MIDCITY SEPTEMBER 2012
1250 Taylor St. NW Washington, DC 20011 p. 202 545-0515 f. 202 545-0517 www.bridgespcs.org
EXPANDING INTO AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PROGRAM
Come Grow with Us!
Serving Preschool - Kindergarten for the 2012-2013 school year. A new grade will be added each year through 5th grade.
SPACES CURRENTLY AVAILABLE IN OUR KINDERGARTEN CLASSROOMS. ADDITIONAL SLOTS ADDED. ENROLL TODAY FOR KINDERGARTEN, PRE-K 4 OR PRESCHOOL (3).
Apply for admissions at www.bridgespcs.org or by coming to the school. We are building on our strong foundation as an early childhood program. Come be a founding member of the elementary school!
Program Features: Before Care starting at 7:30 am and after care until 6:00 pm. Small classroom size and well trained staff. Individual planning for each student. Hands-on and project-based curriculum. Bridges Public Charter School is free and open to all DC residents. Tuition paid by non-residents.
CONTENTS SEPTEMBER 2012
18 out and about 08 GO SEE DO 10 Calendar
18 22 24 26
Star Chef at Howard Theatre • Pleasant Mann Retail Therapy • Scott Fazzini Insatiable • Celeste McCall Jazz Avenues • Steve Monroe
your neighborhood
35
27 28 30 32 34 35
E on DC • E. Ethelbert Miller District Beat • Martin Austermuhle The Numbers • Kate Coventry Logan Circles • Mark F. Johnson Shaw Sreets • Ralph Brabham Bloomingdale Bites • Jazzy Wright
kids and family 36
Kids and Family Notebook • Kathleen Donner
at home 42
Changing Hands • Don Denton
44
Garden Fairey • Frank Asher
46
Classifieds
44 COVER: Fiesta Musical at the Zoo. Sept 16, 11:00 AM-5:00 PM.
nationalzoo.si.edu. Photo: Courtesy of the National Zoo
Hill Rag Mid City DC East Of The River Fagon Community Guides
WIDE SHOE OUTLET Men’s and Women’s sizes up to 15 EE Brands: Naturalizer • Soft Spots Ros Hommerson • Propet Walking Cradles • InStride Slingshots are Back
Marlow Heights Shopping Center 4123 Branch Ave Marlow Heights, MD
301-702 1401
Free Gift With Ad
10th
STREET AUTO
Serving Capitol hill for over 25 years Family-owned and Operated Certified Mechanics Foreign & Domestic 518 10th St., NE (at Maryland Ave.) Mon. to Fri. / 8am–6pm
Capital Community News, Inc. 224 7th Street, SE, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20003 202.543.8300 • www.capitalcommunitynews.com EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Melissa Ashabranner melissaashabranner@hillrag.com Editorial Staff
Society & Events
Managing Editor: Andrew Lightman andrew@hillrag.com CFO & Associate Editor: Maria Carolina Lopez carolina@hillrag.com School Notes Editor: Susan Braun Johnson schools@hillrag.com Kids & Family Notebook Editor: Kathleen Donner kathleen.donner@gmail.com
Mickey Thompson • socialsightings@aol.com
Arts, Dining & Entertainment
anc6a, 6b, 6c, 6d:
Homes & Gardens
Rindy O’Brien - Hill Gardener • rindyob@mac.com Derek Thomas • derek@thomaslandscapes.com Judith Capen • judith.capen@architravepc.com HomeStyle: Mark Johnson • mark@hillrag.com
News & Neighborhood Reports
Art: Jim Magner • jjmagner@aol.com Dining: Emily Clark • clapol47@gmail.com Hit the City: Joylyn Hopkins • joylyn@joylynhopkins.com Literature: Karen Lyon • klyon@folger.edu Movies: Mike Canning • mjcanning@verizon.net Music: Jean-Keith Fagon • fagon@hillrag.com Retail Therapy: Scott Fazzini • scott.fazzini@gmail.com Theater: Barbara Wells • barchardwells@aol.com Travel: Maggie Hall • whitby@aol.com The Wine Guys: Jon Genderson • jon@cellar.com
Calendar & Bulletin Board
Hill Rag, MidCity DC & East of the River: Calendar Editor: Kathleen Donner calendar@hillrag.com, bulletinboard@hillrag.com
General Assignment
Michelle Phipps-Evans • invisiblecolours@yahoo.com Celeste McCall • celeste@hillrag.com Heather Schoell • hschoell@verizon.net Virginia Avniel Spatz • virginia@hillrag.com Peter Waldron • peter@hillrag.com Kathleen Donner • kathleen.donner@gmail.com Stephanie Deutsch • scd@his.com Alice Ollstein • alice.ollstein@gmail.com Roberta Weiner • rweiner_us@yahoo.com Gwyn Jones • gwynjones@aol.com John H. Muller • jmuller.washingtonsyndicate@gmail.com Amanda Wilson • amanda.mc.wilson@gmail.com Dana Bell • dana@hillrag.com
BEAUTY, Health& Fitness
Patricia Cinelli • fitmiss44@aol.com Ronda Bresnick Hauss, LCSW • www.quietwaterscenter.com quiet_waters_center@yahoo.com
ANACOSTIA RIVER REALTY Specializing in real estate sales, property management & development in Washington, DC neighborhoods East of the Anacostia River. 2412 Minnesota Ave. SE, Suite 101 Washington, DC 20020
202-678-REAL(7325) info@AnacostiaRiverRealty.com
www.AnacostiaRiverRealty.com
KIDS & FAMILY
Kathleen Donner • kathleen.donner@gmail.com Susan Johnson • schools@hillrag.com
Roberta Weiner • rweiner_us@yahoo.com • clapol47@gmail.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 The Triangle • Amanda Wilson • amanda.mc.wilson@gmail.com anc6b: Emily Clark
Production/Graphic Design
Associate Art Director: Jason Yen 202.543.8300 X21 • jay@hillrag.com Associate Art Director / Web Master: Jason Nickens 202.543.8300 X17 • jason@hillrag.com
Advertising & Sales
Account Executive: Carolina Lopez 202.543.8300 X12 • Carolina@hillrag.com Account Executive: Jennifer Zatkowski 202.543.8300 X20 • Jenn@hillrag.com Account Executive: Kira Means 202.543.8300 X16 • kira@hillrag.com Classified Advertising: Maria Carolina Lopez 202.543.8300 X12 • carolina@hillrag.com Marketing Asst.: Giancarlo Fagon
Distribution
Distribution Manager: Andrew Lightman Distributors: Southwest Distribution Distribution Information: distribution@hillrag.com
Deadlines & CONTACTS
Advertising: sales@hillrag.com Display Ads: 15th of each month Classified Ads: 10th of each month Editorial: 15th of each month; submissions@hillrag.com Bulletin Board & Calendar: 15th of each month; calendar@hillrag.com, bulletinboard@hillrag.com
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.
Publisher: Jean-Keith Fagon • fagon@hillrag.com Copyright © 2012 by Capital Community News. All Rights Reserved.
capitalcommunitynews.com 6 u Midcity DC | SEPTEMBER 2012
GO.SEE.DO. Adams Morgan Day
The Adams Morgan Day 18th Street Festival is characterized by two large signature music stages and other innovative & dynamic cultural, music, arts and kid’s activities. The famous Columbia and Florida Stages feature live music acts from all genres from Central and South America, Latin rock, salsa, jazz, to soul, funk and American rock. First held in 1978, this well-known regional event showcases the international and cultural diversity and creativity that is the hallmark of Adams Morgan. The Festival celebrates the dynamism and innovation that arises from the melting pot of cultures and their interaction. It is the the longest continuous neighborhood festival in DC. Sunday, Sept 9, noon-7:00 PM. 202-232-1960. adamsmorgandayfestivaldc.com
Women Who Rock: Vision, Passion, Power
8 u Midcity DC | SEPTEMBER 2012
The Supremes and Darlene Love. Photo: Courtesy of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
The National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) closes its 25th Anniversary year by saluting women’s contributions to rock and roll in Women Who Rock: Vision, Passion, Power. Organized by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, the exhibition of more than 250 artifacts by more than 70 artists highlights the flashpoints, the firsts, the celebrated, and the lesser-known women who have influenced the genre from its inception through today. The only east coast venue, Women Who Rock opens at NMWA on Friday, September 7, 2012, and closes Sunday, January 6, 2013. National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Ave. NW. 202-783-5000. nmwa.org
WalkingTown DC and BikingTown DC
WalkingTown DC and BikingTown DC offer a perfect insider’s look into the heart of Washington DC’s arts, culture, and heritage by way of 100-plus free guided biking and walking tours in all eight wards. This year’s event will feature five tracks of tours: African American Heritage dedicated to the history and significance of DC’s African American figures, landmarks, and events; Cultural Tourism DC’s Neighborhood Heritage Trails presenting guided tours of the traditionally self-guided Official Washington, DC Walking Trails; Eye on the Arts bringing attention to DC’s visual and performing arts exhibits, venues, and public art including sculpture, murals, architectural symbolism, and pop culture; Green DC featuring local sustainable development, urban parks, natural resources, flora and fauna; and Washington in Conflict exploring political unrest, social movements, and historically significant events including the War of 1812, the American Civil War, and the Civil Rights Movement. September 24 through October 1. culturaltourismdc.org
Tour group walking a Hertitage Trail Photo: Courtesy of Culturalism Tourism DC
Mayor’s Arts Awards
The D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities will present the 27th Annual Mayor’s Arts Awards on Thursday, September 13, at 6:30 PM at the Historic Lincoln Theatre. In addition to revealing the winners in five arts and three teaching categories, the program will feature performances by acts including the Poem-cees, Nistha Raj, Christylez Bacon, Rev. Nolan Williams, National Hand Dance Association, and the African Heritage Dancers and Drummers. Honorees for this year’s event will be Melvin Deal, Paul Jorgensen and George Stevens Jr. The Mayor’s Arts Award is the highest honor conferred by the District of Columbia in recognition of artistic excellence and service among artists, arts organizations, and arts patrons in the city. The reason to go to the awards ceremony is that this event has always showcased some of the best talent around. Everyone’s welcome and it’s free. dcarts.dc.gov
The Atlas Performing Arts Center on H Street has been nominated in the “Excellence in Service to the Arts” category.
Celebrate Hill Center’s First Anniversary
To celebrate this milestone, Hill Center invites one and all to an open house on Saturday, September 29, beginning at 10:30 a.m. There will be food and fun for everybody! They will have bratwursts, German beer, wonderful handmade frozen custard, and craft-brewed root beer. And plenty of activities for kids. At 10:30 a.m. there will be a commemoration of a new 19th century anchor next to the historic flagpole with pomp and appropriate band music. Following “Anchors Aweigh,” you can talk to dozens of program partners who offer classes in just about anything you can imagine, whether it’s painting, speaking a second language, exploring jazz, planning your finances, or mastering technology’s new applications. There will be a preview of the exciting program offerings for the fall. Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital. Photo: Chris Blackshear
capitalcommunitynews.com u 9
H H H
calendar
SEPTEMBER Takoma Park Folk Festival. Sept 9 (rain or shine), 10:30 am-6:30 pm. Festival featuring music and dance from around the world on eight stages. Takoma Park Middle School, 7611 Piney Branch Rd. (near Route 410), Takoma Park, MD. Adams Morgan Day. Sept 9, noon-7:00 PM. This international cultural street festival, which has a definite Latino flavor, features four stages of music, art fair, dance plaza, kids’ fair. 18th St. NW (from Florida Ave. to Columbia Rd.). 202-232-1960. AMMainStreet.org H Street Festival. Sept 15, 11:30 AM-7:00 PM. Live music, food, children’s activities and information tables, 8th to 14th sts. on H St. NE. hstreet.org Ethiopian Expo Celebration and Ethiopian New Year ENIKUTATASH. Sept 15. Washington Capital Hilton, 1001 16th St. NW. 202-3879302/3
Plant Literacy Festival. Sept 22, 10:00 AM-3:00 PM. Drop by the 3rd annual Plant Literacy Festival to learn more about the amazing world of plants! From roots to fruits and microbes to menu items, travel through various activity stations highlighting how plants work and explore all the parts that make plants unique, valuable and tasty! Please note: Festival occurs rain or shine. Free. No pre-registration required. US Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW. 202-225-8333. usbg.gov Feet in the Street. Sept 22, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM. There will also be organized activities and programs including a 5k walk/run to kickoff the event, guided nature hikes, rock climbing wall, physical fitness classes, community garden tours and vegetable gleaning, healthy cooking demonstrations and farmer’s market, face painting, free bike rentals courtesy of Bike and Roll, Capitol Bikeshare test rides and free ride coupons and much more. Fort Dupont Park. nps.gov/fodu
Photo: Courtesy of the National Zoo
Fiesta Musical at the Zoo. Sept 16, 11:00 AM-5:00 PM. With animal demonstrations, Hispanic and Latino music, costumed dancers, traditional crafts, and Latin American foods, the event offers something for everyone. Crafts available for sale include handmade jewelry, sweaters, clay sculptures, bags, finger puppets, and drums. National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW. nationalzoo.si.edu 10 u Midcity DC | SEPTEMBER 2012
capitalcommunitynews.com u 11
Barracks Row Fall Festival. Sept 22, 11:00 AM-5:00 PM. Expect food vendors, live music stage, face painting, community information tables, arts and crafts and activities for children of all ages. 500 to 700 blocks of 8th St. SE. 202-544-3188. barracksrow.org National Book Festival. Sept 22-23. This year’s festival will feature authors, poets and illustrators in several pavilions, including two Sunday-only pavilions: Science Fiction, Fantasy & Graphic Novels and Special Presentations. Festival-goers can meet and hear firsthand from their favorite poets and authors, get books signed, hear special entertainment, have photos taken with storybook characters and participate in a variety of activities. National Mall. loc.gov/ bookfest Truckeroo Food Truck Festival. Sept 28, 11:00 AM-11:00 PM. Truckeroo is a monthly festival held June-Oct at the corner of Half St. and M St. SE showcasing food trucks from the DC. area. It features 20 food trucks, live music all day, picnic tables, cornhole and other games. truckeroodc.com Opera in the Outfield Simulcast of “Don Giovanni”. Sept 29, 7:00 PM. Celebrate the fifth year of M&M’s Opera in the Outfield with Don Giovanni! Bring your family and friends to Nationals Park for a free live opera broadcast and relax and enjoy all that the ballpark has to offer. kennedy-center.org DC Walk for the Animals & Pet-A-Palooza. Sept 29, 10:00 AM. Participants and their canine friends will walk approximately 1 mile to raise money to benefit the Washington Humane Society.However, it’s not just a walk! There will be vendor booths, pet entertainment, contests, pet adoptions, games, kids area, music, and much more! Marie Reed Elementary School, 18th St. NW. dclovesdcanimals.org Christ Lutheran Church Annual Yard Sale. Sept. 29, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM; Sept. 30, noon4:00 PM. Christ Lutheran Church, 5101 16th St. NW. 202-829-6727. Turkish Festival. Sept 30, 11:00 AM-7:00 PM. Featuring live entertainment, Turkish food, fortune telling, music, folk dancing, kids arts and crafts. On Pennsylvania Ave. NW between 12th and 14th sts. (adjacent to Freedom Plaza). turkishfestival.org
MUSIC AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD Yards Park Friday Evening Concert. Sept 14, 6:30-8:30 PM. Last of the Friday evenings on the river concerts. Spend time relaxing on the terraced lawn steps with family and friends and listening to live music from the Yards Park’s boardwalk stage. capitolriverfront.org Blitz the Ambassador at National Geographic. Oct 3, 7:30 PM. Rolling Stone hails Blitz the Ambassador as “the future of African music.” This Ghanaian-born rapper brings a unique mix of Afrobeat and hip-
12 u Midcity DC | SEPTEMBER 2012
hop to Nat Geo. $10-$20. National Geographic Museum, 1145 17th St. NW. nationalgeographic.com Church of the Epiphany Weekly Concerts. Every Tuesday, 12:10 PM. Free but free will offering taken. 1317 G ST. NW. 202-347-2635. epiphanydc.org 1st Thursday @ First Church. First Thursday of every month, 5:30-7:00 PM. First Congregational United Church of Christ hosts a “Different kind of Happy Hour” for those passing by the corner of 10th and G sts. NW-music, art, refreshments and conversation. Childcare provided. 945 G St. NW. FirstUCCDC.org Sunday Gospel Brunch Featuring the Harlem Gospel Choir. Every Sunday, 12:30-2:00 PM. $30-$45. The Howard Theatre, 620 T St. NW. 202-803-2899. thehowardtheatre.com National City Christian Church Organ Concerts. Every Friday, 12:15-1:15 PM. Free. 5 Thomas Cir. NW. 202-232-0323. nationalcitycc.org Steinway Series of classical music concerts at American Art Museum. Second Sunday, 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 Nineth and and F and G sts. NW.) 202-633-1000. americanart.si.edu “Take Five” (free jazz at the American Art Museum). Third Thursday, 5:00-7:00 PM. Smithsonian American Art Museum, (Great Hall on the 3rd floor), Eighth and F sts. NW. 202-633-1000. AmericanArt.si.edu
THEATER AND FILM AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD Body Awareness at Theater J. Aug 25-Sept 23. A touching comedy from the Obie Award-winning author of Circle Mirror Transformation. It’s Body Awareness Week at Shirley College, and the non-traditional Vermont family members Phyllis, Joyce and their possibly autistic son Jared are rocked by a visiting photographer and his ‘male gaze.’ As sexuality, identity, role modeling and political-correctness get stirred up, the results are both touching and hilarious. Theater J, 1529 16th St. NW. 202-518-9400. washingtondcjcc.org The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity at Woolly. Sept 3-30. This 2010 Pulitzer Prize finalist is a drop-kicking, body-slamming, balls-out theatrical happening about the larger-than-life world of professional wrestling. Tired of making other pro wrestlers look good, Macedonio “The Mace” Guerra recruits a smart-mouthed Indian kid to dethrone the current All-American champ, Chad Deity. But in wrestling, as in life, even the most idealistic freedomfighter can be seduced by the roar of the crowd. Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, 641 D St. NW. 202-393-3939. woollymammoth.net Invisible Man at Studio. Sept 5-Oct 24. This savage, hypnotic, and impassioned adaptation of Ralph Ellison’s 1952 masterpiece explores bigotry and its effects on the minds of both victims and perpetrators. Studio Theatre, 501 14th St. NW. 202-332-3300. studiotheatre.org A Couple of Blaguards. Sept 21-Oct 14. A Couple of Blaguards, a two-man show by literary greats Frank and Malachy McCourt, is a bubbling stew of their well-known humor with a dash of poignancy to sharpen the flavor. Flavored with incidental music from the great Irish tradition, Blaguards follows the trials of the young McCourts in povertystricken Limerick, Ireland, through their journey to the US
and Brooklyn, New York–where the young men learn to apply the day-to-day lessons from their hardscrabble Irish past. Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church St. NW. 703-892-0202. keegantheatre.com Fiction Lover’s Film Companion-”Welcome to Sarajevo”. Sept 24, 6:00 PM. Two reporters become part of the story when they risk their lives as they and an American aid worker attempt to smuggle an “orphan” out of worn-torn Bosnia and to safety. The film is set in 1992 and is based on a true story. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW. 202-727-0321. dclibrary.org/mlk Tuesdays at Noon National Geographic Movies. Enjoy great selections from National Geographic TV and Channel films, All Roads Film Project, and independent filmmakers. All screenings held in Grosvenor Auditorium. Free. National Geographic Museum, 1145 17th St. NW. 202-857-7588. nationalgeographic.comwoollymammoth.net
Polar Bear AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING, INC.
Historical Preservation with Modern Convenience FAST SERVICE / FAST INSTALLATION
EXHIBITIONS AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD Inventing a Better Mousetrap: Patent Models from the Rothschild Collection. Through Nov. 3, 2013. The exhibition Inventing a Better Mousetrap features thirty-two models illustrating the wide variety of nineteenth-century patented inventions submitted by inventors from across the United States. All of the models on display are from the collection of Alan Rothschild, whose holdings of 4,000 patent models is the largest private assemblage of American patent models anywhere. American Art Museum, Eighth and F sts. NW. 202-633-7970. americanart. si.edu 1001 Inventions-Discover the Golder Age of Muslim Civilization. Through Feb 3. From the 7th to 17th centuries, Muslim Civilization stretched from southern Spain to China. Scholars of many faiths built on the ancient knowledge of the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Persians, and others, making breakthroughs that paved the way for the Renaissance. $8. National Geographic Museum, 1145 17th St. NW. 202-857-7588. nationalgeographic.com House and Home at National Building Museum. House & Home, a long-term exhibition, takes visitors on a tour of houses both familiar and surprising, through past and present, challenging our ideas about what it means to live at home in America. National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW. 202-272-2448. nbm.org The American Revolution at Sea. Through Dec 29, Tuesday-Saturday, 1:00-4:00 PM. The American Revolution at Sea traces the maritime dimensions of the conflict from the end of the Seven Years’ War, when France—humiliated by defeat—began to rebuild its navy for a war of revenge, through the last naval battles of the Revolutionary War. The naval war of the American Revolution was a world war that reached from the coast of North America to the Bay of Bengal. Anderson House, 2118 Massachusetts Ave. NW. 202-785-2040. societyofthecincinnati.org Wicked Weather-Photographs From National Geographic. Through Oct 23, 2013. From Hurricane Katrina that devastated the entire city of New Orleans to the tsunamis that changed the face of Haiti and Japan, extreme weather patterns impact our lives in ways which nothing else can. Uncontrollable and unpredictable, such events continue to fuel a growing field of study to explain and understand the incredible power and fury of wicked weather. Outdoor exhibition. National Geographic Museum, 1145 17th St. NW. nationalgeographic.com
• Residential & Light Commercial • Roof Top Package Units • Highly Experienced Technicians • Low Prices • Free Estimates On Replacements • Convenient Financing
Specializing in: Equipment; Change Outs & Complete Ductwork Systems
WE SERVICE & INSTALL ALL MAKES & MODELS Please Call
202-333-1310 Licensed, Bonded & Insured All Credit Cards Accepted
www.polarbearairconditioning.com capitalcommunitynews.com u 13
LITERARY EVENTS AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Seventh St. NW. 202-727-1288. dclibrary.org/ watha
Russkaia Literatura, a Russian Literature Book Club. Sept 11, 6:30-8:00 PM. Russkaia Literatura will meet every six weeks at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library (room 221) to discuss the major philosophical and moral questions found within both classic and lesser-known Russian literature. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW. 202727-0321. dclibrary.org/mlk
MARKETS NOMA Farmers Market. Wednesdays, through Oct 31, 3:00-7:00 PM. 1200 First St., NE. nomabid.org Penn Quarter FRESHFARM Market. Thursdays, through Dec 20, 3:00-7:00 PM. North end of
furniture. The market will also highlight local prepared foods such as handmade chocolates and breads; and beverages, such as organic juices, teas and coffee. The food truck, Curbside Cupcakes and Bita Diomande, of Sarafina will also be at the market. Also find handmade jewelry, vintage and contemporary clothing and accessories. mountvernontriangle.org Mi Tierra (Latino) Market at Unity Park. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (weather permitting). 9:00 AM-7:00 PM. Unity Park at Champlain St. Euclid St. and Columbia Rd. NW. Mi Tierra
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 14th and U Farmers Market. Saturdays. 9:00
Brown Bag Book Share. Sept 12 (every 2nd Wednesday), noon-2:00 PM. The group meets to talk about what each member is currently reading. Library staffers also attend. Periodic book swaps allows members to recycle their past reads by walking in with their favorite and walking out with something new. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library (room 221), 901 G St. NW. 202-727-0321. dclibrary.org/mlk Sunday Kind of Love at Busboys. Every third Sunday, 5:00 PM. Sunday Kind of Love features emerging and established poets from the Washington, DC area and around the nation. Each program includes featured poet(s) and an open mic segment centered around a predetermined social or poetic theme. Hosted by various local poets, Sunday Kind of Love has showcased poets as diverse as Esther Iverem, Richard Blanco, and Kathi Wolfe. $5. Busboys and Poets, 2021 14th St, NW. 202-387-7638. busboysandpoets.com Tuesday Night Open Mic Poetry. Tuesdays, 9:00-11:00 PM. For two hours audiences can expect a diverse chorus of voices and a vast array of professional spoken word performers, open mic rookies, musicians and a different host every week. Expect to be moved, expect a packed house, expect the unexpected, but above all come with an open mind and ear. $4/person. Wristbands for Tuesday night open mic at 14th & V are sold all day in the Bookstore beginning at 10:00 AM until sold out. Limit of 4 wristbands per person. Cash only. Busboys and Poets, 2021 14th St, NW. 202-387-7638. busboysandpoets.com Nine on the Ninth Open Mic Poetry. June 9, 9:00-11:00 PM. “Nine on the Ninth” Open Mic Poetry, the now legendary monthly poetry series that falls on every 9th day of the month at 9pm. Hosted by Derrick Weston Brown. $5 suggested donation. Busboys and Poets, 2021 14th St, NW. 202-3877638. busboysandpoets.com Watha T. Daniel-Shaw Neighborhood Library History Book Club. Second Monday, 6:30-8:00 PM. The History Book Club is a lively discussion of American historical biographies and how personal histories intersect with historical events. The typical book selected is entertaining and thought-provoking, which always leads to interesting conversations. Books range in reading level from teen books to adult books. Open to ages 16 and older. 1630
14 u Midcity DC | SEPTEMBER 2012
Ford’s presents “Fly”-Sept 21-Oct 21. Photo: Scott Suchman
Fly at Ford’s Theatre. Sept 21-Oct 21. The centerpiece of Ford’s programming for The Lincoln Legacy Project, “Fly” is based on the experiences of the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II. The play follows four courageous heroes hailing from Chicago, Harlem, rural Iowa and the Caribbean as they train to fly combat aircraft. In spite of the overt racism they encounter, the men form a lasting brotherhood and fly with distinction, paving the way for the
Eighth St, between D and E sts. NW. freshfarmmarket.org By the White House FRESHFARM Market. Thursdays, through Oct 25, 11:00 AM-2:30 PM. 810 Vermont Ave. NW. freshfarmmarket.org Mount Vernon Triangle Market. Sundays, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM. Initiating its second season, the market is situated in Mt. Vernon Triangle, at the corner of 5th and Eye sts. NW just north of Chinatown. The market will feature a diverse mix of art, crafts, imports, antiques, collectibles and
desegregation of the American military and the later Civil Rights Movement. The production inventively combines live action, video footage and the inspirational “Tap Griot,” a dancing storyteller who expresses the anger, fear and triumph that the officers cannot. Tickets start at $15. Discounts are available for groups, senior citizens, military personnel and those younger than 35. Ford’s Theatre, 511 10th St. NW. 800-982-2787. fords.org.
market has 18 approved vendors that sell foods and crafts from their native countries in the heart of Adams Morgan.
AM-1:00 PM, until Thanksgiving. Producers-only market. 14th and U sts. NW, in front of the Reeves Building. marketsandmore.net
H Street FRESHFARM Market at New Location. Saturdays, 9 AM-noon. 1300 H St. NE. The market is a producers-only outdoor market offering fruit, vegetables, meats, baked goods, cheese, flowers and more for sale. freshfarmmarket.org
SPORTS, DANCE AND PHYSICAL FITNESS
9th and U Flea Market. Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. 9th and U sts. NW.
Nats Baseball. Sept 8, 9, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 and Oct 1, 2 and 3. $10, up. Nationals Park. 202-675-6287. washington.nationals.mlb.com
National’s Ballpark Tours. WednesdaySunday (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 Mystics Basketball. Sept 14, 16 and 21. $17, up. Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW. wnba.com The Nations Triathlon. Sept 9, 6:00 AM. 1500 meter swim, 24.9 mile bike, 6.2 mile run. West Potomac Park, Ohio Drive & Independence Ave. nationstri.com DC United Soccer Home Match. Sept 15, 7:30 PM, vs. New England Revolution; Sept 23, 7:00 PM, Chivas USA. $23-$52. RFK Stadium. 202-587-5000. dcunited.com Run! Geek! Run! 8K. Sept 15, 8:00 AM. Run! Greek! Run! 8K starts and finishes in West Potomac Park, home to famous monuments such as the FDR Memorial, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and the Reflecting Pool. This is a flat, fast, out-and- back course and is a ChronoTrack disposable D-Tag timed event supported by Capital Running Company. Awards will be given to runners in five-year age group brackets and there will also be a corporate team challenge. Following the race there will be a post-run gala with music, food, and drinks. 703-218-3555. rungeekrun.net Cancer Prevention and Treatment 5K Run/Walk. Sept 23, 10:00 AM. A scenic 5K Run/Walk on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath, starting and finishing near the end of Water Street and Jack’s Boat House. All levels of runners and walkers welcome! Age Divisions-14 and under, 1519, 20-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, and 55 and older. 202-223-4000. firstgiving.com/cptf/ cancer5k DC Undy 5000. Sept 29, 8:00 AM. The Undy 5000 is a family-friendly 5K run/walk that was created by the Colon Cancer Alliance. It is unique because participants are encouraged to run in their boxers to bring attention to the area affected by colon cancer. They have found that by getting people talking about this disease, we can save lives! ock Creek Park at Kennedy St. NW. support.ccalliance.org Dead Man’s Run 5k and Kids’ Fun Run. Oct 6, 6:00 PM. Join them for Congressional Cemetery’s second annual Dead Man’s Run. This year the event is a twilight run, so lace up your shoes and bring your whole family to race through the cemetery grounds on this fall evening. $40 for the adult run. $10 for the kids’ fun run. For more information
capitalcommunitynews.com u 15
and to register for the race, visit congressionalcemetery.org. Woodrow Wilson Bridge Half Marathon. Oct 7. 703-587-4321. wilsonbridgehalf.com Dance Classes at Dance Place. Classes offered on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Classes offered in modern, African, belly dance, Afro-Cuban, Hip-Hop. The mission of Dance Place is to improve the quality of life in the metropolitan area through the presentation of educational and cultural programs and to nurture and expand the field of dance nationally. $120 for 10 classes, valid for 3 months. Drop-in for $15 ($13, seniors). 3225 Eighth St. NE. 202-269-1600. danceplace.org Learn to Swim in DC. Basic lessons are $10 for DC residents. More advanced classes are $30 for a 4 week session (2 lessons a week). For more information, 202-724-4495. dpr. dc.gov Indoor Public Skating at Fort Dupont Ice Arena. Fridays, noon-1:50 PM; Saturdays, 11:15 AM-12:15 PM. Dress for warmth and safety. Clothes should be easy to move in, and pants must not fall below the heel of the skate (sweatpants or leggings are a good choice). Everyone needs to wear gloves or mittens, and one pair of thin, long socks or tights that fit snugly (no ankle socks). A helmet or knit hat is strongly recommended (loaner helmets are available). $5. $4 for kids and seniors. $3 for skate rental. Fort Dupont Ice Arena, 3779 Ely Pl. NE. 202-584-5007. fdia.org 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. Nearby public tennis courts. Banneker Community Center (eight outdoor tennis courts), 2500 Georgia Ave. NW. 202-6736861. 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
16 u Midcity DC | SEPTEMBER 2012
Nearby indoor public swimming pools. Turkey Thicket, 1100 Michigan Ave. NE. 202-5769236. Rumsey Pool (closed for repairs-Sept 16-Oct 6), 635 No.Carolina Ave. SE. 202-7244495. All DC public pools are free for DC residents. Have ID. dpr.dc.gov 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 Langston Driving Range. Open daily except Christmas, sun-up to sun-down. In addition to the driving range, Langston has an 18 hole course, snack bar, pro shop and offers golf lessons. 45 balls, $4.75. 180 balls, $14.25. $2, golf club rental. 26th and Benning Rd. NE. 202-397-8638. golfdc.com
CIVIC LIFE Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute CareerLider Live Career Fair. Sept 12, 9:00 AM-2:00 PM. Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW, is free and open to all job seekers. psijobfair.com Spanish Language Small Business Brief Advice Legal Clinic. Sept 19, 5:00-7:30 PM. This clinic is for aspiring or existing small business owners (Spanish speakers, English speakers and other languages welcome). Attendees will meet one-on-one with attorneys for brief advice on any legal issues their businesses may be facing. Howard University Gadget Center, 2801 Georgia Ave. NW. Job Seekers Drop-In Clinic & One City One Hire Registration. Sept 20, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM. Need help with your job search? Come to the Job Seekers Drop-In Clinic & the One City One Hire Registration process, where you will receive individualized assistance. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW. 202-442-7637. dclibrary.org/mlk Congresswoman Norton’s NW District Office. Open weekdays, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM. 529 14th St. NW, suite 900. 202-783-5065. norton.house.gov 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. 5 Thomas Circle, NW. 202299-1181 x105. rainbowresponse.org 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. China-
town Revitalization Council (CRC) promoting the Chinatown renewal and the preservation of its cultural heritage. The public is welcome. Convention Center Community Association. Last Tuesday, 7:00-8:30 PM. Kennedy Rec Center, 1401 Seventh St. NW. www.ccca-online. Downtown Neighborhood Association. Second Tuesday, 7:00-9:00 PM. US Naval Memorial Center, 701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. miles@dcdna.org. dcdna.org East Central Civic Association 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. 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. Third Tuesday, 7:30-9:30 PM. Yale Steam Laundry, 437 New York Ave. NW. lifein.mvsna.org U Street Neighborhood Association. Second Thursday, 7:00-8:30 PM. Source (second floor classroom), 1835 14th St. NW ANC 1A. Second Wednesday, 7:00 PM. Harriet Tubman Elementary School, 3101 13th St. NW. 202-588-7278. anc1a.org ANC 1B. First Thursday, 7:00 PM. Reeves Center, 2000 14th St. NW (second floor). 202-870-4202. anc1b.org ANC 1B11. Second Monday, 7:00 PM. LeDroit Senior Building (basement community room), 2125 Fourth St. NW. 202481-3462. www.anc1b.org ANC 1C. First Wednesday, 7:00 PM. Mary’s Center for Maternal and Child Health, 2355 Ontario Rd. NW. 202-3322630. anc1c.org ANC 1D. Third Tuesday, 7:00 PM. 3166 Mount Pleasant St. NW. 202-462-8692. anc1d.org ANC 2C. First Wednesday, 6:30-8:30 PM. Watha T. Daniel Library, 1630 Seventh St. NW (new location). 202-682-1633. anc2C.org u
capitalcommunitynews.com u 17
out and about
+ Dining
Star Chef Samuelsson Shines at Howard Theatre
C
elebrity Chef Marcus Samuelsson came to Shaw’s Howard Theater one Saturday evening in July for an event promoting his New York Times-bestselling memoir, Yes, Chef. Samuelsson’s book contains
by Pleasant Mann no recipes, although it discusses, at length, how to cook. Appearing before a diverse crowd of nearly 200 people, Samuelsson began his combination of life story, cooking demonstration and career coaching seminar by discussing
Excited fans posed for pictures with Chef Samuelsson at the end of the event. Photo: Pleasant P. Mann 18 u Midcity DC | SEPTEMBER 2012
the historic theater and his contract to develop the menu for its restaurant. The chef attributed the Howard deal to contacts he made as an Apollo Theater board member, which includes notable Washingtonians like TV One/
Radio One head Alfred C. Liggins, III. The audience represented a mixture of people that are not usually seen together in Washington. There were women on a girls’ night out, couples spanning most of the area’s ethnic and age demographics and culinary school students looking for tips on starting their careers. While Samuelsson has written well-regarded books on Swedish and African cuisine, most of the attendees asked said that they knew him from his stint as a judge on the Food Network show, Chopped. Samuelsson began by characterizing much of the story in his memoir as an example of how to deal with rejection. Ethiopian-born, but adopted and growing up in Sweden, a young Samuelsson thought that soccer would be his life. After being picked up by a local youth league team, his “life had taken a steady comforting routine: seven months of soccer, three months of school in which I would spend the majority of my time thinking about soccer.” But after he was suddenly dropped from his team, he had to reassess his life’s direction. Eventually, he started to imagine life as a chef, having shown talent at cooking for family and friends. The future chef enrolled in a vocational school that offered a culinary program.
He noted that “Maybe one of the reasons that I come on so hard in the food game is that I’ve been cut once before.” Early on, he knew that his effort to become a chef would lead to a world-wide tour, one that he came to call a “chase for flavors.” While he had disappointed his father by skipping national military service, Samuelsson did sign up for another team, Escoffier’s brigade de cuisine. The hierarchical and highly structured set of relationships that define the world of fine dining are like a military organization: there is little fraternization between upper and lower ranks, orders are not questioned and discipline can approach physical violence. Still, the culinary world is one of the few professions where someone starting at the bottom can work their way to the top. Yes, Chef is the story of how Samuelsson “got his ticket punched” to pull together the requisite assignments to become recognized as a competent chef. Traveling and working throughout Europe, then New York, working on a cruise ship, in France, and back to New York led to recognition as a three-star chef. The road to becoming a celebrity chef through cable TV competitions, the invitation to create a White House State Dinner menu, and establishing his latest restaurant in Harlem, Red Rooster, appears a lot shakier that one might imagine. The memoir also faces the issue of race. A number of positive responses to written inquiries for jobs from a “Marcus Samuelsson” suddenly turned negative when he showed up in person. His attraction to the New York was largely due to the number of prominent black people that he saw in the city. Samuelsson’s inclination to make New York his home was clinched when a spontaneous Swedish cursing streak in Central Park introduced him to a group of Afro-Swedes with a background similar to his. At the Howard Theater, when the subject moved on to food, Samuelsson stressed the need to try to express a personal, family or community point of view in cooking. An example he gave was the fried chicken he developed for his Red Rooster Restaurant in Harlem, capitalcommunitynews.com u 19
Chef Marcus Samuelsson spoke and cooked on the stage of the Howard Theatre on July 28, 2012. Photo: Pleasant P. Mann
which he characterized as a “community of 400,000 with 200,000 fried chicken experts.” Samuelsson’s suggestions to use dark meat and multiple fryings of the chicken were punctuated by gasps of cognition by the rapt audience. Descriptions of collard greens (supplemented with bok choy) and chocolate blinis were similarly interrupted by oohs, before the samples were quickly consumed. Samuelsson noted the importance of immigrant groups in establishing an ethnic dining scene, for example, the series of restaurants established by previous waves of immigration from Vietnam, China or Mexico. He declared that the Washington, DC area had the best Ethiopian food in the world, with approximately 80 restaurants in the region. When, in a separate interview, he was asked whether there were too many undercapitalized, undistinguished Ethiopian restaurants in DC, Samuelsson objected. “The opening of a restaurant is an important step for an immigrant” that should be encouraged, he said, regardless of whatever fine dining standard it might fail to meet. Before adjourning for the signing portion of the event, Chef Samuelsson took questions from the audience. What were the best meals you ever had? “That would be eating fugu (blowfish) at a restaurant in Tokyo, going to Ferran Adria’s restaurant El Bulli in Barcelona and sampling the fare of restaurants in Ethiopia.” Where have you had your best res20 u Midcity DC | SEPTEMBER 2012
taurant experiences in DC? “I just had good experiences at Rasika, an Indian restaurant here and at Makoto, a small sushi restaurant.” Are you planning to open a restaurant here in the District? “No, probably not, since I still have a lot of work to do in Harlem.” There is a lot of work to do here in Washington, too. Despite the sophistication and affluence of DC’s Black community, the most notable African American restaurant is probably Georgia Brown’s, a corporate-owned establishment. Despite the fact that our nation’s capital probably has an embassy from every country on the African continent, the most visible purveyor of African cuisine here might just be Nando’s Peri-Peri. At the end of his memoir, which took almost five years to complete, Samuelsson uses a cross-country skiing metaphor to describe his position today: In the woods, “the first skier has to plow. That’s how I think of myself – with the restaurant, with the Harlem dining scene, I’m the one who has to plow.” Seeing in Harlem “the lack of healthy food options, the whitewash of New York’s dining scene – in the kitchen, among the staff, and among the guests. I’m activating myself to lead.” Perhaps Samuelsson’s book and presentations like the one he gave at the Howard Theater will help plow the way for a broadening of Afrocentric fine dining options in Washington. u
capitalcommunitynews.com u 21
out and about
+ Shopping
RETAIL THERAPY article and photo by Scott Fazzini
Timothy Paul Bedding and Home 1529 14th Street NW www.TimothyPaulBedding.com 202.234.2020
A part of a budding home store mini-empire, owners Tim and Mia have cultivated a collection of stores all geared towards making your house the best that it can be. It’s also a great spot to snag a gift for a friend, loved one, or yourself, as well as a terrific source for interior designers to outfit their projects. Their product lacks neither in quality or price point. But if you’ve got the means, or proper credit cards, you’ll be able to infuse a level of beautiful, comfort, and luxury into your home that you will surely enjoy for years to come. They are primarily a bedding store, carrying classic luxury brands such as Sferra, Matouk, and Matteo, as well as more trendy lines such as John Robshaw (pricing varies so much from item to item, but expect an average price tag of around $500 for a queen size duvet cover). The perimeter of the store is lined with decorative pillows (starting around $68), some provided by vendors and many others designed by Mia and made at their in-house work room. A large table in the center of the shop is piled high with beautiful throws from Brahms Mount, made in Maine. The Classic Herringbone Throw, available in many different colors, ($236) would be a perfect gift, or a wise investment for sprucing up your sofa or bed. They also carry a line of beautiful upholstered furniture (including, of course, headboards), lighting, and accessories. And, because it’s difficult for me to go into a store and not buy something, I bought a moss scented candle by Nest ($36) which I’m thoroughly enjoying as I write this.
The Brass Knob 2311 18th Street NW www.TheBrassKnob.com 202.332.3370
With a shared interest in architectural salvage and restoration, Donetta George and Ron Allen opened shop in Adams Morgan in 1981. The neighborhood was then a commune of antique shops. Still going strong after 31 years, The Brass Knob specializes in architectural salvage, lighting, hardware, and garden accessories from 1840’s - 1940’s, mainly American, and mostly acquired from the DC area. In the market for a Federal mantel circa 1940’s ($1895)? Or maybe you’re looking for a large leaded glass fanlight transom window circa 1910 (a steal at $895)? Well, The Brass Knob can hook you up. They also stock an impressive collection of antique lighting (sconces, light fixtures, table and floor lamps, etc.). An imposing crystal fixture ($6800) glimmers in the front window of the shop. It’s an original pendant from the very glamorous, and sadly demolished, Fox Theatre, the entrance of which can still be seen at 1328 F Street NW. An Art Deco table torchiere ($195) was much more within my economy, but I’ll think of that Fox Theatre fixture fondly for years to come. The store also stocks plenty of much more modestly priced and sized items such as doorknobs (obviously), bins upon bins of random hardware, all sorts of bathroom fixtures, and a small metal architectural model of a bank ($695) that I would love to have in my life (just in case anyone was wondering). 22 u Midcity DC | SEPTEMBER 2012
Meeps 2104 18th Street NW www.MeepsDC.com 202.265.6546
Meeps, a go-to spot for vintage shopping in DC since 1992, has recently been purchased, re-tweaked, and renovated by the stylish geniuses behind Treasury, Cathy Chung and Katerina Herodotu. The shop specializes in clothing from the 1960’s to contemporary designs (within the last two seasons), and works in a buy/sell/trade manner, so you bring in those items that you’ve had hanging in your closet, but never really wore and trade them for something kicky and fun to perk up your wardrobe! Like most vintage shops in the area, they have a larger concentration of ladies items --but that doesn’t deter a lot of my male friends. As soon as I entered the shop my eyes were drawn to a flowing red dress with a ruffle that can be used as a collar or peplum ($68), a beautiful chain and leather bag ($48), and a counter of accessories including chic sunglasses ($18) and mounds of stylish earrings (averaging around $18). Swing by to treat yourself and congratulate the ladies on their new venture!
Idle Time Books 2467 18th Street NW www.IdleTimeBooks.com 202.232.4774
There are few things that I like shopping for more than books and records, especially at a quaint used book and record store. Idle Time Books is one of those special little places (it’s really pretty big) that seem to be disappearing into the vastness of online shopping. I often spend far too much time (generally time that should be spent working) poring over the impressive collections of books on architecture, historical biographies, and records. The selection (on many other topics) fills the walls from floor to ceiling and even the stair landing (the biography section, in case you were wondering). On a recent rainy afternoon I snagged a biography of Nancy Cunard ($10), The Story of French ($12), The Wings of the Dove ($5), and a Nina Simone record ($4). I can’t wait to dive into my finds! u
capitalcommunitynews.com u 23
out and about
I
N
+ Dining
S
A
T
I
A
B
L
E
By Celeste McCall roasted beef bone was escorted by a tangy green tomato chow chow, which cut the richness somewhat. Peter, being more sensible, chose a refreshing gazpacho, the tomato base enhanced with red bell pepper puree. Poisson du jour was broiled monkfish, ringed with little clams, red bell pepper strips and tiny potatoes napped with a spicy tomato sauce. Deciding to continue elevating my cholesterol count, I went for the duck confit. Decadently delicious, the succulent duck leg was capped with crispy skin and paired with roasted potatoes, wild mushrooms, pretty little pearl onions and bathed in a Banyul vinegar sauce. Meanwhile, the couple sitting across from us was raving about the steamed mussels, an enormous portion swimming in a pool of Dijon-style mustard, herbes de provence and enlivened by a splash of pastis. Dessert? No room, although the pot du creme au chocolat gets rave reviews. As a cheese lover, I plan to sample the plat de fromage. Next visit. Dinner is served Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday until 10:30 p.m. Sunday brunch goes from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Closed Monday. Chez Billy is located at 3815 Georgia Ave NW; call 202-506-2080. The closest Metro station is Georgia Ave./Petworth (Green, Yellow Lines). Limited street parking.
Chez French
Latest on the growing Petworth scene is a delightful French bistro, Chez Billy, which debuted in April. Wondering about the un-French moniker? A plaque in front of the handsomely restored building enlightened us: From 1965 to 1978, the structure housed Billy Simpson’s House of Seafood and Steaks, favored by Washington’s African American intellectuals, professionals, politicians, entertainers, and African diplomats. After Simpson’s death, his widow closed the restaurant. The site–which remained vacant for years– was listed on the National Register of Historic Places three years ago. Chez Billy is the creation of brothers Eric and Ian Hilton, who opened Marvin, Blackbyrd Warehouse and the Gibson (off U St. NW) and American Ice Co. (917 V St. NW). Overseeing Billy’s kitchen is executive chef Brendan L’Etoile. The decor–with wainscotting, stucco walls, a sleek bar and chandeliers, reminded us somewhat of Alsace. That thought was reinforced by a delightful Pinot Blanc 2012 Beblenheim Heimberger ($9 per glass, $34 for a bottle) from that lovely part of France which we visited decades ago. Likewise, a pleasant Granache Syrah 2009 Oraison Cote du Rhone ($8/$30) brought back fond memories. If any cardiologists are reading this, STOP NOW. I began my repast with a Fred Flintstone-style appetizer: roasted bone marrow, a huge bone split in half. The canoe-like cavities were filled with marrow, which you slather on grilled bread. This dish might seem cosmopolitan, but I remember my father, who grew up on a Missouri farm, introducing me to marrow when I was a child, a long time ago. Chef L’Etoile’s 24 u Midcity DC | SEPTEMBER 2012
Fired up
A plaque describes the rich history of Billy Simpson’s House of Seafood and Steaks, which occupied the Chez Billy site from 1965 to 1968. Peter McCall reads the plaque on the historic building housing Chez Billy, which opened in the Petworth neighborhood last April. Photos by Celeste McCall
Near Mount Vernon Triangle, we explored the beautifully restored Sixth Engine Food and Bar, which made its lively debut last February in Washington’s oldest firehouse. Designed by Adolf Cluss (who also gave us Eastern
Market among other buildings in the Nation’s Capital), the historic structure was dedicated in 1865. The original Metropolitan Hook and Ladder Company was built there in 1855. Sixth Engine’s more formal dining area is upstairs, which used to house the brass pole which firefighters slid down when they had to rush to a fire. The pole has been removed because it led directly down into the bar area downstairs. (Things would have gotten interesting if someone slid down during happy hour.) A Norman Rockwell-inspired mural of firefighters graces a brick-lined wall. Also upstairs is the kitchen, where we chatted with Chef Paul Madrid. Back downstairs, we plowed into the pleasant weekend brunch. Since it was so hot, we eschewed the outdoor patio and dined in the rather dark interior. The before-mentioned bar is situated in the front; the back area has a long row of banquettes against one wall with tables and chairs facing them, ideal for groups. Peter chose the richly decadent pastrami hash, stuffed into a baked potato and topped with a pair of runny fried eggs. I ordered the quiche du jour–a fluffy rendition studded with red bell pepper strips, spinach and goat cheese. The quiche arrived with a crisp green salad anointed with a light dressing. There was a slight mixup (someone brought me the wrong order), but the mistake was rectified. Libations include an eclectic lineup of artisanal beers by the bottle, can and on draft. Equally eclectic is the wine list which offer vintages from Virginia, Oregon, Argentina and Italy, to name a few. For future reference, we peeked at the Sixth Engine dinner menu: Tempting us was the roast chicken with “dirty” foie gras rice, spinach and truffle sauce; cavatelli (pasta) with smoked pork belly; smoked, roasted and grilled “primed” rib eye. Sixth En-
gine has a sister restaurant in Town Hall on upper Wisconsin Ave. NW in Glover Park. Open daily, Mount Vernon’s Sixth Engine is at 438 Massachusetts Ave. NW; call 202-506-2455 or visit www. sixthengine.com. Across the street at 401 Massachusetts Ave. NE is Tel Veh Café & Wine Bar. Primarily a breakfast spot with sandwiches and pastries, Tel Veh is also open for dinner, plus happy hour. As the name indicates, the menu is largely Middle Eastern, with hummus, watermelon-feta salad, plus build-your own salads. Dinner entrees run toward seafoods, flat breads, charcuterie and cheese “flights.” The latter is hot these days. And, to accompany all that cheese--Tel Veh pours more than 40 wines by the glass and 300 by the bottle!
More News from the MVT
Also in the Mount Vernon Triangle area, Againn DC has introduced some fun fall food and drink specials. You’ll find them at the bar and patio Monday through Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. Among bargain-priced victuals (some are half-off ) are beer-battered prawns, salmon cakes, burgers, mussels, oyster shooters, chicken liver mousse and Guinness-soaked pretzels. (Those we have to try.) Draft beers are $3.50, rail drinks and house wines are $4, plus other cocktail specials. Againn is located at 1099 New York Ave. NW; Call 202639-9830 or www.againndc.com.
And...
Arriving later this fall is the 13th offshoot of Sweetgreen. You’ll find the ultra fresh salad eatery at Fifth and K Streets NW, in the snazzy CityVista building. Among other DC locations are Logan Circle and Capitol Hill. u capitalcommunitynews.com u 25
out and about
+ Music
Jazz Avenues
“L
et Me Love You” latest from Chad Carter “I would just really like to state how blessed, honored and humbled I am to get an opportunity to work with such master musicians,” said vocalist Chad Carter in an email of his new recording, “Let Me Love You” on his JKBJ Records label. “All of the musician[s] are fantastic and deserve a mention in their Carter’s new recording has a special twist for listeners on the own right. For instance, I'm talking ballad “Good Morning Heartache.” about cats like NEA Jazz Master Jimmy Heath, master pianist, conThe CD, with highlights including ductor, and musical director Frank "Marla's Request," "On the Go" and Owens, one of the most recorded drum"Make it Happen," features a “suite of mers in the biz Buddy Williams, Sansongs for sextet Figarova wrote swiftly ford Allen, the first African American in in 2011 after moving the New York Philharmonic who plays with her husband and such a beautiful violin, and one of New musical partner, flutist York's short list of first call bassist Lisle Bart Platteau, to Forest Atkinson …” Carter deserves credit too for his Hills, Queens from their most mature recording to date, with his longtime European base work on “You Go to My Head,” “Good … " Morning Heartache” and “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face/After You,” Coltrane to name a couple tunes, among his best. The lush arrangements by Owens and Tribute/ expert backing by Heath, Atkinson, and Peace on others make “Let Me Love You” a pleas- Earth ing, romantic journey. Bobby Hill and
Amina Figarova at the Caverns
An international flavor, now by way Queens, is featured at Bohemian Caverns Monday? Sept. 17 with a performance by pianist Amina Figarova, who is enjoying acclaim from her newest CD, “Twelve,” the 12th album by the composer and pianist who was born and raised in Baku, Azerbaijan and formerly based in the Netherlands. “Twelve” is Figarova’s debut release on the independent German label In + Out, and according to her publicist, it “ … celebrates jazz [as] an international music and New York City as a locale where jazz gypsies may feel most at home.” 26 u Midcity DC | SEPTEMBER 2012
by Steve Monroe trane's “Peace on Earth,” featuring saxophonist Brian Settles.
Drums and More Drums...
The Thelonious Monk International Drums Competition Finals & All-Star Gala Concert, will be presented by the Thelonious Monk Institute Sept. 23 at the Kennedy Center. The competition will be judged by a panel including Carl Allen, Brian Blade, Terri Lyne Carrington, Peter Erskine, Roy Haynes and Ben Riley. The concert honors former secretary of state Madeleine Albright for her longtime support of jazz and the Institute, with proceeds to support public school jazz education programs in D.C. and across the country. For more information go to monkinstitue.org
September Highlights: Nasar Abadey, Sept. 9, Westminster Presbyterian Church ... Lyle Link, Sept 9 and 27, Twins Jazz ... Brent Birckhead, Sept. 11, 18, 25, Bohemian Caverns ... Pharoah Sanders, Sept. 13-15, Bohemian Caverns ... Chuchito Valdes, Sept. 1415, HR-57 ... Amina Figarova, Sept. 17, Blues Alley ... Joe Lovano, Sept. 18-20, Blues Alley ... Larry Carlton, Sept. 21, The Hamilton ... Roy Ayers, Sept. 21-23, Blues Alley ... Birthday Tribute to John Coltrane, Sept. 23, Bohemian Caverns ... Thelonious Monk Institute Drum Competition and Gala, Sept. 23, Kennedy Center ... Steve Coleman, Sept. 26, Atlas Performing Arts Center ... Fred Hersch, Sept. 27, Blues Alley ... Anthony Nelson, Sept. 28-29, Twins Jazz ... Supernova, Sept. 28-29, Bohemian Caverns ...
Atlas Jazz Returns …
After a critically acclaimed initial season in 2011-12, the Atlas Jazz series curated by Brad Nasar Abadey leads his Transparent Produc- Drummer Linde returns to the Atlas group Supernova into Bohemian tions have a special Caverns Sept. 28-29. Performing Arts Center John Coltrane tribute on H Street Northeast Sept. 23 with Joe McPhee on reeds with the Steve Coleman Quartet Sept. and trumpet and Dominic Duval on 26. Composer and saxophonist Coledouble bass. Says Lloyd Peterson of man is known for his “innovative comof All About Jazz on McPhee, a vet- positional and improvisational style. … eran multi-instrumentalist originally [he] Coleman cut his teeth in the Thad from the Bahamas, "To imagine an Jones-Mel Lewis big band in the late artist that could create from aspects 70s and co-founded the M-Base musiof romanticism, abstraction, impres- cians' cooperative which also included sionism, modernism, realism, futur- pianist Geri Allen and vocalist Cassanism or surrealism is to have a better dra Wilson," according to atlasarts.org. understanding of McPhee's sound landscape." Steve Monroe is a Washington, D.C. Opening at 6 p.m. will be bass- writer who can be reached at steve@jazist Luke Stewart's coordination of a zavenues.com and followed at www. large ensemble performance of Col- twitter.com/jazzavenues. u
September Birthdays: Art Pepper 1; Horace Silver, Clifford Jordan 2; Mickey Roker, Roy Brooks 3; Meade Lux Lewis 4; Andrew White, Buddy Bolden 6; Sonny Rollins, 7; Wilbur Ware 8; Elvin Jones, George Mraz 9; Roy Ayers 10; Steve Turre 12; Chu Berry 13; Oliver Lake 14; Cannonball Adderley 15; Joe Venuti, John Hendricks 16; Brother Jack McDuff 17; Emily Remler 18; Muhal Richard Abrams 19; Chico Hamilton 21; John Coltrane 23; Gary Bartz 26; Bud Powell 27; Kenny Kirkland 28; Buddy Rich, Oscar Pettiford 30.
your neighborhood
Touching Third and Heading Home
E
veryone seems to be throwing in the high nineties these days. When did we start keeping track of the pitch count? Throw for six innings and your job might be done. Baseball consists of getting three outs every inning. It mirrors life when we want things to slow down. Rise from bed in the middle of the night and look over your shoulder at your wife sleeping. Turn away and take another look back; you wonder if this woman will be with you for the rest of your life. One day you turn around and the bed is empty. She’s no longer on first base. When did she leave? It’s the middle innings and now there’s nothing left in your arm. You can’t hold a woman close to you anymore. You need time to think and so your mind wanders like another walk. How did the years go by so quickly? When did your hair turn gray? When did you start losing your hair? I think it’s baseball that stops time like Satchel Paige teaching us something about hesitation. Many years before I migrated to Washington, I collected baseball cards. I had a few thousand. I kept them in old shoe boxes and sometimes in small crates my mother came back with from the corner store. I flipped these cards over and over. I read the stats on the back. Now and then when I glance at the obituary pages of a newspaper I come across a name that I can match with a card. How could a player be dead? I once owned his card. His face should never have aged. One day I gave all my baseball cards to a kid by the name of Patrick who lived on the 13th floor of the St. Mary’s Housing Projects in the South Bronx. I have no idea why I did this. Why did I mug myself? Who was I trying to impress? The cards could have kept me young. Today in my house I have only six cards. My collection consists of Mickey
Mantle, Bill Mazeroski, Barry Bonds, Jose Reyes, Mariano Rivera, and Jackie Robinson. Every card was a gift. I don’t remember who gave me the Mazeroski card. My introduction to the blues started at the end of the 7th game of the 1960 World Series. I was ten and didn’t even have a girl-friend. I didn’t know the difference between love and loss until it left the hand of Yankee pitcher Ralph Terry. What Mazeroski did is what every kid who loves baseball one day wants to do. You live to win the last game of a World Series. In 1960, fans could run out onto the field. Mazeroski touches third and every fan in the world is waiting to welcome him home. I still carry this memory in my bone marrow. It’s something I only experienced once and it has no comparison. When Mazeroski had his big hit, I listened to a radio announcer describe the ball going over the left-field wall. I was alone in the back room of an apartment on Longwood Avenue in the Bronx. There was no woman to lean into and absorb the shock. No hand down the center of my back or a whisper in my ear. There was no comfort after Mazeroski lost his hat coming around the bases. I was only ten but I felt very old that day. The blues came down hard and it shook me. This year I found myself “dating” the Nationals. I’ve been paying more attention to their games. Checking the Sports Alerts on my IPhone. Talking to friends at work. Giving up when I find them down by a few runs; overwhelmed when they tie a game in the ninth and win in extra innings. In my mind the dust of heartbreaks is still there in the corner. How far will the Nationals go this season? You share your vows with the person you want to spend the rest of your life with. Is the city of Washington
by E. Ethelbert Miller
too young to go steady? A young kid sits in the stands with a glove, punching into the pocket where he hopes a ball will fall. What does an older person feel? I’ve noticed more adults handing over a caught ball to a nearby child. This gift of the game is priceless. It’s a sharing that says the odds can be changed. A child leaves a ball park with a ball. What does the man who gave it to him leave with? In between pitches, some fans send text messages to their friends. I can’t do this. When a batter steps out of the box or a pitcher steps off the mound I want my life to stop just for a moment. I want to look at the field and my surroundings. Mindfulness is so elusive. I learned this after Mazeroski became a point of reference in my life. When you love a team, you want them to win. This is more than sharing a telephone number or sending flowers. I plan to take the Metro out to a game before the season ends. I’ll leave my house early and hope the trains are running without delays. It will be just me. I’ll step out of the Navy Yard Station where I’ve been working with some friends who want to place a baseball mural where the escalators are or maybe right by the entrance. I’ll join the crowd and the flow. I know one day my steps will be slower, but the game will be waiting. Maybe the umpire will call time out and brush the dirt off the plate. For a moment everything will be new the way it was back in the Bronx when I was growing up. I wish I could collect cards again. Who would I place next to Mazeroski and Jackie Robinson? I look at the lineup of the Nationals and check a couple of names. This is how it begins. After all the innings played maybe my wife will still be up when I leave the ball park. Baseball is the game that begins and ends at home. u capitalcommunitynews.com u 27
your neighborhood
+ District Beat
Scandal Management 101 by Martin Austermuhle
It’s September, and Mayor Vince Gray is Still Mayor
While in any normal context that might not seem like that surprising an accomplishment, it was only two months ago that two indictments and extensive revelations of a $653,000 shadow campaign in 2010 put his tenure on the thinnest of ice. Rumors abounded of a possible resignation, and even Gray’s staunchest supporters seemed on the verge of fleeing: according to a Washington Post poll, if the election were held again today, former Mayor Adrian Fenty would trounce Gray by a twoto-one margin. So how’s he surviving? By pretending like nothing is any different than usual.
Sweating the Small Stuff
Gray’s public schedule for August 28 included a somewhat odd addition: at 10 a.m. Gray was scheduled to speak at the grand opening of Lime Fresh Mexican Grill in Columbia Heights, the first D.C. location for the Miamibased Mexican fast food restaurant that was bought by Ruby Tuesday in April. It wasn’t odd that Gray was attended a grand opening—ever since he was elected, his daily schedule has been replete with ribbon-cuttings, after all. Rather, it was the choice of location that provoked a few raised eyebrows. Is a Mexican fast food joint across the street from another Mexican fast food joint (Chipotle) in a part 28 u Midcity DC | SEPTEMBER 2012
of town full of dining options really worthy of the mayoral imprimatur? (The official reason? The restaurant hired 30 D.C. residents.) Maybe, maybe not. Either way, these aren’t normal times for Gray. Ever since the shadow campaign burst into the light, Gray has been fighting for his political survival. Most residents have said they want him gone, and three members of the D.C. Council—including Councilmember Mary Cheh (D-Ward 3), once a faithful ally—have publicly agreed. The Post poll produced miserable numbers on everything from satisfaction with city services to whether or not residents felt Gray was trustworthy. But throughout late July and August, Gray used the power of his office—in ways big and small—to convey a certain image of consistent, committed leadership that’s producing results. Beyond the visit to Lime Fresh Mexican Grill, in August Gray re-inaugurated a dog park in Dupont Circle and a recreation center on New York Avenue, created two task forces (one on putting power lines underground, the other on persistent flooding in Bloomingdale), surveyed Adams Morgan after an 18-month-long streetscape project, toured schools on opening day, attended a Pop Warner football rally, put out requests for development proposals for a number of sought-after parcels of land, and rushed the installation of new smart meters for the city’s 6,500 taxicabs. Part of this is standard practice for Gray: ever since he was elected, he’s maintained an active public schedule. “I don’t think Gray’s schedule is much
different now than it was earlier in the year. While he may be participating in different types of events (it is, after all, summer), Gray has always worked, held meetings and attended functions from early morning ‘til late at night,” said Chuck Thies, a political strategist partial to Gray. Sure. But some of Gray’s initiatives are pushing the bounds of credulity. In late July, he orchestrated what may have been the mother of all overhyped political events: the roll-out of his One City Action Plan, a 56-page document outlining his vision for the city. Despite obvious questions as to why such a “visionary” document was released 20 months into his term, the many bullet points and promises were quickly seen for what they were: a collection of things his administration was already doing or had already promised to do. If you ask anyone about the One City Action Plan today, they’ll likely admit that they either never heard of it or have already forgotten it.
Copying Clinton
In trying to distract from the scandal still hanging over his head, Gray has largely borrowed from President Bill Clinton’s handbook during the height of the Monica Lewinsky scandal. Said former Clinton advisor Paul Begala during a 2000 interview: “This gets back to the fundamental lesson of political survival that Bill Clinton taught me, which is if you make it about the American people’s lives instead of your life, you’re going to be okay…I wanted to make sure that the
people had the sense that Clinton was not focused on this Lewinsky scandal entirely. [It] obviously was a major preoccupation and an enormous distraction, but the business of the government goes on.” It shouldn’t be lost on anyone that Clinton’s lawyer at the time, Robert Bennett, is now Gray’s lawyer. Additionally, in early August the AP reported that Gray’s chief of staff met with Judy Smith, a well-known crisis management consultant who similarly cut her teeth during the height of the Clinton crisis (albeit by working for Monica Lewinsky).
Saved by Summer
Has Gray been successful? Sure. But he’s benefitted from the seasons. To a certain extent, Gray’s act of pretending nothing is wrong has been made easier over the last two months because he’s been the only story in town. Ever since mid-July, the D.C. Council has been on its usual summer recess, giving the city’s local press corps little to work with other than what Gray has to offer. Moreover, the adversarial relationship between Gray and the journalists that follow him on a daily basis has calmed, largely because Gray has made it clear—at the insistence of Bennett— that he won’t say a thing about the shadow campaign. While the press corps once used every opportunity to pepper Gray with questions on the scandal, it now seems resigned to waiting for the next shoe to drop—if that ever happens. Of course, all of this will change in mid-September once the council returns from its recess. Gray can cut as
many ribbons as he wants, but when it comes to signature legislative efforts or the upcoming 2014 budget fight, Gray doesn’t have too much political capital to work with. He won’t be able project an air of confidence for much longer. Also, the three campaign confidantes who pleaded guilty in recent months to a number of crimes related to the 2010 mayoral campaign will be sentenced in early fall, giving the press and D.C. residents yet another reminder that the federal investigation not only continues— but could also start going after bigger fish. Gray survived the summer, which is more than what many expected. And while he’s acting like nothing big happened over the last few months, it’ll ultimately be U.S. Attorney for D.C. Ron Machen who decides whether Gray can breathe a sigh of relief—or take a deep breath and resign.
Brown’s Battle Against Himself
Next month we’ll take a look at the emerging At-Large race between Councilmember Michael A. Brown (I-At Large) and challengers David Grosso and Mary Brooks Beatty. Well, we think Brown will be in the race: last month Grosso challenged 2,100 of the 4,700 signatures Brown submitted to get on the ballot. (Activist Dorothy Brizill has also filed a separate challenge.) The D.C. Board of Elections will decide this month if Brown has the requisite 3,000 signatures needed to get on the ballot. Even if he does stay on the ballot, it hasn’t been an easy campaign for Brown. Earlier this summer, he reported a theft from his campaign account, allegedly by a former staffer. And after he failed to file a campaign finance report on August 10, he was smacked down by the Post’s editorial board for not doing so. Brown’s not only fighting Grosso and Beatty, but also himself. Martin Austermuhle is the Editorin-Chief of DCist.com and a freelance writer. He lives in Columbia Heights. u capitalcommunitynews.com u 29
your neighborhood
+ The Numbers
Mayor Gray and DC Council: Welfare-to-Work Efforts Need Your Full Support to Succeed
G
etting DC residents back to work is critical as our city continues to rebound from the recession. Overall, unemployment in the city is on a downward trend, but it still remains higher than before the recession started. And for certain groups of DC residents—such as single parents and low-wage workers— unemployment remains extraordinarily high. More than one out of five single parents want work but can’t get a job, and that’s true for nearly one out of six residents whose last job was a low-wage one. The District has put in place an innovative program to tackle one part of our unemployment problem -- parents on welfare in need of jobs. A comprehensive redesign of DC’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, or TANF, is showing promising results, with more parents engaging in work preparation activities and some improvement in job outcomes, too. But a lack of funding threatens its success. There simply isn’t enough money in the city’s budget for the upcoming year to fully implement welfare-to-work reforms. The budget adopted by the Mayor and DC Council put $15 million for TANF on a wish list of items to be funded if city tax collections improve. But the revenue picture is not getting any better. Recently, Mayor Gray identified funds to address some of the need, but there is still a substantial gap. Without additional funds, many families will hit time limits and see their benefits slashed, even though they face serious barriers to work and have not received the services needed to overcome them. This is an urgent concern not only for these residents, but for their children, their neighborhoods and the Dis-
30 u Midcity DC | SEPTEMBER 2012
by Kate Coventry trict in general. Important efforts, such as public education reform, will not be successful without stable families. The Mayor and the DC Council need to work together to find additional funds to keep families on a path of progress and independence.
A New, Comprehensive
Approach to Welfare-to-Work In recent years, DC officials recognized that TANF services were not helping enough parents move to employment, and they decided to do something about it. The District’s Department of Human Services developed a new approach, called “universal
engagement,” built on the notion that all parents receiving public assistance should be engaged in some kind of activity to help them prepare for work. But universal engagement also recognizes that these plans need to be tailored to the parent’s specific circumstances and needs. Some parents receiving TANF have the skills to immediately seek employment. Others need job training or adult education. Some may need to address additional employment barriers such as mental illness, low literacy, or substance abuse. The new program starts with an in-depth individual assessment of each family’s strengths and barriers, includ-
ing their education level, skills, work experience, and personal challenges such as learning disabilities or health issues. Program staff then work with families to set realistic goals for progress and to identify the services needed to meet those goals. Parents sign an “Individual Responsibility Plan” that lays out what they are expected to do. Parents with issues that are likely to prevent them from securing and maintaining employment are referred to appropriate services. Previously, families dealing with low literacy, domestic violence and substance abuse were still expected to look for work right away. Not surprisingly, job retention rates were low.
Parents who have skills and work experience receive job placement services to help connect quickly with employment. Parents who have limited skills and experience are provided with “work readiness” services to help them prepare for employment, including education or training. A final important feature of the new program is that contracts with employment and training vendors are tied to performance, such as the number of clients who meet work participation requirements, complete education and training, and secure and retain employment. This will help ensure that funds are directed to training providers that offer the best services.
TANF Redesign Initial Results Are Good
A pilot of the universal engagement approach yielded encouraging results. When the Department of Human Services provided redesigned services to 164 families, the number that chose to actively participate in work preparation activities more than tripled, from 18 to 56 percent. These outcomes are especially impressive because of the very short time period of the pilot program – just five weeks. The results suggest that low participation in TANF work activities in past years stemmed from inadequate assessment of client needs and ineffective services. The pilot program’s results show that TANF families will quickly become engaged when offered meaningful services.
Welfare-to-Work Success At-Risk
The funds needed to provide these improved services to all TANF parents were not included in the fiscal year 2013 budget, but instead were placed on a wish list of items that will get funded only if the city’s revenue projections improve. At this point, that is not looking likely. DC’s Chief Financial Officer forecasted no additional revenue in his most recent report, due to weak worldwide economic conditions and the threat of federal sequestration cutbacks. Those problems are not going away, so there is little hope that future revenue forecasts will get any better. Recognizing this, Mayor Gray announced in August that he had identified $11 million in unspent funds
from other agencies to partially fill the budget gap. Pending Council approval, this funding is a great first step in ensuring that parents who want to do better for themselves and their kids will have access the services they need to secure employment. These funds will also forestall any cuts in cash assistance for families until next April, preserving benefits for more than 6,000 families who would have had their benefits cut before they even have a chance to access employment services. But this is less than the plan adopted by the DC Council, which would have delayed cuts until next October in recognition that many families need more than just a few months to prepare for work. Beyond that, the new funding is not enough to protect particularly vulnerable families who need time to deal with serious issues that interfere with their ability to work, such as domestic violence, illness, or the demands of caring for a family member with a disability. The District has a bizarre policy under which families in these circumstances are not expected to be looking for work, but their time limit clock continues to run. In most states, the time clock stops when a parent faces a temporary problem that limits their ability to work. This spring, the DC Council agreed that these families should receive a time limit break to give them sufficient time to access job services, but the funding to maintain benefits is dependent on finding additional funding, leaving these vulnerable parents and their children at-risk.
Improving Services Without Funding is Not Going to Lead to Success.
Mayor Gray and the DC Council should continue the progress in our TANF employment program by identifying $5.8 million to fully fund this important work in the upcoming year. If the wish list will not work, it is time to develop a Plan B. Otherwise, the District will be hindering its ability to use TANF as an important and effective workforce development tool. Coventry is a policy analyst at the DC Fiscal Policy Institute (www.dcfpi.org), which conducts research on tax and budget issues that affect low- and moderateincome DC residents. u
Try our Gourmet Cream Style Corn!
“Better Tasting than Corn on the Cob!”
100% All Natural Sweet Corn
No Added Sugar, Additives, Coloring, or Preservatives! AvAilAble At these locAtions Marvelous Market capitol hill - 303 7th St. SE., WDC Rodman’s - 5100 Wisconsin Ave., NW., WDC GlUt Food coop - 4005 34th St., Mt. Rainier, MD Potomac Adventist book & health Food store - 12004 Cherry Hill Rd., Silver Spring, MD
Questions? Email us at info@larrysweetcorn.com
www.larrysweetcorn.com
STANDARD CLEANING SERVICES, INC. Residential and Commercial Cleaning Friendly, Professional services for your home or business
$20 OFF
First Cleaning New Customers receive
50% OFF
cleaning after 6 visits Serving DC, MD, VA Since 1996 Monday-Saturday • Bonded and Insured Pet and family friendly
(W) 703-719-9850 (C) 703-447-9254 web: www.standardcleaningservicesinc.com email: aviera3939@aol.com capitalcommunitynews.com u 31
your neighborhood
Logan Circles by Mark F. Johnson
Tropical Heat
Summer may be officially over now but you can still keep that tropical vibe going year-round in U/14, if you like to get your dance on to the Afro-Brazilian beat. Tropicalia opened at the beginning of the month and brought a fusion of African and Brazilian dance music to the corner of 14th and U. The underground location is infused with 60s/70s-style pyschodelia and hypnotic dance hall sounds. The place has a very cool look and style and is definitely in-sync with the current cultural nod to the era of groovy!
10,000 square feet of ground floor retail space. It will also encompass the historic Anthony Bowen YMCA, one of the city’s Y’s for African-American
tive. Architects veered away from the mostly glass Modernism in favor of a bricked-out style in keeping with the Victorian-era of the neighborhood.
Is That Music Coming From the Former HR-57?
1610 14th Street, which housed HR-57 for decades before it moved to H Street, NE, will soon be home to a new music and lounge concept. The club, which will be multi-level according to sources, will host a mix of music styles intended to cater to different tastes and the 14th street strip, already known as a major nighttime destination. Apparently the keys to the building have been turned over and the dance/lounge concept is already in development. Maybe the dance club sounds will peel away some of the crowds at neighboring Pearl Oyster Dive/Black Jack Bar. Stay tuned for more on this.
The 14th Suite Life
It took a little longer than expected to get off the ground but now 14W, one of the many higher-end apartment/retail concepts in U/14, is scheduled to deliver apartments by the end of the year. The seven-story structure at the corner of 14th and W streets across from the CVS is to have 231 rental apartments and about 32 u Midcity DC | SEPTEMBER 2012
Entrance (yet unmarked) to the underground Tropicalia dance hall
men during days of segregation, devoting nearly 50,000 square feet to a brand new structure which is to have a six-lane swimming pool. The building, well underway, is looking quite attrac-
From the looks of it, 14W will blend in nicely with the surrounding neighborhood yet it will clearly not be taken for a long-standing apartment building due to its oversize windows.
Openings and Closings
DC Noodles, formerly near the corner of 14th and U across from the Reeves Building, had to close to make room for the construction of Louis at 14th, a luxury apartment house scheduled to open there and take up much of the western side of 14th between U and T streets. One of the most exciting things for many about the project is the promised Trader Joe’s food store that is to occupy one of the ground level retail spaces in the building. But bouncing back to DC Noodles, we hear that they will soon open back up in Adams-Morgan along Columbia Road. Urban Essentials is soon shutting down operations on U Street in order to move to the recently vacated two-level space at the corner of 14th and Rhode Island Avenue that had been home to now shuttered Reincarnations furnishings. They plan to open later in the fall. Reconstruction at 14th and R Streets has closed Miss Pixies shabby chic and eclectic furnishings until sometime in September, Pixie Windsor says. Bodysmith gym which used to be next door to the store has expanded around the furniture store and opened upstairs above Pixies. Indeed, very few spaces remain unoccupied or, if they are, they are in some stage of renovation or reconstruction. One exception is the upper level of 1830 14th Street, between T and Swann. The 1,000 square-foot space had been occupied by Hunted House Mid Century Modern and Vintage furnishings, art and accessories for the past five years. But the space went up for lease when the store moved to a brand new ground-floor location in the hip H Street corridor back in April. u
AFFORDABLE HEALTH INSURANCE for individuals, families, small business and the self-employed
• Replace expensive COBRA insurance • Choose your own doctors/hospitals • Latest Health Care Reform Policies • Preventive care benefits
Call for a FREE quote!
HSA Plans | Disability | Life | Doctor’s Office Co-Pay | Prescriptions
William J. McNamara 202-333-8325 Fast, Fair Claims & Great Service Since 1993
We offer 25+ plans. We will help you pick the plan that works best for you.
capitalcommunitynews.com u 33
your neighborhood
Shaw Streets by Ralph Brabham
New Blagden Alley Project in the Works
In 2007, a real estate development firm known as Walnut Street Development intended to build a mixed-use condominium project on two adjoining parcels of land, one fronting the 1200 block of 9th St., and one fronting the 900 block of N St., NW. The project was to be called “The Flats at Blagden Alley.” With a souring economy, however, the project stalled, ultimately leading Walnut Street to sell it to North Carolina-based Self-Help, Inc. SelfHelp intended to build the Flats project with significant workforce housing component. Self-Help faced financing problems regarding the project, and ultimately sold the property. Finally, the two mostly-vacant lots will finally have their day in the development sun. Virginia-based Altus Realty plans a new mixed-use project for the parcels. Altus plans roughly 87 residential condominiums in two distinctly designed buildings. About 60 residences will be in the 917 M St., NW, structure, and about 27 residences and ground floor retail will be in the 1212 9th St., NW structure. PGN Architects is designing the project.
Hopeful Parcel 42 Developers Step Forward
In April, the District issued a request for proposals regarding Parcel 42, 17,008-square feet of vacant land primely situated at 7th St. and Rhode Island Ave., NW. The District sought a transit-oriented, mixed-use project of “high architectural design quality that maximizes density.” In August, the RFP netted seven bids. The contents of the development proposals are currently under 34 u Midcity DC | SEPTEMBER 2012
review Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, so currently details are scarce regarding what each propose. The eleven firms comprising the bids are Warrenton Group and Four Points LLC; Thoron Development LLC; Pounds Properties and Jubilee Housing, United House of Prayer for the People; Neighborhood Development Corp.; Tensquare LLC and Chapman Development Group LLC; and Baywood Hotels and Dantes Partners.
N St., NW, a longtime empty lot just off Blagden Alley. The project will be a rowhome with an English basement unit and should deliver in spring 2013. Designed by Workshop T10 Design Studio, the building will be a contemporary interpretation of surrounding row houses. HRY President of Internal Operations Gerry Coates
Rogue 24 Changes In Store
Celebrated fine dining destination Rogue 24 (924 N St., NW) has a few changes in store for the start of its second year of operation. The celebrity chef-helmed restaurant will now offer a four course, $75 menu consisting of more traditionally sized portions than its 24 course tasting menu. Additionally, a reservation only, four seat bar station at which Rendering of 934 N St., NW. Photo: Ralph Brabham patrons will enjoy four different bar snacks and four drinks from bartender Bryan promises this will have the bells and Tetorakis for $55. Finally, the restau- whistles as well as a “green conrant intends to commence work on a science.” The interior will be finished new bar in the currently-vacant alley using Non-VOC paint from Premier structure next to the restaurant, which Eco Paints on Capitol Hill. will be called Rogue Spirits.
New Residences Rise on Empty Lot
HRYDesign Build recently began construction on a new building at 934
Touchstone Gallery’s September Shows
Two concurrent shows are on display at Touchstone Gallery (901 New York Ave., NW) through September
30, 2012. The opening reception for both will be on September 7 from 6 to 8:30, and a wine tasting “Third Thursday” event will be held for both on September 20 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. One show is entitled “Color Grids.” It features new paintings by Charlie Dale. In this new series of geometric abstract paintings, Dale explores the interplay of color, composition, texture and light in compositions that evoke strong emotion and a sense of time and place. Stripes of color, generally in fields of eight, structure each canvas, establishing imperfect grids that play with light in interesting ways, at times allowing the deeply layered colors to shine freely through to the surface, at other times constraining them. The other show is entitled “Seen/Unseen” and features monotypes and sculptures by Rosemary Luckett. Each piece in her show represents, in some way, the terrain through which she traveled on several road trips through several states.
New Restaurant Coming to 1316 9th
A new restaurant slated for 1316 9th St., NW. The building was redeveloped in 2009 by Community Three Development, and the ground floor retail space – where the restaurant will be located -- has recently housed offices for an architecture firm. Preliminary plans were presented to the Blagden Alley Naylor Court Association on August 20, 2012. u
Bloomingdale Bites
Big Bear Pushes for Rezoning Change
Big Bear Café, the landmark Bloomingdale coffeehouse and restaurant, caused a stir this summer when cafe owner Stuart Davenport announced at a July advisory neighborhood commission meeting that he will take action to rezone the business from a residential district classification to a commercial district. Davenport, along with dozens of Big Bear supporters, claimed that the current zoning classification of the building puts the thriving business at risk of being shut down or cited by city zoning and business regulation officials. To show support for the cafe, Commssioner Hugh Youngblood issued a public letter of support for the proposed amendment to the D.C. Zoning Map in August. The neighborhood commission later supported Youngblood at the August advisory neighborhood commission meeting by swiftly voting to adopt a resolution of support to endorse the zoning change. While the proposed zoning change has gained the support of many residents, not everyone in the community is happy about the change. Youngblood mentioned in his letter of support that several residents are concerned that the zoning change will lead to an increase in home property taxes and a spike in the density of the area. Some residents feel that the zoning change has the potential to lead to more noise violations and rodent issues coming from the cafe. Additionally, the rezoning change allows for extra height and width for the building, which can have long-term consequences for the neighborhood. “The rezoning issue isn’t about the Big Bear Café—it’s not necessary for him to continue to do business,” said Lewis, one of the founders of the
by Jazzy Wright
Bloomingdale Action Group. “This type of change will establish a terrible precedent for developers to rezone and demolish residential properties and build bigger commercial buildings, including shopping centers, in the middle of our residential community. Commercial activities should be concentrated on commercial corridors.” Big Bear representatives will discuss the proposed amendment at a city zoning hearing on September 17, 2012.
Caring for Bloomingdale Alley Cats
In August, I set out to explore lesser-known parts of Bloomingdale—the neighborhood’s back alleys. While in an alley, I discovered, amid the historic buildings and trash receptacles, several cats wandering around the area, and I wondered how the city worked with Bloomingdale residents to control the cat population. To learn more about these feral cats, I spoke with Becky Robinson, president and co-founder of Alley Cat Allies, a Bethesda-based organization that advocates for the humane treatment of feral cats. According to Robinson, Bloomingdale was one of the first neighborhoods in the District to take part in a city-wide “Trap-Neuter-Return feral cat pilot program steered by Alley Cat Allies in 2004. As part of the program, animal control officers collaborated with residents and volunteers to humanely trap feral cats and bring them to local clinics for spay and neuter veterinary services. The pilot program was so successful that the District passed a law to continue the Trap-Neuter-Return practice in 2008. Today, Alley Cat Allies has expanded the Trap-Neuter-Return program in communities to other areas and there are now more than 300,000 program volunteers across the country.
An Alley Cat Allie volunteer feeds alley cats. Photo: Jason Putsche Photography
Robinson said that the feral cat program was necessary because the city enforced a “catch-and-kill” policy before the program existed, where city workers would take feral and unsocialized cats to the shelter to be killed. “Residents wanted to know how to help [the cats] because they knew that there was not an organized structure to do right by these animals,” said Robinson. “Bloomingdale is one of many neighborhoods where people came together--it was very grassroots, unified effort.” Maria Hille, supervisory biologist of the D.C. Department of Public Health’s Animal Disease Prevention Division, said that the feral cat program is an important component to the cleanliness and safety of the community. “We manage the program because we want to make sure that the animals get help and get vaccinated,” said Hille, adding that the program helps residents work together. “It can be a problem to have neighbors feed cats, which creates rat problems for the community.” Bloomingdale resident Suzanne Des Marais is one of several Bloomingdale residents that feeds the animals and ensures that the alley cats have been spayed and neutered. She has taken care
of a Bloomingdale alley cat colony for the last eight years. “Having the cats neutered prevents random litters of kittens,” said Des Marais, adding that residents can recognize sterilized cats by their ears—city officials clip the tips of the left ears of spayed and neutered cats. “Without the TNR program, you have un-neutered cats reproducing and then you have unmanaged populations of feral cats. The cats that are not neutered and fed regularly are more likely to get into fights and spread illness to each other.” Robinson said that more volunteers like Des Marais are needed to ensure that the cats are sterilized, and feed appropriately by the community. She hopes that more Bloomingdale residents will volunteer to help care for the feral cats. “Bloomingdale is a success story-[the residents] are a model not only for other D.C. neighborhoods, but also for the East Coast because so many people there have made the commitment, and it’s still going on after two decades. That’s what makes the area unique.” For more information on Alley Cat Allies programs and on volunteering, go to www.alleycat.org. u capitalcommunitynews.com u 35
kids and family
+ Notebook ner
n Don by Kathlee
notebook National Gallery of Art Family Workshops
Family Workshops are designed for children and adults to participate in together. Taught by artists and museum educators, each two-hour workshop includes an interactive tour in the galleries followed by a hands-on studio session. All workshops begin in the Education Studio, located on the East Building Concourse. Workshops are free but preregistration is required. For ages 8-11 with adult guardian. Registration for all fall workshops begins at noon on Wednesday, Sept 12. nga. gov/programs/family Learn about conceptual art by exploring colorful and exciting works by American artist Sol LeWitt (1928–2007), who suggested that the artist’s idea—not the actual object itself—is the true work of art. In this experimental and collaborative workshop, participants will create drawings based on written instructions. Sept 29; 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 2:00-4:00 p.m. Sept 30, 1:00-3:00 p.m. Oct 6, 8, 13, 20, 27; 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 2:00-4:00 p.m. Oct 7, 14, 21, 28; 1:00-3:00 p.m. Nov 11; 1:00-3:00 p.m. Nov 12; 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 2:00-4:00 p.m. East Building Concourse, Education Studio.
A Century of Women in Aerospace Family Day
For over 100 years, women have contributed to technological advances in aviation and space. Meet women who are today’s role models and hear about the historic women who have inspired them. Saturday, Sept 15, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Free. National Air and Space Museum, Independence Ave at 6th St. SW. 202-633-2214. airandspace.si.edu
Family and Friends of Incarcerated People School Supplies Drive
Family and Friends of Incarcerated People, a grassroots non-profit supporting and connecting children with incarcerated parents, is collect36 u Midcity DC | SEPTEMBER 2012
ing much-needed school supplies to give away at their 7th annual Concerned Fathers Public Safety Community Cookout. Donations of all kinds of school supplies, including backpacks, will ensure that children have all the supplies they need to succeed for the new school year. Donations can be dropped off at the Empower DC office, located in the basement of 1419 V St. NW. For more information or to arrange a donation, please call Stuart Anderson at 202-239-9439.
Archbishop Carroll High School Principal to Retire
Board of Directors of Archbishop Carroll High School has announced that Principal and CEO David A. Stofa, Ph.D, will retire this fall after seven successful years at the helm of Carroll and more than four decades in teaching and academic administration. The Board also announced that Cardinal Wuerl has appointed Vice Principal for Academic Affairs Mary Beth Blaufuss to serve as Acting Principal and CEO upon Dr. Stofa’s departure this fall and pending a search for a permanent successor. Ms. Blaufuss, an educator and administrator with nineteen years of experience, has spent fourteen of them in Catholic institutions. She is a summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Yale University, and received a master’s degree in secondary English education from Vanderbilt University. Among her many contributions, Ms. Blaufuss has engineered and overseen Archbishop Carroll’s distinctive International Baccalaureate program. Archbishop Carroll High School is a Catholic school of the Archdiocese of Washington that has provided excellence in education to young people for over sixty years in the nation’s capital. archbishopcarroll.org
DC Sail High School Sailing Team
Established in 2005, the DC Sail High School Sailing Team allows students from High Schools throughout the DC area to participate in Varsity and Junior Varsity Interscholastic teams. They of-
A festival attendee learns how to saw a piece of wood with an expert at the Big Build. Photo: National Building Museum staff
The Big Build: A Hands-on Family Festival of Tools, Trucks, and Building Arts
On Sept 22, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., fulfill your curiosities and become a builder for the day! At the Big Build you, your family, and your friends have the opportunity to work alongside experienced artisans and craftsmen as they demonstrate their skills. Talk with plumbers, electricians, ironworkers, landscape architects, conservationists, and experts in many other fields to learn about their professions and hobbies. You can climb aboard cranes and tractors, build a brick wall, construct a log cabin, plaster straw bale walls, carve stone, compete in a nail driving contest and design decorative light switch plates to take home. Also, don’t miss your chance to say hello to Curious George from the WETA Kids channel, who will be in attendance to learn about the building trades alongside you and your family! Free. $5 donation suggested. Most appropriate for ages 4–12. Drop-In. Individual registration is not required. Formerly called the Festival of the Building Arts. National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW. 202-272-2448. nbm.org
fer 10-week High School Programs in the Spring (March-May) and the Fall (September-November). The DC Sail high school sailing program acts as a facilitator for local high school sailing teams. Any student is welcome to participate in the program, regardless of whether they have a program at their school or not. DC Sail offers the only small boat sailing facility in the District of Columbia. High school sailing activities take place at DC Sail’s waterfront facility in the Gangplank Marina, located on the Washington Channel. DC Sail maintains a fleet of ten Club/Collegiate FJ’s, which are double-handed racing sailboats. Two motorized crafts operate as safety boats and on-the-water teaching platforms. The cost of the DC Sail High School Sailing Team is $475 per season. Scholarships are available. dcsail.org/high-school
DCYOPalloza at the Zoo
Certified QuickBooks Pro Advisor
La Strega
- Accounting - Bookkeeping - Tax Services - Small and Medium Business Expert
Marina L. Martin, EA - MBA Set Up/Training/Support
202.251.3907 202.547.9536
www.lastregaaccounting.com marina.martin@verizon.net
(telefax)
On Sept 8, 11:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., join the DC Youth Orchestra at the National Zoo for an instrument petting zoo, demonstrations, performances and free fun for the entire family. dcoyp.org $1.1 Million Awarded to Chavez Schools to Improve Student Achievement in DC Public Schools Cesar Chavez Public Charter Schools for Public Policy (Chavez Schools) is the recipient of a $1.1 million grant through the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education’s Race to the Top program to engage educators in professional development and collaborate to positively impact student success. The Professional Learning Communities of Effectiveness (PLaCEs) Grant Award provides an incentive for public schools to establish consortia with the goal to improve student achievement. Chavez Schools will lead the PLaCEs grant capitalcommunitynews.com u 37
38 u Midcity DC | SEPTEMBER 2012
THE DANCE INSTITUTE OF WASHINGTON 25 Years of Style... 25 Years of Grace... 25 Years of Talent... But the Journey Has Only Begun!
fall for dance... 202.371.9656
www.danceinstitute.org
Twitter: DInstituteW Facebook: The Dance Institute Of Washington The Washington Revels Jubilee Voices will perform at President Lincoln’s Cottage Family Day. Photo: Courtesy of President Lincoln’s Cottage
Celebrate Family Day at President Lincoln’s Cottage
Join President Lincoln’s Cottage and the Armed Forces Retirement Home on Saturday, Sept 29, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. as they celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Lincoln family’s first season at Soldiers’ Home. Enjoy the Lincolns’ Cottage as they once did through an array of activities and demonstrations including: A Civil War encampent featuring The Bucktails, President Lincoln’s private guards, DIY Lincoln top hats, period tunes from the Washington Revels’ Jubilee Voices, pony rides and peacocks at the petting zoo and Cottage tours. Family Day is free and open to the public. In the case of inclement weather, some activities may be canceled. Fresh food from local vendors will be available on the grounds and ample picnic space will be available to the public. Entrance to the Cottage is at the Randolph Street Gate, located at the intersection of Rock Creek Church Rd. and Randolph St. Free, on-site parking is available on a first come, first served basis. Approximate address is 300 Randolph St. NW. The Cottage is Metro accessible. The Georgia Ave/Petworth station (Green and Yellow Metro lines) is .5 miles away and the H8 Metro bus line has a stop a block away from the Randolph Street Gate. lincolncottage.org effort, in partnership with Paul Public Charter School and DCPS elementary schools -Kenilworth and Neval Thomas. The Cesar Chavez Public Charter Schools for Public Policy provide a high quality public school option for students residing in the District of Columbia. Chavez Schools prepare students for success in competitive colleges so they can use their lives to make a positive difference in the world. With campus locations in Capitol Hill, Columbia Heights, and Parkside communities, Chavez Schools currently serves over 1,400 students from grades 6-12. For additional information, visit ChavezSchools.org.
The Big Draw Family Day
The Big Draw is the world’s biggest celebration of drawing. Join people from all around the world to declare that “Everyone Can Draw!” You’ll learn new styles of draw-
ing, discover techniques and materials, and watch artist demonstrations. Participate in a community drawing mural, sketch flowers and leaves from the Courtyard plants, and make a new sketchbook from recycled material that you can take home with you! Free. Oct 6, 11;30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. American Art Museum, 8th and F sts. NW. 202-633-7970. americanart.si.edu
New Headmaster Takes the Reins at St. Anselm’s
St. Anselm’s Abbey School marks the arrival of a new Headmaster as students and faculty returned for the School’s 71st academic year. Mr. Bill Crittenberger was officially welcomed as the tenth head of the boys’ school in Northeast Washington at the annual opening Mass by Abbot James Wiseman, OSB, abbot of St. Anselm’s Abbey, and Fr. Peter Weigand, OSB, the School’s Presi-
“The Capitol Hill Psychiatrist”
Joseph Tarantolo, MD BOARD CERTIFIED PSYCHIATRIST CERTIFIED GROUP PSYCHOTHERAPIST HERBALIST, NUTRITION COUNSELOR
Specializing in: • Individual, Couples, and Group Psychotherapy • Patients with the Diagnosis of Cancer • Self Exploration without Psychotropic Drugs: “Talk Back to Prozac”
202-543-5290
STANDARD CLEANING SERVICES, INC. Residential and Commercial Cleaning Friendly, Professional services for your home or business
$20 OFF
First Cleaning New Customers receive
50% OFF
cleaning after 6 visits Serving DC, MD, VA Since 1996 Monday-Saturday • Bonded and Insured Pet and family friendly
(W) 703-719-9850 (C) 703-447-9254 web: www.standardcleaningservicesinc.com email: aviera3939@aol.com capitalcommunitynews.com u 39
40 u Midcity DC | SEPTEMBER 2012
dent. The monks, both of whom also serve on the school’s faculty, presented Mr. Crittenberger with a crucifix that hung in the office of Fr. John Main, OSB, the fifth Headmaster of St. Anselm’s. Mr. Crittenberger comes to St. Anselm’s from Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart in Bethesda, where he served for the last two years as Assistant Head of School for Institutional Advancement. A Washingtonarea native, Mr. Crittenberger has served in a variety of roles at leading independent schools in the metropolitan area, including as Dean of Studies and Upper School Head at the Landon School and as Academic Dean and Acting Head of School at the Bullis School. Throughout his career Mr. Crittenberger has been a highly regarded classroom teacher in Math and History, teaching a wide variety of Advanced Placement courses, and has been a coach and moderator of numerous co-curricular activities. St. Anselm’s Abbey School was founded 70 years ago to provide a rigorous classical education to intellectually gifted young men. Today, St. Anselm’s serves approximately 220 young men in grades 6-12 and is known primarily for its challenging academic program: it was the top-ranked area school in the Washington Post’s 2012 High School Challenge, an annual listing published in May. The school is located on the 40-acre grounds of St. Anselm’s Abbey in the Michigan Park section of Northeast Washington. St. Anselm’s Abbey School, 4501 So. Dakota Ave. NE. saintanselms.org
$1 Hot Dog Night at Nat’s Game
On Sept 5, 7:05 p.m. at the Nat’s vs. Chicago Cubs game, $1 hot dogs will be on sale at participating stands and carts. Some restrictions apply. While supplies last. washington.nationals.mlb.com u capitalcommunitynews.com u 41
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. 1617 15TH ST NW
$820,000
KALORAMA 34 KALORAMA CIR NW
$5,725,000
LEDROIT PARK 1805 4TH ST NW 2213 FLAGLER PL NW 1817 4TH ST NW
$660,000 $608,500 $420,000
3 8 4 2 5
LOGAN 1325 T ST NW 1447 Q ST NW 1817 15TH ST NW 1306 RIGGS ST NW 1424 12TH ST NW 819 Q ST NW
$1,225,000 $1,065,000 $950,000 $810,000 $435,000 $639,900
MOUNT PLEASANT 3201 19TH ST NW 1806 MONROE ST NW 1729 LANIER PL NW 1741 HARVARD ST NW
$1,025,000 $990,000 $859,555 $625,000
OLD CITY
Neighborhood
Price Rooms
FEE SIMPLE BLOOMINGDALE
1722 2ND ST NW
$707,500
CLEVELAND PARK 3518 PORTER ST NW 2947 MACOMB ST NW 3917 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW 3012 RODMAN ST NW 3552 QUEBEC ST NW
$1,335,000 $1,295,000 $1,235,000 $1,135,000 $802,000
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 3579 13TH ST NW 1437 EUCLID ST NW 1229 KENYON ST NW 1211 EUCLID ST NW 1516 SPRING PL NW
$1,155,000 $979,000 $774,000 $770,000 $579,900
42 u Midcity DC | SEPTEMBER 2012
4 4 4 5 4 3 2 5 4 4 3
766 NEWTON PL NW 3606 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE NW 524 PARK RD NW 749 PRINCETON PL NW 1437 PARKWOOD PL NW 3314 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE NW 417 COLUMBIA RD NW 647 KEEFER PL NW 1010 KENYON ST NW 1221 OTIS PL NW 1318 UPSHUR ST NW 763 COLUMBIA RD NW 756 LAMONT ST NW 623 LAMONT ST NW 712 COLUMBIA RD NW 1429 PARKWOOD PL NW 729 OTIS PL NW
$575,000 $564,900 $545,000 $530,000 $522,000 $515,000 $500,000 $472,000 $469,000 $455,000 $440,000 $350,000 $335,000 $325,000 $300,000 $295,000 $450,000
4 3 4 4 4 3 4 3 3 6 3 3 3 3 3 5 3
DUPONT 2120 NEWPORT PL NW
$850,000
2
513 G ST NE 1000 G ST NE 230 KENTUCKY AVE SE 1304 SOUTH CAROLINA AVE SE 633 F ST NE 203 16TH ST SE 1228 G ST NE 1426 PENNSYLVANIA AVE SE 1533 EAST CAPITOL ST SE 326 15TH ST SE 743 3RD ST NE 603 10TH ST NE 307 I ST NE 632 I ST NE 304 19TH ST NE 1721 BAY ST SE 1738 POTOMAC AVE SE 628 15TH ST NE 1009A I ST NE 1814 INDEPENDENCE AVE SE 231 14TH PL NE 827 L ST NE 619 11TH ST NE 1652 F ST NE 2018 E ST NE 1225 V ST NW 1311 10TH ST NW 226 FLORIDA AVE NW 1607 MARION ST NW 420 Q ST NW 2215 12TH PL NW 33 HANOVER PL NW 984 FLORIDA AVE NW
$730,000 $730,000 $725,000 $685,000 $680,000 $662,500 $595,000 $560,000 $551,000 $536,000 $517,000 $516,400 $502,500 $475,000 $475,000 $450,000 $425,000 $415,000 $410,000 $399,900 $394,500 $387,500 $370,000 $330,000 $158,000 $865,000 $621,500 $599,900 $574,998 $522,500 $508,000 $425,000 $416,000
5 3 3 3 2 3 6 5 3 3
2 4 3 3 4 4 3 2 4 4 4 3 3 4 4 4 3 3 2 3 2 2 1 2 2 3 2 3 2 3 2 3 2
PETWORTH 720 JEFFERSON ST NW 4414 5TH ST NW 3901 ILLINOIS AVE NW 4828 ILLINOIS AVE NW 5102 7TH ST NW 5010 3RD ST NW 5013 7TH PL NW 4009 4TH ST NW 844 DELAFIELD PL NW 4915 ILLINOIS AVE NW 822 LONGFELLOW ST NW 5405 5TH ST NW 616 INGRAHAM ST NW 4845 ILLINOIS AVE NW
$549,900 $501,000 $465,000 $458,000 $399,999 $396,000 $359,900 $355,000 $340,000 $325,000 $320,000 $315,000 $285,142 $285,000
3 3 5 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 3
814 MARIETTA PL NW 4412 3RD ST NW 5008 7TH ST NW 809 LONGFELLOW ST NW
$277,000 $250,000 $250,000 $245,000
3 3 4 3
SHAW 1509 MARION ST NW 444 S ST NW 1604 NEW JERSEY AVE NW 72 O ST NW 1732 10TH ST NW
$755,000 $585,000 $480,000 $425,000 $771,000
U STREET 2118 12TH PL NW
$750,000
5 3 4 3 3 3
WOODLEY
2204 CATHEDRAL AVE NW $1,188,500 3 2725 WOODLEY PL NW $1,105,000 4
CONDO ADAMS MORGAN 2448 ONTARIO RD NW #4 1654 EUCLID ST NW #305 2426 ONTARIO RD NW #202 1811 WYOMING AVE NW #1
$1,039,900 $485,000 $335,000 $589,900
3 2 1 2
CENTRAL 1111 23RD ST NW #S2E 2425 L ST NW #332 1010 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #806 631 D ST NW #445 1301 20TH ST NW #304 400 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #1223 631 D ST NW #1135 631 D ST NW #832 2115 N ST NW #1 1330 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE NW #522
$825,000 $691,000 $620,000 $543,000 $449,900 $443,000 $430,000 $425,000 $365,000 $310,000
CLEVELAND PARK 3831 NEWARK ST NW #450 3750 39TH ST NW #146 3308 27TH ST NW #1 3856 PORTER ST NW #370 3010 WISCONSIN AVE NW #202 3601 WISCONSIN AVE NW #104 3616 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #104 3028 WISCONSIN AVE NW #B8
$475,000 $389,000 $360,000 $305,000 $280,000 $257,500 $215,000 $145,000
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 1120 EUCLID ST NW #2 2914 11TH ST NW #201 1120 EUCLID ST NW #1 1444 FAIRMONT ST NW #3 1307 CLIFTON ST NW #33 1300 BELMONT ST NW #401 2750 14TH ST NW #405 4108 14TH ST NW #3 1205 CLIFTON ST NW #A 1421 COLUMBIA RD NW #104 648 NEWTON PL NW #2 1421 COLUMBIA RD NW #103 2656 15TH ST NW #304 3900 14TH ST NW #715 1441 SPRING RD NW #202 3900 14TH ST NW #702 1101 FAIRMONT ST NW #3 1531 PARK RD NW #3 1425 EUCLID ST NW #9
$675,000 $548,500 $500,000 $484,900 $475,000 $445,000 $425,000 $416,705 $375,000 $335,000 $330,000 $324,900 $310,000 $299,900 $275,000 $254,900 $223,000 $449,000 $512,500
1 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 0 1
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 1 1 3 1 1 2 2
DUPONT 1737 JOHNSON AVE NW #D 1514 21ST ST NW #9
$1,200,000 $1,095,000
2 3
ROOFING
1832 JEFFERSON PL NW #3 1735 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE NW #603 1933 S ST NW #B 1750 16TH ST NW #32 1725 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE NW #702 2001 16TH ST NW #201 1615 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE NW #56 1830 17TH ST NW #308 1615 Q ST NW #902 2114 N ST NW #47 1926-1930 NEW HAMPSH AVE NW #16 1718 P ST NW #309 1823 RIGGS PL NW #1 1700 17TH ST NW #408 1737 P ST NW #302 1737 P ST NW #201 1330 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE NW #724 1705 P ST NW #23E 1723 Q ST NW #G3 1230 23RD ST NW #907
$759,000 $695,000 $565,000 $555,000 $542,500 $469,900 $425,000 $385,000 $363,500 $357,000 $311,000 $259,000 $515,000 $422,000 $390,000 $319,500 $310,000 $280,000 $249,000 $385,000
KALORAMA 2230 CALIFORNIA ST NW #4C-W 2126 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #35 2032 BELMONT RD NW #102 1807 CALIFORNIA ST NW #101 1907 KALORAMA PL NW #1016 2456 20TH ST NW #308 2032-2040 BELMONT RD NW #614 2032-2040 BELMONT RD NW #434
$975,000 $900,000 $526,000 $510,000 $495,000 $338,000 $228,000 $252,500
LEDROIT PARK 1814 4TH ST NW #A 1814 4TH ST NW #B 1814 4TH ST NW #C
$389,000 $359,000 $331,500
2 2 2 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 0 2 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 2 3 2 2 1 1 0 1 1 1 1
LOGAN 1220 N ST NW #4B 1531 P ST NW #7 1120 RHODE ISLAND AVE NW #7 1120 RHODE ISLAND AVE NW #5 1001 L ST NW #607 1120 RHODE ISLAND AVE NW #6 1120 RHODE ISLAND AVE NW #4 1120 RHODE ISLAND AVE NW #3 2125 14TH ST NW #703 1515 15TH ST NW #427 1426 11TH ST NW #2 1450 CHURCH ST NW #502 1450 CHURCH ST NW #403 1715 15TH ST NW #13 1245 13TH ST NW #301 1502 13TH ST NW #2 1603 8TH ST NW #B 1300 N ST NW #407 1300 N ST NW #812 1133 14TH ST NW #1206 2125 14TH ST NW #603
$840,000 $540,000 $427,000 $399,000 $395,000 $394,000 $386,000 $379,000 $439,000 $780,500 $613,000 $596,000 $594,000 $498,500 $465,000 $453,500 $338,000 $312,300 $236,000 $439,000 $410,000
MOUNT PLEASANT 2448 ONTARIO RD NW #3 3420 16TH ST NW #106S 1673 PARK RD NW #404 3060 16TH NW #211
$690,000 $405,000 $310,000 $293,000
MOUNT VERNON 440 L ST NW #904 442 M ST NW #5 1131 5TH ST NW #C 437 NEW YORK AVE NW #503 437 NEW YORK AVE NW #Y-31 437 NEW YORK AVE NW #1001 811 4TH ST NW #1002
$532,500 $329,000 $256,000 $359,555 $495,000 $399,900 $380,000
OLD CITY 1391 PENNSYLVANIA AVE SE #545 1025 1ST ST SE #1302 1391 PENNSYLVANIA AVE SE #424 308 18TH PL NE #2 1603 ISHERWOOD ST NE #102
$470,000 $398,900 $389,000 $239,000 $96,075
2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 0 1 1
1520 O ST NW #103 811 4TH ST NW #218 1002 M STREET NW #1 2125 14TH ST NW #704 1529 14TH ST NW #202 1117 10TH NW #1102 1718 P ST NW #518 1441 RHODE ISLAND AVE NW #509 1735 U ST NW #1 475 K ST NW #610 1904 R ST NW #5 1730 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE NW #4 1816 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE NW #508 1718 P ST NW #811
$715,000 $555,000 $529,999 $509,000 $485,000 $485,000 $480,000 $429,000 $419,000 $409,000 $384,300 $361,000 $358,000 $235,000
PENN QUARTER 616 E ST NW #256 631 D ST NW #440 601 PENNSYLVANIA AVE NW #707 912 F ST NW #407 616 E ST NW #301 631 D ST NW #1036 915 E ST NW #802 801 PENNSYLVANIA AVE NW #1017
$725,000 $550,000 $496,000 $464,500 $440,000 $420,000 $405,000 $355,000
2 1 2 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 2
3 2 1 1 1 1 1 1
PETWORTH 3917 7TH ST NW #5 807 VARNUM ST NW #4 807 VARNUM ST NW #5 640 BUCHANAN ST NW #205 5040 1ST ST NW #102
$330,000 $209,900 $204,900 $180,000 $152,000
TRUXTON CIRCLE 35 Q ST NW #2
$549,990
U STREET 1451 BELMONT ST NW #317 2012 15TH ST NW #1 2020 12TH ST NW #711 1435 CHAPIN ST NW #302 1390 V ST NW #504 1451 BELMONT ST NW #223 1939 12TH ST NW #204
$620,000 $399,997 $565,000 $505,000 $439,000 $549,000 $379,000
VISTA CITY 440 L ST NW #1111
$595,000
FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED “50 Years Experience”
All Work Managed & Inspected by Owners
G&G
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
202-425-1614 Licensed & Insured
Redefining Beauty One Client at a Time! Over 20 years of experience
2 1 1 1 1
· Comprehensive Design and Maintenance Services · Installation, arbors, retaining walls, walkways, lighting, water features · Patios, roof top gardens, townhomes, single family homes • Trees & shrubs, formal & informal gardens • Custom Masonry, Fencing and Iron work · Restoration and Enhancement
3 2 1 2 2 1 2 1 2
WOODLEY PARK
3100 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #320 $390,000 1 2829 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #401 $352,500 1
FALL GARDEN SPECIAL (With This Coupon) exp 09/30/2012
10% off new clients
COOP CLEVELAND PARK 3020 TILDEN ST NW #201 3900 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #105-F
$675,000 $330,000
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 2 2 1 1
2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 0
FLAT ROOF SPECIALISTS MODIFIED BITUMEN SKYLIGHTS 10% OFF SHINGLES WITH SLATE THIS AD CHIMNEY REPAIRS COATINGS & PAINTS GUTTERS & DOWNSPOUTS ALUMINUM & VINYL SIDING PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE
1415 GIRARD ST NW #101 1415 GIRARD ST NW #205
$299,900 $245,000
and new installation
15% off any design
3 1 2 1
DUPONT 1526 17TH ST NW #205 1701 16TH ST NW #446 1701 16TH ST NW #830 1701 16TH ST NW #317 1701 16TH ST NW #421 1701 16TH ST NW #406
$325,000 $319,000 $294,500 $275,000 $257,000 $183,500
KALORAMA 2540 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #303 2220 20TH ST NW #55
$460,000 $399,999
MOUNT PLEASANT 2707 ADAMS MILL RD NW #504
$305,000
OLD CITY 1701 16TH ST NW #420 u
$420,000
1 1 1 1 1 0 2 1 1
Derek Thomas / Principal Certified Professional Horticulturist, Master Gardener; Member of the MD Nursery and Landscape Association & the Association of Professional Landscape Designers
301.642.5182
www.thomaslandscapes.com
THOMAS LANDSCAPES
Full -Service Landscape Design & Maintenance Firm 1
capitalcommunitynews.com u 43
at home
+ Garden Fairey
The Culture of Nature Bringing people together while helping make our earth a healthier place
E
by Frank Asher
very so often we have to confront ourselves. We have to take a good hard look at our circumstances, the quality of our relationships, and our environment-- whether our work or our home environment. We have to be honest about our belief systems, our expectations. We have to then make choices. “Which of these things serve me and enhance the quality of my life?” and“Which of these things need to go?”. Chickens are good for the urban eco-system. Well, as a gardener, I can go to any outdoor space and panion plants to compliment their make quick decisions about a person’s garden. In a moment I can texture or color. It is uncanny how I say what goes and what stays, what can do that….It is as if a hurricane or needs to be trimmed, what needs to Derecho suddenly came through. I am be moved, or what plants need com- like a force of nature when I come in
It is crucial for young people to understand where food comes fromif they are to make good choices for their own health and for the planet 44 u Midcity DC | SEPTEMBER 2012
for a consult. (So don’t get in my way…Just kidding) But, when comes to the above things I mentioned regarding life, I move slow..I fumble..I wait for a sign…I tend to wait it out….Unless of course, inspiration flows though my brain creating new ways to perceive my situations.…And, just like a force of nature, it happened on a cool Friday evening in Maryland.
Permaculture
up temporally. As time went by, solar panels would be installed along with rain catchers. A couple of windmills would help, too. Within the second year the space could be completely off the grid if there was support. 2) Barrels would be brought in for compost fermentation. The name of this type of fermentation is called Bokashi. The wonderful thing about this kind of composting is that rats hate it. It is also a very useful to compost dog
I took a Permaculture class at Eco City Farms last week. http://www. ecoffshoots.org. Adam Schwartz did a simple workshop on how to make our farms, gardens, landscapes, roof tops and balconies not only sustainable, but regenerative. It makes my head spin to think we can really work at getting our A small urban hoophouse can provide veggies throughout the year. schools, parks, community centers, churches, neighbors and developers tuned into the power of permacul- waste, as well. I wonder if all the dog ture. Social Permaculture! Whereever owners in a neighborhood could just we go we can create a regenerative en- drop off their pooches’ poo in comvironment for everyone around us. Of postable bags into a designated barcourse it takes some changes. People rel? Once this poo is fermented it can need to really think about what they be spread around the tree boxes. Our are contributing to as well as taking trees would be very happy. What a way away from their environments, spaces, of giving back to your environment and your dog gets to help. By the way, neighborhoods and communities. worms love this Bokashi also, creating worm castings makes the compost that Imagine What would happen if the City or much more awesome. 3) Bring in plants of all types. the Department of Schools or a develMostly native shrubs, fruit tree and oper with a vacant lot offered up some perennials that attract butterflies and property (for at least 3-5 years for a Sobees. Remember, we need bees for our cial Permaculture Experiment. fruits and vegetables. 1) Water and power would be set
Worms work great in a city-they take up a small amount of space and speed up the composting process.
4) Make hoop houses for growing herbs and vegetables to sell to local establishments like schools or restaurants. The hoop houses can also become destination places for children to come and learn how our food is grown. (Remember you are going to have awesome organic soil for all this.) 5) Have raised beds for a community garden to empower people. It not only helps people connect, but they also have a sense of contributing to their community when they grow their own food with others. 6) Chickens…Yes, have a chicken coop for eggs as well as eating the bugs in and around the plants. Chicken poop is great for the soil also. 7) Set up bee hives for pollination and harvesting fresh local honey. Local honey is GREAT for people with allergies. 8) Offer a small Community Commercial Kitchen for people with small businesses that need a professional place to cook. These cooks can exchange some of their product for some cook time plus a small fee to cover administrative expenses. There are at least another dozen to 20 ideas ready to come forward. The point is a place/space would be created to bring people together while helping make our earth and nature a healthier place. Then, a living space and community center could be established around this urban farm. I think the mission
statement below says a lot. The Regenerative Design Institute (RDI) is a non-profit educational organization with the vision that all people can live in a mutually enhancing relationship with the earth. We envision a world in which people, inspired by nature, create and maintain healthy and abundant livelihoods that enhance fertility and biodiversity on the planet. All people can live in a mutually enhancing relationship with earth. But people are going to have to evaluate their lives. They may have to let go of a belief system or two. Big money corporations are going to need earth friendly and community minded missions instead of their usual bottom line priorities. Community leaders are going to have to support and empower the people of the community and step away from urban build up. Social Permaculture can bring people together. It can teach us all what our gifts are and allow us to put them to use for the common good. In my opinion, we need to rethink what is regenerative for our neighborhoods. We need to keep in mind that all of us can have a part in the grand scheme of things. Frank Asher is Owner/ Founder of OLD CITY green @ 9th and N NW Est. 2008. “Where people and plants come together” Fairies’ Crossing, a Landscape Gardening Co. Est 2000 u capitalcommunitynews.com u 45
CLASSIFIEDS
To place a classified in HILL RAG, please call Carolina at 202.543.8300 x12 or email: Carolina@hillrag.com.
electrician
address numbers Cleaning Services, Inc
Redefining Beauty One Client at a Time!
7 Days a Week One call to DO IT ALL
The Affordable finishing touch to your home restoration. Traditional 23 Carat Gold Transom Address Numbers with black drop shadow installed at your home.
MONUMENTAL GRAPHICS
202-251-7980 www.monumentalgraphics.net
LANDSCAPES
• Basic/Detail Cleaning • Laundry & Ironing • Bulk Trash Removal
· Comprehensive Design and Maintenance Services · Installation, arbors, retaining walls, walkways, lighting, water features · Patios, roof top gardens, townhomes, single family homes • Trees & shrubs, formal & informal gardens • Custom Masonry, Fencing and Iron work · Restoration and Enhancement
CALL FOR AN ESTIMATE TODAY! www.doitallcleaningservices.com Residential & Commercial Accredited Business since 2008
202-731-6238
gpatterson@doitallcleaningservices.com
Over 20 years of experience
301.642.5182
www.thomaslandscapes.com
THOMAS LANDSCAPES Full-Service Landscape Design & Maintenance Firm
air conditioning
TO ADVERTISE IN THE CLASSIFIEDS call Carolina at 202.543.8300 x12
AIR CONDITIONING
Polar Bear
AIR CONDITIONING PLUMBING & HEATING, INC.
202-333-1310
health & Fitness
www.polarbearairconditioning.com
LICENSED BONDED INSURED FALL & WINTER SPECIALS FREE ESTIMATES
TONY’S BOXING GYM
& FITNESS CENTER
CLEANING SERVICES
Support Your Neighbors and Local Businesses 46 u Midcity DC | AUGUST 2012
PROFESSIONAL & AMATEUR BOXING LESSONS s • All Types of Exercise Machine tion utri N & ng seli oun C t • Die • Olympic Free Weights • Free Personal Training • Seniors Welcome · Handicap Accessible
9-5711 202-88nt Olive t Rd, NE 1216 Mou
Derek Thomas / Principal - Certified Professional Horticulturist, Master Gardener. Member of the MD Nursery and Landscape Association & the Association of Professional Landscape Designers
painting
Keith Roofing
roofing
Johnston & Johnston Roofing “Try a new coating vs. a roof replacement.”
• FLAT ROOF SPECIALIST • WATERPROOFING • ALUMINUM ASPHALT COATING • SLATE REPAIRS • SHINGLE REPAIRS • CHIMNEY REPAIR
• ALL ROOF REPAIRS • ROOF REPLACEMENTS • GUTTER REPAIR • GUTTER REPLACEMENT • INQUIRE ABOUT OUR SPECIALS • FREE ESTIMATES
We install new rubber and shingle roofs Licensed • Bonded • Insured
Family owned & operated 40 Years Experience
202-607-4038 202-487-7182
WHS PLUMBING & HEATING Superior Service and Quick Response
We are Repiping & Drain Cleaning Specialists · Competitive On The Spot Pricing · Same Day, Nights, Weekends & Emergency Service · Licensed Plumbers and Gasfitters · Underground Domestic Water and Sewer Line Leak Detection · Underground Pipe Locator
Hill Family Owned & Operated Call William at
(202) 255-9231 20 years of experience Licensed, Bonded and Insured LSDBE Certified
www.whsplumbingandheating.com
FLAT ROOF SPECIALISTS MODIFIED BITUMEN 10% OFF SKYLIGHTS WITH SHINGLES THIS AD SLATE CHIMNEY REPAIRS COATINGS & PAINTS GUTTERS & DOWNSPOUTS ALUMINUM & VINYL SIDING PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE
REASONABLE PRICES!
• New or Re-Roofing • Tear-Off & Replacement • Flat Roof Specialist • Copper, Tin, Sheet Metal & Rolled • Seamless & Flat Roofs • Re-Sealing • Tar, Asphalt, Gravel, Hot Coats • Modified Bitumen • Ask about our gutter specials Insurance Claims • Free Estimates • 24Hr. Service
Fully Insured • Licensed • Bonded “No Job Too Large or Small” Senior & Military Discounts Available!
202-486-7359
All Work Inspected by Owner...Deals Directly with Customers! All Work Fully Guaranteed
DANIEL PARKS Roofing & Gutters
NO JOB TOO SMALL!!! “Stopping Leaks is Our Specialty”
EMERGENCY REPAIRS WE DO IT ALL RUBBER & FLAT ROOFS WATER PROOFING SLATE ROOFS LEAK REPAIRS METAL ROOFS GUTTER REPAIRS SHINGLE ROOFING CHIMNEY REPAIRS FACIAL/SOFFITS ALUMINUM ROOF COATING
Licensed, Bonded & Insured Free Estimates Senior and Government Discount 10% SPECIALIZING IN SEAMLESS GUTTERS
welding
FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED
“50 Years Experience” All Work Managed & Inspected by Owners
G&G
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
202-425-1614 Licensed & Insured
FLAT ROOF SPECIALIST WE STOP LEAKS! • Roof Repairs • Roof Coatings • Rubber • Metal • Slate
• Tiles • Chimneys • Gutters • Waterproofing • Roof Certifications
We Do Everything!
Support Your Neighbors and Local Businesses
AT
Residential/Commercial • Over 40 years in Business Chimney Repairs • Storm & Wind Damage Repair
202-489-1728
ROOFING
plumbing
EXPERT WORKMANSHIP
Our Prices Won’t be Beat!
BOYD CONSTRUCTION INC. LIC. BONDED. INS
75 years in service
BBB
Member
Our website just got a whole lot better!! capitalcommunitynews.com
202-223-ROOF (7663)
capitalcommunitynews.com u 47
Tell Them, “Shaw Main Streets Sent
Me!�
Shaw Main Streets is a designated DC Main Streets program and is funded in part by the Department of Small and Local Business Development, Vincent C. Gray, Mayor.