MIDCITY SEPTEMBER 2010
capitalcommunitynews.com â—† 3
CONTENTS / SEPTEMBER 2010 out and about 08 10 30 32 34 36 37
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Hit the City • Joy Hopkins Calendar • Kathleen Donner Adams Morgan Day • Sheray Wright Insatiable: Nellie’s, Wine & D’Vine Bakery • Celeste McCall Retail Therapy • Scott Fazzini Jazz Avenues • Steve Monroe The Art of Alexa Meade • Shannon Holloway
election special 19 20 22 24 26 28
26 41
The Nose • Anonymous Gray Contests Fenty’s Plan for DC • Paul D. Shinkman Kwame Brown vs Vincent Orange • Paul D. Shinkman Mendelson vs Ray vs Brown • Paul D. Shinkman Changes in This Year’s Election Procedures • Paul D. Shinkman The Numbers: The Key Fiscal Challenge? • Jenny Reed
your neighborhood 38 40 41 42 44
Logan Circles • Mark F. Johnson 14th and U • by Tanya Snyder Bloomingdale Bytes • Amanda Abrams Shaw Streets • Mark F. Johnson Roosevelt’s Culinary Arts Students Win Big • Jazelle Hunt
at home 46 48
Home/Style: Choosing a Wall Color • Mark F. Johnson Changing Hands • Don Denton
kids and family 50
Back to School: Giving and Receiving • Lisa Raymond
52
Classifieds
COVER:
Kwame Brown, At-Large Councilmember and candidate for City Council Chair. Photo: Andrew Lightman
FREE SEMINARS Presented by the…
Washington Area Community Investment Fund, Inc. (WACIF)
Negotiating A Commercial Lease Tips on seeking a small business commercial space, Signing a new lease or renegotiating an old one and more! Speaker: Cyril Crocker, The Menkiti Group
September 9, 2010 • 6:00-8:00pm Location: TBD
Small Business Loan Day Meet with a panel of community small business lenders to discuss your financing needs. September 11 11:00-1:00pm
September 25 11:00-1:00pm
Location: 1150 Varnum Street, NE, Washington, DC 20017
Know Thy Financials! Cash Flow Statement, Balance Sheets, and Income Statements – everything you need to know! September 28, 2010 • 6:30-8:30pm Location: 1150 Varnum Street, NE, Washington, DC 20017
Call WACIF to RSVP: (202) 529-5505 Additional WACIF information can be found at www.wacif.org Interpretation services and accommodations for persons with disabilities are available. Contact WACIF one week prior to event for any special assistance needs. Support for WACIF’s programs and services is provided by the DC Dept. of Housing & Community Development, DC Dept. of Human Services – Early Care & Education Admin., Prince George’s Co. Dept. of Housing & Community Development, MD Dept. of Housing & Community Development, US Small Business Administration, US Dept. of Health & Human Services, Economic Development and Training Institute, Inc., National Capital/RLA Revitalization Corporation, Capital One, Naomi and Nehemiah Cohen Foundation, Cafritz Foundation, Wachovia Bank and other individual and corporate donors and investors. capitalcommunitynews.com ◆ 5
HILL RAG DC NORTH EAST OF THE RIVER FAGON COMMUNITY GUIDES
Capital Community News, Inc. 224 7th Street, SE, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20003 202.543.8300 • www.capitalcommunitynews.com EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Melissa Ashabranner melissaashabranner@hillrag.com EDITORIAL STAFF
SOCIETY & EVENTS
MANAGING EDITOR: Andrew Lightman andrew@hillrag.com CFO & ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Maria Carolina Lopez carolina@hillrag.com KIDS & FAMILY EDITOR: Susan Braun Johnson schools@hillrag.com ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Mary-Frances Daly maryfrances@hillrag.com
Mickey Thompson • socialsightings@aol.com
HOMES & GARDENS Rindy O’Brien - Hill Gardener • rindyob@mac.com Derek Thomas • derek@thomaslandscapes.com Judith Capen • judith.capen@architravepc.com HomeStyle: Mark Johnson • mark@hillrag.com
NEWS & NEIGHBORHOOD REPORTS ARTS, DINING & ENTERTAINMENT
ANC6A:
ART: Jim Magner • jjmagner@aol.com DINING: Celeste McCall • celeste@hillrag.com HIT THE CITY: Hunter Gorinson • hunter.gorinson@gmail.com LITERATURE: Karen Lyon • klyon@folger.edu MOVIES: Mike Canning • mjcanning@verizon.net MUSIC: Stephen Monroe • samonroe2004@yahoo.com RETAIL THERAPY: Hunter Gorinson • hunter.gorinson@gmail.com THEATER: Brad Hathaway • brad@potomacstages.com TRAVEL: Maggie Hall • whitby@aol.com THE WINE GUYS: Jon Genderson • jon@cellar.com
Tanya Snyder • tanya.c.snyder@gmail.com Hunter Gorinson • hunter.gorinson@gmail.com ANC6C: Hunter Gorinson • hunter.gorinson@gmail.com ANC6D: Roberta Weiner • rweiner_us@yahoo.com BARRACKS ROW: sharon@barracksrow.org H STREET LIFE: Elise Bernard • inked78@hotmail.com THE NOSE: thenose@hillrag.com LOGAN CIRCLE • mark@hillrag.com SHAW • shaw@hillrag.com MOUNT VERNON TRIANGLE • triangle@hillrag.com BLOOMINGDALE • bloomingdale@hillrag.com 14TH & U • 14thandU@hillrag.com ANC6B:
CALENDAR & BULLETIN BOARD HILL RAG, DC NORTH & EAST OF THE RIVER: CALENDAR EDITOR: Hunter Gorinson • calendar@hillrag.com
GENERAL ASSIGNMENT Michelle Evans • invisiblecolours@yahoo.com Celeste McCall • celeste@hillrag.com Heather Schoell • hschoell@verizon.net Tanya Synder • tanya.c.snyder@gmail.com Virginia Avniel Spatz • virginia@hillrag.com Peter Waldron • peter@hillrag.com Hunter Gorinson • hunter.gorinson@gmail.com Stephanie Deutsch • scd@his.com Paul D. Shinkman - pdshinkman@gmail.com Melanie Sunukjian - melsunuk@gmail.com Shannon Holloway - holloway.shannon@gmail.com
BEAUTY, HEALTH & FITNESS Patricia Cinelli • fitmiss44@aol.com Ronda Bresnick Hauss, LCSW • www.quietwaterscenter.com quiet_waters_center@yahoo.com Peter Sherer • Peter@expmatters.com
KIDS & FAMILY Mary-Frances Daily • kidsnotebook@hillrag.com Susan Johnson • schools@hillrag.com
PRODUCTION/GRAPHIC DESIGN ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR: Jason Yen 202.543.8300 X21 • jay@hillrag.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER/ WEB MASTER: Jason Nickens 202.543.8300 X17 • jason@hillrag.com
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We welcome suggestions for stories. Send queries to andrew@hillrag.com. We are also interested in your views on community issues which are published in the Last Word. Please limit your comments to 250 words. Letters may be edited for space. Please include your name, address and phone number. Send Last Word submissions to lastword@hillrag.com. For employment opportunities email jobs@hillrag.com.
PUBLISHER: JEAN-KEITH FAGON • fagon@hillrag.com Copyright © 2010 by Capital Community News. All Rights Reserved.
capitalcommunitynews.com 6 ◆ Midcity DC | September 2010
A full service Ethiopian Restaurant Traditional meat & vegetarian dishes
1919 9th STREET NW WASHINGTON, DC 20001 TEL 202-232-1919 www.habeshamarket.com
1942 9th Street Northwest • Washington, DC 20001 (202) 232-7600 • www.eteterestaurant.com
Etete
ave you ever eaten at a restaurant and the food was so good it felt like someone’s mother was in the kitchen cooking? Well, no other Ethiopian Restaurant embodies that feeling more than Etete. “Etete” in Amharic means Mama and that’s exactly who’s behind the scenes serving up great vegetarian fare, as well as excellent beef, lamb and chicken dishes cooked in special spiced Ethiopian butter and served with injera, the thin spongy bread unique to the Ethiopian cuisine. But it’s their mouthwatering vegetarian specialties that have distinguished the Etete cuisine from other restaurants in the area.
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capitalcommunitynews.com ◆ 7
By Joy Hopkins
T
heater J Confronts its Audience with Contemporary Political Drama Theater J begins its 2010-2011 Season of Combustible Couplets, with Willy Holtzman’s Something You Did, an edgy, political drama. After 30 years in prison for a fatal, anti-war bombing, a once-stellar student from a good family is now petitioning for parole. She’s visited by a former comrade turned neo-conservative media celebrity who not only argues against her, but implicates a past associate, now a public official residing in the White House. Holtzman is a Pulitzer Prize Winning American playwright who often creates representations of actual events. Something You Did draws on the headlines surCover art for Something You Did by David Polonsky rounding Kathy Boudin, the daughter of a prominent leftwing attorney whose radical are available for $35-$55 at boxofficetickets. activity led to her incarceration in 1984. com or (800) 494-TIXS. Limited tickets for Director Eleanor Holdrige leads the cast patrons 35 and under are $15. (Rick Foucheux, Deborah Hazlett, Norman Theater J will also hold panel discussions Aronovic, Aakhu Freeman and Lolita-Ma- during its run of Something You Did. On rie) and the design team (Luciana Stecconi, Sunday, September 19 at 4:30 pm, the topic Jason Arnold, Frank Labovitz, Michelle El- is Switching Sides: Neo-Conservatism and wyn) in staging this controversial work in the the Journey of Gene Biddle. On September seat of the nation’s politics. 26, the post-matinee panel addresses Protest Holdridge recently moved to DC to Movements and the Internet: Political Aclead the Directing Program at The Catholic tivism Yesterday and Today. Thursday, SepUniversity of America. This is the first pro- tember 28 at 9:00 pm will be a Peace Café on duction with Theater J for both Holtzman Defining Terrorism. and Holdrige. Theater J at Washington District of Columbia Jewish Community Center. 1529 16th Something You Did Runs August Street NW, 202-518-9400
Provocative Images Abound at Irvine Contemporary Brooklyn-based artist Bruno Perillo presents a new series of oil paintings at Irvine Contemporary. Uniform: New Paintings will run Sept. 11 through Oct. 16. The artist’s style re-interprets historical and contemporary realist styles with dramatic contrasts of light and dark. Perillo’s work has been called provocative, challenging the realisms in our common cultural reference. He has participated in 13 group exhibitions since 1998, primarily in Boston and New York, including the New Realisms exhibition at Irvine Contemporary in 2009. This is his second solo exhibition; his first was in 2004, also at Irvine Contemporary. Perillo studied at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. Running concurrently with the Perillo exhibit is Phil Nesmith’s, Flow, a series of photographs on
28 Through October 3, 2010.
On September 15, the show will be Open Captioned for the hearing impaired. Tickets 8 ◆ Midcity DC | September 2010
Bruno Perillo’s Return of the Last Comet
Tell Them, “Shaw Main Streets Sent Me!”
The members of The Cornel West Theory
black glass plates depicting Gulf coast in Louisiana and Mississippi in June 2010, including many places and people normally unseen by the public. This is his third solo exhibition with Irvine Contemporary. Irvine Contemporary emphasizes contemporary art by early and mid-career artists, especially those with growing national and international reputations. The gallery is free and open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, from 11AM to 6PM. Irvine Contemporary - 1412 14th Street NW - 202.332.8767
Back to School for Philosophy Class at Velvet Lounge Saturday, Sept. 25, Velvet Lounge will host The Cornel West Theory, a DC-based, hip-hop band. With full support from Dr. Cornel West, author and Princeton University professor, the six-member band takes its name from his philosophies which are generally focused on race, gender, and class. The band’s first CD, Second Rome, looks at America through a dystopian lens viewing the the birth of the nation and traveling to somewhere in the future, around 2025. Band member Tim Hicks, who is responsible for much of the songwriting, says, “The title “Second Rome” derives from a list of potential names (or nicknames) for what we know today as the nation’s capital, Washington, DC. This list of names came to us via a little known booklet containing
unknown information on the District of Columbia, The Hidden History of Washington, DC: a guide for Black Folks.“ Also on the 25th, the all-female trio noon: 30 brings a unique blend of musical styles to the stage. Though their focus is rock, they feature sounds ranging from purely ambient to intense and melodic. Though not DC natives, the band now calls DC home and is determined to make its mark on the local music scene. The Cornel West Theory and noon: 30 are sharing the bill with Voids Moan, Thela Blu, and Zebulun. The Velvet Lounge - 915 U Street NW - 202.462.3213 - http://www.velvetloungedc.com/ Doors open 9pm; Show begins 10pm 21+/$8 Joy Hopkins has been a resident of DC for 12 years. She has a BA in Music Industry from James Madison University and a Master’s degree in Arts Management from American University. Her interests include reading, wine, music, crochet, and food. joylyn@joylynhopkins.com. ◆
capitalcommunitynews.com ◆ 9
calendar ★ ★ ★
SEPTEMBER
AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD
techniques. Through its ongoing lecture series, Building in the 21st Century, the Museum increases the public’s awareness of the need for environmentally sensitive design. “Removing the Barriers to Going Green: Best Practices for Market Transformation.” Sept. 21. 12:30-1:30 PM. “Clean, Green, and Mobile: Designing the GreenMobile® Home Unit.” Oct. 20. 12:30-1:30 PM. Free. Registration required. Walk-in registration based on availability. 401 F St. NW. 202-272-2448. nbm.org
Shaw Main Streets Gala. Sept. 30, 6:00-9:00 PM at the Historical Society of Washington’s Carnegie Building, 801 K St. NW. In addition to live music, food, and cocktails, the event will feature presentation of a number of awards, including the Shaw Hero Award, to be bestowed on ANC Commissioner and SMS Executive Director Alexander M. Padro; the Shaw Champion, Shaw Contributor, Shaw Community Partner, Shaw Development Partner, and Shaw Lifetime Achievement Awards. $75 tockets can be ordered online at www. shawmainstreetsgala.eventbrite.com. For more information, call 202-265-SHAW or email shawmainstreetsgala@gmail.com DC Loves to Read Day! Oct. 2, all day. There will be fun programs centered around books and reading at Northwest One (as well every single DC Public Library)! There will be refreshments, a poetry reading, a literary photo booth, graffiti wall, and more! Come dressed as your favorite book character! Free. Northwest One Neighborhood Library, 155 L St. NW. 202-939-5946. In Your Ear: Avant Garde Poetry. Third Sunday of every month, Sept.-May. DC Arts Center. The best in alternative, avant garde, experimental, innovative and/or non-mainstream poetry from DC and around the country. $5. 2438 18th St. NW. 202-462-7833, www.dcartscenter.org
FALL FESTIVALS AND SPECIAL EVENTS
“Take Five”
(free jazz at the American Art Museum) Third Thursday of each month. 5:00–7:00 PM. Smithsonian American Art Museum, (Great Hall on the 3rd floor), Eighth and F sts. NW. 202-633-1000. www.AmericanArt.si.edu.
Housing Search Clinic. Every Thursday, 4:00 PM. Housing Counseling Services. Learn what resources are available to you when looking for a rental property and how to prevent housing discrimination from making your search more difficult. Free. 2410 17th St. NW. 202-6677006. www.housingetc.org Our Urban Forest: Historical Roots, Enduring Legacies, Future Challenges. Sept. 16, 6:30-9:00 PM. In this lecture, urban trees will be discussed as providers of ecosystem services; examine the social, cultural, and economic benefits (and costs) of expanding urban tree canopy; and explore social and environmental justice issues tied to the uneven and inequitable distribution of trees. Free. Casey Trees Office, 1123 11th St. NW. 202-833-4010. www.caseytrees.org Trees 101: An Introduction to Trees. Sept. 25, 9:00 AM-noon. True Reformer Building. Trees 101 introduces students to the District’s urban forest and teaches basic tree identification and care and ways to help add trees across the city. A tree walk is included on the day of class. Comfortable walking shoes and water are encouraged. Free. 1200 U Street, NW. 202-349-1907. www.caseytrees.org
10 ◆ Midcity DC | September 2010
Open figure drawing and painting sessions at Washington Studio School. Drawing on Mondays. Painting on Thursdays, 7:00-10:00 PM. This is a monitored, open drawing or painting session of nude models. No experience necessary but there is no instructor. $18 per session. 2129 S St. NW. 202-234-3030. www.washingtonstudioschool.com American Art Museum & National Portrait Gallery. Open daily except Christmas, 11:30 AM-7:00 PM. The newly renovated building that houses the two museums, known collectively as the Donald W. Raynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture, will showcase its most dramatic architectural features including sky lights, a curving double staircase, porticoes and vaulted galleries illuminated by natural light.Free. Eighth and F sts. NW. 202-633-1000. www.AmericanArt.si.edu Building in the 21st Century. This lecture series offers free noontime lectures, eight or nine times a year. Leading speakers from around the country discuss new technologies and construction techniques that are both energy-efficient and economical. The National Building Museum is a preeminent venue for the presentation of topics that address sustainable design and energy-efficient building technologies and construction
Rue 14’s 2nd Annual Fashion’s Night Out. Sept. 10, 6:00-11:00 PM. Rue 14 is taking part in the biggest, most exciting global fashion party - DC’s 2nd Annual Fashion’s Night Out. Featuring the heritage brand GANT in store, there will be live music from 6:00 to 11:00pm, including a DJ set from John Thornley, the lead singer of U.S. Royalty and GANT model. Also meet with stylist Victor Price to create a fresh look with new fall merchandise, and receive complimentary mini-makeovers from a professional make-up artist. 1803 14th St. NW. 202-462-6200. rue14.com
Black Family Reunion Celebration. Sept. 11 and 12, noon-8:00 PM (both days). This fun-filled weekend celebrates the enduring strengths and traditional values of the African American family and features educational pavilions, live music, ethnic foods and an international arts and crafts marketplace. Free. National Mall between Seventh and 14th sts. (between Constitution and Pennsylvania aves.) 202) 3839130. www.ncnw.org Arts on Foot 2010 Festival. Sept. 11, 11:00 AM-5:00 PM. Arts on Foot Market, September 8, 9 and 10, 11:00 AM-7:00 PM. Arts on Foot is a multimedia festival that kicks off the fall arts season in Downtown DC’s Penn Quarter. Free. Centered at Seventh and F sts, NW. www.artsonfoot.org Kennedy Center Open House Arts Festival. Sept. 11, noon6:00 PM. This annual, daylong indoor and outdoor event celebrates the Kennedy Center’s birthday with more than 30 free performances of music, dance, and theater, plus many other events and activities for the whole family. Free. 2700 F St. NW. www.kennedy-center.org DC VegFest. Sept. 11, noon-6:00 PM. The DC VegFest is a free outdoor festival celebrating the very best of everything vegetarian in and around the nation’s capital. Free. University Yard, 2000 block of H St. NW. 301-891-2458. dcvegfest.com Adams Morgan Day. Sept. 12, noon-7:00 PM. The Adams Mor-
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gan Day 18th Street Festival is characterized by two large signature music stages and other innovative and dynamic cultural, music, arts and dance activities. The famous Columbia and Florida Stages (located strategically on 18th Street at Columbia Rd. and at Florida Ave.) feature live music acts from all genres from Central and South America, Latin rock, salsa, jazz, to soul, funk and American rock. It is the the longest continuous neighborhood festival in DC. 202-2321960. www.adamsmorgandayfestival.com Kreeger Museum Annual Open House. Sept. 12, 11:00 AM-4:00 PM. Live music, gallery talks, hands-on art workshops, story time for kids. Free. The Kreeger Museum, 2401 Foxhall Rd. NW. 202-337-3050. www. kreegermuseum.org/progr Opera in the Outfield at Nationals Park. Sept. 19, 2:00 PM (gates open at noon). Washington National Opera season opening live simulcast from the Kennedy Center of Un Ballo in Maschera. Free. Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol St. SE. 202) 572-3057. www.dc-opera.org Fiesta Musical at the National Zoo. Sept. 19, 11:00 AM-5:00 PM. FONZ celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with an annual fiesta at the National Zoo. With animal demonstrations, Hispanic and Latino music, costumed dancers, traditional crafts, and Latin American foods. The event offers something for everyone. Free. National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW. 202-673-4717. www.fonz.org Grapes with the Apes. Sept. 23, 6:00-9:00 PM. to This is the only wine tasting event in the area where you’ll be able to sip Pinot with the primates. $50. www.nationalzoo.si.edu National Book Festival on the Mall. Sept. 25 (rain or shine), 10:00 AM-5:00 PM. This full day of fun will feature award winning and nationally known authors, illustrators, poets and storytellers to delight you with their readings and performances. Free. National Mall (between Seventh and 14th sts.) Barracks Row Fall Festival on Capitol Hill. Sept. 25, 11:00 AM-5:00 PM. Military Chefs Cook-Off, Ragin’ Cajun Chef Paul Prudomme, Redskins cheerleaders, Chesty the Marine Corps bulldog, Commandants’ home and Marine Barracks 8th tours, Ten authentic uniforms representing 1775 through 2010 will be worn by Marines, clowns, magicians, face painting and contests for kids, booths selling wares from around the world, parachutist will make a precision landing at Eighth and G sts., bands play all day and dancing is encouraged! 400 to 700 blocks of Eighth St. SE 202-544-3188 Free Guided Walking Tours. Sept. 25 and 26 (rain or shine). Tours vary in length. Enjoy free, guided walking tours in neighborhoods across Washington. 202-6617581. www.culturaltourismdc.org Christ Lutheran Church Annual Yard Sale. Sept. 25, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM; Sept. 26, noon-4:00 PM. Christ Lutheran Church, 5101 16th St. NW. 202-829-6727. Rachael’s Women’s Center Benefit. Oct. 7, 6:30-10:00 PM. Rachael’s Women’s Center
12 ◆ Midcity DC | September 2010
Public Programs at the Anacostia Community Museum Sept. 4 Film, 10:30 a.m. The Language You Cry In - 52 min. film. A historic meeting between a Mende woman of Sierra Leone and Gullah woman of Georgia linked through a song discovered by Lorenzo Dow Turner. Sept. 4 Mambo on Film - Part 1 of 3, 2 p.m. Metro Mambo is back in a three part series. Jim Byers, host of WPFW 89.3 FM’s “Latin Flavor” presents rare and significant Latin musical and dance moments in Hollywood and world cinema. Program features dance party with Orquesta La Leyenda band. Sept. 5 Stories for All, 1 p.m. Diane Gardner, also known as Um Attiya, shares historical, values-inspired, imaginary, and family-related stories that educate and entertain. Sept. 11 The Gullah Islamic Connection, 1 p.m. Amir Muhammad discusses the Islamic influence among African Americans living in the Gullah region of the United States. Sept. 12 Gullah Tales, 11 a.m. Storyteller and actor Dylan Pritchett presents a delightful afternoon of interactive Gullah tales from the South Carolina Low Country for the whole family. Sept. 14 Discovering Our Communities: Researching “Place” in D.C. (Part 1), 7 p.m. Join Matthew Gilmore for a workshop on the use of archival records to discover the history of your neighborhood. Sept. 15 43rd Anniversary Event, “Word, Shout, Song: Connecting Communities.”, noon at the National Press Club. The Anacostia Community Museum celebrates at a benefit luncheon featuring Congressman Jim Clyburn (SC) as honorary chair; Marquetta “Queen Quet” Goodwine, as keynote and honoring Melvin Deal, Zora Martin Felton and Josephine Wharton. For info and tickets call, 202. 633.4875 or email ACMinfo@si.edu. Sept. 18 Making Bling! 10:30 a.m. Join Kathleen Manning in creating five basic designs for earrings. Fee required. Sept. 19 Chavez Ravine, 2 p.m. A film showing the bittersweet story of how an American community in Los Angeles was displaced and became the new Dodger Stadium. Sept. 22 Create Jewelry Inspired by the Gullah Culture, 10:30 a.m. Deidre Bell will conduct a beginner’s workshop on creating beautiful and vibrant jewelry you can wear. Sept. 25 Cooking Up Your Family’s History—Finding Your Heritage in Food , 10:30 a.m. Historian Maria Goodwin will show how looking at food and customs can offer a lesson about your family’s history. Sept. 26 Crocheting Bright Geechie Colors, 1 p.m. Mary Gaskins offers basic instruction in crocheting. Sept. 28 Discovering Our Communities: Researching “Place” in D.C. (Part 2), 7 p.m. Matthew Gilmore presents on how to use local archival resources to discover the history of your neighborhood. Reservations required, call 202.633.4844 *LAST WEEKEND to take SHUTTLE ANACOSTIA, offering free weekend roundtrip transportation service from the Mall to the Anacostia Community Museum through Labor Day Monday. Stops include several Mall museums, the Anacostia Metro and the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site. Visit anacostia.si.edu/shuttle for schedule. 1901 Fort Pl. SE, Open 10am-5pm daily except Dec. 25. 202.633.4820 anacostia.si.edu. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
capitalcommunitynews.com ◆ 13
GRAT
! FREE
IS!
Kennedy Institute NOW ENROLLING
INSCRIBASE AHORA
We specialize in working with children with disabilities. Early Head Start (Home Base) Program for District of Columbia Residents
Programa de Early Head Start (inicio base) para personas que viven en Washington (Districto de Columbia)
Kennedy Institute – 801 Buchanan St. NE, DC 20017 Please contact Ms. JoAnne Ransome 202-281-2784 What is Early Head Start?
The EHS program enhances children’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development and assists pregnant women with prenatal and postpartum care through home visits
Who is Eligible? •
Pregnant women and children ages 0-3 who meet income guidelines or who have special needs.(Example: TANF, WIC, other Supplemental income)
What Services Does The Program Provide? • • • • • •
Parent/Child Activities/ Parental Education Support for children with disabilities Access to Occupational/Physical and Speech Therapy Child Health and Developmental Screenings Referrals for health care and other social services resources Social activities “twice per month” with other children and parents in large and small groups
Kennedy Institute – 801 Buchanan St. NE, DC 20017 Contacte por favor con Sra. JoAnne Ransome 202-281-2784 ¿Qué es Early Head Start (EHS) ?
El Programa Early Head Start enriquece el desarrollo fisico, social, emocional e intellectual del niño a traves de visitas peronalizadas con un Educador de Familia capacitado; ayunda a mujeres embarazadas acceder a cuidado amplio tal como cuidado durante el embarazo como posparto; apoya a los padres en el papel de ser padre Y los ayuda a empezar a lograr la autosuficiencia a traves de visitas en sus casas.
¿Quién es elegible?
Mujeres embarazadas y niños con edades de 0-3 anos quienes cumplan con los limites de ingresos o tengan necesidades especiales; Familias que reciban: WIC, TANF, u otro programa suplemntario
¿Cuiles servicios prove el programa? • • • • • •
14 ◆ Midcity DC | September 2010
Actividas para padres y sus hijos/Educacion para padres Apoyo para niños con discapacidades acceso Acceso a Terapias Fisicas/Ocupacionales y Terapia del Habla Evaluaciones de salud y desarrollo para el niño Referencias para cuidados medicos, servicios sociales y otros recursos comunitarios Actividades sociales “dos veces al mes” en grupos grandes y pequenos con otros niños y padres.
Faith Mitchell, author of HooDoo Medicine: Gullah Herbal Remedies,” is guest speaker at the benefit luncheon, “Word, Shout, Song – Connecting Communities” on Sept. 15 at the National Press Club celebrating the 43rd anniversary of the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum. Congressman James “Jim” Clyburn (SC) is honorary chair for the benefit. Gullah advocate Marquetta “Queen Quet” Goodwine is keynoter at the event which honors Melvin Deal, founder of the African Heritage Dancers and Drummers among the awardees and features an auction including work by Sam Gilliam, Faith Ringgold, David Driskell and Jonathan Green. For tickets and more info call 202. 633.4875 or email ACMinfo@si.edu.
celebrates 31 years of providing service to homeless and formerly homeless women in our community. This annual event features a silent auction, hors d’oeuvres, and cocktails. The Silent Auction is Rachael’s major fundraising event of the year and is open to the public. $100.00 at the door or $80 in advance. Warner Building Atrium, 1299 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. www. rachaels.org
MUSIC Jazz in the Sculpture Garden. Fridays through Sept. 10 (rain or shine), 5:00-8:00 PM. National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. Live jazz performed by an eclectic mix of top artists from the Washington area entertains visitors outdoors in front of the fountain or in the Pavilion Cafe (if it’s raining). The Pavilion Cafe features a seasonal tapas-style menu and bar service during the concerts. Everyone can enjoy these concerts. You do not have to order food or drinks. Free. 202- 289-3360. http://www.nga.gov Music at Epiphany. Tuesdays, 12:101:00 PM Church of the Epiphany. The music is generally classical in this church known for its great acoustics. On the third Tuesday of each month, the music performed is from another culture or style--you may hear a steel drum band or a sitar. Free. A freewill donation ($5 suggested) will be taken to help support the artists. 1317 G St. NW. 202-347-2635. www. epiphanydc.org Live! on Woodrow Wilson Plaza. Weekdays through Sept. 24 (weather permitting), noon-1:30 PM. Ronald Reagan Building and International
Trade Center. LIVE!’s lunch-time performances feature world-renowned entertainers in a variety of flavors, such as African dance, legendary R&B, Motown sounds, hip hop, Latin swing and pop rock. Free.1300 Penn. Ave. NW. 202-312-1300. www.itcdc.com Carillon and Peel Bell Recitals. Carillon Recitals on Saturdays, 12:30-1:15 PM. Peel Bell Rehearsals on Tuesdays. 7:30-8:30 PM. Peel bells ring every Sunday at approximately 12:30 PM after the 11:00 AM service. Washington National Cathedral. Manufactured by the John Bellfoundry of Loughborough, England, the smallest bell weighs 17 pounds; the largest 12 tons. The carillon is played via a keyboard and pedals, situated high in the cathedral’s central tower (150 feet above the nave floor) and directly amid the bells. The carillon recital and peel bells are best heard from the Bishop’s Garden. Look for signs as you enter the cathedral grounds. 202-5376200. www.nationalcathedral.org Eastern Market Music. Sundays Sept. 5 through Oct. 10, 10:30 AM and 1 PM. Patio outside Port City Java, Seventh Street and North Carolina Avenue SE. Sept. 5, 10:30 AM, Bad Hair Day, 1:00 PM, Finnegan’s Jig; Sept. 12, 10:30 AM, Gibraltar, 1:00 PM, Blue Rhythm Boys; Sept. 19, 10:30 AM, Karen Collins & Backroads, 1:00 PM, Janine Wilson & Max Evans; Sept. 26, 10:30 AM, Archie’s Barbershop Jambassadors; 1:00 PM, Seth Kibel & Bay Jazz Project; Oct. 3, 10:30 AM, Runakuna, 1:00 PM, The Capitol Hillbillies; Oct. 10, 10:30 AM, The Lovejoy Group, 1:00 PM, Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen. Free. www.capitolhillcommunityfoundation.org Steinway Series of classical music concerts at American Art Museum.
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Second Sunday of every month, 3:00 PM The Steinway Series is a classical music concert that features the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s refurbished Steinway Concert Grand piano. Free. McEvoy Auditorium, Lower Level American Art Museum (between Seventh and Nineth and and F and G sts. NW.) 202-633-1000. www.americanart.si.edu Jazz Night (and fishfry) in Southwest. Fridays, 6-9 PM. Westminster Presbyterian Church. Local musicians perform, and the Southwest Catering Company provides a fish fry 5:30-8:30 PM. $5/general; free/children under 16. Modestly priced food. 400 I St. SW. 202-484-7700, www.westminsterdc. org/jazz.htm. Blue Monday Blues. Mondays, 6-9 PM. Westminster Presbyterian Church. Local musicians perform, and the Southwest Catering Company provides a fish fry from 5:30-8:30 PM. $5/general; free/ children under 16. Modestly priced food. 400 I St. SW. 202-484-7700. www.westminsterdc.org/blues.htm. Kennedy Center Millennium Stage. Daily (including all holidays), 6:00 PM. The Kennedy Center Grand Foyer. “Performing Arts for Everyone” at the Millennium Stage was instituted to introduce the Kennedy Center to wider audiences by offering free performances, 365 days a year. Free. 202444-1324 or 202-467-4600. www.kennedy-center.org Magical, Mystical, Musical Machine: Noon Pipe Organ Recital Series. Fridays in Sept., 12:15-1:00 PM. ...pipeorgan-only focus, a burst of renewed energy, and a fun and interactive approach which will open your eyes to the amazing world of the pipe organ. Free. National City Christian Church, 5
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Thomas Circle. 202-232-0323. www.nationalcitycc.org “Homegrown: The Music of America” Concert at the Library of Congress. Sept. 15, noon. MARIMBA LINDA XELAJÚ—Guatemalan Marimba Music from Maryland. Free. Coolidge Auditorium in Jefferson Building (First St. between East Capitol St. and Independence Ave. SE). 202-7075510. www.loc.gov
PUBLIC AFFAIRS Shirley Sherrod to Speak at Metropolitan A.M.E. Sept. 19, at the 9:00 AM service. Mrs. Shirley Sherrod, former Georgia Director of Rural Development for the U.S. Department of Agriculture who was forced to resign after a conservative blogger posted video excerpts of a speech she made and distorted the context to make her appear racist, will speak at Metropolitan A.M.E. Church. The longtime advocate for minority farmers will be Metropolitan’s inaugural speaker for a series called “Sundays with the MET” at the historic downtown church, known as “The Cathedral of African Methodism.” Mrs. Sherrod, who recently declined an offer to return to her job, will be accompanied by her husband, noted civil rights activist Rev. Charles Sherrod. All are welcome. 1518 M St. NW. 703-818-3101. Annual Shaw Main Streets Development Forum. Sept. 22, 7:00 PM. Watha T. Daniel/ Shaw Library, 1630 Seventh St. NW. Developers with projects, large and small, new and now on track, will present their plans to the community and answer questions. Come hear the latest on such development projects as CityMarket at O, the Howard Theatre, Marriott Marquis Convention Center Hotel, and even a few surprises. Sponsored by Shaw Main Streets. For more information, call 202-265-SHAW or email shawmainstreetsinc@gmail.com. ANC1A Meeting. Second Wednesday of every month. 7:00 PM. Harriet Tubman Elementary School, 3101 13th St. NW. 202-588-7278. anc1a.org ANC1B Meeting. First Thursday of every month. 7:00 PM. Reeves Center, 2000 14th St. NW (second floor). 202-870-4202. anc1b.org ANC1C Meeting. Third Tuesday of every month. Mary’s Center for Maternal and Child Health, 2355 Ontario Rd. NW. 202-332-2630. anc1c.org
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(great ways to meet people) Phillips after 5. First Thursday of every month, 5:00-8:30 PM. The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st St. NW. Gallery talks. Live jazz. Museum shop. Food. Socializing in the Galleries. Cash Bar. Admission is the price of the current exhibition. 202-387-2151. www.phillipscollection.org Jazz on Jackson Place. First Thursday of every month through September, 6:30-8:30 PM. Decatur House Courtyard, 748 Jackson Pl. NW (at Lafayette Park). “In the spirit of our nearly two centuries-old tradition of great entertaining, Decatur House invites you to gather and relax in our beautiful, historic setting while enjoying the sounds of local musicians.” $25, includes food and drink (beer and wine). 202218-4332. www.decaturhouse.org First Wednesday Jazz @ The Historical Society. First Wednesday of every month, 6:009:00 PM. The Historical Society of Washington, DC, 801 K St. NW. Described as a “motivational mixer” featuring jazz, R&B and neo soul. $10 cover. Food and spirits are extra. 202-3831850. www.historydc.org Volunteering Made Easy by One Brick. One Brick brings volunteers together to support other non- profit organizations by adopting an innovative twist to the volunteer experience: they create a friendly and social atmosphere around volunteering, and after each volunteer event, invite volunteers to gather at a local restaurant or cafe where they can get to know one another in a relaxed social setting. www. onebrick.org “Asia After Dark” at the Sackler and Freer Galleries on the Mall. Sept. 23, 6:30-10:30 PM. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, 1050 Independence Ave. SW; Freer Gallery of Art, Jefferson Drive at 12th St. SW. $18, advanced purchase and $20 at the door. This includes one free drink. A cash bar will offer specialty cocktails, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the evening, as well as food from area restaurants. www.asia.si.edu/asiaafterdark
MARKETS ANC1D Meeting. Third Tuesday of every month. 7:00 PM. 3166 Mount Pleasant St. NW. 202- 462-8692. anc1d.org ANC 2C Meeting. First Wednesday of every month. 6:30-8:30 PM. Kennedy Recreation Center, 1401 Seventh St. NW. 202-682-1633. anc2C.org ANC 6C Planning, Zoning and the Environment. First Wednesday of every month, 7:008:00 PM. NPR Headquarters, 635 Massachusetts Ave. NW. Contact Planning, Zoning and the Environment Committee Chair Rob Amos at robamos@yahoo.com. anc6c.org All-Ways Mount Pleasant. First Saturday of every month, noon-2:00 PM. LaCasa. All-Ways
16 ◆ Midcity DC | September 2010
Dupont Circle Farmers’ Market. Sundays year round (rain or shine), 9:00 AM-1:00 PM. The Wall Street Journal and The Financial Times of London named the market one of the top farmers’ markets in the country. During the peak season, there are more than 30 farmers offering fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, cheeses, fruit pies, breads, fresh pasta, cut flowers, potted plants, soaps and herbal products. 20th St. and Mass. Ave. NW, 1500 block of 20th St. NW (between Mass. Ave. and Q St. in the adjacent parking lot of PNC Bank). 202-362-8889. www.freshfarmmarket.org Eastern Market. Daily except Mondays and important holidays. Weekdays, 7:00 AM-7:00 PM; Saturdays, 7:00 AM-6:00 PM; Sundays, 9:00
AM-5:00 PM. Flea market and arts and crafts market open Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00 AM6:00 PM. Eastern Market is Washington’s last continually operated “old world” market. On weekends the market area comes alive with farmers bringing in fresh produce, craft and flower vendors, artists, a flea market and street musicians. 200 block of 7th St. SE. 202-5440083. www.easternmarketdc.com H Street Farmers’ Market. Saturdays, 9 AMnoon, through Nov. 20. Parking lot in the 600 block of H Street. The market is a producersonly outdoor market offering fruit, vegetables, meats, baked goods, cheese, flowers and more for sale. www.freshfarmmarket.org Capitol Riverfront Farmers’ Market. Thursdays through Nov., 3:00-7:00 PM. New Jersey Avenue and M St. SE, (adjacent to the Navy Yard Metro, New Jersey Avenue exit). Farmfresh produce, baked goods and more. www. capitolriverfront.org/calendar/do/riverfronfarmers-market Friends in the Market “Funky Flea Market” with a DJ. Saturdays and Sundays, 8:00 AM5:00 PM. New and used clothing, tools, furniture, jewelry, plants, soaps, art, CD’s, videos and electronics. 6th St. NE (north of Florida Ave. beside DC Farmers Market). 202-399-6040. Mi Tierra (Latino) Market at Unity Park. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (weather permitting). 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Unity Park at Champlain St. Euclid St. and Columbia Rd. NW. Mi Tierra market has 18 approved vendors that sell foods and crafts from their native countries in the heart of Adams Morgan. Georgetown Flea Market. Sundays year around (except in the case of very inclement weather), 8:00 AM- 4:00 PM. The crowd is as diverse as the items for sale! Antiques, collectibles, art, furniture, rugs, pottery, china, jewelry, silver, stained glass, books and photographs are an example of the available items. 1819 35th St. NW. 202-775-3532. or www.georgetownfleamarket.com Montgomery Farm Women’s Cooperative Market. Inside market open year round, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, 7:00 AM-4:00 PM. Outside market open year round (weather permitting), Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 7:00 AM-5:00 PM. 7155 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, MD. 301-652-0100. www. farmwomensmarket.com Maine Avenue Fish Market. Open 365 days a year. 7:00 AM-9:00 PM. 1100 Maine Ave. SW. 202-484-2722.
SPECIAL BARGAINS Specially Priced Kennedy Center Tickets. Full-time students (grade school through graduate school), persons with permanent disabilities, seniors (65 and older), enlisted military personnel, and persons on fixed low incomes are able to purchase tickets to many Kennedy Center performances at a 50% discount. You must come in person to the Kennedy Center Box Office. Each eligible person may purchase one SPT ticket per performance, subject to availability. 202-467-4600. www.kennedy-center.org/tickets/spts
Community Night at International Spy Museum. Last Wednesday of each month, 5:00-9:00 PM. All area residents are welcome to experience all that the museum’s permanent exhibition has to offer for. Gain access to the world’s largest collection of international espionage artifacts ever placed on public display. Free. (regular admission, $18). 202-393-7798. 800 F St. NW. www.spymuseum.org National Museum of Women in the Arts. First Sunday of each month, noon-5:00 PM. This museum is the only museum in the world dedicated exclusively to recognizing the contributions of women artists. Free. (regular admission, $10). 1250 New York Ave. NW. 202783-5000. www.nmwa.org Shakespeare Theatre Company Ticket Deals. 20% for seniors, 60 and older; $10 tickets for 35 and younger; $10 standing-room-only tickets. Two performance spaces: Lansburgh Theatre at 450 7th St. NW and Sidney Harman Hall at 610 F St. NW. 202-547-1122. www.shakespearetheatre.org Woolly Mammoth Theatre Ticket Deals. Patrons 25 and under, $15 tickets. Stampede Seats--side balcony seats at $15 each, sold 2 hours prior to showtime. 641 D St. NW. 202393-3939. www.woollymammoth.net Washington National Opera’s “Generation O”. This is a program for students and young professionals between 18 and 35. A limited number of discounted “Generation O” tickets will be available for every Washington National Opera production. For the first time this fall, there will be a 50% season ticket discount for “Generation O.” The Washington National Opera performs at the Kennedy Center. Registration is free. 202-295-2400. www.dcopera.org/beyondstage/generationo Living Butterfly House at Natural History Museum. Free on Tuesdays (regularly $6). Opens daily at 10:15 AM. Final entry at 5:00 PM. Smithsonian Natural History Museum, 10th St. and Constitution Ave. NW. 202-6331000. www.mnh.si.edu Learn to Swim in DC. Basic lessons are $10 for DC residents. More advanced classes are $30 for a 4 week session (2 lessons a week). For more information, 202-724-4495. www.dpr. dc.gov Arena Stage $15 tickets for 30-and-under. Designated for patrons ages 30 and under. $15 tickets go on sale beginning on Monday for the following week of performances (Tuesday through Sunday) until all available $15 tickets sell out. 1101 Sixth St. SW. 202554-9066. www.arenastage.org
SPORTS, DANCE AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Washington Nationals Baseball Home Games. Sept. 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 and 29. 7:05 PM (Sunday games at 1:35 PM). $5 and up. South Capitol and N sts. SE. www.washington.nationals. mlb.com
Post-Game Fireworks at Washington National’s Stadium. Sept. 10 and 24, (about) 10:00 PM. The firworks take place immediately after all Friday night home games. You don’t have to be at the game to enjoy the fireworks. Free. South Capitol and N sts. SE. www.washington.nationals.mlb.com The Nation’s Triathlon. Sept. 12, 8:00 AM, race begins at Washington Harbor. 9:00 AM3:00 PM, Finish Line Festival, Pennsylvania Ave. NW (between 12th and 13th sts.). 1.5K swim...40K bike...10K run. Spectators welcome at the finish line. www.thenationstriathlon.com Sunday Road Ride. Every Sunday, meet at 8:30 AM, depart by 8:45 AM. The Bike Rack. A 40-mile, moderately paced ride that emphasizes group riding techniques, newcomers to the group riding are welcome as riders regroup throughout, so that nobody is left behind. Helmets mandatory. Free. 1412 Q St. NW. 202-387BIKE. www.bikerackdc.com. Saturday Road Ride. Every Saturday, meet at 10 AM, depart by 10:15 AM. The Bike Rack. The Saturday ride is more of an introductory ride and caters to road riders who are new to the sport, hybrid riders intimidated by the faster pace of the Sunday ride, and anyone who just wants a shorter (approx. 20 to 30 miles) and slower (12 to 14 mph) pace. Helmets mandatory. Free. 1412 Q St. NW. 202-387BIKE. www.bikerackdc.com. Dance Classes at Dance Place. Classes offered on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Classes offered in modern, African, belly dance, Afro-Cuban, Hip-Hop. The mission of Dance Place is to improve the quality of life in the metropolitan area through the presentation of educational and cultural programs and to nurture and expand the field of dance nationally. $120 for 10 classes, valid for 3 months. Drop-in for $15 ($13, seniors). 3225 Eighth St. NE. 202-269-1600. danceplace.org Donation Community Yoga Class. Every Tuesday, 7:45-9:00 PM. Shakti Mind Body Studio. Uncover freedom and openness in your yoga practice by playfully experimenting in dynamic, vigorous, and energizing vinyasa yoga class. This yoga experience class is a challenge, but you will love it (arm balances and inversions will be taught during the practice). Refreshments. 1302 Ninth St. NW. 202-783-6463. www.shaktimindbodystudio.com Gentle Morning and Evening Yoga at Smith Farm Center. Mondays, 10:1511:30 AM, and Wednesdays, 5:30-6:45 PM. Designed for people living with illness and caregivers. $10/session; $25/ month. 1632 U St. NW. 202-483-8600. www.smithfarm.com. Fort Dupont Ice Arena Public Skating. Fridays in Sept., noon-1:50 pm; Saturdays in Sept. 11:15 AM-12:15 PM. This is DC’s only year-round ice skating facility. $5, adults. $4, children and seniors. Skate rental, $3. 3779 Ely Place, SE. 202-584-5007. ◆
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ELECTION SPECIAL SPECIAL> >
“Not That” Brown by Anonymous
A
fter being buried in campaign mailers, hounded by midnight robotic voices and hiding from idiotic, paid door knockers, The Nose has lost interest in the contest between Mayor Blackberry and The Undertaker, since it all boils down to a simple choice between THE JERK and ANTI JERK. Overwhelmed by ennui, The Nose turned his attention to the At-Large race, which has evolved into a food fight between Phil “The Nitpicker” Mendelson, Clark “The Castaway” Ray and Michael “Not That” Brown. What’s in a name? Michael D. Brown, whom we call Shadow Senator, by any other name would never poll so well. By finessing his middle initial, “Not That” Brown has thrown a wrench into the electoral plans of The Nitpicker and The Castaway without raising a dime in campaign funds or even walking Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue. Brown’s brilliant strategy of political brand confusion has inspired The Nose to throw his own hat into the ring. Yes, there is a general election after the District’s Democratic Primary. Dear Readers, you are the first to know -- The Nose is running for Mayor. To assist in this Sisyphean endeavor, a secret cabal of The Nose’s dwindling fraternity recently assembled around his dining room table to select his new moniker. Here is snippet of their deliberations: Reporter 1: “What about Mahatma Gandhi?” Reporter 2: “Nah, that won’t work. Folks will think they are voting for the Chief Financial Officer. You know, the guy that lost 50 million dollars to a second rate swindler.” Reporter 3: “Jesus Christ is always a good choice.” Reporter 2: “Well, we’ll certainly pick up the religious vote, but gay voters will think we are funded by Stand for Marriage.” The Nose: “What about Barrack Hussein Obama?” Reporter 1: “The only ones who will object to that are the Birthers. None of them pay taxes in the District. It’s perfect.” And so, The Nose acquired a new name. While adopting the President’s brand might earn the votes
of the ignorant, the District’s political cognoscenti demand that every candidate state their governing intentions unambiguously. Cribbed from that spoof of international politics, the movie “Duck Soup,” these are the laws of The Nose’s proposed administration... No one’s allowed to toke Or tell a dirty joke And fraternity parties are forbidden. If a councilman is sued, The debtor is pursued And in the hoosegow hidden. If any form of pleasure is prohibited, Report to me, and it will be exhibited. I’ll put my foot down, so shall it be. DC is the land of the Fee. The last man nearly ruined this place. He didn’t know what to do with it. If you think this city’s bad off now, Just wait ‘til I get through with it. The District’s deficit must be fixed, And I know what to do with it. If you think the tax rate is too high, Just wait ‘til I get through with it. I will not stand for anything that’s crooked or unfair. I’m strictly on the up and up, So developers beware. If a contractor is caught taking graft And I don’t get my share, We stand ‘em up against the wall, And bang goes the handgun. To assist with the execution of his platform, The Nose secured a permit for his own personal safety device from a reluctant Cathy “The Gunslinger” Lanier and Peter “Consigliere” Nickles. Turns out, it’s easier to get a legal gun than to process a FOIA; who knew? So, all you politicians be warned! One more midnight robocall on the phone, and The Nose will make use of his new toy. Campaign signs make excellent targets. ◆
capitalcommunitynews.com ◆ 19
ELECTION SPECIAL SPECIAL> >
Gray Contests Fenty’s Plan for DC by Paul D. Shinkman
A
drian Fenty is a man who be- nent, holds bachelor’s and master’s lieves in getting things done. degrees in psychology from George Period. One need look no Washington University. He began further than the laundry list of devel- his career working in local social opment projects he boasts of at cam- service non profits, such as the DC paign events. The first-term mayor Association for Retarded Citizens brought the city together to win the and Covenant House Washington 2006 election. He swept each of the as the founding executive director. 142 precincts in the primaries by per- He was first elected to the Counsonally approaching residents in all cil as the Ward 7 representative in eight wards, and creating a sense of 2004. Two years later he successunity behind a banner of change in fully ran for chairman. economic development, healthcare and public safety. But “Fenty the Unifier” soon gave way to “Fenty the Chief Executive,” Mayor Adrian Fenty Photos: Andrew Lightman reeling in power spread throughout the city–particularly in education the city’s Deputy Mayor for Planning and economic development–under and Economic Development. the command of the Office of the “Mayor Fenty has a proven track Mayor. record of delivering results as the exThis apparently explains why ecutive,” said campaign spokesman Gray is now ahead in the polls by Sean Magidan. Fenty’s campaign staff double-digits. Many constituents are was not able to schedule a time for concerned about Fenty’s arrogance the mayor to speak with The Capital – causing him to adopt a more conCommunity News directly. “We have ciliatory and self-effacing attitude in pushed this city much farther than these last few weeks of the campaign. anybody has ever pushed it before in With Vince Gray promoting a three and a half years.” long-term vision for the District with City Council Chairman Vincent Gray Within just the southwest waa significantly more thoughtful and terfront district, Madigan points to inclusive approach to the main issues completed projects like the Diamond of the day, residents of the DC will ask Raise the Roof Teague park, where water-taxis ferry Much of the meat of Fenty’s themselves at the ballot box: how do in and out from the area around the campaign, both in public forums and you want to see change in your city? new Nationals baseball stadium; the through his campaign materials, has completion of the Yards Park; the focused on expanding the control of On Background near completion of the Arena Stage A native Washingtonian, the central government, specifically de- renovations and the groundbreaking professional background of Adrian velopment projects he has pushed for Canal Park. Fenty, 39, is steeped in politics – after through during his four-year tenure “Columbia Heights is probably graduating from Oberlin and How- as mayor. the best example of what became of He cites the completion of many ard Law School, he was staff member NCRCs projects,” Madigan added, of these projects as a direct result of for Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (Dexplaining how the complex was DC), Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy II (D- his closing the semi-governmental completed under the Fenty adminMass.), and former Council member development organizations like the istration. “There are, something to Kevin Chavous (Ward-7) before National Capital Renovation Corpo- the tune of in the last 10 years, now winning a seat on the Council him- ration and the Anacostia Waterfront a billion dollars invested in Columbia self in 2000 representing Ward 4. He Corporation that were in control of Heights.” was reelected to the position in 2004 the projects. Madigan cited the Columbia Fenty does not believe these, like before successfully running for mayor Heights DC USA shopping center as many other smaller projects throughin 2006. “the last piece of the puzzle” for that Vincent Gray, born in the Dis- out the city, were operating efficiently project, which he said put “a thoutrict 28 years before his main oppo- and so he instead transferred their sand people at work, at Target and authority to his administration under 20 ◆ Midcity DC | September 2010
Best Buy and some of the other stores there because of that project.” However, Gray supported the existence of the NCRC and AWC and believes that the mayor’s recent development projects may not have benefitted the city as much as they could have. “There have been projects, there have been initiatives, but what is the strategy?” Gray inquired. In the economic development plan Gray posted on his campaign website, he lays out an eight-step plan for economic development, including restructuring the Office of the DMPED into two separate roles, one to manage real estate development and another devoted to area businesses. “There really needs to be a component that focuses on business development, especially small businesses in the city,” he told The Capital Community News, “because they really have not gotten the focused attention that they deserve.” Gray also cites the importance of reforming the Department of Employment Services to make it a “leader in adult training, especially when you look at the level of unemployment in the city at this stage, especially east of the [Anacostia] river.”
Schoolhouse Rock Gray has pushed for a “birth through 24” education plan with a particular focus on a universal prekindergarten program available to all DC children, a greater “parity” of funding and resources between charter and public schools and continuing to develop undergraduate institutions. Gray also suggests the potential for co-mingling the public and charter school systems into one building in some instances. “It would save everybody money, it would be an opportunity for them to share best practices, and to improve the collaboration between the two approaches to governing,” he said.
Affordable Health Insurance Plans for individuals, families, small business and the self-employed Gray calls for the expansion of the DC community college, which currently has more than 2,000 students in twelve locations by the end of the next school year, and making UDC a “flagship,” “first class university.” While he has not committed to keeping Michelle Rhee as schools chancellor under his administration, Gray will maintain this “new governance approach,” which he voted in the City Council, and help it “continue to evolve.” “It’s not just about a chancellor,” he said, “it’s about a new role for the Board of Education.” Fenty, on the other hand, has based his education platform around his unwaivering support for Chancellor Rhee, who he said “makes tough decisions: she closes schools, she holds people accountable. We’ve been waiting 30 years for someone to do that in DC.” Rhee has fired hundreds of teachers, including 165 earlier this summer, for “having poor appraisals” under a new evaluation system she established. The mayor also cites particular schools programs the chancellor has put into place, such as the arts integration program at Ludlow Taylor Elementary, the world cultures catalyst program at Payne Elementary and significant renovations to schools throughout the District, like the $90 million projected upgrades to Anacostia High School. “The mayor supports the chancellor 100%,” Fenty’s spokesman Madigan said. “She is at the very vanguard of school reform.”
Mo’ Money Fenty has maintained the campaign promise he made four years ago to not raise taxes during his first term. However, facing significant budget shortfalls and a nationwide recession, he has signaled recently that he is open to shifting that approach. “It’s OK to consider raising taxes,” Fenty said at a recent mayoral forum in Ward 6. “His approach is that the District of Columbia forever has had an efficiency issue,” spokesman Madigan said of Fenty. “We have to continue to keep spending within
our means and raising taxes is a last resort for him.” “At the same time, we can’t allow service delivery to fall through the floor,” he said. The mayor also defends the “tough decisions” he has had to make during his tenure by firing more than 2,000 city employees, which he acknowledges makes people angry, “but it’s the right thing to do.” “We can’t go back to the days when we overspent on budget, when politicians wouldn’t make tough decisions and the federal government… thought they needed to take over the city,” he added. Fenty has approached the costoverruns in many of the city agencies under his purview by shifting monies to where he believes they will be better used; last spring he pushed to divert the funds raised from the recently implemented bag tax – slated to go to Anacostia River cleanup efforts -- towards paying for municipal street sweeping, which he argued would help protect the river. “I think the first thing we have to do is convince people we’ve reduced expenditures down to what is absolutely necessary,” said Chairman Gray of the possibility of raising taxes under a larger umbrella plan for the city. “People are going to be more supportive of…increased taxes if they feel like there are no other options toward being able to retain certain important services.” Gray pointed out the gasoline, cigarette and sales tax increases the City Council passed last summer after making the case that they had “squeezed a lot of reductions, first.” The chairman has also publicly criticized the Fenty administration for raising “every fee and fine in sight,” specifically referencing increased parking meter fees that affect local businesses and force drivers to keep “nine rolls of quarters” in their pockets. Fenty believes he has so much more to do. Gray wants to hear everyone’s ideas before implementing the next phase in a long-term plan, and believes DC is on a treacherous fiscal course. Their constituents will decide in this election when it’s the right time to shift hands at the helm. ◆
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ELECTION SPECIAL SPECIAL> >
Kwame Brown vs Vincent Orange The Fight for Council Chair by Paul D. Shinkman
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t’s a colorful race between Vincent Orange and Kwame Brown for Council chairman. The first draws upon extensive academic, fiduciary and big-business experience – and a few years on the Council, to boot – as the key to becoming an effective leader for job and economic development within the city. The latter looks for support from the little guy, and is billed as a tireless, eager worker whose current colleagues are ready to see him take the reins.
man of the Council’s Economic Development Committee, and cites his ability to concentrate on what he believes are the most important issues of the day. “While people have been focused on the [Nationals] baseball stadium…I worked with my colleagues to open up the most modernized vocational institution in the country,” Brown told Capital Community News, referring to the “revitalization” of Phelps High School in Ward 5, which focuses on training its students in industries like architecture, construction and engineering.
Clockwork Orange Vincent Orange was born into “an extremely poor” family, he describes, and earned a scholarship to attend boarding school in Colorado. He went on to earn BA’s in business administration and communication from the University of the Pacific, a law degree from Howard University, a Master of Laws in Taxation from Georgetown, a certificate from Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government for successfully completing the program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government, and another certificate from Harvard for Crisis Management. Among his professional positions, Orange has worked at the U.S. Department of the Army and other positions at the Pentagon, the University of the District of Columbia, the DC Department of Finance and Revenue and more recently as a government affairs lobbyist for Pepco. Through his public and private financial positions within DC and at the Federal level, Orange has also participated in numerous trade delegations to Japan, West Africa, southeast Asia and northern Europe. He was elected to the City Council to represent Ward 5 Council for two terms between 1999 and 22 ◆ Midcity DC | September 2010
LEFT: At-Large Councilmember Kwame Brown. Photo: Andrew Lightman RIGHT: Vincent Orange. Photo: Orange for Chair Campaign
2007 -- wedged between the terms of the Harry Thomas father-son duo -- where he served as chairman of the Committee on Government Operations with oversight over local government offices including the Chief Technology Officer, the City Administrator, the Inspector General and the office of the Mayor. His chief contributions during his tenure include coordinating the establishment of big-name businesses in his ward, establishing a living wage and rebuilding McKinley High School.
You’re a Good Man, Kwame Brown Brown was elected to the Council as an At-Large member in 2004 and has made a name for himself as a focused leader with great support from his fellow Council members. After attending DC’s Woodrow Wilson public high school, Brown earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Morgan State University. Prior to his elected office, Brown was appointed by President Clinton as a senior advisor to the
US Commerce Department, where he eventually became director of the Business Liaison Office. He also served as president and CEO of the Maryland/District of Columbia Minority Supplier Development Council. Past and present colleagues on the City Council have pointed to Brown’s eagerness to listen, ask questions and cooperate. “I’ve watched Kwame work extremely hard on the Council. I think he will bring the qualities that are necessary, and I think he will reach out to people,” said Vincent Gray, who points out that he himself became the Council Chair after serving for only two years. “We all have gaps, so I think he’ll reach out in the way he needs to, to fill those gaps.” “I remember he would come in to question me about certain programs within the department,” said Clark Ray, candidate for the At-Large Council seat and former director of the Department of Parks and Recreation. “I liked the way he talked to me, and not at me.” Brown currently serves as chair-
Giving Them the Business Brown has worked to replicate the successful main street program on Barracks Row on Capitol Hill elsewhere in the city. He added that these kinds of environments did not exist in Ward 7, and were sparse in Wards 4, 5 and 8. “Now we have two or three in each one of those wards,” Brown said. “And we can create more Barracks Rows in places like Martin Luther King Avenue.” “It’s about bringing businesses in town as opposed to downtown,” he added. Brown also pointed out the affect on industry during commercial transition, such as the recent streetcar development on H Street; local citizens expect the transit system to greatly increase property values and foot traffic, but in the interim they have to put up with upheaval to area businesses. “This is about how you move the city forward, this is a perfect example of it,” he said. Orange, on the other hand, has used his corporate and high-finance positions, and experience in trade negotiations to aggressively push for corporate expansion in the District. On his campaign site he lists big-
box stores and national chains like Bank of America, Citibank, Footlocker, Radio Shack and Shoe City, which he successfully petitioned to open branches in Ward 5 while he was a Council member. He also cites the establishment of the Home Depot on Rhode Island Avenue. “My approach is where there’s an opportunity to be at the table, to have a seat and participate in the discussion,” he told The Capital Community News. “With Home Depot, I found out that [former] Mayor [Anthony] Williams was going to Las Vegas to talk about development. So at my own expense, I flew out to Vegas too, and I was sitting there at the meeting.” During this meeting the Home Depot reps were discussing putting their store on Wisconsin Avenue in Ward 3, he said. “I jumped in and said ‘wait a minute, what about Ward 5? We have a parking impoundment lot. That would be a great place for development,” Orange recounted, adding that the reps were also concerned about the additional funding it would take to plan for parking. “I turned to the Mayor and said ‘you know a million dollars is not going to stop the citizens of Ward 5 from having mayor economic development,’” he added. “And just like that, it turned around and the project in Ward 3 fell apart, and the project in Ward 5 – full speed ahead.”
Providing Good Council The two candidates are divided on their approach to Council committees. Orange would like to drastically reduce what he believes is bloated Council bureaucracy, while Brown thinks the direct involvement from each member fosters a greater sense of accountability in the Council. “Having 13 committees, in my view, is too much,” Orange said. “When you have all that, it’s like mini-mayors running around. Everyone is calling hearings and investigations and there is no cohesiveness.”
“The motivation is to make sure the Council is an efficient and effective organization, providing aggressive oversight and without hindering the executive branch,” said Orange. “You have to have an agenda set in the beginning with a consensus on the agenda for the legislative period, and then go out and get the job done.” Orange adds that he will reestablish a committee for education - an issue which Council Chairman Vincent Gray placed under the Committee of the Whole early into his tenure in 2007 – to add more transparency to the process by which teachers have been fired under schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee. This would provide a “buyin into the system and the teachers [will] know what they will be held accountable for.” “[Orange] believes there should only be seven committees,” said Brown. “I believe everyone should be responsible for something, whether that be small committees, large committees, and that you shouldn’t make $100,000 or so per year to work part time and not be responsible for helping to move the city forward.” Brown said he has been working with the Council’s nonpartisan Office of Policy Analysis to “really hone in on revenue, on the expense side of the government,” to increase efficiency among committees. “To say you’re just going to take committees from people,” he added, “I don’t know how that gets things done.” Both men have significant issues-based professional experience. But as each mentioned to The Capital Community News, the position of Council Chair is devoted primarily to leading the 13-member body. It will be up to the winner of this fall’s election to harness past experience toward moving the people’s legislature forward. Every currently serving member of the Council has endorsed Brown, with the exception of chairman and mayoral hopeful Vincent Gray. ◆ capitalcommunitynews.com ◆ 23
ELECTION SPECIAL> SPECIAL>
Mendelson vs Ray vs Brown Voter Confusion May Be the Deciding Factor by Paul D. Shinkman
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hil Mendelson is a steady force, evidenced by his long track record of legislative and political accomplishments during his 12-year tenure in his At-Large seat. Clark Ray bills himself as the fresh, eager alternative who is willing to bring some new approaches to the Council. While the two don’t differ tremendously on the issues at the forefront of their campaigns, they have particular common ground in their mutual frustration with Michael D. Brown: the third man running for this seat who doesn’t seem to mind that some voter’s are confusing him with the popular Michael A. Brown, a sitting member of the Council who is not up for election this year.
Fresh vs. Seasoned “What sets me apart is I have a long record and experience,” Mendelson told Capital Community News. “The record I have is one that is good on issues and responses to the community.” Mendelson came to DC to earn his BA in political science from The American University. He became involved in political activism when he joined the McLean Gardens Resident Association in 1975 to prevent the demolition of that housing complex, and served on his advisory neighborhood commission from 1979 until winning the City Council At-Large seat in 1998. Mendelson is currently the chairman of the Council’s Committee on Public Safety and the Judiciary. He has had a long legislative history with environmental and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender advocacy, referencing his authoring 24 ◆ Midcity DC | September 2010
needed a new approach to education, he said. “She’s [Rhee] got to include parents and teachers, and administrators in the process or it’s not going to be successful,” Ray said, adding, “Sit down and say ‘This is how I see it. What are your thoughts and will you move with me?’” In contrast, Mendelson was particularly vocal in the summer of 2007 in his opposition to the creation Above: Clark Ray. Photo: Courtesy Ray Campaign of a school chancellor poLeft: Phil Mendelson, City Council Member At Large. Photo: sition, and was one of only Andrew Lightman. two members of Council to vote against the initiative. His attitude has After working on the Fenty “probably the best bill in the country with regard to parentage rights,” campaign, Ray eventually earned changed in the two years since Miand his strong public support for a position as director of the De- chelle Rhee became chancellor, as increased hate crimes reporting to partment of Parks and Recreation. he now looks for someone to reHe pointed out his surprise at how main in the position long enough more clearly identify trends. Crime reform has also been many meetings were held during to be held accountable for their dea large part of Mendelson’s fo- normal business hours, when par- cisions. “To me, one of the fundamental cus, having authored two omnibus ents and other affected individuals issues with reforming anything is crime bills and amended 39 differ- would not be able to attend. The mayor indirectly asked that there be continuity,” he said. ent laws to increase penalties for Mendelson pointed out that the human trafficking, liquid PCP us- him to resign from that position in age, and tightened prohibitions for April 2009 after Ray voiced con- DC government is “marked with cerns about the mayor’s decision to constantly starting over,” referring drug paraphernalia. Challenger Clark Ray is quick privatize child-care programs that particularly to the numerous, difto point out his own professional fell under the purview of the parks ferent initiatives since 1990 aimed at reducing crime. and academic history, offering department, Ray said. “If you stop and start over, then practical experience in education, with what goes wrong next year, public safety, gay rights and gov- Education ernment transparency. Ray has been adamant in his who will you blame it on?” he inRay holds a master’s degree in support for the creation of a schools quired. “I’m a DCPS parent. I want administrative management from chancellor position, and clear in his to see the reform succeed.” Temple University, and a bachelor’s backing of Michelle Rhee since she in education which required him took that office. But he believes the Political approach to student-teach 6th, 7th and 8th position could use some tweaks. Mendelson’s logic about retaingrade as a part of the University of Ray references the decreasing ing Chancellor Rhee does not exArkansas’ curriculum. confidence in the District’s school tend as far as the Mayor, for whom He attended the DC police board system during his 23 years four years has been long enough to academy to become a reserve offi- as a resident which caused many deem him unsuccessful, he said. cer, riding along with professional of his friends with school-age chilHe particularly “alarmed” with officers and walking beats around dren to move to municipalities that the current administration’s fiscal Adams Morgan at night. He also they believed had stronger educa- policies, which he believes has put served on the City’s Gay and Les- tion programs. There was a clear the city “on the brink of the abyss,” bian Liaison Unit. “writing on the wall” that the city potentially relegating DC to Con-
Michael Brown or Michael Brown?
Both candidates, but particularly Mendelson, have expressed their concern that their mutual opponent for the At-Large seat, DC’s current Congressional Shadow Senator Michael Brown, garnered much of his success from voters confusing him with sitting Council member Michael A. Brown. Candidate Brown even won the Ward 5 straw poll in late August. As a result, Mendelson has released a clarifying flyer reminiscent of a DC paper ballot, including pictures of the two Michael Browns and explaining which one is which. “He’s doing very little campaigning,” Mendelson said, adding that Brown also beat Clark Ray in Ward 4.
trol Board rule. “The way the executive handles the public and the legislature in terms of transparency and accountability, and collaborativeness is appalling,” he added. He specifically mentioned the judiciary committee he chairs which passed eight “substantial” bills to amend the criminal law, but was “rebuffed” by the Mayor who refused “working with the Council on these issues,” said Mendelson. “I believe that this government has slipped backwards significantly over the last four years,” he added, “and I believe Vince Gray would be a far better mayor.” Despite never receiving a specific reason behind Fenty’s request that he resign, Ray believes that he would have a good working relationship with Mayor Fenty if he is reelected. “I’m an adult, Adrian’s an adult,” Ray said. “I think I have demonstrated my ability to let him know when I don’t agree with him – I lost my job over it.” “He and I interacted many times since my removal as director,” he added. “He’s going to have to bring up the reason why.” Ray adds that he has a “great deal of respect” for Council Chairman Gray, with whom Ray worked as Parks Department director.
Time Served Much of Ray’s criticism of Mendelson revolves around his belief that the incumbent has spent long enough on the City Council. “Twelve years in one spot, to me, is long enough,” said Ray. “If you’re that good of a legislator, or that good of a Council member, move up or move out.” Ray “applauds” Council member Kwame Brown for seeking the chairmanship of the Council, though he admits it is a slightly different situation, as a loss for Brown would return him to his current At-Large seat since he is not up for reelection. “Would you say that to Eleanor Holmes Norton, or David Catania?” Mendelson retorted to an inquiry by Capital Community News, referencing the 19-year tenure of DC’s delegate to the US Congress, and the 13 years his colleague has spent on the City Council. “I happen to think there’s a value to experience.” Only six of the current twelve members of the Council have been serving for longer than three years. An approach to a position may be as important as the results. The At-Large seat isn’t broken, but it also isn’t new. Voters will decide this September: is it worth fixing? ◆ capitalcommunitynews.com ◆ 25
ELECTION SPECIAL SPECIAL> >
Changes in This Year’s Election Procedures Early Voting, iVotronic Equipment are New this Year photos and article by Paul D. Shinkman
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ecent legislation has ushered in a new era for DC voting procedures, providing voters with a myriad of changes aimed at preventing the errors that have plagued previous elections. However, some area residents are concerned that the changes are “too much, too soon,” and will lead to even more confusion at the polls in what is already gearing up to be a hotly contested September primary. The new procedures set forth in the recent Omnibus Election Reform Act of 2009 include: • Allowing 17-year olds to register to vote, provided they will be 18 at the time of the general election. • Allowing voters to cast their ballots early at select voting stations up to two weeks before the Sept. 14 primary, starting Aug. 30. • The implementation of new, more easily auditable electronic voting equipment. • Not requiring a reason to request an absentee ballot. • Allowing DC residents to register to vote on the day of the election. The changes will also change the atmosphere of the polling stations, where an increased number of better trained poll workers will be assisting voters and encouraging them to use the new electronic voting machines.
New Machines The September 2008 primary election was fraught with controversy in what Board of Elections and Ethics administrators have since determined was a “pure equipment malfunction,” causing the miscounting of thousands of votes. “[This year] we have all new machines, new software, a new vendor,” said Council member Mary Cheh (Ward-3), who conducted an investigation of the 2008 primary errors. “We also have a paper trail for all 26 ◆ Midcity DC | September 2010
The first voter in line, Joe Bishop, 75, casts his ballot using the new iVotronic electronic voting machines. “I think it facilitates getting the job done,” said Bishop, a former NASA employee. “And as long as they have a check in the system to make sure the electronics are working properly, then I think it’s ideal.”
votes and auditing procedures.” Cheh also cited her confidence in the election board’s recent thorough testing to ensure the new equipment will function properly. Rokey W. Suleman II, the DCBOEE executive director, explained how in addition to reaffirming faith in the voting process through greater transparency, the elections board is also trying to increase turnout at the polls. The elections board has met “one on one” with each of the voting precinct captains, Suleman said, and every poll worker must pass a threehour training session familiarizing them with the new technology and the atmosphere of their specific polling station.
A Day At The Polls The rules for registering for the September primary are the same as in the past, except that 17-year olds will be allowed to register, provided they will be 18 by the time of the general
election. New registration cards will be sent to all registered voters in August, equipped with a barcode to be scanned at the polling stations allowing for a quicker check in. Voters can still bring their old registration cards to check in. DC residents may also register on the same day they cast their ballot. These voters must present a government photo ID, bank statement, government check, paycheck or utility bill displaying their name and current address. They will then cast “special” ballots, held separately from the general votes until the elections board can confirm the veracity of the registrants’ information. “Same day registration is great, but we prefer that you register beforehand,” said Executive Director Suleman. “It’s not going to be a quick process.” Once polls open on primary day at 7:00 a.m., voters will be able to use “widgets” from the elections board website (dcboee.org) to determine
the length of the lines at their polling stations and whether the station is functioning normally. Upon arriving at their polling place, voters can cast a paper ballot or use the new iVotronic election voting equipment. A trained poll worker will need to activate the machine for each new voter, and will be available to help guide the voter through using the new hardware. Starting Aug. 30 to the day before the Sept. 14 primary, voters will be allowed to cast paper or electronic ballots early at the Board of Elections office in the One Judiciary Square building (441-4 4th St. NW) from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday to Saturday. Four satellite polling stations will also open beginning Sept. 4: Chevy Chase Community Center (5601 Connecticut Ave. NW) Turkey Thicket Recreation Center (1100 Michigan Ave. NE) Hine Junior High School (335 8th St. SE) SE Tennis and Learning Center (701 Mississippi Ave. SE) These sites will only have electronic voting, said Suleman, as maintaining paper ballots for each city precinct would be too expensive.
Change We Can Believe In? To help familiarize the general public with the changes, elections board representatives have been advertising the new elections procedures and equipment at community meetings and forums, such as the recent Ward 8 Democrats’ primary endorsement forum at Mathews Memorial Baptist Church. Sandy Allen, the former City Council member representing Ward 8, attended the forum, and tried out the new equipment, selecting dum-
my candidates on the screen. With the step-by-step assistance of Voter Outreach Coordinator Kathy Fairly, Allen was able to successfully make her choices. Council member Cheh emphasizes this actually is not that much of a change to the voting process, pointing to the paper ballots at the polling places and the available registration process identical to previous elections. “All of these [changes] are enhancements,” added Cheh. “They aren’t something new that someone has to grapple with if you don’t want to.”
War Games These changes to the election process, particularly the wide-open early voting schedule, have prompted new approaches from the candidates and their campaign staffs. Earlier this summer Mayor Fenty pocket vetoed City Council legislation calling for the prohibition of paying people to vote. A strategist for the Fenty camp and friend of the Mayor encouraged the veto because he believed the Council, led by mayoral hopeful chairman Vincent Gray, was trying to undercut Fenty campaign-sponsored concerts to register voters in the low-income African American community, according to an August Washington Post report. Later in August the Fenty team made an unsuccessful appeal to the Board of Elections and Ethics to “interpret” election law to allow Republicans and Independents to vote in the September Democratic primary. “Obviously any time you have something new it presents a lot of challenges but also a lot of opportunity,” said Adam Rubinson, campaign manager for Vincent Gray, of their approach to the new election policies. Rubinson adds that voting on actual election day will not be “as ‘do or die’’ as it used to be. For more information, visit the DC Board of Elections and Ethics website at dcboee.org. ◆
They helped you, now it’s YOUR TURN to help them! Walk for a Homeless Veteran at the Fannie Mae Help the Homeless Walkathon Saturday, November 20th, 2010 To Register to walk visit: www.helpthehomelessdc.org Register Under Access Housing, Inc(DC) Code DC002 For more information on how you can assist please call
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ELECTION SPECIAL SPECIAL> > the NUMB3RS 3.327.649.10
The Key Fiscal Challenge? Recovering from the Recession By Jenny Reed he all-important DC primaries are finally upon us. By the time you read this, voters may have selected candidates for the November ballot – or they will very soon. Whoever wins will inherit a city that has been hit by a devastating economic and financial storm. Poverty has risen sharply as unemployment soared to nearly 30 percent in some areas of the city. Faltering DC finances have forced cuts from libraries and recreation centers to affordable housing and adult education, just to name a few. While there actually are more jobs today than before the recession, DC residents aren’t getting those jobs. And gentrification continues to price more and more residents out of the city. DC’s finances have received a lot of attention this election season, but the focus has been mainly on how DC’s savings account – or fund balance – has declined. That focus is puzzling because is it really so surprising, or bad, that DC has spent down savings in a recession? Isn’t that what you do? You save during good times, to get you through the bad times. The fact that our fund balance is healthier than that of 43 states suggests the worry is overblown. Much greater fiscal challenges facing the mayor and council next year. How will the city restore cuts to services that support neighborhoods and residents? How will DC make smart investments in training and economic development to make sure residents benefit from the economic recovery we hope to see? How can policymakers update the tax system to help the city grow out of the recession? Here are three key issues that need to be addressed.
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that affected nearly every city service, the challenge for policymakers will be to set an investment agenda, especially as the economy bounces back and more jobs are created. Some of the major questions to be answered: How can we keep neighborhood services strong? DC has built or renovated a number of libraries and recreation centers in recent years, but money to operate them has been cut. It will be important to make sure new facilities can offer a full range of services and that they are maintained for the long-term. How can we keep DC an affordable place to live? The recession led to huge increases in homelessness and foreclosures, and at the same time to severe cuts in funding for affordable housing. Rents have started to rise again, after a short break in the recession, suggesting a return to the gentrification that is revitalizing the city, but also pricing out many of our neighbors. How will the Mayor and Council ensure that this city remains livable for all residents? How will DC prepare residents for a resurging job market? DC is adding jobs, but they are not going to many of the unemployed DC residents. Just this July, jobs in the city jumped 18,000, but the number of working DC residents actually fell. Where, and how, will policymakers make investments to help residents get the training they need to take advantage of the jobs the District is creating? A smart investment agenda calls for clear priorities and sticking to adopted budgets. With DC’s finances being so tight, overspending in one area of the budget could mean another area of the budget is unfairly cut as a result.
Getting DC Back on Its Feet Post-Recession
Building a Tax System for the Future
DC’s finances will continue to be tight for some time. Yet after three years of high unemployment and budget cuts 28 ◆ Midcity DC | September 2010
Every major source of revenue has suffered, leading to a huge drop in tax collections. Both the Mayor and Council
moved to raise some revenue sources, but it was done in a haphazard way. Increases in parking rates and other fees and fines left residents feeling nickled and dimed. Increases in sales and gas taxes, among others, have fell most heavily on middle class and low-income residents. We are now at a point where taxes paid by DC residents generally are lower than in the suburbs (no, seriously). But we have a tax system where working poor residents shell out a larger share of their income than high-income residents. Two big questions facing the mayor and council on taxes are: Will taxes need to be raised? Given DC’s fragile finances, this is a definite possibility. It would be better to make smart adjustments to our basic tax system than to rely on more fee and fine increases. Take DC’s income tax. The top income tax rate starts at $40,000, meaning middle-class residents and wealthy residents pay the same rate. Creating new brackets for high-income folks would be a good place to start because it makes our tax system fairer and helps us weather the financial storm. It is an approach taken by many states in recent years and endorsed by many economists. Is it time for tax reform? There hasn’t been a hard look at DC’s tax system for over a decade. Yet there have been notable changes throughout. A comprehensive review to make sure our taxes are efficient, well matched to DC’s economy, easy to administer, and fair is in order. It’s also a good time to look at the hundreds of tax exemptions and credits on the books. Not only could this strengthen DC’s finances, but some have been on the books for years and years, and may no longer be giving DC much bang for the buck.
Making the Most of Economic Development Investments As DC’s economic engine starts to rev up again, we’ll be looking to see how
the Mayor and Council target development aid to areas that need it the most, how they will use economic development to create more quality jobs, and how they will help small neighborhood businesses. Getting a handle on DC’s latest economic development craze – tax abatements for big developments – is important both to DC finances and a better economic investment strategy. An increasing number of developers and businesses have come to DC officials asking for tax breaks that cost the city tens of millions of dollars each year. Yet, research finds that they don’t really encourage new development (most tax abatements are sought after a business has decided to locate), they tend to favor big businesses over small local businesses (think of DC’s attempt to lure Northrop Grumman), and no one is checking to see if the businesses actually need the abatement to move their projects forward.
A Focus on DC’s Future The fiscal health of the District is important, but focusing simply on DC’s savings account balance doesn’t tell us all we need to know. Instead, focusing on how policymakers will reinvest in our city and its residents, reform our tax system, and get a handle on economic development will go a long to setting a fiscal policy agenda that will address DC’s biggest fiscal problem – getting out of the recession. Jenny Reed is a policy analyst with the DC Fiscal Policy Institute (www.dcfpi.org), which conducts research on tax and budget issues that affect low- and moderate-income DC residents ◆ capitalcommunitynews.com ◆ 29
out and about Adams Morgan Day Festival All Kinds of Fun on Sept 12 by Sheray Wright vices, products, and info are co-sponsored by Washington Gas. Find solar systems design & installation, tree planting and care, energysaving remodeling, renewable energy, personal care and home products, organic food, and recycled furniture.
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ith the theme of “A Global Community of Diverse Cultures,” the Adams Morgan Day Festival will run from noon to 7 p.m. on Sunday, September 12. “Arts on Belmont” opens early at 10 am for early shoppers but late comers can still enjoy live music, dance, food, diverse wares and themed pavilions up and down 18th Street NW, and at Kalorama Park and Marie Reed school. Adams Morgan Main Street Group is a non-profit dedicated to promoting the small neighborhood and commercial district of Adams Morgan. The success of the 32-year-old festival is due largely to its volunteers who help plan and produce the festival known for celebrating international cuisine, cultures, diversity, and music. Festival goers can enjoy a variety of live music, theatre, dance, and spoken word across several stages as well as take in local shopping & restaurants.
Music, Dance and Art
New This Year New in 2010 are themed pavilions for Health & Wellness and a Pet Zone. Sponsored by Kaiser Permanente, the Health Pavilion is visible from 18th & California streets NW. Hooping and yoga demonstrations will liven
the pavilion as it showcases health, sports, fitness, diet, and social service organizations. Highlights also include health screenings, clinics, personal health, holistic and positive lifestyle sessions and co-sponsor Georgetown University Hospital. The Pet Zone will have services, products, green pets and pet health grouped together on the 18th St Marie Reed tennis court. The Pavilion welcomes both owners and four-legged visitors to the Festival while offering doggie games and a cooling doggie wading pool. Get advice from the Maryland Dog Whisperer or learn about what pet is right for you and how adoption and rescue works. The DC Dept of the Environment (DDOE) sponsors The Green Pavilion where purveyors of all things green await under a common tent on the 18th street tennis courts. Vendors specializing in planet-friendly ser30 ◆ Midcity DC | September 2010
The popular Columbia and Florida live music stages, sponsored by the Adams Morgan Partnership and Bolt Bus, anchor the Festival main entrances on 18th Street, NW. Latin and world music will energize the Florida stage. According to long-time Festival attendee, now a coordinator, Pablo Grabiel, “It’s exciting to start with an Irish Band, go to Latin Fusion and World Latin, then to Latin Jazz and Reggae, concluding with Afro funk.” For the more daring, they might try the salsa competition scheduled for 3 p.m. The Columbia Stage, coordinated by Kat Hansen, will feature groups with roots from American music tradition, but will explore different avenues covering, rock, neo-soul, blues funk, and Afro pop. The Dance Plaza is always a crowd pleaser with live dance lessons and workshops. People can watch, learn and dance on the temporary wooden dance floor set up on the basketball court at Marie Reed School. Sponsored by Safeway, watch belly dancing, line dancing, Latin performers and Malcolm X Drummers. A special appearance is planned by Batala DC joined by its international counterparts totaling fifty female performers together at one time. Popular but a little quieter venues of the festival include Arts on Belmont and Jazz in the Park sponsored by Harris Teeter. Coordinated by photographer Avner Ofer, the popular Arts on Belmont opens at 10 a.m. for serious shoppers and browsing on a shady Belmont Street. Some 45 original artisans show, discuss and sell their creations either handmade or one of-akind jewelry, photography, pottery, fine art, mix media, textiles and more. Items cover all price ranges and fit any budget, large or small. Jazz in the Park is an oasis of music hosted at local Kalorama Park. Visitors can relax in the shade and grassy area while listening to a range
of jazz by vocalists and groups such as Zeebop, Andrea Wood, Lovesome Thing, John Lee Experience and Jolley Brothers. Always a popular collector’s item, the commemorative Festival T-shirt will be available throughout the Festival. Additional sponsors are DC Lottery, Comcast and Zip Car. Bank of America sponsors the Cultural Stage, located near the Kid’s Fair at Marie Reed school. Coordinated by volunteer Celestino Zapata, it showcases a broad mix of musical genres, theater, dance, and cultural performances, including students from the famed local Sitar Arts Center. The nearby Kid’s Fair offers free activities and games for all ages in a family-friendly area that includes a rock climbing wall, obstacle course and prizes. “Chalk 4 Peace” shows kids and adults how to create colorful sidewalk art with a love theme. Executive Director, Janet Lugo-Tafur notes that “we could not do the Festival without the tremendous support of local volunteers, who donate their time and organize vendors, layouts, work on petition signatures, stages & plazas, and execute the actual ‘day of ’!” Volunteer opportunities include working at stages, pre-festival activities, and ‘day of ’ and breakdown. To volunteer, email VolsAMDay@AMMainStreet. org or call 202-232-1960. More information can be found on www.AdamsMorganDayFestival.com. Visitors are encouraged to use Metrorail, Metro and Circulator buses to get to and from the festival. Limited parking available at The Park at Adams Morgan (1711 Florida Ave NW.) For more info, call 202-232-1960. Shernay Wright is a Festival Volunteer Coordinator. ◆
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capitalcommunitynews.com ◆ 31
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Nellie’s, Wine and D’Vine Bakery by Celeste McCall
Sports, Yes, but Come For the Food
Debra Chatman and Her D’Vine Cupcakes. Photo: Andrew Lightman. 32 ◆ Midcity DC | September 2010
When Nellie’s Sports Bar celebrated its third anniversary last month, we discovered the kitchen’s arepas, little corn cakes similar to Salvadorean pupusas that we had tasted in Venezuela. Wacky, funky Nellie’s–which reminds us of offbeat bars along H St. NE, marked its birthday with cake, champagne and drink specials. On a recent Saturday, Peter and I headed to Nellie’s. A Lady Gaga video blared on the Direct TV channel as we settled into the downstairs bar and ordered beers (Blue Moon, Bass Ale). Walls are plastered with photos (including monumental images of women in circa 1890s garb), sports memorabilia and fraternity paddles.. Colorful Chinese lanterns dangle from the ceiling, as fans twirl lazily above. The spacious roof deck, is really hopping at night, when the space resembles a colorful carnival, with festive lights strung everywhere. But at lunchtime I was after arepas, and was not disappointed. Although primarily a night club–popular with the gay community–Nellie’s serves good pub grub with international flourishes. My arepa–bigger than the cakes I encountered in South America–came with butter, sour cream, a side of sweet plantains and choice of additional fillings. I chose pollo Criollo (shredded chicken), cheddar cheese and slices of perfectly ripe avocado. We were not surprised to learn that the tasty arepas are created by chef Maria Rondon, who comes from Venezuela. Other Latino offerings: empanadas, quesadillas and nachos. Other gringo options: Cobb salad, burgers, sandwiches, Caesar salad and buckets of onion rings. And, would you believe, edamame? To work off those calories, Nellie’s Tuesday evenings bring “drag” bingo; fourth Thursdays mean “ping pong madness,” and Nellie’s fans get together for Nats games. Prices are sensible; lunch for two with a beer apiece came to $40. Open daily, Nellie’s is located at 900 U St. NW; call 202-332-6355 or visit www.NelliesSportsBar.com.
Tell Them, “Shaw Main Streets Sent Me!”
Wine About It Directly across the street from Nellie’s, we found a different scene: Dickson Wine Bar, which opened last spring at 903 U Street, NW. Don’t look for a sign out front, only the name of the three-story building itself, Dickson. We were seated in a corner by the window on the upper level, and it was – no other way to put it – noisy! Floors and steps appear to be made of concrete, and walls are covered with empty wine bottles. From the mainly organic wine list, I chose Sangiovese San Polino Sant Antimo ($12) while Peter sipped Pinot Grigio Tre Fili ($8). After sharing a $3 dish of marinated olives, we scanned the tapas list. Concocted from mainly domestic ingredients, most plates could be light entrees. Peter was intrigued by banh mi–a Vietnamese sandwich. Banh mi is actually an IndoChinese baguette baked with wheat and rice flour, perhaps a holdover from French Colonial days. Nowadays it usually refers to a sub-like sandwich, often filled with pork belly, Asian sausage, pickled carrots, cucumbers and cilantro. Dickson’s version features Amish chicken breast. Delicious and filling. I ordered the beef carpaccio salad. Sliced paper thin, the silken-textured meat arrived with a few shavings of Parmesan, resting on a bed of arugula and too many capers. Dickson also offers a charcuterie (including house-made duck proscuitto) and a cheese selection. I decided on Ibores Pimenton, a firm goat cheese from Spain. Presented on a wooden cheese board, the cheese was escorted by nut-studded bread and piquant pepper jelly. We left Dickson Wine Bar satisfied, with our hearing still intact and plans to return. While parking is possible weeknights, we recommend Metro. Dickson is near the U Street/African-Amer Civil |War Memorial/Cardozo (Green, Yellow Lines). Open for dinner only, closed Sun-
day, Dickson is located at 903 U St. NW. Call 202-332-1779.
D’Vine Bakery and Café Near the Washington Convention Center (Mount Vernon Triangle), we revisited Chatman’s D’Vine Bakery and Café. This charming eatery is the creation of Debra Chatman, who brings an eclectic background to her enterprise. Originally from Columbia, South Carolina, Debra served in the Air Force before working as a paralegal. Deciding to follow her lifelong passion for baking, she launched her café two years ago. “But it feels like 20 million years,” she laughed, blaming the bad economy for a slowdown in business. However, things have looked up, as folks stop on the way home from work to purchase a treat, maybe a red velvet or key lime cupcake, or sweet potato pie. Chatman’s ambience matches Debra’s bubbly personality. Walls are painted a pleasant lime green–perhaps to match her signature key lime cupcakes. A few glasstopped tables seat patrons who sip homemade sweet tea with Carolina-style chicken salad, barbecued pulled brisket, piled on homebaked bread. Open daily, Chatman’s is located at 1239 9th St NW. Open daily, hours vary. Call 202-290-3681.
New on U Settling into the basement space vacated by Polly’s, Desperados Burgers & Bar brings Big Easy-style burgers popularized at New Orleans’ Port of Call, near the French Quarter. Besides the thick burger patties (with various toppings), Desperado’s serves loaded baked potatoes, beer, wine and “dangerous” mixed drinks. Wrought ironwork encircles outdoor tables. Inside, polished wood floors, exposed brick walls and fireplaces exude a been-here-forever feeling. Desperados is located at 1342 U St. NW; call 202299-0443. ◆ capitalcommunitynews.com ◆ 33
out and about
+ Shopping
RETAIL THERAPY RETAI RERE TAI LTAI RE LTHERAP RE TAI L THERAP TAI RE THERAP LRE TAI LTHERAPY RE TAI THE YLTAIL YL THE Y RAPY THE THE RAPY RAPY RAPY by Scott Fazzini
Ginger Roots Thoughtful and ecologically sensitive brainchild of Kristen Swenson and Erin Derge (wunderkind proprietress’s of ReVamp), Ginger Roots offers precision tailoring, custom designs, and a wide array of products from local artists and designers. These self-proclaimed seamstresses appreciate history yet are thoroughly modern and insatiably hardworking. One aspect of their business that I find to be particularly interesting is their recommendation to have customers existing clothing refit/redesigned. This idea isn’t solely reserved for patrons, but is also infused in their own designs. Kristen proudly shared with me a corset created from a vintage men’s jacket and lined with soft cotton sheeting. If, however, you’re not in the market for custom designed frocks or to have your existing costumes expertly tailored you will, undoubtedly, find something; jewelry, gloves, a vintage pair of grey wool spats with leather trim, etc. within the four walls of this endearing boutique. And, if nothing else, swing by to chat with the enchanting owners.
Ginger Roots 1530 U Street NW 202/567/7668
Som Records Stepping into Som Records is like stepping into a tangerine disco dream. The walls, columns, and ceiling are covered in vintage vinyl as an honest testimony of what is to be expected -records, loads of them; rock, soul, funk, folk, blues, punk, international, and much more. The shop was opened by Neil Becton aka DJ Neville Chamberlain. Neil had worked for years at a “real job” before deciding to venture out on his own to pursue his passion for music. Becton specializes in rare and hard-to-find records, and enjoys scouting for those missing links to your collection that you haven’t been able to find on your own. His shop acts as a catalyst for bringing together friends, neighbors, and strangers who might all share one common denominator -a strong appreciation for records. As if running an awesome record shop weren’t enough, DJ Neville Chamberlain can also be seen behind the turntables hosting such hep events as Brazilian Rhythms at Cafe Saint-Ex (think thumping samba and bassa nova beats), as well other nights of musical splendor at local haunts.
Som Records 1843 14th Street NW 202/328/3345 www. SomRecordsDC.com 34 ◆ Midcity DC | September 2010
Tell Them, “Shaw Main Streets Sent Me!”
Treasury Created and curated by Cathy Chung and Katerina Herodotou, Treasury is part vintage boutique and part modern atelier. Although the idea of a vintage clothing shop can conjure up visions of messy mothball infused junk stores, Treasury is in sharp contrast the antithesis of such establishments. The space itself is open, airy, and very well organized. In addition to offering vintage clothes and accessories for men, women, and children, you’ll find an in-house clothing line, Ouroboros, consisting of chic modern clothing made of cloth from eco friendly textile sources and available in limited quantity. Ouroboros is currently comprised of womens wear only, but they plan to expand to include men’s clothing. Another exclusive assortment available at Treasury is Lithics, a collection of jewelry made from salvaged molds of the 1920’s - 1950’s. These little show-stoppers run the gamut from extremely architectural (the Safdie ring was named after the architect who designed Habitat 67, which it undoubtedly resembles) to exceed-
ingly natural (but, with a Tim Burtonesque twist), and are available in an array of finishes. The shop also acts as an impetus for highlighting local artist by hosting art parties, band shows, DJ nights, charity benefits, and other community events. Shop Treasury and you won’t be disappointed.
Treasury 1843 14th Street NW Second Floor 202/506/6908 www. ShopTreasury.com
Cork Market Cork Market was a natural extension of Cork Wine Bar, owned by Diane Gross and Khalid Pitts, as a means for restaurant patrons to be able to buy the wines they enjoyed while dining. The couple uses an ingenious crossreference system of labeling wine from their restaurant that correlates to the wine at their shop. In addition to vino, the market offers freshly made salads, sandwiches (the Grilled Vegetables with Goat Cheese and Pesto is heavenly), main course items, and baked goods (the Banana Rum Cupcake with Cream Cheese Frosting is so good I recommend that you buy two). Gross and Pitts also maintain an impressive cheese counter complete with a smiling attendant eager to explain the taste and characteristic of each. To round out the offerings available at this beautifully designed bodega peruse the shelves stacked with a wide array of delectable packaged items; specialty condiments, olive oils, coffees, teas, etc. If you’re anything like me (slightly intimidated by wine shops) fear not, Cork Market offers wine tasting and classes ranging from the basics, comparing New and Old World wines, and food and wine paring. One visit will surely inspire you to keep coming back for more.
Cork Market 1805 14th Street NW 202/265/2674 capitalcommunitynews.com ◆ 35
out and about
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Jazz Avenues by Steve Monroe the writer …” Weston, a recent Duke Ellington Jazz Festival performer who was at Blues Alley “Over the years since we first met in not long ago, recorded “Uhuru Afrika,” in the Berkshires, Langston Hughes and I 1960, with a huge cast of stars includhad become friends. I went to Langston ing Clark Terry, Freddie Hubbard, Slide and asked him to write a freedom poem Randy Weston Hampton, Ron Carter Kenny Burrell, for the introduction to the suite, which Yusef Lateef, with arrangements by Melwould have four parts. He was as excited ba Liston and vocals by Brock Peters. as I was by the prospects for this suite, so The book, a Duke University Press he eagerly agreed to write the poem. The publication, promises to be a must read for poem which we later had translated – a anyone into music -- and freedom movepoint I’ll get to in a minute – became a sort of invocation ments. Go to openskyjazz;.com for more information. for “Uhuru Afrika.” That’s an excerpt, courtesy of fellow journalist and WPFW programmer Willard Jenkins’ website, opensky- A legend, and more Living legend trombonist Curtis Fuller is one of the jazz.com, from the recently published “The Autobiography highlight performers at D.C. venues this month, comof Randy Weston – African Rhythms” by Weston, the ining for two nights at the Bohemian Caverns Sept. 24-25. comparable pianist, and arranged by Jenkins. Fuller is one of those Blue Note records musicians who “I also asked Langston to write lyrics for a song I wrote pioneered and formed the hard bop sounds we came to for African women called ‘African Lady,’ which became know and love in the 1950s and 60s. He may be best know the eventual second movement. Langston’s poem set an for his stint with Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, where he absolutely wonderful tone for that recording session. Replayed with Blakey, Freddie Hubbard, Wayne Shorter and member, the whole point of “Uhuru Afrika” was to talk Cedar Walton and Reggie Workman to form one of the about the freedom of a continent; a continent that has been most hard driving ensembles in jazz history. invaded and had its children taken away, the continent of Legend in the making Roy Hargrove brings his sterthe creation of humanity. And Langston felt that, he knew ling trumpet sounds to Blues Alley this month, as do two it deep down in his soul.” 2010 Jazz Journalist Association award winners, Roberta Jenkins, who every Thursday morning presents a set Gambarini, named the best female vocalist, and Dr. Loncalled “Ancient Future” on his WPFW program from the nie Liston Smith, named the top organist. radio station’s Northwest Washington studio, as one way to honor the past while looking toward the future, says in the notes to the book, “One important figure in the life of A Live Focus A first listening of the recently released “Marc Cary Randy Weston is the great poet-author-social commentaFocus Trio Live 2009” recording from Motema Music tor and world traveler Langston Hughes …. and the piawas a treat that promises more treasures with more listennist-composer speaks very fondly of his experiences with ings. As his website says, it was recorded “at select festivals across Europe and the US ... [and features] on tabla and Two-time Grammy Award winning Trumpeter Roy Hargrove settles into Blues drums, Sameer Gupta and on bass, David Ewell … With Alley for a few sets this month. inimitable style, Cary drives the trio towards hard-hitting turns, fusing together indigenous East Asian, Indian, African, and Native-American influences within the AfricanAmerican blues and jazz traditions, as only …“ Cary, the D.C. reared and educated (Duke Ellington School of the Arts) standout who played at Bohemian Caverns in June during the D.C. Jazz Festival, shines with his buddies on “Attachment,” “Just in Time,” “In Between Appointments” and others on the CD.
A Freedom Jazz Song, In Book Form
Steve Monroe is an area writer on music and other subjects./ samonroe2004@yahoo.com. ◆ 36 ◆ Midcity DC | September 2010
September Highlights: Azar Lawrence, Sept. 8, Blues Alley … Roy Hargrove, Sept. 9, 11-12, Blues Alley … Antonio Parker, Thad Wilson, Sept. 10, Westminster Presbyterian Church … David Schnitter, Sept. 10-11, Twins Jazz … Roberta Gambarini, Sept. 10, Blues Alley … Charnett Mofett, Sept. 13, Blues Alley … Tony Martucci, Sept. 14, Blues Alley … Lonnie Liston Smith Sept. 15, Blues Alley … Mose Allison, Sept. 16, Blues Alley … Bill Heid, Lyle Link, Sept. 17, Westminster Presbyterian Church … Harold Summey Jr. Quartet, Sept. 17-18, Twins Jazz … Joe Sample, Sept. 20-23, Blues Alley … Curtis Fuller, Sept. 24-25, Bohemian Caverns …9th Annual D.C. Jazz Preservation Festival, Sept. 25, Westminster Presbyterian Church … Marlena Shaw, Sept. 30, Blues Alley …
September Birthdays: Art Pepper 1; Horace Silver, Clifford Jordan 2; Mickey Roker, Roy Brooks 3; Meade Lux Lewis 4; Andrew White, Buddy Bolden 6; Sonny Rollins, 7;Wilbur Ware 8; Elvin Jones, George Mraz 9; Roy Ayers 10; Steve Turre 12; Chu Berry 13; Oliver Lake 14; Cannonball Adderley 15; Joe Venuti, John Hendricks 16; Brother Jack McDuff 17; Emily Remler 18; Muhal Richard Abrams 19; Chico Hamilton 21; John Coltrane 23; Gary Bartz 26; Bud Powell 27; Kenny Kirkland 28; Buddy Rich, Oscar Pettiford 30.
The Art of Alexa Meade A Revolutionary Start by Shannon Holloway The painted figure is lexa Meade is an innovative new voice on where 3-D becomes 2-D the DC Art Scene. A visual artist who is flattening out curves and edges. Joff is seen here breaking new ground, Meade is combining in juxtaposition with photography, painting, performance, and installaeveryday people. tion to provide a rich, multi-layered, multi-process construct that is challenging the way that viewers think about and perceive art. Alexa is a self-taught photographer and painter. Her studies at Vassar College allowed her to dabble in sculpture and drawing, but focused squarely upon Political Science (BA, 2009). Interested in art, Meade created works as a hobby that existed on the periphery of her life. The achievement of gradua- Artist Alexa Meade painting model Joss Masukawa. tion and the safety that a degree provided, as Meade tells it, presented her with the opportunity to take a risk. Alexa decided to focus her creativity, time, and thoughts on experimenting with art, abandonMeade photographing ing a conventional career to discover, “the path that Masukawa during gallery installation. would be my dream.” The explorations of shadow through photography were the focus of Alexa’s earliest studies. This eventually evolved to covering entire inanimate ob- Alexa and Joff out in DC preparing for a shoot. jects, and the clothing and the skin of her models with paint. Meade’s pieces were brought by Martin Irvine into the space of his gallery, Irvine Contemporary (http://irvinecontemporary.com/index.
A
One of the finished images in Meade’s current series.
php) and serve to educate, inspire, and entertain the community. Those who were present for the few performances housed within the space had the privilege of watching the work develop and witnessing the breakdown of traditional barriers through dynamic and thoughtful means. Meade’s profile in the art world has been on the rise as of late thanks in part to the working relationship she has built with Irvine Contemporary (the gallery which represents her). This relationship has been vital to providing Meade with time, the most essential component to any artist’s process. According to Lauren Gentile, ISA Director, Irvine Contemporary: “The gallery acts as the artist’s agent, managing the business and public
relations aspects of their career… and by selling the art works to an established network of regional, national and international clientele institutions, and respected leaders in the art collecting community, we provide the artist with an income…so they can continue to work and focus on the creative process.” For more information on Alexa Meade, her art works and upcoming exhibitions please visit her website (http://www.alexameade.com/) and the website of Irvine Contemporary Gallery. Shannon Holloway is a local artist living in the District. holloway.shannon@gmail.com. ◆ capitalcommunitynews.com ◆ 37
your neighborhood
Logan Circles by Mark F. Johnson
W
hile you were on summer vacation, one restaurant on 14th Street that everyone knows, was plotting its next move! But we’ll get to that later! If you were one of those who took time away from town in August, you were probably in the minority because for most of the month, U/14 seemed as busy as ever! Take the 11th annual Dog Days celebration for example. For a pretty hot early August weekend, the streets were crazy-crowded with shoppers and gawkers. Retailers reported that this year’s observance of the traditional summer shopper savings celebration on 14th and U and surrounding blocks, was perhaps the most successful ever. Certainly in terms of sales they say.
Fewer Tricks at this Year’s Dog Days Link, co-owner of Home Rule on 14th near S Street, and one of the original creators of Dog Days, agreed that this was the most financially successful of all the years. However, he pointed out that this year’s event didn’t seem to be as much fun as last years. He made reference to the Chinese dragons, dunking booth, and other festival-like events that were part of the 2009 Dog Days weekend. Logan Circle resident David Walker, saw it the same way. “While most of the retailers that I spoke with said that sales were roughly the same as last year--and in some cases higher-this year’s Dog Days Festival seemed to have a decidedly less festive air than last year’s event.” Walker, a business consultant, COUNTER Clockwise from TOP RIGHT: Logan Hardware popcorn machine Urban essentials sidewalk sale Sam’s records had a DJ Outside home rule Even dogs had a day at Green Pets CENTER: Taking a break outside Hunted House 38 ◆ Midcity DC | September 2010
added that the lack of carnival-like attractions “took away some of the block party atmosphere.” But this year’s Dog Days wasn’t without its own “firsts.” U/14 newcomer Room & Board, which has occupied the corner of 14th and T Streets since June, got into the act for the first time. The contemporary furniture store, which is always crowded with shoppers on the weekend, may in fact have contributed in part to the large street crowds at this year’s event. If they weren’t there for the furniture, maybe they were there for the large, buttery “dog biscuits” that were both human and canine-friendly.
Ground Breaking Any Day Now? Less like a dog and more like a turtle has been the pace of action on the JBG development project on the block of 14th Street between S and Swann. We’ve discussed the project, a mix of residential and retail to be superimposed over the WhitmanWalker building façade, several times in this column. The only “new” news is that the ground-breaking is now scheduled for sometime in the next few weeks. This isn’t the only U/14 development project that has been stalled. No one even bothers to give a date for any work to start on the 14th and U development project or the U Street Hotel project at 13th and U, anymore. At least not as far as I have heard. Speaking of front burner projects, a new restaurant is slated to open in the building currently occupied by the Crew Club on 14th Street between Rhode Island Avenue and N Street. Called Teakwood, which puts me in the mind of Danish-made furniture from the 1960’s, the Thai restaurant is said to be scheduling an opening very soon. I believe this
place is part of a national chain. Locating as close to the Crew Club, a gay bathhouse, as it is, you can believe the jokes have already started as regards the name of the restaurant. I would imagine that both entrances will be clearly marked to avoid too much confusion.
Holy Abstracts, a New Gallery on 14th? Fear not, MidCity! Like a caped crusader, we return to rescue those we left hanging on the cliff earlier. The U/14 restaurant plotting its next move? Why, none other than St. Ex at the corner of 14th and T, across the Street from Room & Board. The owners of St. Ex already have a dual presence on the block—they own Bar Pilar down the street. But they are now thinking about opening a third spot in the very same block. Hold onto your menus. good folk of MidCity! The new place won’t be yet another spot to get your grub and gulp on in case that’s what you were thinking! So what then? The owners are thinking very seriously about opening an art gallery directly across the street from Bar Pilar, in the very large ground level space that used to be occupied by L & N Thrift Store, which vacated the premises at the end of July. The building is occupied by Hunted House, Mid Century Modern furnishings, art and accessories, on the upper level. No word yet on when the art gallery would open if negotiations continue to go smoothly with the building’s landlord. Other interested parties in the space including a chain liquor store. We can safely assume where the wine, beer and finger food will come from during gallery openings though, right?? Yet another sign of how U/14 is becoming more like Adams Morgan. ◆ capitalcommunitynews.com ◆ 39
your neighborhood
14th and U by Tanya Snyder
Development Begins Again, Does This Mean the Recession is Over?
T
he block of 14th Street between S and Swann Streets is a lively, colorful stretch of urban dynamism. On the corner is the funky paper store Pulp; beside it is the hip wine bar Cork, the urban-chic Home Rule, Go Mama Go! (which, even empty, brightens the block), and the pinnacle of DC awesome: the Black Cat. That’s the east side of the street. On the west side… empty buildings, a lonely dry cleaner. Just wait. Soon begins the demolition – and then construction of a new, mixed-use development, including 125 residential units and 18,000 square feet of retail. The Washington Business Journal says it marks “the return of major, privately funded multifamily development to the city in the aftermath of the financial crisis.” Hear, hear. James Nozar of developer JBG tells the 14th and You blog that 85% of the units will be efficiencies and small one-bedrooms, at about 675 square feet. They’re planning to sell them as condos, not rent them out, and they’re thinking they’ll go for $300,000-400,000. Nozar indicated that he expects a restaurant and a café will occupy some of the ground-level retail, and he’s hinted at an arts space. The century-old Whitman-Walker building is incorporated into the design. There’s no mandate to include local retailers, but Nozar says “our preference is for local shops.” Mike Bernardo, who chairs the Community Development Committee for neighboring ANC2F, says that’s the best they can ask for. “We do always encourage local retail, but we can’t require it,” he says. “There’s no law that does.” Civic activist Joel Lawson, who lives at 14th and Swann, says he’s glad to see the development go in, not least because it “provided the 40 ◆ Midcity DC | September 2010
Clinic with much-needed funds from the property sale.” Indeed, Whitman-Walker had laid off 20 percent of its staff and was still $5 million in debt when it sold the administrative building to JBG for $8 million. It was a chance for the HIV treatment provider to get out of debt and upgrade services. Lawson goes on to say the development “replaces a laundromat that had become shabby, and a vacant lot.” Still, he said, “We’re concerned about fragile foundations of older homes nearby. Older homes here have brick foundations, with
Rendering of the new development planned for the old WhitmanWalker site on 14th Street between S and Swann Streets.
New Home for African American Civil War Museum The African American Civil War Museum is a landmark of the U Street community. The metro station even incorporates the memorial in its name. So it’s a relief to know that, while the museum is moving, it’s not leaving the neighborhood. The museum will move just two blocks east to the old Grimke Elementary School on Vermont Avenue and U Street. The Department of Corrections and the Fire and EMS Department have been making their homes there, irritating neighbors with problems with trash management, parking, and alley access. The African American Civil War Museum will be rebuilt there, complete with a Community Welcoming Center, according to development plans. It will now be right across the street from the memorial, and strategic streetscaping is planned to “strengthen that connection.” You may have noticed that the museum has already vacated its old location at 1200 U Street. Until the Grimke renovation is complete, the museum will be temporarily located at the Thurgood Marshall Center at 1816 12th Street NW. The museum says the memorial is part of a “string of pearls” designed to “use cultural tourism to enhance the community and attract tourists to the historic U Street community.”
A Quick Note About Parking
14th Street between S and Swann Streets, now. Photo credit: TS
mortar that’s gone to sand mostly. But neighbors are organized and in close contact with JBG.” He says engineering studies will be conducted to ensure that demolition and construction don’t damage the surrounding buildings. Demolition may have already begun by the time you read this, and is slated to take a month. JBG says the project should be ready for its grand opening by spring or early summer 2012.
In its continuing effort to make parking more expensive and more complicated, DDOT is testing out some fancy new systems to charge for parking in the U Street neighborhood. After all, if they’re going to charge two bucks an hour, they’re going to need to find a payment method that doesn’t involve people driving around with barrels full of quarters in their trunks. The meter parking on the 1300 block of U Street will involve a multi-space meter that requires you to enter your license plate number. That means you don’t have to go back to your car and put the little slip in the windshield, saving you a step. The even more convenient payby-phone method is being piloted elsewhere in the city. ◆
Bloomingdale Bytes by Amanda Abrams to get the neighborhood wifi-wired, while also working (pro bono) on a community solar project at Crispus Attucks Park in order to raise revenue for the park. “We’re scoping it out now,” he said. That’s not all. The R Street resident has also been recruited to replace Stuart Davenport, Big Bear’s owner and the ANC representative for that area, on the commission. “I was asked by Stu and [ John] Salatti to do it, because of my activism,” he explained. “I don’t know anything about politics—John is teaching me everything he knows. I’m an engineer by training but am having a great time.”
A Big Day in Bloomingdale I couldn’t believe how cool, how happening, Bloomingdale’s 1st on First Art Walk wound up being. True, in the many emails I received announcing the upcoming Big Day, the event seemed to be continually expanding in size, but I didn’t expect something that approximated a community celebration. But that’s how it felt. It took place on August 7, a bright, sunny Saturday; by early afternoon, a stage had been set up in the triangular little park across from Big Bear Café. Ras Lidg and his Deep Band were standing around, waiting for electricity so they could start playing. Meanwhile, they were chatting with a small crowd of locals standing in the shady grass. Around the edges of the park were vendors selling their artsy wares. Janette Rodrigues was there on one corner, displaying earrings and necklaces on a small screen and wearing a few, too, for good measure; customers crowded around, looking at the bright beaded creations. At another corner was Victoria Shaheen, who lives at 1st and
Hugh Youngblood displays his sister’s paintings, looking for a buyer.
U streets; she was selling ceramics (dishware, mock cupcakes) and some prints. “It’s going well,” she said. “There’s a lot more people than I expected. It seems like this is a pretty big deal.”
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Also hoping to make a sale was Hugh Youngblood, though he’s not exactly an artist. He was selling a couple of paintings made by Ward 5 councilmember Harry Thomas, campaign manager his sister, Caroline: she’d creAyawana Chase (to the immediate right of Thomas), and volunteers make a showing at Bloomingdale’s art walk. ated them for someone who later defaulted, and nice brother Youngblood was hoping to recoup some of her money. After talking to him for a minute, I learned that Youngblood isn’t just a good brother; it seems he’s also an all-around good Samaritan type, one of those community engagement guys. A developer of green energy projects, he’s been helping
Speaking of Politics I left Youngblood and continued milling around the park when I finally discerned that there were some patterns among the crowd. Specifically, there were small clusters of people in blue shirts, who seemed to be keeping their distance from another team in red shirts. Sports? Summer camp? No, politics. The blue shirts, I found upon further investigation, were supporting Councilmember Harry Thomas, who represents Ward 5 and was campaigning that day. Thomas was walking around, shaking hands, posing for photos. But it was campaign manager Ayawna Chase who explained to me what the group was up to. This stop at the art walk was just one of many events on an exhausting-sounding schedule. The day started with picking up trash at a cleanup event at the Edgewood Rec Center—“We can’t just pass out lit [erature]—we have to get our hands dirty”—before the group headed to Barry Farms in Ward 8 (Thomas is chair of the
council’s Committee on Libraries, Parks and Recreation). Later, they were planning on driving to Turkey Thicket in Brookland for Family Day, then finally to the Stronghold block party up the street. That’s a long day. But when I talked with Chase, she was still relatively full of energy and full of good things to say about Thomas. The red shirts, naturally, belonged to supporters of one of Thomas’s rivals, Kenyan McDuffie. The group was chatting with locals who were still waiting for the music to start, and assured me (as did Thomas’s blue shirted folks) that there were no hard feelings between the two.
So Much to Check Out! It took me ages to leave the southern end of 1st Street. After exiting the park, I wandered into 87 Florida, an art gallery and performance space (www.87florida.com) where a trumpet/guitar duo were softly playing. Then I checked out Big Bear, which was packed with people thirsty for iced macchiatos, pronto. And then I had a chat with folks from North Capitol Main Street who organized the event. They were sitting in front of Big Bear, handing out programs. “We’re having a great time,” said Karen Alston, the board’s vice president. “This is the second year, and it’s a great opportunity for people to come out and spotlight our wonderful community.” I suggested they make it an even bigger event near year—close off the street! add a bounce house!—but she hesitated. She did allow, though, that they’d solicit public feedback on this year’s event before planning another one. Just after Alston finished talkcapitalcommunitynews.com ◆ 41
your neighborhood
Shaw Streets by Marek Johnson
North Capitol Main Street staff, who planned the event, watch its development from Big Bear Cafe’s front patio. Karen Alston is at right.
ing, another politician showed up—Clark Ray, another council candidate. He had a small entourage with him and everyone stopped for photos. After a handshake, I moved on. Interestingly, the whole event was supposed to be about a string of sculptures in people’s yards along 1st Street; somehow that got overshadowed by all the other things going on. I didn’t mind. While the sculptures—a constellation of wooden 2x4s linked by rusty joints; the body of a woman made out of tinfoil—were interesting, they were no match for the people on display.
Finally? Rustik I finally got to my last destination: Rustik Neighborhood Tavern. Sitting at the corner of First and T streets, it’s one of the neighborhood’s long, long, long awaited eateries; its owner, Diton Pashaj, was holding an open house that day. When I walked in, he was talking with another Bloomingdale businessman so I looked around a bit. The space seemed almost finished: the floor was done, tables and chairs were scattered around, and what appeared to be some sort of oven loomed in the back—for pizza, of course. “It’s almost there,” said Pashaj, joining me. “The main stuff is finished.” So what’s the holdup? Pashaj said he’s waiting on Washington Gas to bring a meter; after that, he can start getting inspections and get his permits lined up. So there’s still a few more steps to go. “It could be two weeks, it could be two months,” said Pashaj, who lives a few blocks away on Randolph Street. Ok, so Bloomingdale still doesn’t have its token pub-slash-sit-down restaurant. But otherwise, I’d say the community seems to be doing pretty good. Amanda Abrams is a DC-based freelance writer and dancer who lives in Adams Morgan. ◆
42 ◆ Midcity DC | September 2010
Blagden Alley Going Rogue A long vacant, cavernous brick garage building on Blagden Alley – across from Long View Gallery’s (1234 9th St. NW ) rear entrance – will soon house a landmark culinary destination. James Beard Award winning chef RJ Cooper will open his first independent restaurant in the 2,600 square foot space in the winter of 2011. The restaurant will be called Rogue 24. It will exclusively offer an interactive 24-course tasting menu. Guests will be served a progression of small dishes that excite the senses, tantalize the palate, and awaken curiosity. Rogue 24 will also offer an avant-garde beverage program. A beverage director who serves as both sommelier and mixologist will prepare drinks at a tableside cart, providing innovative pairings. Cooper enlisted architects Brian Miller of edit and Lauren Winter of Winter Architecture to transform the raw space into Rogue 24. The design will include a state-of-the-art kitchen in the center of the 52 seat dining room to showcase Cooper’s creativity and desire to interact with guests. This architectural design will allow every guest to have an individual chef ’s table experience. The Exterior and Interior of the Future Site of Rogue 24 in Blagden Alley. Photo: Drew Porterfield
Shiloh Baptist Church Breaks Ground at 1533 9th On Sunday, September 12 immediately following their 10:55 a.m. service, Shiloh Baptist Church will hold a ground breaking ceremony for the Wallace Charles Smith Community Center, to be located at 1533 9th St. NW. The project will involve the renovation of a long vacant row home as well as new construction on what is currently a parking lot.
Touchstone Gallery Opens on New York Avenue Touchstone Gallery has added to the convention center area’s bourgeoning gallery district by relocating to 901 New York Ave. NW, next to the acclaimed restaurant Acadiana. The gallery marked its arrival with a champagne celebration on September 10. Touchstone found itself homeless in the fall 2009, when it vacated its former
Tell Them, “Shaw Main Streets Sent Me!”
A Student Receives a Bookbag and School Supplies at the Kennedy Recreation Center on August 14. Photo: Ralph Brabham
space at 406 7th St. NW in Penn Quarter. After an extensive search of possible sites, both dilapidated and new, Touchstone contracted for space in a premier office building on New York Avenue owned by Boston Properties. The new space is flooded with light and features 15-foot ceilings. The modern “industrial-style” gallery is the product of Patricia Carey of Atelier Architects, who worked from preliminary plans by Curtis Harkin AIA of Wilmington, DE. Touchstone Gallery is owned and operated by an association of about fifty Washington area artists and has been around since 1976. Characterized by monthly exhibitions of contemporary-style art, Touchstone features both solo shows and group exhibitions by member artists, many of whom have exhibited nationally. A variety of works is always on exhibit-from paintings, sculpture, mixed media, clay, and glass to photography, collage, drawing, hand-pulled prints and installations. While Touchstone’s main goal is to promote the work of member artists, gallery director Ksenia Grishkova notes that Touchstone “is also concerned with the community beyond its walls, occasionally providing a venue for select student work or guest artists.”
Touchstone is open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Fridays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
200 Students Receive Bookbags and Celebrate New School Year On August 14, the Kennedy Recreation Center was the scene of a festive back to school celebration hosted by the Department of Parks and Recreation (“DPR”). Two hundred school children received new bookbags and school supplies at the event. In addition to providing children with the essentials for returning to the classroom, the event provided games, singing and words of encouragement and pride from representatives of each sponsor. The event was sponsored by the Friends of Kennedy Playground, the WrightVision Foundation, the Metropolitan Police Department, Shaw Main Streets, the Seventh Streeter, the 1330 Tenants Association, and Giant Foods. About twenty volunteers overseen by DPR’s Pamela Pugh aided in its execution. ◆
capitalcommunitynews.com ◆ 43
Clark/Smoot, acting as General Contractor, in conjunction with Hines|Archstone, Master Developer is hosting a Pre-Solicitation Workshop for construction subcontractors for CityCenterDC. Date: Wednesday, September 8, 2010 Place: Embassy Suites Hotel 900 10th Street NW Washington DC 20001 Time: Session I - 8:30 am to 10:30 am – Exterior & M/E/P Contractors Lunch Session – 11:30 am to 1:00 pm – CBE Joint Ventures Session II - 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm – Finish & Specialty Trades
The CityCenterDC project will include the construction of two office buildings, two apartment buildings, and two condominium buildings, plus underground parking and extensive site work. This work will be bid in fall 2010. Topics to be covered at the workshop include contracting requirements and bid schedule, with a working lunch session from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm on CBE joint venture requirements (all trades are welcomed – pre-registration is required). Please register online at www.citycenterdc.com by September 3, 2010.
For more information about the Pre-solicitation Workshop, contact Chrystal Stowe at Clark/Smoot, 202/243-6688 or via email at cstowe@srsmoot.com.
44 ◆ Midcity DC | September 2010
your neighborhood Roosevelt’s Culinary Arts Students Win Big By Jazelle Hunt
F
ive students from the Culinary Arts Program at Roosevelt Senior High School were honored at a ceremony last month for their success in the pilot run of the national NAACP ACT-SO Culinary Arts competition. Roosevelt was chosen from a national pool of high-school level culinary programs for their enthusiasm and integrated approach to foodservice industry education. Lewis Dunn, Gold medalist Markus Freeman poses with his trophies. He will be Markus Freeman, attending The Culinary Institute of America this fall with a $44,000 Malasia Hasan, scholarship. Photo: Jazelle Hunt Aaron Johnson, and Angela Johnson competed against a $30,000 scholarship toward her one another in a challenge that post-secondary education when required an entrepreneurial busi- she graduates in two years. In ness plan for a culinary endeavor, third place, rising-junior Angela an original three-course menu, and Johnson was awarded $10,000 totwo hours to prepare the menu for ward Stratford University when a panel of judges from the foodser- she graduates. Lewis Dunn and vice industry. Aaron Johnson were also honored Recent-graduate Markus Free- for their hard work and participaman was awarded first place, along tion. Each participant received a with a $44,000 scholarship to The monogrammed chef jacket, a troCulinary Institute of America and a phy, a copy of Culinary Artistry by personal set of professional knives. Andrew Dornenburg, and personRising-junior Malasia Hasan was al recognition from their Sodexo the second place winner, earning
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(From left to right) Lewis Dunn, Markus Freeman, Malasia Hasan, Angela Johnson, and Aaron Johnson thank their instructor and mentors for their hard work. The five students competed in the national NAACP ACT-SO culinary arts competition to win a total of $84,000 in scholarships. Photo: Jazelle Hunt
sponsors and school administrators. The ceremony was held at the Roosevelt Inn (a student-run café within the school), and was catered by other Culinary Arts Program students. About 50 guests came to show their support, family and friends, representatives from Sodexo who helped the students prepare, and school administrators, including Roosevelt’s new principal Dr. Ivor Mitchell. “[The students] have set a great example here,” he announced to the guests. “And we couldn’t have this progress without excellent educators like Chef Monroe,
Bronze medalist Angela Johnson will be attending Stratford University with $10,000 when she graduates in 2012. Photo: Jazelle Hunt
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Bronze medalist Angela Johnson will be attending Stratford University with $10,000 when she graduates in 2012. Photo: Jazelle Hunt
our other partners, and resources.” Program instructor Chef Fredrick Monroe added, “We are very proud of our students. It was a great event, the kids had a wonderful time, and they got the opportunity to present several skills, especially their business plans.” The NAACP Academic, Cultural, Technological, and Scientific Olympics is a youth initiative which gives African American teens from across the country the opportunity to showcase their talents and skills for national recognition and scholarship money. Thanks to a partnership with Sodexho and Hyatt Hotels, this year marks the first culinary arts competition and the first time in decades that another category has been added to the program. There are 26 other categories in total, including architecture, filmmaking, computer science, and sculpture. ◆
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+ Home / Style
When Choosing a Wall Color, First Things First! by Mark F. Johnson
F
or some, picking a wall color can mean agonizing over little pieces of swatches for days or weeks. But for others, the right wall color simply comes into the room and, pretty much, says here I am! I got educated on this issue a few years ago. A great pair of chairs that many less brazen than me might have passed up, sat waiting for a new home at McKey’s Antiques, formerly next door to Ruff and Ready near 14th and T, but now a part of restaurant Policy. The chairs, a pair of Heywood-Wakefield armchairs in wheat finish with “wishbone” arms were pretty cool! I liked everything about them, especially their bright lime green naugahyde upholstery! At the time I purchased the chairs I definitely knew where I wanted to put them in my house. I also knew that I wanted a color makeover on my dismal walls but I wasn’t exactly sure what color. When I brought the chairs home, it was clear to me that the “pop” that these bright chairs were capable of giving just wasn’t coming through against a bland beige backdrop. Then, as if coming to my rescue, a designer friend came over sometime after I’d had the chairs for awhile. Almost immediately upon laying eyes on them, he accused me essentially of committing” cool chair abuse” because I wasn’t giving the chairs the opportunity to shine as they were meant to. “I know exactly what color would look great with them,” he told me. With that, I was on my way to a bold blue beginning! He didn’t bring a swatch back. He brought 46 ◆ Midcity DC | September 2010
The lime green chairs seem at home with the deep blue wall color.
a gallon of a beautiful, sumptuous deep blue paint that so dramatically changed the room that it was just unbelievable! And the pair of lime green chairs seemed to love it too! They just floated off the wall, as if they were high from the new paint. The point I wish to make here is this: Don’t be afraid to let the furniture tell you what color to paint the room. You don’t have to have
the wall color all figured out at first. Go shopping and get what you like. Let your pieces dictate to you the surrounding color(s). Now if your furniture or prospective furniture is in shades of basic brown and upholstered in earth tones like beige, caramel, or perhaps in black or white or the currently popular grey, then you probably can pick a wall color that will work with dark furniture
and earth tones. But if you want to step out of the box a bit and go with something a bit more bold or creative, relax and let the wall color come to you. Here’s a formula you can use. My designer friend said he thought of the deep blue shade, a paint by Sherwin Williams called “bungle house blue” because of its intensity against the light green in the chairs. “It’s the contrast that makes them work so well together,” he explained to me. Gabriel Sandoval who recently moved to DC from Los Angeles is now living in a small apartment in Logan Circle with stark white walls. In late August he went shopping in Mid City’s furniture row and found a set of four 1960s medium blue shell chairs at Good Wood. He bought them! Sandoval pointed out that his small apartment, increasingly filled with either contemporary modern pieces, like a sofa from Crate and Barrel and mid century modern furnishings from neighborhood stores on 14th Street, needed to make a statement. Sandoval thinks he’ll wait to choose a color for the white walls until after he’s moved a few more pieces of furniture in. But, it was clear that whatever color is chosen, it will have to live peacefully with those blue shell chairs. Washington has for so long been known as a city where people take few risks. I’m not speaking about politics here, obviously. I’m talking about fashion and decorating. Traditionally, many folks in this town have felt the need to fit in and not rock the boat too much. Don’t get me wrong, though. There definitely
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are people in DC who have always felt confident enough to follow their own style. The good news is that this is happening more and more as people move to DC from other places where a style template isn’t nearly as de rigueur. Places like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and many European and South American cities. Many of the vintage furniture stores in Mid City get new items in every week, unlike the contemporary furniture stores whose items may change only once a year. Shopping the smaller, vintage stores offers the opportunity to find one of -a -kind pieces regularly, especially if you enjoy the hunt This gives you the opportunity to style with pieces of furniture, art or other accessories that you aren’t likely to find in someone else’s home. It will help rid your décor of a “catalogue look.” Michelle Grove and her husband both get it! One recent Saturday they were out furniture shopping on 14th Street and noticed a slatted back lounge chair outside Hunted House. You know the kind I’m talking about. The iconic 1960’s armchair of walnut wood and slat wood backing with a separate back and seat cushion. This particular chair was upholstered in plaid wool cushions and looked like it might have been in a swinging bachelor pad back in the Kennedy era. Not fearing the green, white and brown plaid, they bought one of the chairs. One of these colors will probably dictate our wall color, Michelle said. “Even if we end up recovering the chair it will still work with the color we paint the walls.” ◆
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capitalcommunitynews.com ◆ 47
at home
+ Changing Hands
Changing hands is a list of most residential sales in the District of Columbia 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. Neighborhood
Close Price
BR
1312 R ST NW 1242 10TH ST NW 932 P ST NW
FEE SIMPLE $1,185,000 $703,531 $648,000 $625,000 $540,000
4 3 3 3 2
ADAMS MORGAN/LANIER HTS 2733 ONTARIO RD NW
$713,000
2
$300,000
3
$400,000 $394,500 $361,000 $295,000 $250,000 $190,000 $160,000
1 2 2 2 2 2 1
$622,500 $430,000 $410,000 $399,000 $289,000 $285,000 $280,000 $270,000 $259,000 $223,000 $200,000
2 2 2 3 1 1 1 2 1 3 1
$795,000 $680,000 $670,000 $599,000 $535,000 $480,000 $369,000 $359,999 $355,000 $350,000 $350,000 $348,000 $330,000 $325,000 $312,000 $310,000 $245,000 $220,000 $180,000
4 2 3 3 3 2 2 2 1 1 2 3 2 2 1 2 2 2 1
$350,000 $325,000
2 2
BRENTWOOD 1016 BRYANT ST NE
BROOKLAND 1322 JACKSON ST NE 3300 13TH ST NE 1311 JACKSON ST NE 2905 10TH ST NE 4916 8TH ST NE 819 TAYLOR ST NE 4326 13TH PL NE 1424 HAMLIN ST NE 4212 12TH ST NE 1117 MICHIGAN AVE NE 631 FARRAGUT PL NE
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 1127 FAIRMONT ST NW 1114 FAIRMONT ST NW 1325 SHEPHERD ST NW 3647 13TH ST NW 3633 10TH ST NW 747 PRINCETON PL NW 747 HARVARD ST NW 625 GRESHAM PL NW 1438 OAK ST NW 713 HARVARD ST NW 3647 11TH ST NW 2605 SHERMAN AVE NW 538 IRVING ST NW 446 LAMONT ST NW 722 FAIRMONT ST NW 2909 GEORGIA AVE NW 767 KENYON ST NW 642 MORTON ST NW 755 KENYON ST NW
ECKINGTON 24 SEATON PL NW 151 RHODE ISLAND AVE NE
KALORAMA 2325 TRACY PL NW 1853 MINTWOOD PL NW 2119 LEROY PL NW 2326 20TH ST NW 1849 VERNON ST NW
$2,060,000 $1,635,000 $1,600,000 $1,167,000 $1,075,000
5 4 5 3 3
1612 MICHIGAN AVE NE 2106 TAYLOR ST NE
$350,000 $250,000
2 1
$1,225,000 $835,000 $788,750 $759,000 $648,000 $610,000 $550,000
5 3 3 3 2 3 2
$735,000
3
$210,000 $210,000 $199,900 $660,000 $625,000 $525,000 $455,000 $435,000 $388,500 $375,000 $325,000 $325,000 $310,000 $310,000 $308,000 $270,000 $262,000 $240,000 $210,000 $159,000 $742,500 $705,000 $700,000 $265,000
1 2 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 2 2 1
$495,000 $460,000 $429,900 $380,000 $375,000 $358,000 $295,000 $278,000 $270,000 $270,000 $255,000 $245,000 $241,500
3 2 3 3 3 2 3 1 1 2 2 1 3
$320,000 $315,000 $249,900 $177,000
2 3 1 2
MOUNT PLEASANT 1644 IRVING ST NW 1602 HOBART ST NW 2916 18TH ST NW 2053 PARK RD NW 1735 HARVARD ST NW 1647 PARK RD NW 1819 MONROE ST NW 402 M ST NW
OLD CITY 1806 H PL NE 1800 H PL NE 1818 H PL NE 515 G ST NE 201 12TH ST SE 1509 MASSACHUSETTS AVE SE 109 17TH ST SE 1205 6TH ST NE 709 KENTUCKY AVE SE 226 PARKER ST NE 900 13TH ST NE 905 2ND ST NE 830 7TH ST NE 1637 KRAMER ST NE 259 14TH PL NE 1744 INDEPENDENCE AVE SE 425 23RD PL NE 207 14TH PL NE 540 24TH ST NE 2003 GALES ST NE 1446 T ST NW 1210 W ST NW 1739 11TH ST NW 303 O ST NW
PETWORTH 311 ROCK CREEK CHURCH RD NW 4419 5TH ST NW 119 WEBSTER ST NW 807 DECATUR ST NW 46 FARRAGUT PL NW 5116 5TH ST NW 423 DELAFIELD PL NW 818 GALLATIN ST NW 3804 4TH ST NW 505 ALLISON ST NW 621 GALLATIN ST NW 4816 5TH ST NW 4318 9TH ST NW 646 NICHOLSON ST NE 5358 CHILLUM PL NE 5816 EASTERN AVE NE 5307 DAKOTA AVE NE
$446,000 $267,000
48 ◆ Midcity DC | September 2010
2 0
1431 WEST VIRGINIA AVE NE 1417 HOLBROOK ST NE 1127 TRINIDAD AVE NE
$220,000 $199,955 $195,000 $150,000 $55,000
2 1 1 2 1
$460,000 $432,500 $429,900 $182,000
3 3 3 2
$135,000
1
$615,000 $530,000 $500,000 $499,000 $489,000 $305,000 $48,500
2 2 2 1 2 1 0
$370,000
3
$80,000
2
$735,000 $570,000 $520,000 $415,000 $395,000 $390,000 $362,000
3 1 1 1 2 1 1
WOODRIDGE 2240 EVARTS ST NE 3610 SOUTH DAKOTA AVE NE 3100 DOUGLAS ST NE 3201 WALNUT ST NE
CONDOs 16TH STREET HEIGHTS 1301 LONGFELLOW ST NW #303
ADAMS MORGAN 2328 CHAMPLAIN ST NW #409 2328 CHAMPLAIN ST NW #302 2380 CHAMPLAIN ST NW #105 1701 KALORAMA RD NW #212 1701 KALORAMA RD NW #313 1801 CALVERT ST NW #G-9 2630 ADAMS MILL RD NW #P-08 549 BRUMMEL CT NW
BROOKLAND 4402 1ST PL NE #13
CENTRAL
SHAW 505 S ST NW
1811 M ST NE 1820 H PL NE 1816 H PL NE 1924 BENNETT PL NE 1140 16TH ST NE
BRIGHTWOOD
RIGGS PARK
$410,000
1
$311,000 $249,900 $222,800
2 2 1
TRINIDAD
LEDROIT PARK 74 W ST NW 333 U ST NW
3 3 2
MOUNT VERNON
BRIGHTWOOD 811 WHITTIER PL NW 7416 7TH ST NW 5718 3RD ST NW 711 ROXBORO PL NW 6506 7TH ST NW 5815 5TH ST NW 519 SOMERSET PL NW
$1,195,000 $1,105,000 $758,500
MICHIGAN PARK
16TH STREET HEIGHTS 1627 KENNEDY PL NW 1362 TAYLOR ST NW 1333 MADISON ST NW 4507 15TH ST NW 1521 BUCHANAN ST NW
LOGAN
616 E ST NW #1146 1111 25TH ST NW #407 801 PENNSYLVANIA AVE NW #1122 1133 14TH ST NW #811 915 E ST NW #713 616 E ST NW #421 616 E ST NW #510
What To Do In Our Gardens This Fall 1140 23RD ST NW #701 616 E ST NW #419 601 PENNSYLVANIA AVE NW #812
$355,000 $285,000 $450,000
1 0 1
$660,000 $448,000 $436,600 $430,000 $419,900 $380,000 $353,000 $275,000 $263,057
3 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 2
$336,500 $274,900 $144,376
3 2 1
$849,500 $742,500 $650,000 $630,000
2 2 2 1
$755,000 $599,000 $487,250 $479,000 $415,000 $395,000 $585,000
2 2 2 2 1 1 2
$424,900 $371,000 $369,000 $239,000
1 1 1 1
$450,000 $419,000
2 2
$520,000 $339,900 $275,000 $651,900 $575,000 $495,000 $407,500 $324,900 $323,000 $230,000 $377,000
2 1 1 2 2 2 1 2 1 1 1
$811,000 $562,500
2 1
$717,000 $389,000 $375,000 $547,500
2 1 1 2
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 1354 EUCLID ST NW #402A 1323 CLIFTON ST NW #11 1461 GIRARD ST NW #401 1435 CHAPIN ST NW #307 732 COLUMBIA RD NW #2 1451 HARVARD ST NW #6 1350 RANDOLPH ST NW #3 1451 HARVARD ST NW #4 2750 14TH ST NW #305
ECKINGTON 2002 4TH ST NE #4 2002 4TH ST NE #2 37 T STREET NW #2
KALORAMA 2022 COLUMBIA RD NW #305 1841 KALORAMA RD NW #2 2153 CALIFORNIA ST NW #404 2205 CALIFORNIA ST NW #101
LOGAN 1210 R ST NW #314 1326 VERMONT AVE NW #9 1735 JOHNSON AVE NW #B 1312 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #309 1201 Q ST NW #105 1210 R ST NW #9 1529 14TH ST NW #504
By Frank Asher
F
rom a gardener’s perspective, South Shaw, just a few blocks southeast of Logan Circle, has as many different kinds of tree boxes and gardens as it does people. Some tree boxes have corn and castor bean over seven feet tall. Other tree boxes are full of various shade-loving ground covers. Some are as simple as a rose bush with a bit of pine mulch. Some gardens are full with the English garden look, some more Zen like. Other gardens are very modern and pristine with clean lines and monochromatic color. Diversity is the key with gardening. Just as the diversity of its residents enriches a neighborhood, so does diversity of gardens enrich the neighborhood streets, and diversity of plants enriches an individual garden. Gardening is a time to cut loose creativley. That is what makes gardening fun! It is sometimes hard work, but very rewarding at the end of the day or season. Gardening can be liberating and cathartic. One can redo the whole garden and start fresh, or change the
design a little at a time. What a great way to rid yourself of some urban anxiety. This is the time of year to take a long, hard look at your garden. With fall around the corner, now is the time to prepare for a garden makeover. Or, you can just clean, spruce it up and prepare for fall planting and, eventually, for winter’s sleep. Ask yourself a few simple questions. What worked well this year? What plants need a little TLC? Do you have a shrub or tree you really don’t want anymore? Where would you like to create some negative space, or add some fullness? Have you always wanted to plant some flowers or a plant you have never planted before? Do you want to plant bulbs this fall? Well, create a space for them now, and add some compost or manure to get the soil ready for them. Fall is a great time for change. Feel the climate cooling. Watch the light soften. The seasons are shifting, so what better time to shift things around in your garden? Just as I enjoy the different people in our neighborhood, I enjoy helping them create their very own unique gardens. With diverse people and different gardens, we can make a more beautiful neighborhood. We could all use a little bit of paradise where we live. Frank Asher, a certified master gardener, is the owner of Fairies’ Crossing, a landscaping and garden design firm. He is also the founder of OLD CITY green, a nursery and coop on the corner of 9th and N Streets, N.W. He can be found online at www.oldcitygreen.com. ◆
MOUNT PLEASANT 1651 LAMONT ST NW #2D 2312 17TH ST NW #3 1651 LAMONT ST NW #2A 3426 16TH ST NW #T1
MOUNT VERNON 451 RIDGE ST NW #B 451 RIDGE ST NW #A
OLD CITY 725 5TH ST SE #1002 1336 HALF ST SW #1336 513 12TH ST NE #7 811 4TH ST NW #311 1520 O ST NW #208 1300 N ST NW #221 1441 RHODE ISLAND AVE NW #508 1731 WILLARD ST NW #104 555 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #105 1822 15TH ST NW #304 910 M ST NW #801
PENN QUARTER 715 6TH ST NW #1202 801 PENNSYLVANIA AVE NW #1026
U STREET 2100 11TH ST NW #206 1414 BELMONT ST NW #411 2001 12TH ST NW #407 2020 12TH ST NW #216 ◆
capitalcommunitynews.com ◆ 49
kids and family
+ Schools
Back to School Giving and Receiving by Lisa Raymond
T
his year, my twins are in first grade and the night before school started was a restless one for me. Although they’ve been in school for three years, thanks to DC’s commitment to early education, this was a big deal -- a new campus, unfamiliar teachers and most exciting of all (to them), lockers. I was comforted that many of their friends and the parents that we have gotten to know would be joining them on this journey, but I was worried. I wondered about the overall health of their school. I know that test scores aren’t everything, but the fact that their school hadn’t made AYP this year was somewhat troubling. Were the teachers and administrators up to the task of moving this school forward? I worried about my children’s experience: Would they like their new teachers? Would they be ok eating lunch in a large cafeteria and being around big kids? I’m happy to report that so far the answers seem to be “yes.” But now that the immediate worry has passed, my thoughts have moved to how I can help support the school as a whole, my children’s classrooms and their education as individuals. Education is an experience of giving and receiving. On the receiving side, your child(ren) deserve a high quality education. This includes effective teachers, school leaders and other staff who ensure that your child, and all children, are learning and that they have the unique help that they need; a well-maintained building that supports learning; and opportunities beyond the basic curriculum – like fine arts and physical education courses – that meet students’ needs and interests. The giving part is in the hands of parents and others who help schools. This may sound simple – “I can just go and paint the cafeteria or sell some holiday wrapping paper.” But anyone who’s volunteered to help a school knows that it’s much more complicated. As a parent, I look at the needs of my children and their school and then figure out how much time I can carve out of my schedule. All volunteers wrestle with the questions of where they are most needed and where they can have the greatest impact. Do we focus on one individual child or one specific classroom, or do we work to improve the entire school? Can we offer help that will make the entire system better? 50 ◆ Midcity DC | September 2010
All of these types of volunteering are crucial for schools – you just need to figure out what is most needed and where your skills and schedule can fit. For parents like me whose schools didn’t meet AYP, we can ask our principal to publicly explain the results in detail and share his or her plan for helping more kids reach proficiency (the receiving). Then we can figure out how to support this plan (the giving). If the principal thinks that more kids need one-on-one reading support, I could help organize a reading buddy program or just sign up to read with one child each week. If he or she wants to supplement the curriculum with extra materials or field trips to reinforce the learning standards, I could raise money, volunteer to organize a trip or serve as a chaperone. Using your time to share information with leaders beyond the school walls is a type of volunteer work and can ultimately help improve the entire system. Whether you send an email to the Chancellor or meet with a charter school’s board of directors, know that good leaders use individual feedback to make policy changes that can improve things for lots of kids. Improvements to school nutrition or safety don’t happen in a vacuum; policies change when parents and others work within schools and then share their concerns and their successes with “higher-ups.” The first thing I’ve volunteered to do is bring healthy afternoon snacks for my son’s class. His teacher feels that this will help the class focus more on their lessons; makes perfect sense to me, and healthy eating is one of my personal passions. A small step, but still forward motion. So give some serious thought to how you as a parent – or one of the many wonderful volunteers who give of their time because they care and they believe that our city is only as strong as our schools – can best support learning for your child and for all children in DC. For more ideas, contact the National Coalition for Parent Involvement www.ncpie.org. Also, AARP has a Grandparent Information Center for grandparents who are raising their grandchildren and need ideas about getting involved: 800-424-3410 or www.aarp.org/grandparents/. Lisa Raymond is the Ward 6 Member of the DC State Board of Education, a parent of two DCPS students and an education consultant. ★
Find fun activities for the whole family in the Kids & Family Notebook. every month. read it.
capitalcommunitynews.com capitalcommunitynews.com â—† 51
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54 â—† Midcity DC | September 2010