hill Classic Kids’ Fun Ru n

The NCB Capitol Hill Classic 10k race, on Sunday, May 21, is a major annual fundraiser for the Capitol Hill Cluster School This 42nd annual r unnin g includes a 10k race, a 3k race and a kids’ run. It is the only race run exclusively on Capitol Hill streets. The races start at Peabody Primary School, 425 C St NE, at Stanton Park. The Fun Run starts at about 11 a.m. (immediately after the 3k) and is a single lap ar ound Stanton Park (approximately a third of a mile). Fun Run registration is $12. Read more and register at www.capitolhillclassic.com.

Photo: Djenno Bacvic

Botanic Garden

Free Chess Tournaments for Kids in Grades 2-8

The US Chess Center, in partnership with Barracks Row Main Street, is presenting free chess tournaments at Eastern Market Metro Plaza Park, 701 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. Students in grades two to eight who know the rules of chess and understand tournament etiquette are invited to participate in one or both of the remaining chess competitions on Saturdays, May 20 and June 24, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Free, and at each event students may play one or more games. Space is limited; register in advance and arrive at 10:20 a.m. to ensure a place. Drop-ins are allowed. Families may wait in designated areas during the games, but parents and other spectators are not allowed in the playing area. www.chessctr.org/play/easternmarketmetro

International Family Equality Day

On Sunday, May 7, celebrate family diversity with the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. Visitors will have the chance to speak with zoo nutritionists, attend keeper talks and see animal demonstrations. Free entry passes are required; parking is $30. www.nationalzoo.si.edu

DC Sail Youth Programs

Through Kids Set Sail and the High School Racing Program, DC Sail provides fun and educational sailing programs to area children. Each of the programs follows the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) curriculum and uses the sport of sailing to develop self-respect and sportsmanship and foster teamwork, as well as cultivate sailing skills and an appreciation for maritimerelated activities. Read more at www.dcsail. org/youth.

Tutor Tots at Tudor Place

On Wednesdays, 10:00 to 10:45 a.m., Tudor Place, 1644 31st St. NW, presents Tudor Tots ‒ activities for learners aged 18 months to four years and their caretakers. Here are the upcoming programs: May 10, from 10:00 to 10:45, “Where Are You Going? How Do People Travel? Where Do They Travel to?”

Discover the answers in this globetrotting program. On May 31, “Who’s Hopping?”

Learn about the fluffiest inhabitants of the garden. On June 14, “What’s Waving?”

Learn about flags from around the world and create a colorful craft to celebrate Flag Day.

On June 28, “Are You Ready for Summer?”

Celebrate the start of summer by learning about how to keep cool. $6.50 per child; accompanying adult free. Pre-registration required. www.tudorplace.org u

Kids Welcome at NoMa’s Weekly Outdoor Movie Nights

On Wednesday evenings, May 3 to 31, NoMa BID presents CiNoMatic, an outdoor movie series at Alethia Tanner Park, 227 Harry Thomas Way NE. The theme of CiNoMatic’s spring season is Villains We Love. Here’s the lineup: May 3, “The Devil Wears Prada”; May 10, “Black Panther”; May 17, “Hook”; May 24, “Men in Black”; May 31, “Cruella.”

Movies begin at sunset, with seating on the lawn at Alethia Tanner Park opening one hour prior to showtime. Seating is first-come, first-served. Moviegoers are encouraged to bring their own blankets, chairs and picnic dinners. Food and drinks will be available for purchase from food truck partners. Leashed dogs are welcome. For more information and weather-related schedule updates, visit www.cinomatic.org.

The Family-Friendly Anacostia River Festival

On Saturday, May 20, from 1 to 4 p.m., the 11th Street Bridge Park and the National Park Service present the ninth annual Anacostia River Festival, a premier event of the 2023 National Cherry Blossom Festival at Anacostia Park, Good Hope Road and Anacostia Drive SE. Join to celebrate Breaking New Ground: 100 Years of Innovation at Anacostia Park, a family-friendly event filled with outdoor activities, local performances, food trucks and more. Visit www. bridgepark.org/ARF for more information.

Photo: Courtesy NoMA BID