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MIDCITY JULY 2011

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CONTENTS JULY 2011 out and about

08 10 18 20 22 24

Hit the City • Joy Hopkins MCDC Calendar • Kathleen Donner Insatiable • Celeste McCall Retail Therapy • Scott Fazzini Jazz Avenues • Steve Monroe Knowledge Commons DC • Amanda Abrams

your neighborhood 27 28 30 31 32 33 34 35

The Nose • Anonymous The Numbers: What Do District Residents Think about How DC Should Tax and Spend? • Ed Lazere & Elissa Silverman Logan Circles • Mark F. Johnson 14th and U • Catherine Finn Shaw Street • Ralph Brabham Bloomingdale Bytes • Eleanor Gourley Think Local First • Amanda Abrams A Garden for Sibley Plaza Senior Community • Sonsyrea Tate Montgomery

kids and family

40 COVER: Katie in the park. Photo: Jason Yen

Kids and Family Notebook • Kathleen Donner

at home 40 42 44

Home/Style: Design Crimes • Mark F. Johnson A Story of Mythical Proportions • Frank Asher Changing Hands • Don Denton

Classifieds

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KIDS & FAMILY

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NEWS & NEIGHBORHOOD REPORTS ANC6A, 6B, 6C, 6D:

Roberta Weiner • rweiner_us@yahoo.com • gwynjones@aol.com BARRACKS ROW: sharon@barracksrow.org H STREET LIFE: Elise Bernard • inked78@hotmail.com THE NOSE: thenose@hillrag.com LOGAN CIRCLE • mark@hillrag.com SHAW • Ralph Brabham: Ralph • ralphbrabham@yahoo.com BLOOMINGDALE: Eleanor Gourley • ecgourley@gmail.com 14TH & U: Catherine Finn • cathefinn@gmail.com ANC6B: GWYN JONES

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We welcome suggestions for stories. Send queries to andrew@hillrag.com. We are also interested in your views on community issues which are published in the Last Word. Please limit your comments to 250 words. Letters may be edited for space. Please include your name, address and phone number. Send Last Word submissions to lastword@hillrag.com. For employment opportunities email jobs@hillrag.com.

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by Joy Hopkins

Gallery Plan b Sees Things in Black and White Gallery plan b presents artist Lauren Sleat’s series of black and white drawings, PODS. The series uses organic “creature-like” material found on the beaches in Provincetown, MA. In reference to the color palate of her drawings, Sleat uses black and white as an abstract way of leaving space for her audi-

Illuminate Martial Arts participates in this year’s Capital Fringe Festival

Capital Fringe Festival Returns to Warehouse Theater The Capital Fringe Festival returns for its sixth year in nineteen venues throughout D.C. One of those venues is Warehouse Theater, in the heart of Mount Vernon. Warehouse will be home to 10 of the more than 100 festival productions during the 18-day run. From well known works like Mamet’s Glengarry Glen Ross to family-friendly works including an adaptation of Moby Dick featuring puppets, the breadth of the festival is well represented at Warehouse. The Capital Fringe mission is to connect exploratory artists with adventurous audiences by creating outlets and spaces for creative, cutting-edge, and contemporary performance in the District. This reveals itself in the unique, and sometimes eccentric, programming. Other festival productions at Warehouse include: • A Day at the Museum a wordless comedy in which the female subject of a nude painting views the people visiting 8 ◆ Midcity DC | July 2011

the museum, Caught in Dante’s Fifth: The Naked Truth of Kindred Spirits in which a reincarnated spirit is pursued by its nemesis, • Gallantry: a Soap Opera in One Act in which a nurse chooses between the doctor that has propositioned her and her husband, the patient, • Illuminate: A Martial Arts Experience which features martial artists battling in the dark with weapons that glow in the dark, and • Incurable in which a man battles talking STDs, sex ninjas, Oscar Wilde, and existential loneliness. The Capital Fringe Festival runs July 7 – 24. Admission to festival productions is $17, plus a one-time $7 purchase of a festival button. There are also several package options available. Capital Fringe Festival www. capfringe.org Warehouse Theater 645 New York Ave. NW 202-783-3933 www. warehousetheater.com •

Lauren Sleat’s PODS is on display at Gallery Plan b

ences’ interpretations. Sleat produces artwork in two complementary categories. The first uses metaphorical imagery as commentary on issues of class, race, sexuality, and politics leading to more specific topics such as slavery, genocide and more broadly, deviant political ideology. The second category is greatly influenced by the organic shapes in nature created by the elements, such as rocks worn away by a river. The second body of work al-

Polar Bear

The Queen of Rockabilly, Wanda Jackson

lows the artist a release between the mentally, emotionally and sometimes physically exhausting periods of creating her political and catastrophic work. Gallery plan b is open to the public, free of charge. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., or by appointment. Gallery plan b 1530 14th Street NW 202234-2711 www.galleryplanb.com

9:30 Club Showcases Rockabilly’s Queen and its Rising Star On Tuesday, July 26, the legendary Queen of Rockabilly, Wanda Jackson, takes the stage at the 9:30 Club. The rock and roll pioneer started her career as a teenager in the mid50s. She had a hit in 1958 with “Let’s Have a Party,” a song already recorded by one-time boyfriend, Elvis Presley. Now in her seventies, Jackson is reaching a new generation of fans thanks to her latest album, The Party Ain’t Over, produced by Jack White of the White Stripes. Jackson has released more than 40 albums in her career, spanning rock, country and gospel. A Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Jackson was also given an Early Inﬂuence honor for holding a pivotal role in the evolution of popular music.

Sharing the bill with Jackson is Dublin-born rockabilly singer Imelda May, who counts Jackson as one of her idols. The youngest of five siblings, May had a variety of musical influences including folk, pop, and of course, Elvis. May began singing in clubs at 16, occasionally being barred from her own shows for being underage. Her first official release, Love Tattoo, arrived in the States in 2009. Her latest offering, Mayhem,was released in September 2010. Doors open at 7 p.m.; tickets are $25. 9:30 815 V Street NW 202-235-0930 www.930.com

Bonus: Grand Opening of African American Civil War Memorial and Museum July 16 – 18, 2011, the African American Civil War Memorial and Museum celebrates its Grand Opening. Saturday, July 16, will feature a conference on racial reconciliation in America. Sunday, July 17, will feature an all day film festival, Civil War to Civil Rights, which will include films such as Birth of a Nation and Glory. Monday, July 18, will feature the ribbon-cutting and VIP reception, followed by tours of the new museum. www.afroamcivilwar.org Joy Hopkins has been a resident of the District of Columbia for 13 years. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Music Industry from James Madison University and a Master’s degree in Arts Management from American University. She works as a nonprofit fundraiser, a direct sales consultant, and an artist rep, and her interests include reading, wine, music, crochet, and food. ◆

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calendar AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD Andrene’s Caribbean and Soul Food 5th Annual celebration. Saturday, July 9, 1:005:00 PM. DJ entertainment by JAMALAMADINGDONG the Clown, raffles, free watermelon, doughnuts and information tables. All are welcome. 308 Kennedy St. NW. Three Movements in Architecture: Architecture 101. Gothic Revival, July 9; Frank Lloyd Wright: Prairie School, July 16; The Glass Box, July 23. All lectures are 1:00-2:30 PM. $20 ($12, students). National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW. 202-272-2448. nbm.org

JULY

The Merchant of Venice. Through July 24. Shakespeare Theatre’s Sidney Harman Hall. Whether contemplating the contents of gilded chests or the darkest corners of human nature, The Merchant of Venice challenges audiences to look beyond misleading appearances to find the true measure of things. An intriguing story of power and revenge, justice and mercy, true love and duplicity, features some of Shakespeare’s most complex and memorable characters. $20$98. 202-547-1122. shakespearetheatre.org

POP! at Studio Theater. July 13-Aug. 7. Who shot Andy Warhol? A musical murder-mystery extravaganza that peeks inside the tumultuous artistic revelry of Warhol’s infamous Factory. $43. 1501 14th St. NW. 202-332-3300. studiotheatre.org Clybourne Park at Woolly. July 21-Aug. 14. A white community in 1950’s Chicago splinters over the black family about to move in. Fast-forward to our present day, and the same

Steinway Series of classical music concerts at American Art Museum. Second Sunday of every month, 3:00 PM. The Steinway Series is a classical music concert that features the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s refurbished Steinway Concert Grand piano. Free. McEvoy Auditorium, Lower Level American Art Museum (between Seventh and Ninth and F and G sts. NW.) 202-633-1000. americanart.si.edu

FREEthiopian Fridays. There will be a complimentary food sampling every Friday night, 7:30-9:00 PM, with purchase of a drink at Axum’s Level X Lounge, 1934 Ninth St. NW, and Fasil Ethiopian restaurant, 1608 Seventh St. NW. Axum and Fasil are giving back to the community with this free sampling, and looking to entice people to try new and exciting types of foods. They wish to expose people to the Ethiopian culture through their food. axumethiopianrestaurant.com and fasilethiopianrestaurant.com Artistic Bike Rack “Exploration.” Located at 1600 M St. NW. This is the fourth in a series of artistic bike racks commissioned by the Golden Triangle BID. Designed by two National Geographic employees, “Exploration” is a series of circles, each depicting a different image found in nature – water, earth, moon and sun. “Exploration” calls us all to discover the world around us, including the neighborhoods where we live and work. East Local First. July 9-16, focuses on locally-grown food and the DC restaurants that serve it, and will include cooking demonstrations, discounts at specific restaurants akin to those that occur during restaurant week, garden tours, and a closing street party. For more information go to http://www. thinklocalfirstdc.com/ Sewing Classes. Also advanced sewing, quilting, fabric design, fashion camp, crocheting. SiNGA, Inc., 1005 Seventh St. NW. 202-526-6940. singainc.org

10 ◆ Midcity DC | July 2011

house represents very different demographics as we climb through the looking-glass of Lorraine Hansberry’s classic A Raisin in the Sun. These hilarious and horrifying neighbors pitch a battle over territory and legacy that reveals how far our ideas about race and gentrification have evolved—or have they? $30, up. Pay-What-You-Can on Thursday, July 21, 8:00 PM. Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, 641 D St. NW. 202-393-3939. woollymammoth.net

The Public Memory of 9/11. Tuesday, July 26, 6:30-8:00 PM. The upcoming tenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks offers an opportunity to consider how the sites in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania are memorializing and interpreting this event. Leading representatives—Alice Greenwald, National September 11 Memorial & Museum, Jeff Reinbold, Flight 93 National Memorial, and Andy Ammerman, Pentagon Memorial—present the designs of the memorials and discuss the challenges in commemorating recent history. Brent Glass, director of the National Museum of American History, moderates the program. Free. Pre-Registration required. Walk-in registration based on availability. National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW. 202-272-2448. nbm.org. Photo: Pentagon Memorial at night. Each bench is made from polished stainless steel with a solid granite-tiled top, while beneath is a sparkling fountain which is illuminated at night. In the night sky, the radiance of these illuminations of remembrance shimmer in the darkness in honor of 184 lost souls. Photo courtesy of Wendy Ploger, 9/11 Family Member.

Calder’s Portraits: A New Language. Through Aug. 14, 11:30 AM-7:00 PM, daily. Best known for his abstract mobiles and stabiles, Alexander Calder (1898-1976) was also a prolific portraitist. Throughout his career Calder portrayed entertainment, sports, and art-world figures, including Josephine Baker, Jimmy Durante, Babe Ruth, and Charles Lindbergh, as well as colleagues Marion Greenwood, Fernand Léger, and Saul Steinberg, to name a few. National Portrait Gallery, Eighth and F sts. 202633-8300. npg.si.edu

FESTIVALS AND SPECIAL EVENTS Smithsonian Folklife Festival. July 711. 11:00 AM-5:30 PM. Evening events at 6:00 PM. 2011 themes are Colombia, Peace Corps and Rhythm and Blues. Free entrance (food is extra). National Mall between 7th and 14th sts. www.folklife. si.edu/center/festival Honoring Mary McLeod Bethune at Lincoln Park. Sunday, July 10, 6:00 PM. Every July 10, The National Council of Negro Women gather to celebrate Mary McLeod Bethune’s birthday. Guest Speaker. All are welcome. 202-737-0120. ncnw.org Hip-Hop Theater Festival. July 11-16. Hip-Hop is an urban art form of stories, people, music, dance, and spoken word.

For many in DC, Hip-Hop and its scene is the soundtrack that defines them and their communities. www.hhtf.org DC Africa Festival. Saturday, July 16, noon6:00 PM. This year the theme is “One City, Many Voices: showcasing Africa’s cultural and economic contributions to the District of Columbia.” The festival will promote the positive legacy of the African community by highlighting: talent, social and networking media, social entrepreneurism as a tool for the betterment of Africans in the Diaspora and Africa’s capability to compete in the global market. Additionally, the Mayor’s Office on African Affairs will kick off a new initiative: We Count! : A demographic survey of African-owned businesses, organizations and residents of the District of Columbia. Free. Takoma Community Center, 300 Van Buren St. NW. For more information, contact Kenyatta Albeny at oaa@dc.gov. 202-727- 5634. Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Annual Waterlily Festival. July 16, 10:00 AM-3:00 PM. Blooming lilies and lotuses. Storytelling and puppet show. Face painting. Gardening workshops. Pond and greenhouse tours. Arrive at 9:00 AM and help clean up the gardens. Free. 1550 Anacostia Ave. NE. 202-426-6905. www.nps.gov/keaq Odyssey Cruise and “Oklahoma!” On July 28, Aug. 25 and Sept. 29, Odyssey guests will indulge in fine dining, live entertainment and dancing. The three-course meal includes dinner favorites like Maple-Glazed Chipotle Chicken, Argentinean Salmon and Seafood Ravioli Gratinee. The evening wouldn’t be complete without the Odyssey’s Signature Decadent Chocolate Truffle Torte or New York Style Cheesecake. After the cruise, guests will make their way to the Mead Center, situated across the street from the docks at 1101 Sixth St. SW, to enjoy the performance of Oklahoma! Not your mother’s Oklahoma!, this performance is inspired by the toughness of the prairie. Artistic Director Molly Smith sets her production in the robust world of territory life filled with a dynamic cast as rich and complex as the great tapestry of America itself. Set to Rodgers and Hammerstein’s timeless music, Oklahoma! celebrates the vigor of America’s pioneering spirit with athletic dance and boot-stomping energy. Filled with classic tunes such as “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’” and “People Will Say We’re in Love,” this musical production will thrill audiences of all ages. Boarding time

capitalcommunitynews.com ◆ 11

for the Odyssey dinner cruise is 5:00 PM; sailing, 5:30-7:30 PM. The performance of Oklahoma! at 8:00 PM. Tickets are $139.67 per person. All packages must be booked through Arena Stage at 202-488-4380 or at arenastage.org.

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Four stage areas of live music and cultural performances: 12-4pm Over 20 homes and businesses featuring sculpture and other art installations Scavenger hunt with PRIZES.

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Kick off Saturday August 6 12pm-6pm 1st & Rhode Island NW and surrounding areas northcapitolartwalk.wordpress.com Enjoy beautiful outdoor art hosted by local yards throughout the North Captiol neighborhoods during the entire Month of August!

Marine Barracks Evening Parade. Friday evenings in summer, through Aug. 26. Guests admitted starting at 7:00 PM. Guests should be seated by 8:00 PM. Program begins at 8:45 PM. The Evening Parade has become a universal symbol of the professionalism, discipline and Esprit de Corps of the United States Marines. The story of the ceremony reflects the story of Marines around the world. The ceremony begins with a concert by the United States Marine Band. Free. It is wise to have reservations that can be made online at mbw.usmc.mil. Marine Barracks (front gate), Eighth and I sts. SE. 202-433-4073. mbw.usmc.mil Capitoline Venus on View at NGA. Daily through Sept. 5, the famed Capitoline Venus, one of the best-preserved sculptures to survive from Roman antiquity, will be on view at the National Gallery of Art West Building Rotunda. The Capitoline Venus, which measures approximately six feet six inches in height, derives from the celebrated Aphrodite of Cnidos created by the renowned classical Greek sculptor Praxiteles around 360 BC. It has only left Rome on one other occasion—when Napoleon seized it in 1797 (it was returned in 1816). The Capitoline Venus is a significant descendent of the first, revolutionary statue of this type, the renowned Aphrodite of Cnidos by Praxiteles. With the Cnidian Venus, Praxiteles introduced a new subject to the history of art: the large-scale, freestanding, fully nude female. 202-7374215. nga.gov Corcoran Photo Contest. This summer, join the Corcoran Gallery of Art and College of Art + Design in celebrating color throughout Washington, DC by participating in the Summer in Color Photo Contest. Taking inspiration from the colorful palettes of artists represented in the Gallery’s special summer exhibitions Chris Martin: Painting Big and Washington Color and Light, the Corcoran invites Washingtonians to photograph their favorite colorful corners across Washington, DC, sharing them through the Corcoran’s social media outlets. Between July 1-Sept.2, photos will be submitted to the Corcoran’s Twitter and Facebook accounts. At the end of the contest, all photos will be compiled in the Corcoran’s Flickr account for viewing. Photo submissions will be required to include the Corcoran’s Twitter handle (@CorcoranDC) or be uploaded to the “Corcoran Presents Summer in Color Photo Contest!” event on the Corcoran’s Facebook page. For Twitter entries, please also include the hashtag #summerincolor. Winners will be awarded prizes related to the Corcoran’s summer exhibitions Chris Martin: Painting Big and Washington Color and Light. Weekly prizes, including a Gene Davis mug and a copy of Color: A Natural History, will be left at the Corcoran’s admission desk on Saturday mornings for pick-up. The grand prize, awarded to the most colorful corner at the end of the

contest, will include two tickets to NOW at Night on Friday, October 21, the Corcoran’s fall fundraiser hosted by the Corcoran Contemporaries. corcoran.org

OUTDOOR MUSIC Navy Band “Concerts on the Avenue.” Tuesdays, 8:00 PM. US Navy Memorial. The United States Navy Band and its specialty groups will perform. Free. Seventh and Penn. Ave. NW. 202-737-2300. navymemorial.org Adams Morgan Summer Concert. Saturday, July 9, 5:00-7:00 PM. Concert in the public plaza in front of BB&T Bank at the northeast corner of Columbia Rd/Adams Mill Rd/18th St. NW in Adams Morgan. Free and family-friendly. 202-997-0783. adamsmorganonline.org Yards Park Friday Evening Concert Series. Through Aug. 19, 6:00-8:00 PM. Spend your Friday evenings on the river, relaxing on the terraced lawn steps with family and friends and listening to live music from the Yards Park’s boardwalk stage. Friday evening concerts will feature a wide range of live musical performances including jazz, salsa, reggae, and more. Food options will be provided by Devine Foods and Smokin Somethin BBQ, and a beer/sangria garden will be run by Mie N Yu. N and Third sts., SE. capitolriverfront.org FrontStage Lunchtime Concert Series at Yards Park. Wednesdays through Aug. 17, 11:30 AM-1:30 PM. The popular Wednesday lunchtime concerts, now in their fourth year, are moving from behind USDOT to the new Yards Park on the river this season. The 35,000+ employees in the neighborhood can enjoy their lunch break picnicking on the terraced lawn steps or sampling food from food trucks while listening to a variety of bands performing on the boardwalk stage. FrontStage Lunchtime Concerts will feature a wide range of live musical performances each week including R&B, reggae, MoTown and more. 10 Water St. SE or 1 block south of N St. SE (between Third and Fourth sts.) Rhythm in NOMA Lunchtime Concerts. Thursdays at NY Avenue Metro Plaza through Aug. 11 and Fridays at Union Center Plaza through July 8. 11:30 AM-1:30 PM. This is a free concert series featuring a variety of local musicians and styles. nomabid.org Jazz in the Sculpture Garden. Fridays through Sept. 9 (rain or shine), 5:00-8:00 PM. National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. Live jazz performed by an eclectic mix of top artists from the Washington area entertains visitors outdoors in front of the fountain or in the Pavilion Cafe (if it’s raining). The Pavilion Cafe features a seasonal tapas-style menu and bar service during the concerts. Everyone can enjoy these concerts. You do not have to order food or drinks. Free. 202- 289-3360. nga.gov Fort Dupont Summer Concerts. Saturdays, July 9-Aug. 13 (rain or shine, except in the event of lightening), 8:00-10:00 PM. Feel

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free to bring a picnic, a blanket, folding chairs. Dogs must be leashed. Fort Dupont Park is on 376 rolling wooded acres that make it one of Washington’s largest parks. This summer the venue will be closed to the public at 3:00 PM to allow US Park Police to do a security sweep prior to the concerts. Entry to the concert venue will open at 5:00 PM. and will be through three entrance areas that will serve as security checkpoints where all bags and coolers will be inspected. July 9, The Boys and Girls Clubs (T.A.P.) featuring special guest artist Chelsey Green and a “ Soul Review.” July 16, Regina Belle. July 23, The Manhattans featuring Gerald Alston and Blue Lovett. July 30, Zapp. Aug. 6, The Barkays. Aug. 13, Mandril. Free. Minnesota Ave. and Randle Circle, SE. 202-426-7723. nps. gov/fodu Fort Reno Summer Concerts. Mondays and Thursdays, through Aug. 4 (not July 4), 7:159:30 PM. Fort Reno Park (Chesapeake St. between Wisconsin and Nebraska aves. NW, across from Wilson High School). Free. No glass, no alcohol and no drugs allowed in the park. fortreno.com Summer Rhythms and Food Truck Roundup at The Wharf. Fridays, 6:00-8:00 PM. Thursday, Friday and Saturday activities at The Wharf also include Bean Baggo, table tennis and Bocce. The Wharf is a free neighborhood WiFi hotspot. Seventh and Water sts. SW (7th Street Landing). swdcwaterfront.com Military Band Concerts at the US Capitol. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays in summer (weather permitting). 8:00 PM. Mondays, US Navy Band; Tuesdays, US Air Force Band; Wednesdays, US Marine Band; Fridays, US Army Band. Free. West Terrace US Capitol Building. Navy Band “Concerts on the Avenue.” Tuesdays beginning June 7, 8:00 PM. US Navy Memorial. The United States Navy Band and its specialty groups will perform. Free. Seventh and Penn. Ave. NW. 202-737-2300. navymemorial.org US Marine Band Concerts at the Sylvan Theater. Thursdays in summer (weather permitting), 8:00 PM. You are welcome to bring folding chairs, blankets and refreshments to the concert. Free. 15th St. and Independence Ave. SW (on Washington Monument grounds). 202-433-5717. mbw.usmc.mil Air Force Band Concerts. Wednesdays and Fridays in June, July and Aug. 8:00 PM. Air Force Memorial at One Air Force Memorial Drive inArlington, Virginia. (14th St. Bridge into Virginia, merge onto Washington Blvd. and then Columbia Pike in the direction of the Navy Annex. Then follow signs.) Expect a pleasing mix of contemporary and patriotic tunes and spectacular views of the nighttime Washington, DC skyline. Free. airforcememorial.org

OUTDOOR MOVIES Screen on the Green. Mondays, July 25-Aug. 15. July 25, In the Heat of the Night; Aug. 1, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest; Aug. 8, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes; Aug. 15, Cool Hand Luke. National Mall between Eighth and

14th sts. Screen on the Green Hotline, 1-877262-5866 NoMa Summer Screen. Wednesdays, July 13, Darjeeling Limited; July 20, Some Like It Hot; July 27, Taking of Pelham 123. Food and music at 7:00 PM. Screening at 9:00 PM. Each film preceded by live DJs, barbecue, special guests and more. Free. L St. between 2nd and 3rd Sts. NE. nomasummerscreen.com Capitol Riverfront Movies. Thursdays, 8:45 PM. July 14, Breakfast at Tiffany’s. July 21, The Bourne Ultimatum. July 28, West Side Story. Free. Tingey Plaza, Second and M Sts. SE. 202465-7093. capitolriverfront.org U Street Movie Series. July 26 (rain date, July 28). Showtime at sundown. Gates will open at 7:00 PM. Movie shown at the Harrison Recreation Center field, V St. between 13th and 14th sts. NW. Short: Howard Theatre: A Century in Song. Feature: TBD. Free admission. Attendees are encouraged to come early to picnic in the park and listen to music spun by local DJs. Free popcorn will be provided to the first 100 attendees. This year’s movie series lineup includes films that feature and celebrate Washington DC, including both classic and familyfriendly Hollywood films set in Washington, DC, documentaries addressing environmental and education issues that resonate here, and films about local U St. entertainment institutions such as the Howard Theater and the 9:30 Club. In collaboration with the AFI Silverdocs Festival, prior to the feature film will be a screening of a short documentary featured at a previous AFI Silverdocs Festival. movies.ustreet-dc.org

SPORTS AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Washington Nationals Baseball Home Games. July 9, 10, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31. 7:05 PM (weekend games at 1:35 PM). $5 and up. South Capitol and N sts. SE. washington. nationals.mlb.com National’s Ballpark Tours. Tuesday-Saturday (non-game days), 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM. On day of night-time home games, tours at 10:30 AM. Take the Nationals Park Ballpark Tour for a behind-the-scenes look at Nationals Park. Over the course of an hour and fifteen minutes you will visit the PNC Diamond Club, the Lexus Presidents Club, the Stars & Stripes Club, luxury suites, the Shirley Povich Media Center, Nationals dugout and Nationals clubhouse. Throw a pitch in the Nationals bullpen. $12$15. All proceeds from Nationals Park Tours will be donated to the Nationals Dream Foundation. washington.nationals.mlb.com Washington, DC Caribbean Sounds Race Weekend. July 9-10, 7:45 AM. Rock Creek Park. $38. caribbeansoundsrace.com Metro Dash. Saturday, July 9, 7:00 AM. Metro Dash is an action-packed event designed by Navy SEALs to unleash the best in you. Competitors will climb, crawl, jump, swing, and scale their way through 30 challenging obstacles in premiere metropolitan locations across the country. Revel in victory at the Metro Dash post-event party with beer, food, and music. $55. Capitol Riverfront. metrodash.com

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Dr. SW; Randall Pool, S. Capitol and I sts. SW. All DC public pools are free for DC residents. Have ID. dpr.dc.gov Nearby indoor public swimming pools. Turkey Thicket, 1100 Michigan Ave. NE. Open Monday through Friday, 6:30 AM-8:00 PM; Saturday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM; closed, Sunday. 202-576-9236. Rumsey Pool, 635 No.Carolina Ave. SE. Open Monday through Friday, 6:30 AM-9:00 AM and noon-9:00 PM; Saturday, 1:00-5:00 PM; Sunday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM. 202-724-4495. The pools are free for DC residents. Have ID with you. dpr.dc.gov

MARKETS

Washington Nationals Pups in the Park Saturday, July 9, 7:05 PM. Nat’s vs. Rockies. Bring your well-behaved dog (on a leash) to the ball park. Tickets for you and your dog are $25 which includes a $5 donation to Humane Society. washington.nationals. mlb.com/pups. Photo: Courtesy of the Washington Nationals

Bastille Day 4 Miler. Thursday, July 14, 7:00 PM. Fletcher’s Boathouse, 4940 Canal RoadCapital Crescent Trail. 703-241-0395 Washington Mystics Basketball Home Games. July 20, 11:30 AM. July 26 and 29, 7:00 PM. $10-$80. Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW. wnba.com DC United Soccer Home Matches. July 20 and 23, 7:30 PM. $23-$52. $15 college night tickets available on July 20. RFK Stadium. 202-587-5000. dcunited.com Sunday Road Ride. Every Sunday, meet at 8:30 AM, depart by 8:45 AM. The Bike Rack. A 40-mile, moderately paced ride that emphasizes group riding techniques, newcomers to the group riding are welcome as riders regroup throughout, so that nobody is left behind. Helmets mandatory. Free. 1412 Q St. NW. 202387-BIKE. bikerackdc.com. Saturday Road Ride. Every Saturday, meet at 10 AM, depart by 10:15 AM. The Bike Rack. The Saturday ride is more of an introductory ride and caters to road riders who are new to the sport, hybrid riders intimidated by the faster pace of the Sunday ride, and anyone who just wants a shorter (approx. 20 to 30 miles) and slower (12 to 14 mph) pace. Helmets mandatory. Free. 1412 Q St. NW. 202387-BIKE. bikerackdc.com. Shaw Skate Park. A new 11,000 sq. foot skate park has opened in the Shaw neighborhood. 11th and Rhode Island Ave. NW. Legg Mason Tennis Classic. July 30-Aug. 7. William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center in Rock Creek Park. Single session tickets, $10-$75. 202-721-9500. leggmasontennisclassic.com The Dash 10K & Kid’s Run. Sunday, July 31, 8:00 AM. Capital Sprints kicks off the second race in The Dash series. Racers will take on

16 ◆ Midcity DC | July 2011

the challenging, timed 10K. The Dash 10K and Kid’s Fun Run benefits Back On My Feet & Friendship Children’s Center. $30. $15 for kids. 202-271-1633. capitalsprints.com East Potomac Driving Range. Open daily except Christmas, 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM. Tuesdays open 10:00 AM to 9:30 PM. The East Potomac Driving Range features 50 covered and 50 uncovered stalls for year-round golf practice. $6 for 51 balls. East Potomac Golf Course, 972 Ohio Dr. SW. 202-554-7660. golfdc.com Kung Fu and Tai Chi at the Historical Society of Washington, DC. Every Saturday (rain or shine). Kung Fu, noon; Tai Chi, 1:00 PM. Suitable for all ages. Kung Fu is a broad term that is used to describe all martial arts of Chinese origin. The ancient art of Tai Chi is a style of Kung Fu that emphasizes internal energy. Free. No RSVP required. Historical Society of Washington, DC, 801 K St. NW (Mount Vernon Square). 202-383-1850. historydc.org Pick-up Field Hockey on the Mall. Every Monday at 6:00 PM. Meets at the fields in front of the Smithsonian Metro stop for males and females who have a passion for field hockey. No experience necessary. Bring water, shinguards, mouthguard, cleats, a field hockey stick, and either a reversible jersey or a light and dark shirt - no grays please. Free. Nearby public tennis courts. Banneker Community Center (eight outdoor tennis courts), 2500 Georgia Ave. NW. 202-673-6861. Kennedy Recreation Center (one outdoor tennis court), 1401 Seventh St. NW. 202-671-4794. All courts are open daily, dawn to dusk. Some are lighted for extended evening play. Courts are available on a first-come, first-served basis for one-hour intervals; extended use of tennis courts requires a permit. Proper shoes and attire is required. 202-671-0314. dpr. dc.gov/dpr Nearby outdoor public pools. Francis Pool, 2435 N St. NW; East Potomac Pool, 972 Ohio

Liberty North Community Market. Open Saturdays and Sundays, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM. The market will have 80-100 vendors selling art, crafts, food, and produce. Fifth and Eye sts. NW. libertynorthcommunitymarket.com 14th and U Farmers’ Market. Saturdays, 9:00 AM-1:00 PM. At the corner of 14th and U sts NW. Bloomingdale Farmers’ Market. Sundays, through November, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM. This is a seasonal open air producer-only market. First and R sts. NW. Marctus Art Market. Sunday, July, 10, 11:00 AM-6:00 PM. Live musical performances. 6 bands from Jazz, Rock and Japanese Pop. Fashion tents. Food vendors. Arts and Crafts. At Yards Park, 10 Water St. SE. (one block south of N and Third sts. SE ). 301-567-8210. artwhino.com 9th and U Flea Market. Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. Ninth and U sts. NW. Penn Quarter FRESHFARM Market. Open Thursdays, 3:00-7:00 PM. North end of Eighth St, between D and E sts. NW. freshfarmmarket.org. Friends in the Market “Funky Flea Market” with a DJ. Saturdays and Sundays, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM. New and used clothing, tools, furniture, jewelry, plants, soaps, art, CD’s, videos and electronics. 6th St. NE (north of Florida Ave. beside DC Farmers Market). 202399-6040. Dupont Circle Farmers’ Market. Sundays year round (rain or shine), 9:00 AM-1:00 PM. The Wall Street Journal and The Financial Times of London named the market one of the top farmers’ markets in the country. During the peak season, there are more than 30 farmers offering fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, cheeses, fruit pies, breads, fresh pasta, cut flowers, potted plants, soaps and herbal products. 20th St. and Mass. Ave. NW, 1500 block of 20th St. NW (between Mass. Ave. and Q St. in the adjacent parking lot of PNC Bank). 202-362-8889. freshfarmmarket.org

CIVIC LIFE Public Meeting on South Capitol Street Tragedy Legislation. Friday, July 15, 10:00 AM, Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, room 103. Meeting on youth behavioral health and truancy legislation, the “South

Capitol Street Tragedy Memorial Act of 2011.” Members of the community and stakeholders are invited to attend the meeting to further refine the legislation. Meeting will focus on Title V and VI: Family Resources and Behavioral Health Infrastructure. For further information on the legislation and public meetings, contact the Committee on Health staff at 202-724-8170 or visit SouthCapitolAct.com. Tenant Town Hall. Saturday, July 16, 2:305:00 PM. Join tenants from across the city to talk with elected officials and government agencies about our housing needs and priorities; get involved in campaigns for affordable housing; and strategize to build a stronger tenant movement in DC. First Trinity Church, 309 E St. NW. For more information, call 202540-7419 or email tenantsrights@ledcmetro. org. ledcmetro.org Small Business Brief Advice Legal Clinic. Saturday, July 30, 9:30 AM-noon, DC Women’s Business Center, 727 15th St. NW (10th floor). The DC Women’s Business Center and the DC Bar Pro Bono Program are working together to offer this free legal clinic. This clinic is for aspiring or existing small business owners. Attendees will meet one-on-one with attorneys for brief advice on any legal issues their businesses may be facing. 202-737-4700 ext. 3369. dcbar.org/ced Congresswoman Norton’s NW District Office. Open weekdays, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM. 529 14th St. NW. 202-783-5065. norton.house.gov Eckington Neighborhod Dog Park Organizing Committee. Persons interested in joining a committee to begin the process of establishing a dog park near the Harry Thomas Sr. Rec Center, contact Sylvia Pinkney at 5C02@ ANC.dc.gov. All-Ways Mount Pleasant. First Saturday, noon-2:00 PM. LaCasa. All-Ways is a citizen’s association primarily for the tenants of the larger apartment buildings of Mount Pleasant. 3166 Mt. Pleasant St. NW. aa-ss.org Chinatown Revitalization Council. Fourth Monday, 7:00-8:00 PM. 510 I St. NW. Chinatown Revitalization Council (CRC) promoting the Chinatown renewal and the preservation of its cultural heritage. This meeting is slated to be the first perpetual monthly meeting except summer/winter recess with participation of representatives from the city government, civic organizations, developers, CRC members. The public is welcome. Convention Center Community Association. Last Tuesday, 7:00-8:30 PM. Kennedy Rec Center, 1401 Seventh St. NW. www.ccca-online. Downtown Neighborhood Association Monthly Meeting. Second Tuesday, 7:00-9:00 PM. US Naval Memorial Center, 701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. miles@dcdna.org. dcdna.org East Central Civic Association (ECCA) of Shaw Meeting. First Monday, 7:00 PM. Third Baptist Church, 1546 Fifth St. NW. Contact: Al Hajj Mahdi Leroy J Thorpe Jr, 202-387-1596. Eckington Civic Association. First Monday, 7:00-8:30 PM. Harry Thomas Recreation Center, 1743 Lincoln Rd. NE. www.eckingtondc.org

Edgewood Civic Association Meeting. Last Monday, 7:00-9:00 PM. Edgewood senior building, 635 Edgewood St. NE, nineth floor7-9pm. They encourage all Eckington and Edgewood residents to come out and take part in the lively civic life of our communities. www.theedgewoodcivicassociationdc.org Logan Circle Citizens Association. Please contact Jennifer Trock at jennifer.trock@ logancircle.org for meeting dates and times. logancircle.org Mount Vernon Square Neighborhood Association Meeting. Third Tuesday, 7:309:30 PM. Yale Steam Laundry, 437 New York Ave. NW. lifein.mvsna.org U Street Neighborhood Association Meeting. Second Thursday, 7:00-8:30 PM. Source (second floor classroom), 1835 14th St. NW Rainbow Response Monthly Meeting. Second Wednesday, 7:00 PM. Rainbow Response is a grassroots coalition that brings together organizations and leaders from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ) communities, along with traditional domestic violence service providers and government agencies. They collaborate to increase the awareness about Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) amid the relationships of LGBTQ individuals, educating within the LGBTQ communities and beyond. DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 5 Thomas Circle, NW. 202-299-1181 x105. rainbowresponse.org ANC 1A Meeting. Second Wednesday, 7:00 PM. Harriet Tubman Elementary School, 3101 13th St. NW. 202-588-7278. anc1a.org ANC 1B Meeting. First Thursday, 7:00 PM. Reeves Center, 2000 14th St. NW (second floor). 202-870-4202. anc1b.org ANC 1B11 Meeting. Second Monday, 7:00 PM. LeDroit Senior Building (basement community room), 2125 Fourth St. NW. 202-481-3462. www.anc1b.org ANC 1C Meeting. First Wednesday, 7:00 PM. Mary’s Center for Maternal and Child Health, 2355 Ontario Rd. NW. 202-3322630. anc1c.org ANC 1D Meeting. Third Tuesday, 7:00 PM. 3166 Mount Pleasant St. NW. 202-4628692. anc1d.org ANC 2C Meeting. First Wednesday, 6:308:30 PM. Watha T. Daniel Library, 1630 Seventh St. NW (new location). 202-6821633. anc2C.org

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OUT OF TOWN 18th Century Market Fair at Claude Moore Colonial Farm. July 16-17, 11:00 AM-4:30 PM. Event features food, live entertainment, stalls selling various goods, activities for children, puppet show, Gypsy fortune teller, show of rare curiosities, music and dancing. $2.50-$5. Claude Moore Colonial Farm, 6310 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA. 1771.org ◆

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out and about I

+ Dining

By Celeste McCall

hings keep happening around 901 is open Sunday through throughout the years,” said propriMount Vernon Square. Thursday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; etor Andrene Finn. “I could not have Among recent food-ori- Saturdays and Sundays 11 a.m. ‘til done it without them.” While her ented arrivals is 901 Restaurant and midnight. The bar stays open week- eatery does not offer sit-down service Bar, 901 Ninth St. NW. You’ll find ends until 2 a.m. Take Metro (Gal- or alcohol, the place is always packed it on the street level adjacent to the lery Place/Chinatown stop on the with neighbors and friends, and is Renaissance Washington Hotel. The Red/Yellow/Green Lines). Use the especially busy on Saturdays. The creation of David von Storch, owner Ninth and G street exit). For more downhome fare–including hearty and president of Urban Adventures information on 901, call 202-524- breakfasts–includes curried or stewed Companies, Inc, the newbie show- 4433 or visit www.901dc.com. chicken; jerk chicken wings and pork; cases American-style cuisine, cocktails and keg draft beers crafted by Mike McCarthy, director of brewing operations for Capitol City Brewing Company, another Urban Adventures company. The beers are brewed at Capitol City’s facility in Shirlington, reportedly the mid-Atlantic’s largest brewery. Headed by executive chef/CIA grad Thomas Hall (formerly with the recently shuttered Ten Penh), the 901 kitchen turns out an eclectic lineup of ahi tuna tartar, wagyu beef meatballs, Thai lettuce wrap, roasted duck quesadilla and bison sliders. Designed by Stoneking-von Storch Architects of Charlottesville and Hallock Design Group of Miami, the “industrial chic” 7,500 square foot space combines Enjoying the coming of spring at Logan’s Tavern. Photo by Celeste McCall rich textures and rugged materials. Flooring is distressed wood, Happy Birthday oxtails; fish (try the shrimp); meat complementing grey “alligator skin” Andrene patties, mac-and-cheese, savory cabwallpaper. Dominating the lounge Clowns, balloons, music, Carib- bage and desserts including cheeseis a seven-foot-wide fireplace. Jew- bean vittles and general merriment cake and carrot cake. To drink: cofeled glass globes dangle from the will mark the fifth anniversary of fee, tea, and assorted sodas, including ceiling. The bar is encrusted with Andrene’s, Petworth’s popular Ca- Ting, the ultra sweet Jamaica soda. mosaics; bright red acrylic alliga- ribbean and soul food carryout. The Located at 308 Kennedy St. NW tor-skin chairs encircle the white day-long bash will take place July 9. (off of Georgia Avenue), Andrene’s is marble chef ’s table. “The community has supported me open from 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; closed 18 u Midcity DC | July 2011

Sunday. Andrene’s also does catering. Call 202-291-7007.

Logan Lowdown

Logan Tavern, the popular restaurant/pub just off the Circle, has unveiled a new menu: While chef de cuisine Michael Gassett retains favorites like Buffalo shrimp, ginger calamari, wasabi-crusted meatloaf and the fantastic Bloody Mary brunch, he has added cured meats, artisan cheese, homemade duck confit and pate; seared scallops with cous cous; bistro steak au poivre; grilled shrimp pappardelle; apple tart with vanilla-caramel sauce. Produce will soon come from recently acquired EatWell Natural Farm in La Plata, Maryland. Open daily, Logan Tavern is at 1423 P St. NW; call 202-332-2710.

Also New

1905 restaurant, 1905 Ninth St. NW, has also rolled out a summer menu. While old standbys remain, Chef Matthew has added appetizers and entrees like roasted beets with goat cheese, tuna tartare, crab cakes, divers scallops, Colorado lamb and–get this–a Berkshire pig roast. And every week at the bar, Matthew offers “Thursday Night Nines,” an assortment of $9 small plates. The dishes, not on the regular menu, change weekly. Meanwhile, Thursday night jazz is taking a summer vacation, and will resume in September. 1905 is open daily; call 202-3321905 or www.1905dc.com.

ebrated his prestigious Silver Plate Award. Beler was among only nine food professionals receiving the honor. The presentation had taken place May 23 at the 2011 National Restaurant Association’s Restaurant Hotel/Motel Show in Chicago. Selected by editors from the restaurant trade press, The Silver Plate honors restaurant executives for achievements and innovation; Beler’s category was Independent Restaurants. To celebrate Beler’s Silver Plate–proudly on display--Prime Rib bartender Jim Ross rolled out an assortment of silver-themed cocktails: the Silver Margarita, made with Patron Silver; Silver Bullet (a Beler original, made with RusPrime Rib owner Buzz Beler with his Silver Plate Award which honors restaurant sian vodka and shaken, not executives for achievements and innovation. stirred). Wines came from Silver Oak Cellars in Napa Valley. Ethiopian Freebies The special dessert was a Silver Gilded Here’s something fun and easy on the wal- Stuffed Apple filled with a yummy apple-cinlet: Two Ethiopian restaurants Axum’s Level namon-brown sugar mixture and served with a X Lounge and Fasil Ethiopian Restaurant- choice of vanilla or dark chocolate (70 percent -are offering complimentary food samplings cocoa) ice cream. The silvery cocktails and desevery Friday night–“FREEthiopian Fridays.” sert will be available through Labor Day. The idea, according to Gebremeskel Kahassai “Winning the Silver Plate was a wonderful of Axum, and Fasil’s Sisay Tasaw, is to entice experience,” Beler said. “I met all the former more people to try their zesty cuisine–high- winners, and the wined and dined us all over lighted by doro wat (spicy stew), goden tibs Chicago!” Buzz especially praised his bartend(lamb short ribs) and injera (fermented bread). er, who had concocted our drinks. Available from 7:30 to 9 p.m., the buffets are Peter and I have always liked the Prime FREE with a drink purchase. Rib, which has held court at 2020 K St. NW, Axum is located at 1934 Ninth St. NW; since 1976. Not only is the prime rib delicious the buffet–with live music–is upstairs. and the live music soothing, the Rib is one of Fasil is at 1608 Seventh St. NW. For menus the few places outside New York City which and more information visit axumethiopianres- requires gentlemen to don jackets at dinner. taurant.com and fasilethiopianrestaurant.com. We find that refreshing in our tee-shirt-cutoffs era. Created by brothers Buzz and Nick Beler to evoke elegant, 1940s Manhattan supPrime Powerhouse The Prime Rib restaurant was a glittering per clubs, the original Prime Rib debuted in sea of silver and sizzling steaks last month, as Baltimore in 1965; another spinoff opened in Prime Rib owner/founder Buzz Beler cel- Philadelphia in 1997. u capitalcommunitynews.com u 19

out and about

+ Shopping

RETAIL THERAPY RETAI RETAI RETAI LRETAIL LTHER RETAIL L THER RETAIL THER RETAIL AP TH RETAIL AP TH YAP ERA YERA TYHERA TPY HERA TPY HERA PYPY PY by Scott Fazzini

Redeem I can wax complimentary for pages about Redeem and its owner, Lori Parkerson. The shop, and Lori, are so unassumingly badass yet simultaneously chic-rare and refreshing qualities among the hep-set in the District. Lori is an absolute master of scouting, and supports smaller, independent, and local brands and creatives which she attentively showcases in her beautiful store. Summer in the city demands a great bicycle and remarkable sunglasses, among other things. Fresh in from France is a collection of wooden-framed sun specs by Waiting for the Sun ($185. each). The glasses are thoroughly modern, with touch of old school style. As for your bike needs... Bowery Lane Bicycles (starting at $595.) are hand-made in NYC --complete with wooden crate to carry all of your baguettes and booze. Perhaps you’re in the market for a fresh summer scents for your home and body? Well, Sydney Hale Co. candles ($22) are made in Arlington, VA and smell divine. It was almost impossible, but I ﬁnally settled on the Sea Salt & Bay Rum scent --my apartment has never smelled better! Aside from the pleasant aroma and great-looking packaging, Sydney Hale Co. donates a portion of their sales to a local animal rescue. Redeem also stocks personal scents by CB I Hate Perfume ($90).

All photos by Scott Fazzini

Trovh Trovh, the independently-owned home goods store in Baltimore has doubled in size, and multiplied to include a new, and very large, outpost in Takoma Park. If you like Anthropologie, you’ll probably love this shop. Not only are the displays and merchandising terrifically interesting and layered, but the product assortment is thoughtfully curated in such a way as to entangle the unknowing customer in hours of blissful shopping. Although they offer major pieces of furniture like the Abbot tufted chesterfield ($2,895 as shown in the store), dining tables, industrial metal dining chairs ($110 each), large cabinets, and beds, Trovh also offers a great collection of home accessories and lighting as well. I was completely smitten with a mercury glass table lamp ($175) and adorable linen pillow with a printed owl design ($75). This shop is an excellent source for your gifting needs, too. They’ve got candles, stationary, coffee table books, grooming products, and much, much more. I decided to gift myself a tube of hand cream ($12.95) from Royal Apothic’s Society of Scents collection. The candles ($14.95) are equally impossible to pass up --I suggest that you buy in bulk.

20 ◆ Midcity DC | July 2011

Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Created by two men with a great vision for providing accessible, well-made, and stylish furniture to the masses. Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams also support many grass-root and not-for-profit agencies such as the Human Rights Campaign, Juvenile Diabetes Research, and Ovarian Cancer Research Fund among others. The shop in DC was their first to open and is housed in a beautifully renovated former car dealership. I’m a frequent visitor, and proud advocate of MG + BW, not only for the aforementioned reasons, but also because the staff is impressively knowledgeable and exceedingly fun. Their collections run the gamut from modern to traditional, and include upholstery, case goods, and accessories. The Gabriel 98” sofa ($1,995 as shown in store) is a perfect design-neutral sofa that could easily fit in to most any home environment. The Too Sexy Sadie chair ($595 as shown in store) is seriously sexy upholstered in a gold faux-leather --much less garish than it sounds. If your pad is all ready fully outfitted MG + BW is a great avenue for funky, fun accessories. The Alligator triptych ($3,295) is a bit pricey, but well worth the investment. (My birthday is in April.) An exciting new lighting program offers a number of ceramic lamp bases in a multitude of punchy colors. ◆

Current Boutique This place is off-the-charts awesome for all of you fashionable District dames. There are other consignment shops in DC to be sure, but none with as much pep and pizazz as Current Boutique. Their newest location, Logan Circle, is the third to be opened by uberstylish shopowner Carmen. The store combines new lines as well as a huge inventory of consigned clothes, shoes, and accessories. The only downfall, and this is a doozy of a downfall, is that they don’t carry men’s clothing --lets hope this changes in the near future. Ladies of all archetypes will surely find loads to love. Are you a sweet, demure gal? Try on the Arc + Co. blushcolored pleated cocktail dress ($78) paired with the most adorable bow-toed Ferragamo kitten heels ($195). Perhaps you’re a bit more punk than perk; how about a sassy black Alice & Olivia dress ($100) complete with very short hemline and exaggerated zippers. Maybe you’re a young classicist? If so, you will be absolutely smitten by the sleeveless, full-skirted, multicolored cocktail dress from Marc by Marc Jacobs ($178). The moral of the story is that no matter what type of woman, or person, you are you’ll certainly find something to love at Current Boutique. capitalcommunitynews.com ◆ 21

out and about

+ Music

Jazz Avenues by Steve Monroe DC Jazz Fest a Feast It was a warm Saturday June 4, a lazy day perfect for art lovers and jazz lovers filtering in and out of the Philips Collection just off Dupont Circle. And those who wandered among the rooms of distinguished art works and found the Music Room were fortunate to hear the sounds of the Herman Burney Trio. Space was at a premium but if you managed to squeeze in, you heard some polished sounds by bassist Burney and his band mates, drummer Nasar Abadey, pianist Richard Johnson, with special guest Fred Foss out front on saxophone at one point delivering a smooth solo on “It Can Happen to You.” It was the first weekend of the DC Jazz Festival, the seventh in the series brought to us by executive producer Charlie Fishman. The Jazz ‘N Families Fun Days at the Philips Collection are always a highlight of the festival, which this year again spanned many old and familiar venues and some new ones. That Saturday Burney and friends played in a space decorated by the colorful abstract paintings of Augustus Vincent Tack, serving as a perfect complement to the bright colors of the music, which had heads bobbing and feet tapping in the diverse crowd of young and old, a cosmopolitan mix of fans united for these moments by the jazz. Elsewhere during the 13-day festival other listeners enjoyed equally diverse sounds, includ22 ◆ Midcity DC | July 2011

Saxophone legend Buck Hill is to play at Westminster Presbyterian Church July 29.

ing, spearing, sometimes honking tenor flowing through you over pounding bass and drums. Check him out when you can. His latest recording, “Victory,” has highlights including “The Thirsty Ear,” “Pilot’s Compass” and “Stairway to the Stars.” See jdallenmusic.com. The day after Allen’s performance was the Sunday Jazz on the National Mall day, with vocalist Claudia Acuna especially a shining light, among many fine performances, including those by Roy Hargrove and his band and the Eddie Palmieri Orchestra. The day, sunny at first, was interrupted by rain clouds and officials had the area evacuated at one point, fearing lighting. But as Fishman said, “Actually more people came back after the rain than were there before, everybody came back and more, it was amazing.” On the festival as a whole, Fishman, giving a lot of credit to festival executive director Sunny Sumter, said, “It was fabulous, definitely, it was the smoothest festival we have ever done … there

ing Bobby McFerrin at the Warner Theater and the New Orleans themed “A Night in Treme” at the Kennedy Center. One special night featured celebrated saxophonist J.D. Allen and his trio at a new venue, Subterranean A, oﬀ 14th Street Northwest. With a trunk load of reviews in recent years like one in the New York Times calling him “a tenor saxophonist with an enigmatic, elegant and hard-driving style,” the artist originally from Detroit is the current young lion in the tradition of Coltrane, Rollins and a few others. That night Allen lived up to his press clippings, with a hard-edged sound that became mystical and hypnotic at Roy Hargrove again wowed fans of the DC Jazz Festival this year times with his searduring the jazz on the mall event.

July Highlights: Rene Marie, July 6, Blues Alley … Benito Gonzalez, July 8, Twins Jazz … Craig Alston Quartet, July 10, Anacostia Art Gallery … Earl Wilson, Lyle Link, July 15, Westminster Church … Sonny Fortune, July 15-16, Bohemian Caverns … Arnold Sterling Quartet, July 24, Anacostia Art Gallery … Terence Blanchard, July 28, Blues Alley … Buck Hill, July 29, Westminster Church …

July Birthdays: Rashied Ali 1; Ahmad Jamal 2; Johnny Hartman 3; Hank Mobley 7; Louis Jordan 8, Billy Eckstine, Lee Morgan 10; Albert Ayler 13; Philly Joe Jones 15; Cal Tjader 16; Chico Freeman 17; Sonny Clark 21; Billy Taylor 24; Johnny Hodges 25; Carl Grubbs 27; Charlie Christian 29; Hank Jones, Kenny Burrell 31.

were hardly any glitches that could not be solved in a matter of moments. We sold out quite a few venues.” Fishman said the festival had more media coverage than ever before and singled out Bing as a signiﬁcant sponsor, helping the festival meet expenses.

Happy Happy for the Monk Institute If you picked up a Downbeat Magazine recently you may have seen the articles celebrating Thelonius Monk – also featured on a television documentary last month – and the Thelonius Monk Institute, which is celebrating its 25th year. Based on upper Wisconsin Avenue in D.C., Downbeat noted, “To celebrate its silver anniversary, the institute will return the spotlight to its original instrument – the piano – for its acclaimed International Jazz Competition on September 11-12 at the Kennedy Center and the Smithsonian’s Baird Auditorium.” The nonprofit institute was founded in 1986 by the Monk family along with the late Maria Fisher, an opera singer and lifelong devotee of music, according to the institute’s website. It’s mission is to “offer the world’s most promising young musicians college level training by America’s jazz masters and to present public school-based jazz education programs for young people around the world. All of these programs are offered free of charge to the students and schools.” See monkinstitute.org for more information. ◆

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capitalcommunitynews.com ◆ 23

out and about Knowledge Commons DC Breaking Down Barriers Between People, and Learning Something in the Process article and photos by Amanda Abrams

he two women stood stock still, then both furiously scribbled something on the papers in front of them. “How do you symbolize the sound of birds?” mused one woman as they continued walking along a block in Woodley Park. Ahead, a cluster of fashionably dressed young people was gathered around a garden, smelling individual flowers and taking notes. Field study? Nope. They were all students in Resourceful Mapping, a one-time class offered by cartographers Sam Pepple and Willie Shubert as part of Knowledge Commons DC. Think of it as yet another sign that DC has finally become cool. The concept of a free school—that is, a place where folks with specialized knowledge share it with others for free, or maybe for bartered goods—has gained traction in New York over the past few years. This year, it made its way down to Washington, in the form of Knowledge Commons DC, a fully doit-yourself enterprise offering more than 20 classes throughout June that occurred all over the city. Topics ranged from Chinese labor camps and tour guiding to moving meditation and creating documentary soundscapes. The initiative has seven leaders, but the idea first started with artist Kate Clark, a Washington State resident who moved to the city a couple of years ago. She had friends organizing free education activities in other cities and had participated in New York’s Trade School, and thought DC—with its super well-educated

Knowledge Commons DC organizer Kate Clark before a class 24 ◆ Midcity DC | July 2011

On a grassy slope in Woodley Park, Resourceful Mapping instructor Sam Pepple brings the class back together

population and variety of intriguing public spaces—would be an ideal place for a similar enterprise. “The project began with a conversation about riding Metro. So often, you’re sitting next to really incredible people, but you don’t know it; people are mostly in their own bubbles,” explained Clark, 24. “So we were trying to create spaces where people could share interests and passions and specializations for other people interested but not part of that ﬁeld.” Plus, she said, Washington’s a transient city where making friends and developing a sense of community can be tough. A free project focused on teaching and learning might bring people together based simply on shared curiosity.

Clark roped in the other organizers, who range in ages and backgrounds, pretty early on. One of them was Don Russell, who runs Provisions Library, a space for art and activism in Dupont Circle. “I’ve been here since the early ‘80s, and one of the perennial problems is that there’s all these interesting people here but you can’t meet them,” Russell said. “Washington’s a pretty formal place; people get in their silos. So we wanted to have something more informal and rigorous where people want to share.” Those conversations ﬁrst happened a year ago: that’s how long the project took to organize. The group used models that had worked in other cities, but there still was a lot to decide, like who would teach what, and

where, and how they’d get the word out. During part of that time, Clark was in Japan on an artist residency, getting up at 5am to talk to the group on Skype. “It’s a great relief to be here in person working on this,” she admitted. Knowledge Commons DC formally kicked off on June 2 at Big Bear Café, with short courses that evening on making gazpacho and mixed drinks. Then it took off, with classes occurring throughout June. Russell taught a class on Bosnia’s history, Clark led one on foraging for wild food, and the two attended many others. “Everybody I’ve talked to about it is super excited about it,” said Russell. “It’s an idea that seems to have a lot of currency—maybe people wanted it but couldn’t articulate it. It reminds me a bit of the ‘60s, actually.” Certainly everyone in the Resourceful Mapping class, which met one Sunday in mid-June in Woodley Park, seemed excited to be there. Roughly 20 people gathered around Pepple and Shubert— both of whom have worked at National Geographic and are currently collaborating on an effort to plot the entirety of Rock Creek Park in an open source map—as the instructors described their hopes for the class. “We’ll be creating maps that reflect your priorities—it’s your history, your cartography,” explained Pepple. “We want to equip you with tools and skills.” After some icebreaking activities, the two instructors divided the participants into three groups and sent them on their way to map the neighborhood according to smell, sound, or texture.

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Gautam Mani was in the sound group. He’s an intern at the nonprofit Bread for the City and is trying to get an urban foraging project— in which fruit trees around the city are entered into an online map—off the ground. He figured this class might help with that. A surprising number of others were also in the class because of specific interests or hobbies. Raha Bohnam, a student at the University of Maryland, is working on a research project examining how urban and suburban spaces affect their inhabitants, and has been spending time investigating Reston’s environment. She was hoping to pick up some skills in the Knowledge Commons DC class, she said. “I thought it’d be great to map that environment.” And Johanna Bockman, a sociology professor at George Mason, lives in Ward 6 and maintains a blog about her community, titled “Sociology in My Neighborhood.” She’d heard about the class in the Provisions newsletter and figured it might be a chance to develop some new skills. After forty minutes of wandering around Connecticut Avenue and its environs, the students gathered on a grassy slope to share what they’d done, eagerly showing off the sounds and smells and textures they’d encountered and how they depicted them. And after several minutes of show and tell, Pepple and Shubert were ready to send them off on a new assignment. Knowledge Commons DC will occur again in the fall, mostly likely in October. The schedule is currently being programmed. If you have questions, or a class to offer, visit http://knowledgecommonsdc. org. ◆ 26 ◆ Midcity DC | July 2011

the nose

Ain’t Nobody’s Business If Do by Anonymous

he other day, The Nose opened his meager paycheck. Sighing, he wondered how he would be able to treat his fellow scribblers to drinks at the coming Hacks & Flaks. This happy hour, infamous throughout The District, is the time when members of The Nose’s declining fraternity (The Hacks) imbibe in the company of The District’s Public Information Officers (The Flaks). Would The Nose be forced to raid the coin jar next to his front door to eke out a few bucks? Pity The Nose, Dear Readers! In the absence of a medicinal bourbon, faced with a droning Flak intent on extolling some arcane mayoral initiative, The Nose might well contemplate a long walk off a short pier. Elbow deep in reading DC vs. Thomas, The Nose raised his head, awestruck. In the words of this very lawsuit lay the ideal solution to his dire predicament. Inspired, The Nose founded “Team Hack,” a charity devoted to the welfare of his aging journalistic brethren. No need to register as a 501(c)(3), or apply for District approval. One or two clicks of the Internet. Cut and paste. The Nose had a set of bylaws. After a virtual trip to the Cayman Islands, the new entity was duly incorporated. A few calls to corporate Flaks hailing from developers and public utilities and Team Hack was up and running. After all, who would raise an eyebrow at a few hundred going to such a worthy cause? Now came the time to find real cash. Team Hack applied for a grant from a city trust fund. Ostensibly, the funds were to underwrite journalistic training for the District’s elementary students. The checks rolled in. Of course, Team Hack’s corporate bank account had to have a signatory. The Nose volunteered. A thousand for a trip to Vegas…Several hundred for beers with the boys at Secrets…A few rounds of golf at Langston…A VIP table at Love. The Nose’s expenses mounted. No worries. Team Hack graciously covered the lot. Suddenly, the engine of the Nose’s ancient Saab dropped onto his

driveway. Team Hack to the rescue. The charity purchased him a spanking new Audi. Later, The Nose transferred the vehicle into his name; so much easier for insurance purposes. Team Hack even funded the publication of The Nose’s very own hagiography. To thank the Attorney General for his inspirational report, with apologies to Lady Day, The Nose composed a musical tribute to that tome’s central character… There ain’t nothing I can do, or nothing I can say, Some folks will criticize me So I’m gonna do just what I want to anyway, And don’t care if you all despise me. It ain’t nobody’s business if I do. If I should take a notion To oppose the Attorney General’s motion, It ain’t nobody’s business if I do. If my non-proﬁt buys a car on Sunday And I retitle it on Monday, It ain’t nobody’s business if I do. And if I ain’t got no money And a Developer says, “All right, take all of mine honey,” It ain’t nobody’s business if I do. If I lend myself the government’s nickel And it leaves me in a pickle, It ain’t nobody’s business if I do. For the record, in The Nose’s humble opinion, an Audi is an overrated ride. ◆

capitalcommunitynews.com ◆ 27

your neighborhood

+ The Numbers

What Do District Residents Think about How DC Should Tax and Spend? Results from the Hart Research Associates Poll by Ed Lazere and Elissa Silverman

e hear a lot of opinions on the DC budget from elected officials, journalists, and policy wonks. But what do actual DC residents—you, your friends, your neighbors—think about how our city should raise and spend its money? This spring, DC Fiscal Policy Institute commissioned Hart Research Associates to learn just that. Hart, a nationally respected polling firm whose clients include NBC News and The Wall Street Journal, interviewed 504 likely DC voters in April. Those interviewed reflected the demographics of the District in race and income, and were evenly distributed throughout the city’s eight wards. The poll asked voters about their general attitudes toward revenue and spending but also probed specifically about Mayor Gray’s then just-released budget proposal for next year.

So what did Hart find out? Overall, the results showed that DC residents appreciate the services they receive and want to protect funding for education, public safety, and social services. They also are OK with paying a bit more to maintain those services they value. Yet you wouldn’t know that from the budget choices made by the Mayor and the DC Council this spring. While Mayor Gray proposed an income tax increase to help maintain services, his budget also cut heavily into programs for families with children and residents with disabilities. The Council worked to restore some of these critical servic28 ◆ Midcity DC | July 2011

es, but ﬁnding the dollars was made harder because a majority of members rejected the mayor’s proposed income tax increase. Perhaps DC’s leaders may not be as in touch with voters as they think.

The Results of the Poll DC voters consider maintaining city services a bigger priority than holding taxes down. When it comes down to it, the District’s budget is a reﬂection of our city’s priorities. So what do DC residents prioritize? It turns out DC residents have strong feelings about the services they receive, despite some skepticism over the ability of the District government to deliver them well. When asked directly—“Which do you think should be a higher priority for DC government right now (A) holding down taxes or (B) maintaining public services” --residents favored maintaining public services by 70 to 23 percent. The overwhelming margin was much stronger than in other states where a similar question has been asked of voters, according to Hart. What issues and services do DC residents care most about? Not surprisingly, education ranked No. 1, followed by public safety, jobs and the economy, and social services for low-income residents and those

with disabilities. What ranked last? Taxes, with just 11 percent putting taxes as one of the top two priorities facing the city. Yet residents express concern about their tax dollars being spent eﬀectively. While 44 percent of poll respondents answered they trusted DC government “a great deal” or a “fair amount” to spend their money well, the other 56 percent were more skeptical. DC voters support a balanced approach to solving budget shortfalls that includes both tax increases and spending cuts.

When asked about the best way to approach DC’s budget gap for next year, the largest group of DC voters — 42 percent — said they supported a balanced approach that included both spending cuts and tax increases. Another 37 percent said the shortfall should be closed primarily through spending cuts, and 15 percent said it should be dealt with primarily through tax increases. Mayor Gray’s budget proposal hit that sweet spot in one key way: His budget included a mix of spending cuts (60 percent) and tax increases (40 percent). Yet the Mayor missed it in another key way: When deciding where to cut, two out of every three dollars came from social services. The poll found that most DC residents considered many of Gray’s proposed cuts unacceptable. At least 7 out of 10 opposed cuts to homeless services, temporary assistance to needy families, police, services to residents with disabilities and education. In other words, residents felt it isn’t right—and doesn’t reﬂect their priorities—to ask our most vulnerable residents to bear the majority of sacriﬁce in balancing our budget. The DC Council recognized a frustration with steep social service cuts — and responded. The Council restored $24 million to critical programs

like sheltering the homeless, temporary assistance to needy families and assistance for residents with disabilities. If the District experiences an increase in revenue this summer and fall, as many city leaders anticipate, the budget approved by the Council includes a plan to spend those additional dollars to hire more police, add to library collections, and restore funding to affordable housing and mental health services that took a preponderance of cuts. But it will take quite a bit of unanticipated revenue to get through this list. DC voters strongly support an increase in the city’s top income tax rate. When Mayor Gray proposed a new 8.9 percent income tax bracket for income above $200,000, it seemed like a bold political move. His predecessor had avoided such an increase, and there was signiﬁcant Council opposition. Yet in reality, it turned out to be a no-brainer to DC residents. The poll showed that 85 percent of voters supported the increase, with almost equal support in every ward. How about among those who would be impacted by the tax? They support it even more, with 90 percent of voters with incomes above $100,000 ﬁnding the tax increase acceptable. This support was clear in other ways as well. Phones at City Hall remained pretty quiet in the weeks following the budget release, with almost no one weighing in to complain about the tax increase. Yet despite overwhelming resident support, the DC Council rejected the progressive tax increase and instead chose to eliminate a tax exemption that DC residents receive when they invest in out of state bonds. Before the vote, DC was the only jurisdiction in the country to create an incentive for its residents to invest in other places. The Council actually got more outcry from

residents about this change, but it declined to go back to the more popular rate increase. (DCFPI supported both tax changes.) DC’s budget for next year also includes a tax rate hike on parking garages and a provision to close tax shelters used by multi-state corporations, which received strong support in the poll as well. However, a last-minute Council change gives $35 million in new tax deductions over seven years to the same corporations. Which DC residents said they wanted to do that?

Listening to Voters Politicians shouldn’t govern on polls alone, but their actions should in the main follow what residents say they want. This year’s budget experience shows that DC’s leaders are tuned in to voters on certain matters of policy but totally deaf to other priorities. Mayor Gray raised revenues to avoid a cuts-only budget (in tune) but chose to make poor residents bear most of the cuts (out of tune). The DC Council worked to restore many of these cuts (in tune) but still ran in fear from a tax cut that voters overwhelmingly supported (out of tune). What does this mean for how the Mayor and Council should respond as the District grows out of the recession? Should they restore services or cut taxes? You should let them know. Interested in learning more? A copy of the poll as well as Hart’s memo on the poll can be found at www.dcfpi.org. Ward speciﬁc data may be requested from DCFPI as well. Lazere is executive director and Silverman is a communications and policy as sociate at the DC Fiscal Policy Institute (www.dcfpi.org), which conducts research on tax and budget issues that aﬀect low-and-moderate income residents. ★

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your neighborhood

Logan Circles by Mark F. Johnson Ruff & Ready Loses to Taylor Gourmet in Transformation Trend The thing about neighborhood “transformation” of course, is that for something to come in, it usually means that something has to go out. Generally it seems that most folk are so excited about what is new and next that they really don’t lose much sleep over what is old and gone. However, I think many people are saddened by the news that neighborhood favorite Ruff & Ready has lost its lease and will be closed by the end of summer. For over 20 years, this shop has sat in an old 19th century building near the corner of 14th and T Streets. The place has offered antiques, Art Deco, modern and shabby chic furniture, art, glassware and other collectibles to shoppers who maneuvered their way through the often damp, dusty and dark 14th Street store, crowded with vintage treasures for those willing to plunge in. Many people throughout the city and even beyond can tell you about the finds they made at this place over the many years. But by August, that will all be history. The space is to become another post for Taylor Gourmet, the NY-style deli which opened its first store on pioneering H Street just a few years ago and has since opened up other locations in the area including City Vista on K Street, NW near Chinatown/Convention Center, and in Bethesda. Apparently owner Bill was given pretty short notice that the building was going to the deli and that Ruff & Ready’s days were numbered. Obviously the Taylor founders noticed the preponderance of 30 ◆ Midcity DC | July 2011

More Change coming to 14th Street

Dog Days Auction

chain furniture stores, fancy restaurants and quick-food joints and ﬁgured out there was room for their prosciutto, corned beef and charcuterie in the bustling bastion of yuppiedom. And no doubt, many will happily patronize Taylor and see their presence as another sign that the neighborhood is getting “better.” But I will also venture that many will miss the weekly opportunity to wander through the store that oﬀered tasty morsels like vintage tables and chairs that they could take home to eat their deli meals on.

Mid City Dog Days Fundraising Auction On a hot evening in June lots of folks came out for a beneﬁt for Dog Days, the annual weekend celebration of U/14 businesses held the ﬁrst weekend in August (5th and 6th). Dog Days has traditionally been a weekend of sidewalk sales and hot deals to get people down to 14th

street to shop at a time when the city streets are deserted due to the heat and last days of summer vacation. But in the last few years, especially as more and more people apparently have stayed around, the event has turned into more of a street party. So this year, many of the businesses in U/14 participated in the event by donating an item for bid with the proceeds going to help defray the costs of advertising Dog Days. At the end of the evening, more than $4,000 was raised. Funds came on bids for items as varied as gift certiﬁcates from Ruﬀ & Ready, Cake Love and ACKC, to a giant teddy bear from Pulp, a 1970s airport style upholstered settee from Hunted House, Vintage and Mid Century Modern, a dinner outing with Washington City Paper’s food critic, and an 8-week Improv class at the Washington Improv Theater. Food and drinks for the event were donated by Cake Love and Whole Foods among others.

There are other changes worth noting on the 1900 block of 14th Street as well. Further up the street, the Taco Bell/KFC “combo” has flown the coop. The building now sits vacant and the sign has been removed. Across the street from Ruff & Ready, the 14th Street U.S. Post Office and Capital Carpet store are also slated to go as they get traded for a new condo development that will rise up between Wallach Pl and T Street on the east side. More details on that should be forthcoming. A little further south, in the 1800 block of 14th, Current Boutique, a consignment chain, has opened in the former Go Mama Go building. They apparently sell mostly women’s clothes and have two other locations in the area including one in Clarendon and Old Town. It seems reasonable to think that a store selling discounted second-hand and some new women’s clothing would do well in this area. So many young and middle aged female shoppers come to U/14 on the regular that even stores that sell vintage furniture have begun to offer vintage clothing, not to mention the full-scale vintage and new clothing stores already on the block like Treasury and Rue 14, which is Current Boutique’s closest clothing store neighbor. U/14 just might be on the way to being dubbed Little Mexico in the near future. With the recent opening of El Centro Taqueria next door to Black Cat and the soon-to-be-opening Mexican restaurant in the former paint store building at the corner of 15th and P across from the Metropole, anyone in need of a quesadilla shouldn’t have too far to go. Speaking of comings and go-

ings on P Street, Mova, formerly Halo, which closed in the space now occupied by 9, has applied for a license further up 14th Street at W in the former space occupied by a bike store that recently relocated to Virginia. It is a very modern and open space, not unlike the former Halo. Could this ﬁnally be recognition that not everyone in the GLBT community and those who love to party with them either live in Logan Circle or downtown or only want to go to Logan Circle gay bars? Columbia Heights/Adams-Morgan is home to many gays too, after all.

Gay Pride Parade on P street and 14th

When the Parade Passes By Another annual Gay Pride has come and gone in DC but the photos will live on for years to come. While hundreds lined the streets as usual as the parade went by back in June, it felt great to live in a city (and a country ) where one can freely express themselves! Of course there are parts of town and indeed parts of this nation where same-gender love may not be so openly demonstrated and celebrated as during Washington’s Gay Pride festivities that run through Dupont and Logan Circles. But, as we see struggles for human rights erupt around the world, we realize how lucky we are to live in the United States. ◆

14U

14th and U by Catherine Finn

U Street Sidewalks to be Reconstructed in the Fall

DC’s Department of Transportation (DDOT) recently announced the reconstruction of the sidewalks along the U Street corridor. To start in the fall, the project will rework sidewalks starting from 9th Street and going to 18th Street along U Street. DDOT’s main concern is increasing pedestrian safety by upgrading the sidewalks along U Street. All sidewalks will be widened so there is a 4-footwide clearance throughout the corridor. To do so some parking spaces and driving lanes will be removed and some walls, street poles, and trees will be moved. Especially good news for U Street pedestrians is that this project will extended on the southern sidewalk of the 1300 block of U street into the street, eliminating some parking to give pedestrians more space. That particular sidewalk is very nar-

row with barely a foot of pedestrian clearance in some spots. DDOT will also reconﬁgure the intersection of U Street, 16th Street, and New Hampshire Avenue. The agency will include

circular build-outs into the street, to reduce the street-crossing distances for pedestrians. DDOT will also do some signiﬁcant work on the north side of the 1700 block. That patch of sidewalk is very narrow, badly lit, and in many spaces the sidewalk has been broken up by tree roots. DDOT will eliminate an eastbound driving lane and then redistribute that area to sidewalks on both sides of the street. The ﬁrst phase of the project, focused on U Street from 14th Street to 9th Street will start in the fall and will last 9 months. Phase 2, focused on 14th Street to 18th Street, will start once phase 1 has been completed.

Slew of Restaurant news for the U Street Corridor As is often the case in the bustling U Street corridor, this last month has brought a massive amount of news regarding restaurants opening. To start, there are four new restaurant or bar projects in the works for the 14th and U Street corridors. Perhaps most exciting for residents will be the opening of Teaism in the Moderno building at 12th and U Streets. The local chain just signed a lease to open their fourth location in the D.C. area on U Street. No word on an opening date, but let’s hope that it’s soon. On the same block, a new

bar will be opening on the opposite corner of 12th and U, above the Islander. Don’t worry readers, the Islander is staying put. The new bar will be named Happy Hour and will serve light food and have games like Skiball as well as Wii. A seasonal taco stand, named El Rey, is set to open in the 900 block of U Street, next to Dodge City. It will have a summer garden with a capacity 150 people. Rumor has it that the Hilton brothers, who have a veritable monopoly on the U Street area (see Marvin, Patty Boom Boom, the Gibson, American Ice Company, etc.) will be opening the taco stand. Finally Mova, the gay club that used to be at 14th and P Streets, will be opening in the former Bicycle Stations spot at 2204 14th Street. According to the liquor license, they are looking to serve tapas and have a capacity of 199, with a summer garden and live music. A few restaurants that we have known about for a while are ﬁnally opening. The British pub serving classics like ﬁsh and chips, Codmother, is set to open very soon on the 1300 block of U Street, in the former Cafe Nema space. And the massive Lost Society, at the corner of 14th and U Streets is also poised to open very soon. Catherine writes the neighborhood blog, U Street Girl. The blog covers happenings in the U Street corridor, whether they be cultural, artistic, epicurean, social, or lifestyle-related. You can read her blog at http://ustreetgirl.wordpress.com. ◆ capitalcommunitynews.com ◆ 31

your neighborhood

Shaw Streets by Ralph Brabham New Condominiums Coming to 8th & P A surface parking lot has occupied the northeast corner of 8th and P for decades. This prime spot is situated across from the upcoming CityMarket at O development and just two blocks from the ShawHoward metro station. Development plans for the site began to materialize in 2004 in conjunction with Metropolitan Development’s planned redevelopment of the adjacent Kelsey Gardens Apartments complex. The lot was to receive townhome-styled residential condominiums. Unfortunately, Metropolitan Development’s visions stalled with the economy. In 2010, the company sought to sell or recruit an equity partner for the project. Earlier this year, Capital City Real Estate acquired the site from Metropolitan Development. The company intends to build a twelve unit condominium project on the site, with a groundbreaking later this year. The condominiums – all of which are

two bedroom, two bath units – will be priced from the mid $400’s.

Vegetate To Live on at Beau Thai...in Spirits

In 2005, Jennifer and Dominic Redd became fine dining pioneers in Shaw when they opened Vegetate at 1414 9th St. NW. The vegetarian restaurant developed a loyal following of locals and non-locals alike. Vegetate served fantastic seasonal menus of fresh, mostly local and organic ingredients, and equally fantastic and thoughtful beverage menus. Vegetate encountered an array of setbacks, including a protracted liquor license battle with parishioners from a nearby church, minimal foot traffic (in part because of delayed projects like CityMarket at O and the new convention center hotel), the economic downturn, and, ultimately, a substantial rent increase when their lease came up for renewal. The restaurant closed in late 2009, much to the dismay of the Shaw neighborhood and vegetarians everywhere. But Jennifer and Dominic never intended to disappear from the restaurant scene altogether. To this day, they periodically look at potential venues in which to re-open Vegetate and are constantly thinking of how the brand can be reincarnated. Fortunately for area residents, the spirit of Vegetate will finally re-emerge at an unexpected place, Beau Thai (1700 New Jersey Avenue, NW). Beau Thai has become known for using high quality, fresh ingredients and for its lovingly made-from-scratch Beau Thai’s Thai Basil Gimlet is a refreshing cocktail designed dishes. The restaurant secured by Dominic and Jennifer Redd, who owned the popular 9th St. vegetarian restaurant called Vegetate until 2009. (Photo its liquor license in May, and Credit Ralph Brabham)

32 ◆ Midcity DC | July 2011

its owners wanted a cocktail list that emulated its culinary sensibilities. sensibilities Having been big fans of the bar offerings at Vegetate, they asked the talented Redd duo to create its inaugural specialty cocktail list. One drink that graced Vegetate’s menu and that is reincarnated is Beau Thai’s Thai Basil Gimlet. The bright green cocktail is made from muddled, house-grown Thai basil, fresh squeezed lime juice, brown sugar, and small batch vodka. Other ingredients found in the recipes Jennifer and Dominic created include house-infused Thai chili vodka, homemade limoncello, ginger-lime puree, and housegrown kaﬃr lime leaves. Beau Thai oﬃcially rolls out its inaugural specialty cocktail list on Saturday, July 16. The list will change seasonally.

Callbox Project Volunteers Sought Working with the Howard University History Department, and funded in part by a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grant, the Design Committee of Shaw Main Streets is about to execute a project repurposing thirteen historic police and ﬁre callboxes throughout the neighborhood. The cast iron relics, many over century old, will each be transformed into beautiful historical markers, providing information about the surrounding area and each receiving an artistic overhaul. The call boxes, some of which were originally the bases for gas streetlights, facilitated calling for assistance in the days before cellphones. The boxes covered by the project are located at 10th and N, 8th and N, 6th and N, 7th and P, 6th and R, 6th

A callbox at 7th St. and Rhode Island Ave. set to be transformed into an artistic, educational marker in the neighborhood. (Photo Credit Ralph Brabham)

and S, 9th th and S, 8th and T, 7th and Rhode Island, 8th and Q, 9th and Rhode Island, and 10th and Rhode Island. All are in various states of disrepair – some are mostly intact, some are missing parts and some are missing altogether. Upon completion of the transformations, the callboxes will be another interesting draw to the neighborhood. Maps will be available at local businesses for self-guided tours, a website will be set up to help with their promotion, and local youth will be trained for providing tours of the call boxes. The SMS Design Committee seeks volunteers to help carry out the project. If interested, you can contact Shaw Main Streets atshawmainstreetsinc@gmail.com for additional information or attend one of the Design Committee’s monthly meetings (ﬁrst Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. at Little Ethiopia Restaurant, 1924 9th St., NW). Ralph Brabham is the founder and editor of www.renewshaw.com, chairman of the Board of Shaw Main Streets, and an owner of Beau Thai. ◆

Bloomingdale Bytes by Eleanor Gourley

Crime in Bloomingdale: This Time I am the Victim

ince about mid-May there seems to have been a spike in the crime rate in Bloomingdale and surrounding neighborhoods. I’m not really going off of statistics or crime reports, more so anecdotal evidence supported by personal experience and stories I have recently heard. My neighbor Toni, a woman who has lived in her 3rd Street row house for more then 60 years, affirms that the summer and the heat bring waves of violence throughout the area. In one weekend alone there were two shootings within a block of my house, one resulting in the death of a child, and I was assaulted, stabbed, and almost raped on the way home from a night out. I am equally concerned that these events are happening and that little attention is paid to them by the police and by the community at large. As a white resident of the area I have often simplified crimes here by categorizing them as either gang-related or not. In Shaw, LeDroit Park, Truxton Circle and Bloomingdale, gangrelated crimes do not even truly need to be gang-related. They are black on black crimes that are sometimes reported, but for the most part don’t concern the gentrifying forces too much because unless there are seriously unlucky circumstances, we, the gentrifiers, are unlikely to be the targets in these attacks. These are the crimes that maintain the “up and coming” reputation of the neighborhood, but often don’t interfere with our day-to-day lives (unless a 15-year-old boy is shot and killed on our doorstep.) When these crimes are reported (like the one referenced) they are mourned, but there is rarely any follow up, either by the police or the gentrifying community. Maybe our livelihoods don’t feel threatened by these crimes because they happen in the shadow of our community, where only vestiges of the old neighborhood remain from before we came along. Or maybe these crimes are all too frequent and often not prominent news stories, so we are never really forced to think about them. Sadly, I

felt, until I became victim to a violent crime, as though there was no action that I could take to help prevent these tragedies, so it was easier for me to push them from my mind. The second type of crime is non-gang related, black on white muggings and thefts. These crimes are often reported, blogged about and tweeted. They range from being held up at gun or knifepoint to having bikes stolen off porches or from outside Big Bear Café. In extreme cases victims get hurt or even killed. There is often an outraged backlash; neighbors whisper to neighbors about safety, journalists (myself included) write stories about the stresses gentrification has on a community: wealth disparity, race disparity, land encroachment, etc. These crimes impact us more because we know the victims personally; they are our siblings, our friends, or in my case, the victim was me. My crime probably wasn’t gang-related. It was a black on white crime and a male on female crime, but more than anything, he was drug crazed and I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. It was at 2:30 in the morning on a poorly lit street where I was walking by myself. There was a robbery, but only to prevent me from dialing 911. Mainly, he tried to rape me. The crime was reported immediately. An officer stayed with me in the hospital room for over an hour so that I didn’t have to wait alone. But the crime report classified this crime as a “Robbery with Arms,” not an assault or an attempted rape. In fact, if you read the report written by the police and heard me describe what happened, you would think they were entirely different crimes committed at the same time, on the same street. Despite having the weapon used in the assault (with fingerprints) and a description of the assailant, not a single suspect has been brought forward. Part of what has propelled me to write this article is that I’m angry. I’m angry on behalf of myself that they will never find the perpetrator; I’m angry on behalf of the community that they

are unwilling to tell my story honestly to warn people there is a rapist roaming the streets, and I am angry that by classifying this crime as a “Robbery with Arms,” I now question every published crime report. But unlike many victims of crime, I have a voice, a medium and an audience. I can tell my own story and people can read it. I can provide the warnings that the police are unwilling to state and encourage a community to hold the police responsible. When one crime is committed in our neighborhood, a crime is committed against all of us. It doesn’t matter who is the perpetrator and who is the victim. All crimes make the victim feel violated and completely exposed; you see this in blog posts about stolen bikes, after speaking with someone who was held up at gunpoint, or in talking to a family of a person who was shot. You can see it in this article. Obviously I am making claims based on assumptions and stereotypes. Not all crimes in this neighborhood are committed by black people, not all members of the gentrifying community are white, nor do they all ignore or overlook black on black crimes; neighbors do care what is going on here. But we can do more to build bridges between the old community and the new one; to establish a single Bloomingdale to which everyone feels connected. Gentrification is a tricky subject. It puts us, the gentrifiers, on the defensive. We would rather discuss the great things that we are doing for the area -- bringing in business, cleaning up the streets, putting the neighborhood on the map -- then discuss our negative impact such as rising prices and boxing out older residents. But crime is related to both. As more white people flock to this area, crimes that target them will be exposed and punished due to public outcry. But with this voice we should challenge all crimes committed here and all police responses. After all, our goal should be to build a neighborhood together. ◆ capitalcommunitynews.com ◆ 33

your neighborhood Think Local First Keeping the District Funky and Unique by Amanda Abrams

o some District residents, Columbia Heights, with its wildly popular Target, endlessly crowded Chipotle, and convenient Starbucks, is the picture of a neighborhood redevelopment success story. To others, though—and you can count Busboys and Poets owner Andy Shallal among them—it’s a tragedy, an area whose long-term sustainability will always be limited by the fact that it’s anchored by a number of national chain stores. “It looks good and feels good, but Busboys and Poets owner Andy Shallal in front of his popular 14th Street eatery. Photo: Amanda Abrams over the years, I don’t see Columbia Heights having any real sense of character,” said Shallal. “I don’t think city where opening and operating a it’s a win-win situation for just it’s a good model for how we can business can be likened to running about everyone. But a lot of local businesses need an obstacle course. do business.” help getting there. Unlike Busboys When it comes to redevelopment, and Poets or Cake Love, which was Shallal certainly seems to know what Helping Business also involved in the organization’s he’s talking about. His restaurants Owners Navigate a start, most of DC’s small services have been deemed single-handedly Tricky Environment responsible for a surge of interest The group’s main point, said and restaurants lack the resources to in several “transitional,” “growing,” Trisha Clausen, its executive direc- learn how to operate more efficiently or “up-and-coming” neighborhoods tor, is that local businesses ben- or brand themselves in a new way. “There’s so much marketing that like 14th and U streets and Arling- efit the community in a way that ton’s Shirlington area. national companies like Walmart the big boys pay for, but a mom and But Shallal isn’t just thinking and Subway and Payless never will. pop shop with mom and pop actuabout his own bottom line. He’s “The multiplier effect [of spending ally working there and one or two one of the founding members of money] is two to five times greater employees, they don’t have that budThink Local First, an initiative with a local business, because they’re get,” explained Nizam Ali, part of the that’s been around since 2006 but spending their money there, hiring family that owns Ben’s Chili Bowl came into its own last October and local graphic designers and local and another one of the initiative’s 11 is now an established nonprofit. Us- accounting companies and so on,” founding board members. Plus, just operating in DC can ing marketing and advocacy tactics, she pointed out. “Compare that to the group aims to strengthen local Walmart, where so much goes back be tough: a report issued in December by the Small Business and Enbusinesses and help them compete to Bentonville [Ark.].” with the growing number of chain And if local businesses are fo- trepreneurship Council, a national stores and restaurants in the city. cused on the triple bottom line— nonprofit, ranked DC’s policy enMost intriguingly, the organization not simply earning a profit, but also vironment for entrepreneurship as is creating a network of indepen- operating in an environmentally #51—dead last—in friendliness. It can be like pulling teeth, said dent business owners to share best sustainable manner and benefitpractices for working in DC—a ing the community as well—then Ali. “You have to deal with so much 34 ◆ Midcity DC | July 2011

government stuff, it’s unbelievable,” he said. “A $100 or $500 fine makes a big difference to the small guy, and then you’re spending half your life downtown.” That’s where Think Local First comes in. To encourage independent business owners to share knowledge and practices about what really works, the nonprofit hosts a monthly breakfast at Busboys and Poets. Usually at least 30 of the initiative’s 200 members show up to hear a speaker—Constantine Stavropoulos, owner of the popular Tryst and the Diner, spoke at a recent gathering— and then the guests break up into small groups and talk about things like social marketing or how to better appeal to customers. “If you ask many business owners, they’ll say they keep coming back because of the connections they make; we actually like each other,” explained Shallal. “We share ideas, we tell stories about challenges we face. It’s always nice to be with your peers so they can give you some reassurance about how you’re doing things. There’s no real manual for this stuff.”

Not Just Talk But Think Local First is more than just networking. One of the group’s earliest decisions was about switching over to wind poweredenergy; the company Clean Currents approached it and several businesses signed on. Ben’s was one of them. “We’re proud of that,” said Ali. “We’re trying to serve as an example, that if a 50-year-old dinosaur mom and pop can change, so can they.” To address the city’s business

A Garden for Sibley Plaza Senior Community by Sonsyrea Tate Montgomery

climate from the other side, the organization also advocates for particular policies at the Wilson Building. Members supported legislation calling for more transparency when the city elects to reward businesses with tax subsidies; there’s currently no formal process. That bill didn’t pass, but the group is considering a new proposal that would require an economic impact study, similar to an environmental impact study, when big box retailers of a certain size come in. And then there’s the organization’s marketing arm, which consists of a website listing local businesses and relevant activities coming up, as well as a few promotional events. July 9-16, for example, the organization will be hosting Eat Local First, one of its most ambitious projects so far. It’ll be a targeted campaign focusing on locally-grown food and the DC restaurants that serve it, and will include cooking demonstrations, discounts at speciﬁc restaurants akin to those that occur during restaurant week, garden tours, and a closing street party.

Gradually Reaching Out The organization is a citywide one, but so far, members are largely concentrated in the Adams Morgan/ U Street area. The group is slated to expand throughout the city, but will have to demonstrate its added usefulness beyond neighborhood-centric business groups like the Capitol Hill Association of Merchants and Professionals (CHAMPS). Martha Huizenga is a partner at Capitol Hill-based DC Access, a local wireless internet service provider, and has been a member of Think Local First since 2009. She said the events she’s attended have been interesting, but admitted that making the trek across town—most Think Local First get-togethers seem to be on U Street—can be a disincentive to participating, especially since she already has an established network of fellow business owners on the Hill through CHAMPS.

East of the river, business owners are used to taking care of themselves. Briony Hynson, creative director of Honfleur Gallery in historic Anacostia, wasn’t particularly surprised to see that there were virtually no businesses from her neighborhood listed on the Think Local First website. “We frequently feel isolated from what’s going on in the rest of the city,” she explained. In response, community boosters developed their own marketing initiative last year, titled Eat Shop Live Anacostia, to support local businesses. But Nikki Peele, the brains behind that initiative, said there’s probably room for both groups to work in the area. “I applaud their efforts, and would like to see ways to work together,” she said. That shouldn’t be too hard. Think Local First is ultimately designed to prod DC residents to think about their city in a new way, as one whose character is in part defined by the quirky, locally-owned businesses that serve it. It’s an important campaign, because as the city swells and becomes a more popular destination, it will invariably attract more out-of-town retailers. And that would be a shame, said Shallal. “I don’t want Walmart to come here by default, because there’s nothing better. I’d be devastated to have a Walmart next to me. I live in Adams Morgan and every space is unique, and I’d hate to see that be lost.” That’s what the organization is trying to prevent, he continued. “We want to be the real chamber of commerce, the local chamber of commerce. With the regular chamber, they create a level playing field [for everyone], which doesn’t serve local businesses. We don’t want a level playing field. We create more jobs and pay more taxes—shouldn’t we have the advantage?” For more information go to http:// www.thinklocalfirstdc.com/. ◆

ibley Plaza Resident Council President Anne Clark is harvesting the fruits of her five-year effort to build an elaborate 1,500-square foot garden outside the seniors’ residential building where she lives. Mark Bergel, founder of the Silver Spring based nonprofit A Wider Circle which secured a $350,000 grant to build the garden from the TKF Foundation, joined Clark and dozens of her neighbors for the grand opening Wednesday, May 25, as D.C. Housing Authority Executive Director Adrianne Todman commended them for rolling up their sleeves to beautify their community. The garden includes a meditative community space, a sitting area, an area for small group events, and a community garden, for the 250 seniors and individuals with disabilities who live in the facility, located at 1140 North Capitol Street, N.W. “A renaissance has been underway in the District of Columbia, and this sense of revitalization and individual responsibility has not been lost on the residents at Sibley Plaza,” Todman said. “With this beautiful garden, they have not only established a place for growing flowers, fruits and vegetables, they have planted seeds for continued cooperative efforts between the residents here, and harvested more quality-oflife enhancing benefits from their partnership started five years ago with A Wider Circle.” Clarke met Bergel at an event at Claridge Towers, another DCHA facility, and asked him to collaborate with her on events at Sibley Plaza. Bergel, who started his nonprofit ten years ago to address homelessness, poverty and substance abuse by providing individuals and families basic goods and services, liked Clarke’s professional approach and they agreed a garden could provide more than dirt for growing flowers and food. “We wanted a place where people could go to have a quiet place to contemplate and connect with nature. The impact of being able to look at beauty in nature and be in nature has a dramatic healing effect on individuals. It’s life giving. No doubt about it,” Bergel said. He was inspired by gardens outside Providence Hospital and the Whitman Walker Clinic in Virginia. “Nobody deserves it more than the people who live in Sibley Plaza,” he added. “There’s a mix of people – seniors and individuals with disabilities. They all deserve something beautiful.” He applied for the grant to build the garden at Sibley Plaza to extend the efforts of his Silver-Spring-based organization. Todman thanked him for reaching out and digging in. “We thank Ms. Clarke and Mr. Bergel for exemplifying the kind of community-resident partnerships we encourage,” Todman said. ◆ capitalcommunitynews.com ◆ 35

kids and family

by Kathleen Donner

+ Notebook

Notebook

Summer Musical “Bye Bye Birdie” at Sitar Center

The summer musical this year is Bye Bye Birdie performed by talented 10-18 year-olds at the Sitar Center, 1700 Kalorama Rd. NW, on July 28, 29, 30 and 31. It’s free but call for reservations. They will start taking reservations for tickets on Monday, July 11. 202-79702145. sitarartscenter.org

DC Sail Camps and Sailing Opportunities Kids Set Sail is a weekly camp for children aged 7-14 where teamwork is established through hands on experience sailing the Potomac. Throughout the week, campers are taught boating through a multitude of exciting and invigorating lessons. They will learn water safety, navigational skills, assorted sciences, and most importantly sailing! Kids Set Sail is 8, one-week sessions through Aug. 12. Schooner Camp takes place on their 65 ft. Schooner, the American Spirit. This camp is intended for preteens up to high school students. For one week, campers assume control and learn how to sail, crew and maintain a large boat. Along with boating skills, children are taught navigational skills, ecology, and other assorted math and science lessons. Schooner Camp runs in 4, one-week sessions from July 11-Aug. 5. When Schooner Camp is not in session, the American Spirit is used for recreational and private charters. DC Sail hosts several events that take place on the American Spirit such as Sunset 36 ◆ Midcity DC | July 2011

The kids in rehearsal. Photo: Rebecca Ende, Courtesy of Sitar Arts Center

Sails, Boating and Baseball and their annual July 4th Fireworks Cruise. DC Sail targets local youth who do not typically have the opportunity to get on the water. Scholarships are available for both Schooner Camp and Kids Set Sail. These are ﬁlling up quickly so apply now at dcsail.org/scholarships. For the last ten years, DC Sail has been providing DC area people with a place to develop sailing and boating safety skills. For more information visit dcsail.org or call 202-547-1250.

Kids Free at Newseum Through Labor Day, Sept. 5, the Newseum will waive its admis-

sion price for all youth visitors, 18 and under, regularly $12.95. The Newseum’s “Summer Fun Deal” promotion is designed to encourage families, particularly in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area, to experience the Newseum. Up to 10 kids will be admitted free with each paid adult admission. 888-639-7386. newseum.org

KIPP DC Awarded\ $1 Million in Race to the Top Funds KIPP DC to receive 2011 Race to the Top Charter School Teacher Pipelines grant—a $1 million grant to support Capi-

tal Teaching Residency (CTR), a teacher-training program led by KIPP DC and EL Haynes public charter schools. Born out of both schools’ expertise in training excellent teachers, CTR aims to close the achievement gap by increasing the number of highly eﬀective educators in DC’s urban schools. The award, a federal grant through the US Department of Education, will help the Capital Teaching Residency train 57 new teachers in hard-to-ﬁll subject areas this school year, including math and science, special education, and early childhood education. kippdc.org

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er, an American Girl, is a nine-year old born into slavery who escapes to freedom with her mother during the Civil War. Learn what life was like for Addy and other young African American girls during the Civil War as you follow the guide to discover objects and stories throughout the museum. Pick up free guides at Welcome Desks; take completed and stamped guide to Museum Stores for a free gift. Free admission. On the National Mall at 14th St. and Constitution Ave. NW. 202-6331000. americanhistory.si.edu

Bill Gates’ 11 Things You Won’t Learn in School Young sailors. Photo: Courtesy of DC sail

Taking Action for Animals Student Summit Are you a teen or college student? Take part in the Taking Action for Animals Student Summit and join a national network of young people who are speaking up for animals. The Student Summit is restricted to those ages 13-22. To register, call 888-259-5088 or email info@ takingactionforanimals.org. The $25 cost of registration includes classes/activities that collectively make the Student Summit, vegan pizza lunch, and private Lobby Day training. Parents do not have to (but can) sit in the room with children, but need to be on the premises. They will also need to ﬁll out a Parental Release Form. Sunday, July 17, 9:00 AM-5:30 PM, 2100 L St. NW. 888-259-5088. If you have questions, email jkrish@ humanesociety.org.

Discover Addy’s World at the American History Museum Through Aug., 10:00 AM-7:30 PM, explore life during the Civil War with a new self-guided museum tour Addy’s World. Addy Walk-

Bill Gates recently gave a speech at high school about and spoke about 11 things the students did not and will not learn in school. He talked about how feel-good, politically correct teachings created a generation of kids with no concept of reality and how this concept can set them up for failure in the real world. Here they are. (1) Life is not fair--get used to

it. (2) The world doesn’t care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something before you feel good about yourself. (3) You will not make $60,000 a year right out of high school. You won’t be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both. (4) If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss. (5) Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had a diﬀerent word for burger ﬂipping: They called it opportunity. (6) If you mess up, it’s not your parents’ fault. Don’t whine about your mistakes. Learn from them. (7) Before you were born, your parents weren’t as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you think you are. (8) Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life has not. In some schools, they have abolished failing grades and they’ll give you as many times as you want to get the right answer. This doesn’t bear the slight-

See the New Lion Cubs at the Zoo On Aug. 31 and Sept. 22, 2010, the Zoo’s two lionesses each gave birth to a litter of cubs. Shera’s four cubs were born earlier; Naba’s three cubs were born later. The Zoo’s lion pride, including the seven cubs, are on exhibit most days from 11:00 AM-2:00 PM. The schedule may change without notice depending on animal management or staﬃng needs. 202633-4888. nationalzoo.si.edu Some participants from last years TAFA Student Summit. Photo: Courtesy of The Humane Society of the United States 38 ◆ Midcity DC | July 2011

est resemblance to anything in real life. (9) Life is not divided into semesters. You don’t get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you find yourself. Do that on your own time. (10) Television is not real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs. (11) Be nice to nerds. Chances are you’ll end up working for one. Thank you, Lendia Sue Johnson, MPD Community Outreach Coordinator Seventh District, for sending this to Kids and Family Notebook.

Mars Family Day at Air and Space Mars Day! is an annual event at the Museum that celebrates the Red Planet with a variety of educational and fun family activities. Visitors will be able to interact one-on-one with National Air and Space Museum scientists, as well as scientists from the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History and NASA, who are active in Mars research and mission planning. Visitors can see a real meteorite that came from Mars, learn about Mars missions, see amazingly detailed images from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, view the surface of Mars in 3-D, learn about the geology of Mars, and more. Friday, July 22, 10:00 AM3:00 PM. Free. Independence Ave. at Sixth St. SW. 202-633-2214. nasm.si.edu

Summer Skating Saturdays at Fort Dupont This summer instead of structured Learn to Skate classes the Kids on Ice program will oﬀer 4 open practice sessions exclusively for KOI skaters, past, present and future! All children ages 5-17 are welcome to participate, both those new to skating and those who have been in the KOI programs for years. These sessions will be open to all skaters registered in KOI program (Learn to Skate, Hockey, Speed and Synchro) in the Fall/Winter 2010/2011 sessions, as well as ﬁrst-time learn-to-skaters. Skilled instructors will be on the ice to lend a hand and work on basic skating skills, but unlike in years past there will not be structured 25minute lessons. Instead all skaters will have to opportunity to skate for 90 minutes--a great way to have fun and get out of the summer heat, and more time spent skating is the best way to improve! Free except for $3 skate rental. Saturdays, July 9, 16, 23 and 30, noon-1:30 PM. 202-584-5007. fdia.org

“Sweet Tweets” Movies at National Gallery of Art On July 16 and 20, 10:30 AM and July 17, 11:30 AM, in the East Building Concourse

Auditorium, for ages 4 and up. Join them for a hilarious and gentle program dedicated to our feathered friends in their infinite variety. Some sing, most fly, and in this collection of animated films from around the world the avian protagonists have big personalities guaranteed to make you smile. Films include Canary Beat (Germany, 2006), Maestro (Hungary, 2005), Birds of a Feather (U.S., 2010), Pingu Goes Fishing (Switzerland, 1986), Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! (U.S., 2009), The Tender Tale of Cinderella Penguin (Canada, 1986), and Philadelphia Chickens (U.S., 2010). Free. Fourth and Constitution Ave. NW. 202-737-4215. nga.gov

DDOT Changes to Application Process for Summer School Transit Subsidy Program The District Department of Transportation announced it is changing the application process for the 2011 Summer School Transit Subsidy Program to eﬀectively handle the volume of student applications that are received during the summer. Through the new process, all student travel application paperwork and cards will be handled directly at the school level. Schools will be collecting the applications and submitting them directly to DDOT to expedite the processing procedure. For more information about the School Transit Subsidy Program, please call 202-673-1740.

Roller Skating at Anacostia Park Skate any time. This is a covered, outdoor skating pavilion. Free. From Penn. Ave., just before the bridge, south on Fairlawn Ave. and right onto Nicholson and then into the park. Skates may be borrowed for use. Some sizes are limited. 202-472-3873.

Walmart Launches $665,000 Effort to Expand Summer Services for Kids in DC Walmart and the Walmart Foundation has announced $665,000 in grants aimed at ﬁlling the gaps created in Washington DC when schools close for the summer. The funding is part of a nationwide, $25 million initiative to expand nutrition, learning and employment services for elementary, middle and high school students throughout the summer months. Grants in DC are going to YMCA of Metropolitan Washington, YMCA Capital View Program Center, D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation, Urban Alliance, Higher Achievement, and the Latin America Youth Center. 800-3310085. walmartstores.com ◆ capitalcommunitynews.com ◆ 39

at home

+ Home / Style

Design Crimes Make Sure Your Room Design Plans Don’t Fall Flat by Mark F. Johnson

n the last installment of “Design Crimes,” a periodic discussion of common design faux pas that people often make, we spoke about the age-old no-no, of mixing diﬀerent periods of fur-

room together is that of achieving the right amount of composition. I could also use the word scale here. What I’m getting at is whether or not the room comes oﬀ too ﬂat with the furniture and accessory pieces

ern aesthetic, it probably means that your furniture is scaled lower. What do you have in the room to take the eye up? Perhaps some tall Modernist lamps with tall shades or a ﬂoor lamp with an interesting shade

The living room in this Columbia Heights Townhouse shows Composition in Height, Texture and Color.

niture together. What that usually means, of course is that the furniture ends up being of completely diﬀerent styles---like Victorian and Modern. Another challenge faced by many in putting a successfully designed 40 ◆ Midcity DC | July 2011

you put in it. Regardless of how small or large your rooms are, or the height of the ceilings, you want a contrast in the scale of the furniture, art and accessories that comprise your décor. For example, if you have a Mod-

would work. How about some art on the wall that causes the eye to travel north? All these are great ways to add scale and composition to your space. It is also important to have a balance in textures. Let’s say you

have a leather sofa. That generally translates to a smooth and “colder” touch. A contrasting tone would be something warmer and maybe rougher or fuzzier. This can be accomplished easily with throw pillows of a different texture on the sofa. But it can also be managed with chairs with woven or rougher fabric upholstery as well. If your sofa is low and leather, how about some taller accent chairs in a fabric? Or, vice versa, keeping in mind that you still want the styles and periods of the furniture to at least be on speaking terms. People often feel like their décor needs to be completely symmetrical. Maybe it’s because we are taught to keep things in “order” at an early age. But staying in line can be boring as hell. Just ask the kids who always broke out of line in elementary school while many of the others secretly wished they could do that. Asymmetry in the right places shows confidence, individuality and, of course, personal style. Just make sure it doesn’t look foolish. Remember that the best design plans are well thought-out. Sure, you can always add pieces of furniture, art or accessories to your décor and that is what you should do if you can afford it. This keeps your décor interesting and fresh! As I always say in this column, folks who live in the DMV are fortunate in that they have so many options to augment their décor from stores that sell a variety of furniture that may have been loved by someone else before you made it yours. From the mix of vintage stores in U/14 to Upscale Resale out in the

suburbs, it is possible to find just about every period of furniture pretty inexpensively if you know where to look. This certainly makes it easier to introduce newness to the décor as often as you may want to. It helps to anchor any new pieces around one or two or more favorite pieces that will always be there. This gives the room a grounding, so to speak, a base from which to add. Different heights, different colors, different textures all create the spice that enlivens your décor. It may sound trite, but really, don’t be afraid to mix it up. You can treat yourself to more than plain vanilla design! By the way, for those of you who cannot get enough of how-to-design programs, HGTV’s Design Star starts its new season this month. As usual, a few local bright lights in the design world tried out for the reality program that pits designers from all across the country to see who will emerge with their own TV show on the Home and Garden TV network each year. I understand that local Design 23 Interiors owner Ed Rudock tried out this season as well as Christopher Torres, owner of 14th Street’s Reincarnations. There were other locals too who tried out. We’ll have to watch to see how it all came out over the course of the next several weeks. Keep in mind that the show chooses only about 10 or so contestants from the thousands of applications they get each year. Our local design gurus will always be hometown stars regardless of whether their HGTV hopes fall flat. ◆ capitalcommunitynews.com ◆ 41

at home

+ Garden Fairy

A Story of Mythical Proportions by Frank Asher

n the beginning there was earth and man and woman. Then man was sinning all over the place with herbicides and insecticides in the thirties, forties, fifties and sixties. Acres and acres of land were completely stripped of any life. This had come to the attention of conservationist Rachel Carson. All over the world there was ample evidence that Earth’s flora and fauna was slowly and painfully dying from the creations of chemical companies. In the movie “A Sense of Wonder,” an actress playing Rachel talks of her resistance to all this overwhelming scientific information. She shares the story of a woman who had her private property (a bird sanctuary) sprayed with DDT to rid it of a certain fly. But the other bugs were destroyed as well. There were no bees, ladybugs, praying mantis, dragonflies, grasshoppers or crickets. Then birds began to die, too. The woman was now fighting the government to prevent it from spraying her private land. Rachel had her own stories about DDT. The chemical was used to kill a fungus on American Elm tree. Not only did it kill the fungus, but it also coated the leaves with a thick coat of the chemical for a whole season. The leaves fell to the ground in the fall and the worms ate the leaves. The following spring the robins ate the worms. The robins began to die off. If a robin managed to live, it was infertile. This experience and other similar incidents drove her to write “Silent Spring,” a book which was a catalyst for the reversal in our national pesticide policy. Once the book was published the environmental movement was born. Despite slanderous accusations from high-powered men from the chemical companies, others began to see and hear Rachel’s voice. Many organizations sprang forth to sing along with nature around us. The 42 ◆ Midcity DC | July 2011

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was one of the ﬁrst. To me, there is something so mythical about a woman named Rachel showing us a silent spring to get us to listen to what nature has been doing for thousands of years. I don’t know about you, but I hear the crickets, the birds, the cats, dogs, bats and rats. I also hear the cicadas. Summer would be so diﬀerent without them.

You Are What You Eat With all this information, our farmers were a bit slow on the take-up. Large corporations

were running the food industry and some of these major food companies were in bed with the chemical companies. The same chemical companies that killed our landscapes were also creating chemicals to rid our cattle from disease created by the fact we were feeding livestock things their stomachs were not created to digest. For example, we were feeding our cattle corn so we could eat great tasting, marbleized steaks. Cows’ stomachs were made to eat grass, so when

they were fed corn, their stomachs got infected. Then the farmers would have to pump them full of antibiotics. And let’s not forget about pesticides and synthetic fertilizers used to mass produce corn and potatoes and yield bumper crops each year. Then the rain comes and these chemicals wash away into the rivers killing our ﬁsh, and more chemicals are added the next year. But it’s a cycle that is changing, thanks in part to Michael Pollan (author of “The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals” and other great books) and the slow food movement leaders (and eaters). Finally we are moving back to taking care of our earth and our food and water sources. We still have a long way to go, but we are moving towards a local, organic paradigm. You can join the movement, too. I invite you to consider buying your food from local organic farms. If possible, buy from a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm, such as Lancaster Fresh Farms. Or buy from the organic farmers at The Bloomingdale Farmer’s Market, or FreshFarm Markets at Dupont Circle and other locations in DC. Or grow your own produce! Community gardens are sprouting up all over our urban terrain. Folks are even creating edible gardens in their own yards….some even on rooftops. I still want to plant an herb and vegetable garden on top of the Convention Center. For planting ideas, attend D.C.’s ﬁrst Edible Urban Garden Tour, Friday, July 15 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. It’s being sponsored by Loulies. com (“Real Kitchens, Real Food”) and hosted at OLD CITY green at 9th and N Streets, NW. Go online for reservations. Make a $10.00 contribution (or more) and

bring a dish to share afterwards. Come gather around good slow food and meet some new easy going people. Frank Asher is the owner of OLD CITY green. Est. 2008 ◆

D.C.’s First Edible Urban Garden Tour Get your grow on with DC’s ﬁrst Edible Urban Garden Tour hosted by Loulies.com. Explore city spaces and residential gardens that will open their doors and gates for the public to see what growing good food in our own backyards, front yards, rooftops, and empty lots is all about. It’s a chance to ask questions, learn from and hear what inspires some of DC’s best gardeners. The tour will start at Old City Green, a beautiful, plant-ﬁlled garden shop and stretch through Shaw, Bloomingdale and Ledroit Park. Learn more about Common Good City Farm, the community garden that Prince Charles recently toured as part of his inspiring Future of Food visit to DC. Purchase tickets online or pay with credit/cash at the door. The tour is self-guided and will cover several miles so a bike or a car is recommended. A map is provided on the day of the tour at Old City Green

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at home

+ Changing Hands

Changing hands is a list of most residential sales in the District of Columbia from the previous month. A feature of every issue, this list, based on the MRIS, is provided courtesy of Don Denton, manager of the Coldwell Banker office on Capitol Hill. The list includes address, sales price and number of bedrooms. Neighborhood

Close Price

FEE SIMPLE HOUSING ADAMS MORGAN 2358 CHAMPLAIN ST NW 2219 ONTARIO RD NW

$740,000 $572,000

3 2

$365,000

BLOOMINGDALE 66 T ST NW

$675,000 $652,000 $640,000 $585,000 $562,000 $562,000 $539,000 $520,000 $494,500 $432,650 $410,000 $336,500 $330,000 $330,000 $301,800 $301,000 $279,000 $275,000 $255,000 $205,000 $180,000

5 3 3 4 0 4 3 3 3 3 5 3 2 3 5 3 5 3 4 3 2

$197,000 $178,000 $169,000 $86,100 $71,000 $70,000 $65,000

5 3 3 3 4 4 3

CONGRESS HEIGHTS 619 BRANDYWINE ST SE 909 BARNABY ST SE 1058 BARNABY TER SE 3315 BROTHERS PL SE 241 VALLEY AVE SE 2978 2ND ST SE 133 WILMINGTON PL SE

$924,500 $560,000

6 4

$265,000 $260,000 $190,000 $169,000 $167,000 $165,900 $155,900 $145,000 $125,000 $125,000 $122,500 $110,000 $108,150 $100,000 $100,000 $95,000

3 4 3 3 3 2 3 2 4 3 6 3 3 4 3 3

DEANWOOD 5328 GAY ST NE 842 48TH ST NE 718 56TH PL NE 807 52ND ST NE 5004 JAY ST NE 808 52ND ST NE 3804 EAST CAPITOL ST NE 4913 BROOKS ST NE 814 44TH ST NE 4126 EAST CAPITOL ST NE 245 56TH ST NE 5214 BANKS PL NE 27 55TH ST SE 4231 EADS ST NE 4802 SHERIFF RD NE 4209 BENNING RD NE

3 3 4 2 3 3 3 3 2 4

1715 Q ST NW 1400 21ST ST NW 2022 N ST NW 1725 SEATON ST NW 1614 V ST NW 1719 SEATON ST NW 1721 SWANN ST NW 2132 NEWPORT PL NW

$2,530,000 $1,495,000 $1,112,500 $853,750 $670,000 $670,000 $1,325,000 $769,900

4 4 4 3 2 3 3 3

$3,500,000 $3,350,000 $1,510,000 $1,400,000

5 6 5 5

KALORAMA 2330 BANCROFT PL NW 2123 LEROY PL NW 1949 BILTMORE ST NW 1922 BILTMORE ST NW

LEDROIT PARK 120 V ST NW 1922 3RD ST NW 524 U ST NW 1927 2ND ST NW 340 U ST NW 149 ADAMS ST NW

$771,000 $750,000 $630,000 $629,900 $500,000 $399,000

5 11 4 4 3 3

LOGAN 1227 O ST NW 1700 11TH ST NW 1531 VERMONT AVE NW 1921 13TH ST NW 913 S ST NW 923 S ST NW

44 ◆ Midcity DC | July 2011

1873 MONROE ST NW 1730 IRVING ST NW 1899 INGLESIDE TER NW

$1,060,000 $655,000 $1,505,000 $1,075,000 $1,055,000 $909,000

5 3 7 5 5 5

$749,950 $637,000 $545,000

4 3 3

$620,000 $607,500 $579,000 $510,000 $505,000 $467,000 $460,000 $445,000 $410,000 $380,000 $375,000 $365,000 $355,000 $350,000 $320,000

6 4 4 3 4 4 4 3 5 3 3 4 3 4 4

PETWORTH 821 RANDOLPH ST NW 435 QUINCY ST NW 617 VARNUM ST NW 724 UPSHUR ST NW 4806 ILLINOIS AVE NW 703 QUINCY ST NW 505 ALLISON ST NW 5019 8TH ST NW 4847 ILLINOIS AVE NW 720 DECATUR ST NW 5409 8TH ST NW 3927 GEORGIA AVE NW 4203 4TH ST NW 5310 1ST ST NW 54 FARRAGUT PL NW

5417 5TH ST NW 5221 5TH ST NW 837 SHEPHERD ST NW 525 CRITTENDEN ST NW 125 INGRAHAM ST NW 4901 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE NW 217 FARRAGUT ST NW 614 JEFFERSON ST NW 115 VARNUM ST NW 5304 5TH ST NW

$309,900 $305,000 $300,000 $291,000 $250,000 $247,000 $243,000 $235,000 $210,000 $205,000

4 3 0 3 3 3 3 3 4 3

$750,000 $735,000 $589,000 $430,000

5 3 5 4

$577,000 $505,000 $505,000

2 1 2

1010 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #1102 $580,000 400 MASSACHUSETTS NW #707 $514,000 912 F ST NW #303 $480,000 400 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #501 $430,000 631 D ST NW #1227 $425,000 777 7TH ST NW #414 $410,000 777 7TH ST NW #530 $376,500 400 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #902 $250,000 1314 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #108 $205,000 1330 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #420 $47,753 1330 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #605 $67,500

1 1 1 1 1 2 1 0 0 1 1

SHAW

MOUNT PLEASANT

CRESTWOOD 1615 DECATUR ST NW 4507 ARGYLE TER NW

$95,000 $90,000 $85,000 $70,000 $69,000 $65,000 $65,000 $60,000 $45,000 $43,000

DUPONT

COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 3519 10TH ST NW 1351 PARKWOOD PL NW 1352 SPRING RD NW 3902 KANSAS AVE NW 1341 IRVING ST NW 744 PRINCETON PL NW 1216 QUINCY ST NW 1419 SPRING RD NW 512 IRVING ST NW 601 COLUMBIA RD NW 3609 13TH ST NW 1365 QUINCY ST NW 426 NEWTON PL NW 732 KENYON ST NW 1008 FAIRMONT ST NW 623 IRVING ST NW 521 IRVING ST NW 605 ROCK CREEK CHURCH RD NW 632 LAMONT ST NW 512 LAMONT ST NW 615 COLUMBIA RD NW

3980 AMES ST NE 4835 MEADE ST NE 1412 EASTERN AVE NE 138 35TH ST NE 406 DIVISION AVE NE 5919 CLAY ST NE 511 47TH ST NE 1004 48TH ST NE 4223 CLAY ST NE 500 EASTERN AVE NE

307 M ST NW 904 O ST NW 1510 6TH ST NW 1641 4TH ST NW

CONDOS ADAMS MORGAN 2456 ONTARIO RD NW #1 1701 KALORAMA RD NW #207 1708 SUMMIT PL NW #1708

CENTRAL

COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 1207 GIRARD ST NW #2 1135 FAIRMONT ST NW #3 1135 FAIRMONT ST NW #1 3039 16TH ST NW #202 1328 PARK RD NW #G 1135 FAIRMONT ST NW #2 1435 EUCLID ST NW #2 3517 13TH ST NW #202 1465 COLUMBIA RD NW #301 3517 13TH ST NW #101 1451 BELMONT ST NW #414 929 FLORIDA AVE NW #7004 1441 CLIFTON ST NW #3 2914 11TH ST NW #1-A 1419 CLIFTON ST NW #202 1419 CLIFTON ST NW #304 1439 CHAPIN ST NW #104 1461 HARVARD ST NW #5 1348 EUCLID ST NW #201 3577 WARDER ST NW #101 3577 WARDER ST NW #102 1308 CLIFTON ST NW #216 2656 15TH ST NW #203 1466 HARVARD ST NW #B-1 1441 EUCLID ST NW #201

$720,000 $600,000 $554,500 $525,000 $510,000 $489,000 $475,000 $450,000 $444,900 $430,000 $429,000 $419,000 $415,000 $412,000 $399,000 $397,000 $395,000 $383,000 $367,700 $349,900 $344,900 $325,000 $285,000 $275,000 $265,000

2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 1

526 KENYON ST NW #303 529 LAMONT ST NW #305 1441 EUCLID ST NW #207

$188,000 $93,900 $257,500

2 2 1

$400,000 $383,000 $340,000 $272,000

1 2 1 1

$970,000 $722,500 $685,000 $665,000 $640,000 $551,300 $550,000 $465,000 $464,000 $399,000 $385,000 $326,500 $299,000

2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1

$470,000 $453,800 $340,000 $305,000 $465,000 $565,000 $675,000 $475,000 $875,000 $750,000 $737,500

1 1 1 1 2 2 2 1 2 2 3

$710,000 $535,000 $510,000 $475,000 $469,500

3 2 3 2 2

910 M ST NW #312 $501,000 910 M ST NW #716 $860,000 555 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #508 $335,000

2 2 1

DUPONT 2141 P ST NW #1006 1900 S ST NW #104 2001 16TH ST NW #702 1727 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #616

KALORAMA 2230 CALIFORNIA ST NW #3AW 2127 CALIFORNIA ST NW #305 2123 CALIFORNIA ST NW #F2 2407 20TH ST NW #1099 2359 ASHMEAD PL NW #3 2022 COLUMBIA RD NW #712 1935 BELMONT RD NW #1123 1822 VERNON ST NW #306 1858 CALIFORNIA ST NW #40 1810 CALIFORNIA ST NW #302 2127 CALIFORNIA ST NW #403 2032-2040 BELMONT RD NW #516 2009 BELMONT RD NW #102

LOGAN 1001 L ST NW #803 1445 CHURCH ST NW #11 1320 R ST NW #2 1300 N ST NW #209 1117 10TH ST NW #1008 1645 13TH ST NW #A 2125 14TH ST NW #528 2125 14TH ST NW #506 1621 12TH ST NW #1 1425 RHODE ISLAND AVE NW #61 1501 SWANN ST NW

MOUNT PLEASANT 2713 ONTARIO RD NW #5 1724 PARK RD NW #2 1692 OAK ST NW #24 3423 BROWN ST NW #202 3309 19TH ST NW #A5

MT VERNON

SHAW 636 Q NW #3 636 Q NW #2 636 Q NW #1 1626 5TH ST NW #1

$480,000 $467,000 $399,999 $385,000

2 2 2 2

$412,000 $300,000 $699,000 $429,000 $425,000

1 1 2 2 1

U ST CORRIDOR 929 FLORIDA AVE NW #6001 1308 CLIFTON ST NW #503 1425 EUCLID ST NW #13 2004 11TH ST NW #322 2020 12TH ST NW #701 ◆

capitalcommunitynews.com â—† 45

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