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The DuponT CurrenT

Wednesday, April 4, 2018

Serving Dupont Circle, Kalorama, Adams Morgan & Logan Circle

Vol. LI, No. 9

Line Hotel tax assessment lowered by $33 million

REMEMBERING DR. KING

By KIRK KRAMER Current Staff Writer

In light of the squabble roiling the Adams Morgan Partnership Business Improvement District (BID) described elsewhere in this issue, a change in the assessed value of the newly-opened Line Hotel is raising eyebrows among board members. A Jan. 26 decision of the District’s Real Property Tax Appeals Commission reduced the hotel’s assessment from $39 million to $5.7 million. “We’d all like to know how they swung that,” said Kristen Barden, the BID’s executive director. “Now the issue is how long has the hotel known about this.” A notice of the decision was sent on Jan. 29 to the hotel’s owners. A March 28 email from Constantine Stavropoulos, the president of the BID board, announced the reduced assessment to the board members and described the effect the change will

Photo courtesy of NPS.gov

“Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope.” The hope sparked by the life and leadership of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., recipient of the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize, continues to inspire the nation and the world today, 50 years after he was struck down by an assassin’s bullet.

have on the BID’s finances. He said the BID had just received information that would oblige the board to rescind the tax reduction voted on at the March 13 meeting, and to draw up a new budget for the 2018 fiscal year. “The Line Hotel appealed their $39 million fiscal year 2018 tax assessment and won,” he said. “[The new assessment] means their total BID tax payment for [Fiscal Year] 2018 goes from $81,900 to $12,017. But the disgusting part of this is when that decision was made – Jan. 26, 19 days before our Feb. 13 meeting and 47 days before our March 13 meeting.” Stavropoulos went on to describe the situation. “We have two representatives of the Line Hotel sitting on our board who failed to disclose this critical bit of information,” he said. “For 47 days they failed to alert us that the information we were basing our [budget] deciSee HOTEL/Page 4

Heaven or Hell? Infernal goings-on roil Adams Morgan business community By KIRK KRAMER Current Staff Writer

The meetings of the Adams Morgan Partnership Business Improvement District (BID) generally deal with routine stuff such as trash removal, parking issues, bicycle racks, a sidewalk on Columbia Road the BID has been asking the city to fix for years. When the BID’s security director gave his report at the March 13 meeting, the proceedings became livelier as the board members discussed the bar fights associated with one neighborhood establishment called Heaven and Hell. A recent stabbing in front of the honky tonk drew comment from an audience member. “The man with eviscerated intestines survived, but not before running around the neighborhood,” the attendee said. “We’ve got to put our foot down and demand that the place be shut down.” But even the celestial and infernal brawls and exposure of guts seemed tame compared to the bombshell

dropped late in the meeting by board member Matt Wexler. “I am calling for the resignation of the board president and vice president,” said Wexler, a developer and investor with the new Line Hotel in the neighborhood. “The misconduct at the board executive committee level is striking, as is its lack of concern for the interests of [BID] members outside of the two blocks between Columbia Road and Kalorama Road on 18th Street. “The BID, time and time again, acts in the best interests of the board leadership … a faction of 18th Street interests.” Like the knife that eviscerated the unfortunate patron at Heaven and Hell, Wexler’s tongue was sharp in his criticisms of Constantine Stavrapoulos and Arianne Bennett, the president and vice president, respectively. “Unethical,” “blatantly outlandish,” “failed governance,” “disgusting hypocrisy” and “a leadership threatened by dissent” were among the terms deployed by Wexler in

excoriating the board’s officers. A Feb. 28 letter to Stavropoulos, Bennett and Kristen Barden, the BID’s executive director, signed by Wexler and fellow BID board member and Line Hotel investor Brian Friedman, had been the opening salvo in the battle of the BID. In the letter, Wexler and Friedman outlined their charges of what they called “unlawful conduct.” Business owners and landlords of commercial property within the boundaries of a BID - there are 10 in the District of Columbia - are required by D.C. law to pay a BID tax. This BID tax is in addition to property taxes. The D.C. BID Council describes the purpose and history of BIDs on its website. “In 1996, the D.C. City Council passed enabling legislation for business improvement districts. The BIDs contribute to the city in many ways. The most visible is the cleaning and safety staff that BIDs provide. They also contribute in many other, less visible ways. BIDs work

closely with existing businesses to help them grow, and recruit new stores and restaurants to their areas. BIDs market their areas, organize community events, provide homeless outreach services and beautify public space.” In Adams Morgan, the BID pays for the security program that operates on weekend nights along the stretch of 18th Street, which Wexler spoke of at the March 13 meeting. Stavropoulos and Bennett own restaurants in that two-block stretch. Wexler and Friedman are managing partners at Foxhall Partners, a D.C.-based development firm. The firm’s website describes the Line Hotel, which opened on New Year’s Day, as part of Foxhall’s “portfolio.” The letter from Wexler and Friedman charges that the BID’s services are provided in “disproportionate amounts” to the businesses on 18th Street. “Those who have asked for this limited BID security program and who benefit from it are required by its bylaws to pay for it [with a sur-

charge],” the letter read. “But those property and business owners, especially and specifically those who are board members, have never paid a surcharge.” Wexler and Friedman’s letter demands a fairer distribution of BID tax revenues by providing daytime security throughout the BID, not just on the two blocks of 18th Street. The letter speaks of “the sorry state of the daytime environment on Columbia Road north of 18th Street,” which it calls one of the neighborhood’s main commercial thoroughfares. The Line Hotel is located on that stretch of Columbia Road, at its intersection with Euclid Street. “Yet the BID board leadership and management treat Columbia Road as if it were a secondary corridor,” Wexler and Friedman wrote. “We can no longer tolerate this lack of equity of BID resources, priorities and funding.” The letter - four pages long - criticizes other board practices relating to meeting minutes, board elections, See BID/Page 19

REAL ESTATE

ORAL CANCER AWARENESS

ON AUTOS

INDEX

The Armani of condos

Annual walk coming up

Space with style

Autos/12 Calendar/13 Dining/7 District Digest/2 In Your Neighborhood/8 Opinion/6

A Georgetown Heights condo was renovated in 2006 to make a stylish statement / Page 11

An Oral Cancer Awareness walk in memory of Peter Hoffman will be held April 14 / Page 18

The Buick Regal Sportback is a hatchback with style and functionability / Page 12

Police Report/5 Real Estate/11 School Dispatches/10 Service Directory/17 Sports/9 Week Ahead/3

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District Digest Thaddeus Stevens School scholarship

As part of its commitment to the community and to the legacy of Thaddeus Stevens, Akridge offers a college scholarship to students from the District of Columbia. Applications for this $10,000 scholarship will be accepted through May 21. Scholarship application guidelines and form can be found at akridge. com/property/123/2100LStreetNW

#scholarshipapp.

Garrison Elem. seeks donations for auction

Garrison Elementary School will hold its 4th annual community auction online from April 30 to May 4. The school is asking for donations (an item or gift certificate) that will be auctioned to raise money for great programs for the school. Garrison is a public school serving the Logan Circle/U Street/Shaw

neighborhoods. It is a Title I school where more than 50 percent of its students are from low-income families and 25 percent have special needs. The school wishes to raise funds to provide fun and educational activities like field trips, teacher support and family fun nights. Last year, donations helped raise more than $7,000, which has gone to fund necessary programs for students in need. Because it is recognized as a tax-

exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS tax code, donations should be tax deductible. The Tax ID number is: 46-3561818. Contact garrisonfunding@gmail. com or (617) 447-6634 to make a donation or have questions answered.

Illegal club shut down

On Feb 27, the 4th District Environmental and Quality of Life

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Enforcement Unit (EQL), after months of investigation, was granted access to 5125 Georgia Ave. NW, specifically the rental unit which houses the now defunct Danison Business Center. The investigation confirmed the rental unit was an unlicensed ABRA establishment which was being used as an afterhours club. The EQL was able to stop all activity at the location.

DCPS student accepted to every Ivy League school

D.C. Public Schools’ Samantha Cornelia O’Sullivan, a senior at the School Without Walls, has earned admission to all eight Ivy League Schools. O’Sullivan aspires to be an astronaut and is an explainer at the National Air and Space Museum. She is a winner of the U.S. Space Club Keynote Speaker Award, a National Merit Commended Student, a D.C. delegate to the U.S. Senate Youth Program, Girl Scout Gold Award recipient, and a third generation Washingtonian and DCPS graduate. O’Sullivan was accepted into Harvard as an early admission in December, as well as the University of Virginia in January. Along with the University of Chicago and Rice, she was admitted by regular decision to the remaining school of Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Brown, Cornell, University of Pennslyvania and Dartmouth.

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the current

wednesday, april 4, 2018

District Digest Metro falloff

While most major subway lines are enjoying increased traffic, the Washington area’s Metro has decreased its ridership, according to statistics kept by the American Public Transportation Association. Back in 2007, the Metro system had nearly 277 million riders. By 2016 it had fallen 5.6 percent to more than 261 million in spite of a significant increase in population. Meanwhile, the country’s other major subway lines all had increases during the period. The Boston area system increased 14.1 percent, Chicago’s grew 23.8 percent, while San Francisco’s grew 27.4 percent. New York’s system had the biggest increase of 49.8 percent. The Washington Metro decline is in spite of the fact that local drivers spend an average of 63 hours in congestion during peak hours, the sixth longest in the country, according to Inrix, a company providing real-time traffic information. More than 58 percent, about $1.8 billion of Metro’s $3.1 billion combined operational and capital budget, including both rail and bus services, comes from government sources, a recent Wall Street Journal story reported. Passenger fares and parking fees ($755 million) cover just under a quarter of the system’s total expenses. The federal government currently provides about $400 million, the story stated. Some additional revenue comes from other sources such as advertising. The system is now hoping to raise an additional $500 million annually from the governments of Maryland, Virginia and the District.

dollar consulting, advisory and tax service company, did not give him enough time to continue as chair. “I will still participate in any way I can,� Footer told meeting attendees. He will be temporarily succeeded by the group’s vice chair, Camille Glover, until the group’s May elections. Glover said she has not yet decided if she will run for the chair position. Glover announced the organization will hold a “general body meeting� on April 10 at the Thurgood Marshall Center at 1816 12th St. NW. Then, on the 19th, it will sponsor a candidate forum for the Ward 1 and City Council chair Democratic candidates at St. Stephen’s Church at 1525 Newton St. NW from 6 to 9 p.m.

DCSAA provides AEDs to local schools

The District of Columbia State Athletic Association will provide

automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for 20 schools in the District of Columbia. Through a partnership with the National Federation of State High School Associations, the DCSAA was given 20 Phillips Onsite AEDs to provide to schools in the District. “Safety is a top priority for the DCSAA,� says Clark Ray, Executive Director of the DCSAA. “It is imperative that schools have the proper equipment on hand should there ever be an unfortunate incident. We are ensuring that we stay committed to the safety of our student-athletes by providing these AEDs to various school’s athletic programs.� Of the 20 AEDs that were given, 18 have already been claimed. The following schools have all been given AEDs: KIPP DC, IDEA, Eastern, Paul, Model, Coolidge, Somerset Prep, Maya Angelou, Washington Latin, HD Woodson, EL Haynes, SEED, Anacostia, Imagine Hope, Richard Wright, Mary McLeod Bethune, Ron Brown, and KIPP NE.

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The Week Ahead Thursday, April 5

â– D.C. Water and Councilmember Brandon Todd will host the annual Ward 4 Town Hall from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Paul Public Charter School Auditorium, 5800 8th St. NW.

Sunday, April 8

â– A chat with Mary Cheh will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Palisades Farmers Market at 48th Place and MacArthur Boulevard.

Monday, April 9

â– The next Ward 3 meeting is at 7 p.m. in the library of Hearst Elementary School, 3950 37th St. NW. Attendees will hear from D.C. Public Schools Director of Education Technology Dewayne McClary about future technology plans for the school system.

Wednesday, April 11

â– The Inaugural Ward 4 Small Business Summit will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Peoples Congregational Church, 4704 13th St. NW. The event, hosted by Councilmember Brandon Todd, is designed to provide small business owners with information, resources and support to attract more business.

Thursday, April 12

■The Ward 3 Democratic Committee will have a candidate forum for the chair of the D.C. Council position at 7 p.m. at St. Columba’s Church, 4201 Albemarie St. NW.

Ward 1 Democrats chair resigns

The chair of the Ward 1 Democrats resigned last Wednesday. Brian Footer told an emergency meeting of the Ward One Dems that his new job as a health consultant with Deloite Touche, a multi-billion 'DYLG *ODVHU 6HQLRU 9LFH 3UHVLGHQW %XVLQHVV 'HYHORSPHQW DQG 'DZQ 3ULFH 'DZQ 3ULFH %DE\ RZQHU

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HOTEL: “I’m shocked, shocked� - Casablanca comes to Adams Morgan From Page 1 sions on was wrong. They remained silent on all this while publicly berating us and distracting this board with accusations of ‘improper allocation of resources.’ But it was awfully gentlemanly of them to abstain from a vote that lowered their tax rate [from 21 cents to 17.5 cents] while the rest of us paid [19 cents]. Well, none of us are getting a [BID tax] reduction next

year. “There was a call for [Board Vice President] Arianne’s [Bennett] and my resignation in the last meeting, but no one motioned or seconded. Maybe someone will motion for some resignations at our next meeting.� At the board’s March 13 meeting – the same one where the Line Hotel’s Matt Wexler accused board officers of unlawful conduct and demanded their resignation – board members approved

a resolution to reduce the BID tax rate. That resolution passed with 12 members voting in favor. Board member Jeffrey Schonberg voted no. Wexler and Friedman abstained. Barden confirmed the hotel’s new assessment will mean the BID cannot lower its tax rate after all. “The additional revenue from the hotel we thought would lower the BID tax won’t be available till next year,� she said, when the hotel’s assessment

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know.� Board member Saied Azali’s credulity was also strained. “These people are money people, they are developers,� he said. “How does he not know? If he doesn’t know, he’s a horrible businessman. I don’t think he’s a horrible businessman. If it was me, I would know. I rent spaces [for my restaurants] from other people. They tell me what the taxes are right away. They don’t wait three months. “This makes it difficult to talk to each other, to trust each other. I want to trust him, but he better check his taxes.� In a March 30 email, Wexler defended himself. “I had absolutely no knowledge about the hotel’s assessment before the BID learned about it,� he wrote. “None whatsoever. What incentive would I possibly have to withhold that information? My partners and I want the BID to have a full budget to do what it is meant to do. . . . I cautioned the board leadership multiple times over the past months that the assessment had been appealed and that it might be lowered, and also specifically suggested prior to the March board meeting that the board delay the tax reduction proposal. In consultation with Sydell, at the March board meeting both Brian and I abstained from voting on the tax rate proposal.� Gregory Syphax, the chairman of the Real Property Tax Appeals Commission, said when members of the commission hear an appeal, the burden of proof is on the petitioner to show that the assessment is too high. Syphax said large businesses typically have a lawyer or real estate professional attend the hearings to argue their case. At press time, The Current had not learned the name or names of those who represented the Line Hotel at the Jan. 17 hearing of the commission. Due to space constraints, this story has been shortened to fit the paper. For the full article, please visit The Current’s website at currentnewspapers.com.

Joseph Miro, CFPŽ, Senior Financial Advisor First Vice President – Investments 5701 Connecticut Ave. N.W. Washington, DC 20015 Office: 202-508-3971 joseph.miro@wellsfargo.com joemiro.wfadv.com

will return to the higher figure. Wexler responded indignantly to Stavropoulos’ email to board members. “This is the first time I’m seeing this, and our partners just told me that they were under the impression that the decision was not yet formally on record and they were awaiting formal notification,� he wrote. “I had no idea until opening your email about the new assessment, believe it or not, and please know that I am just learning now about what Constantine wrote below. I do apologize that this information was not provided to me, the board and the BID earlier; if I had it, I would have absolutely passed it along.� Stavropoulos was skeptical. “If anyone buys this, I have a bridge in Brooklyn to sell you,� he wrote. Bennett also said she found Wexler’s claim hard to believe. “People believe in the Easter bunny and Santa Claus, too,� she said in an interview. Pat Patrick was surprised the Line Hotel did not erupt in celebration on the date the reassessment was announced. “Here’s a man working on a multimillion dollar operation,� said Patrick, another board member. “You would think he’d be having a party on Jan. 29. It’s unfathomable they claim they didn’t know until three days ago that their tax was reduced.� Patrick had been in favor of the new two-tier BID tax that would have given the hotel a lower tax rate. “We gave Matt and the hotel another pricing system to enable them to make their entrance into the BID a little more comfortable,� he said. Now he wants Wexler and his partner, Brian Friedman, also a BID board member, to stand down from the board. “My recommendation is that Matt and Brian excuse themselves from the board for 90 days until we get this mess straightened out,� Patrick said. “I want to get to the bottom of this and find out what they knew and didn’t

#

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Police RePoRt This is a listing of incidents reported from March 26 through April 1 in local police service areas, sorted by their report dates.

PSA PSA 101 101 ■ DOWNTOWN

Motor vehicle theft ■ 900-999 block, E St.; 8:36 p.m. Mar. 29. Theft ■ 500-599 block, 13th St.; 11:46 p.m. Mar. 28. ■ 1200-1299 block, G St.; 2:25 p.m. Mar. 30. ■ 1000-1099 block, F St.; 5:15 p.m. Mar. 30. ■ 1000-1099 block, F St.; 7:12 p.m. Mar. 31. ■ 1300-1349 block, Pennsylvania Ave.; 1:11 p.m. Apr. 1. Theft from auto ■ 1000-1099 block, 13th St.; 12:54 p.m. Apr. 1.

PSA 204

■ MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE

HEIGHTS / CLEVELAND PARK WOODLEY PARK / GLOVER PSA 204 PARK / CATHEDRAL HEIGHTS

Robbery ■ 2600-2699 block, 42nd St.; 5:43 a.m. Mar. 26. Theft ■ 2200-2298 block, Wisconsin Ave.; 4:36 a.m. Mar. 26. ■ 2241-2318 block, Wisconsin Ave.; 3:44 a.m. Mar. 27. ■ 2241-2318 block, Wisconsin Ave.; 2:01 a.m. Mar. 28. ■ 3000-3199 block, Connecticut Ave.; 10:50 a.m. Mar. 28. ■ 3300-3399 block, Wisconsin Ave.; 5:58 p.m. Mar. 29. ■ 2200-2298 block, Wisconsin Ave.; 11:29 a.m. Mar. 30. ■ 3300-3399 block, Wisconsin Ave.; 1:06 p.m. Mar. 31. ■ 2241-2318 block, Wisconsin Ave.; 2:27 p.m. Mar. 31. ■ 3600-3619 block, Massachusetts Ave.; 4:52 p.m. Mar. 31. Theft from auto ■ 4200-4349 block, Massachusetts Ave.; 12:41 p.m. Mar. 26. ■ 2700-2899 block, 28th St.; 1:45 p.m. Mar. 28. ■ 2111-2199 block, Wisconsin Ave.; 5:53 p.m. Mar. 28.

PSA 206

PSA 206 ■ GEORGETOWN / BURLEITH Motor vehicle theft ■ 2900-2999 block, K St.; 2:23 a.m. Mar. 26. ■ 3200-3229 block, P St.; 8:28 p.m. Mar. 29. ■ 1400-1499 block, 28th St.; 7:51 p.m. Mar. 31. Theft ■ 1200-1299 block, 31st St.; 9:16 a.m. Mar. 26. ■ 1200-1230 block, 34th St.; 7:18 p.m. Mar. 26.

■ 1224-1299 block, Wisconsin Ave.; 8:15 p.m. Mar. 26. ■ 1000-1199 block, 30th St.; 12:01 p.m. Mar. 27. ■ 3400-3499 block, P St.; 9:20 a.m. Mar. 28. ■ 1401-1498 block, Wisconsin Ave.; 1:18 p.m. Mar. 28. ■ 1300-1335 block, Wisconsin Ave.; 4:59 a.m. Mar. 30. ■ 1700-1799 block, Wisconsin Ave.; 3:20 a.m. Mar. 31. ■ 3400-3421 block, M St.; 5:24 p.m. Apr. 1. Theft from auto ■ 1600-1642 block, 31st St.; 10:33 a.m. Mar. 28. ■ 1644-1699 block, 30th St.; 6:31 p.m. Mar. 28. ■ 3200-3299 block, R St.; 7:02 p.m. Mar. 28. ■ 3960-3979 block, Georgetown Court; 10:38 a.m. Mar. 29. ■ 3000-3099 block, N St.; 10:20 p.m. Mar. 29. ■ 1600-1642 block, 31st St.; 9:37 a.m. Mar. 31. ■ 1000-1099 block, Thomas Jefferson St.; 12:33 a.m. Apr. 1. ■ 1200-1299 block, 27th St.; 4:11 a.m. Apr. 1. ■ 1600-1649 block, 30th St.; 9:09 a.m. Apr. 1. ■ 1635-1699 block, 31st St.; 9:30 a.m. Apr. 1.

PSA 207

PSA 207 ■ FOGGY BOTTOM / WEST END Robbery ■ 900-999 block, 19th St.; 5:28 a.m. Apr. 1. Assault with a dangerous weapon ■ 1100-1199 block, 22nd St.; 5:17 a.m. Mar. 27 (with gun). ■ 1400-1419 block, L St.; 3:21 a.m. Apr. 1. Motor vehicle theft ■ 1100-1199 block, 25th St.; 1:54 p.m. Mar. 31. ■ 1100-1199 block, 19th St.; 9:26 p.m. Apr. 1. Theft ■ 1100-1199 block, Vermont Ave.; 4:16 a.m. Mar. 26. ■ 800-899 block, 16th St.; 10:20 p.m. Mar. 26. ■ 1-199 block, Washington Circle; 11:19 p.m. Mar. 26. ■ 1000-1099 block, Connecticut Ave.; 11:47 a.m. Mar. 27. ■ 2500-2599 block, L St.; 2:52 p.m. Mar. 27. ■ 1900-1999 block, K St.; 11:39 a.m. Mar. 28. ■ 1800-1899 block, I St.; 2:31 p.m. Mar. 28. ■ 1000-1099 block, 19th St.; 7:22 a.m. Mar. 29. ■ 1800-1899 block, L St.; 2:36 p.m. Mar. 29. ■ 2100-2199 block, Pennsylvania Ave.; 7:59 p.m. Mar. 29. ■ 2100-2499 block, K St.; 10:24 a.m. Mar. 30. ■ 2000-2099 block, L St.; 2:21 p.m. Mar. 31.

■ 1130-1199 block, Connecticut Ave.; 8:11 p.m. Mar. 31. ■ 900-999 block, 23rd St.; 8:09 a.m. Apr. 1. ■ 1400-1499 block, M St.; 9:27 p.m. Apr. 1. Theft from auto ■ 2400-2499 block, N St.; 6:10 p.m. Mar. 26. ■ 2200-2299 block, I St.; 8:44 a.m. Mar. 30. ■ 800-899 block, 18th St.; 5:28 p.m. Mar. 31. ■ 2500-2699 block, K St.; 1:02 p.m. Apr. 1.

PSA 208

■ SHERIDAN-KALORAMA

PSA 208 DUPONT CIRCLE

Assault with a dangerous weapon ■ Connecticut Ave. Under Dupont Circle; 2:05 p.m. Apr. 1 (with knife). Burglary ■ 2000-2029 block, Florida Ave.; 11:07 a.m. Mar. 26. Motor vehicle theft ■ 1615-1699 block, Rhode Island Ave.; 11:01 p.m. Apr. 1. Theft ■ 2100-2199 block, P St.; 4:41 p.m. Mar. 26. ■ 1200-1217 block, 18th St.; 11:31 p.m. Mar. 27. ■ 1800-1899 block, M St.; 1:36 a.m. Mar. 29. ■ 1300-1699 block, Connecticut Ave.; 2:44 p.m. Mar. 29. ■ 1500-1599 block, New Hampshire Ave.; 8:38 p.m. Mar. 29. ■ 1309-1399 block, 19th St.; 7:38 p.m. Mar. 30. ■ 2002-2099 block, R St.; 4:01 p.m. Mar. 31. ■ 1250-1299 block, 22nd St.; 7:54 p.m. Mar. 31. Theft from auto ■ 1800-1899 block, Riggs Place; 9:09 p.m. Mar. 27. ■ 2100-2199 block, N St.; 9:28 a.m. Mar. 30. ■ 1500-1549 block, Rhode Island Ave.; 10:02 a.m. Mar. 31.

PSA 301

PSA 301 ■ DUPONT CIRCLE Burglary ■ 1400-1429 block, S St.; 8:57 a.m. Mar. 31. ■ 1416-1499 block, S St.; 12:43 p.m. Mar. 31. Theft ■ 1818-1899 block, 18th St.; 11:32 p.m. Mar. 26. ■ 1400-1499 block, T St.; 7:06 p.m. Mar. 29. Theft from auto ■ 2000-2099 block, 14th St.; 3:02 p.m. Mar. 28. ■ 1600-1619 block, 15th St.; 2:14 p.m. Mar. 31. ■ 1800-1828 block, 16th

St.; 2:57 p.m. Apr. 1.

PSA 303

PSA 303 ■ ADAMS MORGAN Robbery ■ 2000-2099 block, T St.; 3:34 a.m. Mar. 27 (with gun). ■ 1800-1899 block, Biltmore St.; 5:45 a.m. Apr. 1 (with gun). Burglary ■ 1700-1733 block, Columbia Road; 2:19 p.m. Mar. 26. Motor vehicle theft ■ 1600-1699 block, Kalorama Road; 4:43 a.m. Apr. 1. Theft ■ 2200-2299 block, 18th St.; 1:13 a.m. Mar. 28. ■ 3200-3299 block, 28th St. Se; 12:04 p.m. Mar. 28. ■ 2900-2923 block, 18th St.; 3:37 p.m. Mar. 31. Theft from auto ■ 1900-1999 block, Kalorama Road; 10:23 a.m. Mar. 26. ■ 2300-2499 block, Champlain St.; 1:35 p.m. Mar. 31. ■ 2200-2299 block, 17th St.; 2:31 p.m. Apr. 1.

PSA 307

PSA 307 CIRCLE ■ LOGAN Robbery ■ 1700-1799 block, Vermont Ave.; 12:35 p.m. Mar. 30 (with gun). Assault with a dangerous weapon ■ 900-999 block, Massachusetts Ave.; 4:34 a.m. Mar. 27 (with gun). Theft ■ 1200-1299 block, Massachusetts Ave.; 5:12 p.m. Mar. 27. ■ 1200-1299 block, 13th St.; 9:51 a.m. Mar. 28. ■ 900-922 block, P St.; 11:20 a.m. Mar. 29. ■ 1100-1199 block, 10th St.; 7:14 p.m. Mar. 29. ■ 1100-1199 block, 10th St.; 7:36 p.m. Mar. 29. ■ 1300-1399 block, 10th St.; 10:49 p.m. Mar. 29. ■ 1101-1199 block, 11th St.; 4:14 p.m. Apr. 1. Theft from auto ■ 1330-1399 block, Q St.; 11:23 p.m. Mar. 29.

PSA 407

PSA 407 ■ PETWORTH

Theft from auto ■ 4300-4399 block, 2nd St.; 10:29 a.m. Mar. 27. ■ 3805-3899 block, New Hampshire Ave.; 9:21 p.m. Mar. 30. ■ 5000-5099 block, 1st St.; 9:40 a.m. Apr. 1. ■ 1-99 block, Farragut Place; 10:49 a.m. Apr. 1.

ednesday, aprilDOWN 4, 2018 5 TIME TO COMFORTABLY wHUNKER AND ADDRESS SOME HOMEBODY ISSUES — LIKE FRESHENING UP THE FAMILY’S ESTATE-PLANNING PAPERWORK

Please join me for really good hot cocoa and changing the infant references to graduate TIME TO COMFORTABLY HUNKER DOWN school, and let’s see if the new tax reform AND ADDRESS SOME HOMEBODY ISSUES — statute simplifies your planning. LIKE FRESHENING UP THE FAMILY’S ESTATE-PLANNING PAPERWORK Will, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Medical Directives, Marital Agreements, Instructions for Appointees Please join me for really good hot cocoa and changing infant references toatgraduate Nancy the L. Feldman, Attorney Law school, and let’s see if the new tax reform (202) 965-0654 nancyfeldmanlaw@icloud.com statute simplifies your planning. www.nancyfeldmanlaw.com Will, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Medical Directives, Marital Agreements, Instructions for Appointees Nancy L. Feldman, Attorney at Law (202) 965-0654 nancyfeldmanlaw@icloud.com www.nancyfeldmanlaw.com

6

Wednesday, april 4, 2018

The CurrenT David Ferrara/President & COO Shawn McFarland/Managing Editor

Ward 1 Democrats to host candidate forum

Two candidates, Ed Lazere, who is on leave from his post as executive director of the left-leaning D.C. Fiscal Policy Institute, and Calvin Gurley, an accountant and frequent political candidate, are hoping to secure the Democratic nomination for City Council chair from the incumbent, Phil Mendelson, in the June 19 Democratic primary. The three are scheduled to participate in a forum on April 19 at 6 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Church at 1525 Newton St. NW, along with the Ward 1 Democratic candidates In an interview with The Current, Lazere, a cum laude Harvard graduate who has served on major city panels including the Public Education Finance Reform Commission and the D.C. Tax Revision Commission, said his major focus if he is elected would be homeless services and affordable housing. In other interviews he added endemic homelessness and the effects of gentrification. He has also chaired the board of Temple Micah Synagogue. Gurley, a Bowie State University alumnus who has worked as a tax auditor for the District government and is a former president of the Fairlawn Civic Association, said his major focus would be reinstitution of the elected school board’s authority over the school budget and the superintendent selection. He received 18 percent of the vote as a candidate for City Council chair in the 2014 Democratic primary and has run unsuccessfully for other offices. Mendelson, a former advisory neighborhood commissioner, ran successfully for an at-large seat on the City Council in 1998. After being named by fellow council members as chair in 2012 when the then-chair resigned, he ran successfully for the position in 2014 against Gurley with 81 percent of the vote. He came to the District from Cleveland to attend American University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science. Under his chairmanship, the council voted to establish an elected attorney general, an independent crime lab, and the District’s tree canopy law. If he is re-elected, he said his two major focuses would be public education and affordable housing. All three support legislation to increase the minimum wage in the District by 2020 to $15 an hour, as well as the paid family leave bill for all District employees, of whom about two thirds live in Maryland or Virginia. Mendelson strongly disagrees with Gurley about allowing the elected school board to name the superintendent and supervise the school budget, saying when the board had these powers it was most unsuccessful. Lazere said he was uncertain on the issue. All three favor the District’s investing in more affordable housing. When asked how it should be paid for, Lazere and Gurley favored using funds from budget surpluses. Mendelson expressed a fear that if previous savings were used, there could be serious problems. “City’s reserves (rainy day fund) should not be used. The rainy day fund is a cushion should there be another recession. If the District ever fails to meet payroll or make payments to Metro, the Federal Control Board will come back. The city could make affordable housing dollars go farther if it managed the funds better,” he said. Both Lazere and Gurley favor making the estate tax effective for estates over $2 million as it used to be. Mendelson favors keeping it at the current $5.5 million level to keep us more competitive with nearby states. Lazere and Gurley would also increase business profits taxes to higher previous levels. Mendelson, worried about keeping businesses and jobs in the District, approves the current level. When asked whether firms that do business with the city should be forbidden from making political contributions, Gurley said yes and Lazere said yes “for a two-year period.” Mendelson answered with a slightly different approach, “Political contributors shouldn’t have government contracts.”

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Current publishes letters and Viewpoint submissions representing various points of view. Because of space limitations, letters should be no more than 400 words and are subject to editing. Letters and Viewpoint submissions intended for publication may be sent to newsdesk@currentnewspapers.com. Please do not contact this email with distribution questions. This email is strictly for editorial. If you have any questions, or wish to have The Current mailed to your address, please contact Themaxxmedia@aol.com with your questions or information.

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Whither the postmodern library VIEWPOINT WILLIAM WISNER

L

ibraries were once a sacred secular space of silence and reverence - a place where one automatically lowered one’s voice. As a direct heir to the enlightenment, the establishment of libraries was a testament to the self-evident integrity of mankind, the belief that we all desire to find the truth through knowledge. Librarians once framed our mission in those terms before libraries became the noisy computer labs they now are, with their jingle of ringtones, clattering keyboards, and unquenchable printers. And we reference librarians had a higher, more dignified calling than merely changing the printer paper. In some libraries today it is actually impossible to find any place quiet enough simply to read and study undisturbed. What I call the postmodern library - the library plus technology - deconstructs itself. Modern librarians who prioritize information over knowledge perpetuate a distraction from the real purpose of a library. A library facilitates the patient gathering of knowledge - whose acquisition is superior to almost every other endeavor. Religions have adapted to technology for the most part without being destroyed by it, so why can’t libraries? It might not be too late. Information on the Internet may come across as authoritative, but much of it is one giant Ponzi scheme, especially in the hands of the young, where it can become a counterfeit for the reading and memorization that true learning requires. Scholars are made through the quiet study of one chapter at a time. For that we need silence. We need to restore an appreciation for the close study of words. Without that we are putting ourselves out of business. It should disturb us that fewer people are browsing the stacks, asking reference questions, or reading. I went to my own public library the other day with my daughter and was horrified to see a television monitor running videos in the children’s section - not a kid in the stacks and all the rest lined up to play games at the computers. It was a library that had gotten everything exactly wrong. My once gentle profession has prostituted itself, aided by library schools, which, embarrassed even to call their graduates “librarians,” now opt for the sexier term “information scientists.”

It is a bid for status that doesn’t work - from our patrons’ point of view we are still people who change the printer paper and reboot the computer when it goes haywire. We’re not scholars, of course, never that. A librarian is someone who just might be able to quote the Prologue to “The Canterbury Tales” in Middle English. Once the captains of the information superhighway, librarians are now thumbing a ride into history. Libraries are currently popular only because everything’s free. And yet library budgets are shrinking (a litmus test of viability and patron support) and branch libraries are closing. In focusing on access in all its forms and hoping for the best, librarians have slowly stepped away from being readers or scholars, like their forebears in the Middle Ages who could recite whole books from memory. You cannot defend what you do not know. And you cannot know what you do not love. As it happens, there may be some hope for libraries. There are reports of unique attempts to restore the inherent dignity of the library. At the library where I work, we do it one cup of coffee at a time. Nearly three years ago I established Coffee Mondays, a new library service offering a cup of coffee free of charge to any student or professor who wanted one. It turned out to be work, but it was well worth it. We take a humorous tone at Coffee Mondays - the coffee center is decorated with posters detailing interviews of me with Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt (fictitious, of course). The humor is human, and the result is humane. The library has been “personalized,” as it is with the exhibits I help organize with our art department here, exhibits famous for being constructed on a shoestring budget. Young people are drawn to these imaginative approaches. It is through that humane, humorous connection that we are trying to win back hearts and young minds to the library. At the coffee center, I am able to meet and talk with students about, oh, maybe Plato or Japanese Noh theater or the paintings of Jasper Johns. And that is exactly one of the blessings of a library. Before librarians put themselves out of business one printout at a time, libraries must explore similar creative ways to engage the community without dumbing down their mission. There is a way for libraries to uphold their noble purpose. They must carefully balance wants and needs of the community - they must stop being one-stop shopping centers. William Wisner, a librarian and artist, is the author of “Whither the Postmodern Library?”

PUDs imperative to Comp Plan changes VIEWPOINT SUSAN KIMMEL

T

wo Viewpoints in the March 14 issue of the Northwest Current addressed the mayor’s proposal for revisions to the Framework Element of the Comprehensive Plan. One piece seemed to imply that planned unit developments (PUDs) are somehow illegitimate or extralegal. In reality, something closer to the opposite is true. For starters, PUDs are in no way unique to the District. Similar procedures can be found in planning ordinances throughout the DMV region and the nation. They are a simple recognition that what can be envisioned and built in a neighborhood should not be limited only to what can be built by right. Not only that, but the PUD is a feature that actually allows the city to extract legitimate community amenities and other benefits from developers. Think of the enormously successful Cathedral Commons development right in our neighborhood. Something of that scale - and with as much community benefit - could never have been built by right. Essentially, PUDs are legitimate and intentional tools that allow the city deliberately to encourage develop-

ment that addresses the needs of neighborhoods and communities - needs like affordable housing What was never intended, though, was for a few angry constituents to stop the construction of desperately-needed housing through spurious litigation and loopholes. The PUD process already requires extensive review and community input. It has plenty of guardrails to protect from overzealous or rushed development. The mayor’s plan revisions would not remove those protections. They would simply clarify the plan framework so the few could no longer halt projects that otherwise enjoy robust community support. In a metropolitan area facing a desperate housing shortage, the PUD is one of the most useful tools we have to incentivize the construction of affordable housing and other community benefits. Not just that, but loophole-exploiting lawsuits after an extensive review often do nothing but drive up the cost of development - cost that is then passed on to renters and businesses down the line. Our city, and particularly our quadrant, are enormously popular. People want to live here. The question is whether only those who can outbid everyone else will be able to. In short, we need to build more housing, and that won’t be possible if smart, dense development is fought at every turn. Susan Kimmel is the chair of Ward3Vision.

Dining Dining -- 77

Shopping & Dining in D.C.

Lifestyles, Retail and Restaurants in Northwest Washington

The Current

April 4, 2018 â– Page 7

Jamestown celebrates Church Hall opening with Elliot Gerard art installation Georgetown Park was geared up for March Madness with the launch of Church Hall and an art installation that pays tribute to Georgetown Hoyas basketball legends. The two-panel, large-scale installation was created by acclaimed artist Elliot Gerard and installed by Jamestown L.P. to celebrate the grand opening of Church Hall – the 6,000-square-foot restaurant and taproom founded by restaurateurs Geoff Dawson and Peter Bayne, principals of Tin Shop Group located at 1070 Wisconsin Ave. NW. The new art installation in Georgetown Park, which was unveiled on March 27, showcases Georgetown University basketball standouts Patrick Ewing, Allen Iverson, Alonzo Mourning, Dikembe Mutombo and Otto Porter and faces the entrance of Church Hall. Gerard is a popular artist in the sports world, and is known as one of LeBron James’ favorite creative minds. Gerard was most recently commissioned to design the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 2017 NBA Finals branding. The Tin Shop Group opens Church Hall this week as the latest in a series of thriving concepts across D.C., which has revolutionized the alehouse experience. Dawson, the co-founder of Tin Shop Group, opened neighborhood-favorites Buffalo Billiards, Penn Social, Highline RxR, Big Chief, Smoked & Stacked and Franklin Hall. For more information on Georgetown Park and Church Hall, visit georgetownpark.com and churchhalldc.com, or on Facebook at facebook.com/georgetownparkDC/.

Photo courtesy of Elliot Gerard

Elliot Gerard’s art installation depicting Georgetown basketball greats helps celebrate the grand opening of Church Hall - a restaurant and taproom located at 1070 Wisconsin Ave. NW.

Artisanal taco eatery Taqueria Local now open

Putting an innovative spin on Mexican classics, Taqueria Local, a new artisanal taco restaurant at 1627 K St. NW, arrives downtown with a menu of tacos, tostadas, burritos, salads, sides and soups, as well as a handful of desserts.

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In addition to its extensive food menu, Taqueria Local also serves a variety of Mexico’s iconic aguas frescas, bottled Mexican sodas, flavored margaritas, beer and wine. Taqueria Local is open for lunch and dinner and will launch breakfast service later this spring.

All-Purpose Pizzeria now open in the riverfront

All-Purpose Pizzeria, located in the Capitol Riverfront at 79 Potomac Ave. SE, will open on April 3. Initial operating hours will be Sunday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. The restaurant features

indoor, patio and bar seating, as well as a rooftop bar which is expected to open in June.

8 - ANC

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Wednesday, april 4, 2018

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The CurrenT

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In Your Neighborhood e

The best location in Washington real estate. e

The Current Newspapers Northwest, Georgetown, Dupont, Foggy Bottom, Capitol Hill

ANC 1B

ANC Lower1B Columbia Heights, Lower

â– LOWER COLUMBIA Georgia Avenue, HEIGHTS Shaw, /USHAW Street, PLEASANT PLAINS / U STREET Pleasant Plains

LOWER GEORGIA AVENUE

The commission will meet at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 5, at the D.C. Housing Finance Agency, 815 Florida Ave. NW. Agenda items include: â– D.C. Witness. â– HBCU 5K walk/run â– Pepco â– Resolution honoring Thomas Pressley. â– Cork Settlement agreement. â– Curb cuts and paving at W Street and 14th Street NW. â– Zoning, Preservation and Development Committee talks on 2228 12th Place NW, 1822 4th St. NW, and 461, 463 and 465 Florida Ave. NW. â– Funk Parade sponsorship. For details, visit anc1b.org. ANC 1C ANC 1C Adams Morgan â– ADAMS MORGAN

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The commission will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 4, at Mary’s Center, 2355 Ontario Road NW. Agenda items include: ■The commission will vote to adopt the minutes from its March 7 meeting. ■1766 Lainer Pl NW. The Committee will hear a presentation from Sullivan & Barros regarding their BZA application for 1766 Lainer Pl NW. The Commission may take additional action. ■The committee may hear a presentation from roofers union representatives for a public space application. The commission may take additional action. ■The committee will hear a presentation from the 11th Property Group regarding their HPRB application.The commission may take additional action. ■The committee may hear a presentation from DDOT regarding the replacement of tree fences along Columbia Road. The commission may take additional action. ■The commission will vote on the text of a survey about the 18th Street Corridor. For details, visit anc1c.org. ANC 2A ANC 2A Foggy Bottom, West End

â– FOGGY BOTTOM / WEST END

The commission will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 18, in Main Meeting Room, West End Library, 2301 L St. NW. For details, visit anc2a.org. ANC 2B ANC 2B Dupont Circle â– DUPONT CIRCLE

The commission will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 11, in Room 500, School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University, 1717 Massachusetts Ave. NW. Agenda items include: â– Presentation by Councilmember Jack Evans. â– Application for a substantial

change to restaurant license for Duke’s Grocery at 1513 17th St. NW. ■Application for a substantial change to retailer’s license for the Mediterranean Way Gourmet Market at 1717 Connecticut Ave. NW. ■Application for a substantial change to restaurant license for Pisco Y Nazca Gastro Bar at 1823 L St. NW. ■Application for a substantial change to restaurant license for Toryumon Japanese House at 1901 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. ■Application for a substantial change to restaurant license for Abunai Poke Resturant at 1920 L St. NW. ■Consideration for several alcoholic beverage license renewals for Virginia Market at 1776 U St. NW and Benmoil Liquors at 1700 U St. NW. ■Historic Preservation and Zoning items for 1828 15th St. NW and 1712 15th St. NW. ■Public Space Committee items for 1050 17th St. NW, 1901 L St. NW, 1775 Massachusetts St. NW, 1600 K St. NW and 2026 P St. NW. ■Consideration for resolution regarding DDOT’s Dupont/Kalorama Curbside Management Study. For details, visit dupontcircleanc. net.

ANC 2C ANC 2C

â– DOWNTOWN / PENN QUARTER

The commission will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 9, in Room G-9, John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. For details, visit anc2c.us. ANC 2D ANC 2D Sheridan-Kalorama

â– SHERIDAN-KALORAMA

The commission will meet at 7 p.m. Monday, April 30, at Our Lady Queen of the Americas Church, California Street and Phelps Place NW. For details, visit anc2d.org. ANC 2E ANC 2E Burleith, Hillandale, Georgetown, â– GEORGETOWN / CLOISTERS

Cloisters BURLEITH / HILLANDALE

The commission met at 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 2, at Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School, 1524 35th St. NW. Agenda items included: ■Update regarding Georgetown University’s Central Utility Plant Modernization and Update Project. ■Update from the S&R Foundation regarding the Fillmore School site improvements project. ■Update regarding the commercial usage of 33rd Street NW by businesses on Wisconsin Avenue. ■Update regarding pedestrian crossing conditions at the intersection of Reservoir Road and 36th Street NW and the intersection of 35th Street and Prospect Street NW. ■Update regarding the sending of alcoholic beverage license placards to the Georgetown and Burleith listservs. ■Motion regarding the ANC’s representation to the Georgetown

BID’s Old Georgetown Board White Paper Working Group and the Georgetown Business Association’s board of directors. ■Consideration of a resolution regarding the Georgetown BID’s D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities grant application for the 2018 Georgetown GLOW event. ■Park permit applications for the Citizens Association of Georgetown’s 2018 Summer Concerts in the Parks Series. ■Special event application for the D.C. Bike Ride on May 19. ■Special event application for the Lawyers Have Heart 10K & 5K on June 9. ■Special event application for the Army Ten-Miler on Oct. 7 ■Consideration of a resolution regarding the after hours work permit request for construction for the Wing at 1056 Thomas Jefferson St. NW. ■Consideration of a resolution regarding the D.C. Historic Preservation Office’s processes for certifying that Old Georgetown Board applicants are fulfilling the neighbor notification requirements Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. ■Application by TBD for a New retailer’s class “C� restaurant license at 1400-1404 Wisconsin Avenue NW. ■Application for renewal of Towne Wine & Liquor’s retailer’s class “A� liquor store license at 1326 Wisconsin Ave. NW. ■Board of Zoning Adjustment application by Property Frameworks for a special exemption to change an existing nonconforming use to another nonconforming use at 1300 35th St. NW. ■Application for entry portico, replacement doors, retaining wall, enlarge window wells, and repave front yard at 3234 N St. NW. For details, visit anc2e.com. ANC 2F ANC 2F

Logan CIRCLE Circle â– LOGAN The commission will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 4, at Studio Theatre, 2nd floor Milton Theatre, 1501 14th St. NW. Agenda items include: â– Report on Metropolitan Police Department, Third District, PSA 307. â– Remarks from Congressman Eleanor Holmes Norton. â– Ongoing discussion on Daily 14 Mart â– Class A retail/liquor license renewal for 9 & P St. Liquor, Barrel House Liquors, Batch 13, Continental Wine & Liquor and Daily 14 Mart. â– New Class C restaurant license for Naan & Beyond and Phillips Seafood. â– Development committee reports on BZA zoning use for 924 N St. NW, and DDOT public space applications for 901 Massachusetts Ave. NW and 1461 P St. NW. â– Request to support 2018 Capital Pride Parade route. â– Broadband Internet Privacy Act of 2017. â– Approval of FY18 Q2 report. For details, visit anc2f.org.

Northwest SportS

Athletics in Northwest Washington

The Current

n

ch

April 4, 2018 ■ Page 9

DCSAA announces All-State girls, boys basketball teams GIRLS BASKETBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR Azzi Fudd, St. John’s

FIRST TEAM

Nalani Lyde, Sidwell Friends Tatyana Seymour, Bell Ellie Mitchell, Georgetown Visitation Mya Moye, Anacostia

SECOND TEAM

Mariah Mitchell, Dunbar Miamour Mesa, Bell Malu Tshitenge-Mutombo, St. John’s Taylor Webster, Georgetown Visitation Niyjha Wright, Washington Latin

BOYS BASKETBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR Ayinde Hikim, Wilson

FIRST TEAM

Myles Dread, Gonzaga Jay Heath, Jr., Wilson Malik Miller, Friendship Tech Tre Wood, St. John’s

SECOND TEAM

Marcus Dockery, Roosevelt Savion Gallion, Thurgood Marshall EJ Jarvis, Maret Ricardo Lindo, Wilson Casey Morsell, St. John’s

D.C. fencers Sirico, Shelanski place at NCAA championships By CURRENT STAFF WRITER The D.C. Fencers Club recently saluted Amanda Sirico (Bowie, MD) and Isaac Shelanski (Washington, D.C.), who both earned individual bronze medals at the 2018 National Collegiate Men’s and Women’s Fencing Championships. The championships were held at Pennsylvania State University on March 22 through 25 in which Sirico and Shelanski were two of 144 fencers who were selected to compete. Sirico, a junior at the University of Notre Dame, finished in a thirdplace tie (women’s epee) for the second consecutive season and earned her second First Team All-

America placement. Sirico’s achievements helped Notre Dame win its 10th NCAA title on Sunday, and back-to-back titles for the first time in 40 years. Columbia took second place, while Ohio State took third. Sirico’s recent results include a bronze medal with Team Epee (USA) at the Barcelona World Cup in February and a silver medal in the Division I Women’s Epee in October in the North American Cup in Anaheim, Calif. She was also the 2015 Junior National Champion, along with being a Junior World Team member in 2014, 2015 and 2016. Shelanski, a sophomore at Yale University, also placed in the top

four in the men’s epee event. In the semifinal match up, Shelanski faced Sean White from St. John’s University, who won 15-13. Among Shelanski’s national and international results, he took first place at the Helsinki Cadet World Circuit in 2015 and was the 2013 Y-14 National Champion. The NCAA Fencing Championships include individual men’s and women’s events in epee, foil and sabre. Fencers compete in a roundrobin format of five-touch bouts. The top four finishers in each weapon then fence in 15-touch bouts to determine the gold, silver and bronze-tie medalists. The overall championship is determined by

cumulative points from the men’s and women’s individual results in the foil, sabre and epee events. Sirico and Shelanski are both members of D.C. Fencers Club, where they train with Head Coach Janusz Smolenski. For 28 years, Smolenski has coached many fencers to top results at the U.S. National Championships, North American Cups and international events. Photo courtesy of Amanda Sirico

Amanda Sirico, a member of the D.C. Fencers Club, won the NCAA fencing championship with Notre Dame. She placed third in the epee and was a First Team All-American selection.

g

10 Wednesday, april 4, 2018

The CurrenT

CurrenTneWspapers.Com

Spotlight on SchoolS British International School

On March 23, Year 11 and 12 students from the British International School went to a Brady campaign event in downtown D.C. at the Senate Hart building. The Brady campaign is a longstanding gun control group that seeks to introduce comprehensive legislation to control the distribution and purchasing of firearms. There we were met by a couple hundred students from across America to listen to Sen. Cory Brooker (D-NJ), students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas, Sandyhook and Columbine, as well as survivors from inner city gun violence. We discussed ideas for youth and how we can advocate gun control, especially in the wake of the youth-led and organized protests following the Florida shooting. It was a truly unique experience to be surrounded by the students who started the #neveragain movement on the day before the March for our Lives. Everybody present presented passionate, coherent and educated ideas on gun reform, ranging from policy change to local community work and the role charities play in an increasingly polarized America. It was not just the survivors of the Florida shooting who inspired me, but every young American who was motivated to have their voices heard in a movement they really cared about. - Sofia Hollowell

Eaton Elementary

At John Eaton Elementary School, we had an annual Pi Day competition. Students were challenged to memorize as many digits of Pi as possible. The students who memorized the most got to pie Mr. Sutton, our physical education teacher, in the face! In fourth grade, a student named Ray memorized 37 digits of Pi. He got to pie Mr. Sutton in the face. In fifth grade, a student named Amalia memorized 244 digits of Pi! Amalia broke the Eaton record by 100 digits. She also got to pie Mr. Sutton in the face. Mr. Sutton had a surprised but happy reaction. After Mr. Sutton had gotten pied both times, the students were laughing and cheering. - Lia Feleke, fourth grader, and Morgan Hubbard, fifth grader

Emerson Prep School

Over the past few weeks, small batches of Emerson students have been participating in a weekly, mandatory, basic self-defense course instead of our usual “Physical Phriday” activities. The classes take place in the gymnasium at the Thurgood Marshall Center. As an introduction, we were taught simple reactionary moves to defend ourselves better in dangerous situations. The Emerson community recognized this was an important tool for high school students, as we are young people in the city and may need to utilize the skills someday.

School DISPATCHES There are many troubling statistics about situations in which selfdefense would be necessary, and so it is useful to know the “SAFE” method: Situational Awareness, Flight or Fight, and Escape. The instructor, Adrian Anthony, discussed with us the importance of situational awareness and tactics to deescalate situations before they become dangerous and self-defense is needed, or in order to feel more comfortable when interacting with others, such as a nonconsensual hug. Anthony’s goal was to teach every Emerson student that the ultimate objective is to escape, and highlighted certain situations in which we may feel vulnerable that were tailored to the U Street area and D.C.’s public transportation system. Emerson’s goal is to equip students for the world around us as we mature and reach a new, unfamiliar stage of life. - Isabel Fajardo, 11th grader

Hearst Elementary

We visited the National Building Museum. We took a school bus and when we got there each student got a red shirt that we had to wear while we were there. We built structures with cardboard and other materials. We built commercial, industrial, residential and institutional. I had a lot of fun. I made a movie theater with boxes, tape, tiles, cards and metal things. Another group built a sports stadium. It had spotlights, arrow signs, fireworks, and everything Olympics. After that we did a challenge of who could make the tallest building without tape and glue. All we could use is boxes and whatever we could find, but they didn’t say who won. After we ate lunch and waited for the bus. When we all got in the bus we went back to school! - Second Grade Hearst Owls

Holy Trinity

As Holy Trinity School approaches its 200th anniversary, we look back on the many wonderful memories and traditions. One of these traditions is the beloved student-faculty basketball game. It is a game where the graduating class of eighth graders competes against the staff and faculty in a friendly game. For the 11 years I have been attending Holy Trinity, this game has been one of the highlights every school year. This year I got the opportunity to play in the game, and it is now one of the most memorable experiences I have from my time at Holy Trinity. Year after year, the students defend their lengthy winning streak, and this year was no exception as the students defeated the teachers, 56-45. This event is so popular that not only do the current students and parents come to cheer, but alumni

Photo courtesy of Holy Trinity

Students at Holy Trinity continue with the school’s tradition of a student-teacher basketball game. The eighth grade students defeated the teachers, 56-45. also join in on the action. Even though the students continuously win, everybody had an amazing night and are already looking forward to next year. - Annika Gill and Maggie Cope, eighth graders

Maret School

In first grade at Maret, we decided to take a Spanish field trip to Churreria Madrid so we could try Spanish foods. We also went so we could get better at speaking the language and we could have fun talking in Spanish. We learned a lot of Spanish vocabulary before that, like the names of Spanish foods that were both yummy and yucky. We practiced with partners and our teacher Señora Delgado helped us. We were excited to try churros con chocolates, paella, pan, tortilla Espanola, y agua. We began our field trip by walking around Adams Morgan and looking at restaurants. We used a sheet to help us learn what different countries the restaurants represented. Afterwards we went to Churreria Madrid, but it was closed because there was an emergency. We were surprised because the field trip was already scheduled, but it was closed. We were very hungry. Ms. TomasiCarr, the other first grade teacher, had an idea. We left the restaurant and went back to the bus. We were sitting on the bus when Ms. TomasiCarr arrived with Julia’s empanadas! We went back to school and we ate at recess on the playground. We learned that restaurants are not always open. We learned that not every plan is going to go the way you thought it would. Señora Delgado said we will go to a different Spanish restaurant next time. - Ms. Sudheendran’s first grade class

National Presbyterian School

On March 19, we had some very special visitors from Street Sense! You might be thinking, is Street Sense a TV show? A newspaper? Well, it is a newspaper. A newspaper helps supports homelessness. The people who came were Ken Martin, Dani Gilmour and Marcellus Phillip. Gilmour is a manager for Street Sense, which means she plans where it visits and its activities. Phillip and Martin were both once homeless, but now they aren’t. The fifth grade class asked Phillip lots of questions like ,“Did you ever lose hope?” or “What kept you going?” He said for the first question, the answer was, “I never lost hope,” then he gave us some advice, “Never lose hope no matter what happens.” Then for the other question his answer was, “Music. Music always kept me going.” Then he told us we were going to listen to a rap about homelessness that he made, but the rap was not finished so we got to finish the rap as a grade. We finished the rap with help from our teachers. We were so fortunate to have these visitors at NPS. - By Abigail Boerstling, fifth grader

Sheridan School

This past week, Sheridan School Middle School students participated in “Minimester Week.” Most students were assigned a school program, but some students decided to participate in internships they organized themselves. These students went to their internship and shadowed a professional for several days. Olive Ley and Ava Oboler worked at Franklin Montessori School, a preschool, and said, “We really enjoyed reading aloud to the kids and helping them throughout the day.” Sabrina Kestnbaum-Cook worked at Rock Creek Stables and said, “It was a great learning experience to realize how much work it

takes to run a barn and keep it clean for the horses.” Pixie Klam and Gwyn Field worked with a producer at National Public Radio, and they said, “It was a really special opportunity and we learned so much about workplaces and how the radio works.” In conclusion this was a great experience for all the students and they are really grateful to have had this opportunity to learn about possible future careers. - Pixie Klam, Sabrina Kestnbaum-Cook, and Gwyn Field, seventh graders

St. Patrick’s Episcopal Day School

At St. Patrick’s Episcopal Day School, we have an unusual contest called Recitation. Each year, students from grades four through eight participate by choosing a piece to memorize. Students select their pieces in February and have until early March to learn them. These pieces vary from poems to excerpts from prose to famous speeches. They range from 200 to 450 words. Students are encouraged to practice their pieces every day, memorizing one to two sentences. In early March, the first part of the competition begins in each homeroom with students reciting their pieces from memory. Each class has one representative and one alternate. In grades five through eight there is a grade-wide competition, while in grade four the homeroom winners automatically go to the schoolwide competition. The schoolwide competition is always on St. Patrick’s Day (or the day closest to it during the school week). For the schoolwide competition, there is one winner and two runnersup. The winner receives several prizes, including having his or her name on a plaque in the library. - Mia Spector, fourth grader

Real Estate - 11

Northwest Real estate The Current

A Look at the Market in Northwest Washington

April 4, 2018 â– Page 11

On the Market: Georgetown Heights condo makes a stylish statement “Alta moda� is not a term one generally associates with home interiors, but a contemporary Italian fashion aesthetic is clearly the inspiration behind the sleek and stylish condominium at 2501 Wisconsin Ave. NW. Think Giorgio Armani couture with its understated luxury and streamlined silhouettes.

ON THE MARKET SUSAN BODIKER

Located in Glover Park’s Georgetown Heights Condominium - an exclusive amenity-rich building with only 44 apartments - apartment 306 offers approximately 1,800 square feet of living space and features two bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms. It is on the market for $1.329 million. There is a monthly condo fee of $822 that includes two parking spaces and a storage unit. The residence was recently renovated to eliminate awkward angles, extraneous architectural elements (columns, built-out walls) and cramped proportions that were relics of the original 2006 construction. Now the layout flows organically and efficiently from room to room with no clear demarcation between the kitchen, living and dining areas. A subtle color palette of glossy white, dove grey and muted gold with contrasting wood paneling unifies and opens the entire space. Spanish fiveinch plank flooring runs throughout the unit while textured wallpaper and

Photos courtesy of HomeVisit

Apartment 306 in the Georgetown Heights Condominium sports an open, flowing concept with 1,800 square feet of living space. tile lend visual interest to bed, bath and living room walls. The “wow factor� starts inside the entryway with a mirrored front door and Italian pressed oak panels that run in one continuous line along the righthand wall into the living room. The same panels adorn recessed storage areas elsewhere in the home and also integrate the door to the half bath. Off the foyer’s left-hand wall is a deep shoe closet that Anna Wintour would envy. And above it all is a glittery light fixture that resembles an oversized set of flirtatious false eyelashes. The entry hall reveals an openflow living and entertaining space. The Euro-chic kitchen features a center island and walls of soft-close cabinets - all attired in high gloss pale grey with metallic trim and topped with

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quartzite counters and backsplash. Chef’s-grade appliances (mostly integrated) include a Sub-Zero column refrigerator and wine cooler; a Miele under-the-counter freezer and dishwasher; dual built-in Wolf wall ovens and a six-burner gas cooktop with retractable downdraft. Custom-designed cabinetry and bookshelves and richly patterned wallpaper set off both the living room and dining room, which has the added attraction of a courtyard view. The master suite is off the living room and includes a bright bedroom with two professionally designed walk-in closets and tinted glass doors, a high-gloss wall-mounted storage system, and a feature wall with warm brown/beige/gold velvet and linen houndstooth wallpaper. A glass pock-

et door opens into the en-suite master bath, equipped with Porcelanosa tile walls and floors, an Italian laminated dual vanity, a frameless glass door shower with multi-jet shower column and river rock floor, a “smart� Toto commode/bidet and a programmable towel warmer. The guest suite, off the dining room is similarly fitted with a large custom-designed walk-in closet and an ultramodern bathroom with Axor Phillip Stark accessories. Adjacent to the guest bath is a laundry room with additional storage, a tankless water heater and an LG

Inverter Direct washer/dryer combo. The condominium is at the corner of Wisconsin Avenue and Calvert Street NW. It is an easy walk (or bus ride) to all the shops and restaurants in Glover Park and Georgetown and equally accessible to nearby parks, downtown and the National Airport. The condo at 2501 Wisconsin Ave NW is listed for $1.329 million with Washington Fine Properties. For details, contact Ethan Drath at 202258-5120 or ethan.drath@wfp.com or Nancy Taylor Bubes at 202-256-2164 or nancy.taylorbubes@wfp.com. For a visual tour, visit bit.ly/2GnbDv7.

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12 - Autos

GettinG Around in D.C.

April 4, 2018 ■ Page 12

The Current

A Look at Transportation in Northwest Washington

On Autos: Midsize Buick offers Euro style with a hatchback’s utility When it is designed right, a hatchback can combine all the style of a four-door sedan with a lot more cargo versatility. Whereas a sedan’s trunk is walled off from the passenger compartment, a hatchback lets you fold down the rear seat to create a big open area.

ON AUTOS BRADY HOLT

Subtly styled hatchbacks are popular in Europe, and Audi and BMW have found recent success with the genre even in the U.S. Brady Holt/The Current There are few downsides to an Audi A5 Sportback or BMW 430i The 2018 Buick Regal Sportback is a European-designed midsize Gran Coupe compared to an A4 or hatchback that blends style and functionality. 330i sedan, and a significant funcreplaced the old Regal sedan with sive designs that dominate many tional advantage. It is still hard to find such a a new station wagon called the mainstream and luxury brands vehicle south of $40,000, though. TourX and a five-door hatchback today. A small simulated trunk beyond the rear windshield preFor 2018, Buick has launched one called the Sportback. From the outside of the car, the serves the approximate aesthetic of the few examples: the all-new Regal Sportback, which was tested Regal Sportback looks like of a sedan, but it lifts up along designed by Opel, General Motors’ an Audi A5 rival. Both cars have a with the windshield to provide former European division. Prices subtle elegance, looking confi- ample cargo access. Buick quotes a crossover-rivalstart at $25,915, just a few thou- dently premium rather than boissand dollars more than a main- terously exuberant. With simple ing 32 cubic feet of cargo space stream Honda Accord or Toyota details and clean lines, the Regal is behind the rear seat and 61 cubic not going to get many stares, but it feet with the rear seat folded. That Camry. seems unnaturally high, so do not Although the Regal name is is pleasant to look at. Slim headlights bookend a expect miracles from the Regal best known for old sofas on wheels, it has actually used an chrome-framed grille up front, Sportback. That said, there is Opel sports sedan design for near- and graceful taillights wrap clearly more room and more cargo ly a decade — providing livelier around the rear. A gently rounded flexibility than you would get in a handling than the Buick badge silhouette and lightly creased sedan, and the TourX wagon does would suggest. For 2018, Buick body stand apart from the aggres- better still.

LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE ELDERLY HELPED 64-YEAR-OLD MS. T AVOID EVICTION

Like most of today’s luxury cars but few mainstream models, the Regal is offered with all-wheel drive. It is a $2,000 option on the upper-trim Preferred II and Essence models, and standard on the performance-oriented GS. Despite these unique points, most of the Regal experience is more in line with a humble family sedan: competent and pleasant, but not dazzling. A smooth, quiet ride and light steering make for an easygoing driving experience. The Regal does not offer the taut, buttoneddown feel of an Audi, though, and even today’s Honda Accord has a more upscale, fun-to-drive experience. Do not expect a floaty archaic barge, either — just a pleasant, ordinary midsize car. The Regal’s standard engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 250 horsepower. That is more than you would find on a base Accord, Camry or other midsize family sedan, more in line with their optional larger engines. Its fuel economy is competitive with most similarly powerful sedans, but if you did not need quite so much power, you might be disappointed: EPA ratings are 26 mpg on premium fuel with the standard front-wheel-drive layout, and 24 mpg with all-wheeldrive. The GS performance model promises livelier handling as well as a 310-horsepower V6 engine, which is rated for 22 mpg on regular fuel. It is priced from $39,995. Like the driving experience, the standard Regal’s interior trimmings are nothing special. The controls are user-friendly, including on the standard infotainment system, and few individual details are objectionable. But most of its plastic trim looks and feels like it belongs in a car that costs around $25,000 — even though prices can surpass $40,000 with all the options. And

while Audi offers a pair of stunningly crisp customizable display screens, the Regal’s infotainment options are pretty much the same as you would find in a $20,000 Chevrolet. Expect to spend several thousand dollars more for the Regal compared to a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. If the Regal’s hatchback versatility and European styling are not a huge draw for you, consider those models instead. You can also get the Regal’s mechanical twin, the Chevrolet Malibu sedan, which is available with the same engine and which even feels more European to drive — thanks to some extra life in the steering — than the Opel-sourced Regal. Meanwhile, the Acura TLX offers a slightly posher, quieter experience than an ordinary family sedan, at a similar price point to a comparably equipped Regal. In fact, pricing site Truecar.com suggests you can haggle an especially large discount off the TLX’s sticker. But the Acura lacks the Regal’s hatchback body style as well. Some other options: The allnew 2018 Kia Stinger is a rearwheel-drive midsize hatchback that matches the Regal’s cargo versatility. It is designed to be sporty, and Kia accordingly made the Stinger look more aggressive inside and out; preferences will vary between the exuberant Kia and the restrained Buick. The Stinger has a higher base price than the Regal ($32,800), but the two cost about the same when you factor in the Kia’s additional standard equipment. Lastly, if you do still prefer an all-out luxury feel and a hatchback body style, the A5 Sportback and 430i Gran Coupe can be worth the extra money. The Regal is a strong option if you’re looking for a classy, comfortable vehicle that doesn’t scream “luxury” or charge luxury prices.

DO YOU NEED HELP? LCE Provides Free Legal Services to D.C. Residents 60+

CALL OUR HOTLINE 202-434-2120 *Income Eligibility Applies LCE is an affiliate of AARP.

Brady Holt/The Current

The 2018 Buick Regal Sportback resembles a luxury car on the outside, but its cabin decor and technology are more budget-grade.

Events - 13

&

EvEnts EntErtainmEnt A Listing of What to Do in Washington, D.C.

The Current

Saturday, April 7

Saturday APRIL 7 Children’s programs ■ The Smithsonian American Art Museum will hold a “Jazz Family Day” celebrating jazz’s influences on artists with jazz-themed crafts, scavenger hunts and jazz performances throughout the day. 11:30 to 3 p.m. Free. Kogod Courtyard, Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and F streets NW. 202-633-1000. ■ The Rock Creek Park planetarium will host “Winter Night Sky,” a presentation of the brightest stars, planets and constellations that are visible in the wintertime. Recommended for ages five and up. 1 to 1:45 p.m. Free; required tickets can be obtained up to 30 minutes in advance. Rock Creek Park Nature Center, 5200 Glover Road NW. 202-895-6224. This event will repeat every Saturday and Sunday until April 29. Classes and workshops ■ Bring a yoga mat and a towel to the Kennedy Center for a weekly all-levels vinyasa yoga class in the Grand Foyer. 10:15 a.m. Free; registration required. Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW. 202-4674600. Event repeats every Saturday. ■ The U.S. Botanic Garden will hold its weekly “Yoga in the Garden” class that will allow participants to tune into their breath while enjoying the natural beauty of the garden. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Free. Conservatory Gallery, U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW. 202-225-8333. ■ The National Portrait Gallery will hold a creative writing session for adults, which will take inspiration from the gallery’s special exhibition “The Sweat of Their Face: Portraying American Workers.” 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free, registration required. National Portrait Gallery, 8th and F streets NW. 202-633-1000. This event repeats weekly. ■ The Acton Children’s Business fair of Washington will hold a launch party for children ages six to 14 and their families, allowing them to learn about the fair and to get tips on starting a business and making it successful. 2 to 3 p.m. Free. Kennedy-Warren Ballroom, 3133 Connecticut Ave. NW. DCBusinessFair.org. Concerts ■ Six outstanding members of the Pressenda Chamber Players will present an evening of works for six strings by the great romantic composers Johannes Brahms and Pyotr Tchaikovsky. 8 p.m. Free; donations accepted. Westmoreland

Saturday, APRIL 7

■ Concert: The Kennedy Center will present the String Queens, a dynamic trio that performs versatile programs including music spanning the Baroque era to the Jazz Age to today’s Billboard Top 100 Chart. 6 p.m. Free. Millennium Stage, Kennedy Center. 202-467-4600. Congregational UCC Church, 1 Westmoreland Circle, Bethesda. 301-320-2770. Discussions and lectures ■ Todd Brethauer, a science education volunteer at the U.S. Botanic Garden, will lead a lecture on orchids and how most of them grow on other plants, how modern technology has revolutionized orchid production, and how to keep an orchid healthy at home. 10:30 a.m. to noon. Free. U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory Classroom, 100 Maryland Ave. SW. 202225-8333. Films ■ The National Geographic Museum will screen “Jerusalem 3-D,” which features aerial footage of the ancient city of Jerusalem. Noon, 1, 2 and 3 p.m. $7. Grosvenor Auditorium, 1600 M St. NW. 202-857-7700. The film will be shown Saturdays and Sundays until August. ■ Alexandra Juhasz will introduce a screening of the 1996 film, “The Watermelon Woman,” of which she is a co-producer. Directed by Cheryl Dunye, the film focuses on a young, African American lesbian in search of a black 1930s Hollywood actress for a documentary project. 2 p.m. Free. National Gallery of Art, 6th and Constitution avenues NW. 202-737-4215. ■ Director Yael Luttwak will attend a

screening of her film, “Maine Girls,” the story of 13 immigrant and U.S.-born teenage girls attending a public high school in Maine - America’s whitest state. A cocktail reception will take place before the movie. 5:30 p.m. Free; registration required. Arts Club of Washington, 2017 I St. NW. 202331-7282. ■ The Bethesda Film Fest will continue on Saturday with a screening of five short documentaries made by local filmmakers: “Aiven,” “Mama Rwanda,” “Pot of Gold: The Origin of Japanese Bidet,” “Sisterly” and “Two Steps Back.” Each film will be followed by a discussion with the filmmakers. 7 p.m. $10. Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave. Bethesda. Tickets can be bought in advance at Bethesda.org. Performances ■ Ford’s Theatre will present a performance of “The Wiz,” an adaption of L. Frank Baum’s novel “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” featuring soul, gospel, R&B and pop music as well as lively choreography. 2 and 7:30 p.m. $35 to $81. Ford’s Theatre, 511 10th Street NW. 888-616-0270. The show will continue until May 12. ■ American University will present “Bodas de sangre (Blood Wedding),” about the marriage between a man and a woman from two respected families. When the bride’s ex-fiance enters the picture, drama and tragedy ensue. 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. $10 to $15. Greenberg Theatre, 4200 Wisconsin Ave. NW. 202-8852587. ■ The tour of “Potted Potter,” a produc-

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April 7 - April 13, 2018 ■ Page 13 tion that condenses all seven Harry Potter books into a 70-minute performance, will arrive in D.C. 2:30 and 5 p.m. $59 to $95. Sidney Harman Hall, 610 F St. NW. 202547-1122. This production will run through April 22. ■ Max MacLean will portray the author who penned “The Chronicles of Narnia” and “The Space Trilogy,” in “C.S. Lewis Onstage: The Most Reluctant Convert.” 4 and 8 p.m. $39 to $89. Lansburgh Theatre, 450 7th St. NW. 202-547-1122. This production will continue through April 8. ■ The U.S. Botanic Garden will present an after-hours dance performance by Sarah Beth Oppenheim and the dance company Heart Stuck Bernie to complement the garden’s orchid exhibition. Performance begins at 7 p.m. $10 to $15. U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory Garden Court, 100 Maryland Ave. SW. 202-2258333. The show will repeat on April 8. ■ The George Washington University South Asian Society will present the Bhangra Blowout celebrating Punjabi folk dance, with proceeds benefiting the Malala Fund, a charitable organization supporting girls’ education globally. 7 p.m. $20 to $25. George Washington University’s Lisner Auditorium, 730 21st St. NW. 202994-6800. ■ The Keegan Theatre will present the legendary musical “Chicago,” featuring Maria Rizzo as Roxy Hart and Jessica Bennett as Velma Kelly. 7:30 p.m. $55 for general admission tickets. Andrew Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church St. NW. 202-2653767. ■ The Folger Shakespeare Library will present “The Winter’s Tale,” William Shakespeare’s play about jealousy, prophecy, redemption and the power of forgiveness. 7:30 p.m. $35 to $79. Folger Theatre, 201 East Capitol St. SE. 202-5447077. This production will run until April 22. ■ The Forum Theatre will present the new play “Nat Turner in Jerusalem,” which imagines the last night of the infamous leader of the 1831 slave uprising in a jail cell in Jerusalem, Va. 8 p.m. $18. Silver Spring Black Box, 8641 Colesville Road, Silver Spring. 301-588-8279. ■ UpRooted Dance company will present a performance of “Circling the Line,” a show fusing two-dimensional print and

design by printmaker Susan Goldman with three-dimensional full-bodied movement through time and space choreographed by Keira Hart-Mendoza. 8 p.m. $15 to $30. Dance Place, 3225 8th St. NE. DancePlace.org. The show will repeat on April 8 at 7 p.m. Special events ■ The Fairmont Hotel in Georgetown will hold a Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea to coincide with the National Cherry Blossom Festival, featuring a signature Fairmont Cherry Almond tea and other sweet and savory treats. 2 to 4 p.m. $40 to $55. Fairmont Washington, D.C., 2401 M St. NW. 202-457-5020. The tea will be offered until April 15. ■ Maggie O’Neill, a D.C.-based designer and the official 2018 National Cherry Blossom Festival artist, will showcase her #FinesinFullBloom installation including a floor-to-ceiling wall of paper cherry blossoms made from D.C. parking tickets, 12 original paintings and 40 works on paper made specifically for the festival. The installation, D.C. Blooms, will be on display from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday through April 15. 1643 Connecticut Ave. NW. Tours ■ The National Park Service will offer “As The Wheel Turns” mill tours, led by a park ranger or a volunteer from Friends of Peirce Mill. Self-guided tours are also possible. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. Peirce Mill, 2401 Tilden St. NW. ■ Teens ages 15 to 18 will learn about a new affordable housing solution for homeless veterans and low-income D.C. residents at a tour of the John and Jill Ker Conway Residence. The tour will be preceded by a guided visit to the National Building Museum exhibition, “Making Room: Housing for a Changing America.” 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free. National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW. 202272-2448. See Events/Page 14

The Current’s Pet of the Week From the Humane Rescue Alliance Tortellini is a 3-year-old who is ready for a lucky break. She came to HRA pregnant, underweight and a bit shy. A nutrition program was prescribed and she has gained some of her weight back and has also raised her puppies. She is becoming more social and loves to get out and walk, catch every scent and discover new people. Thanks to her sponsor, her adoption fee has been waived. Come out to Humane Rescue Alliance’s Oglethorpe Street Adoption Center today and meet this sweet lady!

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Continued From Page 13 Sunday, April 8

Sunday APRIL 8 Children’s programs â– Children between the ages of 10 and 16 are welcome to a program on “The Art and Science of Orchidsâ€? hosted by the U.S. Botanic Garden, where participants can dissect flowers then create several original art pieces. 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Free; pre-registration required. U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory Classroom, 100 Maryland Ave. SW. 202-225-8333. â– The National Theatre will welcome a live theatrical production of Bubble Guppies Live! Ready to Rock, based off the hit preschool series “Bubble Guppiesâ€? on Nickelodeon, including popular music from the show and an adventure with characters like Molly, Gil and Mr. Grouper. 2 to 6 p.m. $29 to $79. The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. TheNationalDC.com. Concerts â– Baritone Thomas Meglioranza and pianist Reiko Uchida will play tribute to the prolific Austrian composer Franz Schubert, who combined folk music with the sublime in his immensely moving song cycle, Die schĂśne MĂźllerin, which the duo will perform as part of the Steinway Series. Free. 3 p.m. McEvoy Auditorium, Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and F streets NW. 202-633-1000. â– Vocal ensemble Heinavanker (Estonian for “hay wagonâ€?) will perform a repertoire that consists of ancient Estonian runic songs and folk hymns. 3:30 p.m. Free. National Gallery of Art, 6th and Constitution avenues. 202-737-4215. â– Soprano Simone Brown and pianist Sandi Lewanika will perform spiritual arrangements by American composers as part of the Society of the Cincinnati’s Spring American Music Series. 4 p.m. Free. Anderson House, 2118 Massachusetts Ave. NW. 202-785-2040. â– The Washington Men’s Camerata and the Virginia Glee Club from the University of Virginia will perform Ralph Vaughan Williams’ 1936 cantata, “Dona Nobis

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Events Entertainment Pacem (Grant Us Peace).� Written shortly before World War II and inspired by the memory of World War I, the piece draws upon poems, political speech and Biblical texts to make a plea against war. 5 p.m. $15 to $60. Church of the Epiphany, 1317 G St. NW. 202-347-2635. ■The Kennedy Center’s Target Family Night will include a performance from the Sticks+Bars Youth Marimba Ensemble and the Concert Chorus of the Children’s Chorus of Washington, with music including a diverse repertoire of traditional, folk, spiritual, gospel, Motown, pop music and original compositions. 6 p.m. Free. Millennium Stage, Kennedy Center. 202-467-4600 Discussions and lectures ■Frances Mayes, the author of the classic novel “Under the Tuscan Sun� 20 years ago, will sign copies of her new novel “Women in Sunlight,� describing the lives of four American women who come to Tuscany ready and eager to let Italy work its magic on them and discover their Italian selves. 11 a.m. Free admission. Politics and Prose, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW. 202-364-1919. ■Joseph A. Esposito will discuss his book “Dinner in Camelot: The Night America’s Greatest Scientists, Writers, and Scholars Partied at the Kennedy White House,� about a White House dinner party in 1962 that was attended by guests of clashing views and backgrounds. 1 to 2 p.m. Free admission. Politics and Prose, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW. 202-3641919. ■“Positive Barbarism: Brutal Aesthetics in the Postwar Period� will focus on philosopher Walter Benjamin and his concept of barbarians. 2 p.m. Free. National Gallery of Art, 6th and Constitution avenues NW. 202-737-4215. A screening of this lecture will be shown on April 11 at noon. ■Denver Brunsman, an associate professor of history at George Washington University, will lead a discussion as part of the Profs and Pints lecture series titled “When Washington Burned,� giving details on how the British invaded and torched the capital city in August 1814 during the War of 1812. 6 p.m. $10 to $12. Bier

THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSING AUTHORITY REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) SOLICITATION NO.: 0009-2018 LINCOLN HEIGHTS HOUSING COMMUNITY CO-DEVELOPER The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) requires a Co-Developer for the Lincoln Heights Community. SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS will be available at the Issuing Office at 1133 North Capitol Street, NE, Suite 300, Office of Administrative Services/Contracts and Procurement, Washington, DC 20002-7599, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, beginning Monday, April 2, 2018 and on DCHA’s website at www.dchousing.org. SEALED PROPOSAL RESPONSES ARE DUE ON OR BEFORE Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at 2:00 PM EST. Contact LaShawn Mizzell-McLeod, Contract Specialist at (202) 535-1212 or by email at LMMCLEOD@dchousing.org with copy to business@dchousing.org for additional information.

Monday, APRIL 9 ■Discussion and lecture: Alexander Noelle, a curatorial fellow at the Frick Collection, will give a lecture in which he offers his new interpretation of Andrea del Verrocchio’s statue of David. 12:10 p.m. and 1:10 p.m. Free. National Gallery of Art, 6th and Constitution avenues NW. 202-737-4215. Baron Tavern, 1523 22nd St. NW. Visit BrownPapertTickets.com/ event/3355190 for tickets. Films ■Voices from the Holy Land will hold a screening at three different locations of the film “Roadmap to Apartheid,� which examines the apartheid analogy used to describe the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. 2:30 p.m. Free. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 400 I Street NW. The film will simultaneously be shown at St. John’s Norwood Episcopal Church, 6701 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, and at Ravensworth Baptist Church, 5100 Ravensworth Road, Annandale. Contact N. Adams for more information at 202-294-8494. ■Voices from the Holy Land will hold screening of the documentary “Disturbing the Peace� about former enemy combatants from Israel and Palestine coming together to change the status quo. 2:30 p.m. Free. Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, 4444 Arlington Blvd. Arlington. Contact N. Adams for more information at 202-294-8494.

■Vanessa Renwick will present a screening of the film, “Who Is Bozo Texino?� which delves into the history of hobo and railwayworker graffiti. The film will be preceded by a showing of Renwick’s short, “Richart,� about collagist and front yard artist Richard Tracy. 4 p.m. Free. National Gallery of Art, 6th and Constitution avenues NW. 202-737-4215.

sonian National Museum of the American Indian. 4th St. and Independence Ave. SW. 202-633-6613. â– The Youth Orchestra of Prince William will present excerpts from their concert Blue and Air, showcasing the versatility and talent of the youth symphony orchestra. 6 p.m. Free. Millennium Stage, Kennedy Center. 202-4674600.

Performances ■The Nu Beta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. will sponsor its annual “Step Your Game Up� charity step show featuring fraternities, sororities and exhibition teams from across the country. 5 p.m. $10 to $20. George Washington University’s Lisner Auditorium, 730 21st St. NW. 202-994-6800.

Discussions and lectures ■George Washington University PhD candidate Kyla Sommers will hold a lecture on the politics, chaos and even the humor of the April 1968 upheaval following Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, she uncovered through an examination of candid personal reflections. Noon. The George Washington University Museum and the Textile Museum, 701 21st St. NW. 202994-5200. ■Princeton University history professor and author Hendrik Hartog will discuss his book “The Trouble with Minna: A Case of Slavery and Emancipation in the Antebellum North,� which explores the gradual emancipation that took place in New Jersey in the 1800s. Noon to 1 p.m. Free. William G. McGowan Theater, National Archives, 700 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. 866272-6272.

Special events â– The Abner Cloud House, a threestory house built in 1801 and designated the finest example of Federal architecture in D.C. by Thomas Kleppe, the Interior Secretary in 1976, will be open to the public. Noon to 5 p.m. Free admission. Abner Cloud House, C&O Canal National Park, Canal and Reservoir roads NW. Email Mayhugh2@verizon.net for more information. Tours â– A private, guided tour of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum will honor the lives of the LGBTQ individuals lost in the Holocaust. The tour will take place before the museum opens to the public. 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. $21.50. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, 100 Raoul Wallenberg Place SW. Contact gloe@edcjcc.org.

Monday Monday,APRIL April 9 9 Concerts ■The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra will perform a concert titled “Caminos del Inka: a Musical Journey,� a show dedicated to exploring the rich tradition of South American music. The show will be presented as part of “SHIFT: A Festival of American Orchestras.� 2 p.m. Free. Smith-

The Current’s Pet of the Week From the Humane Rescue Alliance Charlie Brown came to the Humane Rescue Alliance when his family could not care for him any longer. This 6-year-old is lovable, playful and very kind. Charlie has a wonderful disposition and enjoys the company of his people. He loves to play, but is happy leaning on his human when it’s time to rest. He loves walks and adventures, but also curling up on the couch. If an adopter is over 50, Charlie’s adoption fee will be waived as part of our Boomer’s Buddies program! Come out to Oglethorpe Street today!

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Tours â– Beth Burrous, a biochemist and a volunteer docent at the U.S. Botanic Garden, will give a walking tour of the conservatory with the focus on medicinal plants and how too much of a good thing can be dangerous. 1 p.m. Free. Tour will meet in the Conservatory Garden Court, 100 Maryland Ave. SW. 202-225-8333.

Tuesday Tuesday,APRIL April 10 10 Classes and workshops ■Bring a sketchbook and pencils to the Luce Foundation Center at the Smithsonian American Art Center and participate in a “Sketching: Draw and Discover� event, taking inspiration from the objects on display at the museum. 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Free; walk-ins welcome. Smithsonian American Art Museum, F and 8th St. NW. 202-633-5435. This event repeats weekly. Concerts ■Timothy Travers-Brown on the counSee Events/Page 15

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Events Entertainment Continued From Page 14 tertenor and Jeremy Filsell on the piano will perform songs by Franz Schubert, Peter Warlock and Michael Howard, as well as music from their album, “The Frostbound Wood.� 12:10 to 1 p.m. Free; $10 donation suggested. Church of the Epiphany, 1317 G St. NW. 202-347-2635. This concert is part of the Tuesday Concert Series that repeats every week. ■The Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras of Strathmore will present two of its ensembles – the 30-member elite Chamber Ensemble string orchestra and the Harp Ensemble – as part of “SHIFT: A Festival of American Orchestras.� 6 p.m. Free. Millennium Stage, Kennedy Center. 202-467-4600. Discussions and lectures ■Roman Bělor, director of the Prague Spring Music Festival, which discuss the history of the festival – which was founded shortly after World War II – and the relationship between music and politics. 6 to 8 p.m. Free; RSVP required. Delegation of the European Union to the United States, 2175 K St. NW. info@euintheus.org. ■Dr. Bodo Hechelhammer, the chief historian of the German Federal Intelligence Service, will hold a presentation on his new book about the German double agent Heinz Felfe, showing American society and culture in the 1950s and how Felfe was exposed as a mole during his trip to the United States. 6:30 p.m. Free. Goethe-Institut Washington, 1990 K St. NW. 202-847-4700 ■Ocean engineer and National Geographic explorer Grace Young will share her stunning imagery of the marine life she’s encountered in her underwater explorations and how the cutting-edge technologies she’s developing are transforming ways to see the ocean. 7:30 to 9 p.m. $25. National Geographic Museum, 1145 17th St. NW. 202-857-7700. Films ■The embassies of Israel and the Czech Republic will co-present “Above and Beyond,� a film about American World War II pilots who secretly trained in

estate’s gardens. This three-part program is open to children ages two to five. 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. $10 to $12 per session or $25 to $30 for all three classes. Cost covers one child and one accompanying adult. Hillwood Estate, 4155 Linnean Ave. NW. 202-686-5807. Sessions will repeat on April 19 and April 26.

Czechoslovakia to fight for Israel in the War of Independence. 7:30 to 10 p.m. $5 to $7.50. Magen David Sephardic Congregation, 11215 Woodglen Drive, Rockville. 301-770-6818. Tours ■“Tour and Tea� will offer an in-depth tour of the Washington National Cathedral, followed by traditional English tea with a view at the seventh floor Pilgrim Observation Gallery. 1:30 p.m. $36. Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW. 202-537-6200. This tour will repeat Tuesdays and Wednesdays through Aug. 8. ■Jessica Bonilla, head gardener at Hillwood, will lead a “Spring Designs� tour of the estate’s seasonal plants. 2:45 to 3:30 p.m. Tour covered by suggested donations for visitors. $18 for adults; $15 for seniors; $10 for college students; $5 for children ages six to 18. Free for children under six and Hillwood members. Hillwood Estate, 4155 Linnean Ave. NW. 202-686-5807. This tour will repeat Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays through April 20. Special events ■The “Grace and Gravity� literature reading will showcase fiction by D.C.area writers. Featured readers will include Barbara Esstman, EJ Levy, Christy Zink, Virginia Hartman, Lorine Kritzer Pergament, Trasi Johnson and Sinta Jimenez. A cash bar will also be available. 7 to 9 p.m. Arts Club of Washington, 2017 I St. NW. Contact ACW Literary Chair Sandra Beasley at sandrabeasley@earthlink.net.

Wednesday Wednesday,APRIL April 11 11 Classes and workshops â– Stretch some muscles while surrounded by art at Yoga in the Galleries. Bring your own mat; blocks and blankets are also recommended. 10 a.m. $10 per class; $5 per class for Museum Members. The Katzen Arts Center, American University Museum, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW. 202-885-1300. Classes are held every Wednesday.

Tuesday, APRIL 10 ■Discussion and lecture: The Jewish Coalition Against Domestic Abuse will lead a panel about the #MeToo movement and how to support survivors. 7 to 8:30 p.m. Free; RSVP required. Edlavitch D.C. Jewish Community Center. 1529 16th St. NW. 202-518-9400. Concerts ■Composer and singer Clarice Assad will join students from KIPP D.C. for a performance of the students’ songs created during the Albany Symphony’s Songwriter Idol program, presented as part of “SHIFT: A Festival of American Orchestras.� 6 p.m. Free. Millennium Stage, Kennedy Center. 202-467-4600. Discussions and lectures ■David Major, a retired FBI agent and former member of National Security Council staff, will analyze the latest trends and developments in intelligence and security, breaches and penetrations. Noon. Free. International Spy Museum, 800 F St. NW. 202-393-7798. Films ■The Goethe-Institut Washington will hold a screening of the documentary “When Paul came over the Sea,� about a migrant from Cameroon making his way across the Sahara to the Moroccan coast,

and waiting in a forest for the right time to cross the Mediterranean Sea. The screening will be followed by a discussion with the director, Jakob Preuss, and a reception. 6:30 to 9 p.m. Free. Goethe-Institut Washington, 1990 K St. NW. Suite 3. 202847-4700. â– The Czech That Film Festival to celebrate Czech filmmaking will kick off with a screening of the comedy “Ice Motherâ€? at 8 p.m. Then on April 12, the festival will screen “The Quartetteâ€? at 5:15 p.m. and “Barefootâ€? at 8 p.m., followed by a Q&A with director Jan SvÄ›rĂĄk. Avalon Theater, 5612 Connecticut Ave. NW. 202-2749108.

Thursday Thursday,APRIL April 12 12 Children’s programs ■Hillwood’s April preschool series, “Spectacular Statues,� will focus on exploring animals and other creatures in the sculptures located throughout the

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Classes and workshops ■The National Capital Planning Committee will hold a public meeting allowing members of the public to learn about and comment on proposed updates to the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital’s Parks and Opens Space Element. National Capital Planning Commission, 401 9th St. NW. 202-482-7279. ■“Cook Sisters� Adrienne and Danielle Cook will hold a cooking demonstration on “Spring Greening,� including the range of shapes, sizes, flavors and colors of palate-cleansing greens. Noon to 12:45 p.m. Free. U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory Garden Court, 100 Maryland Ave. SW. 202-225-8333. The program will repeat at 12:50 p.m. ■A weekly class on “Basic Knitting: Casting On, Garter Stitch, Purl Stitch� will offer instruction for beginners who want to learn the essential foundations of knitting. 5 p.m. Free. West End Library, 2301 L St. NW. 202-724-8707.

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Curtis on the bass. 6 p.m. Free. McEvoy Auditorium, Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and F streets NW. 202-6331000. â– Israeli-French pianist Pascal Solomon will perform as part of the Embassy Concert Series in cooperation with the Embassy of Israel and the Embassy of Hungary, as part of a musical tribute to Teodor Herzl and Max Nordau. 7:30 to 10 p.m. $70. 2950 Spring of Freedom Lane NW. 202-625-2361.

Films ■Gerhard Gruber will perform live piano accompaniments to screenings of silent films from Austria that chronicle the country’s women’s suffrage movement in the 1910s. This event is part of a year-long celebration commemorating 100 years since Austrian women won the right to vote. 7 to 9:30 p.m. Free. Embassy of Austria, 3524 International Court, NW. acfdc.org.

Discussions and lectures ■Bernard Sabella will lead a discussion on his book, “A Life Worth Living: The Story of a Palestinian Catholic,� a memoir in which he reflects on growing up in a conflict zone. A light lunch will be served before the talk. 12:30 to 2 p.m. Free. The Palestine Center, 2425 Virginia Ave. NW. 202-338-1958. ■Harry S. Stout, a professor of American religious studies at Yale University, will discuss his biography of the Anderson family of Kentucky, who descended from Richard Clough Anderson, a Revolutionary War officer and an original member of the Society of the Cincinnati in Virginia. 6 p.m. Free. Anderson House, 2118 Massachu-

Performances ■The Duke Ellington School of the Arts will hold a production of “The Rimers of Eldritch,� which tells the story of a crime committed in the small Bible Belt town of Eldritch, Missouri, exposing the dark underside and corruption hidden behind the righteous appearance of the town. 7:30 p.m. $10 to $35. Ellington Theatre, 3500 R St. NW. Tickets can be bought at EllingtonSchool.org/Box-Office. The show will repeat on April 13 at 7:30 p.m. ■A Day at Theater J will present “Roz and Ray,� a medical drama set during the AIDS crisis in the 1980s, about a doctor who offers a miracle drug to save a man’s hemophiliac children. 7:30 to 10 p.m. Free; RSVP required. Edlavitch D.C. Jewish

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Friday APRIL 13 Children’s programs ■At “Creature Feature,� children ages four to 10 will learn about Rock Creek Park wildlife and get a chance to meet and feed the animals housed in the nature center. 4 to 4:30 p.m. Free. Rock Creek Park Nature Center, 5200 Glover Road NW. 202-895-6000. This event will repeat every Friday until April 27.

Thursday, APRIL 12 ■Discussion and lecture: Christopher P. Costa, the new director of the International Spy Musuem, will share stories from his former careers as a special assistant to the president, counterterrorism director for the White House National Security Council, and intelligence officer in the military. 6:30 p.m. $10. International Spy Museum, 800 F St. NW. 202-393-7798. Community Center, 1529 16th St. NW. 202-518-9400. Tours ■A guided tour through the Arts Walk in Brookland will introduce participants to creatives who work in the neighborhood’s ground level studios. Afterwards, the group will stop at Brookland Pint for a discussion of creative spaces in D.C. 6 to 7 p.m. $15. National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW. 202-272-2448. ■The Georgetown University Theater & Performance Studies program will premiere the play “Amanuensis� by L.M. Feldman, which imagines the life and relationships of blind poet John Milton during the years he spent writing “Paradise Lost,� the 12-volume epic poem famously transcribed by his illiterate daughters when he was blind and outcast. 8 p.m. $10 to $18. Davis Performing Arts Center’s Gonda Theatre, 37th and O streets NW. 202-687-2787. The show will continue on April 15 at 2 p.m. and on Thursdays to Saturdays at 8 p.m. until April 21.

Classes and workshops â– Classical painter Teresa Oaxaca will teach a figure drawing class for all levels using traditional drawing media. 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. $15 per class for Arts Club members; $20 for non-members. Arts Club of Washington, 2017 I St. NW. Contact Teresa Oaxaca at esaoaxacafineart@ aol.com. This is a weekly session. Concerts â– Axel Flierl of Germany will perform arrangements for the organ by Charles Tournemire, Richard Wagner, Franz Liszt, Pierre Cochereau and FrĂŠderic Blanc. 12:15 p.m. Free. National City Christian Church, 5 Thomas Circle NW. 202-2320323. This performance is part of the Friday Music at Midday series that repeats every week. â– The Metropolitan Youth Orchestra, a youth and development program of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, will be joined by adult members of the Second Chance Strings workshop for a performance of Pachebel’s Canon and then perform the remainder of the program on their own. 6 p.m. Free. Millennium Stage, Kennedy Center. 202-467-4600. Discussions and lectures â– Jonathan Pliska, an author and landscape historian, will lead a lecture on the history of the White House grounds and its relationship to the official residence of the president, with a focus on the trees, vegetable and flower gardens and conservatories on the grounds. Noon to 1 p.m. Free; pre-registration required. U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory Classroom, 100 Maryland Ave. SW. 202-225-8333. Performances â– Dancers from Tamagawa University Dance and Taiko Group in Japan will perform traditional choreography, accompanied by 30 drummers, in a performance for the National Cherry Blossom Festival. 12:10 p.m. Free. National Gallery of Art, 6th and Constitution avenues NW. 202-737-4215. â– Jordan Rock, the younger brother of comedians Chris and Tony Rock who has starred in comedy shows on Netflix, Comedy Central and “Last Comic Standing,â€? will headline the main showroom at D.C.

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Improv for a show featuring Reginal Thomas. 7:30 p.m. $20. D.C. Improv Theatre, 1140 Connecticut Ave. NW. 202-2967008. The show will repeat on April 14 at 7 and 9:30 p.m. and April 15 at 7 p.m. â– Rorschach Theatre will present Frances Ya-Chu’s “410[Gone],â€? a play about a Chinese-American boy using arcade games to take control from the Land of the Dead from the Chinese Goddess of Mercy and the Monkey King. 8 p.m. $20 to $30. Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. Visit RorschachTheatre.com/410gone for information and tickets. The show will continue until April 15. Special events â– The National Museum of the American Indian will celebrate the fifth annual Cherokee Days Festival with representatives from all three federally recognized Cherokee tribes: Cherokee Nation, United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The event will feature storytelling and demonstrations of woodcarving, basket weaving and pottery making as well as traditional dance performances. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free. Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian. 4th St. and Independence Ave. SW. 202-633-6613. â– The “In Bread We Crustâ€? tasting at the Alliance Française will offer guests a chance to learn about and sample French breads, provided by Maison Kayser bakery, over champagne. 7 to 8:30 p.m. $20 to $30. Alliance Française, 2142 Wyoming Ave. NW. 202-234-7911. Tours â– Heurich House Museum will offer a public brewmaster tour, which includes an hour-long guided museum tour and one beer flight per person, showcasing three local craft beers. 5 to 6:30 p.m. $30. Heurich House Museum, 1307 New Hampshire Ave. NW. 202-429-1894. This tour will repeat on April 26. The Current welcomes submissions regarding activities in D.C. for the Events & Entertainment calendar, although space constraints limit the number of items we can include in print. Items should be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event and include a summary of the event and its date, time, location with complete address, and cost to attend (indicate “freeâ€? if there is no charge). Also, please list a phone number for publication and a phone number for an editor to reach a contact person. Entries may be sent to calendar@currentnewspapers.com or The Current, P.O. Box 40400, Washington, D.C. 20016-0400.

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Wednesday, april 4, 2018 17

18 - Service/News 18 - Service/News

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Fourth Oral Cancer Awareness Walk & Run to be on April 14 The fourth annual Oral Cancer Awareness Walk & Run in memory of Peter Hoffman will take place on April 14 at the Sligo-Dennis Avenue Park in Silver Spring. The event is organized by Hoffman’s family, in partnership with the Oral Cancer Foundation during Oral Cancer Awareness Month, and is being held to raise awareness and funds for research of a disease that kills one person every hour in the United States. In addition to raising money for research, awareness and patient support initiatives, participants will enjoy guest speakers, free screenings by local dentists and hygienists, and following the walk and run, a barbecue lunch and raffle. Registration and pre-race activities will begin at 7:30 a.m. with the run beginning at 9 a.m. and the walk immediately after. Approximately 51,550 Americans, including a growing population of young adults, will be newly diagnosed with oral cancer in 2018 - a statistic that continues to rise each year. This includes mouth cancer, tongue cancer and throat cancer. When found early, there is an 80 to 90 percent survival rate. However, due to a lack of public awareness, the majority of cases are found as late-stage, fatal cancers. The Oral Cancer Foundation is a national public service, non-profit entity designed to reduce suffering and save lives through prevention, education, research, advocacy and patient support activities. Hoffman is remembered by those who knew him for his kind and compassionate nature, his confident moral conviction, his beauti

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An oral cancer awareness walk in Peter Hoffman’s memory will be held on April 14.

ful smile and above all, his deep love of family and friends. A 2007 graduate of George Washington University’s School of Engineering, Hoffman was diagnosed with an aggressive form of oral cancer in August 2008 after discovering an ulcer on his tongue. The cancer had already spread to his lymph nodes and it proved resistant to surgery and treatments. He passed away at 24 years old and just seven months after his diagnosis. It was his hope that others would be able to learn from his death. Therefore, it is his family’s intention that this 5K walk and run will fulfill his wish. Fundraising efforts are well under way and community members are encouraged to form teams or fundraise individually to aid in the fight. If anyone is interested in starting a fundraising page, visit peterswalkrun.com. For questions about the walk or for media inquiries, call Kaitlin Hoffman Caruso at 571-283-9549 or visit peterswalkrun.com. Check out oralcancer.org to learn more about risk factors, signs and symptoms, treatments, current research, and related oral cancer news.

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BID: Adams Morgan businesses roiled by BID From Page 1 membership rules and other matters. It ends by demanding an end to the conduct deprecated by Wexler and Friedman, and restitution by board members “who have received disproportionate allocations of BID resources.� In his statement at the March 13 meeting, Wexler also criticized proposed changes to the BID’s bylaws, which would allow only one representative from a given business to serve on the board. When their current terms expire, this would have the effect of removing either Wexler or Friedman from the board. Wexler characterized this change as an attempt to “stifle dissent.� He objected to the the role of Barden, the BID’s director, in drawing up the proposed revisions to the bylaws. Wexler demanded the board table further discussion of changes to the bylaws “until the misconduct we described in our letter is fully addressed and rectified.� In his summing up on March 13, Wexler described the reason for his broadside. “This is about reforming an organization that is not working for many of its taxpaying members in part due to a striking failure of governance,� he said. At the meeting, Bennett responded to Wexler’s attack by referring to the proposed change that would limit the number of representative the Line Hotel could have on the board. “People feel Matt wants to load the board with his people,� Bennett said. In an interview, she defended herself and the board’s record. The extra security personnel the BID pays for are known as reimbursable detail officers, or RDOs for short. The RDOs are off-duty Metropolitan Police Department officers. “The BID has not provided RDOs on 18th Street for some time,� Bennett said. Barden explained how the security program now works. “[The BID] pays for only one of the RDOs,� she said. “The individual businesses hire them directly. When the program started, we were hiring five or six RDOs. Now most of that expense is on the business owners.� The BID’s security director, Greg Frank, oversees the RDOs and sees that the slots are filled. Frank’s salary is paid by the BID. Barden clarified that the officers serve the whole neighborhood. “The RDOs are not detailed to 18th Street,� she said. “They are detailed to Adams Morgan. They have radios and respond to things that come up [throughout the BID].� Bennett, who is the co-owner of the Falafel Shop with her husband, said employees of the BID with other responsibilities also look out for public safety. The BID’s “clean team� is made up of four full-time employees plus a full-time supervisor who work

seven days a week removing trash from local streets. “Our clean team reports back immediately on possible security issues,� she said. “They are our eyes on the street.� Another board member, Pat Patrick, who owns a commercial real estate agency, has lived in Adams Morgan for 40 years, and thinks Wexler does not appreciate the result of the BID’s security program over the last dozen years. “It’s a very unfair criticism,� Patrick said. “He doesn’t understand what we started out with. The security situation on lower 18th Street was horrific.� Saied Azali is a member of the BID’s board and an owner of Perry’s and Mintwood Place - two restaurants on Columbia Road. He says the extra security detail on the short stretch of 18th Street is necessary for the whole neighborhood to thrive. “Everybody’s arguing about cops on 18th Street,� Azali said. “I don’t want to pay for cops, but if the neighborhood isn’t safe [my businesses] suffer. If we get labelled as a bad neighborhood, it affects everybody.� Paying for extra police on 18th Street is a board decision, and a line item in the budget. Barden says Wexler has been an active participant in the budget process during the more than five years he has served on the board. “Matt has been an active part of our budget cycle, but he doesn’t really seem to understand how our safety program works,� she said. Bennett said efforts to change the perception of Adams Morgan, as for example the extra security on 18th Street, have paid off so that the district is now regarded as familyfriendly. “Now we can devote resources to branding the community as a place of love, diversity and welcome,� she said. It may take a while before Bennett thinks such happy thoughts about Wexler. “Everyone up and down this block has put their whole life savings into their businesses,� she said. “That hotel is just one of many things in his portfolio. I was blindsided by his accusations. I got bullied by my own personal Adams Morgan Donald Trump. “Not all developers come in and throw their weight around. I think development is a good thing for the city. That’s why we welcomed the Line Hotel with open arms. But to come in and run roughshod over everyone because of your size - that’s not right. His life would be easier his path to his voice being the only voice - if people who stand up to him would go away.� Regarding the proposed bylaw changes, Bennett said Wexler misunderstands the rationale for them. “This is not a Matt and Brian thing,� she said. “This is a best practices thing. Should my husband and I each have a seat for our small restau-

rant?� Bennett disputed the charge that the board has focused its efforts on only one small area of the BID. She listed projects not related to security. “To say we’ve focused on 18th Street is wrong,� she said. “We have a very large beautification project in the works focused on all Adams Morgan corridors. Our marketing promotes retail in the whole community. We have fought for representation of the Latino community. There’s been a huge push by the BID to address loitering and panhandling on Columbia Road. We have worked with homeless organizations so people aren’t laid out on drugs in front of Safeway. We hired the clean team, who clean all of 18th, Florida Avenue and Columbia, and one block off the main corridors into residential streets to build ties with the local residents. “We hold ‘bike to work day’ at Unity Park [in front of the Line Hotel]. I’m out there with Kristen and other volunteers from the community at 5 a.m. Not Matt.� Patrick named another achievement by the BID. “The BID got double-decker sightseeing buses to come up here [from the Mall]. The tourists get off and on,� he said. Patrick also noted Wexler ran against Stavrapoulos for the board presidency in the fall but lost. Patrick says he believes in the principle of one man, one vote. “Why should a person with a thousand square foot building have less of a vote than the person speaking for the hotel?,� he asked. Like the other board members interviewed, Patrick thinks the hotel is an unqualified blessing to the neighborhood, and praised Wexler as a valued member of the community. “Matt’s a smart and wonderful guy, and has the community’s interest at heart,� Patrick said. “He has to learn to cooperate on the BID board. “The hotel is what the area needed. We’ve never had afternoon business. There’s no Metro here. There are no offices here. The people who live in the houses around here go downtown to work. I’m beginning to see afternoon business pick up. But the building is three years late. Why? Because a community member nitpicked every little thing the hotel was doing.� Azali strongly defended Barden. “Kristen works very hard,� he said. “For me she’s the best director we’ve ever had. When I have problems with the [utility companies], I don’t know what to do. Kristen is the only one I can call to deal with these people. She informs me what meetings to go to. She helps me a lot. I think she is an angel.� Barden said the BID, whose annual budget is $560,000, seeks to provide clean, safe and friendly services to the neighborhood. “That is our motto in a nutshell,� he said. The board’s next meeting is on April 11.

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