An Urban Lifestyle Magazine MAY 2015
MIDCITY
APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE 2015-2016 SCHOOL YEAR Pre-K to 3rd grade
Building on our strong foundation as an early childhood program
Open Houses on the following Thursdays, 9:30 am-10:30 am*:
May 7 & 21
* You must register to attend. Call (202) 726-1843, limit of 20 people per session.
Apply for admissions at: www.myschooldc.org 2nd round applications accepted until May 8, 2015.
Accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Voted Best Preschool in DC,City Paper Readers Poll 2013! • Before & After Care • Small classroom size and well trained staff • Individual planning for each student • Hands-on and project-based curriculum Free and open to all DC residents.Tuition paid by non-residents.
Bridges PCS is an expanding elementary school growing to serve grades Pre-K–5th by 2017-2018.
www.bridgespcs.org 1250 Taylor Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011 p: 202.726.1843 e: info@bridgespcs.org
For the 2016-2017 school year Bridges PCS will be in our new location: 100 Gallatin St. NE, Washington, DC 20011.
w w w. br i d g e sp c s . org
MAY 2015
DCRA FREE SEMINARS
FOR EXISTING AND ASPIRING DISTRICT BUSINESSES Senior Entrepreneurship Program Date: Monday, May 4, 2015 Time: 9:00 am – 11:00 am Location: Model Cities 1901 Evarts Street NE, Washington, D.C. 20018 To Register: http://goo.gl/qhE7h6
Money Smart for Small Business Workshop: Recordkeeping & Time Management Date: Thursday, May 14, 2015 Time: 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm Location: 1100 4th Street SW, 4th Floor (E-4302), Washington, D.C. 20024 To Register: http://goo.gl/e2NgL7
How to Open a Small Business by Navigating through DCRA’s Regulatory Process
The District of Columbia Procurement Technical Assistance Center (DC PTAC) Series
Date: Wednesday, May 20, 2015 Time: 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm Location: 1100 4th Street SW, 2nd Floor (E-200), Washington, D.C. 20024
Date: Thursday, May 21, 2015 Time: 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm Location: 1100 4th Street SW, 4th Floor (E-4302), Washington, D.C. 20024
To Register: http://goo.gl/gPyuJ2
To Register: http://goo.gl/BvTeMq
The Regulatory Process of Starting a Business Date: Monday, May 18, 2015 Time: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm Location: Tenley-Friendship Library 4450 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20016 To Register: http://goo.gl/QivTr8
SBRC One-One Session: Basic Steps to Obtaining a Business License Date: Monday through Thursday Time: By Appointment Only between the hours of 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Location: 1100 4th Street SW, 2nd Floor (E-268), Washington, D.C. 20024 To Register: http://bizdc.ecenterdirect.com/Welcome. action (Key words: SBRC One-One Session)
For further information : 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
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CONTENTS MAY 2015 08 10 49
MIDCITY
22 ON THE COVER:
what’s on washington calendar classifieds your neighborhood 30 District Beat • Jonetta Rose Barras 32 The Numbers • Ed Lazere 34 Bulletin Board • Kathleen Donner
Photo: Jonathan Bardzik
38 Bloomingdale Buzz • Ellen Boomer
out and about
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18 Insatiable • Jonathan Bardzik 22 Let’s Get Physical • Jazelle Hunt 24 Depeche Art • Phil Hutinet 26 Kennedy Recreation Center Helps
Shaw Shine • Pleasant Mann
28 Shaw Main Streets Holds Annual
Gala • Pleasant Mann
40 Shaw Streets • Pleasant Mann 42 Mt. Vernon Triangle • Ellen Boomer 43 ANC 6E • Steve Holton 51 E on DC • E. Ethelbert Miller
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kids and family 44 Notebook • Kathleen Donner
at home 48 Changing Hands • Don Denton
May 2015
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F A G O N
MIDCITY
GUIDE TO CAPITOL HILL
YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
Capital Community News, Inc. • 224 7th Street, SE, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20003 202.543.8300 • www.capitalcommunitynews.com EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Melissa Ashabranner • melissaashabranner@hillrag.com Publisher: Jean-Keith Fagon • fagon@hillrag.com
Copyright © 2015 by Capital Community News. All Rights Reserved.
Editorial Staff
Beauty, Health & Fitness
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 Food Editor: Annette Nielsen • annette@hillrag.com
Patricia Cinelli • fitmiss44@aol.com Jazelle Hunt • jazelle.hunt@gmail.com Candace Y.A. Montague • writeoncm@gmail.com
Arts, Dining & Entertainment Art: Dining:
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Jim Magner • jjmagner@aol.com Emily Clark • clapol47@gmail.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 • samonroe2004@yahoo.com Barbara Wells • barchardwells@aol.com Jon Genderson • jon@cellar.com
Calendar & Bulletin Board Calendar Editor: Kathleen Donner • calendar@hillrag.com, bulletinboard@hillrag.com
General Assignment Jeffrey Anderson • byjeffreyanderson@gmail.com Jonetta Rose Barras • jonetta@jonettarosebarras.com Elise Bernard • elise.bernard@gmail.com Ellen Boomer • emboomer@gmail.com Elena Burger • elena96b@gmail.com Stephanie Deutsch • scd@his.com Michelle Phipps-Evans • invisiblecolours@yahoo.com Damian Fagon • damian.fagon@gmail.com Mark Johnson • mark@hillrag.com Stephen Lilienthal - stephen_lilienthal@yahoo.com Pleasant Mann • pmann1995@gmail.com Meghan Markey • meghanmarkey@gmail.com Charnice Milton • charnicem@hotmail.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 Roberta Weiner • rweiner_us@yahoo.com
Kids & Family Kathleen Donner • kathleendonner@gmail.com Susan Johnson • schools@hillrag.com
Homes & Gardens Derek Thomas • derek@thomaslandscapes.com Catherine Plume • caplume@yahoo.com Cheryl Corson • cheryl@cherylcorson.com
Commentary Ethelbert Miller • emiller698@aol.com The Nose • thenose@hillrag.com The Last Word • editorial@hilllrag.com
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We welcome suggestions for stories. Send queries to andrew@hillrag.com. We are also interested in your views on community issues which are published in the Last Word. Please limit your comments to 250 words. Letters may be edited for space. Please include your name, address and phone number. Send Last Word submissions to lastword@hillrag.com. For employment opportunities email jobs@
hillrag.com.
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08 MId city d cne ws . co M Reporting Vietnam at Newseum
Vietnam was America’s first televised war. This exhibit explores the dramatic stories of how journalists brought news about the war to a divided nation. Powerful photos and news footage, evocative music, and more than 90 compelling artifacts, historic newspapers, and magazines will take visitors back to experience a time when America was at war and young people were rejecting the conservative values of their parents. On exhibition, May 22-Sept. 12. Newseum, 555 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. 888-639-7386. newseum.org Photographer Nick Ut (right) wore this jacket while covering Vietnam for the Associated Press. A close-up (bottom left) of the patches he sported on his jacket. Photo: Loan, Nick Ut
Truckeroo Food Trucks
A sure sign that summer is here, or at least on its way, is the start of the Truckeroo daylong (11:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.) food-truck eating events at the corner of Half Street and M Street SE, near Nats Park. You can expect gourmet hot dogs, seafood, cheese steaks, BBQ, ice cream, pizza, tapas, crepes, and more. This year’s Truckeroo dates are Fridays, May 15, June 12, July 10, Aug. 21, and Sept. 11. Truckeroodc.com
May 2015
Washington Folk Festival at Glen Echo
The 35th annual Washington Folk Festival is on Saturday, May 30, and Sunday, May 31 (rain or shine), noon-7:00 p.m., both days, at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, Md. The festival features over 450 of the best traditional musicians, storytellers, dancers, and craftspeople. Five stages simultaneously present music and dance for a total of nearly 70 hours of live performance. The festival also includes a storytelling stage, dance workshops in the Spanish Ballroom, a craft marketplace in the Bumper Car Pavilion, and many spontaneous picnicking sessions in the picnic grove. It’s free but parking’s tricky. glenechopark.org
Jennifer Cutting’s Ocean Orchestra will perform at this year’s Washington Folk Festival. From left to right (back row): Tim Carey (Highland bagpipes), Andrew Dodds (fiddle), Robbie Magruder (drums), Stephen Winick (vocals, percussion); (front row) Rico Petruccelli (electric bass), Lisa Moscatiello (vocals, guitar, whistle), Jennifer Cutting (keyboards, concertina, melodeon). Photo: Erica Ginsberg
“Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology” Exhibition at National Geographic
Upon entering, you are immersed in the world of Indiana Jones in an exhibit environment created with state-of-the-art technology. Equipped with a personal video companion, you embark on a quest to uncover the true origins of archaeological mysteries. An original audio greeting recorded by Harrison Ford invites you to begin a journey into the field of archaeology. “Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology” features an exclusive collection of original Indy props, models, concept art, and costumes from all the films. It is on exhibition, May 14, 2015-Jan. 3, 2016, at the National Geographic Museum, 1145 17th St. NW. 202-857-7588. ationalgeographic.com Ark of the Covenant from “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark.” Photo: National Geographic Museum
Paddle Nights on the Anacostia
Thursdays, May 14-Sept. 24, 5:00-7:30 p.m., discover your Anacostia by joining the Anacostia Watershed Society (AWS) at the free Paddle Nights on the Anacostia program. AWS provides the canoes, life jackets, paddles, and safety lesson – everything you’ll need to have a great paddling experience. The events are first-come, first-served, so come early for a better chance of getting out on the water. Paddle Nights leave from different locations: • May 14, June 11, July 30, Aug. 27, and Sept. 10, from Kenilworth Park, 4000 Deane St. SE. • May 21, June 25, July 16, Aug. 13, and Sept. 3 and 24, from Ballpark Boathouse, Diamond Teague Park, 1st and Potomac Ave. SE. • May 28, June 18, July 9, Aug. 6, and Sept. 17, from Bladensburg Waterfront Park, 4601 Annapolis Rd., Bladensburg, Md. • June 4, July 2 and 23, and Aug. 20, from the Anacostia Community Boathouse, 1900 M St. SE. Please register for this event at anacostiaws.org. Registration does not guarantee a canoe but does allow them to inform you if the event is cancelled.
Paddle Night at Kenilworth Park, July 24, 2014. Photo: Chris Myers, Anacostia Watershed Society
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Calendar MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
NW and ending at 15th St. and Constitution Ave. NW. Expect a lot of music, color and oldfashioned patriotism. nationalmemorialdayparade.com
Blessing of the Bikes at National Cathedral. May 22, 5 PM. The National Cathedral welcomes members of Rolling Thunder at the beginning of Memorial Day weekend for a “Blessing of the Bikes.” Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW. 202537-6200. cathedral.org
Memorial Day at the World War II Memorial. May 25, 9 AM. Wreaths will be placed in honor of our veterans. Guest speakers will give remarks. World War II Memorial, 17th St. between Constitution and Independence Aves. NW. wwiimemorial.com
“Flags-In” at Arlington Cemetery. Memorial Day Weekend. Each year, the 3rd Infantry (The Old Guard) has honored America’s fallen heroes by placing American flags before the gravestones and niches of service members buried both at Arlington National Cemetery and the U.S. Soldier’s and Airmen’s National Cemetery just prior to Memorial Day Weekend. Arlington National Cemetery (Virginia end of Memorial Bridge). 703-607-8000. arlingtoncemetery.org National Memorial Day Concert. May 24, 8-9:30 PM (gates open at 5 PM). The National Symphony Orchestra performs the first of three outdoor holiday concerts. Free. West lawn, US Capitol. Wolf Trap Summer Blast Off. May 24, 8 PM (gates open at 6:30 PM for lawn). “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band will launch Wolf Trap’s summer season with a program of concert band favorites. A fireworks display will follow the concert at 9:45 PM. Park will close at capacity. Filene Center, Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, 1551 Trap Rd. Vienna, VA. 703-2551900. wolftrap.org Memorial Day Choral Festival at the Kennedy Center. May 24, 3 PM. This is a tribute to America’s fallen heroes. Free. Tickets at 800-395-2036 or memorialdaychoralfestival.org/tickets. Memorial Day Wreath Laying at Arlington. May 25, 11 AM. Arrive much earlier. Expect heavy security. There is free parking and a free bus ride to and from the ceremony. Arlington National Cemetery (Virginia end of Memorial Bridge). 703-6078000. arlingtoncemetery.org National Memorial Day Parade. May 25, 2 PM. Beginning at Fourth St. and Pennsylvania Ave.
Memorial Day at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. May 25, 1 PM. Each year on Memorial Day veterans and their families congregate at “The Wall” to remember and to honor those who served in the US Armed Forces. On this special day prominent Americans from all walks of life come to the Memorial to deliver thoughtful and patriotic speeches. vvmf. org/2015-memorial-day
Courtesy of NoMa BID
NoMa Summer Screen. Wednesdays, May 27-Aug. 19. Free outdoor film series featuring music, giveaways, food trucks, picnicking and great movies. NoMa Summer Screen at Storey Park Lot, 1005 First St. NE, which will be temporarily transformed for 2015 into a mural-filled urban park. Here’s the lineup: May 27-Dirty Dancing; June 3-Center Stage; June 10-Bride & Prejudice; June 17-Flashdance; June 24-Strictly Ballroom; July 1-Grease; July 8-Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo; July 15-Singing in the Rain; July 22-Save the Last Dance-July 29-Moulin Rouge; Aug. 5-Stomp the Yard; and Aug. 12-Footloose. Movies start at dark and are screened with subtitles. Coolers, children and friendly (leashed) dogs are welcome. They encourage moviegoers to bring chairs, blankets, Frisbees, and picnic coolers to connect with friends and neighbors starting at 7 PM. nomabid.org
Women in Military Service Honors Memorial Day. May 25, 4 PM. The program includes formal military honors, remarks from servicewomen representing each of the services and the Women’s Memorial traditional Rose Petal Ceremony with personal tributes to departed comrades. Ceremony at the gateway to Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington VA. womensmemorial.org Rolling Thunder Ride for Freedon. May 25, noon. “Rolling Thunder” is an annual motorcycle rally held in Washington, DC during the Memorial Day weekend. Thousands of motorcycles will depart from the Pentagon at noon and will roar across Washington, DC on their motorcycles as a tribute to American war heroes. Assemble at Pentagon north parking lot. rollingthunderrun.com African Americans and WWI. May 30, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM. Lecture with historian Dr. C.R. Gibbs is a post-Memorial Day homage to those who contributed so much in one of America’s costliest battles. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. 202-633-4820. anacostia.si.edu
SPECIAL EVENTS Gateway Arts District Open Studio Tour. May 9, noon-5 PM (after party, at Gateway Art Center, 6-8
May 2015
PM). Artists, studios and galleries open their doors to the public. More than 100 individual artists will participate making the Gateway Open Studio Tour the area’s largest visual arts event. The tour is located in the Gateway Arts District along Route 1 (Rhode Island Ave.) in Prince George’s County, MD. gatewayopenstudios.org Zoofari. May 14, 6:30-9:30 PM. ZooFari is back with more than 100 of the area’s finest restaurants. Join them for a delicious evening of gourmet food, fine wines, celebrity chefs, and conservation. $200. nationalzoo. si.edu Lamb Jam Grand Tasting at Union Market. May 17, 4-7 PM. Lamb Jam Grand Tasting Includes: 16 of the most talented chefs from the DC area; Beer and wine from DC’s top breweries and winemakers; Interactive photo booth; DIY lamb spice rub station; Butcher demonstration. $60. Union Market, 1309 5th St. NE. americanlamb.com Free Admission to National Museum of Women in the Arts. May 18, 10 AM-5 PM. Free admission is offered as part of National Art Museum Day. 1250 New York Ave. NW. 202-783-5000. nmwa.org Saving DC--The Post-Civil War Transformation of Our Nation’s Capital Walking Tour. May 21, noon-1:30 PM. Tour will show how, in the decades following the Civil War, developer Alexander (Boss) Shepard, master architect Adolf Cluss, a host of other German and German-American architects and builders, and the Army Corps of Engineers together wrested a modern city out of DC’s muck. Starts at 1872 Charles Sumner School Dupont-Kalorama Museum Walk Weekend. June 6 and 7, 11 AM-4 PM. Discover Anderson House, Dumbarton House, Heurich House Museum, Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site, National Museum of American Jewish Military History, The Phillips Collection, and the President Woodrow Wilson House. All free of charge. dkmuseums.com Art Walk in the Park at Glen Echo. June 5, July 3, Aug. 7, and Sept, 4, 6-8 PM. Glen Echo invites the public to visit all the Park’s resident visual arts studios in one evening in order to learn about their programs, meet resident artists and instructors, view artists at work in their studios, purchase unique artwork and gifts, and enjoy the beauty of the park. Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD. 301-634-2222. glenechopark.org Marine Barracks Sunset Parades at Iwo Jima Memorial. Tuesdays, May 26-Aug. 11, 7-8 PM (Aug. 4 and 11 begin 30 minutes earlier). Lawn seating. Bring blankets and
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chairs. No public parking available at the Memorial grounds on Parade evenings. Guests may park at the Arlington National Cemetery Visitors’ Center for a small fee. Marine Barracks provides a free shuttle bus service from the visitors center to and from the memorial grounds. barracks.marines.mil 2015 Twilight Tattoo at Fort Myer. Wednesdays (except July 1), through Aug. 19 , 7 PM with preceremony pageantry starting at 6:45 PM. Members of the 3rd US Infantry (The Old Guard), the US Army Band “Pershings Own,” Fife and Drum Corps and the US Army Drill Team will perform an hourlong sunset military Pageant. Over 100 Old Guard soldiers dressed in period uniforms will provide a glimpse of Army history from colonial times to the soldier of the future. The Twilight Tattoo will be performed on Summerall Field from through June, and on Whipple Field, July through August. twilight.mdw.army.mil Marine Barracks Row Evening Parades. Fridays through Aug. 28, 8:45-10 PM. Performance features music and precision marching, the Evening Parade features “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, “The Commandant’s Own” The United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, the Marine Corps Color Guard, the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, Ceremonial Marchers, and LCpl. Chesty XIII, the official mascot of Marine Barracks Washington. Reservations suggested. barracks.marines.mil
MUSIC Music at Black Cat. May 9, Mixtape; May 10 Hayden; May 11, Laibach; May 12 Mystic Braves; May 13, Hop Along; May 14, Live Band-Punck Rock Karaoke; May 15, Newt Junior; May 16, Story League Sings; May 17, Denizens of Washington; May 18, Downtown Boys; May 20, Follakzoid; May 28, Death; May 30, Depeche mode Dance Party; June 1, The Red Paintings; June 2, the Woogles; June 3, Hutch & Kathy; June 4, Spoonboy; June 6, wire. Black Cat, 1811 14th St. NW. blackcatdc.com Music at 9:30. May 10, The Maine; May 13, Billy & the Kids; May 14, Aaron Watson; May 15, Papadosio; May 16, Walk Off The Earth; May 23, Klingande; May 24, The Story So Far; May 26, Steven Wilson; May 27, Patrick Watson; May 28, FIDLAR and METZ; May 30, 12th Planet; June 3, Rusted Root; June 5, Calexico; June 6, Chris Hardwick. 815 V St. NW. 877-435-9849. 930.com Music at The Howard. May 10, Tommy Davidson; May 13 Go Go Legend Rare Essence; May 14, Tierra Santa; May 15, White Ford Bronco; May 16, Tribute to Phyllis Hyman; May 17, Lagbaja; May 19, Tech N9ne; May 20, Etana; May 22, Mobb Deep; May 23, Kinky; May 24, A Drag Slaute to Divas; May 25, Mighty Real-A
Fabulous Sylvester Musical; May 27, Yellowjackets; May 28, Louis Weeks; May 29, Tweet; May 30 Sensuality II; May 30, A Tribute to the Music of Motown; June 5, Smithereens. Howard Theatre, 620 T St. NW. 202-803-2899. thehowardtheatre.com Military Band Concerts at WWII Memorial. May 11 and 28, 6 PM. Concerts are subject to weather conditions. Call 202-675-2017 to confirm. wwiimemorialfriends.org Music at Sixth and I. May 14, Golem; May 16, Kayhan Kalhor. Sixth & I Historic Synagogue, 600 I St. NW. 202-408-3100. sixthandi.org Yard’s Park Friday Night Concert Series. May 15-Sept. 11, 6:30-8:30 PM. Every Friday night this summer, come to Yards Park to relax and enjoy the river view, fantastic bands, food and beverage, and a large variety of great restaurants within a 5-minute walk from the park. Familyfriendly lyrics and grassy open space make this an enjoyable event for adults and kids alike. The Yards Park, 355 Water St. SE. yardspark.org Gay Men’s Chorus “Born This Way”. May 15, 8 PM and May 16, 3 PM and 8 PM. Songs and stories from Civil Rights movements. Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U St. NW. gmcw.org DC Chamber Orchestra Free Concert. May 17, 3 PM. Selected works by Gabrieli, Sibelius, Puccini, and Strauss (Richard Sr.); Sergei Prokofiev, Symphony No. 1, Op. 25; Edward Elgar, Elegy, Op. 58; Peter Warlock, Capriol Suite. Church of the Holy City, 1611 16th St. NW. dcchamberorchestra.org Thomas Circle Singers-Life, Love, and Change. May 17, 4 PM. TCS samples music of American and British composers encompassing the full range of the human journey, including themes of tradition, rural life, courtship, and love. Luther Place Memorial Church, 1226 Vermont Ave. NW at Thomas Circle. $15-$20. Concert proceeds donated to DC-based social service organizations. thomascirclesingers.org Music at the Lincoln. May 17, the Blind Boys of Alabama and Ani DiFranco; May 29, Lisa Lampanelli; June 1, The Tallest Man of Earth; June 4, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds. Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U St. NW. 202-3286000. thelincolndc.com Hot 5 @ Hill Center: (outdoor) Jazz on a Summer’s Eve. May 17, Kris Funn; June 14, Fred Foss; July 19, Rochelle Rice; Aug. 16, Sine Qua Non; Sept. 20, Nasar Abadey; 5 PM. Free concerts on the Hill Center grounds. Performances are preceeded by a short Q&A with the artists. Sponsored by Stella Artois. Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. hillcenterdc.org Music at Ebenezers. May 22, Selling Fairfax by the Pound; May 28, Rissi Palmer and Bess Mc-
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Crary with Amy Andrews; May 30, Neal Carpenter. Ebenezers Coffeehouse, 201 F St. NE. 202-558-6900. ebenezerscoffeehouse.com Church of the Epiphany Weekly Concerts. Every Tuesday, 12:10 PM. Free but a free will offering taken. 1317 G ST. NW. 202-347-2635. epiphanydc.org
ThEATER AND FILM Freedom’s Song: Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War at Ford’s. Through May 20. This epic musical features the words of Abraham Lincoln and music inspired by the letters of those who lived through the Civil War. Ford’s Theatre, 511 10th St. NW. 202-347-4833. fords.org The Originalist at Arena. Extended through May 31. When a bright, liberal, Harvard Law School graduate embarks on a nerve-wracking clerkship with Justice Scalia, she discovers him to be both an infuriating sparring partner and an unexpected mentor. Arena Stage, 1101 6th St. SW. 202-488-3300. arenastage.org Theatre J’s “The Call” at the Atlas. Through May 31. When Annie and Peter decide to adopt, they set their sights on a child from Africa. But as reality sinks in and reactions from African-American friends take hold, it sparks an uncertainty that speaks to their very identity. Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. washingtondcjcc.org Dontrell, Who Kissed the Sea at Anacostia Playhouse. Through May 31. This is Dontrell. Young, smart, talented, motivated. He has his whole life ahead of him, but there’s one small catch. Dontrell is on a quest to swim out into the Atlantic to discover his family’s past before he can move forward and begin the next phase of his life. With the help of Erika, a young lifeguard, Dontrell will begin his journey. Anacostia Playhouse, 2020 Shannon Pl. SE. theateralliance.com The Blood Quilt at Arena. Through June 7. Gathering at their childhood island home off the coast of Georgia, four disconnected sisters meet to create a family quilt to honor their recently deceased mother. Arena Stage, 1101 6th St. SW. 202-488-3300. arenastage.org Swing Time–The Musical at the Naval Heritage Center. Through June 27. Swing Time brings back the sights and sounds of the World War II era with an authentic, “big band” recreation of a war bond radio broadcast. Burke Theater, 701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. swingtimethemusical.com Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead at the Folger. May 12-June 21. Stoppard’s feast of wordplay and wit thrusts two of Shakespeare’s most incidental characters into the
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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
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WNO Opera in the Outfield presents “Cinderella”. Photo: Scott Suchman
Opera in the Outfield. May 16 (rain or shine), 7 PM (Gates open at 5 PM). Celebrate the eighth season of free live opera simulcasts at the ballpark by joining WNO for the family friendly opera, Gioachino Rossini’s Cinderella. kennedy-center.org/wno
limelight. Courtiers and close compatriots, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern find themselves in Elsinore with the dubious task of identifying what afflicts their childhood friend Hamlet. Folger Shakespeare Theater, 201 E. Capitol St. SE. 202-544-7077. folger.edu Jumpers for Goalposts at Studio. May 13June 21. Hope springs eternal in the post-game locker room of Barely Athletic, an amateur soccer team competing in the five-a-side pub league in Hull, a Yorkshire fishing city that’s seen better days (as have these athletes). Studio Theatre, 1501 14th St. NW. 202-332-3300. studiotheatre.org Picnic Theatre presents Arsenic and Old Lace at Phillips Collection. May 14, 5:30 PM (reception), 6:30 (performance). Washington professionals by day, the all-volunteer Picnic Theatre Company brings their brand of site-specific cocktail party theater to the Phillips for a performance of Arsenic and Old Lace, the classic 1930s comedy brought from Broadway to the silver screen by Frank Capra starring Cary Grant. $12. Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street, NW. 202-387-2151. phillipscollection.org/events Conversation with Mosaic Theater Artistic Director Ari Roth. May 17, 2-4 PM. Roth will discuss the wide range of American Jewish responses to the Arab-Israeli conflict as well as his
dreams for the Mosaic Theater. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 301 A St. SE. mosaictheater.org Cinametery Movie Night. May 17, 7 PM. Movie is Hirchcock’s The Birds”. $10. BYOB and dinner. Historic Congressional Cemetery, 1801 E St. SE. 202543-0539. congressionalcemetery.org Golden Cinema in Farragut Park. May 22, Empire Records; May 29, The Devil Wears Prada, June 5, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy; June 12, The Social Network; June 19 Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade; June 26, Hook; July 10, Nine to Five; July 17, Miss Congeniality; July 24, Italian Job; July 31, The Wedding Planner. 7:30 PM at Farragut Park Connecticut Ave. and K St. NW. goldentriangledc.com Zombie: The American at Woolly. May 25-June 21. The year is 2063 and Thom Valentine, the first openly gay President of the United States, faces a host of problems: an imminent civil war, the threat of an African invasion, an adulterous First Gentleman, and zombies in the basement of the White House! Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, 641 D St. NW. 202-393-3939. woollymammoth.net Faction of Fools Theatre Company Presents “Our Town”. May 28-June 21. With sensitivity
to Wilder’s use of pantomime, direct address, and metatheatrical commentary, they apply a Commedia sensibility to re-discover the classical archetypes still familiar in Our Town today. $25 ($18 students, seniors, military; $12 children 12, under). Tickets available at door. Gallaudet University’s Elstad Auditorium, 800 Florida Ave. NE. factionoffools.org/ourtown Tartuffe at Shakespeare. June 2-July 5. Orgon has fallen under the spell of the pious fraud Tartuffe, at great cost to his family and household, in Tartuffe, Molière’s crowning achievement and scathing indictment of religious hypocrisy. Sidney Harman Hall, 610 F St. NW. 202-547-1122. shakespearetheatre.org
SPORTS, DANCE AND FITNESS DC United. May 9, 7 PM vs. Sporting KC; May 13, 8 PM vs. Orlando City; May 30, 7 PM vs. Philadelphia; June 3, 7 OM vs. Chicago; June 6, 7 PM vs. Toronto FC. RFK Stadium. dcunited.com Washington Nationals Baseball. May 9, 10, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24; June 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. washington.nationals.mlb.com Capitol Hill Classic. May 17, 10K race, 8:30 AM; 3K race, immediately following conclusion
of 10K (approximately 10:30 AM) and fun run, immediately following conclusion of 3K (approximately 11 AM. This is the 36th annual running of the Classic, including a 10K, a 3K, and a kids’ fun run, and is the only race run exclusively on the streets of Capitol Hill. capitolhillclassic.com Nearby public tennis courts. Banneker Community Center (8 outdoor tennis courts), 2500 Georgia Ave. NW. 202-673-6861. Kennedy Recreation Center (1 outdoor tennis court), 1401 7th St. NW. 202-671-4794. All courts are open daily, dawn to dusk. Some are lighted for extended evening play. Courts are available on a first come, first served basis for one hour intervals; extended use of tennis courts requires a permit. Proper shoes and attire is required. 202-671-0314. dpr.dc.gov Closest indoor public pools. Turkey Thicket, 1100 Michigan Ave. NE. Open Monday through Friday, 6:30 AM-8 PM; Saturday, noon-5 PM; closed, Sunday. 202-576-9236. Rumsey Pool, 635 No. Carolina Ave. SE. Open Monday through Friday, 6:30 AM-9 AM and noon-9 PM; Saturday, 1-5 PM; Sunday, 10 AM-5 PM. 202-724-4495. The pools are heated and free for DC residents. Have ID with you. dpr.dc.gov Tidal Basin 3K Monthly Run. Third Wednesday of each month at noon. This run is free and in-
MAy 2015
Thank You To our generous corporate sponsors, family and friends sponsors, guests and volunteers. You’re responsible for making our 2015 Annual Stars Gala a huge success & a fun night to remember! To all the businesses that donated to the auction – We are very grateful for your support!
SPONSORS: ORION:
URSA MAJOR:
URSA MINOR:
Food & Beverage Sponsors:
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Thomas Landscapes Over 20 Years of Experience
REDEFINING BEAUTY ONE CLIENT AT A TIME!
formal. West Potomac Park (meet on Ohio Dr. at West Basin Dr., near the Tourmobile stand). 703-505-3567. dcroadrunners.org
MARKETS Penn Quarter Farmers Market. Thursdays, 3-7 PM, through Dec. 17. Market at north end of 8th St. NW, between D and E St. SNAP (EBT/Food Stamps) accepted. freshfarmmarkets.org Dupont Circle Farmers Market. Sundays (rain or shine), year round, 10 AM-1 PM. 20th St. and Mass. Ave. NW, 1500 block of 20th St. NW (between Mass. Ave. and Q St. in the adjacent parking lot of PNC Bank). 202-362-8889. freshfarmmarket.org
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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
Foggy Bottom Farmers Market. Wednesdays, 3-7 PM, through Nov. 25.. Market at 23rd and I St. NW. SNAP (EBT/ Food Stamps) & G World card accepted. freshfarmmarkets.org Farmers Market by the White House. Thursdays, 11 AM-2 PM, through Nov. 19. Market at 810 Vermont Ave. NW. SNAP (EBT/Food Stamps) accepted. freshfarmmarkets.org CityCenterDC Farmers Market. Tuesdays, 11 AM-2 PM, through Oct. 27. Market at I St. NW, between 10th and 11th. SNAP (EBT/Food Stamps) accepted. freshfarmmarkets.org Mount Vernon Triangle Farm Stand. Saturdays, 10 AM-1 PM, May 16-Oct. 31. 5th & K Sts. NW. freshfarmmarkets.org Market SW “night market”. May 29, June 26, July 24, Aug. 28, Sept. 25 and Oct. 23, 4-9 PM. Bills itself as “an evening of arts, food, flea & fun, live music.” Market is at 4th and M Sts. SW. marketswdc.com Union Market. Tuesday-Friday, 11 AM-8 PM; Saturday-Sunday, 8 AM-8 PM. Union Market is an artisanal, curated, year round food market featuring over 40 local vendors. 1309 5th St. NE. 301-652-7400. unionmarketdc.com Georgetown Flea Market. Sundays year around (except in the case of very inclement weather), 8 AM-4 PM. 1819 35th St. NW. georgetownfleamarket.com Maine Avenue Fish Market. Open 365 days a year. 7 AM-9 PM. 1100 Maine Ave. SW. 202-484-2722. Fashion Trucks on U. Sundays, noon-5 PM. Fashion Trucks offer a mix of crafts, clothes, accessories and jewelry at the former home of the Sunday U St Flea in the parking lot, next to Nellie’s Sports Bar at 912 U St. NW. ustreetflea.com
CIVIC LIFE
Marlow Heights Shopping Center 4123 Branch Ave. Marlow Heights, MD
301-702 1401 www.simplywide.com
Free Gift With Ad
Councilmember Allen’s Shaw Community Office Hours. May 1, 8-9:30 AM. Compass Coffee, 1535 7th St. NW. charlesallenward6.com Congresswoman Norton’s NW District Office. Open weekdays, 9 AM-6 PM. 529 14th St. NW, suite 900. 202-7835065. norton.house.gov All Ways Mount Pleasant. First Saturday, noon-2 PM. LaCasa. All Ways is a citizen’s association primarily for the ten-
ants of the larger apartment buildings of Mount Pleasant. 3166 Mt. Pleasant St. NW. aass.org Chinatown Revitalization Council. Fourth Monday, 7-8 PM. 510 I St. NW. Chinatown Revitalization Council (CRC) promoting the Chinatown renewal and the preservation of its cultural heritage. The public is welcome. Convention Center Community Association. Last Tuesday, 7-8:30 PM. Kennedy Rec Center, 1401 7th St. NW. Downtown Neighborhood Association. Second Tuesday, 7-9 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, 202-387-1596. Eckington Civic Association. First Monday, 7-8:30 PM. Harry Thomas Recreation Center, 1743 Lincoln Rd. NE. eckingtondc.org Edgewood Civic Association. Last Monday, 7-9 PM. Edgewood senior building, 635 Edgewood St. NE, 9th floor. theedgewoodcivicassociationdc.org Logan Circle Citizens Association. Please contact Jennifer Trock at jennifer.trock@logancircle.org for meeting dates and times. logancircle.org Mount Vernon Square Neighborhood Association. Third Tuesday, 7:30-9:30 PM. Yale Steam Laundry, 437 New York Ave. NW. lifein.mvsna.org U Street Neighborhood Association. Second Thursday, 7-8:30 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. 202481-3462. 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. 202-4628692. anc1d.org ANC 2C. First Wednesday, 6:30-8:30 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 7th St. NW. anc6e.org ◆
May 2015
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OUT & ABOUT / DINING
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and prepared foods. Plus, Big Bear Cafe has what is quite possibly the best outdoor space in the entire city. With new landscaping and a recent expansion it is better than ever. Who to look for: With ten vendors, it’s hard to pick favorites, but the fresh fruit from Reid’s Orchard
Bloomingdale: Coffee and Carrots
The Bloomingdale Farmers Market (marketsandmore.info) is located on the half-block of R Street west of First St. NW. Directly in front of neighborhood landmark, the Big Bear Cafe (bigbearcafe-dc.com,1700 First St. NW), it operates on Sunday mornings from 9-1. The market kicks off its season on Sunday, May 10, 2015 and runs through the Sunday before Thanksgiving in November. Though it’s a relatively small market with an average of ten vendors, they are well chosen, offering a diverse selection of locally grown
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Farm-Fresh
ast Saturday I nearly fell to my knees to offer thanks upon sighting the first, farm-fresh, local asparagus of the season. Let’s face it, it was a long winter, and while I love seasonal eating, there are only so many months in a row I can find joy and inspiration from root vegetables and cold-weather greens. So it’s time to hit DC’s wonderful farm markets. Fill your canvas bags with local asparagus, as sweet and tender as freshly-shelled peas. Grab crisp, peppery radishes, earthyoniony chives and, in just a couple of weeks, sugary-sweet strawberries that will send juice running down your chin. Spring has truly arrived in our kitchens. Here’s a list of where to find it in your neighborhood:
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Spring has arrived, bringing with it the return of farm-fresh, delicious produce and DC’s many farm markets.
is incredible from spring strawberries and summer peaches to fall apples and asian pears. Last spring they offered a wonderful selection of herb and heirloom vegetable starter plants for your urban garden. Fill your fridge with salad greens for the week from Truck Patch Farms. Serve up their spring spinach with a hot bacon fat vinaigrette made with thick cut slices from their own pigs. Panorama Baking Company has croissants that are good enough to get out of bed early for, and you’ll have to if you want to score some. If you prefer sleeping in
on Sunday, their other breads and baked goods are amazing. Cooking demos: The Bloomingdale market has a vibrant demo and education program managed by Ibtisam Vincent. On May 10 for opening day, catch Julie Castillo, author of Eat Local for Less. I met her at a recent book festival and my copy is already dog-eared and covered in notes. Later in the month enjoy a special demo for children and Friends and Food International Founder Mark Haskell. Catch me cooking there on July 19 and October 11. If you are interested
MAy 2015
in doing a demo at the Bloomingdales market this summer, contact Ibtisam at ibberoo2@gmail.com.
FResHFARM Markets: Here, there and everywhere
It’s hard to live in a neighborhood these days without a FRESHFARM Markets (freshfarmmarkets.org). You know them from Sundays at Dupont and Thursday afternoons in Penn Quarter. In your MidCity DC neighborhood you can visit them at Mount Vernon Triangle (Saturdays 10-1 at 5th and K St. NW), Union Market (Sundays 11-2 at Union Market, 1309 5th St. NE), and on H Street (Saturdays 9-noon at H and 13th St. NE). H Street is already open for the season. Mount Vernon Triangle opens May 16 and Union Market opens May 17.
Who to look for: At the Mount Vernon Triangle and Union markets, the produce comes from Chicano Sol Farm, based out of Blaine, PA. Owners Jarrah and Agustin grow for flavor and bring an incredible selection of herbs, greens and will be the go-to place for cherry and heirloom tomatoes this summer. At H Street, newbies Cowbell Kitchen and MISFIT Juicery join familiar favorites. I’ve been told that Cowbell has the most amazing breakfast sandwiches which you can wash down with juices made from fruits and veggies that are too ugly for the farm stand, but saved from becoming waste through juicing. Kip Kelly Full Cellar Farm returns with chemical free produce and eggs. (Ask your friendly Market Manager about the difference between organically grown
Farmers set up outside at Eastern Market on Tuesday evenings, and all day on weekends, in addition to the indoor vendors who sell on Tuesday through Sunday. FRESHFARM Markets operates eleven producer-only markets at locations in and around Washington, DC including Mount Vernon Triangle, Union Market and H Street NE.
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funded Bonus Bucks program that matches those benefits dollar for dollar. You can find them in LeDroit Park (Wednesdays 4-7 at 3rd and Elm St. NW), Edgewood Commons (Mondays 3-6 at 651 Edgewood St. NE) and Children’s National Medical Center (Wednesdays 1-4 at 111 Michigan Ave. NW) Arcadia’s Executive Director, Pamela Hess shared that “The Mobile Markets both satisfy and build demand for healthy delicious food in neighborhoods not served by grocery stores or farmers markets. Each year we’ve seen 50 percent increases in revenue despite serving a low-income customer base and doing no formal marketing. People love and value this food, and are buying more and more every year.” Any of us trying to eat better know that buying fresh food is only half the challenge. Arcadia makes it easy to cook the food as well by providing a complimentary copy of the Arcadia Mobile Market Seasonal Cookbook to all customers using federal and local nutrition benefits.
eastern Market: the Community Center
While it may not be MidCity, Eastern Market (easternmarket-dc.org, Eastern Market on Capitol Hill is DC’s oldest, historic grocery market. It operates as both a grocery supplier for locals and a destination for its many visitors.
and organically certified.) Fun and cooking: The Mount Vernon Triangle Market is kicking off their season on Saturday May 16 with Spring Fest in the Triangle, a festival with farm-fresh food, face painting and live music. Memorial Day weekend, catch DC caterer Chef J. Jackson aka Mr. Foodtastic at the H Street Market. Visit the calendar at freshfarmmarkets.org for more Chef and Music at the Market events. You can catch me cooking at the Penn Quarter Market on Thursday June 11 and at the White House market on Thursday June 23.
Arcadia Mobile Markets: Farm-Fresh and Accessible
A quick ride through the city will quickly reveal the origins of the term “food desert.” The mission of The Arcadia Mobile Markets (arcadiafood.org), now in their fourth season, is to make the best, local, sustainably grown food affordable and convenient in D.C.’s low-food access neighborhoods. Arcadia’s markets double the purchasing power of government food assistance programs through a donor-
225 7th St. SE) is Washington, DC’s oldest historic grocery market. You’ll find a mix of farm-fresh foods and meats, fish, dairy, poultry and produce sold just the way it was before the dawn of the grocery store, at stalls that are locally run by greengrocers, butchers and cheesemongers who will greet you at first with a smile and then, overtime, by name. The indoor market is open Tuesday through Sunday and you’ll find farmers outdoors on Tuesday nights and weekends. In the interest of full transparency, Eastern Market is a second home to me and the place where, four years ago, I began my career as a culinary entertainer. The farm-fresh ingredients fill my fridge each week and led my return to fresh seasonal eating. You can find me there most Saturday mornings serving up simple, delicious food made entirely with ingredients available at the market that day.
Find Joy at the Market
Wherever you find farm-fresh food, spring is the perfect time to discover the joy of eating delicious, local food, so bright with flavor it needs little in the way of preparation. So put down the takeout menu and do a little farm-fresh cooking tonight. Enjoy! Jonathan Bardzik is a cook, storyteller and author living in Washington, DC. Known for his live cooking demos at Eastern Market, Jonathan loves cooking fresh ingredients as much as seeking them out in DC’s exciting restaurant scene. His first cookbook, Simple Summer: A Recipe for Cooking and Entertaining with Ease is available now on Amazon (and he’s busy working on number two!). Grab a copy and find out what Jonathan is cooking at www.jonathanbardzik. com or his Facebook page “Jonathan Bardzik.” Need some foodporn? Follow @JonathanBardzik on Twitter and Instagram. u
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FIND US AT THESE LOCATIONS! 14U Cafe
1939 U ST NW
Andrene’s Carribean
308 Kennedy ST NW
Azi’s Cafe
1336 9th ST NW
Ben’s Chilli Bowl
1213 U ST NW
Bicycle Space
1019 7th Street, NW
Big Bad Woof
117 Carroll ST NW
Big Bear
1700 1st ST NW
Bioscript Pharmacy
1325 14th ST NW
Brookland Metro
801 Michigan Avenue NE
Bus Boys & Poets
1025 5th ST NW 2021 14th ST NW
Caribou Coffee
1400 14th ST NW
Carls barber shop
1406 P St MW
Chatman’s Bakery
1239 9th ST NW
Chester Arthur House
23 Logan Circle NW
Chinatown Coffee
475 H ST NW
City First Bank
1432 U ST NW
CNN Office
224 7th ST SE
Emmaus Services for the Aging
1426 9th Street, NW
Enviro. Working Group
1436 U ST NW
First Cup Coffee
900 M ST NW
Foster House Apts.
801 Rhode Is. Ave, NW
Giant
1050 Brentwood RD NE 1345 Park RD NW
Habesha market
1919 9th st
Harris Teeter
1201 First St, NE 3221 Mt. Pleasant ST NW
Howard University
2225 6th ST NW
Java House
1645 Q ST NW
Kennedy Rec Center
1401 7th ST NW
LAYC
1419 Columbia RD NW
Lincoln Westmoreland Apts.
1730 7th Street, NW
Long & Foster
1401 14th ST NW
Love Cafe
1501 14th ST NW
Marie Reed Rec Center
2200 Champlain ST NW
MLK Library
901 G ST NW
Modern Liquors
1200 9th ST NW
Mt. Vernon Sq. Metro
700 M ST NW
Mt. Pleasant Library
3162 Mt. Pleasant St. NW
Northwest One Library
155 L ST NW
Off Road Cycling
905 U Street, NW
1700 Columbia RD NW
Paul Laurence Dunbar Sr. Apartments
2001 15th Street NW
1900 7th ST NW
Petworth Library
4200 Kansas AVE NW
2129 14th ST NW
Petworth Metro
3700 Georgia AVE NW
3031 14th ST NW
Phyllis Wheatly YWCA
901 Rhode Island Ave NW
3601 12th ST NE
Providence Hospital
1150 Varnum St NE
400 Mass. AVE NW
Reeves Center
2000 14th ST NW
6514 Georgia Ave, NW
Safeway
1045 5th ST NW
Coldwell Banker
1606 17th ST NW
Columbia Hts. Coffee
3416 11 ST NW
CVS
1000 U ST NW 110 Carroll ST NW 1117 10th ST NW 128 Kennedy ST NW 1418 P ST NW 1637 P Street, NW
DC Child & Family Services Agency
200 I Street SE
Drafting Table
1529 14th ST NW
Dunkin Donuts
1739 New Jersey Ave NW
Emery Recreation Ctr.
5701 Georgia Avenue, NW
MIDCITY FEBRUARY 2013
Shaw Mainstreet
875 N Street, NW
Shaw metro
1800 7th st NW
Shephard Park Library
7420 Georgia Avenue, NW
Starbucks
1600 U ST NW 2225 Georgia AVE NW
State Farm
3327 12th ST NE
Street Boxes
925 Monroe ST NE 2022 14th ST NW 8th & R Streets., NW
1631 Kalorama RD NW Heller’s Bakery
1701 Corcoran ST NW 1747 Columbia RD NW 6501 Piney Branch RD NW Senior Wellness Center
3531 Georgia Avenue, NW
Shaw Library
945 Rhode Island AVE NW
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1400 Block P Street, NW 7th ST & Rhode Is. Ave, NW 1501 14th ST NW 1501 U ST NW Takoma Metro
327 Cedar ST NW
Takoma Park Library
312 Cedar Street, NW
Third District MPD
1620 V ST NW
Trilogy NoMa
151 Q Street, NE
Tryst
2459 18th ST NW
Turkey Thickett Rec Ctr.
1100 Michigan Avenue, NE
U Street metro
900 U st
Wilson Building
1350 Pennsylvania AVE NW
Windows Cafe
101 Rhode Island AVE NW
Yoga District
1830 1st ST NW
MIDCITY YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
OUT & ABOUT / Health
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Let’s Get Physical Get Out and Get Fit
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he sun is back, and it’s finally time to take your workout into the world. Here are some Let’s Get Physical features that take you beyond your gym’s walls.
Slacklining @ a Park near You
You may have seen these folks in Dupont Circle, Meridian Hill Park, or Logan Circle. They seem like your average young, after-work crowd – except for the circus-like activity that has them walking along a strap stretched between two trees. It’s called slacklining, and it’s a fun and challenging thing to do on climbing excursions, camping trips, hikes, or just an idle afternoon. With a durable nylon belt suspended a few feet off the ground and stretched between two points, a slacker attempts to walk, run, bounce, and even flip
by Jazelle Hunt
his or her way from one end to the next. It is similar to walking a tightrope, except the line is more a ribbon than a cable, and it is stretched but not tight, making it more bouncy and dynamic than static. Getting up on a slackline requires heaps of muscle control, balance, and coordination. It takes a core that’s both tight and flexible. It also requires a strong mind-body connection. Losing focus for just one second can throw off balance and end your attempt to make it to the other side, one calculated step at a time. It’s the kind of physical activity that can be as difficult and daring or as easygoing as desired. The people you may have seen in the park aren’t part of an organization or class. They’re just friendly people from around the DMV who get together to unwind on the line. A few are serious slackers and/or rock climbers who enter competitions and challenge themselves at great heights and with risky tricks. Most just enjoy the time spent doing something fun with
Slacklining requires coordination, a solid core, and lots of practice. Photo: Jeff Caplan
You can usually find Noelle Powers on Sundays in Meridian Hill Park, hooping in her own world at the drum circle. Photo: Noelle Powers
LEFT:The slackers around DC are welcoming and enjoy helping curious passersby try the line. Photo: Jazelle Hunt CENTER: Toned-Up Tuesdays is a great way to take your yoga practice outside and meet new people. Photo: VIDA Fitness RIGHT: People of all ages and levels can share tips and have a great time at the hoop jam at Joe’s Movement Emporium. Photo: Noelle Powers
friends. They’re all very welcoming and don’t mind when strangers come up and ask for a crash course. Catch up with friendly slackers through Meetup (www.meetup.com/DCSlackers), Facebook (www. facebook.com/groups/dmvslackline), or running into them at a midcity park just after the workday or on the weekend.
Hula-hooping @ Joe’s Movement Emporium or a Park near You
Who knew how much a big plastic ring could do for one’s wellbeing? Quite a few people, apparently. There’s a whole subculture around “flow arts,” which include hobbies such as juggling, fire dance, and yes, hula-hooping. But today’s hula-hoops are not the same ones your grandma whirled; they bring much more to the table than playtime. These are weighted, collapsible, handmade, personalized hoops that can trim waistlines, strengthen hearts and lungs, and even help with mental and emotional health symptoms from anxiety to Alzheimer’s. One place to learn more and try it out is the weekly hoop jam at Joe’s Movement Emporium, led by Noelle Powers. Against the backdrop of a sunny playlist and club lights, budding hoopers can practice keeping the hoop in motion, hooping in both directions, hooping on different body parts, hooping while walking, and a host of other tricks. It’s all much more challenging than I remember. What is it about growing up that steals the ability to just do things without much thought or effort? Anyway, the hoop jam is relatively out of the way, so instead you can probably run into Powers at the Sunday drum circle in Meridian Hill Park. She’s the one with the playful bob haircut, serene smile, extra hoops to share, and supremely impressive skills.
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The Hoop Jam at Joe’s Movement Emporium (3309 Bunker Hill Rd., Mt. Rainier, Md. 20712) is on Tuesdays at 6:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and is $12 to drop in – but this is the last month of class before a summer hiatus. Otherwise try to catch instructor Powers at community festivals and events around the DMV (www.hoopingpowers.com). You can also link with the Hoop Dance DC Meetup and learn the ropes (www. meetup.com/hoopdancedc).
Toned-Up Tuesdays with VIDA Fitness @ The Park at CityCenter
It’s the return of VIDA’s weekly free yoga class, Toned-Up Tuesdays. Each week strong and earnest VIDA Fitness instructors show up to lead this free, open-air, open-tothe-public yoga class. May 12 brings a vinyasa session, which is a moderately paced flow that supports cardio and respiratory health as well as toning muscles and improving flexibility. The May 19 class is power yoga, a challenging flow that will test stamina, build muscle, and increase flexibility. There will be sweat. The final, May 26 session is hatha yoga, ideal for releasing the day’s tension. It’s also great for yoga beginners or those who need a mellow stretch or easygoing break after their usual workout. On top of the virtue of being a free outdoor yoga class led by experienced professionals, TonedUp Tuesdays is a great way to meet new people or catch up with friends you haven’t seen in a bit. Plus, there are giveaways and free swag. Grab your mat and show up early for a good spot. Toned-Up Tuesdays at The Park at City Center (corner of 10th St. and New York Ave. NW ) starts at 6:30 p.m. each Tuesday in May. No membership or pre-registration required. u
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OUT & ABOUT / ART
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Depeche Art
May Midcity Gallery Exhibitions by Phil Hutinet
A Peek into NASCAR at PPW
You know you’ve always wanted to peek into the world of NASCAR, which has grown into the largest spectator sport in the United States, surpassing our national pastime, baseball, and even the National Football League in audience size. In her “NASCAR Series,” Ann-Marie VanTassell allows visitors to view this world from the controlled environment of the Pleasant Plains Workshop gallery. Trained as a photojournalist, DC-based photographer VanTassell counts anthropological photographer Catherine Opie as one of her influences. In her NASCAR photographs VanTassell turns the tables on her subjects as the spectators become the spectacle on full display for gallery audiences to see. VanTassell’s oeuvre straddles the line between social science and art. VanTassell’s images masterfully convince the viewer that ordinary, everyday Americans are actually “the other” (“l’autre”), to borrow a term from French anthropologist Claude Lévi-Strauss, rendering seemingly banal quotidian scenes exotic and somewhat otherworldly. Aleksandra Katargina,“Lonely Melody.” Image: Touchstone gallery
as the annual collaboration among the Touchstone Foundation for the Arts, the Touchstone Gallery, ArtSpace, and the Shaw community comes to fruition in the form of an exhibition.
Aleksandra Katargina’s “In Pursuit of Happiness”
Russian-born Aleksandra Katargina examines the “Pursuit of Happiness.” Thomas Jefferson coined the phrase and derived his inspiration from English philosopher Thomas Locke, who wrote not about Ann-Marie VanTassell,“Mary,” by 2015, c-print. Image: Pleasant Plains Workshop
Three Concurrent Exhibitions at Touchstone Gallery, Touchstone@ArtSpace
Over the winter and early spring Touchstone Gallery artists Paula Lantz, David Beers, Shelley Lowenstein, Mary D. Ott, and Judy Giuliani, with youth and adults, participated in a community workshop at New Community ArtSpace. Larry Cook,“Untitled #1,” single channel video, 02:57 min., edition of 8, 2014. Image: Hamiltonian Gallery The artists and Shaw residents collaborated on creating artwork in various mediums, yielding a body of work which will be on display at the Touchstone Gallery through the end of May. Gallery-goers will have a chance to observe the best of community art and art-making,
Memory boxes with Paula Lantz. Photo: Rachel Dickerson
MAY 2015
happiness but rather about the “pursuit of property.” Katargina has a different take on the subject altogether. Her central thesis rests on the premise that most of us spend life in the pursuit of happiness. Through a series of figurative paintings Katargina examines two-paths in the pursuit of happiness. The first path comes out of “pressure relief,” which the artist argues can be achieved through goal-setting or escapism. The second describes working in harmony with oneself and one’s surroundings. From these two ideas Katargina paints a series of parables examining the realization and pitfalls of achieving happiness through pressure relief or in harmonizing oneself with one’s surroundings. In addition to these two exhibitions Touchstone will also host a group show of its members in May.
“Stockholm Syndrome” at Hamiltonian
Mini-series such as Alex Haley’s “Roots” visually recreated an unfiltered look at the horrific and odious practice of the transatlantic slave trade, also referred to by historians somewhat euphemistically as the Middle Passage. However, whereas author Haley sought to gain a deeper understanding of his own identity as an American of African descent by tracing his family history, artist Larry Cook takes a different approach in his examination of the African diaspora in the Americas. Cook focuses his examination of identity in our “post-racial society” by studying what impact the transatlantic slave trade had on the “subjugated.” Cook’s study encompasses African populations in all of the Americas, specifically in the Caribbean, Latin America, and the United States. Through text, neon, appropriated audio, and video Cook’s work will reexamine our post-racial society’s narratives, likening the plight of present-day Americans of African descent to captives suffering a type of Stockholm syndrome.
May Midcity Gallery Openings
Hamiltonian Gallery 1353 U St. NW 202-332-1116|hamiltoniangallery.com “Stockholm Syndrome” by Larry Cook. May 16-June 20 OPENING RECEPTION: Saturday, May 23, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Long View Gallery 1234 9th St. NW 202-232-4788|longviewgallerydc.com “Versus” by Jason Wright. May 8-June 7 OPENING RECEPTION: Friday May 8, 6:30-8:00 p.m. Pleasant Plains Workshop 2608 Georgia Ave. NW www.pleasantplainsworkshop.com “From the NASCAR Series” by Ann-Marie VanTassell May 2-31 OPENING RECEPTION / TAILGATE PARTY: Saturday, May 16, noon-5:00 p.m.
Current Exhibitions on View
Hemphill Fine Arts 1515 14th St. NW 202-234-5601|hemphillfinearts.com “CUSHNER” Through May 30 Touchstone Gallery 901 New York Ave. NW 202-347-2787|touchstonegallery.com “Chiaroscuro: Out of the Shadows,” Touchstone member artists show “In Pursuit of Happiness” by Aleksandra Katargina (Touchstone Foundation Fellow) “I Belong Here,” juried show of student work from Touchstone@ ArtSpace project. Through May 31 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
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OUT & ABOUT
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Kennedy Recreation Center Helps Shaw Shine
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fter the completion of colorful new outdoor play areas and some overdue renovations, the Kennedy Recreation Center, located at 1401 7th St. NW, has added luster to its part of the Shaw landscape. But it’s not just the facility that’s gleaming. Several of the center’s youth sports teams have also burnished the center’s reputation recently. The 8-and-under and the 14-andunder Kennedy girls’ pom-pom teams have won citywide championships, while the 9-to-10-year-old boys’ basketball team has taken runner-up honors. The center, better known to longtime neighborhood residents as the Kennedy Playground, opened in 1964 as a free urban amusement park, a project spearheaded by US Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy. Occupying an entire city block, it was one of the first places in the nation named for Kennedy’s slain brother, President John F. Kennedy. The current facility opened in 2003 as a fullfledged recreation center. Sometimes referred to as “the other Kennedy Center,” Shaw’s recreation center offers a wide variety of activities for everyone, from toddlers to seniors. Site leader Rochelle Bradshaw, a longtime center staffer, heads up the Kennedy Recreation Center team, including Julio Perez, Kavon Rayford, and new addition Richard Goings. They manage programs such as Young Men Future Leaders, Youth Basketball, Flag Football, and Senior
by Pleasant Mann Walking Club. Donna Dudley and Louis Graham are site-based roving leaders who provide community outreach and programming such as softball and Young Ladies on the Rise, a girls mentoring group. Adrian Sibert manages the popular Cooperative Play Program. The efforts of the staff are supported by the nonprofit Friends of Kennedy Playground. Managed by a board of Shaw community leaders, the Friends raise funds and provide financial support for programs that are not offered by the Department of Parks and Recreation. This has consisted largely of support for uniforms, fees for instructors, coaches, and officials, food for special events, and trophies for program participants. The Friends are also supporting the new Senior Walk and Talk Club,
Kennedy Warriors basketball team with Coach Kavon Rayford. Photo: Friends of Kennedy Playground
Kennedy Recreation Center staff. Photo: Sorrell Greene. Courtesy Friends of Kennedy Playground Cooperative Play Program at Kennedy Recreation Center. Photo: Friends of Kennedy Playground
One of Kennedy’s award-winning pom-pom teams. Photo: Friends of Kennedy Playground
which will encourage a multiethnic group of Shaw elders to go out to stroll and social-
ize on a regular basis. The Modeling and Acting Program classes developed and presented by Timora Pratt of Pratt Sensation Modeling and Talent Agency are unique to Kennedy. The program was designed to help empower youth and young adults to maximize their potential by creatively implementing positive behavioral changes through modeling and acting techniques. Improvisational exercises, typically based on group discussions, enable participants to learn how to “think outside the box.” Theatrical exercises are used to promote voice projection, diction, listening skills, self-control, and performance skills. Through modeling techniques participants learn how to walk and turn on the runway with confidence and create modeling routines with an emphasis on teamwork, individual style, and image. Modeling and Acting Program participants demonstrate their skills in public performances at DC recreation centers, fundraising events, churches, and senior citizens buildings. In 2014 the partici-
MAy 2015
G G ROOFING
AWARDED BEST WASHINGTON, DC CONTRACTOR OF 2012 BY ANGIE’S LIST
pants performed choreographed excerpts from the Broadway musical and movie “Dreamgirls” at the 14th annual American Classic Woman of the Year Pageant, before an audience of hundreds at the Lincoln Theater. Their latest project is a skit entitled “Bully Me No More,” which focuses on how bullying in the home can create bullies in our schools and communities. The Kennedy Recreation Center Cooperative Play Program introduces children ages 2½ to 5 to a structured play setting with activities that engage the whole child mentally, socially, physically, and emotionally in preparation for entering formal education. Emphasis is placed on socialization skills such as learning to take turns; cognitive growth through music, painting, and cutting; and gross motor development by running and jumping. Sibert is the cooperative play group’s teacher. All parents and guardians also serve duty days (usually one day per week per child) to assist with organizing, implementing, and planning activities. As a mark of the program’s popularity at the Kennedy Recreation Center, the seats for next year are already filled. Spring at Kennedy starts with the annual Program Banquet on May 1, overseen by Bradshaw. Its annual basketball tournament will be organized by community member and volunteer Torrey Burns. Other activities include the Video Game Day Challenge, facilitated by Perez, while Rayford will hold a Mother’s Day dinner for the mothers of Kennedy Recreation Center participants on May 8. Sibert will lead a summer kickoff event on June 13. For more information on how to be a part of these events and programs visit dpr.dc.gov or call 202-671-4794. u
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OUT & ABOUT
28 MId ci tyd cnews. coM
Shaw Main Streets Holds Record Breaking Annual Gala article and photos by Pleasant Mann
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he theme for this year’s Shaw Main Streets Gala was “Spotlight on Shaw,” a nod to the event’s venue, the historic Howard Theatre, and to the audience the neighborhood has attracted as a destination for food, drink, and entertainment. The main attractions for the 300 attendees were the food and drink specialties on hand from the gala’s Host Committee of Shaw chefs, mixologists, brewers, and roasters. There were offerings from 1905, Beau Thai, Compass Coffee, Dino’s Grotto, Dolci Gelati, Eat the Rich (which provided a bed of freshly shucked raw oysters on ice), Fishnet, Mockingbird Hill, Right Proper Ana Harvey, director of the Department of Small and Local Business Development.
Brewing Company, Seasonal Pantry, Southern Efficiency, Table, and Thally. Particularly exciting was the opportunity to sample the offerings of high-end establishments that have yet to open in Shaw, including Calabash Tea & Tonic, Convivial, the Dabney, and Kinship. A quick walk around the floor proved that Shaw is now hosting the best restaurants in town. The Jazzy Blu band provided a
broad set of popular musical hits from the past and present to entertain gala attendees as they snacked and drank. Alexander Padro, executive director of Shaw Main Streets, opened the program by announcing that the gala had raised a total of $175,000 in cash and in kind. This far surpassed the $120,000 raised last year, which was already a record for privately raised funds for a single fundraising event by a Main Streets organization anywhere in the United States. Padro then introduced Ana Harvey, the director of the District’s Department of Small and Local Business Development, who expressed her excitement about what is happening in Shaw. Then Ward 1 Councilmember Brianne Nadeau
addressed the crowd, noting that her ward does have a part of the Shaw Main Streets service area, and that the promotion of small business is a large part of her work on the DC Council. The final item of the night was the presentation of the Shaw Champion Award to Ralph Brabham, outgoing Shaw Main Streets Board chair, for his work in building the organization and supporting the development of Shaw. After Padro, Vice Chair Gretchen Wharton and the Shaw Main Streets board presented the award. Brabham expressed his appreciation for it and said that he was proud of the work that the organization did to build a sense of community in Shaw. u Shaw Main Streets Gala crowd at the Howard Theater.
MAY 2015
Beau Thai owners Ralph Brabham and Aschara Vigsittaboot.
Chef Cedric Maupiller with Convivial staffer.
Kinship chef Eric Ziebold, Celia Laurent Ziebold, and staffer. Jazzy Blu performed many classic hits.
Seasonal Pantry’s Dan O’Brian with gala attendees.
Josh and Kelly Phillips of Espita Mezcaleria, Warren Weixler of Swatchroom, and Alexander Padro.
Councilmember Elissa Silverman and Roadside Development principal Richard Lake.
Councilmember Brianne Nadeau with proprietors of Dino’s Grotto.
Shaw Champion Award presented to Ralph Brabham. Shaw Main Streets board members Nooni Reatig and Lionel Lynch and former member Susan Linsky.
Councilmember Brianne Nadeau addresses the gala crowd.
Congressman Charles Rangel with Gretchen Wharton and Alexander Padro.
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The District Beat
In the Budget, Western Wards Lose, The Mayor Lays Out Her Vision
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udgets, whether federal or local, have never been purely about the numbers. Presented in pie charts or rows of graphs and contained in clunky books the size of old telephone books, they are essentially policy and political statements. Through them elected officials telegraph their priorities and identify favored constituencies. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s $12.9 billion fiscal 2016 budget and financial plan, which she says is “good news for DC and its residents,” may be in that tradition. She emphasizes, among other things, affordable housing, ending homelessness, economic opportunity and education. Those altruistic priorities excite many people, particularly nonprofit contractors and a community of social service advocates; they even earned Bowser the nod of The DC Fiscal Policy Institute’s Ed Lazere. But who would would argue with the goals of ending homelessness and making housing less costly, asks government watchdog Dorothy Brizill. “That’s like motherhood and apple pie.” The larger question is how Bowser intends to implement her budget and “who’s it going to benefit,” adds Brizill. “There is always the case that one is looking very much ahead,” says Federation of Citizens Association President Anne Mohnkern Renshaw, telling a story about a diplomat who asks a congressman if he simultaneously received calls from a constituent and a benefactor, which would he answer first. “The benefactor,” answered the congressman. Is Bowser’s looking ahead? Is her budget designed to ensure her reelection in 2018? Who are the people she thinks she needs? Who are her political benefactors?
The Political Compass Points East
Bowser won six of the city’s eight wards during last year’s general election. Her strongest showing was in areas rich in black voters--Wards 4, 5, 7, and 8. The latter two helped her seal both the Democratic primary and the general election. What happens the next time around, however, if instead of squaring off with a white, gay man, who was demonized for his former Republican Party
by Jonetta Rose Barras membership, Bowser faces a strong black candidate? An absence of significant African American support could sink her reelection much as it cost her mentor Mayor Adrian M. Fenty his reelection in 2010. Bowser apparently learned from that lesson. Reviewing her budget proposals, it appears significant spending, directly or indirectly, is slated for communities that helped usher her into the mayoral suite. Consider, for example, her plan to expand the summer jobs program. This $5.2 million expenditure is for residents 22 through 24 years of age. Most of the beneficiaries likely will hail from Ward 5, 7 and 8 where unemployment is highest. Homeless programs will get an $18.7 million boost, in Bowser’s budget. She also plans to spend $44.9 million to replace DC General and create “new family shelter options.” Fulfilling a campaign pledge, $100 million is slated to construct and preserve affordable housing. While there are advantages for the entire city, residents in east Washington, many of whom spend large portions of their income on housing, stand to benefit the most. Bowser also commits in her budget to extending the city’s aid to welfare families. If the council agrees, $5 million will be spent to keep individuals in the program beyond the five-year deadline established by the federal government in the 1990s. Not all recipients of Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF) live in east Washington. However, significant African American and Hispanic populations, served by the program, live in at least four of the wards that went for Bowser in 2014. The list of benifits for east Washington and Bowser political strongholds continue. There is $94 million for two middle schools—one in Ward 4 and another in Ward 7; $13.5 million for the Benning Road Recreation Center; and $3.5 million for the one in Anacostia. The Fort Dupont Ice Skating Rink could receive $17.9 million. Then, there is $124 million for that east end medical center, an idea that she and other council members pooh poohed when former Mayor Vincent C. Gray included it in his final budget. And, Bowser promises an extension of the, albeit seriously delayed, streetcar system to “down-
town Ward 7.” But east Washington didn’t receive everything on its wish list. Most of the economic development projects like Barry Farms, Skyland Shopping Center and McMillan Reservoir, have been on the books for years.
The West Gets Rhetoric
Many residents in Wards 2 and 3, which Bowser lost in the recent mayoral election, are feeling left out. She says her budget decisions were guided mostly by discussions with citizens during three budget forums. According to government documents, at least 41 percent of people identified education as their top issue; the remaining percentages were divided between economic opportunity, infrastructure, public safety and neighborhoods. On the surface Bowser’s budget suggests a synchronicity with those issues. Speaking before the council, she cited funding for a streetcar system from Benning Rd NE Metro station to Georgetown. That vision is designed to placate businessmen in western wards; many of them have lamented the fact that Georgetown was not included in the subway system. But upon closer questioning by Ward 3 council member, Mary Cheh, Bowser admitted funds were not included in the 2016 budget or the financial plan, which extends to 2021. Additionally, Bowser proposes to eliminate funding for the much anticipated 11th Street Bridge Park. Groups like the H St Main Street, which has worked in partnership with the city and demonstrated an ability to revitalize its community, also appear to have been short changed. Anwar Saleem, head of H St. Main Street, says $18 million that had been set aside for his community is reduced to $11 million. In fairness, Bowser does increase by $31.4 million spending on public education, bringing the total allotment for charters and traditional schools to $1.6 billion. Most of those operating dollars cover an expected enrollment increase. But the praise she may receive stops there. Education spending, particularly by DC Public Schools, is one of the areas where residents claim there is
MAY 2015
the greatest amount of disparity and politics. East Washington and Ward 4 get new middle schools. But other neighborhoods—some of which have been on a waiting list for years—aren’t so lucky. Education advocate Matthew Frumin and a group of like-minded citizens have performed an analysis of operating and capital improvement spending for schools. He says some Ward 2 and Ward 3 schools, like Murch Elementary and Garrison Elementary School, may be receiving funding for renovations and modernization. But when general operating money including new allocations for at-risk students is considered “The western part [of the city] gets the least,” adds Frumin. “She wants to be the mayor for all eight wards,” says Alex Padro, head of Shaw Main Street in Ward 6. “She’s not showing it to us over here.” Padro says his community is “upset” that Bowser cut $54 million from the capital budget that had been allocated to begin construction of a new Shaw Middle School. The money doesn’t show back up in the financial plan until 2021. “People start feeling they’ve been fed a pack of lies,” continues Padro, adding that those sentiments combined with delays in modernization, could cause some families to leave the neighborhood or enroll in charters. “I don’t understand what the motivation is to upturn the cart,” adds Padro. One-third of the schools Bowser eliminates from the capital improvement school modernization plan are located in Ward 6, says Councilmember Charles Allen (D-Ward 6). “That puts a strain on families,” he told Bowser. “It’s going to be a priority of mine to make sure we make good on that commitment.” Bowser says there is only a finite amount of money. But the shifts in spending priorities read politics to many people. “It will be over to the electorate
to determine if they think [Bowser’s] proposed budget best addresses real needs and priorities or was unduly influenced by other factors,” says Frumin. It’s not just the numbers, cautions Brizill, “The mayor also is trying to consolidate power.” She cites Bowser’s budget legislation that would eliminate term appointments for some key executives. She also seeks to capture for her office responsibilities and authority assigned through the Home Rule Charter to the Office of the Attorney General. “The devil is in the details,” opines Brizill. Interestingly, Terry Lynch, a Ward 1 resident and education advocate, says politics may be involved. But, citing the spending hit at the popular Wilson High School, he says it’s a brand of “inept” politics. “No right thinking politician would ever cut Wilson High School’s budget by nearly $1 million, continues Lynch. “The political pain it will bring is significant. Hopefully, the council will fix the problems.” At a public hearing last month, where more than 150 individuals signed up to testify, At-large Council member David Grosso, chairman of the Committee on Education, made clear that he might be inclined to accept Bowser’s general operating budget proposal for DCPS. “[But], I can’t in good conscience urge my colleagues to pass this capital budget as is,” he continued. Not only are there certain projects that have become too costly and in a sense are out of control, but I am also deeply concerned about equity.” Will his colleagues join him? Once again, politics may be the driver. As well as Grosso, several council members, including Jack Evans, Yvette Alexander, and Vincent Orange are all up for re-election next year and will be interested in pleasing potential voters. u
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Neighborhood / NEWS
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The Numbers: Mayor Bowser’s First Budget Key Investments Will Reduce Inequality and Expand Opportunity
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t does not take a financial wizard to spot the priorities in Mayor Bowser’s first budget: She wants to create more affordable housing, address rising homelessness, and protect thousands of families with children from losing basic income support. These will help residents cope with the dramatic disappearance of low-cost housing and an economy that is failing to create good-paying job opportunities for residents without a college degree. Mayor Bowser’s first budget makes new in-
by Ed Lazere vestments even though she faced a shortfall of revenue compared with the costs of maintaining services. To make it all work, some parts of DC government will get little or no new funding next year – like schools. And there are a number of reductions, too, some from outright cuts in services and many others from improved efficiency. The budget also includes modest tax changes, including a sales tax increase that will add 25 cents to a $100 purchase. That is a small price to pay for a budget that puts DC on a path to ending long-term homelessness. This analysis is part of an online “Budget Toolkit” developed each year by the DC Fiscal Policy Institute, which can be found at www.dcfpi.org.
Some Notable Changes
Mayor Bowser’s proposed fiscal year (FY) 2016 budget is just a little larger than this year’s budget – a two percent increase after adjusting for inflation. The total is actually lower than the amount needed to maintain all services at 2015 levels, which means that the proposed budget is a lean one. Within that big picture, some services will be expanded, others will stay where they are, and some will be cut. The mayor found savings through efficiencies, but also cut some services, too. Some notable changes: • Record Investment in Housing: Local funding for affordable housing will reach a record high level in 2016, including expansion of programs to build affordable housing, provide rental assistance, and provide housing and supportive services for chronically homeless residents. Most notable is $100 million for the Housing Production Trust
•
Fund – DC’s main tool to build or renovate affordable housing. This will support construction or renovation of 1,000 or more homes affordable for residents with incomes typically under $54,000 for a year for a family of four. Working to Make Homelessness Rare, Brief and Non-recurring: Important progress will be made to replace the shameful DC General homeless shelter over the next two years, along with other efforts to help families and individuals leave shelter quickly and to create permanent housing for chronically homeless residents. One issue that remains unclear is whether there will be enough resources to serve all families who become homeless each year. Due to limited resources, the city largely turns away families seeking shelter in warm weather months, even when they have no safe place to go. Getting to the point where fami-
MAY 2015
•
•
lies have access year-round will depend on the success of efforts to get families out of shelter faster. Public Safety Expansions: Funding for the Metropolitan Police Department will increase due to contracted salary increases, 50 civilian staff added so that more officers can be on patrol, and equipping all officers with body cameras for officers. The Fire and Emergency Services Department will also grow due to base salary increases, but also due to a recent legal settlement requiring increases in overtime pay. Public Works -- More Money for Metro: The District’s obligation to support operations of WMATA, the regional transportation system, will jump a lot next year.
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snacks at early education sites. Summer Programs at Parks and Recreation: The budget eliminates an expansion of summer programs for children that was supposed to start this summer. The University of the District of Columbia: UDC’s budget was cut by 5 percent, or $3.5 million. The impact is unclear. First-Time Homeowner Assistance: Funding for the Home Purchase Assistance Program, which provides down payment and closing cost assistance to low- and moderate-income homebuyers, was cut by about one-fifth.
Modest Revenue Increases Will Support Important Initiatives
Education: More Money Going to High-Poverty Schools
Schools were not a big winner this year. Mayor Bowser proposed no increase to the school funding formula, not even an adjustment for inflation or rising salary costs. DCPS will direct more dollars to schools by cutting central operations. This lean year follows last school year when the DCPS budget grew six percent and charter school funding rose nine percent. Even with a flat overall budget, there will be big funding shifts within DC Public Schools, around the use of resources for “at-risk” students. The school funding formula was changed in 2014-15 to create a new “at-risk” category, adding $2,100 for every student who was low-income or otherwise at risk of academic failure. However, DCPS used the additional funds for a number of pre-planned initiatives determined by the Chancellor, not necessarily for poor students. An online data tool developed by DCFPI and Code for DC showed that many highpoverty schools did not get their fair share. In response to public criticism, DCPS committed to allocating the at-risk funds to follow the student in 2015-16, meaning schools with large concentrations of low-income students will receive their fair share of these resources, particularly schools in Wards 1, 4, 7, and 8. A review of initial school budget allocations shows that much of the funding will go towards extending the school day,
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for arts programming and supplies, and for middle and high school staffing. Another schools issue is a cut in funding for afterschool programs. At least 20 schools will be losing their afterschool funds next year. These programs bring community-based organizations to offer enrichment that schools often do not provide in the regular school day – even an extended school day – and support working parents by offering services as late as 6:00 p.m.
What Is Cut in the Budget?
The mayor’s spending plan includes reductions in a number of program areas. These include scaling back programs and services as well as savings resulting from improved efficiency. • Payments to Hospitals for Medicaid Services: DC’s Medicaid program covers 98 percent of hospital costs, but that would be cut to cover 86 percent, which roughly matches the average among states. • Child Nutrition: The budget eliminates the new “Healthy Tots” program which is intended to improve the nutritional quality of meals and
The mayor proposes increasing revenues by onehalf of one percent of the local budget, including raising the sales tax rate from .25 percent to six percent. That would put the District in line with the sales tax rate in Maryland and Northern Virginia, and it follows a recommendation of the 2014 D.C. Tax Revision Commission. The sales tax is a broad-based tax, but lowerincome households pay more of it as a share of their income, which means it is not always the ideal way to raise revenue. Lower-income families spend all or nearly all of their income each month – including lots of taxable things like cleaning supplies, school backpacks, and clothes. Despite this drawback, the proposed sales tax increase is modest – just 25 cents for every $100 taxable purchase. That is a small price to pay to tackle an enduring problem like homelessness. In the end, the mayor’s budget shows that building a city where everyone can succeed requires substantial new commitments to housing, jobs, and other needs. And it shows that it is possible to make those investments without asking too much of DC residents. Lazere is executive director of the DC Fiscal Policy Institute (www.dcfpi.org). DCFPI promotes budget and policy solutions to reduce poverty and inequality in the District, and to increase the opportunity for residents to build a better future. u
DC Outdoor Public Pools Open for Season
Jewish communities think about Palestinians and the conflict. Mosaic Theater’s Voices From a Changing Middle East series is part of their commitment to producing plays by authors on the front lines of conflict zones as well as providing audiences with a dynamic new venue for the dramatizing and debating of ideas. The event is open to all with no charge. For more information about Mosaic Theater, visit mosaictheater.org.
Mount Vernon Triangle CID Annual Meeting
Housing Counseling Services Seeks Help Locating Homeless Veterans
DC’s outdoor pools will open on Saturday, May 23. Pools will be open on weekends only until school is out for the summer at which point the outdoor pools will be open six days a week (with one day a week closed for cleaning). Ft Dupont pool will be closed this season for renovations. Oxon Run and Banneker pools have undergone complete and major renovation. Nearby outdoor public pools are Francis Pool, 2435 N St. NW; East Potomac Pool, 972 Ohio Dr. SW; Randall Pool, S. Capitol and I Sts. SW. All DC public pools are free for DC residents. Have ID. dpr.dc.gov
The Mount Vernon Triangle Community Improvement District (MVT CID) will hold its annual meeting on Thursday, May 21, 9-11 a.m. (breakfast and networking begin at 9 a.m., program begins at 9:30 a.m.) at the Association of American Medical Colleges Headquarters, 655 K St. NW. The meeting provides an opportunity for CID business owners and residents to network and to learn about the year’s initiatives and programs. Mayor Muriel Bowser will keynote the meeting, with introductory remarks from AAMC President and CEO, Darrell G. Kirch, MD and Clean Team award presentation by Councilmember Charles Allen. The Mount Vernon Triangle community is invited to join the MVT CID as it celebrates 2014 accomplishments, recognizes the Clean Team Ambassadors, releases the 2014 Annual Report, elects the FY 16 slate of board members and announces the Public Service Award winner. RSVP at mvtcid.org/events/annualmeeting.
Conversation with Mosaic Theater Artistic Director Ari Roth
Ari Roth, artistic director of the Mosaic Theater Company, 1333 H St. NE, will speak at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 301 A St. SE on Sunday, May 17, 2-4 p.m. Roth will discuss the wide range of American Jewish responses to the Arab-Israeli conflict as well as his dreams for the Mosaic Theater. Roth spent 18 years as artistic director of the DC Jewish Community Center’s Theater J. His controversial firing raised important questions about how American
If there is a homeless veteran or a veteran in imminent risk of homelessness, call Housing Counseling Services, Inc. They can be reached at 202-6677006 or info@housingetc.org. The HCS Supportive Services for Veteran Families program provides intensive case management and temporary financial assistance to homeless veterans in DC, Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, Fairfax County, Arlington County and the City of Alexandria.
Photo: Joy Asico
Neighborhood / Events
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Union Market Drive-In Movies Return
Union Market announces the return of its popular drive-in movie series. The series is best known for honoring themed movies, with this year’s sequence celebrating the glory of the ‘80s and ‘90s decades. The series will flashback every Friday in June starting on June 5 at 8 p.m. with an outdoor screening lineup featuring Pretty Woman, Beverly Hills Cop, Space Jam and Jurassic Park. The movie will be projected onto the two-story front wall of the market. The weekly event is just $10 per car (a portion of ticket sales will go to the Wheatley Education Campus in nearby Trinidad) or free for walk-ups and bikers in the picnic area on a first come, first serve basis. To hear the movie, patrons can either tune in to their car radios or listen over the loudspeakers. Gates open at 6 p.m., close at 7:45 p.m. The movie begins at 8 p.m. in the Union Market Parking Lot, 13905 5th St. NE. Get a car ticket at unionmarketdc.com. Whether its for the movie, the snacks or the fun, Washingtonians of all ages will come together to enjoy vintage service by the DC Rollergirls, on-hand delivering speedy snacks and drinks on wheels. All 40 Union Market vendors will remain open for service throughout the movie.
Shinola & The Washington Humane Society’s Pet Celebration
The Shinola & The Washington Humane Society’s Pet Celebration is on Sunday, May 17 from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. The open-to-the-public event will feature a variety of activities for local furry friends and humans, including a mobile pet adoption center, complimentary mini grooming services and refreshments. The DC storefront, 1534 14th St. NW, will have Woofie’s Mobile Pet Spa and the WHS mobile pet adoption center “Adopt Force One” parked in front of the store.
Mount Vernon Triangle Farm Stand and Spring Fest in the Triangle
The Mount Vernon Triangle Community Improvement District announces the return of the FRESHFARM Farm Stand at 5th & K Sts. NW on Saturday, May 16 along with Spring Fest in the Triangle, kicking off the season with fun and treats for people of all ages. The FRESHFARM Farm Stand became a Saturday morning favorite for residents in and around Mount Vernon Triangle in its inaugural 2014 season. The festive, open-air Farm Stand, supplied with organic produce, fruits, eggs and baked goods from Chicano Sol Farm in Blain, PA, will once again be located at the busy plaza in
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traffic flow, optimize pedestrian crossing times and reduce transit running times. It is expected to reduce motorist travel times and reduce emissions and fuel consumption. This work is a component of a citywide signal optimization initiative, started in 2012, that will enhance the District’s entire traffic signal network of more than 1,650 signals by the end of 2016.
Mayor Bowser opens Ivy City Nike Community Store
Nike Community Store Opens in Ivy City
“Orange is the New Black” Creator to Speak at Gala in Support of Prisoner Rights
Piper Kerman, creator of The New York Times best seller “Orange Is The New Nike has opened its first Community Store in DC at 1401 New Black,” will speak on prisoner rights on York Ave. NE. The store creates local jobs and will engage the Thursday, May 14, at the Four Seasons in community through store volunteer efforts. As part of its ComGeorgetown, in support of Voices For A munity Store model, Nike store employees and Nike’s retail Second Chance, a local nonprofit that proleadership support volunteerism and allocate volunteer hours vides supports to thousands of incarcerated to sport- and non sport-related efforts. Store employees, who and newly released men and women in the are known as “athletes,” will work with kids to drive early, posiDistrict’s correctional system. tive experiences with physical activity. Studies show that active Voices For A Second Chance (VSC), kids perform better in school, have reduced levels of stress and formally known as the Visitors’ Services anxiety, and enjoy greater creativity and leadership skills. The Center, will celebrate 45 years of working Nike DC Community Store also plans to build local partnerwith offenders and their families by providships with organizations working in Ivy City. ing essential safety net for offenders and the most at risk--their families--who are likely front of City Vista. The market will be open from to be among the most marginalized members of soci10 a.m.-1 p.m. every Saturday morning through ety. Voices For A Second Chance bridges the gap from Oct. 31. freshfarmmarkets.org incarceration to community for tens of thousands of men and women and their families and provides tools for second chances to aid a productive transition Anyone interested in something from the Wooly back into the community such as counseling services, stage should check out what’s for sale, including set mental health/substance abuse support, maintaining pieces, furniture and props that have starred in their healthy connections in and outside prison, and reigproductions. Be advised: keep coming back as there niting and sustaining family connections. vscdc.org is always a new show and a new pile of stuff that Approximately 14,000 inmates are processed they can’t keep. woollymammoth.net through the DC Jail on an annual basis. Daily, the jail population is roughly 2,000. VSC serves close to 4,000 men and women and theirfamilies annually.
Woolly Mammoth’s Online Yard Sale
New Traffic Signal Timing in Downtown DC
DDOT has implemented new traffic signal timing plans for nearly 650 intersections in downtown DC. This will continue throughout the month May. The project area boundary includes 23rd St. NW, to the west; No. Capitol St. to the east; U St./Florida Ave. NW, to the north; and I-395 to the south. A few intersections in Georgetown along M St. and Wisconsin Ave. NW, are also part of this implementation effort. This project seeks to improve
2015 Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Summit and Networking Symposium
The District Department of Transportation and the D.C. Division of the Federal Highway Administration in the U.S. Department of Transportation announce the 5th Annual 2015 Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Summit and Networking Sym-
posium on May 21,9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., at the Kellogg Conference Center, Gallaudet University, 800 Florida Ave. NE. The keynote speaker is the District’s Congressional Delegate, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton. The summit is an opportunity for DDOT and WMATA-certified DBE firms and other small business enterprises to learn about upcoming federal-assisted business opportunities. It will also offer a chance for attendees to network with highway construction-related prime contractors, civil architectural and engineering firms, DDOT’s project managers and other DBE firms and small businesses within the transportation industry. Participants may also attend industry-related concurrent workshops. This year’s summit features an added workshop called “Contract Basics,” which will offer business tips to help DBE firms build a successful bid package. It will also feature legal experts who will discuss contract compliance, project close outs and disputes. Although the DBE summit is free, advanced registration is required by May 18 at 2015ddotdbesummit.eventbrite.com.
Theater J Announces Search for Artistic Director
Theater J has announced the commencement of a search for its next Artistic Director. The search is being facilitated by Management Consultants for the Arts, Inc. (MCA), in collaboration with an internal search committee. A full job posting can be viewed online at bit.ly/1BRnNT9. Interested candidates and those with recommendations for candidates should contact MCA directly, as indicated in the job posting. During the search process, Theater J will continue to operate fully under the leadership of Acting Artistic Director Shirley Serotsky.
DC Water Names First Street Tunnel Boring Machine for Lucy Diggs Slowe
DC Water named the third tunnel boring machine in its fleet and christened her with tap water in a ceremony to bless the machinery and the workers for a safe and successful underground journey. The TBM, and those who work on it, will mine a large tunnel about 100 feet below ground to help alleviate flooding in Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park during heavy rains. For the First Street Tunnel TBM, DC Water engaged the community to vote on the name. Lucy Diggs Slowe was the winner, besting Mary Church Terrell and Anna J. Cooper, all strong candidates with local community connections. Lucy Diggs Slowe (1895-1937) was a local and the First
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Dean of Women at Howard University in 1922.
Prepare For Your Trip to Nationals Park
Below are the transportation options for the Nationals Park. For further information about transportation, visit the Nationals Park directions on washington.nationals.mlb.com. Construction along Maine St. may cause delays. Drivers can also expect congestion at the intersection of So. Capitol and M Sts. SE. The following streets, which are adjacent to the ballpark, will be closed three hours before the start of each home game and may remain closed up to three hours after a game ends: N St. SE, between So. Capitol and First Sts. SE; and Half St. SE, between M and N. During game days, the DC Circulator will extend service on the Union Station--Navy Yard routes. For more information, visit dccirculator. com. The nearest Capital Bikeshare stations are at 1st/K Sts. SE, M St./ New Jersey Ave. SE and 1st/N Sts. SE. For more information, visit capitalbikeshare.com. Take the Green Line to the Navy Yard station. The Center Field gate is located one-half block from the station. The following Metrobus routes serve the ballpark: A9, 74, 90, 92, P6, V7, V8 and V9. For more information visit wmata.
Record Your Rabbit Sightings
The DC Department of the Environment, Fisheries and Wildlife Division is monitoring the population of Eastern cottontail rabbits in the District. Become a Citizen Scientist by recording rabbit sightings and sharing them with their biologists. Any efforts play a vital role in helping protect and conserve rabbits in the city. For more information on the program and how to become a volunteer, contact Lindsay Rohrbaugh at citizen.science@ dc.gov. u
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Bloomingdale Buzz
The End of an Era
After 50 years in business, Jak & Co. Hairdressers has closed. Owner William Jackson created a community among his family, his staff, and his clients that will survive beyond the salon’s last day. Jackson opened his salon downtown in the 1960s then moved it to Bloomingdale in 1988. When he died six years ago his three children took over the business. “All of us have worked in the salon at one point,” said Jackson’s daughter, Latosha JacksonMartin. “I guess we didn’t have as much passion as he did, but we kept the business going.” Jackson-Martin went to court to ask for more time to vacate the property to help her staff find other employment, continuing her father’s practice of taking care of the employees. “He’d pay their rent for them, pay their light bill, and just listen to them and their problems,” noted Jackson-Martin. “He was just like a big brother or father to the people who worked here.” Jackson-Martin has noticed a lot of positive changes in Bloomingdale but remarked that their clientele was gone. “We used to get a lot of foot traffic. We were able to hand out flyers,” she said. As for the letter she posted in the salon’s window, Jackson-Martin said she feels people missed
William Jackson, owner of Jak & Co. Hairdressers, in his salon. Photo: Latosha Jackson-Martin
by Ellen Boomer
her main point. “I wrote that letter as a love letter to the clients and the operators, because after that first sentence you see that it is … a letter of thanks.” She continued, “I don’t think people really read the definition of gentrification and just assume racist thoughts.” She noted, “It’s people being priced out of the community; it’s about people’s economic situation.” But “I look at the bright side. There aren’t too many small businesses that stay in business for 50 years, especially hair salons. It took care of his family, and it employed his community,” Jackson-Martin said.
42 W St. NW popping up over Bloomingdale’s row houses. Photo: Sara Kaufman
Pop Up Goes the Condo
Bloomingdale’s picturesque skyline is changing as more row houses are being converted to condominiums. These conversions, or pop-ups, are growing like weeds and are transforming DC neighborhoods in unalterable ways. “The biggest impacts we see are the pop-backs, dwarfing houses next door,” declared Stop the Pop DC member Lyn Abrams. “Some [pop-backs] go from one side of the property line to the next and cover the entire backyard.” Wards 1, 4, 5, and 6 have R-4 zoning regulations, which allow matter-of-right conversions of single-family homes into multi-unit, three-story dwellings. The current law allows for an additional 40 vertical feet and for the total structure to occupy 60 percent of the lot without any objection from adjoining neighbors. “We as DC residents need DCRA [Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs] to do their job and enforce the building codes and punish developers who violate those codes,” said Abrams, who lives next to a pop-up in 16th Street Heights. Developers are required to notify adjoining homeowners and share their plans. “People don’t know where to begin [when they’re] fighting against the city and developers,” she commented. “Lots of people feel defeated before they begin the fight.” In addition to the aesthetic impact on the roof lines, the process of converting a row house to condos has a profound effect on the structural integrity of adjoining houses. “When adding a level to homes that
are over 100 years old, it’s highly likely that damage will occur,” Abrams said. “There’s a physical and structural impact, and it’s hard to get coverage for hazard insurance for something that was not your fault.” With more residents there is less available parking and, more significantly, an increased demand on Bloomingdale’s infrastructure. “Developers and the city are thinking about dollars, not neighborhoods,” Abrams said. Bloomingdale resident Alan Seutter remarked, “People who live here have a sense of community.” He and his wife Susan live behind the pop-up at 42 W Street. “I feel like we’ve invested ourselves in it and worry that, losing longtime families and neighbors, Bloomingdale itself will change.” Contact stopthepopdc.com and DCRA (dcra. dc.gov) for more information.
Doing His Civic Duty
Longtime Bloomingdale resident Robert Vinson Brannum has had many jobs over the years, but only one calling: community activism. A commitment to his beliefs and his passion for service have drawn both praise and criticism, but Brannum just keeps looking for the next cause that needs his attention. Currently working for the DC Homeland Security Emergency Management Agency, Brannum also blogs for The Examiner, has volunteered with many civic associations, and has worked as a substitute teacher in DC Public Schools. He spent the first 22 years of his career serving in the Air Force. “A lot of people couldn’t understand [joining the Air Force] because of my passion and my penchant for being independently articulate,” Brannum
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Ward 5 community activist Robert Vinson Brannum.
said, his jovial laugh punctuating his point. “I am who I am. I’m not a perfect person, but I’m committed to justice, equality, and service,” he explained. “I care about doing what is right for people and being an advocate for the District of Columbia.” In 2011 Brannum, several DC Council members, and Mayor Gray were arrested for protesting and rallying in favor of DC’s budget autonomy. “It’s a stain on the American sense of representation. Those of us who live in DC don’t have full voting privileges and rights,” Brannum explained. Brannum, who grew up in DC, has lived in his grandparents’ house in Bloomingdale since the mid-80s. “I’ve seen a lot of changes in the neighborhood, all for the better,” he said. “We have a lot of new people in the community who may not know the history of the neighborhood … there are a lot of people who stayed in the community and did not run when there were hard times.” Contact Brannum via his blog at www.examiner.com/ward-5-inwashington-dc/robert-vinsonbrannum. u
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Shaw Streets by Pleasant Mann
Shaw Businesses on Top in Best of DC Awards
If there was any question that Shaw has arrived, the results of the City Paper readers’ poll of the Best of DC 2015 should put that to rest with a number of the neighborhood’s businesses coming out on top. In the food and drink categories, Nellie’s Sports Bar (900 U St. NW) got a number of awards for Best Bar, Best Gay Bar/ Club, Best Singles Bar, Best Sports
Bar and Best Trivia Bar. Beau Thai (1500 Seventh St. NW) won for both Best Asian Restaurant and Best Thai Restaurant. The Right Proper Brewing Company won the poll for Best Brew Pub, while Lost & Found (1240 Ninth St. NW) was designated the Best New Bar in the city. In the Best Places categories, Long View Gallery (1234 Ninth St. NW) won for Best Art Gallery, coming ahead of the National Gallery of Art and the Phillips Collection. Nelly’s was also designated the
Channing E. Phillips Homes. Image courtesy of Lincoln Westmoreland Housing, Inc.
Best Boys Night Out space. The 9:30 Club (815 V St. NW) was the Best Music Venue as well as the Best Place to see local music. Among purveyors of goods and services, Wagtime (1232 Ninth St. NW) won for Best Dog Walk Service and Best Pet Spa, while Off Road Indoor Cycling (905 U St. NW) came in first as the Best Indoor Cycling Studio. Among the quirky categories of the City Paper Staff Picks, A&D Bar (1314 Ninth St. NW) was considered the Best Bar to Bring a Sandwich To, while Compass Coffee (1535 Seventh St. NW) was picked as the Best Place to Get a Cup of D.C. Joe. Finally, Shaw itself came in as a runner-up for Best Neighborhood, falling just behind Capitol Hill. Maybe next year.
Shaw Main Streets Wins National Award
Shaw Main Streets was chosen as one of the “Innovation on Main Street” award winners for 2015 at the National Main Streets Conference in Atlanta last month. The Howard University Deltas Volunteer at Keep Shaw Beautiful Day 2015. Photo: Pleasant Mann
award is given to successful initiatives that could be a model for other Main Streets programs across the country. Shaw Main Streets won the award for its development of the “Art All Night” festival in Shaw. Based on Paris’ Nuit Blanche, an all-night citywide arts festival, Art All Night is a free overnight arts festival that transforms businesses, vacant commercial spaces and warehouses, libraries, recreation centers and parks into performing and visual arts venues for one night. Art All Night was eventually expanded to four other Washington, D.C. Main Street neighborhoods last year, drawing a total of 35,000 visitors to the festival.
Keep Shaw Beautiful Day
Keep Shaw Beautiful Day was on Saturday, April 18 this year. The annual effort to spruce up the tree boxes on the commercial corridors of Seventh and Ninth Streets started at Old City Farm and Guild on Rhode Island Ave. Volunteers from the neighborhood were joined by members of the Clean + Safe Team from Shaw as well as other teams from around Shaw Main Streets team accepts National Innovation on Main Street Award in Atlanta. Photo courtesy of National Main Streets Center
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the city. A welcome source of volunteers were the ladies of Howard University’s Delta Sigma Theta sorority chapter. The DC Mayor’s office also provided additional equipment for the groups weeding and mulching Shaw’s tree boxes.
Coming Events in Shaw
On Wednesday, May 20, 2015, Lincoln Westmoreland Housing, Inc. will hold a construction kickoff for the Channing E. Phillips Homes, located on the northwest corner of Seventh and R Sts. NW. The building is named after a pioneer housing activist, who also served as pastor at Shaw’s Lincoln Temple. Designed by Shalom Baranes Associates, it will provide 56 new affordable housing units to the neighborhood. The celebration of the start of construction will take place across the street at the Watha T. Daniel Library at 2:00 p.m. On Thursday, June 11, Roadside Development will unveil a new public art installation at its City Market at O project. Titled “Symphony in DC Major,” and created by renowned sculptor Zachary Oxman, who also designed the statue of Duke Ellington near the Howard Theater, the work will be one of the largest examples of public outdoor art in the city. “Symphony in DC Major” will portray three historic figures related to Shaw: Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, jazz genius Edward “Duke” Ellington and famed artist Alma Thomas. The sculpture came from a collaborative partnership with Shaw Main Streets and the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities, with the artwork being partially funded through the Public Art Building Communities grant program. u
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Mt. Vernon Triangle by Ellen Boomer
More than Just a Pretty Face
Paul Wharton wears many hats without ever ruining his signature mane of gorgeous hair. With his characteristic mix of drive, talent, and verve Wharton uses his expertise as a beauty and lifestyle expert to help everyone, from aspiring models to DC families in need. “You never know which of your projects is going to take off and you always have to be thinking about what’s next … because in my business, you have to be willing to hear nine no’s to get to one yes,” Wharton said. This MVT resident grew up in metro DC, and his parents, his sister, and his nieces still reside in the area. Although he lived in New York for a number of years and started his career there, he keeps coming back to DC. “I knew that DC made me happier, and I wanted to feel that sense of consistency and home,” Wharton said. “I love my neighborhood.” The ever-stylish Wharton has had an impressive career as a fashion and beauty guru. He started as a model for the Wilhelmina Modeling Agency, then became a model coach on shows such as “MADE,” “The Agency,” and “She’s Got the Look” and did makeovers on “The Ricki Lake Show.” He was a supporting cast member The multi-talented Paul Wharton at a recent event.
on “Real Housewives of DC” and he now hosts “The Paul Wharton Style Show” on the CW Television Network, in addition to being the go-to fashion expert on Fox 5. His latest project is a line of skin-care products, called Conquer Beauty, developed with Dr. Paul Ruff. Despite his packed schedule Wharton manages to be involved with local charities and events, including the Capital Area Food Bank and the Foster Youth Fashion for DC Child and Family Services Agency at Arena Stage. “I love working with the kids and making people smile,” Wharton said. “When they come off that runway beaming with joy, jumping up and down screaming, I know that’s where I need to be and my participation mattered to them.” “I’m an ideas person,” he explained, “that’s what drives me,” adding that he’d like to do more behind-the-scenes work in the future. Contact Paul Wharton via his website: paulwhartonproductions.com. Or look for him and his dog, Oscar, around the neighborhood.
Farmer’s Stand Returns to MVT
The FRESHFARM farm stand opens on May 16 and welcomes back grower Jarrah Cernas of Chicano Sol farm. Every Saturday through the end of October, MVT residents can head to the 5th and K Street plaza for high-quality products, cooking demonstrations, recipes, and even free samples of fresh produce. “The best thing about our markets is that you can talk to the person who grew [the food],” said Nikki Warner, FRESHFARM’s market and communication manager. “It’s a great way for people in the neighborhood to support local sustainable agriculture.” Started in 1997 and now DC’s largest network of producer-only farmers’ markets, FRESHFARM has 11 markets and two farm stands, one at MVT and the other at Union Market. Its mission is to offer producer-only products and to make fresh produce accessible to everyone in the community. “Our goal from the beginning was to do as much direct to the consumer,” said Cernas. In addition to produce, including her flavorful tomatoes and her delicious, nutrient-dense micro greens, she’ll have products from other FRESHFARM vendors such as breads and pastries, cheeses, homemade pesto, eggs, juices, and sauces. FRESHFARM has several programs that make fresh produce accessible to as many people as possible, regardless of their income. An organization called We Are Family is FRESHFARM’s gleaning partner. They pick up excess food Cernas doesn’t sell to make meals or to give as
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FRESHFARM’s Saturday farm stand.
groceries to people in need. “Reducing food waste is a huge issue these days,” Warner said. “The less that can end up in a compost pile and more on someone’s plate, the better.” Warner noted that “the DC government will also be doing a Produce Plus program starting in June. Anyone on supplemental nutrition assistance programs could get $10 in checks to spend with any participating DC farmers’ market vendors.” This summer the farm stand, which is open rain or shine, will be stocked with lots of free recipes to help you cook your fresh and in-season produce. Check the FRESHFARM website for a full listing of the chef demonstrations, music, and events scheduled in the weeks ahead. Contact FRESHFARM Markets (www.freshfarmmarkets.org) at info@freshfarmmarkets.org or by calling 202-664-0352. Contact Chicano Sol (www.chicanosol. com) at chicanosol@yahoo.com or 717-536-9937. A rendering of 460NYA’s exterior.
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ANC 6E by Steve Holton
NY Avenue’s New Addition
When 460NYA opens it will become Mount Vernon Triangle’s sixth condominium building. In a neighborhood dominated by rental apartments the addition of 460NYA will give residents an opportunity to invest in MVT and set down permanent roots. Developed by Bozzuto Homes, 460NYA is an 11-story building with 63 units, which range from 474 to 1,071 square feet. While the two-bedroom apartments are already sold, there are still 10 one-bedroom apartments available, some of which include a den. “We saw that there was a demand for condos with [current] lower interest rates and a condo shortage in DC,” remarked Nihar Shah, development associate for Bozzuto Homes. “Residents can invest in the neighborhood and its vibrant community.” Like many buildings in the neighborhood 460NYA has a rooftop lounge, a deck area with grills, a game room, a billiards and cards room, and a community kitchen. The building also welcomes residents’ dogs and cats. While each unit comes with storage space, residents must pay for parking. The building has DC’s only two-story elevated lift parking. “We chose MVT specifically because of what the neighborhood stands for now. It’s an underutilized location, and adding a cool, architecturally forward building will bring in newer residents to the community,” Shah said.460NYA will be ready for residents later this spring. Go to www.460nya.com at for mroe information. u
Neighbors Speak Out On ABRA Request
Plans to open a new tavern called Trinity with a BBQ cuisine concept were put forth before the commission with a Request for Support of an Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) license from the establishment’s owners. The new venue will be located at 1606 Seventh St. NW and will feature a food truck on the back patio of the property where there will also be a summer garden. There will be no entertainment outside but they do plan on having disc jockey’s on the inside. Noise concerns were raised by part of the committee and the audience due to the outdoor portion of the operation being in close proximity of family homes. The venue will reside on the same block as Dacha Beer Garden and several meeting participants drew a direct correlation between the two establishments. Residents expressed their concerns and said that Dacha doubles its occupancy during the warmer months and the sound transmission at night has kept the neighborhood awake. “I don’t think that we should judge one business on what another businesses has done. You should judge businesses independently on their own merit, but that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t think about this very carefully though,” said ANC 6E05 Chairwoman Marge Maceda. A Trinity representative noted that there are ways to attack noise and plans on having an eight foot cinder block wall around the outside portion with plants along the patio. A resident said that outdoor drinking establishments are businesses that impact your life and there is nothing you can do to stop it. “I have a home in which you hear my neighbors late at night when they throw a party, so I hear the cry of the neighborhood,” said ANC 6E03 Commissioner Frank Wiggins. ANC 6E01 Commissioner Alexander Padro noted that he has encouraged the tavern owners to look at building a kitchen indoors rather than having a food truck outside and not having an outdoor area that is so objectionable to the neighbors, but couldn’t come to an agreement. The commission ultimately voted to protest the license whenever it is brought before ABRA. “Just because we voted in favor of protesting to license, it doesn’t mean that we can’t continue the conversation,” said Padro.
Shaw Crime Watch
Violent crime, robberies and assault with a deadly weapon (ADW) had an uptick last month while sexual assault went down. There was a robbery snatch at Union Station food court and one robbery on a stairwell located at 1200 North Capitol St. NW. A knife robbery occurred on First and M St NW where video was taken from a cell phone and officials are holding the footage to identify the suspects. Another ADW
occurred and it was determined domestic violence where arrests were made on the scene.
Bacaro Gets Support
A request for support for an ABRA license was made by the owner of Bacaro which is a food and wine bar located on 1820 Eighth St. NW. The venue is 1,200 square-feet with a seating capacity of 51 seats. They will be open for dinner from 5:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. and lunch service will be a viable option once they get more established. There was no request for entertainment or outdoor seating due to a narrow sidewalk in front of the property. The commission the ABRA license request.
Public Space Support
The commission gave support for a Public Space Permit requested for an outdoor café located at 425 I St. NW. The café is lined with potted plants and will not interfere with the sidewalk. The owners have an agreement with the properties landlord to keep it clean and maintained.
Valet Parking Zone Supported
The commission supported a Valet Staging Zone Permit for the Italian restaurant RPM which will open this August at 601 Massachusetts Ave. NW. The restaurant will use three total parking spaces for the staging zone from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. seven days a week and will move cars from that spot to a parking garage 90 feet up the street.
HPRB Request Supported
The Warrenton Group appeared at the meeting to request Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) support for development on a site located at O and Ninth St. NW. There will be over 6,000 square-feet of retail space available and designers realize that it will need to accommodate family style needs due to the demographics of the area. Currently there are no tenants but flats, single level units and two story townhouse style units will eventually be available. There will be a green area over the loading dock for outdoor seating and a classic New York brownstone style will be used as a design element for certain portions of the building’s exterior. The commission voted to support the request and will communicate that message to HPRB. ANC 6E will meet again at 6:30 p.m. on May 5 at the Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Library located at 1630 Seventh St. NW. Visit www.anc6e.org to view the ANC 6E newsletter. u
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by Kathleen Donner
NSO Kinderclassic “Teddy Bear Concert: Violins and Trombones and Bears, Oh My!”
“Teddy Bear Concert: Violins and Trombones and Bears, Oh My!” is on Saturday, May 30 and Sunday May 31, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
“Teddy Bear Concert: Violins and Trombones and Bears, Oh My!” is on Saturday, May 30 and Sunday May 31, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Back by popular demand! A delicate violin and a brassy trombone... playing together?! How can two instruments that are so different fit into one piece of music? Find out in this show from NSO violinist Marissa Regni, one of the creators of the first Teddy Bear Concerts. Joined by NSO trombonist Barry Hearn, musical compatibility is put to the test in a program that moves between classical and popular music with some ragtime and Spanish tunes thrown into the mix. For ages 3-5. Come early for “musical playtime.” Starting a half hour before each Teddy Bear Concert, enjoy music and movement activities especially designed for small children. Tickets from $20. kennedy-center.org
to attend with children. Free. Reservations required. Anderson House is at 2118 Massachusetts Ave. NW. 202-785-2040. societyofthecincinnati.org
set up to learn about how they are helping fish and fishing across the country. familyandyouthcastingcall.com
American Revolution Family Program at Anderson House
“Family & Youth Casting Call” Fishing in the C&O Canal
Victory Gardens of World War II Puppet Show at the National Archives
On Saturday, May 16, 10:30-11:30 a.m., learn how to spy for George Washington during this handson program for children. Dean Howarth, Fairfax County educator, introduces kids to Benjamin Tallmadge, a member of the Culper Ring, and techniques used by spies during the American Revolution, including invisible ink, cypher wheels, and Tallmadge’s numerical dictionary. Recommended for ages 9-13. Adults are welcome, but not required,
On Saturday, May 16, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. spend a day fishing at Fletcher’s Cove on the C&O Canal, 4940 Canal Rd. NW. They provide the instructors and all the gear needed to catch fish. When not fishing, children can take part in activities including fish printing/art, knot tying, fly and spincasting instruction, watershed education activities, and fish hatching and local fish and animal displays. Partner agencies and organizations will have displays
On Saturday, May 16, noon-2 p.m., join other families at the National Archives for a fun, interactive puppet show focusing on the Victory Gardens of World War II. Be sure to join in the other activities before or after the show. Plant a vegetable to take with you and start a victory garden of your own or create personalized shadow puppet, just like the ones used in the show. Free. National Archives, 700 Constitution Ave. NW. nara.gov
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Photo: Courtesy of the Phillips Collection
“Jazz N’ Families Fun Days at the Phillips Collection
A free, fun family event, “Jazz n’ Families Fun Days” offers live jazz in the Music Room and galleries, an instrument petting zoo, artmaking activities, and more. The Jazz N’ Families Fun Days are always on the first weekend in June-this year, Saturday, June 6, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, June 7, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. There will be a Young Artists Exhibition with works by DC public school students, live jazz, art workshops, an instrument petting zoo, a storytelling session, and a chance to take a picture in a photo booth and hear about the “luncheon of the Boating Party” painting. Phillips Collection, 1600 21st St. NW. 202-387-2151. phillipscollection.org
Building Wonder, Designing Dreams: The Bookmaking of Brian Selznick at MLK Library
This interactive, multi-media exhibit for all ages celebrates the bookmaking of children’s author and illustrator, Brian Selznick--his exquisite artistry, experimentation with form and narrative and spellbinding storytelling. Visit dclibrary. org/selznick for details. Exhibition open every day (except May 25) through Sunday, June 21. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW. 202-7270321. dclibrary.org/mlk
Family Matters Gala
The Family Matters of Greater Washington Annual Awards Gala, on Thursday, May 21, 6-10 p.m., is one of Greater Washington’s premier social fundraising events. The Gala includes live en-
tertainment, a silent auction and live auction, and testimonials from Family Matters clients. A minimal registration fee of $250 will be charged to cover event costs such as the open bar cocktail reception, 3-course meal including a surf and turf selection, and wine service during the meal. The Gala is being held at the Mayflower Renaissance Hotel, 1127 Connecticut Ave. NW. One of the oldest, nationally accredited social services organizations in the nation, Family Matters provides comprehensive, accessible, low-fee services to thousands of residents of the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. familymattersdc.org
Paint the Fence Day at Congressional Cemetery
This family-friendly event is on Saturday, May 16, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Historic
Congressional Cemetery, 1801 E St. SE. Volunteers ages 12 and older will scrape the cemetery fence with wire brushes and paint it. All supplies are provided. There will be a training and safety lecture at 10 a.m. 202-543-0539. congressionalcemetery.org
Snore & Roar Sleepovers at the Zoo
Perch a tent on Lion/Tiger Hill and prepare for a wild time! The overnight adventure begins with an exclusive keeper-led tour of an exhibit area. Throughout the event enjoy games, activities, and a walk through the Zoo. Breakfast snacks will also be provided. There are two Snore & Roar options, one for families, and one for adults-only. Adults without children may register for either, however the educational activities associated with the family programs are geared towards groups with children from 6-teen.
MAY 2015
Snore & Roar overnights take place between June and September. A maximum of twelve participants may be signed up per registration. Snore & Roar campers sleep in four-person tents. Participants are never asked to share their tent with strangers. Read more and register at nationalzoo. si.edu/ActivitiesAndEvents/Activities/SnoreRoar.
Ethiopian Children’s Book Author at Sankofa
Children’s book author Fitsame Teferra is visiting Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe and launching her book “My First Book of Amharic Words.” On Sunday, June 7, 3 p.m., bring the kids for storytelling, to meet the author and get a book signed. Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe is at 2714 Georgia Ave. NW. Sankofa offers the largest collection of black children’s books and an annual Magical Mirror’s Children’s Book Fair in December. sankofa.com
Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead College Night
Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead is at the Folger, May 12-June 21. Stoppard’s feast of wordplay and wit thrusts two of Shakespeare’s most incidental characters into the limelight. Courtiers and close compatriots, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern find themselves in Elsinore with the dubious task of identifying what afflicts their childhood friend Hamlet. College Night is on Friday, May 22 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15, with a valid student ID to be presented at the box office. Folger Shakespeare Theater, 201 E. Capitol St. SE. 202-544-7077. folger.edu
Gave Healthful Welcome to their Shipwreck’d Guests at the Folger
On Saturday, June 6, 10 a.m., explore the excitement and possible danger of ships in Shakespeare’s plays and
the Folger exhibition, Ships, Clocks & Stars—The Quest for Longitude. “Shake Up Your Saturdays” happen on the first Saturday of each month. Children ages 6-12 and their families are invited to join them for this hourlong program to have fun learning and sharing Shakespeare’s language and experiencing the Folger. Free. To register, visit folger.edu/shake-yoursaturdays-reservations. Folger Shakespeare Theater, 201 E. Capitol St. SE. folger.edu
“Opera in the Outfield” for Kids
On Saturday, May 16, starting at 5 p.m., before the simulcast of “Cinderella”, enjoy entertainment and activities including a Royal Parade in which kids are invited to arrive in costume and march around the lower concourse (begins at 5:30 p.m. Meet at section 132-133 at 5:20 p.m.). There will also be photo opportunities for kids with characters from Cinderella and with the living statue of Babe Ruth and chances to win prizes. There will be performances by students from the Duke Ellington School of the Arts Opera Program and the Watkins Elementary Choir. There will be a screening of the Warner Bros. cartoon “What’s Opera, Doc?,” starring Bugs Bunny and his nemesis Elmer Fudd. Kids can play in the open playground, dress up with items from a WNO costume trunk, visit the craft table, and have their faces painted. The simulcast of “Cinderella” at Nat’s Park begins at 7 p.m. kennedy-center. org/wno
Continental Army (day) Camp at Anderson House
Join them this summer, July 27-31, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., for Continental Army Camp, a day camp for children on the Revolutionary War. During the week, campers will learn about daily life of soldiers and women in the Continental Army, along with major events of the Revolutionary War. Campers will
dress in period costumes and enjoy hands-on activities, including sewing a camp tent and learning drill musters and colonial dances. The camp will conclude with an open house for parents to see demonstrations of what campers learned during the week. For ages 8-12. $350. For more information and to register, contact Kendall Casey, museum education manager, at kcasey@societyofthecincinnati.org or 202-495-7127. Anderson House is at 2118 Massachusetts Ave. NW. societyofthecincinnati.org
Library of Congress Releases New Student Discovery Sets for Tablets
The Library of Congress invites students everywhere to touch, draw on and explore some of its most valuable treasures through its three newest free interactive ebooks for tablets. The Library of Congress Student Discovery Sets bring together historical artifacts and one-of-a-kind documents on a wide range of topics, from history and science to literature. Interactive tools let students zoom in for close examination, draw to highlight interesting details and make notes about what they discover. The Library’s latest Student Discovery Sets are available now for the iPad and can be downloaded free of charge on iBooks. These sets cover the Industrial Revolution, Jim Crow and Segregation, and Children’s Lives at the Turn of the 20th Century. They join six previously published sets on the U.S. Constitution, Symbols of the United States, Immigration, the Dust Bowl, the Harlem Renaissance and Understanding the Cosmos. A teacher’s guide for each set, with background information, teaching ideas` and additional resources, is on the Library’s website for teachers, loc.gov/teachers. Regular tips and resources for teachers are available on the Teaching with the Library of Congress Twitter feed, @ TeachingLC.
47
New Futures DC
Founded in 1999, they provide a practical yet innovative program of scholarships, career education services and support to low-income DC-area young people pursuing shorter-term post-secondary educational opportunities. New Futures has awarded $3.1 million in scholarships since 1999, and reached over 1,500 students through their Career Education Program since 2013. New Futures awards scholarships of up to $12,800 to students who are pursuing associate’s degree or post-secondary certificates. New Futures works with 14 Community Partners who help their students apply for the New Futures Scholarship. Eligible candidates must (1) have been a participant in a New Futures Community Partner’s program for at least six months; (2) be between the ages of 17-29; (3) be a current student, newly accepted student or have a pending application at a career and technical school or a community college; (4) have a GED or high school diploma or be on track to obtain a high school diploma within three months of the application date; (5) have demonstrated financial need; and (6) have a viable educational and financial plan. Read more at newfuturesdc.org.
Registration opens for Marine Corps Marathon Kids Run
Marine Corps Marathon Kids Run registration opens on May 20. The Kids Run is on Saturday, Oct. 24 and will be held in the Pentagon North parking lot. Nearly 3,600 children ages 5-12 will participate in the one-mile just-for-fun event. All participants receive a T-shirt, medal and snacks at the finish line. Register at marinemarathon.com. u
REAL ESTATE
48 MIDCITYDCN EWS.COM
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 35 SEATON PL NW 51 R ST NW 2219 2ND ST NW
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
1001 MONROE ST NW 1342 GIRARD ST NW 1315 EUCLID ST NW 3535 HERTFORD PL NW 1463 MONROE ST NW 3807 10TH ST NW 759 QUEBEC PL NW 1448 SPRING RD NW 706 ROCK CREEK CHURCH RD NW 434 MANOR PL NW 3125 WARDER ST NW 772 IRVING ST NW 756 GRESHAM PL NW 1007 LAMONT ST NW
DUPONT
1749 SWANN ST NW
ECKINGTON
108 R ST NE 58 RANDOLPH PL NW 60 SEATON PL NW 27 SEATON PL NE 179 V ST NE
LOGAN CIRCLE 1529 S ST NW 1312 S ST NW
MOUNT PLEASANT 3136 17TH ST NW
OLD CITY #2
1610 13TH ST NW 1400 5TH ST NW 221 R ST NW 1830 6TH ST NW 81 P ST NW
U STREET CORRIDOR 1915 9 1/2 ST NW
$929,637 $700,000 $680,000
4 3 2
$1,450,000 $1,056,000 $890,000 $850,000 $838,000 $822,150 $759,000 $725,000 $659,000 $657,500 $595,000 $565,583 $410,500 $408,000
1 3 6 4 4 3 4 4 7 3 3 2 3 2
$1,440,000
4
$910,000 $900,000 $800,000 $740,000 $495,000
4 4 4 4 2
$1,400,000 $980,000
3 3
$1,067,500
4
$1,367,000 $1,150,000 $800,000 $730,000 $549,000
3 5 4 3 3
$774,555
2
CONDO ADAM’S MORGAN
2305 18TH ST NW #406 1811 WYOMING AVE NW #32 1726 LANIER PL NW #PH7 1726 LANIER PL NW #1 1937 CALVERT ST NW #C 1726 LANIER PL NW #4 1726 LANIER PL NW #2 2301 CHAMPLAIN ST NW #107
BLOOMINGDALE
2026 NORTH CAPITOL ST NW #2 2026 NORTH CAPITOL ST NW #1 1839 1ST ST NW #2 223 FLORIDA AVE NW #2
$280,000 $731,000 $720,000 $565,000 $478,000 $430,000 $399,000 $375,000 $825,000 $745,000 $490,000 $430,000
1 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 3 3 2 2
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
1129 COLUMBIA RD NW #3 1305 IRVING ST NW #2 1466 HARVARD ST NW #A2 3821 14TH ST NW #9 1241 SHEPHERD ST NW #3 1427 CLIFTON ST NW #4 1372 MONROE ST NW #A 3821 14TH ST NW #7 1241 SHEPHERD ST NW #2 1354 MONROE ST NW #A 1120 EUCLID ST NW #1 1249 KENYON ST NW #1 1390 KENYON ST NW #414 2920 GEORGIA AVE NW #306 2920 GEORGIA AVE NW #103 1241 SHEPHERD ST NW #1 1469 HARVARD ST NW #4 3821 14TH ST NW #3 2920 SHERMAN AVE NW #1 2920 GEORGIA AVE NW #401 3519 14TH ST NW #4 2910 GEORGIA AVE NW #302 3519 14TH ST NW #3 1401 COLUMBIA RD NW #105 1421 COLUMBIA RD NW #203 2920 GEORGIA AVE NW #301 1451 PARK RD NW #113 529 LAMONT ST NW #101 2656 15TH ST NW #C1 2920 GEORGIA AVE NW #107 1469 HARVARD ST NW #1 1300 EUCLID ST NW #3 2656 15TH ST NW #105 2920 GEORGIA AVE NW #202 3500 13TH ST NW #408 39003902 14TH ST NW #701 1415 CHAPIN ST NW #205 3900 14TH ST NW #202 1106 COLUMBIA RD NW #306
DUPONT
1801 16TH ST NW #601, 605 1625 16TH ST NW #203 1801 16TH ST NW #501 2000 16TH ST NW #106 1830 17TH ST NW #305 2141 P ST NW #504 1816 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE NW #408 1816 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE NW #309 1 SCOTT CIR NW #410 1830 JEFFERSON PL NW #21 1717 T ST NW #22 1723 Q ST NW #302 1330 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE NW #1010 1833 S ST NW #24 1308 21ST ST NW #202 1330 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE NW #616 1718 P ST NW #611
ECKINGTON
224 R ST NE #2 1811 3RD ST NE #1
LOGAN CIRCLE
1125 11TH ST NW #401 1300 13TH ST NW #304 1101 L ST NW #201 2125 14TH ST NW #302W 2125 14TH ST NW #532 1390 V ST NW #303 1449 N ST NW #4
$850,000 $740,000 $725,000 $655,000 $649,900 $642,000 $601,900 $599,000 $575,000 $570,000 $565,000 $560,000 $555,770 $554,900 $554,900 $553,000 $552,400 $550,000 $500,000 $484,900 $482,000 $460,000 $459,000 $432,500 $423,200 $419,900 $405,000 $399,999 $391,500 $384,900 $380,500 $370,000 $358,000 $349,900 $330,000 $319,000 $318,000 $310,000 $290,000
3 2 2 3 3 2 2 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 3 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 3 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
$1,300,000 $599,900 $553,750 $520,125 $443,000 $439,000 $409,000 $314,175 $225,000 $1,280,000 $647,000 $599,000 $430,000 $381,001 $324,000 $315,000 $283,675
3 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 0 3 2 1 1 1 1 1 0
$599,000 $599,000
3 3
$760,000 $660,000 $350,000 $980,250 $735,000 $505,000 $1,264,000
2 2 1 3 2 1 2
1401 Q ST NW #601 1451 N ST NW #1 1220 N ST NW #1 1217 N ST NW #1 1317 RHODE ISLAND AVE NW #1 1226 11TH ST NW #100 1215 N ST NW #4 1410 12TH ST NW #2 1 SCOTT CIR NW #305 1 SCOTT CIR NW #315
MOUNT PLEASANT
1610 BELMONT ST NW #B 1623 LANIER PL NW #301 1700 KALORAMA RD NW #205 1613 HARVARD ST NW #115 1651 LAMONT NW #1D 3426 16TH ST NW #T3 2440 16TH ST NW #325 1661 PARK RD NW #B1 2611 ADAMS MILL RD NW #T6 3314 MOUNT PLEASANT ST NW #37
MOUNT VERNON
115 NEW YORK AVE NW #8
OLD CITY #2
1634 5TH ST NW #2 2250 11TH ST NW #401 1300 13TH ST NW #204 1736 18TH ST NW #403 1324 S ST NW #A 1245 13TH ST NW #104 46 N ST NW #A 910 M ST NW #803 1111 11TH ST NW #510 2004 11TH ST NW #427 1001 L ST NW #809 301 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #103 2120 VERMONT AVE NW #221 2004 11TH ST NW #334 811 4TH ST NW #1106 1225 13TH ST NW #711 16391641 6TH ST NW #8 1313 VERMONT AVE NW #11 1731 S ST NW #10 1131 5TH ST NW #A 2120 VERMONT AVE NW #120 2120 VERMONT AVE NW #222 1705 P ST NW #2 1711 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #616 1727 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #315 1 SCOTT CIR NW #217 475 K ST NW #524
SHAW
1601 5TH ST NW #A 910 M ST NW #608
U STREET
2124 11TH ST NW #3 2108 10TH ST NW #PH-4 2238 11TH ST NW #2 1390 V ST NW #422 u
$998,000 $617,500 $600,000 $575,000 $545,000 $499,555 $420,000 $345,000 $262,555 $234,900
2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1
$851,000 $625,000 $549,000 $511,900 $439,000 $355,000 $339,000 $268,275 $268,000 $216,000
3 2 1 2 2 2 1 1 1 0
$520,000
2
$875,000 $870,000 $816,000 $665,000 $590,000 $530,000 $525,000 $518,000 $480,000 $450,000 $450,000 $442,500 $440,000 $425,000 $417,500 $399,999 $399,900 $399,900 $399,000 $395,000 $381,800 $370,000 $365,000 $255,000 $230,000 $225,000 $166,682
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 2
$1,580,000 $442,000
4 1
$1,200,000 $920,000 $800,000 $410,500
3 3 2 1
MAY 2015
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Words Cut By A Diamond
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by E. Ethelbert Miller
y the time you read this the Washington Nationals might either be in last or first place. The baseball season will be a month old. Somewhere a guy who tried to make the roster of a club will be sitting in a bar or the basement of a home, staring more at the darkness than the television screen. He will think about those “glory days” when the scouts called him a number one prospect. Maybe his girl-friend or wife might still be encouraging him to chase the dream, but it’s darkness that we’re talking about-- not the romantic light at the end of the tunnel. One day you’re trying to get a hit or sliding into third and
How many good players get traded even though they might want to stay with a club? A few weeks ago I wanted to compose a persona poem in the voice of Curt Flood, but I felt it was premature. There are a number of poets writing some of their best work in their late innings. I want to look over my shoulder at the scoreboard and know I’m still winning. I want the bullpen to be quiet. I want my arm to be strong. Is it possible to have faith without religion? If so, how is the game to be played? What rules need to be changed? Every day I think of workers across America struggling to be paid a decent wage. I think of the elderly and their caretakers. It’s baseball and the slow pace which forces one to pay attention to detail and restore compassion to the center of our lives. There is dignity to be found at every position on the field,
“Part of baseball’s enduring charm, or so it is said, is the theoretical chance that a game could last forever.” – Tyler Kepner, writing on baseball for The New York Times 4/12/15 the next day they cut and send you down. It’s brutal, like a ball that looks like a homer and at the last minute turns foul. Have you missed your chance or missed your life? Lately, I’ve been watching the shadows creep across the field, preparing to introduce themselves to me. It’s almost twilight and I don’t need one of my poems to tell me that. My Muse spends most of her time in Florida these days. I’m that old baseball player who had a long shot trying to make the team and as the cherry blossoms vanish, so too does youth. As a writer I never thought about not writing. So the word retirement was never in my vocabulary. Even while working at an area university, I never paid much attention to what inning it was. I simply enjoyed the game, the fans of students, the smell of books as seductive as hot dogs on a hot day. But baseball is now a business like our colleges. Presidents, deans and department chairs have mastered the art of the curve. It’s all money ball in academia. It’s stats, numbers and profits.
as each man stands alone. Solidarity exists in the dugout where players play practical jokes, and the human error becomes a teachable moment. Life is filled with fear --death is the end of a rally. Yet, the game is sweet and simple, captured best by the poet May Swenson : It’s about, the ball, the bat, the mitt, the bases and the fans.
E. Ethelbert Miller is a literary activist. His Collected Poems is being edited by Kirsten Porter and will be published by Willow Books in spring 2016. u
Tell Them, “Shaw Main Streets Sent
Me!�
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 Bowser, Mayor.