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The CurrenT â– CommuniTy Guide 2015

From rats to runoff, city programs touch on range of issues a single block — a stretch between two intersecting streets. Vending and the consumption of alcohol are prohibited at a block party. St. Clair notes that the Transportation Department occasionally denies permits based on traffic flow considerations, such as the importance of a particular street or too many block parties in the same area at the same time. He said 274 permits for the events were issued last year. Visit tinyurl. com/ddot-party for instructions to apply. ■Rent out a room. Particularly with the popularity of the peer-to-peer rental network Airbnb, it’s very easy for D.C. residents to find tenants for their in-demand properties. But in doing so, it’s also easy to run afoul of city regulations. According to Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs spokesperson Matt Orlins, all types of rentals require licensing from his agency, and some require even further approvals. Even to rent out a room in your house for a day requires a business license, which includes an inspection to ensure that it meets D.C. code requirements. “We have heard from residents that living in a safe space is a priority,� Orlins wrote in an email. “The District uses licensure as a way to help ensure a property is code compliant — and safe to occupy.� Short-term rentals of less than 30 days — such as an Airbnb listing — require Board of Zoning Adjustment review to allow hotel usage in a residential area if the property owner doesn’t live on the premises, or if three or more people would rent the space at a time. Even while renting to one or two people while living there yourself, a homeowner needs a license and permit to operate a bed

By BRADY HOLT Current Staff Writer

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he District’s annual operating budget of roughly $13 billion is dominated by costs that everyone expects from their government — matters like public schools, emergency services and the social safety net. But the myriad city agencies also handle a variety of smaller services a bit more distant from the public eye. Some of these are benefits that savvy taxpayers can take advantage of; with others, you might not have even realized the government was involved. Here’s a selection of a few such common situations: ■Arrange a block party. Residents can arrange to close off their street for a community event, as long as they can show the D.C. Department of Transportation that they have the support of at least 51 percent of the households on the affected block. “We never forget that our city is a collection of neighborhoods,� agency spokesperson Keith St. Clair wrote in an email. “We consider block parties to be a way to bring neighbors together and help foster a sense of community.� Applicants for the free block party permit must live on the block in question and be at least 21 years old, and they should apply 15 days prior to the planned date. Organizers must post temporary no-parking signs on the block at least 72 hours before the event begins, must maintain a 20-foot access lane for emergency vehicles during the party, and must reopen the street by 10 p.m. A block party, as its name suggests, must be limited to

and breakfast. Longer rental periods require a “basic business license� and code inspection, and sometimes also approval from the zoning board — though the city’s ongoing effort to revise its zoning code will likely remove the latter step for some residents who wish to rent out basement apartments or carriage houses. For details visit tinyurl.com/rent-dcra. ■Reserve disability parking. Some residents with disabilities can ask the D.C. Department of Transportation to reserve them a parking space in front of their house. The benefit is available to residents who meet five criteria: They must hold a valid D.C. disability license plate or placard; live in a singlefamily home; drive the vehicle for which the parking space would be reserved, and have no alternative form of transportation; lack other parking options “within a distance that is reasonably accessible�; and lack off-street parking on or adjacent to their home, according to the Transportation Department. “DDOT recognizes the varying needs of our city’s residents and visitors,� spokesperson St. Clair wrote in an email. “We are committed to providing on-street parking accommodations for persons with disabilities to ensure better access across the District for all persons, regardless of their mobility challenges.� There are currently 1,531 reserved residential parking spaces across the District, he said. Residents of multifamily homes can also request a parking space on their blocks reserved for people with disabilities, but it would be available to any car with a disability tag or placard, not that specific resident.

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The D.C. Department of Health provides residents with free rat inspections.

To apply for a reserved space, residents can send an email to parking.ddot@dc.gov to obtain detailed instructions and the onepage application. ■Reduce runoff. Through its RiverSmart Homes program, the D.C. Department of Energy & Environment offers various programs that reduce the amount of stormwater running off a residential property. On its website the agency touts environmentally friendly features such as rain barrels, rain gardens, permeable pavement, and tree-planting and other landscaping, which can all reduce runoff and, in turn, cut back on erosion, flooding and the spread of pollutants from streets to waterways. To help residents achieve these goals, the department offers free “stormwater audits� in which experts evaluate a given property to suggest which of those features would make the most sense there, and recommend nonprofits or contractors that can install them. Agency spokesperson Julia Christian said the wait time for an audit can be as long as three to four months and that about 5,000 homeowners have already had their properties See Services/Page CG5

The Current â– Community Guide 2015

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

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For some big posts in District government, ANC seats serve as a springboard By KATIE PEARCE Current Staff Writer

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efore Phil Mendelson became chairman of the D.C. Council — before he even thought of running for council — he spent two decades toiling in community issues in Cleveland Park as an advisory neighborhood commissioner. By the mid-1970s he was already active in his neighborhood, working to block a planned teardown of the McLean Gardens apartment complex where he lived. The then-fledgling advisory neighborhood commission system, established in 1976, offered him a bit of a higher perch. From there, Mendelson ultimately went on to become an at-large council member in 1998, then chair of the body two years ago. It’s a trajectory many District officials share: from ANC to bigger roles. The current city government is teeming with former ANC members — including the mayor, Muriel Bowser, and D.C. Council members Mendelson, Anita Bonds, Jack Evans and Brianne Nadeau. Dozens of council staffers working in the Wilson Building, and in government agencies across the city, have also

served on ANCs. Last year’s D.C. elections were also rife with former or current ANC members. Two mayoral hopefuls — then-council members Tommy Wells and David Catania — started their local government careers in ANCs. Wells now heads the city’s Department of Energy & Environment. Veteran D.C. journalist Tom Sherwood, a columnist for The Current and political reporter for NBC4, recalls the first time he came across Catania, who served for nearly 17 years on the council. Sherwood, giving a speech to a Dupont Circle community group in the mid-’90s, was called out by “a young man [who] stood up and asked why I didn’t cover ANC commissioners, saying they were doing the real grassroots community work,� he writes in an email. “I somewhat flippantly responded that it wasn’t my duty to cover him, it was his duty to do something that would ‘make’ me cover him. He came up to me after the speech and introduced himself. It was David Catania.� In 2015, the media and political machines are more attuned to the importance of ANCs, both the role they play advising on some critical D.C. issues and their career-launching abilities. And neighborhood commissioners

Brian Kapur/Current file photo

D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson was an advisory neighborhood commissioner representing McLean Gardens.

themselves, at least those with political aspirations, also seem more savvy about parlaying their ANC experience into higher offices. “I can’t think of a candidate who was [a commissioner] who didn’t tout it on their resume,� says Gottlieb Simon, longtime executive director of the Office of Advisory

Neighborhood Commissions. Over the years, he says, the role has “increased in prominence, respect and influence.â€? Matthew Frumin, who served on the Tenleytown ANC for over six years and ran for a council seat in 2013, notes that “ANCs have become entrenched — they’re dealing constantly with issues that matter to people ‌ and have a profile,â€? he says. Some commissioners, he says, can establish themselves as “prominent community leaders.â€? But it’s up for debate whether many members of the 40 ANCs across the city are consciously grabbing at the gold ring when they take on those unpaid elected positions to represent 2,000 residents in their immediate area. “There’s a wide-ranging set of motivationsâ€? to become a commissioner, Simon observes, but for most it seems to start with identifying a particular need or problem in their neighborhood they want to tackle more directly. Brianne Nadeau served for four years on an ANC before winning the Ward 1 council seat last year. While she says “there are definitely people who run for the ANC and think of it as a steppingstoneâ€? for a government career, any commissioner who thinks of the See Seats/Page CG7

D.C. tests year-round schooling at Raymond By DEIRDRE BANNON Current Correspondent

At the beginning of the 2013-14 school year, D.C. Public Schools Chancellor Kaya Henderson asked her principals if they could do anything at their schools to improve them — if there were no limit — what would it be? At Raymond Education Campus in Petworth, which runs from pre-K to eighth grade, principal Natalie Hubbard took the question to heart and, with her leadership team that includes teachers, came up with something outside of the box: year-round school. After extensive research examining how other schools implemented, and performed with, a yearround model, Hubbard formally proposed the idea to the chancellor last December. She got approval to launch a pilot program this spring, and as of this fall, Raymond has become the first traditional public school in the District to try operating all year long. “We see that there is a huge gap between where students were at the end of the school year versus where they are when they come back to school — and we spend so much time getting our students back to where they were,� said Hubbard. “Our big aim is to prevent that large amount of time off in the summer. By adding more days and shifting the breaks around, our belief is that our students will be stronger students and the proficiency rate will rise.� The extended school year will be phased in over the next two school years, with 10 school days added in 2015-16, and another 10 added in 2016-17. The additional time will include winter and spring intersessions during parts of the usual school vacation periods, and the school year will start earlier in August and end in July. During the intersessions, which will be optional during the first year, the school will offer enrichment programs for students to dig deeper into their lessons as well as intervention programs for students who need more help. Hubbard says the faculty will identify students who need extra instruction and meet with parents to explain how the additional days will benefit their children. “We’re very excited about the school year — we can’t wait to start,� said Hubbard. The school’s teachers are on board as well. “The research that I found was compelling that our

Brian Kapur/The Current

Raymond Education Campus in Petworth is phasing in a year-round model as a pilot project.

population would really benefit from this kind of schedule,� said Deborah Durham-Vichr, who teaches English as a second language and was part of the leadership team. The neighborhood school has a strong immigrant community from Central America, with many new students entering each year who may not have been attending school regularly in their home country. They also may have endured traumatic circumstances or separation from their parents in their journeys to the United States, Durham-Vichr said. “I know when my students go home, they don’t hear any English. And a lot of them don’t have enrichment at home unfortunately, so this is a way to provide that and avoid the summer slide,� she said. “I’m really hopeful and excited to see how the results will turn out.� Officially, the pilot program will last for two years, but Hubbard hopes the school will have three years to prove whether year-round schooling works for students and whether proficiency levels rise. Hubbard engaged with students about the change during the school year through surveys, table talks and one-on-one conversations. She recalled one student who told her that he didn’t know if he liked the idea of going to school year-round until she explained what students would be able to do. That will include more field trips like one students went on to New York City, where the kids took dance and music lessons, ate at a soul food restaurant and toured the city. Last year, students at Raymond also took a tour of historic See Raymond/Page CG7

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Wednesday, September 9, 2015

The Current ■ Community Guide 2015

Hollywood meets D.C.: Local spots on film By MARK LIEBERMAN Current Staff Writer

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ou can hardly watch a Hollywood movie that’s set in D.C. without getting a glimpse of the Washington Monument and the Capitol building. Like with the Eiffel Tower in Paris, popular culture often reduces the nation’s capital to landmarks that capture only a fraction of its essence. But there are plenty of productions filmed on location in D.C. every year — 280 in 2014, according to Pharaoh Martin, who works in the city’s Office of Motion Picture and Television Development. Martin’s office helps productions and filmmakers “navigate the red tape” of federal restrictions and other limitations on filming in the city. The advantage of working around those barriers in the city itself, Martin said, is the opportunity to capture the District as it actually looks. “A lot of productions will go into Maryland and try to film, but they’re not getting the authentic D.C,” he said. The upcoming year’s city budget includes $1.2 million allocated for the Film DC Incentive Fund, which provides cash rebates for some productions filmed on location in the city. Martin said his department is excited to have funds for this program for the first time in five years. Even before this latest boost, though, the city has had a long tradition of welcoming Hollywood productions into its borders. Here’s a list of movies that break the D.C. mold, showing parts of the city that non-residents — and even some Washingtonians — might not recognize. The Exorcist Steps Climbing from the 3600 block of M Street NW up to Prospect in Georgetown, this stairwell is the

These are some of the D.C. treasures featured in recent movies: “Minority Report” (2002) ■ The Gap store on Wisconsin Avenue NW ■ Row houses on the 1700 block of C Street SE “National Treasure” (2004) ■ National Archives and Archives Metro station ■ Lafayette Park ■ 16th Street NW “The Sentinel” (2006) ■ The Mayflower on Connecticut Avenue NW ■ Eye Street Grill “Thank You for Smoking” (2006) ■ Cleveland Park Metro station ■ Capitol Grille Restaurant “State of Play” (2009) ■ The Kennedy Center ■ The District Line shop ■ K Street NW ■ Key Bridge ■ Ben’s Chili Bowl ■ Heller’s Bakery ■ Scottish Rite Temple site of one of the most famous scenes in movie history, the climax of the terrifying horror film “The Exorcist.” And the spot will get extra attention this upcoming Halloween weekend. The Dupont Festival group, in conjunction with the D.C. Office of Motion Picture and Television Development, will commemorate the site of the iconic scene by installing a plaque during a free public event on Oct. 30. William Friedkin, director of the 1973 movie, and William Peter Blatty, the author of the book upon which the movie is based, will be in attendance. A screening of the film and Q&A will follow on a later date, according to Aaron DeNu, Dupont Festival founding member. “It’s a great opportunity to highlight the city. That area’s been already known for quite a while for the stairs,” DeNu said. “We just

think this is a great way to honor the author and the director in the exact location of the climactic scene.” The event was conceived by Dupont Festival’s Andrew Huff, a lifetime fan of “The Exorcist” who has long wanted to see the steps recognized. “Everyone knows that it’s there. There’s nothing there to mark the space to let people know,” he said. “My thought was, let’s put up a plaque.” Huff said he hopes to see the mayor in attendance at the event, which will also feature a young actress dressed as the demon from the film. Neighbors in the area are pitching in to help, Huff said. “It’s really turning out to be a grass-roots effort.” Old Ebbitt Grill In the 1993 thriller “In the Line of Fire,” Clint Eastwood plays a Secret Service agent tasked with tracking down a deranged former CIA operative hell-bent on assassinating the president of the United States. When he’s not taking down bad guys, Frank Horrigan (Eastwood) liquors up at this historic oyster bar, established in 1856 and known for being hospitable to real-life presidents, according to the bar’s website. 13th and Clifton streets NW This street corner appears in the 2005 Stephan Gaghan film “Syriana,” in which George Clooney plays a CIA operative embroiled in turmoil surrounding the global oil industry. A character takes a jog past this intersection in the film. Petworth advisory neighborhood commissioner Joe Martin, who works as a location scout for film and television for his day job, says Gaghan smiled when he saw where he’d be shooting: “You bring these Hollywood people to places no one else does,” Gaghan told him.

Brian Kapur/The Current

The Exorcist Steps in Georgetown are among the Northwest sites memorialized on film. Less well known is the third-floor apartment at 1764 Columbia Road NW in “Enemy of the State.” Fire escape behind the former Chef Ike’s Mambo Room Joe Martin says filming for the 1998 spy thriller “Enemy of the State” took place both inside and outside of the restaurant, as well as along several rooftops in Adams Morgan. Third-floor walk-up apartment at 1764 Columbia Road NW, across from the Safeway in Adams Morgan Filming for the 1998 thriller “Enemy of the State” stopped in at the home of a former Uptown Theatre projectionist and his 8-yearold son, whose elaborately decorated apartment proved to be a suitable stand-in for that of the wildlife researcher played by Jason Lee. One of Joe Martin’s co-workers was friends with the projectionist and thought his apartment might make an interesting place to film. Martin said director Tony Scott’s rationale for shooting in an actual apartment as opposed to designing

one specifically for the film was: “Our art department could not dream up something this cool.” Double massage table, RitzCarlton Georgetown The 2003 HBO miniseries “K Street,” created by Steven Soderbergh and executive produced by George Clooney, blended fiction and reality to tell the story of lobbyists and politicians in the nation’s capital, with plotlines established by headlines as recent as a week before an episode’s airdate. One scene took place in a room in the RitzCarlton Georgetown hotel with double massage tables, Joe Martin says. Dumbarton Oaks Museum While the museum itself doesn’t figure into the movie, “Raiders of the Lost Ark” features an extended cameo from one of the museum’s most prized possessions: the original statue that inspired the design for the Ark of the Covenant, the sought-after object in Steven Spielberg’s 1978 blockbuster.

The Current â– Community Guide 2015

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

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SERVICES: Agencies can tackle array of problems upon request, from rats to abandoned cars

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audited. The Energy & Environment Department also provides incentives toward the purchase and installation of some of the stormwater features suggested either by its own auditors or by a private contractor. Some homes will be randomly inspected later to ensure that the grants were used properly; Christian said few recipients intentionally flout the rules but that sometimes her agency finds that homeowners could be maintaining their new gardens or equipment better. Visit tinyurl.com/doee-riversmart or call 202-535-2252 to join RiverSmart Homes. ■Address a rat problem. Rats can be more than a nuisance — they also pose a threat to public health. Accordingly, the D.C. Department of Health provides free rat inspections and abatement of rats found outside homes, including on private property if a building has less than three units. Residents who suspect they have a rat problem — evidence could be rodent droppings, gnawed garbage cans, or holes in the ground that could be rat burrows — can request the free inspection by calling 311. Health Department spokesperson Marcus Williams said the inspection typically takes place within three to five business days. The pest control workers place poison bait in any rat burrows they find, then cover them up so other animals aren’t in danger. Williams said the Health Department also encourages groups of residents to request the service at the same time, by calling 311 or 202-535-2954 to request a petition for multiple households to sign up at once — particularly valuable because rats living on one property may travel up to 150 feet away for food. Inspectors also leave door hangers on properties they don’t have permission to inspect and abate if it appears those have a rat problem as well. Residents should avoid covering the rat burrows themselves, as that makes it harder for the Health Department to identify and address them, Williams said. They should also ensure proper disposal of trash and well-maintained lawns to avoid encouraging rats, he said. Ivan Torres, another agency spokesperson, noted that the Health Department addresses only outdoor rats; residents with a problem inside their homes, or who live in a building with more than three units, need to hire a private pest control company. ■Deal with an abandoned car. Unlike in the past, D.C. law allows cars to be parked indefinitely on the street, rather than needing to move every 72 hours as was the case under previous regulations. This change was intended to support residents who own a car but prefer to use other transportation modes most of the time, according to Linda Grant, spokesperson for the

Department of Public Works. However, the city will still step in to remove cars that are deemed either “abandoned� or “dangerous� — either on public or private property — and residents can report such vehicles via 311. An automobile or trailer left on the street for more than 48 hours, or on private property for more than 30 days, is deemed abandoned if it meets at least two of the following criteria: It’s extensively damaged;

it’s inoperable and not undergoing emergency repair; it harbors vermin; and it lacks valid tags or a registration sticker. Grant said her department will inspect a vehicle within three days of a 311 report, and the agency’s website says cars confirmed to be abandoned on a public street are removed within five business days. Car owners are alerted to an impending removal via a large yellow sticker on the windshield, and the last registered owner

is contacted by mail once a car is impounded. The owner is also responsible for impound fees. A dangerous car or trailer that “poses an imminent hazard to the public health, safety, or welfare� is addressed more quickly. These include issues such as severe accident damage that leave exposed sharp metal or glass (not counting the “safety glass� of a shattered window, says Grant) or an infestation of vermin; it also can apply to

vehicles that have been dismantled. Grant said the vehicle’s location is also a factor — for instance, whether a damaged vehicle is near a school or playground, or if it’s obstructing a street or sidewalk. The Public Works Department tries to work with the owners of dangerous vehicles for four to 24 hours, Grant said, but will tow cars immediately if there’s an imminent danger. Stolen cars are handled by the police.

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Wednesday, September 9, 2015

The Current â– Community Guide 2015

Urban agriculture thrives at research farm By DEIRDRE BANNON Current Correspondent

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t the University of the District of Columbia’s research farm in Beltsville, Md., farmers are putting the facility’s formal name — the Muirkirk Agricultural Experiment Station — into action to help improve food security in the District and around the world. Located about a 30-minute drive from the school’s main Van Ness campus is the 143-acre farm, which has 10 acres in agricultural production. Belying Muirkirk’s standardfarm appearance — rows of vegetable plants, a small orchard and several greenhouses — is a cuttingedge agricultural incubator. Its researchers are developing innovative farming techniques using aquaponic, hydroponic and solar energy systems, among other strategies, to research sustainable and organic agriculture techniques and apply them to urban settings. It’s all part of the university’s

mission as a land-grant institution — a federal program dating back to 1862 that provided land to colleges and universities to teach agriculture and other technical practices. UDC is the only such institution in the country located in an urban area with a specific focus on urban agriculture. “We’re researching smarter ways of farming as we try to address the issue of food security,� said Leslie Malone, spokesperson for UDC’s College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences. Food security is a critical problem, Malone explained, because as the global population continues to increase — from about 7.2 billion today to 9.6 billion by 2050 as projected by the United Nations — there will be more mouths to feed with less room on which to grow food. “One of the reasons why the farm is so important is because it’s a demonstration farm — we don’t grow food for the sake of growing

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Deirdre Bannon/The Current

The research farm at UDC, one of the country’s only urban land-grant universities, is an incubator for sustainable urban farming practices. food,� Malone said of Muirkirk. water typically required to grow “We try to make it as innovative as plants in soil, according to UDC. possible to replicate how people When the fish mature, they also would be able to bio-intensively become a food source, and this year grow food in urban surroundings,� the farm is building a smoker which means using small plots of because smoked fish lasts longer land or nontraditional spaces like and will thus go further in the comrooftops. munity. One example of a bio-intensive There’s also a solar panel at the growing method being tested at farm powering a pump that extracts Muirkirk is vertical farming. Using groundwater for food production. white PVC pipes with holes cut out Researchers are assessing this sysof the sides, farmers are growing tem to determine how solar groundlettuces using hydroponics, a syswater management systems can be tem where plants grow in mineralused to irrigate crops in an efficient nutrient water and affordable without any way. soil. The pipes The farm is can be stacked also used to several levels research interhigh to maxicropping methmize the density ods for growing of crops that can food in garden grow in a given boxes or raised Deirdre Bannon/The Current beds. Farmers space. The farmers also strategically Staff farmer Alemayehu Waggie plan to try to feeds tilapia fish in the aquaponic plant different grow tomatoes, varieties of vegsystem’s water tanks. peppers, kale etables and and broccoli with this system. fruits in one bed to maximize the The farm is also using an aquacrop yield and also prevent the ponic system, where the nutrientplants from fighting for limited soil. rich water from 500-gallon tilapia The man behind all this innovafish tanks is funneled to various tion is Mchezaji “Che� Axum, an hydroponic flow beds. Aquaponic agronomist and director of UDC’s systems use about 10 percent of the Center for Urban Agriculture and

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Gardening Education. He’s been running the farm for the past three years, overseeing a team of farmers and researchers. He’s also involved with several other university offerings, including the master gardening, specialty and ethnic crops, and urban forestry programs. Axum is a third-generation Washingtonian and descends from a long line of farmers, including his great-great grandfather, who once farmed in Northeast D.C. Axum worked at the U.S. Department of Agriculture for 20 years and taught middle school science before coming to the university. “When I got here, we only had about a 4-acre orchard — we’ve since cleared 10 acres that are in full production of vegetables, ethnic and specialty crops, fruits and rice,� said Axum. “We’ve increased production and have been able to send a lot more food into the community.� By D.C. law, UDC is unable to sell its produce, so instead it donates thousands of pounds of food annually to Bread for the City and DC Central Kitchen. In addition to finding innovative ways to produce food in smaller spaces, Axum also aims to increase the nutrient density of food crops by experimenting with organic fertilizers and other methods. This year Axum and his team are also developing crops that specifically meet nutritional needs of D.C. residents with HIV and AIDS. The farm grows the typical vegetables and fruits one might expect — tomatoes, onions, peppers, apples and pears — and it’s also experimenting with small-scale dryland rice production. And through its specialty and ethnic crops program, the farm is using sustainable growing methods to produce fruits and vegetables that originated outside the U.S. (currently focused on crops from the Caribbean and West Africa) but can grow in the MidAtlantic, including African eggplant, sacred basil and Ethiopian caraway. There are many ways for community members to get involved at the farm. In keeping with its mission to teach urban agriculture to local resiSee Farming/Page CG10

The Current ■ Community Guide 2015

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

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RAYMOND: Petworth school hopes to boost student achivement with year-round model

From Page CG3

Philadelphia, where kids marveled at the idea that they were standing at Ben Franklin’s house. “It’s not just about having the children in the classroom and lecturing, it’s about being able to plan culminating activities and having the time to expose them to those experiences as well,” Hubbard said. “The narratives that students wrote about it afterward were incred-

ible.” The extra school time will also help students who need more instruction. “There’s so much in the curriculum … and the ESL students need more time to get all the material — they can’t read the same story in two days; they need five.” Durham-Vichr said. “The more support that we can give them, the better, and the better chance they have for success as they go on,” she added. “Every kid

deserves an excellent education, and we can give it to them, but they just need more time.” Many parents hope that the year-round program can give their children a competitive advantage, Hubbard said. “When they told us about the year-round program, I thought someone was giving me a Christmas present,” said Robin Quick, a parent of a first-grader. “Ms. Hubbard is a real stickler academically — she’s concerned with the kids excelling and performing to their

highest potential. Having that real partnership with the school and knowing that it doesn’t end in June is very encouraging.” Quick — who attended Raymond as a child, as did her mother — believes the yearround program will set students up to excel in high school and beyond. “We have to give our kids the best chance at success that we can. … If this program is a success, we will see real benefits for our children in the long run,” she said.

SEATS: From mayor’s office to council, former ANC members fill prominent D.C. posts

From Page CG3

role in that narrow framework is in for a reality check with the amount of work — often grunt work — that comes with it. “Anyone who thinks it’s going to be glamour and fun and a steppingstone … is not equipped,” she says. Oftentimes, though, ANC service does overlap with a fundamental proclivity for politics. “Politics is something that’s in my blood,” says Ward 2 Council member Jack Evans — so it was natural for him to run for the Dupont Circle ANC back in 1989, at the encouragement of two friends in his condo building. Working on many issues with former Ward 2 Council member John A. Wilson — “John was my guy,” Evans says — he didn’t have thoughts of succeeding his mentor. “It was only when

John became chairman” of the council and his Ward 2 seat opened up, Evans said, that he considered that path. Nadeau says she was “politically engaged” from childhood, working at age 11 on a school board campaign. In D.C., she joined her ANC in 2006 after being active with the Meridian Hill Neighborhood Association. From there, she found her council ambitions after supporting a friend, Bryan Weaver, with his Ward 1 campaign. Sometimes the streak for grassroots politics runs in the family. As a child, Muriel Bowser was often by her father Joe’s side as he worked as a neighborhood commissioner and even ran for city council. Bowser joined a Ward 4 commission herself in 2004 — she’s the second D.C. mayor, after Adrian Fenty, with an ANC background.

Regardless of any aspirations driving a neighborhood commissioner, the ANC system has become respected as an effective crash course in the workings of the

❝Anyone who thinks it’s going to be glamour and fun and a steppingstone … is not equipped.❞ — Council member Brianne Nadeau District government, from the nittygritty — zoning and liquor licenses — to larger policy issues. Simon of the ANC office describes it as almost “an advanced graduate course in government.” “Although the formal purposes for having ANCs don’t include this, they have become a very useful

training ground and proving ground for other elected offices,” says Simon. Likewise, he says, “people who become commissioners have an opportunity to find out if they like being a representative for others,” while their potential voters also get a chance to evaluate them. Chairman Mendelson said his “20 years being on the ANC steeped me deeply in community perspective, quality-of-life perspective, on issues that come before the council.” By the time Nadeau reached the council, she’d already built relationships with a number of government contacts. Today, she says, “I can pick up the phone and talk to someone I used to talk to when I was on the ANC. They may remember me as a big pain in their butt.” For some, ANCs can also open up an alternative path to a career

focused on national politics — which of course is what draws many to D.C. in the first place. City issues “are more immediate and real to you,” says Frumin of Tenleytown, who has a federal background. With national and international issues, he says, “there’s much more of an element of abstraction.” Nadeau also came to find local D.C. issues more engaging, in part from her time on the ANC. “Once you’ve worked on Capitol Hill and experienced that gridlock and polarization that’s occurring nationally,” local government can offer a more tangible sense of progress, she says. “You feel like you’re accomplishing something every day. Especially on the council, we really can move on big issues, like marriage equality, decriminalization of marijuana. That’s pretty exciting.”

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Wednesday, September 9, 2015

The Current â– Community Guide 2015

Northwest sites tell the story of grocery trends fell behind the times, and within a decade, it too had shut down. “What you’re seeing is simply an evolution of the business to meet n 1987, Safeway closed its customer needs, customer longtime Cleveland Park grocery store at 3427 Connecticut demands,� Safeway spokesperson Craig Muckle said in an interview Ave. NW. Known informally as the “Soviet with The Current. Today’s dominant D.C. grocery Safeway� for its chains — limited selecSafeway and tion, the Giant — have 7,000-squareincreasingly foot shop moved to add reflected an earselection and lier era for the amenities to chain. their stores, regCustomers were ularly requiring encouraged to new facilities to instead go to match their the Van Ness changing needs. location, 4310 Brian Kapur/The Current In many Connecticut, cases, particuThe Safeway at 1855 Wisconsin which The larly in highWashington Ave. is the latest of the chain’s demand areas, Post described stores to occupy the same site. the old buildat the time as “a ings have been torn down to allow food store aglow with newness and more intensive use of the space. For neon.� instance, Safeway replaced its But even that location quickly 1930s-era grocery at 2011 S St. NW with a larger adjacent space in the 1970s, before closing that location in 2010. And the current Georgetown Safeway is the fourth building the chain has used in the area of 1855 Wisconsin Ave. NW. Safeway opened its first grocery at 1855 Wisconsin six decades ago — replacing a smaller Safeway next door — as part of a blitz of 19 new stores across the region averaging 17,000 square feet, The Washington Post reported in 1954. This was a big jump from the chain’s 6,000-square-foot average of groceries built before 1950, according to the Post. Safeway demolished that 1955 building in Georgetown just over two decades later to double the size of its store there and to add a larger parking lot. Then in 2009, it nearly doubled its facility again, to a /HDUQ PRUH DW whopping 71,000-square-foot building that covered the old parking lot

By BRADY HOLT Current Staff Writer

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and added an underground garage. Despite all the redevelopment, Northwest still remains scattered with former Giants and Safeways, as other establishments found ways to use the buildings the big chains outgrew. A number of grocery stores with smaller or more specialized selections occupy some of those old spaces, including Brookville Super Market at 3427 Connecticut. The space at 4310 Connecticut now houses a Gold’s Gym. Several Giant and Safeway buildings have been reoccupied by CVS Pharmacy. There are also offices, restaurants, a thrift store, medical practices and even a funeral home operating out of former Northwest supermarkets. David Gwynn, who runs the supermarket history website groceteria.com, said in an interview that grocery stores constructed through the 1950s have proved the best suited for other uses. Supermarkets of that era were generally sturdily built low-rises that were more easily adaptable than the bigger stores constructed later. Suburban-style stores with big parking lots — such as the Petworth Safeway, 3830 Georgia Ave. NW, and Cleveland Park Giant, 3336 Wisconsin Ave. NW — have been particularly ripe for redevelopment. “The land became too valuable to have old, dumpy, outmoded stores on them,� Gwynn said. Looking back even further, before World War II, the D.C. grocery scene primarily occupied ordinary small storefronts and specialized in particular goods. Safeway and its local predecessor, Sanitary, focused on dry and canned items, Gwynn said. “If you can imagine, they’re actually more common than Starbucks stores are now,� he said.

Now a CVS, as shown above, the building at 4555 Wisconsin Ave. NW previously housed a Giant Food store, as shown in this 1942 photo by Marjory Collins now in the Library of Congress’ archives.

“They were everywhere, sometimes just one or two blocks away from each other.� Even Giant Food, named for its above-average size, focused primarily on nonperishable items when it opened a 15,000-square-foot store (since demolished) at Georgia Avenue and Park Road NW in 1936, according to company spokesperson Jamie Miller. In the 1930s, though, technology was already starting to change the face of the D.C. grocery scene, according to Gwynn. More customers had refrigerators, so they could stock up on perishable food for multiple days, and they had cars that let them travel to one larger store without relying on corner markets. The Great Depression further tipped many shoppers’ scales in favor of a supermarket’s cost savings over a corner store’s convenience, he said. Groceteria.com maintains a spreadsheet of chains’ store locations over the years in a number of

cities, including the District. Gwynn said Safeway, Sanitary and Piggly Wiggly (locally run by Sanitary) had a combined 261 stores in Washington in 1935. Consolidation followed soon after, with Safeway dropping to 60 D.C. stores in the 1970s, 30 by 1980 and 12 today. Giant has also closed stores over the years and how has seven D.C. locations. Miller, the Giant spokesperson, said the latest supermarkets must be big enough to fit a larger selection — an average of 40,000 different items per store — and auxiliaries like pharmacies, coffee shops, prepared food areas and even bars. “It’s not where customers come and do their shopping and get out quickly — they come to the store as a destination,� he said. Muckle, meanwhile, said Safeway is making its D.C. stores better reflect the advantages of urban locations. The company for a time built suburban-style stores in the District that were about 40,000 square feet and had large parking lots, such as the Georgetown store built in the late 1970s, he said. The See Groceries/Page CG10

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Current Staff Report The organization Green Roofs for Healthy Cities has named the Washington region No. 1 in North America for its use of plantings atop buildings. The “2014 Annual Green Roof Industry Survey� says the D.C. area gained over 1.2 million square feet of green roofs last year. Toronto came in second, with 775,216 square feet, followed by Philadelphia and then Chicago, according to a news release from the D.C. Department of Energy & Environment. The agency offers incentives to D.C. building owners who install green roofs voluntarily, providing $10 to $15 per square foot. “Green roofs retain rainfall, which reduces combined sewer overflows and prevents stormwater

runoff from carrying pollution and sediment to streams and other waterways,� the release states. “Vegetation dramatically reduces the temperature of the roof and surrounding area [which] reduces the urban heat island effect and helps cool the District.� For instance, the green roof on the American Society of Landscape Architects building downtown can be 32 degrees cooler than neighboring black roofs. The roofs also provide financial benefit. Department director Tommy Wells points to recently adopted stormwater regulations and a stormwater retention credit-trading program as part of the city’s broad emphasis on sustainability. The survey takes into account such factors as square footage, building type and green roof type for each project.

The Current ■ Community Guide 2015

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

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Your list of lists: Where the District ranks in the top 10 By MARK LIEBERMAN Current Staff Writer

I

t sometimes seems like there are as many lists ranking America’s cities as there are cities in America. And D.C. frequently finds its way onto the upper reaches of these rankings. Below, 11 lists that place D.C. in their Top 10: 10th worst ragweed allergies Itchy eyes? Runny nose? It’s no wonder Washingtonians are feeling stifled — they live in the 10th worst city in the country for ragweed allergies, according to a 2011 study by Quest Diagnostics and reported by the website TBD. Between 2005 and 2008, nationwide ragweed sensitivity jumped 12 percent, and D.C. is one of the victims of our losing battle against pesky pollen.

Ninth hardest-working Look up from your desk and pull out your earphones to admire D.C.’s No. 9 spot among the hardest working cities in America, as determined by the real estate blog Movoto in 2013 and highlighted in a WAMU story. The unemployment rate, commute times, hours worked per week, employed workers per household, hours volunteered per year, lack of sleep and cost of living all played a role in the decision-making process, according to Movoto content editor David Cross. Eighth most promiscuous The dating site seekingarrangements.com (“the world’s largest sugar daddy site”) polled 56,000 men across the United States about the number of sexual partners they’ve had in

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ages 18 mo. to adult

the last year. In D.C., 61 percent of the men surveyed said they have more than seven sexual partners a year. That’s enough to put the city ahead of Phoenix and Portland, Ore., and just behind Chicago and the notoriously lascivious Las Vegas.

Seventh most fun, and seventh most energy efficient How often do you have fun in D.C.? According to a 2012 survey by Trident Gum, the answer is: more than the residents of all but six other U.S. metropolitan areas. D.C. also ranked seventh on a 2013 list of the nation’s most energy-efficient cities. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy judged based on local building codes, transportation policies, communitywide energy initiatives and efficiency improvement efforts. Sixth sweatiest If you’ve stepped outside anytime in the past two months, you probably agree with Honeywell Fans and the consulting firm Environmental Health & Engineering, which ranked our nation’s capital right below three cities in Florida, one in Texas and one in California for its perspiration factor. Using data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Climatic Data Center and the U.S. Census Bureau, the ranking takes into account factors including humidity, average temperature, population density and infrastructure like residential buildings and heavy industry. Fifth smartest Forbes Magazine parsed the growth rate

for the number of residents with at least a bachelor’s degree from 2000 to 2013 and ranked D.C. fifth for the most educated metropolitan population. In 2013, the city — including the surrounding Virginia communities of Alexandria and Arlington — posted a 44.9 percent increase in the college-educated population since 2000. No. 1 on the lists? The Boston-Cambridge area in Massachusetts. Fourth best public transportation Walk Score calculated the number of available public transportation options and car-sharing services, and ranked D.C. fourth in the nation and first among Southern cities, a classification for which D.C. apparently qualifies. An important caveat: The study didn’t take into account the performance or reliability of public transportation options. Third most binge-drinking When ranked against other states, D.C. fell behind North Dakota and Wisconsin for the highest percentage of residents having reported engaging in binge-drinking — four drinks for women and five for men in one sitting. Stacked against other metropolitan areas, though, the D.C. region (including surrounding counties in Virginia) ranked a more modest 87th out of 180, as noted in a WTOP story on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention analysis. Second best for being rich and single If you have lots of money but no one to spend it on, D.C. is the place for you. Money Magazine combed through U.S. cities with high average incomes and a population of unmarried people above the national average

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of 40 percent. D.C. had the highest percentage of singles (57.1) of the five cities on the list, and it ranked below only San Francisco. First for fittest city in America Take a quick break from lifting weights and running laps to pat yourself on the back for making D.C. the nation’s most physically active and healthy city, according to the American Fitness Index. Conducted by the American College of Sports Medicine and highlighted in a Huffington Post article, the study takes into account a variety of indicators, including the percentage of the population that lives within a 10-minute walk from a park. According to the study, 95 percent of D.C. residents can make that claim, putting the city above runners-up including Minneapolis, San Diego and San Francisco.

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Wednesday, September 9, 2015

The Current â– Community Guide 2015

GROCERIES: History of change has left sites suitable for other uses From Page CG8

chain’s newer supermarkets in the District are more tailored to their locations, generally part of mixeduse projects. “Now what we’re seeing is more of an urban model, ... stores that are facing the street, directly on the street, allowing them to have engagement with the street, don’t make people rely on their cars so much,� said Muckle. “Stores that we’ve built in recent years whether it’s Petworth, City Vista, Southwest — all of those are more of that model that are maybe near a Metro ... that really is more environmentally friendly. You’re putting more density in a confined area.� Gwynn said consolidation yields efficiencies for the companies at least as much as it benefits customers. “It’s a lot easier to manage five 50,000-square-foot stores than 10 20,000-square-foot stores,� he said. But even when customers lament the loss of their smaller neighborhood groceries, Gwynn acknowledged that it’s difficult to

meet expectations for selection and consistent inventory in a compacted space. “You’ll hear them say they’d rather shop in a smaller store, but at the same time they want the smaller store to have every item they’d buy at the bigger store,� said Gwynn. The contraction period was also more pronounced in D.C. than in some other cities because of its population loss and high amounts of poverty, he added; indeed, searching the addresses of supermarkets in a Washington Post database illustrates the District’s decline, with dozens of articles about the stores being robbed. Muckle said Safeway never likes closing one of its locations, but that the switch to fewer, bigger stores has been the best path forward. “Times change — people had less time, and there was more of a desire for one-stop shopping, and we tried to move with those times,� he said. “If you don’t adjust for what best serves the customer, you’ll be left behind.�

Today’s uses for some of Northwest’s former chain grocery locations, identified by groceteria.com: ■1231 11th St. NW: Capitol Supermarket (formerly Safeway) ■4411 14th St. NW: Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority (formerly Safeway) ■5427 14th St. NW: Children’s Medical Care Center and a contract compliance Brian Kapur/The Current firm (formerly Safeway) Now a Gold’s Gym, the space ■1619 17th St. NW: McDonald’s (forat 4310 Connecticut Ave. NW merly Safeway) ■1864 Columbia Road NW: Metro K was formerly a Safeway. Supermarket (formerly Safeway) ■3412 Connecticut Ave. NW: Currently vacant, but recent occupants have included the Uptown Tap House and Ireland’s Four Fields (formerly Giant Food) ■3427 Connecticut Ave. NW: Brookville Super Market (formerly Safeway) ■4310 Connecticut Ave. NW: Gold’s Gym (formerly Safeway) ■5013 Connecticut Ave. NW: CVS Pharmacy (formerly Safeway) ■5227 Georgia Ave. NW: CVS Pharmacy (formerly Safeway) ■6101 Georgia Ave. NW: Georgia Avenue Thrift Store Center (formerly Safeway) ■6428 Georgia Ave. NW: Dental Dreams (formerly A&P) ■124 Kennedy St. NW: CVS Pharmacy (formerly Giant Food) ■716 Kennedy St. NW: Johnson & Jenkins Funeral Home (formerly Safeway) ■3255 M St. NW: Chipotle (formerly Safeway) ■4851 Massachusetts Ave. NW: CVS Pharmacy (formerly Giant Food) ■2001 S St. NW: Glen’s Garden Market (formerly Safeway) ■2011 S St. NW: Thaiphoon (formerly Safeway) ■4555 Wisconsin Ave. NW: CVS Pharmacy (formerly Giant Food)

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FARMING From Page CG6 dents, the university offers a sustainable urban agriculture certificate program open to its students as well as the general public. The program offers two tracks: urban agriculture techniques, and business principles in urban agriculture. It costs $200 for the certificate or $60 per class. Program officials have noticed a recent influx of professionals making a mid- to late-career change, Malone noted. UDC’s master gardener program, a national initiative that’s also part of the school’s land-grant mission, provides intensive training to residents in horticulture and environmental stewardship, and its graduates then volunteer in the community to share information and best practices and participate in community gardening programs. Members also volunteer at the research farm and at UDC’s new rooftop garden on its main campus. The research farm also plays host to hundreds of D.C. public school students each summer who participate in a youth in urban agriculture program as well as Agroecology Day each fall. “Many young folks who come here have never been to a farm before — they’ve never tasted a carrot pulled right out of the ground or a freshly picked tomato,â€? Axum said. “One of our major accomplishments is connecting young people to the food system and planting a seed to help them understand farming and that if you eat, you’re part of the agricultural food system.â€? On Oct. 23, UDC will hold its second annual Urban Agriculture Symposium on its main campus, which is open to the public and will include talks from food policy leaders as well as cooking demonstrations from celebrity chefs. The school’s reputation for urban agriculture innovation has spread far beyond the greater Washington area. In recent weeks, a group from the Delaware Tribe of Indians in Oklahoma flew out to visit the farm to learn more about the techniques being used, and two ministers from Aruba also visited because their country imports about 90 percent of its food and wants to change that. Officials from Europe and Africa have also shown interest in the work the university is doing, Malone said. “When you look at it from a larger perspective, you see how food security is important everywhere, not just in D.C.,â€? Malone added. “We think of ourselves as the little engine that could. ‌ Anyone in the area may know of UDC for other things but not for urban agriculture, and it’s nice to be able to use the land-grant programming to our advantage to help chart a new positive course for UDC that benefits everyone.â€? For more information about UDC’s urban agriculture programs, go to udc.edu/causes.

The Current â– Community Guide 2015

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

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Local museums gearing up for full exhibition season By MARK LONGAKER Current Correspondent

A

ing the contributions of women to modernist crafts, and the following month it will look at the punk-zine artist Caroline Paquita, whose halfwoman/half-animal creatures known as “womanimals� reveal a strong sense of line. In keeping with its commitment to Russian imperial art, Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens will feature works by tsarist painter Konstantin Makovsky in February. Other notable exhibits range from a focus on world hunger at the Newseum to a pictorial survey of air-traffic control towers at the National Air and Space Museum, with many stops in between.

s Washington museums get ready to welcome visitors to a brand-new exhibits season, here’s a look at some of the offerings planned for the coming year. A highlight of the new season is the reopening, after a two-year renovation, of the Renwick Gallery, which is returning with a debut exhibit titled “Wonderâ€? in November. This immersive exhibit will transform the Renwick interior into a giant artwork, as nine artists create site-specific installations in each gallery. SEPTEMBER Celebrating its 75th anniversary 16 — “Artists’ Books and next year will be the National Africa.â€? The first exhibition to Gallery of Art, which is planning exhibits on American prints and the focus on African artists’ books from the Smithsonian’s Warren M. contributions of one of its major Robbins Library benefactors, and the National Paul Mellon, to Museum of mark the occaAfrican Art. sion. The galNational lery will also Museum of celebrate the African Art 50th anniversaindefinitely. ry of the Los 18 — “Dark Angeles print Fields of the workshop and Republic: publisher Alexander Gemini G.E.L. Gardner with an exhibit Photographs, of 17 series 1859-1872.â€? made there. Highlights Civil Other exhibits War battlefield at the National Š David Hockney and Gemini G.E.L. photography Gallery include David Hockney’s “Sun,â€? a 1973 and later a look at lithograph and screenprint, is part Western images Hellenistic by Gardner, of the National Gallery of Art’s bronze sculpincluding his ture and a proexhibition “The Serial Impulse at iconic crackedfile of Louise Gemini G.E.L.â€? plate photoBourgeois. graph of President Abraham The Phillips Collection will bring 60 paintings from two impor- Lincoln. National Portrait Gallery through March 13. tant Swiss collections of impres 18 — “40 Chances: Finding sionist, post-impressionist and Hope in a Hungry World — The School of Paris artworks to Dupont Photography of Howard G. Circle this fall with its exhibit Buffett.â€? Features 40 photos by “Gauguin to Picasso.â€? Surrealism Buffett that document the world will get a closer look with hunger crisis. Newseum through “Marvelous Objects,â€? a show of Jan. 3. surrealist sculpture by 20 European and American artists opening next OCTOBER month at the Hirshhorn Museum 4 — “The Serial Impulse at and Sculpture Garden. Meanwhile, Gemini G.E.L.â€? Celebrates the the Smithsonian American Art Museum will spotlight 20th-century 50th anniversary of the Los Angeles print workshop and publisher photographer Irving Penn this fall Gemini G.E.L. with 17 series creatand contemporary sculptor Martin ed there over the years. National Puryear next spring. Gallery of Art through Feb. 7. At the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, a show opening in October 8 — “Question Bridge: Black Males.â€? A documentary-style vidwill juxtapose more than 70 works eo-art installation by Chris Johnson, by the influential Japanese artist Hank Willis Thomas, Kamal Tawaraya Sotatsu (who lived from Sinclair and BayetĂŠ Ross Smith that approximately 1570 to 1640) with pieces by later artists that pay hom- aims to represent and redefine black male identity in America. The age to him. This month, the Phillips Collection through Jan. 3. National Portrait Gallery will open 10 — “Gauguin to Picasso: an exhibit of photographs by Masterworks From Switzerland, Alexander Gardner, who took the the Staechelin & Im Obersteg iconic cracked-plate photograph of Collections.â€? Presents more than President Abraham Lincoln. 60 paintings from collections by The National Museum of two champions of impressionism, Women in the Arts will open “Pathmakersâ€? in October, highlight- post-impressionism and the School

of Paris. The Phillips Collection through Jan. 10. 17 — “The New America Garden.� Highlights the self-sustaining meadow-like gardens created by the Washington, D.C., architectural landscape firm of Oehme, van Sweden & Associates. National Building Museum through April 3. 23 — “Irving Penn: Beyond Beauty.� Some 160 photographs by Penn demonstrate his legacy as a modern master and place him in the context of the contemporary moment. Smithsonian American Art Museum through March 20. 24 — “Sotatsu: Making Waves.� More than 70 works by the influential Japanese artist Tawaraya Sotatsu are juxtaposed with homage pieces by later artists that demonstrate his long-ranging influence. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery through Jan. 31. 24 — “Nature’s Best Photography: Windland Smith Rice International Awards Presents: The Best of the Best.� Twenty years’ worth of award-winning photography are featured. Natural Museum of Natural History through October 2016. 29 — “Marvelous Objects: Surrealist Sculpture From Paris

to New York.â€? Brings together some 100 works by more than 20 artists from France, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Great Britain and the United States. Hirshhorn Museum and Š Kunstmuseum Basel, Martin P. BĂźhler Sculpture Claude Monet’s “Calm Weather, FĂŠcamp,â€? 1881 oil Garden through on canvas, is part of the “Gauguin to Picassoâ€? Feb. 15. exhibit at the Phillips Collection. 29 — “Directions: Shana Lutker: Le 30 — “Pathmakers: Women in ‘NEW’ Monocle, Chapters 1-3.â€? Art, Craft, and Design, New sculptural work by contempo- Midcentury and Today.â€? Explores rary America artist Shana Lutker the contributions of women to postbased on historic fistfights involvwar visual culture and their use of ing surrealist artists. Hirshhorn craft materials to explore concepts Museum and Sculpture Garden of modernism. National Museum of through Feb. 15. Women in the Arts through Feb. 28. 30 — “Living Modern.â€? Highlights the collection of Sam NOVEMBER Rose and Julie Walters, who for the 1 — “Celebrating last 25 years have collected the Photography at the National work of Georgia O’Keeffe, Gallery of Art: Recent Gifts.â€? Alexander Calder, David Hockney, Some 200 recent photographic gifts Pablo Picasso and many others. on view celebrate the 25th anniverSmithsonian American Art Museum sary of the photography collection through April 3. See Exhibits/Page CG12

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Wednesday, September 9, 2015

EXHIBITS From Page CG11 at the gallery. National Gallery of Art through April 17. 7 — “Kay WalkingStick: An American Artist.� Retrospective of Cherokee artist WalkingStick includes 75 of her most notable works, mainly paintings on board and canvas, as well as a selection of works on paper and small sculptures. National Museum of the American Indian through Sept. 18. 11 — “Art of the Airport Tower.� Explores contemporary and historic air-traffic control towers around the world with 50 pictures by Smithsonian photographer Carolyn Russo. National Air and Space Museum through November 2016. 13 — “Wonder.� The opening exhibit at the newly renovated Renwick Gallery features site-specific installations by nine artists, including Jennifer Angus, Chakaia Booker, Gabriel Dawe, Tara Donovan, Patrick Dougherty, Janet Echelman, John Grade, Maya Lin

The Current â– Community Guide 2015

and Leo Villareal. Renwick Gallery through July 10. 15 — “Louise Bourgeois: No Exit.� Presents 20 sculptures, drawings and prints by the 20th-century French-born American artist. National Gallery of Art through May 15. 16 — “Womanimal: Zine Art by Caroline Paquita.� Highlights the punk zine-making of Brooklynbased artist Paquita (born in 1980), who envisions half-woman/half-animal creatures (womanimals) with strong line work. Betty Boyd Dettre Library and Research Center at the National Museum of Women in the Arts through May 13.

FEBRUARY

DECEMBER

APRIL

13 — “Power and Pathos: Bronze Sculpture of the Hellenistic World.� A survey of the development of Hellenistic art features some 60 works from worldrenowned archaeological museums in Austria, Denmark, France, Georgia, Great Britain, Greece, Italy, Spain and the United States. National Gallery of Art through March 20.

10 — “Suspended Animation.� Brings together six artists who use computer animation in their work, including Ed Atkins, Antoine Catala, Ian Cheng, Josh Kline, Helen Marten and Agnieszka Polska. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden indefinitely. 13 — “Konstantin Makovsky: The Tsar’s Painter.� Focuses on the three ambitious paintings that form Makovsky’s boyar series and the path they traveled from St. Petersburg, though Paris, to the United States. Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens through June 12. 3 — “Three Centuries of American Prints From the National Gallery of Art.� Coinciding with the gallery’s 75th anniversary, some 160 prints are highlighted. National Gallery of Art through July 24. 7 — “Robert Irwin: All the Rules Will Change.� The first museum survey devoted to Irwin’s work during the pivotal decade of

the 1960s. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden through Sept. 5.

MAY

8 — “In Celebration of Paul Mellon.� Coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the National Gallery of Art, 100 pastels, watercolors, drawings, prints and illustrated books are spotlighted from the donations of this leading benefactor of the gallery. National Gallery of Art through Oct. 2. 21 — “Small Stories.� The small stories of 12 dollhouses from the past 300 years are brought to life by imagining the characters who live or work there. National Building Museum through Jan. 16. 27 — “Martin Puryear: Multiple Dimensions.� Explores recurring forms across time and medium in the sculptures, drawings and prints of Puryear (born in 1945). Smithsonian American Art Museum through Sept. 5.

JULY

3 — “Intersections: Photographs and Video from the National Gallery of Art and the

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Corcoran Gallery of Art.� Highlights the recently merged collections of the Corcoran and the National Gallery of Art with a range of artists from the 1870s to today. National Gallery of Art through Jan. 2.

Museum information

■Arthur M. Sackler Gallery 1050 Independence Ave. SW; 202-633-1000; asia.si.edu Hours: Daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ■Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens 4155 Linnean Ave. NW; 202-686-5807; hillwoodmuseum.org Hours: Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: $18 for adults; $15 for seniors; $10 for students; $5 for ages 6 through 18; free for ages 5 and younger. ■Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden 7th Street and Independence Avenue SW; 202-633-1000; hirshhorn.si.edu Hours: Daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ■National Air and Space Museum 6th Street and Independence Avenue SW; 202-633-2214; americanhistory.si.edu Hours: Daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ■National Building Museum 401 F St. NW; 202-272-2448; nbm.org Hours: Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: $8 for adults and $5 for youth, students and seniors. ■National Gallery of Art 4th Street and Constitution Avenue NW; 202737-4215; nga.gov Hours: Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. ■National Museum of African Art 950 Independence Ave. SW; 202-633-4600; africa.si.edu Hours: Daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ■National Museum of Natural History 10th Street and Constitution Avenue NW Hours: Daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 202-633-1000; mnh.si.edu ■National Museum of the American Indian 4th Street and Independence Avenue SW Hours: Daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 202-633-1000; nmai.si.edu ■National Museum of Women in the Arts 1250 New York Ave. NW; 202-783-5000; nmwa.org Hours: Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. Admission: $10 for adults; $8 for seniors and students; free for ages 18 and younger. Free “Community Days� are the first Sunday of every month. ■National Portrait Gallery 8th and F streets NW; 202-633-1000; npg.si.edu Hours: Daily from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. ■Newseum 555 Pennsylvania Ave. NW; 888-639-7386; newseum.org Hours: Daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: $22.95 for adults; $18.95 for seniors; $13.95 for ages 7 through 18; free for ages 6 and younger. ■Phillips Collection 1600 21st St. NW; 202-387-2151; phillipscollection.org Hours: Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday until 8:30 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission: Varies. ■Renwick Gallery 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW; 202-633-1000; americanart.si.edu/renwick Hours: Daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ■Smithsonian American Art Museum 9th and G streets NW; 202-633-1000; americanart.si.edu Hours: Daily from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The CurrenT â– CommuniTy Guide 2015

Wednesday, sepTember 9, 2015

CG13

Theater season promises variety, invention By MARK LONGAKER Current Correspondent

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October; Tennessee Williams’ “The Glass Menagerieâ€? at Ford’s in January; and Henrik Ibsen’s “Hedda Gablerâ€? at Studio Theatre in May. A new adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s “SalomĂŠâ€? will premiere at the Lansburgh Theatre as part of the Women’s Voices Theater Festival. Other highlights include Peter Shaffer’s psychological drama “Equusâ€? this winter at Constellation Theatre; a return of the Chicagobased Neo-Futurists’ “Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blindâ€? in December at Woolly Mammoth Theatre; and Benjamin Scheuer’s one-man musical coming-of-age story “The Lionâ€? at Arena in February.

rom musical extravaganzas to solo shows and everything in between, the upcoming theater season offers something for everyone, and there will be no lack of new plays for adventurous audiences. In the new-play department, few seasons can compare to the one ahead — thanks mainly to a fall cornucopia that will debut during the Women’s Voices Theater Festival, which got underway last month and will continue through mid-November at more than 50 Washington-area theaters. Each theater is presenting a world-premiere play by a female playwright, highlighting the scope of plays by women and the range of theater being produced in the nation’s capital. For more information, visit womensvoicestheaterfestival.org. Another defining influence on the season is the occurrence next year of the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death in 1616. Consequently, the Bard will figure heavily in the offerings, beginning RECENTLY OPENED with “Periclesâ€? in November at the “Women Laughing Alone with Folger Theatre, which will also Salad.â€? World premiere of bawdy, open “A Midsummer Night’s gender-bending Sheila Callaghan Dreamâ€? in January and offer a comedy about choosing to live a lighter look at the playwright from healthy lifestyle, or not, presented the vaudevillian Reduced as part of the Women’s Voices Shakespeare Company next spring. Theater Festival. Woolly Mammoth The Folger will also premiere Theatre Company through Oct. 4. “District Merchants,â€? a retelling of “The Merchant of Veniceâ€? set in SEPTEMBER post-Civil War Washington, written 9 — “Chimerica.â€? Epic Lucy by Aaron Posner (“Stupid F---ing Kirkwood play tracks two decades Birdâ€? and “Life Sucksâ€?). The of U.S.-China Shakespeare relations alongTheatre side lives forever Company will changed by the open “Othelloâ€? in crosswinds of February, and politics and histhis fall will prestory. Studio ent “Kiss Me, Theatre through Kateâ€? — Cole Oct. 18. Porter’s musical 10 — “Yerma take on “The Photo by Teddy Wolff (Barren).â€? Taming of the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Adaptation by Shrewâ€? (which Company will stage “Chimericaâ€? Spanish author it will stage in Sept. 9 through Oct. 18. Fernando J. May). LĂłpez of As usual, the Federico GarcĂ­a Lorca’s tale about a musical season will center mainly barren woman’s struggles with a on the Kennedy Center, which will loveless marriage and a repressive present six over the season, beginsociety. In Spanish with English ning with “Beautiful: The Carole surtitles. GALA Hispanic Theatre King Musical,â€? charting the rise of through Oct. 4. the pop star, and finishing with 11 — “Destiny of Desire.â€? “The Phantom of the Operaâ€? next World-premiere telenovela comedy summer. Arena Stage will present by Karen ZacarĂ­as about two girls “Oliver!â€? over the holidays, and swapped at birth and growing up in Ford’s Theatre will stage the cowvastly different circumstances, one boy classic “110 in the Shadeâ€? in rich and one poor, presented as part the spring. The National Theatre of the Women’s Voices Theater will host multiple national tours, Festival. Arena Stage through Oct. including the Washington premiere 18. of “The Wizard of Ozâ€? and 16 — “Queens Girl in the “Rodgers + Hammerstein’s World.â€? World premiere of Caleen Cinderella.â€? Sinnette Jennings’ coming-of-age There will be no shortage of drama about a girl growing up in classical drama, including Juliette New York, presented as part of the Binoche as Antigone in the Women’s Voices Theater Festival. Sophocles tragedy about the heroTheater J through Oct. 11. ine at the Kennedy Center in

Left: Photo by Tony Powell / Above: Photo by Joan Marcus

Arena Stage’s world-premiere production of “Destiny of Desire,� left, will open Sept. 11. The Kennedy Center will host “Beautiful — The Carole King Musical,� above, Oct. 6 through 25. 19 — “texts&beheadings/ ElizabethR.� World-premiere play created and directed by Karin Coonrod explores the life and language of Queen Elizabeth I, presented as part of the Women’s Voices Theater Festival. Folger Theatre through Oct. 4. 25 — “The Guard.� World premiere of Jessica Dickey dramedy about a museum guard who touches a Rembrandt painting and initiates a time-travel adventure, presented as part of the Women’s Voices Theater Festival. Ford’s Theatre through Oct. 18. 30 — “Animal.� World premiere of dark comedy by Clare Lizzimore about the underside of domesticity, presented as part of the Women’s Voices Theater Festival. Studio Theatre through Oct. 25.

OCTOBER

6 — “SalomĂŠ.â€? World-premiere adaptation by YaĂŤl Farber of Oscar Wilde play about Biblical seductress, presented as part of the Women’s Voices Theater Festival. Shakespeare Theatre Company at the Lansburgh Theatre through Nov. 8. 6 — “Lady Lay.â€? World premiere of Lydia Stryk play about a frustrated female clerk in Berlin learning liberation from Bob Dylan’s music at the time of the fall of the wall, presented as part of the Women’s Voices Theater Festival. Scena Theatre at the Atlas Performing Arts Center through Oct. 10. 6 — “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.â€? Tells the story of the pop singer’s rise to stardom. Kennedy Center through Oct. 25. 9 — “Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End.â€? World-premiere play by Allison Engel and Margaret Engel looks at the popular humorist who said “If life is a bowl of cherries, what am I doing in the pits?â€? presented as part of the Women’s Voices Theater Festival. Arena Stage through Nov. 8. 19 — “The Cripple of Inishmaan.â€? Martin McDonagh’s dark comedy about a Hollywood film shoot on a remote Irish island in the 1930s. Scena Theatre at the Atlas Performing Arts Center through Nov. 22. 19 — “Nuevas aventuras de Don Quijote (New Adventures of

Don Quixote.� New bilingual adaptation of Cervantes’ classic novel. GALA Hispanic Theatre through Oct. 31. 22 — “Avenue Q.� Musical about a college grad who lives in a neighborhood filled with puppets. Constellation Theatre Company at Source through Nov. 23. 22 — “Antigone.� Juliette Binoche portrays Sophocles’ tragic heroine in a new translation by T.S. Eliot Prize-winning poet Anne Carson. Kennedy Center through Oct. 25. 26 — “Winners and Losers.� Canadian theater artists James Long

and Marcus Youssef compete in a drinking game to determine which pop-culture fads are in or out. Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company through Nov. 22. 28 — “The Apple Family Cycle: ‘Sorry’ and ‘Regular Singing.’� The last two plays in Richard Nelson’s “Apple Family� quartet, “Sorry� and “Regular Singing,� explore the present and future of the United States. Studio Theatre through Dec. 13. 30 — “Oliver!� Lionel Bart musical about an innocent orphan thrown into the dark underworld of See Theater/Page CG14

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Wednesday, September 9, 2015

THEATER

the movie by Cheryl L. West. Arena Stage through Dec. 27. From Page CG13 17 — “Kiss Me, Kate.� Cole Porter musical inspired by Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the thieves and con men in 19th-centuShrew� is directed by Alan Paul. ry London, directed by Molly Shakespeare Theatre Company at Smith. Arena Stage through Jan. 3. Sidney Harman Hall through Jan. 3. 30 — “Darius & Twig.� World 18 — “Rodgers + premiere of Caleen Sinnette Hammerstein’s Cinderella.� The Jennings’ play based on Walter touring Broadway musical promises Dean Myers’ novel about two a lush, contempoHarlem teens rary take on the deciding what to classic fairy tale. do with their National Theatre lives. Kennedy through Nov. 29. Center through 18 — “Sons of Nov. 8. the Prophet.� Dark comedy by NOVEMBER Stephen Karam 13 — Photo by Jenny Graham about family and “Pericles.� The Folger Theatre will present work, a 2012 Shakespeare’s Shakespeare’s “Pericles� Nov. 13 Pulitzer Prize adventure tale finalist. Theater J of a father’s through Dec. 20. at the Washington fantastical jourDC Jewish Community Center ney is presented by the Oregon through Dec. 20. Shakespeare Festival. Folger 19 — “A Christmas Carol.� Theatre through Dec. 20. Stage adaptation of the Dickens 13 — “Akeelah and the Bee.� classic. Ford’s Theatre through Dec. World-premiere Children’s Theatre 31. Company production adapted from

The Current â– Community Guide 2015 DECEMBER

1 — “Motown the Musical.� The hit Broadway musical tells the story of Motown founder Berry Gordy, the man who launched the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson and many more. National Theatre through Jan. 3. 3 — “Bad Jews.� Return engagement of Joshua Harmon’s savage comedy about family, faith and legacy follows three cousins and their verbal battle over a family heirloom. Studio Theatre through Jan. 3. 7 — “Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind.� The Chicagobased Neo-Futurists return with their never-the-same-twice miniplay extravaganza inspired by Dada, surrealism and the spontaneity of late-night sketch comedy. Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company through Jan. 3. 15 — “Matilda the Musical.� Based on the Roald Dahl children’s novel about a plucky girl out to change her destiny. Kennedy Center through Jan. 10. 22 — “Stars of David: Song to Song.� Holiday musical revue about Jewish public figures, based on the book by Abigail Pogrebin. Theater J at the Washington DC Jewish Community Center through Dec. 27.

JANUARY

5 — “The Critic & the Real Inspector Hound.� Double bill of Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s “The Critic,� adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher, and Tom Stoppard’s “The Real Inspector Hound.� Shakespeare Theatre Company at the Lansburgh Theatre through Feb. 14. 13 — “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder.� Tony Award-winning musical comedy about distant relative who seeks inheritance by killing off relatives ahead of him. Kennedy Center through Jan. 30. 13 — “Between Riverside and Crazy.� Steven Adly Guirgis’ 2015 Pulitzer Prize-winning play about an ex-cop, his ex-con son and their surrogate family. Studio Theatre

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The National Theatre will host the national tour of the Tony-winning musical “Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella� Nov. 18 through 29. through Feb. 28. 13 — “The Sisters Rosensweig.� Wendy Wasserstein’s heartfelt comedy about women grappling with their life choices. Theater J at the Washington DC Jewish Community Center through Feb. 21. 14 — “Equus.� Peter Shaffer psychological drama about a psychiatrist and the boy he treats for a dangerously pathological religious fixation on horses. Constellation Theatre Company at Source through Feb. 14. 15 — “Sweat.� World-premiere production by Oregon Shakespeare Festival of Lynn Nottage’s play about the struggle of an industrial town to deal with economic decline at the turn of the millennium. Arena Stage through Feb. 21. 22 — “The Glass Menagerie.� Tennessee Williams classic is directed by Mark Ramont. Ford’s Theatre through Feb 21. 26 — “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.� Shakespeare’s timeless romantic tale set in an enchanted woods is directed by Aaron Posner. Folger Theatre through March 6. 29 — “The City of Conversation.� Anthony Giardina’s off-Broadway hit about a Georgetown family’s political machinations from the Carter era to the present. Arena Stage through

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March 6.

FEBRUARY

1 — “Guards at the Taj.â€? Guards at the newly completed Taj Mahal in 1648 receive a grisly assignment. Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company through Feb. 28. 4 — “SeĂąorita y Madame: The Secret War of Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein.â€? U.S. premiere of comedy by Venezuelan playwright Gustavo Ott about the rivalry between two icons of beauty. In Spanish with English surtitles. GALA Hispanic Theatre through Feb. 28. 10 — “Constellations.â€? A romance by Nick Payne about a theoretical physicist and a beekeeper who keep meeting each other at a barbecue as versions of their relationship play out. Studio Theatre through March 6. 23 — “Othello.â€? Shakespeare’s tragedy about jealousy, paranoia and murder is directed by Ron Daniels. Shakespeare Theatre Company at Sidney Harman Hall through March 27. 26 — “The Lion.â€? Writer/performer Benjamin Scheuer’s oneman musical coming-of-age story. Arena Stage through April 10.

MARCH

7 — “El mundo es un paĂąuelo (It’s a Small World).â€? Bilingual family-friendly production teaches lessons about valuing the environment, diversity and life, through the eyes of a clown. GALA Hispanic Theatre through March 19. 8 — “1984.â€? New adaptation of the George Orwell novel by Robert Icke and Duncan Macmillan, originally produced by Headstrong, Nottingham Playhouse and Almeida Theatre. Shakespeare Theatre Company at the Lansburgh Theatre through April 10. 11 — “110 in the Shade.â€? Classic American musical about cowboys, confidence and courtship, based on “The Rainmakerâ€? with lyrics by Tom Jones. Ford’s Theatre through May 14. 15 — “Annie.â€? A brand-new incarnation of the 1977 classic, led by Martin Charnin, the show’s original Tony Award-winning director and lyricist. National Theatre through March 20. See Theater/Page CG15

The Current ■ Community Guide 2015

THEATER From Page CG14 16 — “Moment.” Deirdre Kinahan’s intimate and explosive family drama set in the suburbs of Dublin. Studio Theatre through April 24. 17 — “Falling Out of Time.” A new adaptation of Israeli author David Grossman’s novel about the loss of loved ones. Theater J through April 17.

APRIL

1 — “All the Way.” 2014 Tony Award-winning play follows Lyndon B. Johnson in his first year as president after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Arena Stage through May 8. 4 — “The Nether.” Detective investigates a dystopian, futuristic underworld in 2050. Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company through May 1. 6 — “Jersey Boys.” The everpopular musical, winner of Tony, Grammy and Olivier awards, tells how four blue-collar kids from the Garden State came to sell 175 million records worldwide before they even turned 30. National Theatre through April 24. 7 — “Cronica de una muerte anunciada (Chronicle of a Death Foretold).” Nobel laureate Gabriel García Márquez’s tale of revenge set in small Colombian town, adapted by Jorge Triana. In Spanish with

English surtitles. GALA Hispanic Theatre through May 8. 21 — “Journey to the West.” Adaptation of an ancient Chinese novel about a Buddhist monk who travels from China to India in search of sacred texts, accompanied by a monkey, a pig and a river monster. Constellation Theatre Company at Source through May 22. 21 — “Reduced Shakespeare Company: William Shakespeare’s Long-Lost First Play (abridged).” Vaudeville-style sendup of the Bard. Folger Theatre through May 8. 22 — “Disgraced.” Ayad Akhtar’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama about the struggle between modern culture and ancient faiths. Arena Stage through May 29. 27 — “The Body of an American.” Playwright Dan O’Brien’s autobiographical account of his friendship with war reporter Paul Watson, wracked with guilt about taking a Pulitzer Prizewinning photograph of a dead American soldier being dragged through the streets of Mogadishu. Theater J at the Washington DC Jewish Community Center through May 29.

MAY

3 — “The Wizard of Oz.” Reconceived for the stage, this take features the familiar songs and characters from the movie score, bolstered with a few twists and new songs by Tim Rice and Andrew

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Lloyd Webber. National Theatre through May 15. 11 — “Hedda Gabler.” Mark O’Rowe’s contemporary adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s classic study of power Photo by Luk Monsaert and self-decep“The Wizard of Oz” will visit the National Theatre tion. Studio May 3 through 15. Theatre through June 19. Solis’ comic riff on the Oedipus 17 — “The Taming of the Rex classic. In English with Shrew.” All-male, gender-blurred Spanish surtitles. GALA Hispanic production of Shakespeare comedy, Theatre through June 26. directed by Ed Sylvanus Iskandar, 14 — “Kinky Boots.” Tony known for his unique interactive Award-winning Broadway musical style. Shakespeare Theatre with songs by Cyndi Lauper. Company at Sidney Harman Hall Kennedy Center through July 10. through June 26. 23 — “Another Way Home.” 30 — “An Octoroon.” Branden Anna Ziegler’s insightful, sardonic Jacobs-Jenkins’s Obie-winning riff drama about the strangers we all on a 19th-century play that helped live with: our family. Theater J at shape the debate on the abolition of the Washington DC Jewish slavery. Woolly Mammoth Theatre Community Center through July Company through June 26. 24. 31 — “District Merchants.” 28 — “The Bridges of World premiere of playwright Madison County.” Two-time Tony Aaron Posner’s retelling of Award-winning musical tells the Shakespeare’s “Merchant of story of an Iowa housewife on a Venice” is set among the black and four-day fling with photographer Jewish populations in post-Civil Robert Kincaid. Kennedy Center War Washington, D.C. Folger through July 17. Theatre through July 3.

JUNE

JULY

2 — “El Paso Blue.” Octavio

13 — “The Phantom of the Opera.” New production of classic

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Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, on North American tour. Kennedy Center through Aug. 20.

Theater information

■ Arena Stage 1101 6th St. SW; 202-488-3300; arenastage.org. ■ Atlas Performing Arts Center 1333 H St. NE; 202-399-7993; atlasarts.org ■ Folger Theatre 201 East Capitol St. SE; 202-544-7077; folger.edu. ■ Ford’s Theatre 511 10th St. NW; 202-426-6924; fords.org. ■ GALA Hispanic Theatre 3333 14th St. NW; 202-234-7174; galatheatre.org. ■ Kennedy Center 2700 F St. NW; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org. ■ Lansburgh Theatre 450 7th St. NW; 202-547-1122; shakespearetheatre.org. ■ National Theatre 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW; 800-447-7400; thenationaldc.org. ■ Sidney Harman Hall 610 F St. NW; 202-547-1122; shakespearetheatre.org. ■ Source 1835 14th St. NW; 202-204-7800; sourcedc.org ■ Studio Theatre 1501 14th St. NW; 202-332-3300; studiotheatre.org. ■ Theater J Washington, D.C. Jewish Community Center 1529 16th St. NW; 800-494-8497; washingtondcjcc.org. ■ Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company 641 D St. NW; 202-393-3939; woollymammoth.net.

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The Current â– Community Guide 2015

Diverse season ahead for local music lovers By MARK LONGAKER Current Correspondent

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ashingtonians can look forward to an abundance of musical performances in the season ahead. There are simply too many to list them all, but here are some of the highlights. Probably the highpoint of the new season will be the long-awaited first complete performance by the Washington National Opera of Wagner’s “Ringâ€? cycle, in an Americanized version staged by company artistic director Francesca Zambello. The entire cycle of four Photo by Molina Visuals operas — “The Rhinegold,â€? “The Valkyrie,â€? This year’s guest performers with the National “Siegfriedâ€? and “Twilight of the Godsâ€? — will be perSymphony Orchestra include violinist Anne Akiko formed three times to close the company’s 60th season next spring. In another adventurous bit of programMeyers, who will perform April 14. ming, the Washington National Opera this fall will premiere a revised version of Philip Glass’ “Appomattox,â€? turies. Folger Elizabethan Theatre through Oct. 11. 11 — Jeremy Denk, piano, plays a solo repertoire with a brand-new second act. ranging from J.S. Bach to Scott Joplin. Washington Not to be outdone, the National Symphony Performing Arts at the Kennedy Center. Orchestra will present a premiere of its own in June 11 — Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra, presented when it performs Sean Shepherd’s Violin Concerto, by the Falun Dafa Association of D.C., performs highwith soloist Leila Josefowicz. As always, the NSO will kick things off this month with its Season Opening Ball lights from its vast repertoire of original works and other classical pieces. Kennedy Center. Concert, jointly conducted by music director Christoph 17 — “The Tender Land.â€? Aaron Copland’s comEschenbach and NSO Pops conductor Steven Reineke. ing-of-age story set in the American heartland. In Series In between, it will present a full season with such soloat GALA Theatre through Oct. 25. ists — besides Josefowicz — as pianist Lang Lang, 18 — “The Creation.â€? The Cathedral Choral mezzo-soprano Anna Sophie von Otter and violinist Society sings the Haydn oratorio about the creation of Anne Akiko Meyers, as well as the annual “Messiahâ€? the world as described in Genesis, Psalms and Milton’s at Christmastime. “Paradise Lost.â€? Washington National Cathedral. Other Christmas programming includes a perfor24 — “A Far Cry: mance of a non-Vivaldi “Four Seasonsâ€? TransAmericana.â€? Music from North — this one by Giovanni Antonio Guido and South America performed by — in a concert called “The Season Bids Boston-based string orchestra A Far Cry. Usâ€? by the Folger Consort, which will Dumbarton Concerts at Dumbarton also mark the 400th anniversary of United Methodist Church. Shakespeare’s death with much music 25 — The City Choir of related to the Bard. Early-music practiWashington performs cantatas by Bach tioner Opera Lafayette will stage and Britten and Haydn’s “Theresaâ€? Vivaldi’s “Cato in Uticaâ€? and a 19thMass. National Presbyterian Church. century comic opera by Emmanuel 28 — Evgeny Kissin, piano, plays Chabrier, while Washington Concert Photo by Matt Karas solo works by Beethoven, Brahms, Opera will sing lesser-known operas by Washington National Mozart and others. Washington Rossini and Donizetti and the In Series Performing Arts at the Kennedy Center. will present familiar operas by Opera’s “Carmenâ€? runs 29 — The National Symphony Beethoven, Mozart and Copland. Sept. 19 through Oct. 3. Orchestra, conducted by Christoph Other highlights include a complete Eschenbach, features pianist Lang Lang in Grieg’s traversal of all Beethoven’s works for cello and piano Piano Concerto on a program that includes works by in two days by cellist Sharon Robinson and pianist Wagner and DvorĂĄk. Kennedy Center through Oct. 31. Benjamin Hochman at the Kennedy Center in March. 29 — Steven Isserlis, cello, and Robert Levin, Cellist Yo-Yo Ma and pianist Emanuel Ax will present a tribute concert to late violinist Isaac Stern on an April fortepiano, play Beethoven. Washington Performing Arts at the Kennedy Center. program of Beethoven cello sonatas, presented by Washington Performing Arts. The group has a full seaNOVEMBER son that also includes pianists Jeremy Denk and 5 — The National Symphony Orchestra, conductEvgeny Kissin and violinist Itzhak Perlman. ed by Christoph Eschenbach, features mezzo-soprano Anna Sophie von Otter and two choruses in Mahler’s evening-length Symphony No. 3. Kennedy Center SEPTEMBER 19 — “Carmen.â€? Bizet’s classic about jealousy and through Nov.7. 7 — “‘The Raven’ and Other Poems by Edgar seduction. Washington National Opera at the Kennedy Allen Poe.â€? Conductor Nicholas White leads the Center through Oct. 3. Raven Consort in music inspired by the poetry of Poe. 19 — “Latina Supremes.â€? This tribute to Latina Dumbarton Concerts at Dumbarton United Methodist songwriters salutes the Women’s Voices Theater Church. Festival. In Series at Source through Sept. 20. 20 — The National Symphony Orchestra presents 8 — “Homage to Pablo Casals.â€? Cellist Amit Peled and pianist Noreen Polera celebrate the centenary its Season Opening Ball Concert in a program jointly of Pablo Casals’ 1915 U.S. tour by performing the legconducted by Christoph Eschenbach and NSO Pops end’s program of cello favorites on his own cello. conductor Steven Reineke. Kennedy Center. Washington Performing Arts at the Kennedy Center. 20 — “Mass Appeal.â€? The Washington Bach 14 — “Appomattox.â€? World premiere of the Consort performs Bach’s Latin church music. National revised version of Philip Glass’ opera, celebrating 50 Presbyterian Church. years since the Voting Rights Act and 150 years since 28 — Itzhak Perlman, violin, and Emanuel Ax, the end of the Civil War. Washington National Opera, piano, play sonatas by Mozart, FaurĂŠ and Strauss. Kennedy Center through Nov. 22. Washington Performing Arts at the Kennedy Center. 14 — “The S* Showâ€? The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington celebrates Sinatra, Sondheim and OCTOBER 9 — “Chanson Medieval: Music of Machaut and Streisand. Atlas Performing Arts Center. Dufay.â€? The Folger Consort highlights two of the most 15 — “Ein deutsches Requiem.â€? The Choral Arts See Music/Page CG17 important French composers of the 14th and 15th cen-

MUSIC

Men’s Chorus of Washington celebrates the season with holiday clasFrom Page CG16 sics. Lincoln Theatre through Dec. 13. 10 — “The von Trapps & Society of Washington performs the Stephanie J. Block Family Brahms requiem and premieres Holiday.â€? The von Trapps, the Zachary Wadsworth’s “Battle“Sound of Musicâ€? family, join Flags.â€? Kennedy Center. 19 — The National Symphony Broadway’s Stephanie J. Block, the NSO Pops and the Washington Orchestra, conducted by Jiri Chorus for an evening of Christmas BelohlĂĄvek, features pianist Igor classics and new holiday tunes. Levit in Beethoven’s “Emperorâ€? Kennedy Center Concerto on a through Dec. program that 12. also includes 12 — works by “Hansel and Mozart and Gretel.â€? A Martinu. whimsical and Kennedy Center neon version of through Nov. Engelbert 21. Humperdinck’s 22 — operatic retell“Behold, the ing of the popuSea.â€? The lar fairy tale. Washington Washington Chorus perNational Opera, forms Vaughn Williams’ “A Photo by Scott Suchman Kennedy Center through Dec. Sea Symphonyâ€? Washington National Opera will 20. and Elgar’s present the retelling of “Hansel 12 — “Enigma and Gretelâ€? Dec. 12 through 20. “The Joy of Variations,â€? Christmas.â€? The Cathedral Choral with the Washington National Society presents its annual Cathedral Choir of Boys and Girls. Christmas program. Washington Kennedy Center. National Cathedral through Dec. 13. 22 — “Semiramide.â€? 13 — “A Family Christmas.â€? Washington Concert Opera perThe Choral Arts Society of forms the Rossini work. Lisner Washington presents its annual famAuditorium. ily concert with appearances by 23 — “Piety and Passion: The Musical Legacy of Jewish Spain.â€? Santa, Frosty and Rudolph. Kennedy Center. Pro Musica Hebraica presents a 13 — “A Candlelight concert of Sephardic and Spanish Christmas.â€? The Washington Jewish music with the Amernet Chorus presents its annual tribute to String Quartet, mezzo-soprano the season. Kennedy Center through Rachel Calloway and guitarist Dec. 22. Adam Levin. Kennedy Center. 13 — “The Holly and the Ivy: 28 — “Cato in Utica.â€? Opera Music for Christmas 2015.â€? The Lafayette’s staging of Antonio City Choir of Washington celebrates Vivaldi’s opera is based on this the season. National Presbyterian summer’s production at the Church. Glimmerglass Festival. Kennedy 14 — “A Choral Arts Center through Nov. 29. Christmas.â€? The Choral Arts 29 — “By George, by Ira, by Society of Washington’s annual holGershwin.â€? Celebrates the legacy iday celebration. Kennedy Center of the Gershwins. In Series at through Dec. 24. Source through Dec. 20. 17 — The National Symphony Orchestra presents Handel’s DECEMBER “Messiahâ€? with the University of 3 — The Tallis Scholars perform music by Thomas Tallis, Arvo Maryland Concert Choir. Kennedy Center through Dec. 20. Pärt and John Sheppard. Kennedy 18 — “The Season Bids Us.â€? Center. The Folger Consort presents 4 — 25th Annual NPR’s “A Christmas music featuring Italian Jazz Piano Christmas.â€? Top jazz violinist Giovanni Antonio Guido’s performers play Christmas favor“Four Seasons,â€? along with seasonites. Kennedy Center. 5 — “A Celtic Christmas.â€? The al music by Marc-Antoine Barnes and Hampton Celtic Consort Charpentier. Folger Elizabethan Theatre through Dec. 23. presents the perennial Washington 20 — “Christmas With the favorite. Dumbarton Concerts at Consort.â€? The Washington Bach Dumbarton United Methodist Consort chorus and organist Todd Church through Dec. 13. Fickley perform music for the sea 5 — “Bastian and Bastianna.â€? son. National Presbyterian Church. Mozart’s fairy-tale opera is fol 31 — “A Jazz New Year’s lowed by a holiday singalong for Eve.â€? Pianist and vocalist Dianne young and old. In Series at Source Schuur celebrates the 100th annithrough Dec. 13. versary of Frank Sinatra’s birth by 5 — “Christmas in the performing his music, accompanied Castle.â€? Washington Revels presby a jazz quartet and a full compleents its 33rd annual celebration of ment of strings. Kennedy Center. the season with a pageant of music, dance, stories and poetry. Lisner JANUARY Auditorium through Dec. 13. 8 — “Better Gods.â€? World 5 — “Rewrapped.â€? The Gay

The Current â– Community Guide 2015 premiere opera about Queen Liliuokalani, the last reigning monarch of Hawaii, presented as part of the American Opera Initiative. Washington National Opera, Kennedy Center through Jan. 9. 16 — “The Goldberg Variations.â€? Pianist Steven Beck performs Bach’s “Goldberg Variations,â€? “Italianâ€? Concerto and Concerto in D minor. Dumbarton Concerts at Dumbarton United Methodist Church. 21 — The National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Christoph Eschenbach, features cellist Daniel MĂźller-Schott in DvorĂĄk’s Cello Concerto on a program that also includes works by Brahms, Schoenberg and Rouse. Kennedy Center through Jan. 23. 22 — “The Wonder of Will: Early and New Music Celebrating Shakespeare.â€? The Folger Consort commemorates the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death by collaborating with British vocal group Stile Antico and Arcadia Viols in songs and dances from the Bard’s plays and other music. Washington National Cathedral through Jan. 23. 28 — The National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Christoph Eschenbach, features symphonies

Wednesday, September 9, 2015 by Beethoven, Brahms and Schubert. Kennedy Center through Jan. 30. 30 — “Copenhagen Cool.� Trio Con Brio Copenhagen performs piano trios by Tchaikovsky and Ravel and other music. Dumbarton Concerts at Dumbarton United Methodist Church.

FEBRUARY

2 — “Une Éducation ManquĂŠe (An Incomplete Education).â€? Opera Lafayette stages Emmanuel Chabrier’s 19thcentury opĂŠra-comique about adolescent love. Kennedy Center through Feb. 3. 5 — “Carmen in Havana.â€? Bizet’s “Carmenâ€? is retold and intertwined with hits from Ernesto Lecuona’s “Maria la O!â€? in this new opera, ballet and song collaboration between In Series and the Washington Ballet’s Studio Company. Atlas Performing Arts Center through Feb. 7. 12 — “The Way We Were.â€? Potomac Fever and Rock Creek Singers revisit their best tunes from past years. Atlas Performing Arts Center through Feb. 13. 13 — Roomful of Teeth and the American Contemporary Music Ensemble perform music

CG17

from baroque to modern. Washington Performing Arts at the Sixth & I Historic Synagogue. 20 — “Kabarett & Cabaret.� Cabaret music from Berlin, Vienna and America. In Series at Source through March 6. 20 — “Tango Argentino.� Bandoneon player and composer JP Jofre plays his own and other composers’ tango music. Dumbarton Concerts at Dumbarton United Methodist Church. 21 — “Vivaldi Gloria.� The Cathedral Choral Society, in collaboration with the Washington Bach Consort, presents music by Vivaldi. Washington National Cathedral. 21 — “Living the Dream ... Singing the Dream.� The Washington Performing Arts Gospel Choir joins the Choral Arts Society of Washington in their annual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Washington Performing Arts at the Kennedy Center. 28 — “ABC’s of American Art Song.� Salon-style concert features soprano Deborah Lawrence. In Series at Source through March 5. 28 — “New Music for a New Age.� The Washington Chorus performs works by Luna Pearl Woolf. National Presbyterian Church. See Music/Page CG18

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Wednesday, September 9, 2015

The Current â– Community Guide 2015

MUSIC From Page CG17

MARCH

SMALL SCHOOL.

BIG STORY. Come learn the story of Sheridan—and how it can inspire your child to develop the intellectual and social skills required to excel in our diverse and complex world. Join us at an Open House:

t /PW BNo QN t +BO BNo BN For information on additional admissions events, visit SheridanSchool.org.

SheridanSchool.org

Kindergarten–8 Coed, 226 students 6:1 Student/Teacher Ratio Established 1927

4400 36th Street NW Washington, DC 20008

202.362.7900

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4 — “La favorite.� Washington Concert Opera performs the Donizetti work. Lisner Auditorium. 7 — eighth blackbird, a sextet that has won three Grammys, will premiere a work by David T. Little on a program with pieces by Bryce Dessner and Gabriella Smith. Kennedy Center. 12 — Goldstein-PeledFiterstein Trio plays chamber music by Beethoven, Brahms and Bloch on piano, cello and clarinet. Dumbarton Concerts at Dumbarton United Methodist Church. 12 — “Boots, Class & Sass.� The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington performs country music. Lincoln Theatre through March 20. 13 — “The Little Organ Book, Part 2.� The Washington Bach Consort chorus and its director, organist J. Reilly Lewis, conclude their two-season traversal of all 45 choral preludes from Bach’s “Little Organ Book.� National Presbyterian Church. 18 — “Playing With Fire: Virtuoso Instrumental Music of the Renaissance.� The Folger Consort performs fantasias, dances and virtuoso diminutions from Italy, Spain, France and England. Folger Elizabethan Theatre through March 20. 22 — “Sharon Robinson & Benjamin Hochman: Complete Works by Beethoven for Cello and Piano, Part I.� Cellist Robinson and pianist Hochman begin a two-night traversal of Beethoven’s five sonatas for these instruments. Kennedy Center. 23 — “Sharon Robinson & Benjamin Hochman: Complete Works by Beethoven for Cello and Piano, Part II.� Cellist Robinson and pianist Hochman conclude their two-night traversal of Beethoven’s five sonatas for these instruments. Kennedy Center. 28 — “Wandering Stars: Three Generations of European Jewish Song.� Pro Musica Hebraica presents basses Mark Glanville, Anthony Russell and Mathias Hausmann in songs by 19th- and 20th-century German and East European Jewish composers. Kennedy Center.

APRIL

8 — “Shakespeare and Purcell.� The Folger Consort performs music written by Henry Purcell inspired by Shakespeare. Folger Elizabethan Theatre through April 10. 9 — Russell Malone Quartet highlights music for jazz guitar in collaboration with the DC Jazz Festival. Dumbarton Concerts at Dumbarton United Methodist Church. 10 — The City Choir of Washington presents the American premiere of John Tavener’s “Requiem Fragments,� along with an uncut version of Part III of

Handel’s “Messiah.â€? National Presbyterian Church. 13 — Yo-Yo Ma, cello, and Emanuel Ax, piano, present a tribute concert in memory of violinist Isaac Stern (1920-2001), performing Beethoven cello sonatas. Washington Performing Arts at the Kennedy Center. 14 — The National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Hugh Wolff, features violinist Anne Akiko Meyers in Kennedy Center composer-in-residence Mason Bates’ Concerto for Violin on a program that also includes works by Barber and Ives. Kennedy Center through April 16. 15 — “Fantastic Beethoven.â€? The Cathedral Choral Society performs music by Beethoven, with pianist Brian Ganz. Washington National Cathedral. 22 — “The Imitative Game.â€? The Choral Arts Society of Washington explores counterpoint through the ages. Church of the Epiphany. 23 — “‘CosĂŹ fan tutte’ Goes Hollywood.â€? Nick Olcott’s English retelling of Mozart’s opera is set in Hollywood. In Series at Source through May 1. 24 — “Simply Magnificat.â€? The Washington Bach Consort presents Bach’s setting of the “Magnificat,â€? alongside those of three of his contemporaries, Telemann, Buxtehude and Fasch. National Presbyterian Church. 28 — The National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by James Gaffigan, features Pink Martini vocalist Storm Large in Kurt Weill’s “The Seven Deadly Sinsâ€? on a program that also includes works by Richard Rogers, Antonin DvorĂĄk and Maurice Ravel. Kennedy Center through April 30. 29 — “Opera and the French Revolution.â€? Opera Lafayette presents three dramatic scenes from works by Martini, Cherubini and Sacchini that were popular at the time of the French Revolution. Lisner Auditorium. 30 — “The Brooklyn Rider Almanac.â€? String quartet Brooklyn Rider performs music it commissioned to celebrate its 10th anniversary. Dumbarton Concerts at Dumbarton United Methodist Church. 30 — “Ring Cycle: The Rhinegold.â€? The first opera in Wagner’s epic “Ringâ€? cycle, staged by Francesca Zambello. Washington National Opera at the Kennedy Center through May 17.

MAY

1 — “Parisian Spring.â€? The Washington Chorus sings music by DuruflĂŠ, FaurĂŠ and others. Kennedy Center. 2 — “Ring Cycle: The Valkyrie.â€? The second opera in Wagner’s epic “Ringâ€? cycle, staged by Francesca Zambello. Washington National Opera at the Kennedy Center through May 18. 4 — “Ring Cycle: Siegfried.â€? The third opera in Wagner’s epic “Ringâ€? cycle, staged by Francesca Zambello. Washington National

Photo by Stephen Danelian

Cellist Yo-Yo Ma will perform at the Kennedy Center April 13.

Opera at the Kennedy Center through May 20. 6 — “Ring Cycle: Twilight of the Gods.� The fourth and final opera in Wagner’s epic “Ring� cycle, staged by Francesca Zambello. Washington National Opera at the Kennedy Center through May 22. 8 — “‘Carmina Burana’/35th Anniversary.� The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington celebrates its first 35 years by performing the classic choral piece with a guest dance company. Kennedy Center. 15 — “The American Musical.� The Choral Arts Society of Washington explores the music of Sondheim. Kennedy Center.

JUNE

2 — The National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Christoph Eschenbach, features violinist Leila Josefowicz in the world premiere of Sean Shepherd’s Violin Concerto on a program that also includes works by Haydn and Schumann. Kennedy Center through June 4. 17 — “Fidelio.� Nick Olcott’s English adaptation of Beethoven’s only opera is set in an unnamed Central America dictatorship. In Series at Source through June 26.

Venue information

â– Atlas Performing Arts Center 1333 H St. NE; 202-399-7993; atlasarts.org â– Church of the Epiphany 1317 G St. NW; 202-347-2635; ephiphanydc.org â– Folger Elizabethan Theatre 201 East Capitol St. SE; 202-544-7077; folger.edu â– GALA Theatre 3333 14th St. NW; 202-234-7174; galatheatre.org â– Dumbarton United Methodist Church 3133 Dumbarton St. NW; 202-965-2000; dumbartonconcerts.org â– Lincoln Theatre 1215 U St. NW; 202-888-0050; thelincolndc.com â– Lisner Auditorium 730 21st St. NW; 202-994-6800; lisner.org â– Kennedy Center 2700 F St. NW; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org â– National Presbyterian Church 4101 Nebraska Ave. NW; 202-537-0800; natpresch.org â– Sixth & I Historic Synagogue 600 I St. NW; 202-408-3100; sixthandi.org â– Source 1835 14th St. NW; 202-204-7800; sourcedc.org â– Washington National Cathedral Massachusetts and Wisconsin avenues NW 202-537-6200; nationalcathedral.org

Wednesday, September 9, 2015 29

The Current

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA OFFICE ON AgINg NEWS

Spotlight on Community Living Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Serving D.C. residents who are age 18+ with a disability or age 60+ and their caregivers

Vol 3, No 11

Interim Director’s Message Brenda Donald, Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services, Interim Director, Office on Aging As the Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services and the Interim Director of the Office on Aging, I am learning more about all of the programs, services, and resources available to District residents age 60 and older, persons living with disabilities age 18 and older, and their caregivers. September is a prime time for District residents to consider taking advantage of the great programs and services provided through the DCOA’s Senior Service Network. Did you know that September is National Senior Center Month? This year’s theme, “Celebrate LIFE at your Senior Center!” takes each letter of the word life and breaks it down into sub-themes to demonstrate how participa-

tion can enhance your life. Learning – Where you can expand your knowledge. Independence—Live on your terms. Friends – Enjoy life. Energy – Discover health and vitality. The District has a variety of centers citywide where you can learn new things, find your independence, meet new friends and rediscover your energy. Residents age 60 and older are encouraged to begin regular activities at a senior center or join one or more of the six senior wellness centers available citywide, where you can experience “LIFE” and more for free. Begin celebrating life today through a more active lifestyle! Visit our website at www.dcoa.dc.gov or call DCOA at 202-724-5626 to

Community EvEnts CalEndar SEPTEMBER EVENTS

11th • 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The D.C. Office on Aging will sponsor a Community Health, Wellness & Informational Fair at Ft. Stanton Park Recreation Center, 1812 Erie St. SE. To learn more, contact Louis Jones at 202-671-1040.

15th • 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

A flu vaccination clinic will be offered by MedStar at Gettysburg (Fort Lincoln 1) 2855 Bladensburg Rd. NE. The shot is free for Medicare recipients and $35 for all others. For more information, call Thelma Hines at 202-529-8701, ext. 222.

be discussed during the D.C. Caregivers Online Chat at Noon. The bi-weekly chat is a great resource for caregivers. Log on for advice, resources and tips to assist you with your caregiving responsibilities. If you are not available at 12 p.m., check back at your convenience and hit replay to see the entire chat. Join the discussion at www. dcoa.dc.gov/page/caregiver-chat. For more information, contact Linda Irizarry at 202535-1442 or linda.irizarry@dc.gov.

17th • 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Take a highlights tour of the Museum of African Art with Seabury Resources for Aging. Meet at 950 Independence Ave. SW. For more information, call Thelma Hines at 202-529-8701, ext. 222.

Verizon and Hayes Senior Wellness Center invite you to a free Senior Technology Demonstration Fair. Join us for a special event bringing together community and government leaders, service providers, seniors, area residents and others for a day of helpful information, giveaways, food and fun. To RSVP or for more information please contact: Andre Lane at Andre.lane@ howard.edu 202-727-0357

15th • noon

19th • 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

15th • 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“Falls Prevention Tips & Therapy Options for Caregivers of Elderly Parents” will

Washington Highland’s Community Fun Day takes placed at Oxon Run Park, 4th

learn more about senior centers and senior wellness centers designed to keep you engaged. Falls Prevention Awareness Day According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), each year millions of adults aged 65 and older fall while at home. Falls can cause moderate to severe injuries, such as hip fractures and head traumas, and can increase the risk of early death. Fortunately, falls are a public health problem that is largely preventable. DCOA is partnering with the District’s Falls Free Coalition to provide FREE Falls Prevention Risk Assessments to D.C. residents citywide as part of Falls Prevention Awareness Day on September 23. Find out where you can go to get Street and Livingston Road, SE. For more information, contact Karlene K. Armstead at 202-236-7196.

19th • 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The D.C. Office on Aging will be an exhibitor at the 2015 H Street NE Festival. For more information, contact Alice A. Thompson at 202 535-1321.

19th • noon to 1:30

Iona and Brighton Gardens of Friendship Heights are partnering to provide a forum for adult children and other caregivers to understand the challenges of aging, particularly memory loss, and how best to support aging parents and other relatives while practicing good self-care. There will be three free seminars in the series, one each month in September, October and November held at Brighton Gardens of Friendship Heights, 5555 Friendship Blvd., Chevy Chase, Md. The series is free. The Sept. 19 seminar is titled “Stay or Move: How to Find and Pay for the Best Living Arrangement” Social worker Deb Rubenstein will discuss how to know if moving is the right choice, and how to have family conversation about moving. She will also review the best way to find community resources and the right senior living community, as well as how to pay for care and services. To

your assessment, in this issue of the Spotlight on Community Living. Be Prepared September is also National Preparedness Month and the D.C. Office on Aging is teaming up with the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency and the Office of Unified Communications to ensure that seniors are prepared for emergencies. Smart911 is a web based program that allows users to include vital information about themselves and occupants of the home that will help first responders when responding to an emergency after 9-1-1 is called. Once a profile has been set-up, when a call is placed from a registered phone number, dispatchers will be able to

register, email: registration@iona.org or call 202-895-9409.

20th • 1:30 to 3 p.m.

Learn about the differences between ophthalmologists, optometrists and opticians in a program called “Who’s Who in Eye Care” sponsored by the Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington. It will be held in the Sibley Medical Building, Conference Room 2, 5215 Loughboro Rd. NW. To register, call the Sibley Senior Association at 202-364-7602.

21st • 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Dept. Consumer & Regulatory Affairs presents the Small Business Resource Center’s Third Annual Entrée DC Food & Drink event at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mt. Vernon Pl. NW. For more information, contact Claudia Herrera at 202-442-8055.

22nd • 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Shop healthy with Seabury Resources for Aging on a trip to FRESHFARM Market at CityCenterDC, 1908 New York Ave. NW. For more information, call Thelma Hines at 202529-8701, ext. 222.

22nd • 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Guy Mason Senior Program presents a Community Health, Wellness & Information-

provide first responders with names, ages, and important medical information to assist personnel responding to an emergency. Register for Smart911 online at www.smart911.com or call 202-724-5626 to get assistance. Help your church group, organization, or residential building prepare by scheduling a group presentation. In addition to signing up for Smart911, take the following steps to prepare for emergencies: 1. Make a plan. 2. Make an emergency kit. 3. Be informed. To learn more about preparing for emergencies, visit www.hsema.dc.gov or call 311.

al Fair at the Guy Mason Recreation Center, 3600 Calvert St. NW. Contact Ralph Wright at 202-727-7703 for more information.

26th • 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The 8th Annual Tenant & Tenant Association Summit brings together tenants, tenant associations, housing attorneys and advocates, policy experts, community leaders, and District officials to discuss matters of concern to tenants in the District of Columbia. Admission and lunch are free. The summit will be held at the Kellogg Conference Center at Gallaudet University, 800 Florida Ave. NE. For more information, see the website of the Office of the Tenant Advocate at www.ota.dc.gov.

29th • noon

The D.C. Caregivers Online Chat at Noon is a great resource for caregivers. This chat will discuss “Warning Signs Your Parent Needs Help at Home.” Log on for advice, resources and tips to assist you with your caregiving responsibilities. If you are not available at 12 p.m., check back at your convenience and hit replay to see the entire chat. Join the discussion at www. dcoa.dc.gov/page/caregiver-chat. For more information, contact Linda Irizarry at 202535-1442 or linda.irizarry@dc.gov.

gOVERNME N T O F T H E D I S T R I C T O F C O L U M B I A — M U R I E L B O W S E R , M Ay O R

CG20 Wednesday, September 9, 2015 The Current

IN THE COMMUNITY Georgetown University invites all our neighbors to participate in life at the university, including these many events and programs.

Georgetown Community Day

Sign Up for Saturday, October 17th 11am-1pm Copley Lawn Neighborhood News! Join us on campus for the third annual Georgetown Community Fair. This event features the 5k Race against communityengagement. Homlessness benefitting the Georgetown georgetown.edu | (202) 687-5677 Ministry Center, family-friendly activities, information about university and commuSign up for nity programs, a Georgetown football game, Neighborhood News, a food, and much more! weekly newsletter with Courses for our Neighbors More Resources for Neighbors

For more information about events and programs, visit communityengagement. georgetown.edu or call (202) 687-5677.

Office of Neighborhood Life

The Office of Neighborhood Life supports students, non-students, and permanent residents living in the neighborhoods around Georgetown University. Call (202) 687-5138 or email neighborhoodlife@georgetown.edu.

University Helpline

Call (202) 687-8413 24 hours a day with any neighborhood concerns.

emeriticourses.georgetown.edu | (202) 687-5978 Georgetown University offers short, non-credit courses for members of our community over 55 years of age. Registration begins after Labor Day.

Performing Arts in the Neighborhood

performingarts.georgetown.edu | (202) 687-3838 Join us this year for Making New Worlds: The 10th Anniversary Theater and Performing Arts Season!

Become a Member of Yates Field House

recreation.georgetown.edu/yates | (202) 687-2400 Neighbors can become members of the university’s Yates Field House, featuring workout equipment, fitness classes, the McCarthy Pool, family programs, and more!

Georgetown University Events

Interested in attending lectures and other events at Georgetown University? See our full events calendar at guevents.georgetown.edu.

information about news, events, and other programs for neighbors at Georgetown University.

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