MIDCITY
FEBRUARY 2016
LUNCH • DINNER SATURDAY SUNDAY MONDAY BRUNCH 11-4PM
OPEN LATE NIGHT WITH FULL KITCHEN SERVICE UNTIL CLOSING
PRIVATE EVENTS & LARGE PARTIES WELCOME 1211 U ST NW 202.667.8880 W W W. B E N S N E X T D O O R . C O M BENSNEXTDOOR
FEBRU ARY 2 0 1 6 0 3
CONTENTS FEBRUARY 2016 08 10 50
what’s on washington calendar classifieds
ON THE COVER:
26 out and about 26 Insatiable • Jonathan Bardzik 28 Depeche Art • Phil Hutinet
22 black history special 18 Black History and the Coming of
your neighborhood 30 Bulletin Board • Kathleen Donner 34 The Numbers • Kate Coventry 38 Bloomingdale Buzz • Ellen Boomer 40 Mt. Vernon Triangle • Ellen Boomer 41 ANC6E Report • Steve Holton
kids and family
Black Rain • E. Ethelbert Miller
20 Black History IS American
42 Notebook • Kathleen Donner
History • Jonetta Rose Barras
22 Meeting Dr. Woodson •
Photo: Portrait of Billie Holiday, Downbeat, New York, NY, ca. Feb. 1947. Photo: William P. Gottlieb. Music Division, Library of Congress.
36 Shaw Streets • Pleasant Mann
at home
Alexander M. Padro
24 Black History Events
48 Changing Hands • Don Denton
38
H y p e r L o c a l | hīpər
. lōk(ə)l |
Hyperlocal connotes information oriented around a well defined community with its primary focus directed toward the concerns of its residents. synonym: M I D C I T Y D C N E W S . C O M Daily online. Monthly in print.
FEBRU ARY 2 0 1 6 0 5
DCRA FREE WORKSHOPS FOR EXISTING AND ASPIRING DISTRICT BUSINESSES Build It in DC: General & Home Improvement Contractor Forum 2016 Date: Monday, March 14, 2016 Time: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm Location: Walter E. Washington Convention Center 801 Mt. Vernon Place NW Washington, D.C. 20001 To Register: www.BuildItinDC.com
EST.
1976
Senior Entrepreneurship Program Date: Thursday, February 4, 2016 Time: 9:00 am – 11:00 am Location: 3001 Alabama Avenue SE Washington D.C. 20020 To Register: http://dcbiz.ecenterdirect.com/ ConferenceDetail.action?ID=41356
Meet One-on-One with a Lawyer for Free! Date: Wednesday, February 10, 2016 Time: 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm Location: 1100 4th Street SW, 2nd Floor (Room E-200) Washington, D.C. 20024 To Register: http://dcbiz.ecenterdirect.com/ ConferenceDetail.action?ID=41927
How to Open a Small Business by Navigating through DCRA’s Regulatory Process Date: Wednesday, February 17, 2016 Time: 9:00 am – 10:30 am Location: 1100 4th Street SW, 2nd Floor (Room E-200) Washington, D.C. 20024 To Register: http://dcbiz.ecenterdirect.com/ ConferenceDetail.action?ID=41235
Navigating Government Contracting with DCPTAC Date: Thursday, February 18, 2016 Time: 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm Location: 1100 4th Street SW, 4th Floor (Room E-4302) Washington, D.C. 20024 To Register: http://dcbiz.ecenterdirect.com/ ConferenceDetail.action?ID=41940
SmartStart Integrated Licensing and Money Smart for Small Business Program Date: Monday, February 22, 2016 Time: 9:00 am – 11:00 am Location: 1100 4th Street SW, 2nd Floor (Room E-268) Washington, D.C. 20024 To Register: http://dcbiz.ecenterdirect.com/ ConferenceDetail.action?ID=41090
The Regulatory Process of Starting a Business Date: Monday, February 22, 2016 Time: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm Location: Takoma Park Neighborhood Library 416 Cedar Street NW Washington, D.C. 20012 To Register: http://dcbiz.ecenterdirect.com/ ConferenceDetail.action?ID=41343
Money Smart for Small Business Workshop: Financial Management & Credit Report Date: Thursday, February 25, 2016 Time: 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm Location: 1100 4th Street SW, 4th Floor (E-4302) Washington, D.C. 20024 To Register: http://dcbiz.ecenterdirect.com/ ConferenceDetail.action?ID=41936
EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Melissa Ashabranner • melissaashabranner@hillrag.com
PUBLISHER: Jean-Keith Fagon • fagon@hillrag.com • Copyright © 2015 by Capital Community News. All Rights Reserved.
Editorial Staff
Managing Editor: Andrew Lightman • andrew@hillrag.com CFO & Associate Editor: Maria Carolina Lopez • carolina@hillrag.com School Notes Editor: Susan Braun Johnson • schools@hillrag.com Kids & Family Editor: Kathleen Donner • kathleendonner@gmail.com
Kids & Family
Kathleen Donner • kathleendonner@gmail.com Susan Johnson • schools@hillrag.com
Homes & Gardens
Arts, Dining & Entertainment
Derek Thomas • derek@thomaslandscapes.com Catherine Plume • caplume@yahoo.com Cheryl Corson • cheryl@cherylcorson.com
Dining:
Commentary
Art:
Literature: Movies: Music: Theater: Wine Guys:
Jim Magner • jjmagner@aol.com Phil Hutinet • phutinet@yahoo.com Celeste McCall • celeste@us.net Jonathan Bardzik • jonathan.bardzik@gmail.com Karen Lyon • klyon@folger.edu Mike Canning • mjcanning@verizon.net Jean-Keith Fagon • fagon@hillrag.com Stephen Monroe • steve@jazzavenues.com Barbara Wells • barchardwells@aol.com Lilia Coffin • lilia@cellar.com
Calendar & Bulletin Board
Calendar Editor: Kathleen Donner • calendar@hillrag.com, bulletinboard@hillrag.com
General Assignment
Ellen Boomer • emboomer@gmail.com Stephanie Deutsch • scd@his.com Michelle Phipps-Evans • invisiblecolours@yahoo.com Maggie Hall • whitby@aol.com Stephen Lilienthal - stephen_lilienthal@yahoo.com Pleasant Mann • pmann1995@gmail.com Meghan Markey • meghanmarkey@gmail.com John H. Muller • jmuller.washingtonsyndicate@gmail.com Jonathan Neeley • neeley87@gmail.com Will Rich • will.janks@gmail.com Heather Schoell • schoell@verizon.net Virginia Avniel Spatz • virginia@hillrag.com Michael G. Stevens • michael@capitolriverfront.org Peter J. Waldron • peter@hillrag.com Jazzy Wright • wright.jazzy@gmail.com
Beauty, Health & Fitness
Patricia Cinelli • fitmiss44@aol.com Jazelle Hunt • jazelle.hunt@gmail.com Candace Y.A. Montague • writeoncm@gmail.com
Real Estate
Ethelbert Miller • emiller698@aol.com The Nose • thenose@hillrag.com The Last Word • editorial@hilllrag.com
Society News
Dr. Charles Vincent • socialsightings@aol.com “Mickey” Thompson Vincent • socialsightings@aol.com
Production/Graphic/Web Design
Art Director: Jason Yen • jay@hillrag.com Graphic Design: Lee Kyungmin • lee@hillrag.com Web Master: Andrew Lightman • andrew@hillrag.com
Advertising & Sales
Account Executive: Kira Means, 202.543.8300 X16 • kira@hillrag.com Account Executive: Laura Vucci, 202.543.8300 X22 • laura@hillrag.com Account Executive & Classified Advertising: Maria Carolina Lopez, 202.543.8300 X12 • Carolina@hillrag.com
Distribution Manager: Distributors: Information:
Andrew Lightman MediaPoint, LLC distribution@hillrag.com
Deadlines & Contacts
Advertising: sales@hillrag.com Display Ads: 15th of each month Classified Ads: 10th of each month Editorial: 15th of each month; editorial@hilllrag.com Bulletin Board & Calendar: 15th of each month; calendar@hillrag.com, bulletinboard@hillrag.com
Don Denton • DDenton@cbmove.com
For further information, please contact: Jacqueline Noisette (202) 442-8170 jacqueline.noisette@dc.gov Claudia Herrera (202) 442-8055 claudia.herrera@dc.gov Joy Douglas (202) 442-8690 joy.douglas@dc.gov
0 6 M I d CI T Y d C N EwS . C O M
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.
Capital Community News, Inc. Publishers of:
224 7th Street, SE, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20003 • 202.543.8300 • capitalcommunitynews.com
MIDCITY YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
F A G O N
GUIDE TO CAPITOL HILL
FEBRU ARY 2 0 1 6 0 7
Picasso at the Lapin Agile at the Keegan
The long running Off-Broadway absurdist comedy takes us to a Parisian bar in 1904, where the young Picasso and Einstein are just a few years away from creations that will change the course of the 20th century. Mix in some chic girls, a savvy art dealer, a clever barkeep; and the stage is set for the sublime and ridiculous. Picasso at the Lapin Agile runs through \ Feb. 13. $30 -$40. This is Keegan Theatre’s 19th season in Washington, DC and their inaugural season in their newly renovated theater at 1742 Church St. NW, between 17th & 18th and P & Q Streets NW. keegantheatre.com. Bradley Foster Smith and Amanda Forstrom. Photo: C. Stanley Photography
Atlas INTERSECTIONS Festival 2016
Kicking off the Atlas Performing Arts Center 10th Anniversary, the Atlas INTERSECTIONS Festival 2016, Feb. 26 through March 6, brings the best of DC arts and artists to the stage and H Street NE with performances, experiences and happenings in theatre, dance, music, vocal, choral, opera, visual arts, video, film, writing, sculpture, photography, circus, spoken word, public art, community art and art space activation. The complete INTERSECTIONS schedule is in the Calendar section of this paper. Enjoy. Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. 202-399-7993. atlasarts.org.
See the Xuejuan Dance Ensemble: A Dance of Languages at the Atlas INTERSECTIONS Festival 2016 on Feb. 27, 2:30 p.m. Photo: Jack Yan and Lei Ke
0 8 M I d city d cne w s . co M
C
O o i T S T p d
Cupid’s Undie Run
Once a year, in February, you have an opportunity to see hundreds of attractive people running down a public street, for about a mile, in their underwear. With any luck there will be snow on the ground. To watch, position yourself on Pennsylvania Avenue SE between Seventh Street and the Capitol on Saturday, February 13 by 2 p.m. To participate, visit cupidsundierun.com. Cupid’s Undie Run takes place in 39 cities around the world and raises millions for the Children’s Tumor Foundation.
Courtesy of the Washington Antiquarian Book Fair
Washington Antiquarian Book Fair
At the 41st Annual Washington Antiquarian Book Fair, exhibitors from around the country will convene, offering both serious collectors and budding enthusiasts rare books, manuscripts, modern first editions, autographs, prints, maps, drawings and other rare finds. The Washington Antiquarian Book Fair is on Friday, Mar. 4, 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Mar. 5, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Rosslyn at Key Bridge, 1900 North Fort Myer Dr., Arlington, VA. The entire show is $14; Saturday is $8. $5 admission on Saturday for librarians and students with valid ID. Children 12 and under free. Read more at wabf.com.
Photo: Jim Boswell
A New Moon Rises at Air and Space
The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera (LROC) has captured dramatic landscapes of the Moon for more than six years. The exhibition A New Moon Rises showcases those breathtaking images from Apollo landing sites to majestic mountains that rise out of the darkness of the lunar poles. The 61 large prints presented in this exhibition reveal a celestial neighbor that is surprisingly dynamic, full of grandeur and wonder. Opens late February. airandspace.si.edu. Crater 308 on the Moon. Photo: Courtesy of NASA
FEBRU ARY 2 0 1 6 0 9
FEBRUARY
Calendar
Black Masala - Live Performance is on Feb. 27, at 10 PM. Pictured are (left to right) Duff Davis, Monty Montgomery, Mike Ounallah, Kristen Long, Steven Cunningham, Kirsten Warfield, Nathan Graham and Matt Rippetoe. Photo: John Shore
Sound. Feb. 26, District Sax Quartet: Rhythm of the City, 9 PM; Feb. 26, 9 PM, Amadou Kouyate: Amadou Kouyate and the Proper SKANKS; Feb. 27, 3:30 PM, The In Series: Latina Supremes; Feb. 27, 4 PM; Feb. 27, 10 PM, Cantigas: On our way to Cuba; Feb. 27, 10 PM, Black Masala: Live Performance; Feb. 28, 4:30 PM, Domingues and Kane: Gut + Voltage: Viola da Gamba and Electronics in Synthesis; Feb. 28, 5 PM, John Kocur Presents: Jazz Meets Irish Music; Feb. 28, 6:30 PM, Opera on Tap, DC Metro: Opera on Tap presents: We got 99 problems but a pitch ain’t one; Feb. 28, 7 PM, EcoSono / Matthew Burtner / Rita Dove: The Ceiling Floats Away; March 4, 7 PM, Cristian Perez Quintet: South American Jazz; March 4, 8 PM, Capital City Symphony/Go-Go Symphony: Go-Go Symphony; March 4, 8:30, Night Watch Paradox: Magnificent Machines and Astonishing Tales; March 5, Washington Balalaika Society: From
Atlas INTERSECTIONS Festival 2016. Feb. 26 to March 6. The lineup follows. Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. 202-399-7993. atlasarts.org.
1 0 M I d c i t y d c n ews . c o M
Russia with Love: The Art of the Russian Folk Orchestra; March 5, 6:30 PM; March 5, 9:30 PM, Brad Linde: Roger Over and OUT!; March 6, 6 PM, William Brent & Noah Getz: StreamStretch; March 6, 7:30 PM, Phonic Wrinkle: Vintage Divergence. Movement. Feb. 26, 8 PM and Feb. 27, 5 PM, Zip Zap Circus USA / AirBorne DC: Reaching the High Notes; Feb. 27, 1:30 PM, MOVES/ The Maverick Lemons Dance Project: HASHTAG; Feb. 27, 2:30 PM, Xuejuan Dance Ensemble: A Dance of Languages; Feb. 27, 4:30 PM and March 5, 2 PM, Jane Franklin Dance: Wash Over You Part I and II; Feb. 27, 6:30 PM, Taurus Broadhurst Dance: Defining Love; Feb. 27, 8 PM and Feb. 28, 6:30 PM,, Furia Flamenca Dance Company: Flamenco to the Max!; Feb. 27, 9 PM and March 5, 1:30 PM, Dakshina/Daniel Phoenix Singh Dance Company: Mortal Tongues, Immortal Stories; Feb. 28, 2 PM, Dissonance Dance Theatre: Heads or Tails; Feb. 28, 2:30 PM, Alice Howes: The Jury; Feb. 28, 3 PM, Motion X Dance DC: Altered Archives; Feb. 28, 4 PM, MOVEIUS Contemporary Ballet: Perspectives: Contemporary Women in Dance; Feb. 28, 7 PM, NACHMO/DC: NACHMO Ordinary Dance Show -
F E BRU AR Y 2 0 1 6 1 1
On Feb. 23 and 24, Elephant Revival joins Josh Ritter for Sermon on the Rocks Tour at the 9:30 Club.
Music at 9:30 Club. Feb. 7, Lupe Fiasco; Feb. 10, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead; Feb. 11, Big Head Todd and the Monsters; Feb. 12, Graveyard and Snails; Feb. 13 and 14, The Devil Makes Three; Feb. 16, Best Coast & Wavves; Feb. 17, Unknown Mortal Orchestra; Feb. 18, Ralphie May and Talib Kweli; Feb. 19, Anders Osborne; Feb. 20, St. Lucia; Feb. 21, Madeon; Feb. 23 and 24, Josh Ritter & The Royal City Band; Feb. 25, Ty Segall & The Muggers; Feb. 26, Steep Canyon Rangers and BoomBox: Bits & Pieces Tour; Feb. 27, The Floozies; Feb. 28, Editors; March 1, The Lone Bellow; March 2, Wolfmother; March 4 and 5, Drive-By Truckers. 815 V St. NW. 877-435-9849. 930.com. 1 2 M I d c i t y d c n ews . c o M
Final Showcase of National Choreography Month/DC; March 5, 5 PM, Gin Dance Company: Introspections; March 5, 6:30 PM, Tehreema Mitha Dance Company: Blue Gold; March 5, 7 PM, and March 6, 5 PM, Aura Curiatlas Physical Theatre: DREAM LOGIC; March 5, 8 PM, Mirenka Cechová: FAiTH; March 6, 2 PM, Metropolitan Youth Tap Ensemble - Stomping Grounds: where art and life intersect; March 6, 2:30 PM, NEA Youth Arts Connect; March 6, 5 PM, Company Danzante & Veronneau: Rhythms of the Heart; March 6, 7:30 PM, DC Dance Theatre Company: Re’surjens: Faith, Life, Love. Story. Feb. 26, 7 PM and Feb. 27, 7 PM, Annalisa Dias: Servant of the Wind; Feb. 26, 7 PM and Feb. 27, 7 PM, Aaron Reeder: IMAGE - Life in the comics; Feb. 26, 9:30 PM and Feb. 27, 2 PM, The Rude Mechanicals: Antigone Reflected; Feb. 27, 1:30 PM and Feb. 28, 2 PM, Terry Nicholetti: Meeting Bessie Bluefeld: Immigrant, Feminist, Entrepreneur; Feb. 27, 5 PM and Feb. 28, 9:30 PM, Sepia Works/Marjuan Canady: Girls! Girls? Girls.; Feb. 27, 9 PM, Conscience Drama Directive: THE PRESCIENT CONSCIENCE OF ERIC BENTLEY: the SCOTUS Mar-
riage Decision (2015) and “Lord Alfred’s Lover” (1978); March 4, 6:30 PM, Éamon Boylan & Company: Juvenilia; March 4 9 PM, Goldie Patrick and Dave McDuffie: Body Language: Image and Imagery; March 4, 9:30 PM, Restoration Stage Inc: Veils; March 5, 8 PM, Story District: Mind Over Matter: True stories about living with mental illness; March 5, 9 PM and March 6, 8 PM, AWoL Productions: Ten Principles )’(; March 6, 1 PM, Arena Stage: Voices of Now Program Mead and Mentor Ensembles; March 6, 3:30 PM, FRESHH Inc: My Mic Sounds Nice; March 6, 5:30 PM, City at Peace: Live; March 6, 6:30 PM, Youth Summit Meeting: What’s up with your art? Free in the Lobby. Feb. 26, 6:30 to 7:15 PM, Joy of Motion Dance Center Youth Dance Ensemble; Feb. 26, 7:30 to 9:15 PM, Veronneau; Feb. 27 and March 5, 9 AM to noon, DJ Dustin; Feb. 27, noon to 2 PM, Bellwether Bayou; Feb. 27 and March 5, 2 to 2:45 PM, Mosaic Theatre Company of DC; Feb. 27, 3 to 5 PM, Flo Anito; Feb. 27 and March 5, 5 to 6 PM, Musical Theatre Division of the Catholic University of America; Feb. 27, 6:15 to 7 PM, Furia Flamenca and Guests; Feb. 27, 7:30 to 10 PM and March 5, 8 to 10:30 PM, Analog Soul Club; Feb. 28, 1:30 to 3:30 PM; March 4, 6:30 to 9:30 PM and March 5, 2 to 4 PM, DJ RBI; Feb. 28, 3:30 to 5:15 PM, eXposure Film Series; Feb. 28, 5:30 to 7:15 PM, Not What You Think; March 4, 6:30 to 7:15 PM, Michelle Ava Dance; March 5, noon to 2 PM, Hari Vasan; March 5, 3 to 4:45 PM, Boris Willis Moves; March 5, 6 to 8 PM, Just Vibe Ensemble; March 6, 5:30 to 7:30 PM, Redwine Jazz Band. See Kids and Family Notebook in the back of the paper for INTERSECTIONS family programming schedule.
VALENTINE’S
Capitol Hill Presbyterian Valentine’s Concert and Wine Tasting. Feb. 13, 6:30 PM. Music includes Broadway and movie love songs, Edith Piaf numbers and, maybe, the Beatles. The central theme is love. $15 for the concert; $30 for the concert and wine tasting. Discounts for groups of two or more. Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church, 201 Fourth St. SE. capitolhillpreschurch.org. Valentine Tea & Chocolate Tasting at Dumbarton House. Feb. 13 from 1 to 3 PM. $25. Reserve ticket is advance. Dumbarton House, 2715 Q St. NW. dumbartonhouse.org. Love in Every Language at the Sackler. Feb. 13 and 14, noon to 4 PM. Enjoy a digital slideshow of images of love in Asian art. Create Valentine’s Day cards using woodblock prints that say “love” in more than a dozen Asian languages. Fold heart-shaped origami. All ages welcome with adult companions. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, 1050 Independence Ave. SW. asia.si.edu. Sucker for Love at the Lincoln. Feb. 13, 5:30 PM. Whether you’re with your sweetie or single, Story District’s Sucker for Love storytelling show is a unique and unforgettable way to spend Valentine’s Day. Listen to heartfelt and hilarious true stories about loves found, lost and imagined. $25. Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U St. NW. 202-328-6000. thelincolndc.com. Hill Center Concert Series: Debra Tidwell, Vocalist. Feb. 14, 7:30 PM. Debra Tidwell will reconvene her annual one-woman Valentine’s Day show, a perennial sellout.
$15 in advance, $20 day of. Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. hillcenterdc.org. Practice with Love Yoga Gathering. Feb. 20 and 27; 10:30 to 11:30 AM. The Practice With Love classes aim to create an accessible space for all people to tune into their breath while enjoying the amazing spaces around our beautiful city. WithLoveDC brings their free yoga gatherings to the US Botanic Garden. This program is first-come, first-served. Participants are encouraged to bring their own mats. No pre-registration required. usbg.gov. 2016 Love Stamp Showcases Three-Dimensional Artwork. The 44th inductee into the Postal Service’s Love series, the stamp features a heart created using the ancient art of quilling - also called paper filigree - which involves rolling and shaping narrow strips of paper, laying them on their edges and gluing them in place to form intricate designs. usps.com. Tour the Harper Macaw Chocolate Factory. Saturdays, 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30 PM. Harper Macaw Chocolate Factory is at 3160 Bladensburg Rd. NE. harpermacaw.com.
MIKEY’s
Pet Care DC
PRESIDENT’S DAY
Presidents Day at Mount Vernon. Feb. 13 to 15. Celebrate the very first president of the United States. Kick-off George Washington’s 284th birthday with a sample of Washington’s favorite hoecakes, on Feb. 13-14 (included in admission). Celebrate President George Washington on Presidents Day, Feb. 15, with free admission. mountvernon.org.
Training
Pet Sitting
Dog Walking and More
(202) 718-9219 mikeyspetcaredc.com
President’s Day Public Skate at Fort Dupont Ice Arena. Feb. 15, 11 AM to 2 PM. $5 for skating and skate rental. Fort Dupont Ice Arena, 3779 Ely Pl. SE. 202-584-5007. fdia.org. President’s Day Library of Congress Main Reading Room Open House. Feb. 15, 10 AM to 3 PM. Twice each year, the Library of Congress opens its magnificent Main Reading Room for a special open house to share information about how the public can access the Library’s resources year-round. Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St. SE. loc.gov The President Woodrow House on President’s Day. Feb. 15. 50 percent off admission and free admission for anyone alive during Woodrow Wilson’s administration � born before 1922 (good luck). The President Woodrow Wilson House, 2340 S St. NW. WoodrowWilsonHouse.org. George Washington Birthday Parade in Old Town. Feb. 15, 1 to 3 PM. This is the largest parade celebrating Washington’s birthday in the US. washingtonbirthday. net/parade. George Washington’s 284th Birthday at Mount Vernon. Feb. 22. Free admission today. mountvernon.org.
MUSIC
Music at The Howard. Feb. 6, George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic; Feb. 7 and March 6, Harlem Gospel Choir (Sunday brunch); Feb. 10. MMXVI; Feb. 11, Gregory Porter; Feb. 12, Amel Larrieux and the Prince and Michael Jackson Experience; Feb. 12, The Dream Genesis Tour
FeBRU ARy 2 0 1 6 1 3
19, Seratones; Feb. 20, Kaleo; Feb. 25, Julia Holter; Feb. 27, Jack Garratt; March 4, Aztec Sun; March 5, Common Kings. Rock and Roll Hotel, 1353 H St. NE. 202388-7625. rockandrollhoteldc.com. Music at Sixth and I. Feb. 6, Brooklyn Rider & Gabriel Kahane; Feb. 13, Roomful of Teeth & American Contemporary Music Ensemble; Feb. 14, Laura Jane Grace and The Devouring Mothers; Feb. 18, Where’s the Band?; Feb. 20, Brooke Waggoner and The Cowards Choir; March 5, Zuli. Sixth & I Historic Synagogue, 600 I St. NW. 202408-3100. sixthandi.org. Music at Ebenezers. Feb. 6, Derek Fawcett; Feb. 13, Kevin William; Feb. 19, Fawn; Feb. 20, Cold Weather Company & Colton Kayser; March 5, Max Garcia Conover & Ben Cosgrove. Ebenezers Coffeehouse, 201 F St. NE. 202-558-6900. ebenezerscoffeehouse.com.
Image: Courtesy of GALA Hispanic Theatre
Señorita y Madame – The Secret War of Elizabeth Arden & Helena Rubinstein. Feb. 4 to Feb. 28. A stinging comedy of the personal and business rivalry between two 20th Century female icons by Gustavo Ott. In Spanish with English surtitles. GALA Hispanic Theatre, 3333 14th St. NW. 202-234-7174. galatheatre.org. 2016; Feb. 14, Maysa - Valentine’s Day Show; Feb. 15, Daley; Feb. 18, Living Colour; Feb. 19, Gianmarco and James Brown Dance Party; Feb. 21, K Jon; Feb. 22, Jadakiss; Feb. 25, Naughty by Nature; Feb. 26, Morgan Heritage & Blackalicious; Feb. 27, Virginia Music Adventures Gala; Feb. 28, A Drag Salute to the Divas; March 1, CeeLo Green; March 5, Exquisite Ghana Ball. Howard Theatre, 620 T St. NW. 202-803-2899. thehowardtheatre.com. Music at Black Cat. Feb. 6, Blisspop Symposium; Feb. 7, Two Inch Astronaut; Feb. 9, Bibliodiscotechque; Feb. 10, Pell; Feb. 11, The Flavr Blue; Feb. 12, Church Night; Feb. 13, Voivod; Feb. 14, Protomartyr Priests; Feb. 15, Hunter Valentine; Feb. 16, Chuch Ragan & the Camaraderie; Feb. 17, Positive Force-More Than a Witness; Feb. 18, Keeps; Feb. 19, Right Round Up! and Black Broadway; Feb. 20, Cryfest; Feb. 24, The Electric Grandmother; Feb. 25, Jennylee (of Warpaint); Feb. 26, Pissed Jeans Downtown Boys; Feb. 27, Jungle/Fever; March 1, Highly Suspect; March 2, SWMRS. Black Cat, 1811 14th St. NW. blackcatdc.com. Music at Rock and Roll Hotel. Feb. 6, Beauty Pill; Feb. 6, 13, 20 and 27 and March 5, DJS Rex Riot & Basscamp; Feb. 9, Ezra Furman; Feb. 13, Grisfolk; Feb. 18, Georgetown Cabaret; Feb.
1 4 M I d c i t y d c n ews . c o M
Music at the U Street Music Hall. Feb. 7, PRINCE FOX with Special Guest: Stelouse; Feb. 9, Mardi Gras Carnivale; Feb. 11, AraabMUZIK; Feb. 12, Hey Marseilles and Baio; Feb. 13, Honey Soundsystem & Martyn; Feb. 14, Alison Wonderland; Feb. 16, SafetySuit; Feb. 17, Kat Dahlia; Feb. 18, Timo Maas; Feb. 19, Maceo Plex; Feb. 20, Le Youth; Feb. 23, Vinyl Theatre & Finish Ticket; Feb. 24, Moon Hooch and Bondax and Friends; Feb. 25, Autograf; Feb. 26, White Ford Bronco and Mathias Kaden; Feb. 27, Will Clarke; March 3, Tale Of Us; March 4, A Great Big World and Haywyre; March 5, Louis The Child; March 6, Goldfish. U Street Music Hall, 1115 U St. NW. 202588-1889. ustreetmusichall.com.
Sunday Concerts at the Phillips. Feb. 7, Sandrine Piau, soprano; Feb. 14, Várjon-Baráti-Várdai Piano Trio; Feb. 21, Bella Hristova, violin; Feb. 28, Steven Osborne, piano; March 6, Jordi Savall, viol; March 13, Christopher Park, piano. $30, $15 for members, students, and visitors 6 to 18; includes museum admission for day of the concert. Reservations recommended. phillipscollection.org/music. Blues Night in Southwest. Every Monday, 6 to 9 PM. Feb. 8, David Cole & Main Street Blues; Feb. 15, Electrified Blues Band w/Charlie Sayles; Feb. 22, Full Power Blues. Feb. 29, Bad Influence Band; March 7, Danny Blew & the Blues Crew; March 14, Lou Jerome Band; March 21, Nadine Rae & the AllStars; March 28, Vintage #18 Blues Band. The cover is $5. Children under the age of 16 years old are free. Reasonably priced meals offered. 202-484-7700. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 400 I St. SW. westminsterdc.org. Church of the Epiphany Weekly Concerts. Every Tuesday, 12:10 PM. Feb. 9, Mardi Gras celebrated with New Orleans Jazz from Mike Flaherty’s Dixieland Direct; Feb. 16, Vasily Popov, cello Ralitza Patcheva, piano; Feb. 23, Black History Month Peate Peagues and Irvin Peterson; March 1, Washington Bach
Consort. Free, but offering taken. 1317 G ST. NW. 202-3472635. epiphanydc.org. Jazz Night in Southwest. Every Friday, 6 to 9 PM. Feb. 12, A Jolley Family-Tribute to Noble Jolley, Sr.; Feb. 19, DC International Trombone; Feb. 26, Tribute to Gloria Lynne; March 4, Tribute to Gloria Lynne. The cover is $5. Children under the age of 16 are free. Reasonably priced meals offered. 202-4847700. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 400 I St. SW. westminsterdc.org Gay Men’s Chorus “The Way We Were” at the Atlas. Feb. 12, 8 PM; Feb. 13, 5 PM and 8 PM. Their select vocal ensembles bring you their favorite hits over the years. Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. gmcw.org. Society of the Cincinnati Concerts. Feb. 13, 10:30 AM. Jacqueline Neimat, soprano; Apr. 2, 10:30 AM, William Baskin, acoustic guitar; May 21, 10:30 AM, Beau Soir Ensemble. Free. Anderson House, 2118 Massachusetts Ave. NW. 202-785-2040. societyofthecincinnati.org. The Music and Life of Duke Ellington with Rusty Hassan. Tuesdays, Feb. 16 to March 9, 6:30 to 8 PM. Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. hillcenterdc.org. Concerts at the Library of Congress. Feb. 20, 8 PM, Handel and Haydn Society; Feb. 27, 2 PM, Juilliard String Quartet. These free concerts are in the Coolidge Auditorium located on the ground floor of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St. SE. loc.gov. Music at the Lincoln. Feb. 23, R5; Feb. 28, The Laurie Berkner Band; March 3, The Pat Green & Randy Rogers Band; March 5, Adam Lambert. Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U St. NW. 202-3286000. thelincolndc.com.
THEATER AND FILM
The Critic & The Real Inspector Hound at Shakespeare. Through Feb. 14. Experience a madcap night of life in the theatre with two classic behind-the-scenes comedies. Lansburgh Theatre, 450 Seventh St. NW. 202-547-1122. shakespearetheatre.org. I Shall Not Hate: Mosaic Theater Company of DC at the Atlas. Through Feb. 14. The story of the Gaza fertility doctor nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize who refuses to relinquish his commitment to coexistence, even after tragedy befalls his family during Operation Cast Lead. The Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. 202-399-7993. atlasarts.org. Sweat at Arena. Through Feb. 21. A group of close friends shares everything: drinks, secrets and laughs. But when rumors of layoffs shake up the local steel mill, the fragile bonds of their community begin to fray and a horrific crime sends shock waves across two generations. arenastage.org. The Glass Menagerie at Ford’s. Through Feb. 21. One of the greatest American plays of the 20th century, The Glass Menagerie explores the visceral bonds of family. Southern matriarch Amanda frets constantly over her two live-in adult children— the painfully shy Laura and Laura’s restless poet brother, Tom. Ford’s Theatre, 511 10th St. NW. 202-347-4833. fords.org. The Sisters Wosensweig at Theater J. Through Feb. 21. The Rosensweig sisters are different as can be a no-nonsense international banker, a kvelling mother of four and a bohemian
world-traveling journalist. When the three hilariously reunite at Sara’s London home for her 54th birthday celebration, a barrage of suitors and unexpected revelations make for one interesting weekend. Theater J, 1529 16th St. NW. 800-4948497. washingtondcjcc.org. Between Riverside and Crazy at Studio. Through Feb. 28. Irrepressible ex-cop Walter Washington is facing eviction, City Hall, and the recent death of his wife. Studio Theatre, 1501 14th St. NW. 202-332-3300. studiotheatre.org. A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Folger. Through Mar. 6. This magical comedy of tangled lovers, mischievous fairies— and a band of players to boot—is given a fresh, new staging by Aaron Posner, with DC favorites Holly Twyford as Bottom and Erin Weaver as Puck. Folger Theater, 201 East Capitol St. SE. 202-544-7077. folger.edu. The City of Conversation at Arena. Through Mar. 6. Georgetown hostess Hester Ferris runs in an elite circle, opening her home for political foes to lay down arms and raise a glass. When her son’s formidable, conservative wife comes on the scene, the parlor pleasantries of DC’s past descend into entrenched posturing and an ultimatum that could implode the family. arenastage.org. Guards at the Taj at Woolly. Feb. 1 to Feb. 28. India, 1648: two imperial guards watch as the sun rises over the newlycompleted Taj Mahal, an awe-inspiring monument to the emperor’s dead queen. Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, 641 D St. NW. 202-393-3939. woollymammoth.net. Señorita y Madame - The Secret War of Elizabeth Arden & Helena Rubinstein. Feb. 4 to Feb. 28. A stinging comedy of the personal and business rivalry of two 20th century female icons by Gustavo Ott. In Spanish with English surtitles. GALA Hispanic Theatre, 3333 14th St. NW. 202-234-7174. galatheatre.org. Constellations at Studio. Feb. 10 to March 6. On paper, the romance between Marianne and Roland seems improbable, if not impossible: she’s a theoretical physicist; he’s a beekeeper. If there were only one universe, they might not be together. Studio Theatre, 1501 14th St. NW. 202-332-3300. studiotheatre.org. Othello at Shakespeare. Feb. 23 to March 27. Among the exotic airs and mysterious shadows of Cyprus, newly married and promoted Moorish general Othello finds himself the pawn in the manipulative games of his right-hand man, Iago. As his imagination is poisoned, Othello turns on his new bride Desdemona and his loyal lieutenant Cassio, and rapidly spirals from hero to villain in one of Shakespeare’s most haunting tragedies. Sidney Harman Hall, 10 F St. NW. 202-547-1122. shakespearetheatre.org. National Archives Showcase of Academy Award–Nominated Documentaries and Short Subjects. Feb. 24 to 28. The National Archives hosts free screenings of the Academy Award nominees in four categories: Documentary Feature, Documentary Short Subject, Live Action Short Film, and Animated Short Film. Register at archives.gov or call 202-357-6814. For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow is Enuf at Anacostia Playhouse. Feb. 24 to Mar. 26. This stirring choreopoem weaves together 20 separate poems with music and movement to tell the stories of love, empowerment, and struggle of seven African American women. Anacostia Playhouse, 2020 Shannon Pl. SE. theateralliance.com.
Word Becomes Flesh at Anacostia Playhouse. Feb. 24 to Mar. 26. Through spoken word, dance, djing, and visual images, a collective of performers delivers a series of letters from a single father to his unborn son, documenting the range of emotions, fears, and expectations. theateralliance.com.
SPORTS AND FITNESS
Washington Capitals Ice Hockey. Feb. 7, 16, 20, 24 and 26; Mar. 2 and 4. Verizon Center. capitals.nhl.com. Washington Capitals Practice Schedule. Non-game day, 10:30 AM; game day, 10 AM; and day after game, 11 AM. All practices are at Kettler Capitals Iceplex, 627 No. Glebe Rd., Suite 800, Arlington, VA. They are free and open to the public. kettlercapitalsiceplex.com. Washington Wizards Basketball. Feb. 19, 23, 28 and 29; Mar. 5. Verizon Center. nba.com/wizards Canal Park Ice Skating. Through mid-March. Mondays and Tuesdays, noon to 7 PM; Wednesday to Friday, noon to 9 PM; Saturdays, 11 AM to 10 PM; and Sundays, 11 AM to 7 PM. Adults are $9; children/seniors/military are $8; and skate rental is $4. Holidays hours vary. Canal Park is at 202 M St. SE. canalparkdc.org. National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Skating. Through Mar. 13. Open Monday to Thursday, 10 AM to 9 PM; Fridays, 10 AM to 11 PM; Saturdays, 11 AM to 11 PM; Sundays, 11 AM to 9 PM. $8.50 for adults; $7.50 for age 50 and over, age 12 and under, and students with a valid school ID for two hour session beginning on the hour. $3 for skate rental. Seventh Street and Constitution Avenue NW. 202-216-9397. nga.gov. Washington Harbor Ice Rink. Through mid-March. Monday to Tuesday, noon to 7 PM; Wednesday to Thursday, noon to 9 PM; Fridays, noon to 10 PM; Saturdays, 10 AM to 10 PM; Sundays, 10 AM to 7 PM. Skating is $9-$10. Skate rental is $5. Washington Harbor is at 3050 K St. NW. 202-706-7666. thewashingtonharbour.com. Public Skating at Fort Dupont Ice Arena. Fridays, noon to 2 PM and Saturdays 12:45 to 1:45 PM. Public Skate, $5 for adults (13-64); $4 for seniors and children (five to 12); $3, skate rental. Fort Dupont Ice Arena, 3779 Ely Pl. SE. 202-584-5007. fdia.org. Yoga at Northwest One Library. Thursdays (classes formerly held on Saturdays), 7 to 8 PM. Free beginner/intermediate yoga classes. All are welcome and mats and blocks provided. Northwest One Neighborhood Library, 155 L St. NW. 202-939-5946. dclibrary.org. Soothing Sunday Yoga at Shaw Library. Sundays, 1:30 PM. Presented by Aparna, a certified a yoga instructor, this class is perfect for beginners, featuring soothing Hatha yoga and meditation. Bring your own mat or towel. Watha T. Daniel Neighborhood Library, 1630 Seventh St. NW. 202-727-1288. dclibrary.org/watha. Closest Indoor Public Pools. Turkey Thicket, 1100 Michigan Ave. NE. Open Monday through Friday, 6:30 AM to 8 PM; Saturday, noon to 5 PM; closed, Sunday. 202-576-9236. Rumsey Pool, 635 No. Carolina Ave. SE. Open Monday through Friday, 6:30 AM to 9 AM and noon to 9 PM; Saturday, 1 PM to 5 PM; Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM. 202-724-4495. The pools are heated and free for DC residents. Have ID with you. dpr.dc.gov.
CIVIC LIFE
Congresswoman Norton’s NW District Office. Open weekdays, 9 AM to 6 PM. 529 14th St. NW, suite 900. 202-783-5065. norton. house.gov. All Ways Mount Pleasant. First Saturday, noon to 2 PM. LaCasa. All Ways is a citizen’s association primarily for the tenants of the larger apartment buildings of Mount Pleasant. 3166 Mt. Pleasant St. NW. aass.org. Chinatown Revitalization Council. Fourth Monday, 7 to 8 PM. 510 “I” St. NW. Chinatown Revitalization Council promotes the Chinatown renewal and the preservation of its cultural heritage. The public is welcome. Convention Center Community Association. Last Tuesday, 7 to 8:30 PM. Kennedy Rec Center, 1401 Seventh St. NW. Downtown Neighborhood Association. Second Tuesday, 7 to 9 PM. US Naval Memorial Center, 701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. miles@dcdna.org. dcdna.org. East Central Civic Association of Shaw. First Monday, 7 PM. Third Baptist Church, 1546 Fifth St. NW. Contact: Al Hajj Mahdi Leroy J Thorpe Jr, 202-3871596. Eckington Civic Association. First Monday, 7 to 8:30 PM. Harry Thomas Recreation Center, 1743 Lincoln Rd. NE. eckingtondc.org. Edgewood Civic Association. Last Monday, 7 to 9 PM. Edgewood senior building, 635 Edgewood St. NE, ninth floor. theedgewoodcivicassociationdc.org. Logan Circle Citizens Association. Visit logancircle.org/calendar for meeting dates and times. logancircle.org. Mount Vernon Square Neighborhood Association. Third Tuesday, 7:30 to 9:30 PM. Yale Steam Laundry, 437 New York Ave. NW. lifein.mvsna.org. U Street Neighborhood Association. Second Thursday, 7 to 8:30 PM. Source (second floor classroom), 1835 14th St. NW. ANC 1A. Second Wednesday, 7 PM. Harriet Tubman Elementary School, 3101 13th St. NW. 202-588-7278. anc1a.org. ANC 1B. First Thursday, 7 PM. Reeves Center, 2000 14th St. NW (Second Floor). 202-870-4202. anc1b.org. ANC 1B11. Second Monday, 7 PM. LeDroit Senior Building (basement community room), 2125 Fourth St. NW. 202-481-3462. anc1b.org. ANC 1C. First Wednesday, 7 PM. Mary’s Center for Maternal and Child Health, 2355 Ontario Rd. NW. 202-332-2630. anc1c.org. ANC 1D. Third Tuesday, 7 PM. 3166 Mount Pleasant St. NW. 2024628692. anc1d.org. ANC 2C. First Wednesday, 6:30 to 8:30 PM. Watha T. Daniel Library, 1630 Seventh St. NW. 202-682-1633. anc2C.org. ANC 6E. First Tuesday, 6:30 PM. Meeting at Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Library, 1630 Seventh St. NW. anc6e.org.
Have an event for the Calendar? Email calendar@hillrag.com. u
F E BRU AR Y 2 0 1 6 1 5
M
1 6 M I d c i t y d c n ews . c o M
Frederick Douglass
Civil War Soilders
BLACK
Harriet Tubman Booker T. Washington
George Washington Carver
Jackie Robinson World War 2 Soilders
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
W.E.B. DuBois
Rosa Parks
E
L
E
A
H I L L R A G
B
R
A
T
I
N
G
Malcom X
C
Thurgood Marshall
S P E C I A L
I S S U E
Miles Davis Guion Bluford President Barrack Obama
FeBRU ARy 2 0 1 6 1 7
BLACK HISTORY SPECIAL
Black History and the Coming of Black Rain by E. Ethelbert Miller
B
lack no more? I was always curious about the Africans who saw that first European boat “swimming” off the coast of their neighborhood. Was the sky that day a lovely blue? Going back just a few years here in DC I thought the first white jogger might have been mistaken for a missionary. Even now I’ve been told one can detect the signs of global warming by listening to new arrivants to the city trying to decide what to wear two days in a row. Is climate change another way of saying gentrification without moving one’s lips? Once the challenge of living in this city was filled with dangerous romance. Wealth and poverty co-existed like college roommates in a dorm. Wealth was always touching Poverty’s hair and searching for an explanation. But there is nothing like a kink to keep someone in their place. How did Poverty simply turn into displacement? What “weave” might one day tell? Sometimes we survive and sometimes we don’t. It doesn’t take a magician to understand black people are disappearing from DC. For some strange reason one never sees any moving trucks. No footprints for my native blood to track. I was born into a West Indian family in New York City. It was the pursuit of a college education that introduced me to DC and the Southern road. The year was 1968 when I walked across the Howard campus just a few months after Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. Like many cities in our nation, Washington D.C. felt the hard lash of flames. In the late Sixties destruction became an urban thing. Detroit was renamed Destroyed. Even James Brown couldn’t stop black people from dancing in the streets. History contains the fine print of memories. A few weeks ago I was sitting in my daughter’s condo in Anacostia. She was softly rubbing her pregnant belly. February is the month she will give birth to her first child. Another black boy will enter the world during Black History Month. The historian Carter G. Woodson selected February to pay tribute to blackness because it was the month Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln were born. It’s nice the month is also known for Valentine’s Day and love. Yet in 2016 one ponders aloud Black History is just a moment in time. Beyond the gateway perhaps my King will come. Photo: Andrew Lightman
1 8 M I d cI t y d c n ews . c o M
whether the once famous Chocolate City has been reduced to a box of chocolate. In many places around the city one will see small pool pockets of black people sitting near curbs or doorways as if time was fanning herself and waiting for a blind date. I wonder what stories I will one day tell my grandson. How will I describe what this city was like before he took his first step? Every day it seems impossible to describe what is taking place. If this city was a vessel we would all be seasick from the motion of change. My daughter is giving birth during the time of the crane. New buildings being erected everywhere as if God’s plan consisted of a divine set of Legos. It’s not just the new buildings that are spreading the fever of despair among black people, it’s the attitude of a non-black minority counting its numbers and realizing that after addition comes multiplication. Black people are skilled as the masters of division and subtraction. The new math equals a new city. At times white people just don’t see black people. Black people at times only see white people. If you’re Korean or Japanese you’ll always be Chinese to someone in the hood. Race relations have become the new slippery slope. Meanwhile, the 21st century is shaping up to be a take home exam on religion. Today when I walk the city streets they no longer recognize me. When my daughter (and son) were children we could walk from Adams Morgan to Vertigo Bookstore near DuPont Circle. The place was a destination, a meeting place, a cultural beacon where books were like flavors of ice cream. The taste of books has also changed; the smell of print being pushed aside for the glow of a screen. Like old electronic equipment some of us are simply being pushed aside. Walk the streets and the newness can blind the old residents. Yes, the city is more beautiful but it seems as if beauty is not engaged to my future. There is a loneliness that comes
with a city in transition. It’s walking into a new restaurant and having the patrons look at you as if it you were from Money, Mississippi. It’s standing in a new grocery store and having someone move your food out of their way without politeness. It’s sitting on a crowded bus and being a crowd of one. Every seat is taken but the one next to you. Your Bible tells you later that the plague you suffer from is not contagious nor is your blackness. But you wonder. I could lose myself in this city. Where is home these days? If I were from North or South Carolina I might think about returning to the rural area of old folks. Even my West Indian blood at times begs for a sip of bush tea and the joy of carnival. But I have no dreams of moving to Barbados or returning to New York. The South Bronx of my youth is now called SoBRO, and so even the Bronx Tales have been painted over and maybe the Puerto Ricans are lighting candles praying for some saint to save the last remains of el barrio. I have often asked my African friends which is worse, being taken from the land or having the land taken from you? Do we dare compare the scars of slavery with those of colonization? All I know is that beneath the many the circles of this city, beneath the higher frequencies, beneath the stares, beneath the shadows of condos, there exists a quiet rage that will not disappear. One day this city will hear the thunder and there will be no quiet storm but instead a black heaven opening and delivering the howl of the newborns and the hard rain of justice and salvation. E. Ethelbert Miller is a literary activist and the board chair of the Institute for Policy Studies. His Collected Poems edited by Kirsten Porter will be published by Willow Books in March 2016. Miller was inducted into the Washington DC Hall of Fame in April 2015. u
F E BRU AR Y 2 0 1 6 1 9
BLACK HISTORY SPECIAL
Black History IS American History Jonetta’s Take
by Jonetta Rose Barras
I
fell out of love with Black History Month, as a separate event, decades ago. I make that confession not to cast aspersion on famed scholar and historian Carter G. Woodson, who created Negro History Week. Actually, I celebrated the fact that last year the National Park Service, spurred by District residents in the Shaw neighborhood, including Alexander Padro, dedicated a $1 million memorial park in Woodson’s honor, replete with a bronze sculpture. His former Ninth Street NW home has been declared a national historic site and is under renovation. As the founder and director of the Association for Negro Life and History, Woodson established the second week in February to highlight contributions of blacks to the United States. He selected that time to capitalize on the birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, a former slave, abolitionist, and recorder of deeds for the District of Columbia. Woodson also pushed for public schools across the nation to teach “Negro” history. The US Department of Education embraced that effort. Eventually the week grew into a month-long commemoration and teach-in with nearly every state joining in the celebration. So, what’s my beef? The role African-Americans played in this country’s development isn’t some appendix, some footnote to be amplified once a year. Further, blacks should not be relegated to the sidelines of American history. As Jim Sleeper, author of “Liberal Racism,” wrote, “the descendants of slaves are in some ways the most American of us all.” Truth be told, even before 1926, Negro History Week should have been declared an anachronism. Blacks were already key players in the physical, cultural, and political infrastructure of American society. They had been the foundational backbone of the economy. They had fought on the frontlines of several wars: the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and World War I. They helped construct the White House, the US Capitol, and other government buildings in the nation’s capital. (Recently, while in New Orleans, I was reminded that African-Americans helped construct that city’s French Quarter, which isn’t strange since Benjamin Banneker completed the work of another Frenchman, Pierre L’Enfant.) Then as now, their Carter G. Woodson. Image Courtesy of Ancella Bickley Collection, music, dance, and theatrical performances comprised the core of what is West Virginia State Archives largely considered the original American culture. More important, through their great personal sacrifices they extended the boundaries of democracy, solidifying the vision of the country’s founders in ways no others have done. Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Nevertheless there are those who choose to confine their remarkable Don’t act like what I am saying is foreign to you. achievements to a mere month of rote recitation, spouting the names of a few, albeDeliberately or not, that repetition has perpetuated the view that blacks have made it well-respected, individuals over and over: Sojourner Truth, Harriett Tubman, Mada minor mark on the American landscape. Of course there has been and continues am C. J. Walker, W.E.B. DuBois, George Washington Carver, Booker T. Washington,
2 0 M I d cI t y d c n ews . c o M
to be a plethora of inventors, intellectuals, architects, managers, and corporate leaders like those at McDonald’s, Xerox, American Express, and yes, Time Warner, who have since contributed to American exceptionalism. But far too many blacks do not see themselves as owners of this country. They have allowed themselves to be portrayed as victims, as freeloaders, as beggars, although in this 21st century they have more than one trillion-dollars in purchasing power. I vigorously rebel against that depiction. I refuse to accept the part of some insignificant sideline player, only worthy of a 28- or 29-day mention. That is an insult to my greatgrandparents, my grandparents, my parents, the men and women who lived in communities where I grew up or where I worked, people who ignored the brutal beatings they sometimes received as they made America the great country it is. What’s more, I am no fan of balkanization. Women’s History Month and Hispanic History Month do not receive my embrace. Slicing and dicing our society or narrative promote and sustain division. It exacerbates racial tensions and the kind of venomous rhetoric that fills some national, and local, political campaigns. The indisputable fact is this: black history is American history. If there are folks who have not come to realize that, that’s their problem, not mine. I share Sleeper’s analysis that “the best of the civic culture which the early civil rights movement tried to embrace and redeem presumes not that our racial and ethnic story lives and affinities should disappear. But that they should not prevail as the central organizing principles of our lives … Full citizenship in the American republic entails a commitment to join in a race- transcendent human experiment.” With that as the goal, isn’t it time to end Black History Month? Isn’t it time to ensure that all stories from all peoples, from all Americans, are written into a single, accurate, and inclusive cultural narrative? Jonetta Rose Barras is a freelance writer. u
F E BRU AR Y 2 0 1 6 2 1
BLACK HISTORY SPECIAL
Meeting Dr. Woodson
Coming Face-to-Face with the Father of Black History by Alexander M. Padro
A
frican American History Month in 2016 marks the first time in over 60 years that visitors to Shaw will be able to sit down with Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the Father of Black History, in the neighborhood he called home. He’ll be waiting for you every day on a tall, rounded stone bench in the triangle park at Rhode Island Avenue, NW at Ninth and Q Streets. You can sit beside him and watch the traffic and pedestrians go by. You can put your hand on his and run your hands over his books on the back of the bench. You can even talk to him. Just don’t expect him to answer. Dr. Woodson’s skin is the color of bronze, and so are his clothes. In fact, he’s actually made of the metal, and not just figuratively. Carter Godwin Woodson died in 1950, but the Harvard-educated historian who pioneered the study of African American history as a profession and scholarly discipline is back in the neighborhood he called home for three decades, in the form a larger-than-life-sized statue by noted sculptor Raymond Kaskey, known in Washington for his work on the lions at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and
the eagles, wreathes and reliefs at the Nathe tional World War II Memorial. The Woodson memorial, in a city park named for him in 2001, was completed last year and dedicated in December 2015. As a historian and son of former slaves, Woodson understood that the contributions of African Americans to the nation’s history in a wide range of fields had been intentionally left out of history books and classrooms, and how that affected the self-image, lives and futures of people of color. “Not to know what one’s race has done in former times is to continue always as a child,” Woodson wrote in his The bronze statue’s stern gaze conveys Dr. Woodson’s drive to accomplish his goals of making black 1935 book, “The Story of the Negro Retold.” history understood and appreciated. Photo: AlexWoodson became one of the founders ander M. Padro. of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (today’s Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH)) while on a visit to Chicago in 1915. Through the Association and its publications, like the Journal of Negro History, Negro History Bulletin, and dozens of books and articles, Dr. Woodson devoted his life to research and advancing the understanding of Black history among all people, but most especially, African Americans themselves. By promoting Negro History Week starting in 1926, Dr. Woodson sought to put Black history on the calendar in the same week as the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln, the Great Emancipator and Frederick Douglas, the Great Orator. (ASALH expanded Negro History Week into Black History Month in 1976.) Woodson had to form his own publishing house, the Associated Publishers, because commercial publishers saw no possibility of profiting from printing and distributing books on Black history. As Woodson noted in “The Miseducation of the Negro” (1933), “Of the hundreds of Negro high schools recently examined by an expert in the United States Bureau of Education only eighteen offer a course taking up the history of the Negro, and in most of the Negro colleges and universities where the Negro is thought of, the race is studied only as a problem or dismissed as of little consequence.”
Woodson’s Base In Shaw
Dr. Woodson was a Washingtonian for decades, living and working in and around what is now known as Shaw, the center of Black life in the Washington, DC metropolitan area at the time. The Association’s earliest offices were in a now demolished building on U Street across the street from the Lincoln Theatre. Woodson purchased the building at 1538 Ninth Street, NW in 1922 as both his home and the offices of the Association and Associated Publishers. He served a principal of Armstrong Manual Training School on the 100 block of P Street, NW, today home to a charter school, and taught at the M Visitors are drawn to sit next to Dr. Woodson’s statue. Photo: Pleasant P. Mann.
2 2 M I d cI t y d c n ews . c o M
The Woodson Memorial is dramatically lit at night. Photo: Alexander M. Padro.
Street High School, today’s Dunbar High School. Both schools were part of the segregated Colored division of the District of Columbia Public Schools. He was later a professor and dean at Howard University. Dr. Woodson took many of his meals at the cafeteria in the basement of the Phyllis Wheatley YWCA, directly across Rhode Island Avenue from the park that bears his name. His funeral services were held at Shiloh Baptist Church, on the same block in Shaw where he lived and worked. Shaw neighborhood elders tell of seeing Dr. Woodson when they were children, walking on the street carrying piles of books, perhaps making deliveries of volumes published by the Associated Publishers or taking them to the post office. They nicknamed him “The Book Man,” and also recall that the scholar always had candies in his pockets for them. The Woodson Home National Historic Site, incor-
porating Dr. Woodson’s home and office and two adjacent row houses, was established in 2006 by the National Park Service after authorizing legislation was signed by President George W. Bush in 2003 and acquiring the building from ASALH. The site is currently in the first phase of construction and renovation, which will allow the public to begin touring the home this year. Don’t let Dr. Woodson’s stern look put you off. Sculptor Kaskey captured the intensity of a man who spent his life dedicated to a cause, often without taking a salary, a man who overcame great obstacles to achieve what he is known worldwide for accomplishing. You’d expect a man like that to sport a serious mien. If you were to ask Dr. Woodson about the role of the historian and the value of history, he might well answer with quotations like these three from other authors on these subjects, which he included in “The Story of the Negro Retold”: “The historian is the prophet looking backward.”
The Spaniard Cervantes’ words, “History is the depository of great actions, the witness of what is past, the example and the instructor of the present and the monitor to the future.” And the quote carved in the blocks at the top of the back of the monument: “Truth comes to us from the past, like gold washed down from the mountains.” Borrow one of Dr. Woodson’s books from the library before you visit. Read his words while you contemplate his visage as he gazes west towards Logan Circle. Let his words ring in your head. And before you depart, be sure to look him in the eyes and say, “Thank You, Dr. Woodson.” Alexander M. Padro is an eight-term Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner representing the Shaw neighborhood and executive director of Shaw Main Streets. u
F E BRU AR Y 2 0 1 6 2 3
BLACK HISTORY SPECIAL
Black History Local Events
Selma: The Struggle for the Voting Rights Act. Feb. 8, 6:30 PM. Open up the inner logic of Dr. King’s decision not to give up the protest at the Edmund Pettus Bridge and why it marked the symbolic beginning of the long march to the capitol, Montgomery. Northeast Neighborhood Library, 330 Seventh St. NE. 202-6980058. dclibrary.org/northeast.
1966: Civil Rights at 50 at Newseum. 9 AM to 5 PM, daily. Explore milestone civil rights events of 1966, including the rise of the Black Power movement and the ambush and shooting of James Meredith during his “March Against Fear” through Mississippi. Newseum, 555 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. newseum.org. Twelve Years that Shook and Shaped Washington: 1963-1975. Change was in the air, some of it unsettling and threatening. Against a national background of Lyndon Johnson’s “Great Society,” anti-war protests, Black Power and Feminism, this exhibition focuses on events, people and challenges that transformed the city between 1963 and 1975. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. 202-6334820. anacostia.si.edu. Make Some Noise: Students and the Civil Rights Movement at Newseum. 9 AM to 5 PM. Make Some Noise explores the new generation of student leaders in the early 1960s who fought segregation by making their voices heard and exercising their First Amendment rights. Newseum, 555 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. newseum.org.
The Long Emancipation: The Demise of Slavery in the United States. Feb. 10, noon. Answers to questions about who ended slavery remain fiercely contested more than a century and a half after the passage of the 13th Amendment. National Archives, 700 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. archives.gov.
Portrait of Billie Holiday, Downbeat, New York, NY, ca. Feb. 1947. Photo: William P. Gottlieb. Music Division, Library of Congress.
“Jazz Singers” Exhibition Opens at Library of Congress. Feb. 11 to July 23. The exhibition will offer perspectives on the art of vocal jazz, featuring singers and song stylists from the 1920s to the present. Performing Arts Reading Room Foyer on the first level of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. SE. loc.gov
Is It a Challenge Today to Discuss Race in America, Publicly? Feb. 10, 6:30 PM. In recognition of Black History Month, Chris L. Jenkins, Assistant Local Editor at The Washington Post, will discuss the topic and barriers to racial dialogue. MLK Library, Black Studies Center, Room 316, 901 G St. NW. 202-727-0321. dclibrary.org/mlk. Frederick Douglass Birthday Celebration in Anacostia. Feb. 13. This day of events and activities is organized by the Anacostia BID. Visit their website at anacostiabid.org for specifics.
The Dred Scott Decision: Slavery, Succession and Its Aftermath. Feb. 3, 6:30 PM. On March 6, 1857, the United States Supreme Court ruled in Dred Scott v. Sandford that Black people – whether enslaved or free – were neither citizens of the United States nor could sue in Federal Courts. In recognition of Black History Month, Christopher A. Bracey, Professor of Law at The George Washington University Law, will make a presentation on this landmark decision. MLK Library, Black Studies Center, Room 316, 901 G St. NW. 202-7270321. dclibrary.org/mlk.
The Black Panthers-Vanguard of the Revolution Screening. Feb. 18, 6:30 PM. Indie Lens Pop-Up and WHUT present a free screening of Stanley Nelson’s acclaimed documentary at Busboys and Poets, 2021 14th St. NW. The event includes a screening followed by a discussion of DC’s Black Arts Movement of the 1960s and 70s and its legacies. Reservations required at bp-dc.eventbrite.com. Film and discussion also at Anacostia Community Museum on Feb. 17, noon to 2 PM.
NMAAHC Black History Month Family Day. Feb. 6, 10 AM to 4:30 PM. A collection of guided family activities and story times will be provided to help young children understand themes of the Civil Rights movement. From 2 to 4:30 PM, March!: A Discussion Featuring Congressman John Lewis and co-author Andrew Aydin. This event is at the American History Museum. nmaahc.si.edu.
Foods of the Civil Rights Movement at the American History Museum. Feb. 20, Mar. 12, Apr. 8, May 6; 2 PM. What were the foods that nourished the Civil Rights Movement? Sur La Table Chef Lindsay Leopold takes you through some of the signature soul food creations that fed the organizers of the sit-ins, boycotts, and marches. Talks are in the Demonstration Kitchen. americanhistory.si.edu.
2 4 M I d cI t y d c n ews . c o M
Black Angels Over Tuskegee at THEARC. Feb. 25 and 26, 7:30 PM. This award-winning, historical docudrama is a narrative of six men embarking upon a journey to become the first aviators in the United States Army Air Forces during a tumultuous era of Jim Crow. Tickets are $10-$20. THEARC Theater, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-889-5901. thearcdc.org. For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow is Enuf at Anacostia Playhouse. Feb. 24 to Mar. 26. This stirring ‘choreopoem’ weaves together 20 separate poems with music and movement to tell the stories of love, empowerment, and struggle of seven African American women. Anacostia Playhouse, 2020 Shannon Pl. SE. theateralliance.com. Word Becomes Flesh at Anacostia Playhouse. Feb. 24 to Mar. 26. Through spoken word, dance and visual images, a collective of performers delivers a series of letters from a single father to his unborn son, documenting the range of emotions, fears, and expectations. theateralliance.com. The Souls of Black Folk by W. E. B. DuBois. Feb. 27, 1 PM. You are invited to attend the Southwest Library book discussion. Copies of this month’s selection, The Souls of Black Folk by W. E. B. DuBois are available for checkout at the information desk. Southwest Neighborhood Library, 900 Wesley Pl. SW. 202-724-4752. dclibrary.org/southwest. Remembering Marion Barry Tour at the ACM. Mar. 6, 11 AM and 1 PM. Barry was a guiding force in the District who came to national prominence when he was elected mayor of Washington, DC – the first prominent civil rights activist to become chief executive of a major American city. Anacostia Community Museum is at 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu. Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. Occupying the last available space on the National Mall, the museum is situated prominently between the National Museum of American History and 15th Street, next to the Washington Monument. When it opens to the public this year, it will be a centerpiece venue for ceremonies and performances, as well as a primary exhibition space for African American history and culture. Watch construction progress at nmaahc.si.edu/ Building/Camera. Tour the Frederick Douglass House. Daily at 9 AM, 12:15 PM, 1:15 PM, 3 PM and 3:30 PM. The site preserves and interprets Cedar Hill, where Frederick Douglass lived from 1877 until his death in 1895. The centerpiece is the historic house, which sits on top of a 51-foot hill and is surrounded by eight acres of the original estate. Restored to its 1895 appearance, the house is furnished with original objects that belonged to Frederick Douglass. 1411 W St. SE. nps.gov/frdo. The Lives of Frederick Douglass at President Lincoln’s Cottage. Mar. 3, 6 to 8 PM. Famed abolitionist, orator and writer Frederick Douglass wrote three autobiographies in his lifetime. Historian Robert S. Levine, author of the new book The Lives of Frederick Douglass, will discuss and reflect on Douglass’s many narratives to present a more complete and fascinating look at the social reformer. Dr. Levine is Professor of English and a Distinguished University Professor at the University of Maryland. Visitors to President Lincoln’s Cottage enter the campus through Eagle Gate, at the intersection of Rock Creek Church Rd. NW and Upshur St. NW. lincolncottage.org. u
F E BRU AR Y 2 0 1 6 2 5
OUT and ABOUT
Insatiable: How Valentine’s Day was Saved!
F
or our third Valentine’s Day together, I bought my husband Jason a pound of Belgian chocolates and hand-arranged an armload of flowers from Blue Iris at Eastern Market. Jason…well Jason had bought me nothing. Now, we have no quid pro quo with holiday gift giving, but Jason was making out pretty well.
by Jonathan Bardzik than with a regular bowl, even with using cream of tartar. Shortly after the souffle went into the oven, Jason came into the kitchen and handed me a sheet of paper. I unfolded it and saw a picture of the copper beating bowl he had just ordered as a gift. Possibly the best Valentine’s Day save ever. Whether you’re in need of a last minute save or just want to share a little Valentine’s love with friends, family or that special someone, here are my recommendations this year.
Bazaar Spices Opens in the Atlantic Plumbing Building
Three years from the opening of their exotic bazaar-inspired spice stall at Union Market (unionmarketdc.com, 1309 5th St. NE) Bazaar Spices (bazaarspices.com, 2130 8th St NW) has opened a second location in the Atlantic Plumbing Building near the 9:30 Bazaar Spices new location in the Atlantic Plumbing Building offers a broader Club. selection and room for classes. I asked owners Monica Grover and Ivan That morning I decided to learn Fitzgerald what is different and exciting how to make a souffle. I read Julia about the new store. “We’ll be able to go Child’s recipe aloud to Jason and headdeeper into our collection of spices, boed to the kitchen. In her recipe, Julia tanicals and dry goods like beans, rice and describes the copper beating bowls that lentils,” Ivan says. “The larger space will French chefs use to beat egg whites, also allow us to offer liquid items like haachieving a third more airy volume rissa and tamarind pastes as well as some
2 6 M I d c i t y d c n ews . c o M
BKK Cookshop offers the chef from Beau Thai a chance to create non-traditional Thai dishes like this pomelo salad with toasted coconut.
BKK Cookshop, in the space formerly occupied by Beau Thai, is a casual noodle house from the same owners and chef.
hard-to-find fresh herbs like Thai basil and curry leaves.” Their Atlantic Plumbing location also allows Bazaar Spices to do some custom blending and infusing. “We will offer made-to-order spice blends,” Ivan says. “Want more heat [in one of our more than 100 hand-crafted blends], no problem, need a blend for a special occasion, no problem on that either.” A custom spice blend sounds like the perfect Valentine’s gift to me! Their menu of spice, herb and botanical infused drinks will rotate, but look for saffron and nettle leaf “I’m So Not Green” tea and an infusion called “Rose Tinted Glasses” that has this wonderful rosy color and is made from a number of different aromatic edible flowers. The new store will allow them to ramp up the number of events and talks that they hold, said Ivan. “We designed our new space with events in mind and look forward to kicking off the new year with some interesting talks and events that are fun, interactive, and unique.” You can check out their Facebook page or website for a schedule.
Spice up your Valentine’s Day at BKK Cookshop
Call me provincial, but when Beau Thai departed it’s former location at R St and New Jersey Avenue NW, I failed to make the connection to BKK Cookshop (BKKCookshop. com, 1700 New Jersey Ave. NW). I’m glad I finally stopped in, because BKK, it turns out, is the airport code for Bangkok, Thailand, and the Cookshop is Beau Thai Chef Aschara Vigsittaboot’s second restaurant concept, a casual, neighborhood spot that expands her menu beyond traditional Thai. The result is delicious! My late lunch started with a pomelo salad. Pomelo is an enormous cit-
rus fruit with the flavor of sweet, mild grapefruit. BKK Cookshop prepared it with nutty, toasted coconut flakes and a sweet dressing, funky with just the right amount of fish sauce to keep it from tasting like dessert. My friend Greg ordered the Thai wings. I’m admittedly picky about wings. My perfect wing has crisp, crisp skin, moist, tender meat and enough sauce to leave me licking my fingers, manners be damned! BKK delivered all of the above and a sticky chile sauce that starts sweet and builds heat that sneaks up on you. At the recommendation of our waiter I ordered the Boat noodle bowl. The bowl arrived, steaming, filled with a sweet, spicy, richly flavored broth. The beef was meltingly Copycat Co.’s menu of handmade potstickers, bao and grilled meat skewers offers the best dumplings I’ve had in town. tender. Chinese broccoli and crisp sprouts brought fresh balance to the When the bowl arrived two weeks delicious - delicate and well-seasoned rice noodles. This may be the perlater I immediately had to confirm - not the gut bombs from my local fect Valentine’s dinner: delicious yet that it in fact delivered a third more takeout. The chicken and mushroom affordable, so it won’t cut into your volume when used to beat egg whites. had rich earthiness and the Triple Deflorist budget, and satisfying yet light, It did, and Jason got another souffle light - pork, shrimp and chive - was avoiding a post dinner food coma so out of the deal. He’s even smarter than sweet from the meat and fresh from you can stay awake for…whatever. he looks. the herbs. Lesson learned? A gift for them The Bao were also delicious. Fluffy can also be a gift for you. Maybe you dough with just the right chew surwant to share this article with that rounded the savory beef filling we special someone. You never know, it chose. As for the skewers, they are I can’t tell you about this next spot might just turn into a dinner invite. available hot or mild and I can tell you without disclosing the fact that Happy Valentine’s Day! that the hot is really spicy. However, dumplings are my favorite food. like most Asian cuisine they manage Therefore, Copycat Co. (copycatcomJonathan Bardzik is a cook, storyteller to set your mouth on fire without sacpany.com, 1110 H St. NE) had both and author living in Washington, DC. rificing flavor. We tried both the beef an immediate advance and a high bar. Jonathan’s second cookbook, Seasons to and the lemon grass pork cheek, a tenTheir menu has three choices: Taste, a four-season celebration of farm der fatty part of the pig. traditional potsticker dumplings, and garden fresh food, is available now The best part of the night was sitsteamed Bao, a bun-shaped dumpat SeasonsToTasteCookbook.com and ting at the counter watching them roll ling made with a yeasted dough, and on Amazon.com. Order a copy and find out the potsticker wrappers with far grilled meat skewers. How’d they do? out what Jonathan is cooking at www. more skill and deftness than I will ever The short answer is that they serve the jonathanbardzik.com or his Facebook master. I’m in love. best potstickers I’ve had in DC, and page “Jonathan Bardzik.” Need some I’ve eaten a lot of really good potstickfoodporn? Follow @JonathanBardzik on ers (I love you Pinch!, pinchdumpTwitter and Instagram. u lings.com). The dough was fairly thin Remember that copper beating bowl? and not too tough. The fillings were Jason didn’t just save Valentine’s Day.
Dumplings to fall in love with at Copycat Co.
Smarter than you look
F E BRU AR Y 2 0 1 6 2 7
OUT and ABOUT
Depeche Art by Phil Hutinet
MidCity Gallery Exhibitions and News
Touchstone
Hamiltonian
In Gallery A, Touchstone presents a group exhiIn Mode(s), artist bition by member artists titled At the Heart of Rob Hackett seeks the Matter. In this expansive body of all-media to understand the work, the artists explore a variety of themes via relationship bephotography, collage, drawing, painting, sculptween form, the viture, and hand pulled prints. sual plane and our In Galleries B & C, Touchstone will exinteraction with it. hibit two concurrent exhibitions by painters As a sculptor, HackDee Levinson and John Blee. Levinson shows ett undertakes this Cosmic Modules by Rachel Debuque and Justin Plakas as PLAKOOKEE. 95 figurative paintings inspired by photographs study by creating a Courtesy Hemphill Fine Arts. of sculptures that she took during her travels series of seemingly returned to Russia in 1997. Masha Trebukova through Spain, France Italy and Germany. familiar wooden left Moscow in 1991 and has lived in the AmFor John Blee, the early life of the painter has objects which chalsterdam since ever since. Both artists work on shaped the basic foundation of his worldview and lenge the viewer to paper and use watercolors, pastels, drypoints, Dee Levinson Las Tres Reinas. Image courtesy artistic process. Having spent half of his childreinterpret the physiTouchstone. and gouache as media. hood in India and Pakistan, John Blee has come cal environment, the Major public collections have acquired to understand how contact with the cultures of these sightline and the limitations derived from one’s enthe artists’ work including the Pushkin Mutwo nations permeated through him during childgagement with simple three dimensional forms. seum, Moscow; the Hirshhorn Museum and hood and left a lasting impression. In particular, the Kyle Tata's Asleep in the Factory pictorially reSculpture Garden, Washington; the Tate nations’ color palettes and focus on spiritual life has organizes found stock image booklets, blueprints and Gallery, London; the Norilsk State Gallery, greatly influenced his work. Blee likens his selection invention patents by way of collage, resulting in a reiBelgium and the Art Academy of the Soviet magined desktop which has become cluttered and diof color to choosing words for a poem. His works are Union, Moscow. sheveled. Ultimately Tata's abstract, vivid and brightly colored. imagery reexamines traditional darkroom photography suggesting a medium PLAKOOKEE is a collaborawhose process confounds tion between Rachel Debuque and creates disorder. and Justin Plakas. PLAKOOKEE will inaugurate their first installation in DC, titled Cosmic Modules, which uses extra-terrestrial landscapes seen Gallery Neptune & Brown in science-fiction "B-Movies" will present works by Oleg as inspiration for a temporary Kudryashov and Masha site specific installation. This Trebukova, two world-reproject, sponsored by Hempnowned contemporary arthill Fine Arts, is located at the ists of Russian origin. Muscorner of 17th and L Streets covite Kudryashov left his NW in downtown DC. The homeland in 1974 and lived installation is viewable 24/7 in the United Kingdom for from the street through March Kyle Tata’s Asleep at the Factory exhibit at the Hamilover twenty years until he 31, 2016. tonian Gallery. Photo: Joseph Shaikewitz
Hemphill Fine Arts
Gallery Neptune and Brown
John Blee - Nick’s Orchard. Image courtesy Touchstone.
2 8 M I d c i t y d c n ews . c o M
EMULSION 2016 Online Submissions due February 15
The Third annual East City Art Regional Juried Show returns April 9 to Gallery O on H. All visual art media will be considered including all forms of two-dimensional work, sculpture, site specific installations and performance pieces. The deadline for submitting work is February 15 at 11:59 p.m. online. For more information including a prospectus with detailed information, a schedule of critical dates and other relevant information, go to www.eastcityart.com/emulsion
Exhibitions Currently on View:
GALLERY NEPTUNE AND BROWN 1530 14th Street NW 202.986.1200 www.neptunefineart.com Through February 21 Masha Trebukova and Oleg Kudryashov: Watercolors, Pastels, Drypoints, and Gouache FOUNDRY GALLERY 2118 8th Street NW 202.232.0203 www.foundrygallery.org Through February 28 Four Painters Ann Pickett, Charlene Nield,
Becky S. Kim, and Patrick Murphy show their recent work HAMILTONIAN GALLERY 1353 U Street NW 202.332.1116 www.hamiltoniangallery.com Through February 13 Asleep in the Factory by Kyle Tata Mode(s) by Rob Hackett HEMPHILL FINE ARTS 1515 14th Street NW 202.234.5601 www.hemphillfinearts.com Through March 5 how to survive your own death by Colby Caldwell LONG VIEW GALLERY 1234 Ninth Street NW, 202.232.4788 www.longviewgallerydc.com Through February 14, 2016, Mike Weber TOUCHSTONE GALLERY 901 New York Ave NW 202.347.2787 www.touchstonegallery.com Through February 28 Gallery A – “At the Heart of the Matter” by Touchstone member artists. Gallery B & C – Concurrent exhibitions by painter Dee Levinson and John Blee WASHINGTON PROJECT FOR THE ARTS 2124 8th Street NW 202.234.7103 www.wpadc.org Through February 20 Other Worlds Other Stories group exhibition curated by Jeff Cudlin
Phil Hutinet is the publisher of East City Art, a publication dedicated to DC’s visual arts. For more information visit www. eastcityart.com u
WIDE SHOE OUTLET Men’s and Women’s sizes up to 15 EE Brands: Naturalizer • Soft Spots Ros Hommerson • Propet Walking Cradles • Easy Street Slingshots are Back
Marlow Heights Shopping Center 4123 Branch Ave. Marlow Heights, MD
301-702 1401 www.simplywide.com
Mode(s) by Rob Hackett a the Hamiltonian Gallery. Photo: Joseph Shaikewitz
Free Gift With Ad FeBRU ARy 2 0 1 6 2 9
Neighborhood
Books & Bars Book Club
Join DC Public Library librarians on the third Wednesday of each month at Gordon Biersch Brewery for a modern-day book club. Books & Bars is a book club that promises great food, drinks, a comfortable atmosphere, and great discussion on today’s most intriguing books. Socializing and happy hour specials begin at 6:30 p.m., book discussion begins at 7 p.m. RSVP encouraged to ensure enough seating. For further information, contact Kari Mitchell at kari.mitchell@dc.gov. Upcoming Book Discussions: Feb. 17, “God Help the Child” by Toni Morrison; March 16, “Homage to Catalonia” by George Orwell; April 20, “If Beale Street Could Talk” by James Baldwin; May 18, : “All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr; June 15: “Season of Migration to the North” by Tayeb Salih.
American Art Museum Tours for Visitors Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision
On Tuesdays, Feb. 9 and 23, 1 p.m., learn to find and assess quality online health information. This class is two and a half hours long. Seats will be
Learn to navigate medical websites, evaluate medical websites for updates and active links. Research personal health issues and make informed health decisions based on information retrieved from credible health web-
Temporary Traffic Lane Changes on Seventh Street NW
District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has altered the traffic patterns on Seventh St. NW from N Street to Florida Avenue for a construction project. The work is expected to continue until January 2017. The change in traffic patterns is necessary for the Streetscape Project around the Howard Theater area. Work will be extensive and includes the installation of new streetlights, traffic signals and landscaping. The improvements also include new sidewalks, ramps, curbs, gutters, multiuse meters, catch basins and bike racks. New trees will be planted and the roadway will be milled and overlayed. Although traffic will be maintained throughout the corridor, there will be temporary closures of traffic lanes, parking lanes and the sidewalk. Curbside parking will be restricted Photo: Courtesy of the National Cherry Blossom Festival while work is underway. Sidewalk detours will also be in Cherry Blossom Parade Grandstand Tickets on Sale Now place while sidewalk repair is in One of the National Cherry Blossom Festival’s largest spectator events, the parade runs along progress. For more information, Constitution Avenue from Seventh to 17th Streets NW on Saturday, April 16, 10 a.m. to noon. visit 7thstreetrehab.org or call Standing room along the parade route is free and open to the public, but grandstand seats ensure the Project Information Line the best view, and tickets are now on sale for individuals and groups of 10 or more. Grandstand 202-688-5904 or email stacee@ seating is on Constitution Avenue NW between 15th and 17th. Individual seats start at $20. tinaboydandassoc.com. Buy tickets at nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.
On Sunday, Feb. 14, at 1:30 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 18, at 3:30 p.m., join a Smithsonian American Art Museum docent for a tour designed for visitors who are blind or have low vision. Discover highlights of the collection through rich verbal description and discussion. Smithsonian American Art Museum, Eighth and F Streets NW. americanart.si.edu.
3 0 M I d c i t y d c n ews . c o M
Health Literacy for Healthy Living at MLK Library
filled on a first-come, space-available basis. Required skills are the ability to read and comprehend English well, and the skills acquired in PC Basics, Word I Basics and Web I Basics.
sites. Bring a flash drive to save class documents, or send them to an email account. The class is in the Computer Lab, Room 311. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW. 202-727-0321. dclibrary.org/mlk.
City Voids Snow Emergency Route Tickets
Mayor Muriel Bowser has announced that citations issued for parking on snow emergency routes on Friday, Jan. 22 will be voided. At 9:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 22, a snow emergency declaration
s
went into effect requiring residents to remove their vehicles from snow emergency routes, and prohibiting them from parking along these routes until the declaration expired. 2800 citations were issued Friday, each of which carried with it a $250 fine and fees for towing and vehicle storage. Unpaid citations will be voided administratively. Residents who have already paid their citations for violations will receive a refund. In either case, all applicable towing and storage fees still apply. Residents with questions about the citation void are asked to call 311.
-
Volunteer at the Keegan
c
e k s
s , d e l
e
y
n
, l
@
n . , n
The Keegan Theatre welcomes volunteers in all areas of production from front-of-house and box office support to set construction and strike to costumes and properties maintenance. Keegan volunteers work alongside professional theater administrators and artists. Visit keegantheatre.com/ get-involved/volunteer.
Memory Lab Launch at MLK Library
The Memory Lab launches on Feb. 20. Take a tour of MLK Library’s latest DIY space where you can digitize your home movies, scan photographs and slides. Learn how to care for physical and digital family heirlooms. Tours will last 20 minutes and will begin at 10 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 11:30 a., noon, 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. To learn why personal archiving is important for Black History, come to a free screening of the film “Through a Lens Darkly” at 2 p.m. in the Great Hall. Following the screening, Director Thomas Allen Harris will speak about how Black family archives shed light on people, places, events and stories that have rarely been told outside of the immediate circle of families and scholars. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW. 202-7270321. dclibrary.org/mlk.
National Book Festival Slated for September 24
The Library of Congress continues its annual celebration of authors and readers, the National Book Festival, for its 16th year on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. All programs will be free of charge. For more information, visit loc.gov/bookfest.
WACIF Announces New Executive Director
The Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF) has announced that it has named Harold B. Pettigrew, Jr. as its new Executive Director. Pettigrew will succeed Timothy Flanagan, and join WACIF in early February. Pettigrew has over a decade of economic development experience leading successful initiatives to help small businesses grow. Most recently, he served as the Director of Entrepreneurship at the Corporation for Enterprise Development, one of the nation’s leading asset building organizations focused on the financial security of lowand moderate-income entrepreneurs. Before joining CFED, he led Washington, DC’s Department of Small and Local Business Development.
Free Small Business Legal Advice Clinic
DCRA and the DC Bar Pro Bono Center offer a free Small Business Brief Advice Legal Clinic on Wednesday, Feb. 10, 5 to 7:30 p.m., at the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs’ Small Business Resource Center, 1100 Fourth St. SW, Second Floor. This clinic is for aspiring or existing small business owners. Attendees can meet one-on-one with attorneys for brief advice on any legal issues their businesses may be facing.
National Theatre Ticket Lottery
The National Theatre provides an opportunity for patrons to purchase best
available tickets for all Broadway at the National performances through their $25 Ticket Lottery. Two hours prior to every performance show time, individuals may submit their names to be drawn to purchase up to two tickets. Names will be announced thirty minutes after the entry period (90 minutes prior to the show). Lottery participants must have cash and photo ID. thenationaldc.org.
DDOT Announces New Third Street Tunnel Construction
DDOT has announced a series of new traffic patterns around the I-395 Center Leg freeway and surrounding areas of the Third Street Tunnel Project in conjunction with the start of a new phase of construction. The developer has begun installation of heavy steel beams and tunnel decking that will support the foundation of three new city blocks of business and retail space, transitioning from the tunnel construction phase. Installation of the steel elements needed for the deck will involve the use of a 300-ton crane along the I-395 traffic lanes. Both southbound lanes of I-395, from New York Avenue to E Street, NW, will be closed from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Most southbound traffic will use one of the northbound lanes. Northbound traffic will be diverted to the Second Street off-ramp and on to New Jersey Avenue. Some southbound traffic will be detoured to Fourth Street NW. In early March the northbound lanes will be closed from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Northbound traffic will be detoured to the Second Street off-ramp. Southbound lanes will be open and operate under normal conditions during this time. The southbound and northbound closures will continue to alternate through the construction period. Motorists are reminded that fines are doubled for speeding through work zones. The work begun Feb. 1 will continue for approximately seven months, ending in October 2016. For real-time traffic updates, live camera
feeds, phasing and Third Street Tunnel project information, visit 3rdStTunnel.com.
DPR Fitness Centers Now Free for DC Residents
As of Jan. 1, 2016, the DC Department of Parks and Recreation waives resident fees at DPR Fitness Centers. DPR Fitness Centers feature a variety of equipment including elliptical, stationary bikes, treadmills, free weights and universal weight machines.
Protect Pipes and Keep Hydrants Visible
As temperatures drop and winter weather arrives, DC Water reminds residents and business owners to protect their pipes. Pipes that freeze most frequently are those that are exposed to the outside, such as outdoor hose outlets, water sprinkler lines and water pipes along an outside wall; or in unheated interior areas such as cabinets, closets, attics, garages, basements and crawl spaces. For emergency service inside your home, customers should contact a licensed plumber. To prevent pipes from freezing, eliminate sources of nearby cold air by sealing drafty windows and doors, and insulating walls and attics. Wrap pipes with insulation or even newspaper. Keep water moving by turning on the faucet to a very small, steady trickle. Use the faucet farthest from the main valve. Run warm water through pipes that demonstrate a decrease in water pressure to loosen any ice that may be forming. Keep pipes in cabinets and vanities warmer by opening the doors to let warm air in.
Open Call for Juried Art Exhibition at CHAW
This March, the Capitol Hill Arts League (CHAW), hosts its annual DC-metro Open Call juried art exhibit based on the theme Appetite for Art. The call challenges metro artists to interpret local art and food. 2-D
F E BRU AR Y 2 0 1 6 3 1
Neighborhood
and 3-D works will be accepted. This year’s jurors are Public Art Project Manager Deidre Ehlen MC Williams, and Stephen Cheung, owner of Fusion Grill and Lavagna. They will select 30 pieces, picking five for cash prizes. All artists, 18 years of age or older residing in the Washington, DC metropolitan area are eligible. Deadline for submissions is Feb. 16. Details are at caphillartleague.org. All awards will be presented at the opening reception and jurors’ talk on Saturday, March 5, 5 to 7 p.m., with the jurors presenting their remarks at 6 p.m. The exhibit, which will be held at the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop at 545 Seventh St. SE, runs March 5 through April 15.
Ford’s Theatre Raises $90k for N Street Village
The Ford’s Theatre production of “A Christmas Carol” collected $90,000 on behalf of N Street Village during this year’s curtain call donation drive. Donations were collected Nov. 19 to Dec. 27. In addition to a collection at each curtain call, patrons were encouraged to make donations through the Ford’s Theatre Box Office, and members of the “Christmas Carol” company and Ford’s Theatre Society staff contributed to the campaign. fords.org. www.nstreetvillage.org.
Courage Caps Launched to Support TAPS
Courage Caps, Washington Capitals team-issued branded hats and T-shirts, are on sale now. Sponsored by Telos Corporation, 100 percent of their sales benefits the Tragedy Assistance Program
3 2 M I d c i t y d c n ews . c o M
for Survivors (TAPS). Courage Caps and T-shirts can be purchased for $20 online at WashingtonCaps.com, at the Washington Capitals Team Store at Kettler Capitals Iceplex and at the Team Store and at stands throughout Verizon Center during Capitals home games. www.taps.org.
EMULSION Juried Show Calls for Entries
Participation is open to anyone 18 years and older who resides or creates art within 50 miles of East City Art’s headquarters at 922 G St. SE. This in-
cludes the greater DC and Baltimore regions. The application deadline is Feb. 15. The exhibition venue is Gallery O on H, 1354 H St. NE in the heart of the Atlas Entertainment District. EMULSION will be on view April 9 to 15 accompanied by panel discussions and artist talks. Read more at eastcityart.com/category/calls-for-entry.
District Grants to Reduce Mobility Barriers for The Elderly
Safe at Home promotes aging-inplace for older adults (60 and older) and people living with disabilities (18 to 59 years old) by providing up to $10,000 in home accessibility adaptation grants to reduce the risk of falls and reduce barriers that limit mobility. District residents who: (1) own or rent their home; (2) are either 60 years or older, or between 18 and 59 living with a disability; and (3) have household income at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income. Contact the Safe at Home Program at 202638-0050 or email afeathPhoto: Courtesy of DC United ome@homecarepartners. org to work with a trained specialist to complete an DC United Announces Home Schedule application and collect DC United will play their home opener of the 2016 MLS supporting documentation regular season Sunday, March 20 at 5 p.m., at RFK against needed for enrollment. the Colorado Rapids. Single game tickets go on sale Feb. Once accepted, an occupa18 at 10 a.m. DC United fans can secure the best seattional therapist will work ing locations by joining the Black-and-Red family in 2016 with the applicant to idenfor as low as $20 per match. To reserve your seats and get tify potential fall risks and priority for their new stadium at Buzzard Point, call 202mobility barriers in his/her 587-5000. dcunited.com. home developing a list of Home games this year are: March 26, 4 p.m. vs. Dallas; modifications and equipApril 9, 4 p.m. vs. Vancouver; April 16. 7 p.m. vs. Toronto; ment to reduce them. The April 23, 4:30 p.m. vs. New England; May 8, 7:30 p.m. vs. Safe at Home staff then New York; May 13, 7 p.m. vs. New York Redbulls; June 1, hires a general contractor 8 p.m. vs. Seattle; June 22, 8 p.m. vs. New England; July to install the modifications 31, 6 p.m. vs. Montreal; Aug. 6, 7 p.m. vs. Philadelphia; and equipment. Aug. 13, 7 p.m. vs. Portland; Aug. 21, 3 p.m. vs. New York Redbulls; Aug. 27, 7 p.m. vs. Chicago; Sept. 24, 7 p.m. vs. Orlando; Sept. 28, 7:30 p.m. vs. Columbus; and Oct. 16, 5 2016 Visitor Parking Passes p.m. vs. New York. Register for a 2016 Visi-
tor Parking Pass (VPP) online at vpp. ddot.dc.gov/vpp. The VPP program is designed to allow District of Columbia residents’ guests to park for more than two hours on Residential Permit Parking (RPP) zoned blocks. A VPP is only valid during the hours of RPP enforcement and in the same RPP zone and ANC boundary as the residence. The passes are not necessary on holidays or other times when parking restrictions are not subject to enforcement. Residents living in certain buildings are not eligible for VPP.
American Folklife Launches My Tradition Photo Campaign
In celebration of its 40th anniversary, the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress has launched a year-long campaign asking Americans to share photos of their folk traditions. The campaign kicks off a year of events that will commemorate AFC’s four decades as the institution of record for American folk traditions and ensure that it remains the country’s most vibrant folklife archive and research center well into the future. Photo subjects can include performances; artworks; cuisine; handmade objects such as baskets, textiles or furniture making; or customs observed. The campaign asks participants to share the photos to Flickr with the tag “MyTradition” and a Creative Commons license. The campaign will last throughout 2016, and at the end of the year the Library of Congress will harvest photos that have both the tag and a license and add them to the AFC’s collections. For further details on how to participate, visit the AFC blog, Folklife Today (blogs.loc.gov/folklife/).
Help Keep Unsheltered Residents Safe this Winter
Call DC Shelter Hotline at 1-800535-7252 if you see someone in who appears to need shelter from the cold. Have a story for the Bulletin Board, email bulletinboard@hillrag.com. u
FIND US AT THESE LOCATIONS! A Divine Shine
723 T Street, NW
Habesha market
1919 9th st
Senior Building
1713 7th St. NW
Al Crostino
1926 9th Street, NW
Harris Teeter
1631 Kalorama RD NW
Shaw Library
945 Rhode Island AVE NW
Bank of Georgetown
1301 U St NW
Harris Teeter
1201 First St, NE
Shaw Mainstreet
875 N Street, NW, Suite 201
Beau Thai
1550 7th St. NW
Home Rule
1807 14th Street, NW
Shaw Metro
1800 7th st NW
Ben’s Chilli Bowl
1213 U ST NW
Howard Founders Library
500 Howard Place, NW
Shaw Metro Street Box - NE Corner 8th & R Streets., NW
Big Bad Woof
117 Carroll ST NW
Howard University
2225 Georgia Avenue, NW
Shaw Metro Street Box - NE Corner 7th & S Streets., NW
Big Bear
1700 1st ST NW
Java House (Deliver on 17th & Q) 1645 Q ST NW
Showtime Lounge
113 Rhode Island Ave. NW
Bloomingdale Wine & Spirits
1836 First St. NW
Kafe Bohem
602 Florida Avenue, NW
Simon Vintage
1911 9th Street, NW
Bread for the City
1525 7th Street NW
Kennedy Recreation Center
1401 7th ST NW
Skynear Design Gallery
1800 Wyoming Avenue, NW
Bus Boys & Poets
1025 5th ST NW
Lettie Gooch
1517 U Street, NW
SMASH Records
2314 18th Street, NW
Bus Boys & Poets
2021 14th ST NW
Lincoln Westmoreland Apts.
1730 7th Street, NW
Solid Core
1821 7th Street, NW
Calabash
1847 7th St. NW
Logan Hardware
1734 14th St NW
Starbucks
1425 P St NW
Cambria Hotel
899 O St. NW
Lost & Found
1240 9th St. NW
Starbucks
2225 Georgia AVE NW
Cantania Bakery
1404 North Capitol NW
Marriott Hotel
901 Massachusetts Ave NW
Starbucks
1301 Connecticut Ave, NW
Capitol Food Market
1634 North Capitol St.
MLK Library
901 G ST NW
Studio Theatre Street Box
14th & P Street, NW
CCN Office
224 7th ST SE
Modern Liquors
1200 9th ST NW
Sunset Spirits
1627 First St. NW
Chaplin
1501 9th Street, NW
Mount Vernon Sq. Metro
7th & M ST NW
T Street Market
80 T St. NW
Chinatown Coffee
475 H ST NW
Nelly’s
900 U St NW
The Coffee Bar
1201 S St NW
City First Bank
1432 U ST NW
Nest DC
87 Florida Ave. NW
Third District MPD
1620 V ST NW
City Paws Hospital
1823 14th St NW
Northwest One Library
155 L ST NW
Trilogy NoMa
151 Q Street, NE
Coldwell Banker
1606 17th ST NW
NW Settlement House - S St.
1739 7th Street, NW
Tryst
2459 18th ST NW
Commissary
1443 P St NW
Off Road Cycling
905 U Street, NW
Tynan Coffee
1275 First St. SE
Compass Coffee
1535 7th St. NW
Passport
11th & U Streets, NW
U Street Cafe
1301 U ST NW
CVS
2129 14th ST NW
Paul Laurence Dunbar Sr. Apts
U & 15th Street NW
U Street Metro
11th & U Streets, NW
CVS
3031 14th ST NW
Pekoe Acupuncture
1410 9th Street, NW
U Street Wine & Beer
1351 U St NW
CVS
1000 U ST NW
Peregrine Epresso
1718 14th St NW
Universal Gear
1919 14th Street, NW
CVS
1418 P ST NW
Petco Unleashed
1200 First St. NE
Unleashed
1550 7th St. NW
CVS
1637 P Street, NW
Phyllis Wheatly YWCA
901 Rhode Island Ave, NW
Uprising Muffin Company
1817 7th St NW
CVS
400 Massachusettes AVE NW
Piassa
1336 9th ST NW
Velvet Lounge
915 U Street, NW
CVS
1900 7th ST NW
Planet Pet
1738 14th St NW
Vida
1612 U St NW
Dodge City
917 U Street, NW
Politics & Prose
5015 Connecticut Ave, NW
Walgreens
1325 14th ST NW
Dove House Liquors & Restayrant 1905 9th Street, NW
Rahama African Restaurant
1924 9th Street, NW
Wanda’s
1851 7th Street, NW
Drafting Table
1529 14th ST NW
Reeves Center
2000 14th ST NW
Whole Foods Yellow Box
1440 P Street NW
Dunkin Donuts
1739 New Jersey Ave NW
Reeves Center Street Box
14th & U Street, NW
Why Not Boutique
1348 U Street, NW
Emmaus Services for Aging
1426 9th ST NW
Reformation Fitness
1302 9th St NW #1
Wilson Building
1350 Pennsylvania AVE NW
First Cup Coffee
900 M ST NW
Right & Proper Brew
624 T St. NW
Windows Cafe
101 Rhode Island AVE NW
Flash
645 Florida Avenue, NW
Rite Aid
1306 U Street NW
Wydown Coffee Bar
1924 14th St NW
Foster House Apartments
801 Rhode Island Ave, NW
Rito Loco
606 Florida Avenue, NW
Yes Organic Market
2123 14th St NW
Giant
1345 Park RD NW
Safeway
490 L St. NW
YMCA
1711 Rhode Island Ave, NW
Giant
1050 Brentwood RD NE
Safeway
1747 Columbia RD NW
Yoga District
1830 1st ST NW
Giant at O Street Market
1400 7th St NW
Safeway
1701 Corcoran ST NW
GMCHC Family Life Center
605 Rhode Island Avenue NE
Sbarro
1101 7th St. NW
Grassroots Gourmet, LLC
104 Rhode Island Ave NW
Seaton Market
1822 North Capitol St. NW
MIDCITY
MIDCITY
YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
FeBRU ARy 2 0 1 6 3 3
Neighborhood
Income Matters
How DC Can Give Children a Better Chance of Escaping Poverty by Kate Coventry
A
large and growing body of research finds that family economic stability, or the lack thereof, has lasting impacts on a child’s ability to succeed in school and in later life. The challenges poor parents face in creating a positive environment for their children – like inadequate access to healthy food or unstable and unhealthy housing – can lead to toxic levels of stress and adversely affect both physical and cognitive development, including brain development. Low-income children enter school well behind other children and then perform more poorly. They complete fewer years of education and then work less and earn less as adults than others. That may sound depressing and hopeless, but it shouldn’t. Research also shows that increasing a family’s income, even by a small amount, can make a big difference on a range of outcomes for poor children, including test scores, school attendance, high school graduation, college enrollment, and future employment. This research helps explain why reducing poverty from generation to generation is so hard. Children facing toxic stress have trouble focusing at school, contributing to DC’s stubborn achievement gap despite years of school reform. It tells us that policies to improve family stability, such as affordable housing and paid family leave, are not just nice to offer but actually are critical to the city’s economic future. One important place to start is DC’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. TANF provides a level of aid to unemployed
3 4 M I d c i t y d c n ews . c o M
parents so low that it guarantees families will live in constant stress: just $441 a month for a family of three. A plan to raise benefits over the next three years is really important to improving family stability. The District also needs to reform the TANF time limit that is set to go into effect in October 2016, which could leave thousands of families with no income and in deeper stress. Changing the time limit with the goal of supporting family stability, such as giving families time they need rather than a rigid time limit, would help ensure that TANF supports better child outcomes rather than worsening them.
Poverty’s Impacts
Low-income children are more likely than other children to face malnutrition and exposure to toxins, resulting in high rates of asthma, lead poisoning, low birth weight, developmental delays, and learning disabilities. Beyond that, a growing body of research suggests that poverty can leave children in highly stressful environments, “toxic stress,” with serious negative impacts. Toxic stress impairs the development of the area of the brain crucial to the acquisition of executive functioning (EF) skills such as memory, attention-focusing, planning, and the inhibition of impulsive behaviors. One study found that a young adult’s working memory at age 17 “deteriorated in direct relation to the number of years children lived in poverty.” Children experiencing toxic stress are also more likely to have emotional behavioral disorders and struggle to manage stress. Exposure to toxic stress can change the immune system and lead to increased inflammation, associated with poor health outcomes like asthma, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune disorders. Additionally, toxic stress in early childhood is a risk factor for later risky behavior, like illicit drug use, that can negatively affect adult health. One study found that poor children had an average of 7 to 10 percent less grey matter in areas of the brain associated with academic test performance than children living above 150 percent of the poverty line. This explains as much as one-fifth of the gap in achievement scores between children
from lower and higher-income families.
Financial Stability Helps Children
The good news is that increasing a family’s income, even by a small amount, can reduce stress and improve a range of outcomes for poor children. One study found that an increase of $3,000 in annual family income before age five was associated with 19 percent higher earnings and a 135-hour increase in annual work hours during adulthood. A study of Native American families who received $4,000 per adult annually from their tribe’s casino profits found their children were more likely to graduate from high school by age 19. The children were less likely to commit minor crimes, less likely to report dealing drugs in their youth. Children from the poorest families experienced the largest gains. A second study found that additional casinoprofit income reduced behavioral and emotional disorders associated with lower levels of educational attainment and employment. It also improved personality traits like conscientiousness and agreeableness. The largest gains were for children who prior to the casino payments had shown more symptoms of emotional and behavioral disorders and were behind their peers in these personality traits.
What DC Can Do
These findings show that policies that boost incomes, help families meet their basic needs, or otherwise promote financial stability not only help families cope with the rising costs of living, but also help children live up to their potential and contribute fully to the economy. While the District has done a great deal in this regard – increasing the minimum wage, expanding housing assistance, and creating the largest earned income tax credit (EITC) for working poor families at the state level – the policies in its TANF welfare-towork program could leave very low-income families in deep poverty. Actions taken over the next several years could greatly improve TANF’s role in promoting family economic stability. DC’s TANF benefits are very low, just $441 per
month for a family of three. The District should follow through on a series of planned increases over the next three years that would raise benefits to $644 per month, 35 percent of the poverty line. This still leaves DC’s benefits low but at least would put them in line with other high-cost jurisdictions such as Boston, Los Angeles, and New York City. The District should modify its TANF time limit to help more families move toward greater financial stability without pushing more children into deep poverty. Under the current time limit policy, some 6,000 families with 13,000 children who have received assistance for 60 months or more are slated to lose all benefits by October 2016. Recognizing the complex lives of many poor families and the dangers of children living in deep poverty, 44 states allow some families more time after the time limit to move to self-sufficiency. But DC’s rigid time limit has no exceptions. Most families removed from TANF across the country are not able to replace lost benefits with employment income, leaving many to face chaotic and unstable lives. This leads to increases in homelessness and child neglect. The District should replace its rigid time limit with a policy that gives families the supports and time they need to make progress. Ensuring that children do not fall into deep poverty will create a brighter future for them and for the District as a whole. Kate Coventry is a policy analyst at the DC Fiscal Policy Institute (www.dcfpi.org). DCFPI promotes budget and policy solutions to reduce poverty and inequality in the District of Columbia and to increase the opportunity for residents to build a better future. u
G G ROOFING
AWARDED BEST WASHINGTON, DC CONTRACTOR OF 2012 BY ANGIE’S LIST FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED • “50 YEARS EXPERIENCE”
Flat Roof Specialists • Modified Bitumen • Skylights • Shingles • Slate •
Chimney Repairs • Roof Coatings • Gutters & Downspouts • Preventive Maintenance • Metal Roofs •
10% OFF WITH THIS AD
202.425.1614 WWW.GANDGHOMEIMPROVEMENTS.NET
Licensed & Insured | All Work Managed & Inspected by Owners
F E BRU AR Y 2 0 1 6 3 5
Neighborhood
Shaw Streets by Pleasant Mann
Shaw Bounces Back from Snowzilla
Shaw, along with the rest of the District, was hit hard by the two feet of snow from the Snowzilla blizzard. But Shaw businesses quickly snapped back. The City Market at O Giant remained open
for the duration of the storm. As the blizzard started to end on Saturday afternoon, over a dozen Shaw businesses announced that they would be open that night. At Convivial, the restaurant staff was put up at the neighboring Cambria Suites on Friday night, and they were ready to Convivial crowd takes advantage of Snowzilla discount. Photo courtesy of Convivial restaurant serve brunch in the middle of the it that much more loveable.” The magazine also dessnowstorm. Chef/Owner Cedric ignated its Fried Chicken Coq au Vin, one of its Maupillier established a Snowzilla main offerings, as Dish of the Year. discount based on the amount of Other Shaw restaurants made appearances on snow that fell. Eventually the disthe 100 list. The Dabney, in Bladgen Alley, was count got to 20 percent. ranked 51st, the Washingtonian saying that the Early on Sunday morning, the restaurant had already “set itself apart in its three Shaw Clean + Safe Team started months of existence” with its Mid-Atlantic, locallyworking on clearing the sidewalks focused cuisine. Baby Wale came in at Number 58, in front of small businesses on Sevas the place where Chef “Tom Power lets his hair enth and Ninth Streets. The team down.” They go on to note that “Power is a masalso cleared the public areas around ter soup maker, and if his elegant tomato is on the Shaw’s Metro Station entrances menu, you would be remiss for not starting there.” and ensured that that they had ADA access.
Shaw Restaurants Make Top Washingtonian 100 List
Shaw Clean + Safe Team clearing snow from Ninth Street. Photo: Alexander Padro
3 6 M I d c i t y d c n ews . c o M
Convivial has also acquired buzz in another venue: the new Washingtonian List of 100 Top Restaurants. Although it has only been open for a couple of months, Washingtonian magazine has declared Convivial the fourth best in its annual list of restaurants in the DMV, noting that “it could easily charge more for cooking of this excitement and quality. That it chooses to be accessible just makes
Great Streets Improvements Start on Seventh Street
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) announced that it would start its Great Streets improvements to upper Seventh Street NW on January 19. This Great Streets project, estimated to cost around $6.1 million, has been in the works for almost a decade. It follows the effort to rehabilitate the area around the Howard Theatre, and will involve resurfacing and streetscape work on Seventh Street from N Street to Florida Avenue, excluding the blocks where City Market at O, Jefferson Market Place and Progression Place are located. The improvements will include milling and resurfacing of the asphalt pavement, replacement
of the street’s granite curbs, repair and or replacement of existing concrete/brick gutters, replacement of existing sidewalks, installation of ADA-compliant improvements and enhancements, replacement of existing single catch basins with standard double catch basins, an upgrade to traffic signals and streetlights, new landscaping, installation of centralized parking meters, new bike racks, and new trash receptacles.
the Columbia Room itself, a tasting room that will have a pre-fixe menu of cocktails and food. Ferhat Yalcin of Fishnet is completing the revamp of his Shaw restaurant. The new restaurant, Drift (1819 Seventh St. NW) will serve sustainable seafood at affordable prices. The menu includes items like blue catfish, fish and chips, lobster rolls, mussels and cedar plank salmon. A new restaurant at 1230 Ninth
Great Streets Seventh Street Rehabilitation Plan. District Department of Transportation
Although traffic will be maintained throughout the corridor, there will be temporary closures of traffic lanes, parking lanes and sidewalks as the project progresses. The work is expected to continue until January 2017.
Coming in February
Derek Brown and his partners will reopen the Columbia Room, the high-end cocktail lounge that garnered a national reputation, in Blagden Alley on February 9. The new location is 2,400 square feet in size, divided into three areas: the Spirits Library, a lounge serving exotic liquors and cocktails, an outdoor deck called the Punch Garden, and
St. NW by Chef Malik Fall plans to open at the end of February. The 4,500 square foot restaurant will span two floors and have a lounge and whiskey bar. There will also be a deck with a retractable roof. Chef Fall has worked at Le Bernardin and Del Posto in New York and the venerable La Tour D’Argent in Paris. He was also a contestant on Food Network’s “Chopped.” u
F E BRU AR Y 2 0 1 6 3 7
Neighborhood
Bloomingdale Buzz by Ellen boomer audience,” Shawn explained. “There simply is no substitute for the visceral The Unified Scene Theater (TUST) experience of being right there with is an improv and sketch comedy thethe performers as they make discovater in the heart of Bloomingdale. eries in the moment, where you get Founders Kathy Baird Westfall and the feeling that absolutely anything Shawn Westfall are helping improv can happen.” students get out of their comfort TUST offers several improv classzones, improve their communication es, including one for business leadskills, and build a sense of community ers. “It’s all about flowing with what and collaboration. jumps into your mind and respond“A lot of students signing up for ing with your wits,” Danny Maiello, a improv are looking to improve preSenior Partner at Fleishman-Hillard sentation skills, become better listenInternational Communications, said. ers, learn team-building skills and “You can’t shut down ideas,” exbe more comfortable on the spot or plained David Connerty-Marin, who without a script,” Kathy said. works as a director of communicaThe Westfalls, Bloomingdale resitions for an education nonprofit, “but dents who met through improv, wanted if you know they’re not working, you to fill a niche in DC and create a comcan positively move the scene - or the munity for improv comedy, theater, stobusiness meeting - in a different direcrytelling, sketch, art, and spoken word tion by offering a ‘yes, and’ solution.” where the audience and performers can In the six months since TUST feed off each other’s energy. opened, they’ve already been involved “Too much of our aesthetic expein the Bloomingdale House Tour and rience these days is mediated by techArt Show, hosted a Bloomingdale nology…which places significant disresident’s art exhibit, set up a booth at tance between the performer and the the Farmers Market, and offered free improv workshops every month. Looking ahead, TUST has three improv shows in February, and they may add workshops and classes for kids. “Bloomingdale is one of the most engaging neighborhoods I’ve experienced…People sit on their porches and say ‘hello’ to you on the street, you get to know the local baristas and shop owners, The Unified Scene Theater founders Kathy Baird Westfall and Shawn Westfall. and the community
Improving Through Improv
Photo: Geoff Livingston
3 8 M I d c i t y d c n ews . c o M
here is active and engaged to a level I don’t see everywhere,” Kathy said. “There really is no other place like us
indoors and 30 spots on the popular patio, Bacio is a great destination in any weather.
Spring blossoms at Bacio Pizzeria. Photo: Bacio Pizzeria
in this part of DC.” Visit The Unified Scene Theater at 80 T St. NW, at http://www.unifiedscenetheater.com, or email info@ unifiedscenetheater.com.
That’s Amore
Every neighborhood needs a dedicated pizza place, and Bloomingdale has Bacio. With their signature pizzas named after various DC neighborhoods, this pizzeria has found its way into the hearts — and stomachs — of Bloomingdale residents. Owners Atilla Suzer and his wife, Lisa Friedman, opened their restaurant in 2011. “We wanted to be focused on the neighborhood and create a chill environment,” Suzer said. Part of that vibe is making sure Bacio is family and neighborhood friendly, so they close at 10:30 p.m. most nights. With nearly 50 seats
“When the weather is nice, their patio lights and greenery beckon you to enjoy a casual meal on their deck, with or without a dog in tow,” Bloomingdale resident Susan Seutter said. “When you can’t eat outside, they have charming seating upstairs.” Bacio has nine pizzas, all with local names. The Eckington has pepperoni, ham, sausage, onion, Bacio mozzarella, and tomato sauce while the signature Bloomingdale, Bacio’s most popular pizza, is topped with prosciutto, cherry tomato, fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomato sauce. In addition to pizzas, Bacio also offers salads, calzones, beer, wine, sodas, and locally made desserts from Moorenko’s ice cream, Grassroots Gourmet, and Uncle Chip’s Cookies. They also source ingredients from Common Good City Farm. “We like to keep the money local,” Suzer explained. “I make less
money, but my customers are happy, and I’m supporting local businesses.” “Bacio is one of our Bloomingdale favorites,” Alan Seutter said. “The service is always friendly and accommodating, the owners love dogs, and of course the pizza is excellent!” Visit Bacio Pizzeria at 81 Seaton Pl. NW, at www.baciopizzeria.com, or call 202-232-2246.
Aisha Bond, owner of NanBon Confectionery. Photo: Aisha Bond
Sweets For Your Sweet
NanBon Confectionery, owned by Aisha Bond, will have their annual Valentine’s popup restaurant this year. Called Carnal-Val… entines, the evening will feature a multicourse gourmet meal, entertainment, music, and games. While this year’s menu is not set, it will be similar to last year’s menu, which included several amuse bouche such as oyster shooters and savory egg custard with caviar followed by butternut squash soup with crab and artichoke salad. The entrees were Chicken and Spinach Roulade with Apricot glaze and Braised Short Ribs with Tagliatelli and shaved Chocolate. Dessert featured Nipples of Venus, bread pudding with lemon curd, and a fruit and cheese platter. Each dinner ticket is $115 and includes two glasses of wine, a glass of champagne, and a glass of passion punch. Diners can purchase a la carte cocktails such as a Dirty Martini, Buttery Nipple, Sex on the Beach,
and French Kiss. “Last year featured a Brazilian theme and included samba carnival dancers and masks,” Bond explained. “This year will be slightly different but as always, we will embrace rich culture and the forms in which they celebrate and show love.” In addition to the Valentine’s event, NanBon will host a pop-up brunch for Mother’s Day, frequent Sunday tea times, and tea parties or luncheons as a venue for children to learn etiquette. NanBon also features a kids’ summer culinary academy and cooking birthday parties for children. The main focus of NanBon, however, is desserts. Bond sells her delicious desserts, including her grandmother’s bread pudding, at various farmers’ markets in DC including the ones in Bloomingdale, 14th and U St., and H St. NanBon’s creations, such as her buttermilk pecan pie, will soon be available in some local gourmet markets and are always available via NanBon’s website. “NanBon Confection’s menu is pretty consistent with that original menu from the farmer’s market days: bread pudding, strawberry bread, pound cake, buttermilk pecan tarts, sweet potato tarts as well as a raspberry almond tart and a few other treats like my dark chocolate brownies topped with a layer of chocolate ganache. Bond lives with Bloomingdale with her husband and their three children. “We chose Bloomingdale because it was diverse and developing yet very true to the native DC that I love,” Bond shared. “Bloomingdale in many ways is its own little Mayberry in that neighbors speak and care for each other and many of our commercial establishments are run and operated by those who live in Bloomingdale. When I walk the streets, people remember me for my pies and desserts and often fondly offer me a memory they have which includes something I’ve made. It just feels good to be a part of a great neighborhood.” Contact NanBon Confectionery at www. nanbon.com or call Info@nanbon.com. u
F E BRU AR Y 2 0 1 6 3 9
Neighborhood
Mt. Vernon Triangle by Ellen Boomer
Making a Difference
Mount Vernon Triangle resident Pooya Rezai is heading to Greece this month, but it’s not to escape the winter weather. Instead, this tech entrepreneur and former ocean lifeguard will spend several weeks helping refugees. Like many of us, Rezai was moved by the photo of the young Syrian boy who drowned off the Turkish coast. “As a former Ocean Lifeguard from California, it is very difficult for me to keep seeing people drowning, especially on the shoreline where a beach lifeguard can make a lifesaving difference,” Rezai shared. “I’ve also learned that there is a shortage of Farsi/Dari speakers.” Rezai and his family left Iran during the war with Iraq when he was just 10 years old, finally settling in southern California. “My father told us that America is best place in the world for a family who had left everything to bring their culture and religion and be able to practice it to its fullest freedom,” Rezai remembered. Rezai moved to DC for a job in 2003 and bought a condo in MVT in 2009. “I really love my neighbors and the community feel,” Rezai said. “I also like the ease of access to Maryland and Virginia along with the luxury to walk nearby for coffee, chai, dinner, or drinks with friends.” After working as an analyst and business development manager for many years and earning a master’s degree from John Hopkins Krieger School of Arts & Sciences, Rezai co-founded a social enterprise called NooshTube named for the Farsi saying, “Nooshe jan,” or “may your soul be nourished,” similar to “bon appetit.” “Our goal is to create a ‘safe-
4 0 M I d c i t y d c n ews . c o M
Pooya Rezai at the Persian Tech Entrepreneur Tech Competition in 2015. Photo: Pooya Rezai
kitchen’ where users can create their family recipe books and curate it with their associated memories,” explained Rezai. “Think of it as a hybrid between Ancestry.com and a multimedia Pinterest.” NooshTube enables families to record and share their culinary traditions, and Rezai hopes the site will inspire a new approach to diplomacy and cross-cultural understanding. For the next few weeks though, his focus will be helping refugees. “The lifeguard just saves lives,” Rezai explained. “He or she does not check someone’s heritage or national status before saving a life. To me, it’s one of the purest and most indiscriminate forms of lifesaving, so basically by going out there, I’m being allowed the honor of saving a life.” Contact Pooya Rezai via NooshTube at nooshtube.com or at pooya@ nooshtube.com.
changing during the 1960s and 70s. Native Washingtonian Chris Earnshaw photographed the demolition of many historic buildings and, in the process, preserved a piece of the city’s past. In addition to the 54 framed prints and 100 Polaroids and Instamatic drugstore prints, the exhibit also includes pieces of demolished buildings Earnshaw saved, his original cameras, and even an activity for visitors to match photographs to their relevant captions. Each part of the exhibit contributes to the importance of bearing witness to a bygone era in DC. Many of the captions on Earnshaw’s photos include the words “lost,” “demolished,” and “razed.” One of the photos has the following caption: “Fire-ravaged buildings on the northwest corner of 7th St. and Mount Vernon Place, NW, a consequence of DC riots. Picture taken on morning of April 6, 1968.” This exhibit is a collaboration with Joseph Mills, a fellow artist and archivist who works at Dumbarton Oaks. Mills, who’s known Earnshaw for many years, scanned, digitally enhanced, printed, and framed the photos. Earnshaw’s artistic endeavors
Preserving DC’s Past
The photography exhibit DISTRICT captures how life in DC was
The opening of Chris Earnshaw’s exhibit DISTRICT. Photo: Jeff Malet
also extend to writing and playing music, specifically the blues which seems like an apt soundtrack for this exhibit. His current photography project is using a camera phone to document the old trees of Washington that are disappearing. The exhibit, which runs through February 26, is at the Historical Society of Washington, DC at the Carnegie Library. The Society was founded in 1894 to preserve DC’s history and includes temporary shows, a permanent exhibit entitled Window to Washington, which chronicles the development of the capitol city, and the Kiplinger Research Library. Visit the Historical Society of Washington, DC at 801 K St. NW, at www.dchistory.org, or call 202249-3955.
Firing Up Your Appetite
Sixth Engine’s extensive food and drinks menu has rescued many Mount Vernon Triangle residents. In the four years since it opened, this firehouseturned-restaurant has become a neighborhood staple for creative culinary concoctions and old standards. Founded in 1855, Sixth Engine is the oldest firehouse in DC and is one of the 11 remaining buildings designed by architect Adolf Cluss, who was responsible for nearly 100 buildings in the city, including Eastern Market. Restauranteurs Jeremy Carman, Gavin Coleman, Paul Holder, Paul Madrid, and Tim
Walsh bought Sixth Engine after it sat abandoned for nearly 40 years. This group brought their experience of operating Town Hall in Glover Park and the Dubliner to this venture. In addition to bar standards such as cheeseburgers, fries, and wings, Sixth Engine’s menu also includes lamb pasta, shrimp and crayfish, and broccolini. There are several vegetarian options including pasta primavera, red beans and rice, and quinoa salad. Among their signature cocktails is the Sixth Engine, a combination of Great King St. scotch, Ruby port, and an Angostura Peat Monster scotch float. The bar also features several local beers and a variety of wines by the glass and bottle. Sixth Engine has happy hour and late night specials as well as weekend brunch. While the 50-seat patio is the perfect hang-out once the weather warms up, the main bar and upstairs dining room are cozy spots to while away the winter. Visit Sixth Engine at 438 Massachusetts Ave. NW, at www.sixthengine. com, or call 202-5062455. u
Zoning Project for K Street Hotel and Condo
Representatives of the DC firm PGN Architects LLC spoke before the members of Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6E during the January meeting to discuss plans for developing a property located at the corner of Fourth and K streets NW into a mixed-use building of condos and hotel rooms. The plans call for 200 hotel units, 30 residential units, and a small amenity space that will be used as a bar and lounge area. PGN representatives showed detailed plans of the project and noted that they had previously met with the DC Office of Zoning in October and November to discuss having the ability to provide valet parking service. In conjunction with the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) they are proposing to locate the two valet parking spaces on the Fourth Street side. The group also requested support from the ANC for variance relief for 72 parking spaces that they will not be able to provide onsite. The representatives said that they have reached out to nearby parking facilities to cover the extra spaces and have recently received four letters of intent from interested facilities that have offered a combined 140 to 150 spaces, which will more than secure the 72 spaces needed. After the commissioners raised parking concerns the project representatives pointed out that most of the occupants will be on business and pleasure travel and unlikely to arrive in a car and take up a space. Representatives also noted that there will be no large ballroom or function space on the property to make it a destination spot that would accommodate events such as weddings. It is estimated that construction of the project could take two to three years. The commissioners voted in favor of supporting the group’s zoning relief request for parking, rear yard, and loading relief.
Ambar Receives Support for ABRA License
A representative of Ambar, a new bar and restaurant located at 1547 Seventh St. NW, requested support for a Class C, CR license
ANC 6E Report by Steve Holton from the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA). The representative told the commissioners that Ambar will provide no entertainment on the premises and is strictly a restaurant. There are plans for an enclosed sidewalk cafe on the property. If approved, cafe hours will end at 11 p.m. and midnight, consistent with the operating hours of the interior. The commissioners motioned to communicate support for the license request to ABRA subject to the approval of a settlement agreement between the commission and the restaurant owners.
Rooftop Zoning Request for Fifth Street Hotel
Representatives of a hotel located at 901 Fifth St. NW requested support for structure relief for a rooftop bar and restaurant. They assured the commissioners that the space would not be used as a nightclub but rather a cocktail lounge. Other uses for the rooftop will include residential recreation space. The commissioners passed a motion to communicate support for the structure relief request to the Board of Zoning Adjustment contingent on the space not being used as a nightclub.
Supports Change of Class Application
Variety Store, located at 1618 Eighth St. NW, requested support to change from an Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board Class B license to a Class A license. The establishment is a convenience store that sells beer and wine, and the license change will provide the ability to sell liquor. Subject to the signing of a settlement agreement between ANC 6E and Variety Store’s owner, the commissioners supported the applica-
tion change and will communicate that support to ABC and ABRA.
Large-Tract Review for DC Bar
The DC Bar Association leases office space at 1101 K St. NW and is making an effort to purchase property located at 901 Fourth St. NW. Other than an existing three story building on the property, the site is a parking lot. Project plans call for a multi-building complex featuring three new buildings that will house office space. Ground-floor retail use will be a part of the new complex, and suggestions have been made to have part of it serve as a daycare center and restaurant. Development plans call for a service alley between the buildings for loading purposes; the parking entrance will be located on the I Street side of the property. It is a DC regulation that buildings with over 50,000 square feet of space must go through a large-tract review process, a multilayer review by the Office of Planning. A DC Bar representative explained that the bar association had come to the ANC meeting to seek support. The commissioners motioned to support development of the site and noted that the building’s designs sustained the architectural style of the neighborhood.
2016 Elections
To begin the meeting, the commissioners held an election of officers that was presided over by former ANC 6E Chair Lydia Goring. Marge Maceda (6E05) was reelected as chair for the second straight year; Alexander Padro (6E01) was elected vicechair; Antonia Barnes (6E06) will serve as the secretary for 2016; and Kevin Chapple (6E02) will remain as the treasurer.
Next Meeting
ANC 6E will meet again at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 1 at the Northwest One Library on 155 L St. NW. Visit www.anc6e.org to view the newsletter; follow on Twitter @ANC6E and on Facebook by searching ANC6E. Steve Holton can be contacted at ssholton@ gmail.com and followed on twitter @ssholton. u
F E BRU AR Y 2 0 1 6 4 1
kids and family
by Kathleen Donner
Family Fun Days at the Atlas INTERSECTIONS
During INTERSECTIONS Festival 2016 (Feb. 26 to March 6), each Saturday morning the Atlas comes alive with performances and activities for all members of the family. The Atlas lobby will be filled with music, balloons, clowns, instrument “petting zoos” and more. All lobby activities are free. INTERSECTIONS ticketed family events: Shakespeare for The Young: Midsummer Magic, Feb. 27 and March 5, 9:30 a.m.; Cri-Cri El Grillito Cantor: The Singing Cricket, Feb. 27 and March 5, 10:30 a.m.; General Mischief Dance Theatre: Mischief goes Mobile/”Up and Away”, Feb. 27, 11:30 a.m.; Arts on the Horizon — Space Bop, March 5, 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. and March 6, 11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m.; Classical Ballet Theatre presents “Day on the Ranch”, March 5, 11:30 a.m.; March 12, 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. The Atlas Performing Arts Center is at 1333 H St. NE. The box office number is 202-399-7993 ext. 2. atlasarts.org.
Lego Love for the Whole Family
On Saturday, Feb. 13, 10 a.m. to noon, you’re invited to a morning of modern design inspiration. Bring the family, escape the cold and enjoy Valentine’s Day fun with Lego Man, featuring a life-sized creation using Legos from Brixalot. Guests can build their own designs from thousands of Legos and create their own Valentine’s Day paper crafts. Enjoy healthy snacks and discover how to create an imaginative space for children using American-made furnishings. Room & Board is at 1840 14th St. NW. RSVP at RoomandBoard.com/events/LegoLoveWDC.
African American Pioneers in Aviation
Each February, the National Air and Space Museum celebrates the significant contributions African Americans have made to flight and space exploration despite the overwhelming obstacles they had to overcome. Visitors enjoy presentations, hands-on activities and stories. Meet astronauts, fighter pilots, and others who will share stories of their challenges and accomplishments. Learn about inspiring historic figures like Bessie Coleman through reenactments or story times. African American Pioneers in Aviation and Space is on Feb. 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the National Air and Space Museum, Independence Avenue at Sixth Street SW. airandspace.si.edu.
Chinese New Year Celebration
On Monday, Feb. 8, 4 p.m., join the folks at Shaw Library in the story time room as they welcome in the Year of the Monkey! You’ll learn about Chinese New Year traditions and the Chinese zodiac animals, make a New Year’s craft, and wish each other xinnian kuaile. Wear your best red to bring luck in the New Year. For kids ages 3 and up. Shaw Watha T. Daniel Neighborhood Library, 1630 Seventh St. NW. 202-727-1288. dclibrary.org/watha. Photo: Courtesy of the National Building Museum
Discover Engineering Family Day at the National Building Museum
On Saturday, Feb. 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., join the National Building Museum to discover how professional engieers turn ideas into reality. Then, do some engineering and problem solving of your own. Celebrate Engineers Week, Feb. 21 to 27. Participate in this free, hands-on, and fun-filled festival. Explore thermodynamics, electricity, aerodynamics, and more with engineers at more than 25 activities and demonstrations made especially for kids. The National Building Museum is at 401 F St. NW. 202-272-2448. nbm.org.
4 2 M I d c i t y d c n ews . c o M
My First 5K/10K
This race is definitely for those who have never run a 5K before. Here is a chance to run or walk with your peers and to scratch it off your bucket list. My First 5K/10K is Feb. 20 at 10 a.m. at C&O Canal Towpath in Georgetown, 3700 Water St. Register at active.com/washington-dc. Kids ages 11 and under run for free.
Rapping and Spoken Word Workshop
BARS is a workshop for youth that enjoy rapping and writing Spoken Word poems. Learn to write new songs to original beats
APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE 2016-2017 SCHOOL YEAR Apply for admissions at: www.myschooldc.org or call (202) 888-6336
Pre-K 3 through 4th grade
Building a strong foundation for learning
Open Houses on the following Thursdays, 9:30 am-10:30 am*:
February 18 & 25 March 17 & 24 . April 21 & 28 *You must register for these sessions by calling (202) 726-1843. For the 2016-2017 school year Bridges PCS will be in our new location:
100 Gallatin St. NE, Washington, DC 20011.
www.bridgespcs.org 1250 Taylor Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011 p: 202.545.0515 Accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Voted one of the Best Preschools in DC, City Paper Readers Poll 2013 -2015!
FeBRU ARy 2 0 1 6 4 3
kids and family
Library, 1630 Seventh St. NW. 202-727-1288. dclibrary.org/watha.
Smithsonian Associates Summer Camp
Brave the wintry weather like George Washington and his troops around a campfire in the garden — among other fun indoor activities — at February’s Camp at Valley Forge. Photos: Sam Hurd
Camp at Valley Forge at Anderson House
On Saturday, Feb. 27, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., celebrate George Washington’s birthday by attending Camp at Valley Forge at Anderson House. Children will learn about the Continental Army’s experience at the winter encampment in 1777-78 through hands-on activities, including drilling, cooking over a campfire and building a miniature camp model. This program is for ages 8 to 11. $35 per child. Snacks provided, but children must bring their own lunch. Reservations required. Camp at Valley Forge is at Anderson House, 2118 Massachusetts Ave. NW. 202-785-2040. societyofthecincinnati.org. and poems to record and perform. Spend time making art that makes a difference in your community. No signup necessary, just stop by the Shaw Library, 1630 Seventh St. NW, lower level meeting room on Wednesdays between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m.; and MLK Library, 901 G St. NW, on Tuesdays, 4 to 6 p.m. BARS is presented by Words, Beats & Life. Read about Words, Beats & Life at wblinc.org.
My School DC Lottery Information Session
On Tuesday, Feb. 9, 4:30 p.m., join My School DC at Shaw Library to learn more about how to apply through the common lottery for DCPS and public charter schools. Questions? Call 202-888-6336 or visit MySchoolDC.org. Watha T. Daniel Neighborhood
4 4 M I d c i t y d c n ews . c o M
Smithsonian Associates offers one-of-a-kind learning experiences that spark the imagination — and offer plenty of great fun — during Smithsonian Summer Camp, now in its 47th year. A wide variety of camps for children in kindergarten through ninth grade will be held Monday, June 20, through Friday, Aug. 19, at the Smithsonian’s S. Dillon Ripley Center, 1100 Jefferson Dr. SW. During summer camp, kids explore, discover, create and go behind the scenes at the Smithsonian. Campers can blast into space, take center stage, create a masterpiece, invent a fantasy world, relive history or learn to shape the future of the planet. The rich and exciting world of the Smithsonian is theirs to discover. More than 90 camps are offered this year, with a camper-to-instructor ratio of 4:1. Camps are held Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Before-camp (8 to 9 a.m.) and after-camp (4:30 to 6 p.m.) activities are also available. Prices for weeklong summer camps are $460 for non-members and $395 for Smithsonian Associates members. For more information, visit smithsonianassociates.org/camp or call 202-633-3030.
National Archives Story Time for Pre-Schoolers
On Wednesday, Feb. 17, 10 to 11 a.m., it’s story time at the National Archives. Join them for stories, activities, and crafts about Presidents. This program is designed especially for 3 to 5-yearolds and accompanying adults. The National Archives is at 700 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. archives.gov. Also at the Archives, delve into the history of the Emancipation Proclamation and learn about US Presidents through hands–on activities in the Boeing Learning Center, Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout the month of February.
NSO Family Concert “Let’s Remix the Classix!”
What would the classics sound like with a hiphop beat? On Sunday, Feb. 28, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., join Grammy-nominated beatboxer and multi-instrumentalist Christylez Bacon, electric cellist/composer Wytold, and conductor Steven Reineke for a crash course in the fundamentals of remixing. For ages 5 and up. Come early for
the Musical Instrument “Petting Zoo,” a project of the Women’s Committee for the NSO. Immediately following the 4 p.m. performance, meet concert artists for a free Kids’ Chat. kennedy-center.org.
Children’s Movies at the National Gallery of Art
Families are invited to enjoy a wide range of innovative film programming that includes classics, recently produced shorts, and foreign features. Selected to appeal to both youth and adult audiences, age recommendations assist parents in selecting the most emotionally and intellectually stimulating films for their children. Feature films are in English, unless otherwise noted. All children’s films are shown in the East Building Auditorium, which seats 500 people. Seating is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Groups are welcome. Programs are free. No advance registration is required. Coming up are Frosty Films (ages 4 and up), Saturday, Feb. 13 at 10:30 a.m. and Sunday, Feb. 14 and Monday, Feb. 15 at 11:30 a.m.; and Monkey Kingdom (ages 6 and up), Saturday, March 19 at 10:30 a.m. and Sunday, March 20 at 11:30 a.m. nga.gov.
James and the Giant Peach at Glen Echo
Adventure Theatre MTC (ATMTC) launches its 2016 year with the musical James and the Giant Peach, based on the popular book by Roald Dahl (1916-1990) with a score written by Tony Award nominated duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (Dear Evan Hansen, A Christmas Story). The show runs Feb. 14 to April 5. Tickets are $19.50 each and can be purchased online at adventuretheatremtc.org or by calling 301-634-2270.
Giant Panda Cub Bei Bei Makes Public Debut
Giant panda cub Bei Bei went on public exhibit on Jan. 16. In the past three months, he has transformed from a pink hairless lump weighing about five ounces to a robust 12.5-pound blackand-white cub capable of crawling and sometimes walking on his own. Bei Bei is larger than both his older siblings Bao Bao and Tai Shan were at the same age. The Panda House has been closed since August to give the mother and cub quiet and time to bond. The Panda House is now open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., daily. Mei Xiang and Bei Bei will continue to have access to the den where Bei Bei was
Accepting Applications for the 2016-2017 School Year Grades PS/PK-5th
Apply at: www.myschooldc.org Application deadline March 1, 2016
Preparing culturally diverse elementary school students to be leaders, scholars, and responsible citizens who are committed to social justice. • French and Spanish immersion program • Dual focus on academic excellence and community service
Open House February 25: 9:30 AM–10:45 AM School tours on the following Wednesdays from 9:00 AM -10:00 AM February 3 • February 17 • March 2 • March 16 • April 6 Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom PCS 3700 Oakview Terrace, NE | Washington, DC 20017 | 202.265.7237 www.ewstokes.org
F E BRU AR Y 2 0 1 6 4 5
kids and family
born. There they are only visible on the panda cams. On high visitation days, visitors will be allowed into the Panda House in small groups. nationalzoo.si.edu.
Old Town Alexandria Scavenger Hunt
Hunt through the brick-lined streets of Old Town to discover historic places and learn about George Washington and other patriots. Divide into teams and see who wins. This activity is for ages 7 to 11. Map and clues are available at the Christmas Attic, 125 South Union St., Alexandria, VA. visitalexandriava.com.
Disney On Ice
Get tangled up in Disney’s 50th animated feature with Rapunzel and Flynn. Enter the worlds of your other favorite Disney princesses: Tiana, Cinderella, Jasmine, Ariel, Aurora, Belle, Mulan and of course Snow White. Ahoy, Mateys! Set sail with Peter Pan, the always sassy Tinker Bell and the cantankerous Captain Hook and his pirate pals on an adventure beyond Never Land! Trek the wilds of Africa with Simba, Nala, Pumbaa and Timon as they discover the true meaning of the ‘Circle of Life.’ Tick-Tock! Tick-Tock! Don’t be late to a very important date with Alice and the Mad Hatter as they march with the Queen of Hearts’ Army of Cards. Set a playdate with Woody and Buzz Lightyear because the toys are back in town. Disney On Ice Presents Treasure Trove is at the Verizon Center, Feb. 10 to 15, for 10 shows. Tickets, starting at $20, are on sale now at ticketmaster.com.
Jack and Phil, Giant-Slayers
In this contemporary, tongue-incheek adaptation of the classic fairy tale Jack and the Beanstalk, Jack is a sporty, popular kid whose mother is facing foreclosure on their house. Jack enlists Phil, his smart yet nerdy neighbor, to accompany him to a
4 6 M I d c i t y d c n ews . c o M
pawnbroker to trade in his Grandfather’s gold watch for quick cash. Instead, the boys are paid in magic beans, and soon enough, a beanstalk grows tall with golden eggs, a harp and a Giant’s home waiting at the top. After discovering the treasures, Jack becomes an overnight TV sensation, but his failure to acknowledge Phil’s help threatens the boys’ friendship, and very nearly leads to disaster when the Giant decides to come down from the beanstalk. Best for ages 5 and older. On stage through March 13, at Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, MD. imaginationstage.org.
Gene Luen Yang Ambassador For Young People’s Literature
The Library of Congress, the Children’s Book Council and Every Child a Reader announce the appointment of Gene Luen Yang, Printz Award winner and two-time National Book Award finalist, as the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. The program was established by the three organizations in 2008 to highlight the importance of young people’s literature. Yang will travel nationwide over the course of his two-year term promoting his platform, “Reading Without Walls,” showing kids and teens that reading is a vital part of their lives and speaking to parents, teachers, librarians—everyone invested in young people’s literacy about how better to connect with kids and teens and help them love reading. Gene Luen Yang is the first graphic novelist to be named National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. loc.gov.
Treasure Island
What starts as a mystery turns into an adventure in an Encore adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel. Young Jim Hawkins leaves a dull life to search for where “X” marks the spot on a treasure map
left behind by an old sea captain. Jim meets a slew of thrill seeking sea farers as he hopes to find the treasure before any pirates do. Performances are Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Feb. 26 to March 6, Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre, 125 S. Old Glebe Rd., Arlington, VA. For ages 6 and older. encorestageva.org.
Revolutionary War Reenactment at Fort Ward Park
On Feb. 14, there will be an historic camp and tactical demonstrations throughout the day including a Revolutionary War skirmish at 2 p.m. between the Redcoats and the Colonial Army. Participants include renowned reenactment units from around the United States dressed in authentic period costumes and demonstrating authentic l8th Century weaponry. Admission is free. Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site is at 4301 West Braddock Rd., Alexandria, VA. washingtonbirthday.net/ revwar-reenactment.
Len Piper’s Pinocchio at Glen Echo
This production is a life-sized marionette version of Carlo Collodi’s classic children’s tale created in the 1960s by the father of the Puppet Co.’s co-founder, Christopher Piper. This production has been completely refurbished and adapted for the Puppet Co. stage. On stage at Glen Echo through Feb. 21. Plays are Thursdays and Fridays at 10:30 a.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Recommended for ages 5 and older. Running time is 50 minutes. thepuppetco.org. Coming soon are Beauty and the Beast, Feb. 25 to Apr. 10, and Sleeping Beauty, Apr. 14 to May 29. Coming soon are Beauty and the Beast, Feb. 25 to April 10, and Sleeping Beauty, April 14 to May 29.
American Youth Chorus Auditions
American Youth Chorus has rolling auditions throughout the year. There
are also scheduled auditions during the summer and in January. Children ages 8 to 14 from DC, Maryland, and Virginia may audition. No preparation or experience is necessary. A simple audition with the Artistic Director takes about 15 minutes. To schedule an audition, email AYC Manager Susan Kennedy at AYCmanager@ congressionalchorus.org or call 301502-4952. Potential singers need not prepare a song in advance. The chorus is divided into two sections based on age. The Junior Division (ages 8 to 10) rehearses on Tuesdays from 4:30 to 6 p.m. The Senior Division (ages 11 to 14) rehearses on Thursdays from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Rehearsals take place at the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 Seventh St. SE.
New Adventure IMAX Opens at Natural History Museum
The G-rated National Parks Adventure takes you on the ultimate IMAX off-trail safari into the nation’s awe-inspiring great outdoors and untamed wilderness. Spectacularly wild and beautiful places like Yosemite, Yellowstone, the Everglades, the Redwoods, Arches and Canyonlands are illuminated as never before with immersive giantscreen cinematography, revealing a tapestry of natural wonders. National Parks Adventure opens at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum on Feb. 12. mnh.si.edu. Have a tip for the Kids & Family Notebook, email bulletinboard@hillrag.com. u
g n d n e r r @ t
o r n e o e 5
Providing families in Washington, DC with a fully implemented, public Montessori program for children ages pre-k through 6th grade.
NOW ENROLLING PRE-K 3 & 4 FOR SCHOOL YEAR 2016-17 INFO SESSIONS Feb. 16 • 4:30-7:00 pm Petworth Library (4200 Kansas Ave. NW) Feb. 25 • 6pm-8pm Benning (Dorothy I. Height) Library (3935 Benning Rd. NE) Feb. 28 • 2pm-4pm Petworth Library (4200 Kansas Ave. NW) Contact: 202-810-5603 Email: info@breakthroughmontessori.org Web: www.breakthroughmontessori.org
e s e d s g e -
y -
F E BRU AR Y 2 0 1 6 4 7
real estate
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
FEE SIMPLE BLOOMINGDALE 2235 1ST ST NW
$1,275,000
CLEVELAND PARK 3031 NEWARK ST NW 3711 RENO RD NW
$1,975,000 $1,350,000
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 1424 PARKWOOD PL NW 1468 NEWTON ST NW 1524 UPSHUR ST NW 3904 KANSAS AVE NW 505 COLUMBIA RD NW 623 KENYON ST NW
$789,000 $667,000 $648,999 $575,000 $570,000 $520,000 $778,000
ECKINGTON 56 R ST NE 13 RANDOLPH PL NW 322 TODD PL NE 201 RHODE ISLAND AVE NE 161 RHODE ISLAND AVE NE
$940,000 $929,999 $752,800 $625,000 $470,000
KALORAMA 2302 KALORAMA RD NW
$2,400,000
LEDROIT PARK 133 ADAMS ST NW 335 U ST NW
$920,000 $755,000
MOUNT PLEASANT 1632 NEWTON ST NW
$920,000
OLD CITY #2 1612 6TH ST NW 1434 FLORIDA AVE NW 1643 4TH ST NW 1828 8TH ST NW 1805 5TH ST NW 1809 6TH ST NW 413 RICHARDSON PL NW
$1,000,000 $949,900 $765,000 $655,000 $634,000 $550,000 $530,000
7 6 6 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 5 4 3 3 3 5 4 3 4
4 8 M I d c i t y d c n ews . c o M
$810,000 $801,500 $799,900 $740,000 $728,500 $690,000 $645,000 $501,000 $465,000 $453,000 $430,000 $425,000 $425,000 $420,000 $410,000
4 4 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 4 5 3 4 5
1348 EUCLID ST NW #302
$393,000
14TH ST CORRIDOR
ECKINGTON
U STREET CORRIDOR 1807 12TH ST NW 1909 12TH ST NW
2125 14TH ST NW #206 1407 W ST NW #301
$850,000 $1,467,500
$682,000 $639,000
ADAMS MORGAN 2515 17TH ST NW #4 2630 ADAMS MILL RD NW #306
$555,399 $350,000
BLOOMINGDALE 11 S ST NW #1 70 RHODE ISLAND AVE NW #202 150 V ST NW #V401
$675,000 $358,000 $480,000
2 0 3
2 2 2 1 3 1 2
CENTRAL 1010 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #707 2555 PENNSYLVANIA AVE NW #910 1111 25TH ST NW #909 809 6TH ST NW #51 1133 14TH ST NW #910 616 E ST NW #320 915 E ST NW #307 1280 21ST ST NW #902 1260 21ST ST NW #507
$730,000 $620,000 $569,000 $480,000 $475,000 $465,000 $415,000 $350,000 $312,000
2926 PORTER ST NW #307 3803 PORTER ST NW #169 2926 PORTER ST NW ##105 3951 LANGLEY CT NW #D586 3701 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #920 4301 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #2001
$775,000 $369,999 $349,900 $325,000 $255,000 $188,000
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 730 QUEBEC PL NW #2 710 KENYON ST NW #2 3039 16TH ST NW #PH2 2750 14TH ST NW #609 1435 CHAPIN ST NW ##205 1419 CLIFTON ST NW #105 1514 NEWTON ST NW #201 1200 EUCLID ST NW #4 1423 NEWTON ST NW #301 1129 COLUMBIA RD NW #100 1401 COLUMBIA RD NW #317 1414 BELMONT ST NW #306 3900 14TH ST NW #203 2550 17th St NW #505 1101 FAIRMONT ST NW #3 949 RANDOLPH ST NW #A 1514 NEWTON ST NW #B1
$849,900 $825,000 $759,000 $615,000 $580,000 $560,000 $560,000 $489,000 $485,000 $480,000 $470,500 $430,000 $370,000 $303,400 $289,000 $288,400 $235,000
2 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 0 4 3 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 0 1 1 0
1
DUPONT
CONDO
$659,000
CLEVELAND PARK 5 3 3 3 3 2 2
3 2
1629 16TH ST NW #1 1625 Q ST NW #108 1740 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE NW #NHC 1819 CORCORAN ST NW #8 1 SCOTT CIR NW #1 1 SCOTT CIR NW #116 1 SCOTT CIR NW #805 1620 CORCORAN ST NW #E 1316 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE NW #507 1705 P ST NW #43 1939 17TH ST NW #2
1422 3RD ST NW
PETWORTH 4501 5TH ST NW 4010 MARLBORO PL NW 4018 ILLINOIS AVE NW 5027 4TH ST NW 913 CRITTENDEN ST NW 4614 4TH ST NW 619 VARNUM ST NW 730 TAYLOR ST NW 313 EMERSON ST NW 4213 4TH ST NW 4842 KANSAS AVE NW 5500 4TH ST NW 415 DECATUR ST NW 700 LONGFELLOW ST NW 5001 9TH ST NW
$399,000 $376,000
TRUXTON CIRCLE
DUPONT 1704 SEATON ST NW
5413 4TH ST NW 5413 7TH ST NW
43 R ST NW #2 128 U ST NE #1 340 ADAMS ST NE #402 340 ADAMS ST NE #202 1831 2ND ST NE #206
$854,900 $600,000 $510,500 $490,000 $299,000 $244,500 $244,000 $535,000 $450,000 $380,000 $371,000 $730,000 $665,000 $519,350 $480,000 $263,000
GLOVER PARK 3918 W ST NW #5 3921 FULTON ST NW #2 3918 W ST NW #2 3918 W ST NW #1 4100 W ST NW #402 3921 FULTON ST NW #1 2320 WISCONSIN AVE NW #111 2725 39TH ST NW #504 4100 W ST NW #309
$579,000 $434,000 $399,000 $399,000 $360,000 $359,000 $355,000 $310,000 $240,000
KALORAMA 1840 VERNON ST NW #203 2201 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #7 1922 BELMONT RD NW #2 1835 CALIFORNIA ST NW #I 1801 WYOMING AVE NW #34 1856 MINTWOOD PL NW #5 2022 COLUMBIA RD NW #212 2310 ASHMEAD PL NW #203 2300 18TH ST NW #109 20322040 BELMONT RD NW #103
$811,000 $725,000 $700,000 $690,000 $649,000 $550,000 $540,000 $352,000 $339,000 $335,000
1 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 3 3 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1
LOGAN 1441 RHODE ISLAND AVE NW #113 2125 14TH ST NW #313W 1437 RHODE ISLAND AVE NW #111 1312 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #602 1420 N ST NW #213 1210 R ST NW #P-39C 1415 11TH ST NW #A 1117 10TH ST NW #902
$800,000 $955,000 $660,000 $399,555 $220,000 $37,500 $312,000 $564,500
MOUNT PLEASANT 2526 17TH ST NW #201 3060 16TH ST NW #302
$445,000 $270,000
MOUNT VERNON TRIANGLE 910 M ST NW #406 1132 5TH ST NW #B 460 NEW YORK AVE NW #1006 460 NEW YORK AVE NW #503
$475,000 $507,500 $529,900 $509,000
3 3 2 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1
910 M ST NW #610
$648,500
OLD CITY #2 811 4TH ST NW #1111 1817 6TH ST NW #2 1611 1ST ST NW #3 1450 CHURCH ST NW #301 1234 4TH ST NW #2 555 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #1315 555 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #1307 1726 17TH ST NW #103 1718 P ST NW #905 55 M ST NW #205
$828,000 $774,500 $725,000 $720,000 $541,000 $490,000 $405,000 $340,000 $316,000 $230,000
PENN QUARTER 555 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #203 400 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #921
$520,000 $480,000
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 0 1 2 1
PETWORTH 5522 9TH ST NW #1 110 GALLATIN ST NW #9 4829 4TH ST NW #3 110 GALLATIN ST NW #2
$580,000 $425,000 $239,000 $225,000
U ST CORRIDOR 1722 U ST NW #A 1415 CHAPIN ST NW #408 2020 12TH ST NW #402 2020 12TH ST NW #505
$457,000 $474,000 $486,250 $465,000
3 4 1 1 2 2 2 1
COOP ADAMS MORGAN 3025 ONTARIO RD NW #501 1669 COLUMBIA RD NW #210 1669 COLUMBIA RD NW #202
$347,300 $365,000 $179,000
CLEVELAND PARK 3601 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #211 3001 PORTER ST NW #102 3900 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #406-G
$457,000 $316,000 $312,500
1 2 0 1 1 1
DUPONT 1731 20TH ST NW #16 1701 16TH ST NW #132
$247,000 $205,000
FOGGY BOTTOM 2700 VIRGINIA AVE NW #1504 2700 VIRGINIA AVE NW #106 2475 VIRGINIA AVE NW #908 950 25TH ST NW #1003N 730 24TH ST. NW #601
$789,900 $780,000 $250,000 $245,000 $221,000
MOUNT PLEASANT 1669 COLUMBIA RD NW ##416
$379,000
OLD CITY #2 1514 17TH ST NW #503
$224,500
1 0 2 3 1 1 0 2 0
PETWORTH 215 EMERSON ST NW #207 u
$80,000
1
F E BRU AR Y 2 0 1 6 4 9
CLASSIFIEDS 5 0 M I D CI T Y D C N EWS . C O M
AIR CONDITIONING
ELECTRICIAN
JOB OPPORTUNITY CBE/SBE & Section 3 SUBCONTRACTORS NEEDED. Bids due by 2/17/2016 Providence Construction, Inc. is seeking CBE/SBE subcontractors for the rehabilitation & modernization of 40+ apartments in NW Washington. Trades being considered are: Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC, Elevator Renovation, Roofing & Green Roof installation, Masonry & EIFS installation, Window Replacement, and Interior finishes (drywall & painting, ceramic tile, & flooring). Plans will be available to view for bidding purposes beginning February 1, 2016 at a Dropbox website. Please email: jswarr@ mannadc.org to receive that Dropbox web address. Bid requirements: CBE/SBE certificate & reporting requirements, DC license, Liability & Worker’s Compensation Insurance for DC, Davis-Bacon Certified Wages & reporting – Residential Scale, HUD Section 3 reporting, & First Source Agreement compliance for contracts over $100,000. Bids due February 17, 2016 at 3 pm at the offices of the developer: Manna, Inc., 828 Evarts St. NE, Washington, DC or by fax: 202-832-1870 . or by email to: jswarr@mannadc.org. Please contact John Swarr (ph. 202-832-1845 x230) Monday thru Friday between 9 AM & 3 PM for questions about this bid process.
CLEANING SERVICES STANDARD CLEANING SERVICE INC. Commercial & Residential
LANDSCAPES
Thomas Landscapes DEREK THOMAS / PRINCIPAL
Ana Julia Viera 703.719.9850 • 703.447.9254 Days Free Estimates • Bonded & Insured References Upon Request 15% Discount New Customers
Over 20 Years of Experience REDEFINING BEAUTY ONE CLIENT AT A TIME!
Full-Service Landscape Design & Maintenance • Installation, arbors, retaining walls, walkways, lighting, water features • Patios, roof top gardens, townhomes, single family homes • Trees & shrubs, formal & informal gardens • Custom Masonry, Fencing and Iron work • Restoration and Enhancement
301.642.5182
WWW.THOMASLANDSCAPES.COM
Our website just got a whole lot better! capitalcommunitynews.com
SUPPORT YOUR NEIGHBORS
AND LOCAL BUSINESSES!
ROOFING
PAINTING
G G ROOFING
Keith Roofing
EXPERT WORKMANSHIP
AT
REASONABLE PRICES!
AWARDED BEST WASHINGTON, DC CONTRACTOR OF 2012 BY ANGIE’S LIST
Residential/Commercial • Over 40 years in Business Chimney Repairs • Storm & Wind Damage Repair
• New or Re-Roofing • Tear-Off & Replacement • Flat Roof Specialist • Copper, Tin, Sheet Metal & Rolled • Seamless & Flat Roofs • Re-Sealing • Tar, Asphalt, Gravel, Hot Coats • Modified Bitumen • Ask about our gutter specials Insurance Claims • Free Estimates • 24Hr. Service
Fully Insured • Licensed • Bonded “No Job Too Large or Small” Senior & Military Discounts Available!
FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED • “50 YEARS EXPERIENCE”
Flat Roof Specialists Modified Bitumen • Skylights • Shingles • Slate • •
Chimney Repairs Roof Coatings • Gutters & Downspouts • Preventive Maintenance • Metal Roofs • •
MAKE YOUR BUSINESS SUCCESSFUL!
10% OFF WITH THIS AD
202.425.1614 WWW.GANDGHOMEIMPROVEMENTS.NET
202-486-7359
Licensed & Insured | All Work Managed & Inspected by Owners
All Work Inspected by Owner...Deals Directly with Customers! All Work Fully Guaranteed
WELDING BOX CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS (quarterly)
2”x 2” 2.5” 3” 4” 5” 7”
$150 $180 $225 $300 $360 $400
LINE CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS (monthly)
Capital Community News, Inc.
Hill Rag | Midcity DC | East of the River | Fagon Community Guides *Prepayment by check or credit card is required.
PLUMBING
Just Say I Need A Plumber®
Dial A Plumber, LLC®
• Licensed Gas Fitter • Water Heater • Boiler Work • Serving DC • References John • Drain Service • Furness Repair & Replacement
Licensed Bonded Insured
WE STOP LEAKS! • Roof Repairs • Roof Coatings • Rubber • Metal • Slate
• Tiles • Chimneys • Gutters • Waterproofing • Roof Certifications
We Do Everything!
BOYD CONSTRUCTION INC. Kenny
202-251-1479 DC PLUMMER’S LICENSE #707
FLAT ROOF SPECIALIST
LIC. BONDED. INS
75 years in service
BBB
Member
202-223-ROOF (7663)
WANT TO PLACE A
CLASSIFIED? Call Carolina 202-400-3503
or email Carolina@hillrag.com for more information on advertising.
Tell Them, “Shaw Main Streets Sent
Me!�
Follow us on Twitter
Follow us on Instagram
Like Us on Facebook
Shaw Main Streets is a designated DC Main Streets program and is funded in part by the Department of Small and Local Business Development, Muriel E. Bowser, Mayor.