MidCity DC Magazine November 2010

MIDCITY NOVEMBER 2010

November 26th-27th Fri-Sat December 4th, 11th & 18th Saturdays December 23rd – Thursday 10 AM to 8 PM Holiday Cards Black Angel Tree Toppers African Artifacts, Fabric & Clothes Unique Home Decor Collectible Dolls Books & Calendars Children’s Toys Designer Clothes, Shoes, & Hats Fine Art & Crafts Bath & Beauty Leather Goods Loc Adornments Gold, Silver & Diamond Jewelry Negro League Collectibles Black Memorabilia

General Admission: A Smile!

Shiloh Family Life Center • 1510-9th Street NW, Wash. DC 20001 (9th & P Streets) • 202.610.4188 Ample Parking, Metro Accesible (Mt. Vernon, Greenline)

www.bzbinternational.com

CONTENTS NOVEMBER 2010 10

Calendar

out and about 18 20 22 24 26

44

36

Hit the City • Kathleen Donner Insatiable • Celeste McCall Retail Therapy • Scott Fazzini Jazz Avenues • Steve Monroe “U Street Biography” Examines History of City’s Famous ‘Contact Zone’ • John Muller

your neighborhood 28 30 33 34 36 38 39 41

The Nose • Anonymous The Real Vincent C. Gray • Michelle Phipps-Evans First Saturdays in Shaw: First Year Highlights • Alexander M. Padro Shaw Streets • Ralph Brabham 14th and U • Catherine, U Street Girl Bloomingdale Bytes • Amanda Abrams Logan Circles • Mark F. Johnson The Numbers: The Recession Strikes Again • Jenny Reed & Ed Lazere

kids and family 42 44

48

Kids and Family Notebook • Kathleen Donner Halloween Fun in Shaw • Alexander M. Padro

at home 46 48 49

Home/Style: Sittin’ Pretty, Comfortably! • Mark F. Johnson A Great Garden Year-Round • Joe Carmack Changing Hands • Don Denton

50

Classifieds

COVER: Reflections of 9th Street NW in the windows of Aziz Cafe.

Photo: Andrew Lightman

A full service Ethiopian Restaurant Traditional meat & vegetarian dishes

1919 9th STREET NW WASHINGTON, DC 20001 TEL 202-232-1919 www.habeshamarket.com

Shashemene

Shashemene Restaurant focuses on Ethiopian cuisine and culture. Shashemene derives its name from a small town in central Ethiopia that was given as a gift to the Rastafaris of Jamaica in the 1960s. Shashemene’s authentic Ethiopian food menu features vegetarian, meat, poultry, and fish at some of the lowest prices you’ll find in the District.

We highly recommend the $6.99 lunch special offered Monday- Friday! For dinner stop in Friday or Saturday from 10pm-3am for a musical treat from vocalist and pianist, Yahya Adem.

Shashemene Restaurant is very conveniently located at

1909 9th Street N.W Washington D.C Howard University and U Street Cordozo Metro Station 202-328-2223 visit us at: www.shashemenerestaurant.com

Hill Rag Mid City DC East Of The River Fagon Community Guides 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 Kids & Family Editor: Susan Braun Johnson schools@hillrag.com Associate Editor: Mary-Frances Daly maryfrances@hillrag.com

Mickey Thompson • socialsightings@aol.com

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

Arts, Dining & Entertainment

Art: Jim Magner • jjmagner@aol.com Dining: Celeste McCall • celeste@hillrag.com Hit the City: Kathleen Donner • kathleen.donner@gmail.com Literature: Karen Lyon • klyon@folger.edu Movies: Mike Canning • mjcanning@verizon.net Music: Jean-Keith Fagon • fagon@hillrag.com Stephen Monroe • samonroe2004@yahoo.com Retail Therapy: Scott Frazini • scott.frazini@gmail.com Theater: Brad Hathaway • brad@potomacstages.com Travel: Maggie Hall • whitby@aol.com The Wine Guys: Jon Genderson • jon@cellar.com

Tanya Snyder • tanya.c.snyder@gmail.com Hunter Gorinson • hunter.gorinson@gmail.com anc6c: Hunter Gorinson • hunter.gorinson@gmail.com anc6d: Roberta Weiner • rweiner_us@yahoo.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 • shaw@hillrag.com Mount Vernon Triangle • triangle@hillrag.com Bloomingdale • bloomingdale@hillrag.com 14th & U • 14thandU@hillrag.com

Calendar & Bulletin Board

Production/Graphic Design

Hill Rag, MidCity DC & East of the River: Calendar Editor: Kathleen Donner calendar@hillrag.com, bulletinboard@hillrag.com

General Assignment

Michelle Evans • invisiblecolours@yahoo.com Celeste McCall • celeste@hillrag.com Heather Schoell • hschoell@verizon.net Tanya Synder • tanya.c.snyder@gmail.com Virginia Avniel Spatz • virginia@hillrag.com Peter Waldron • peter@hillrag.com Kathleen Donner • kathleen.donner@gmail.com Stephanie Deutsch • scd@his.com Paul D. Shinkman - pdshinkman@gmail.com Melanie Sunukjian - melsunuk@gmail.com Shannon Holloway - holloway.shannon@gmail.com

Remodeling?

Donate or shop for reclaimed and vintage building materials, and find home & garden treasures in our new Salvage Arts section!

BEAUTY, Health­­ & Fitness

Patricia Cinelli • fitmiss44@aol.com Ronda Bresnick Hauss, LCSW • www.quietwaterscenter.com quiet_waters_center@yahoo.com Peter Sherer • Peter@expmatters.com

KIDS & FAMILY

Kathleen Donner • kathleen.donner@gmail.com Susan Johnson • schools@hillrag.com

anc6a:

anc6b:

Associate Art Director: Jason Yen 202.543.8300 X21 • jay@hillrag.com Graphic Designer / Web Master: Jason Nickens 202.543.8300 X17 • jason@hillrag.com

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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.

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Publisher: Jean-Keith Fagon • fagon@hillrag.com Copyright © 2010 by Capital Community News. All Rights Reserved.

capitalcommunitynews.com u Midcity DC | November 2010

capitalcommunitynews.com u

by Joy Hopkins

Keegan Theatre Ends 2010 with 73-Year-Old Script

For the finale of 2010, Keegan Theatre has chosen Clifford Odets’ Golden Boy. This drama was first produced in 1937 and inspired both a 1939 film and 1964 musical of the same name.

The story is that of a promising young violinist who sets aside his dream of a musical career in favor of the fame and financial success he finds in boxing. As his boxing career takes off, both internal and external conflicts grow.

Clifford Odets is considered one of the de-

scene for more than 10 years, with multiple award nominations and wins. She is currently in her last year of graduate studies at the Catholic University of America.

Keegan Theatre has been producing theater in the DC area for more than 12 years.

Their mission and vision are deeply rooted in the Irish theatrical tradition, and their annual production schedule includes a tour in Ireland.

Golden Boy opens November 20 and runs through December 19, 2010 at Church Street Theater. Performances are Thursdays through Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 3:00 p.m.. Tickets are $35 and $30 for seniors & students.

Keegan Theatre at Church Street Theater 1742 Church St NW in Washington, DC. 703-892-0202 www.keegantheatre.com

Los Angeles-based Artist opens Two Exhibits

Artwork for Golden Boy

fining American playwrights of the 1930s. His style is very character-driven, reflecting the influence of Anton Chekov. By the end of his career, Odets was known as much for his socialist politics as his writing.

Directing the production is regional theater actress and director Lee Mikeska Gardner.

Gardner has been active in the DC theater u Midcity DC | November 2010

Thomas Müller presents works at both the Project 4 Gallery and the Fathom Creative Gallery. The South African-born artist uses sculpture and other media to create installations that call into question how an object or an idea exists within time, memory, and language.

A conceptual artist, Müller challenges his audience to think about how he defines art. He is currently on the faculty at the ROSKI School of Fine Arts at the University of Southern California.

The new works in the exhibit “Neither Here Nor There,” on view at the Project 4 Gallery, represent a direct exploration of language.

Müller, who speaks five languages, has created sculptures of letters forming words balanced on unstable surfaces. As the pieces stay on display, the letters fall and break to reveal their interiors. The works question the imprecision of language, as well as the effects of time and space on words’ meanings.

Project 4 Gallery features international trends in contemporary art, focusing on oneperson shows by emerging and mid-career artists. Fathom Creative Gallery, by contrast, is

“Vultures” by Thomas Müller

focused on cultivation local appreciation of art, culture, and design, as well as a general sense of community involvement.

Müller’s exhibition will run from October 23 to November 27, 2010 at Project 4 Gallery with additional pieces on view at the Fathom Creative Gallery from October 23 to November 5, 2010. Project 4 Gallery is open Wednesday through Saturday, from noon to 6 p.m.; Fathom Creative Gallery is open Monday through Friday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Both galleries are also open by appointment.

Project 4 Gallery 1353 U Street N.W. 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C., (202) 232-4340. www.project4gallery.com Fathom Creative 1333 14th Street N.W., Washington, DC 202-588-8100 www.fathomgallery.org

Black Cat Hosts Fundraiser for DC Lawyers for Youth

Friday, November 19, DC-based alt-rock band Canyon headlines a fundraiser at the

Tell Them, “Shaw Main Streets Sent Me!”

The members of Canyon

Black Cat for the nonprofit DC Lawyers for Youth.

Canyon was formed in 2000 by former members of the band Boy’s Life, but it bears no musical resemblance. The band released its first, self-titled CD in 2001, followed by the CD Empty Rooms in 2002.

The following year , they released a live CD titled, Live in NYC. Their song “Mansion on the Mountain,” from Empty Rooms, was included in the sample music library for the initial release of Windows XP. Canyon takes the standard line-up of acoustic guitar, bass, and drums and adds lap steel guitar, harmonium, horns, and keyboards.

They have even featured an accordion.

Combining these instruments with spacious arrangements and obvious influences from Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen, and Pink Floyd gives Canyon a fresh, yet familiar, feel that lands squarely in the intersection of indie rock and Americana.

Founded in 2007, DC Lawyers for Youth is a nonprofit organization that works

to improve the juvenile justice system in the District of Columbia. Their programs take a holistic approach to the justice system, addressing the three phases of prevention, representation, and rehabilitation. More information about DC Lawyers for Youth can be found online at www.dcly.org.

Also performing on the 19th are Vandaveer, The Deadmen, John Bustine, and Canyon member Brandon Butler. The show begins at 9 p.m. on the main stage. Tickets are $12.

Black Cat 1811 14th Street NW Washington, DC 202-667-4490 www.blackcatdc.com Joy Hopkins has been a resident of the District of Columbia for 12 years. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Music Industry from James Madison University and a Master’s degree in Arts Management from American University. Her interests include reading, wine, music, crochet, and food. u capitalcommunitynews.com u

★ ★ ★

calendar THINGS-TO-DO WITH THANKSGIVING GUESTS Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade.

Saturday, Nov. 20, 9:30 AM. 50 foot balloons, floats and marching bands. Downtown Silver Spring on Georgia Avenue from Sligo to Silver Plaza. silverspringdowntown.com Thanksgiving Service at Washington National Cathedral. Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 25, 10:00 AM. The Cathedral Choir of Men and Girls sings anthems by Billings, Walton, and Candlyn. Organist Erik Wm. Suter concludes the service with Sigfrid Karg-Elert’s setting of Nun danket alle Gott. Free. Cathedral at the intersection of Massachusetts and Wisconsin aves. NW. 202-537-6200. cathedral.org “Season’s Greenings” at the US Botanic Garden. Opens Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 25, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM. The US Botanic Garden invites you to remember that the best things in life are free--the fragrance of a freshly cut fir tree, the magic of holiday lights and sumptuous decorations, and the delight of a child discovering the make-believe world of model trains. Free. 100 Maryland Ave. SW. 202-2258333. usbg.gov Ice Skating at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. Open Thanksgiving Day. Mid November through Mid March (depending on the weather). Monday through Thursday, 10:00 AM-9:00 PM; Friday and Saturday, 10:00 AM-11:00 PM; Sunday, 11:00 AM-9:00 PM. View magnificent works of sculpture while skating in the open air and enjoying music from the state-of-the-art sound system. $7

NOVEMBER

for adults, $6 for children 12 and under, students with ID and seniors 50 and over. Skate rental is $3. Seventh St. and Constitution Ave. NW. 202-289-3361. nga.gov/ginfo/skating

MidCity Mixer. First Monday of every month, 6:00-8:00 PM. Cafe Saint Ex, Gate 54 (basement), 1847 14th St. NW. 202-265-7839. www.saint-ex.com

Historic Mount Vernon. Open every day. Winter hours, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM. George Washington’s Mount Vernon is America’s most popular historic home. $15 for adults, $14 for 62 and older, $7 for youth ages 6-11 and free for children 5 and under. Mount Vernon, VA (at the southern end of the George Washington Memorial Parkway-16 miles from DC). 703780-2000. mountvernon.org

Phillips after 5. First Thursday of every month, 5:00-8:30 PM. The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st St. NW. Gallery talks. Live jazz. Museum shop. Food. Socializing in the Galleries.

Cash Bar. Admission is the price of the current exhibition. 202-387-2151. www.phillipscollection.org

All National Mall Museums Open Thanksgiving Day. US Holocaust Memorial Museum is open. Anacostia Community Museum is open.

The National Zoo is open. The national monuments are all available for viewing. Frederick Douglass House, Newseum, National Archives, US Capitol Visitors Center and Corcoran Gallery of Art are closed.

AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD Underground Comedy Presents a Night of Comedy at Harman Hall. Underground Comedy presents a night of refreshing stand-up comedy with two of today’s comedic greats.

On Saturday, Nov. 6, 7:15 PM and 9:45 PM, stand-up, movie and TV stars Hal Sparks and Finesse Mitchell bring their unique perspectives and edge to The Forum in Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Sidney Harman Hall, 610 F St. NW. For tickets and more information, call the Box Office at 202-547-1122 or visit ShakespeareTheatre.org.

First Wednesday Jazz @ The Historical Society. First Wednesday of every month, 6:00-9:00 PM. The Historical Society of Washington, DC, 801 K St. NW. Described as a “motivational mixer” featuring jazz, R&B and neo soul. $10 cover. Food and spirits are extra.

202-383-1850. www.historydc.org Parade of Trabants at International Spy Museum. Nov. 6, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM. This is the ONLY Trabant Rally in the United States!

Where were you when the Wall fell? The Berlin Wall is long gone, but one Cold War icon is still chugging away—the Trabant. Despite their questionable performance and smoky two-stroke engines, these little cars are now affectionately regarded as a symbol of East Germany and the fall of Communism. Free.

800 F St. NW. 202-eye-spy-u. spymuseum.org GOVgreen Conference and Exposition. On Nov. 9-10 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, GOVgreen brings together federal and military leaders charged with greening the government with companies providing green products and services. GOVgreen features exhibitors selling green prod-

ucts and services to the federal government, technical workshops, Extreme Green Pavilion to showcase new products, eco-friendly cars from Ford and General Motors, Carbon Offset Pavilion and CEIL Awards. Open to all; free to government and military employees. 703706-8221. govgreen.org Logan Circle Community Association Annual Awards Dinner. Nov. 10, 7:00-9:00 PM. Washington Plaza Hotel. The program includes awards to local heroes whose contributions in the past year or over time have changed lives for the better in Logan Circle, and LCCA Board elections. Everyone brings a dish for 68 people. Cash bar. logancircle.org Mount Vernon Square District Project Public Open House. Nov. 10, 6:00-8:00 PM. Carnegie Library Building, Historical Society of Washington DC, 801 K St. NW. planning.dc.gov Food Drive Volunteers Needed. Nov. 22, 6:00 AM-6:00 PM. Collect food and money donations. Verizon Center, F St. NW, between Sixth and Seventh. 202-872-2024.

“Women Beware Women” at Source Theater. Through Nov. 14. In a captivating world of wealth, three couples engage in a dangerous game of strategy as they vie for power and pursue their lust. This delicious revenge tragedy by Middleton, one of Shakespeare’s contemporaries, is a provocative mix of dark comedy, adultery, murder, ambition and twisted love. $23-$30. 202-204-7741. ConstellationTheatre.org Brass Knob Back Doors Warehouse Closing Forever. The Brass Knob Back Door’s

Veterans Day at African American Civil War Memorial.

Nov. 11, 1:00-3:00 PM. African American Civil War Memorial, 1200 U St. NW. 202-667-2667. afroamcivilwar.org

10 ◆ Midcity DC | November 2010

R

Warehouse at 57 N St, NW is closing.

It boasts one of the largest collections of architectural salvage and historic building materials and artifacts in the Mid-Atlantic region. The owners are liquidating the entire contents of the 20,000 square foot store. Once in a life time deals are waiting to be discovered among the tens of thousands of items from antique Chestnut doors to signs from Eastern Market. All items are on sale and all offers considered.

Discounts available on bulk orders. Salvage yards and wholesalers welcome, but first come first served. Open MonSat, 10:30 AM-6:00 PM. 202-265-0587. thebrassknob.com/backdoors “Nourishing the Neighborhood” Fundraiser. Nov. 29, 5:30-8:00 PM. Cafe Divan, 1834 Wisconsin Ave. NW. Join them for food, fun, music, raffle prizes, speakers and more at Healthy Living Inc’s annual fundraising event, “Nourishing the Neighborhood.” There is no charge (cash bar) for attending this event, but attendees will be given the opportunity to make a donation or a pledge to support Healthy Living’s work teaching whole foods cooking to underprivileged DC children and adults. healthyliving.org

SPECIAL EVENTS Washington Area Community Investment Fund Wine Tasting and Silent Auction. Nov. 10, 6:00-9:00 PM. WVSA ARTiculate Gallery, 1100 16th St. NW. $50. 202-529-5505. acif.org Emancipation Proclamation on display at National Archives. Nov. 10-12, 10:00 AM-5:30 PM. The original Emancipation Proclamation, which is rarely shown, will be showcased in a special three-day display during Part II of the “Discovering the Civil War, Consequences” exhibition. Pennsylvania Ave. at Seventh St. NW (enter on Constitution Ave.). 202) 501-5400. archives.gov Veterans Day Wreath Laying at Arlington Cemetery. Nov. 11, 11:00 AM. Arrive very early. Security will be tight.

Parking is free and transportation provided to the event site. Arlington Cemetery (west side of the Potomac River from Lincoln Memorial), Arlington, VA. 703-607-8000. arlingtoncemetery.org Vietnam Veterans Memorial Veterans Day Ceremony. Nov. 11, 1:00 PM. Vietnam Veterans Memorial, 22nd and Constitution Ave. NW. 202-619-7400. vvmf.org Mount Vernon Salutes Veterans. Nov. 11, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM. Mount Vernon celebrates Veteran’s Day by admitting

We Bring Healthcare Home Nursing Services Personal & Home Care Aide

201 15th Street SE • Washington, DC 20003 202.293.2931 • www.asapservicedc.com

capitalcommunitynews.com ◆ 11

active duty, retired, and former military personnel free-of-charge. Special activities include a patriotic community concert by the all-veteran barbershop chorus The Harmony Heritage Singers at 11:00 AM and a 2:00 PM wreathlaying at the tomb of our first commander-in-chief, George Washington. The United States Air Force String Orchestra performs the “Musicof George Washington’s World” at 3:00 PM in the Robert H. & Clarice Smith Auditorium.3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA. Washington Craft Show. Nov. 19-21.

A premier event of contemporary craft in America, the Washington Craft Show presents masterful work, beautifully displayed. Each piece is one-of-a-kind or limited edition in a range of prices, all designed and crafted in artists’ studios across America. $15. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Pl. NW. 203-254-0486. craftsamericashows.com National Hanukkah Menorah Lighting. Dec. 1, 4:00 PM. Free tickets are required for reserved seats. Standing room is available to all. The Ellipse (south of the White House, NW end, near Constitution Ave.) 202-332-5600. nationalmenorah.org Christmas Tree Lighting and Concert at Union Station. Dec. 2, 6:00 PM. The switch is flipped for the 8,000 lights on the magnificent 32-foot Christmas tree.

Free. Union Station Main Hall, 50 Massachusetts Ave. NE. 202-333-6000. norway.org/xmas Christmas Concert at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Friday, Dec. 3, 7:30 PM. The National Shrine invites you to their Annual Christmas Concert for Charity featuring the voices and sounds of the Catholic University of America Choir and Orchestra. Freewill offering. 400 Michigan Ave. NE. 202-526-8300. nationalshrine.com

MUSIC Gay Men’s Chorus Home Cooked Cabaret. Nov. 6. A cabaret performance by soloists selected from the Chorus followed by hosted dinners and parties throughout the District. Only 200 tickets available. $75. Call to order 202293-1548. gmcw.org Music, She Wrote – The Artistry of Women Composers. Nov. 7, 4:00 PM. The Thomas Circle Singers open their 35th anniversary season in the beautiful acoustics of National City Christian Church with a concert celebrating the musical and poetic contributions of women to choral music. Included will be a performance of Gwyneth Walker’s “A Heart in Hiding,” commissioned for TCS in 2007. $20. 5 Thomas Circle, NW. 202-232-3353. thomascirclesingers.org Anderson House Concert. Nov. 13, 1:30 PM. Julie Mack, vocalist, performs jazz standards and Brazilian music. Free.

12 ◆ Midcity DC | November 2010

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2881 Massachusetts Ave. NW (Dupont Circle area)202-785-2040. societyofthecincinnati.org “Homegrown: The Music of America” Concert at the Library of Congress.

Nov. 17, noon. Carlos Nakai--American Indian Flute Music from Arizona. Free.

Coolidge Auditorium in Jefferson Building (First St. between East Capitol St. and Independence Ave. SE). 202-7075510. loc.gov Sunday Concerts at the National Gallery of Art. November 7, 14, 21, and 28, 6:30 PM. West Building West Garden Court. The West Building entrance at Sixth St. remains open until 6:30 PM on concert nights. Concert line is 202-8426941. nga.gov “Take Five” (free jazz at the American Art Museum). Third Thursday of each month. 5:00-7:00 PM. Smithsonian American Art Museum, (Great Hall on the 3rd floor), Eighth and F sts.

NW. 202-633-1000. www.AmericanArt. si.edu Organ Recitals at “The Church of the Presidents.” First Wednesday of every month, 12:10 PM. Located across from the White House, this 1815 landmark was designed by architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe and is know as the “Church of the Presidents.” St. John’s Episcopal Church, 16th and H sts. NW (on Lafayette Square). 202-347-8766. stjohns-dc.org Music at Epiphany. Tuesdays, 12:101:00 PM Church of the Epiphany. The music is generally classical in this church known for its great acoustics. On the third Tuesday of each month, the music performed is from another culture or style--you may hear a steel drum band or a sitar. Free. A free-will donation ($5 suggested) will be taken to help support the artists. 1317 G St. NW. 202-347-2635. www.epiphanydc.org Malcolm X Dancers and Drummers at Meridian Hill Park. Every Sunday (if the weather is 60 degrees or above and the sun is shining), 3:00 PM-sunset.

Drummers and dancers from all walks of life and from every level of drumming abilities, other musicians of all varieties, and spectators of all nationalities and ages come together to create a wonderful, Africa-oriented expression of creative energies. Free. Malcolm X Park (Meridian Hill Park), 16th and Euclid sts. NW. 202-368-8677.

Carillon and Peel Bell Recitals. Carillon Recitals on Saturdays, 12:30-1:15 PM. Peel Bell Rehearsals on Tuesdays.

7:30-8:30 PM. Peel bells ring every Sunday at approximately 12:30 PM after the 11:00 AM service. Washington National Cathedral. Manufactured by the John Bellfoundry of Loughborough, England, the smallest bell weighs 17 pounds; the largest 12 tons. The carillon is played via a keyboard and pedals, situated high in the cathedral’s central tower (150

14 ◆ Midcity DC | November 2010

feet above the nave floor) and directly amid the bells. The carillon recital and peel bells are best heard from the Bishop’s Garden. Look for signs as you enter the cathedral grounds.

202-537-6200. www.nationalcathedral.org Steinway Series of classical music concerts at American Art Museum. Second Sunday of every month, 3:00 PM The Steinway Series is a classical music concert that features the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s refurbished Steinway Concert Grand piano. Free.

McEvoy Auditorium, Lower Level American Art Museum (between Seventh and Nineth and and F and G sts. NW.) 202-633-1000. www. americanart.si.edu Jazz Night (and fishfry) in Southwest.

Fridays, 6-9 PM. Westminster Presbyterian Church. Local musicians perform, and the Southwest Catering Company provides a fish fry 5:30-8:30 PM. $5/general; free/children under 16. Modestly priced food. 400 I St. SW. 202-484-7700, www.westminsterdc. org/jazz.htm.

Blue Monday Blues. Mondays, 6-9 PM. Westminster Presbyterian Church. Local musicians perform, and the Southwest Catering Company provides a fish fry from 5:30-8:30 PM. $5/general; free/children under 16. Modestly priced food. 400 I St. SW. 202-484-7700. www.westminsterdc.org/blues.htm.

Kennedy Center Millennium Stage. Daily (including all holidays), 6:00 PM. The Kennedy Center Grand Foyer. “Performing Arts for Everyone” at the Millennium Stage was instituted to introduce the Kennedy Center to wider audiences by offering free performances, 365 days a year. Free. 202-444-1324 or 202-467-4600. www.kennedy-center.org Magical, Mystical, Musical Machine: Noon Pipe Organ Recital Series. Fridays in Nov., 12:15-1:00 PM. ...pipe-organ-only focus, a burst of renewed energy, and a fun and interactive approach which will open your eyes to the amazing world of the pipe organ. Free.

National City Christian Church, 5 Thomas Circle. 202-232-0323. www.nationalcitycc.org “The Best Gift of All” Air Force Band Holiday Concert. Dec. 3, 10:30 AM (for kids); Dec. 4, 3:00 PM and 7:30 PM; Dec. 5, 3:00 PM. Their mix of traditional and new holiday favorites delight audiences young and old alike. Free but tickets required. Stand-by seats available. DAR Constitution Hall, 1776 D St. NW. usafband.af.mil

SPORTS, DANCE AND PHYSICAL FITNESS 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. 202-387-BIKE. www.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. www.bikerackdc.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. 202-2691600. danceplace.org Donation Community Yoga Class. Every Tuesday, 7:45-9:00 PM. Shakti Mind Body Studio. Uncover freedom and openness in your yoga practice by playfully experimenting in dynamic, vigorous, and energizing vinyasa yoga class. This yoga experience class allows you to transcend the unattainable, and open your heart to uninhabited exploration. It’s a challenge, but you will love it (arm balances and inversions will be taught during the practice). The instructor may incorporate chanting, yoga philosophy, and specific pranayama (breathwork). refreshments. Make a donation.1302 Ninth St. NW. 202-783-6463. www. shaktimindbodystudio.com Gentle Morning and Evening Yoga at Smith Farm Center. Mondays, 10:15-11:30 AM, and Wednesdays, 5:30-6:45 PM. Designed for people living with illness and caregivers. $10/ session; $25/month. 1632 U St. NW. 202-4838600. www.smithfarm.com.

Fort Dupont Ice Arena Public Skating. Fridays in Nov., noon-1:50 pm; Saturdays in Nov., 11:15 AM-12:15 PM. $5, adults. $4, children and seniors. Skate rental, $3. 3779 Ely Place, SE. 202-584-5007. www.fdia.org Nearby public tennis courts. Banneker Community Center (eight outdoor tennis courts), 2500 Georgia Ave. NW. 202-673-6861. Kennedy Recreation Center (one outdoor tennis court), 1401 Seventh St. NW. 202-671-4794.

All courts are open daily, dawn to dusk. Some are lighted for extended evening play. Courts are available on a first-come, first-served basis for one-hour intervals; extended use of tennis courts requires a permit. Proper shoes and attire is required. 202-671-0314. www. dpr.dc.gov/dpr Pick-up Field Hockey on the Mall. Every Monday at 6:00 PM. Meets at the fields in front of the Smithsonian Metro stop for males and females who have a passion for field hockey. No experience necessary. Bring water, shinguards, mouthguard, cleats, a field hockey stick, and either a reversible jersey or a light and dark shirt - no grays please. Free.

Kung Fu and Tai Chi at the Historical Society of Washington, DC. Every Saturday (rain or shine). Kung Fu, noon; Tai Chi, 1:00 PM. Suitable for all ages. Kung Fu is a broad term that is used to describe all martial arts of Chinese origin. The ancient art of Tai Chi

Public Programs at the Anacostia Community Museum Oct. 30 Go-Go Music from West Africa to Washington, D.C. Plus a Tribute to Little Benny, 1 p.m. The authors of The Beat! Go-Go Music from Washington, DC, discuss this music phenomenon.

Nov. 3 The Talking Drum, 10:30 a.m. Joseph Ngwa, master drummer from Cameroon, Africa, demonstrates how the talking drum transmits messages and meaning through various sounds.

Nov. 6 Meet Author Eloise Greenfield, 10:30 a.m. This award winning children’s author discusses several of her books including Paul Robeson and her career. Book sale and signing follow discussion.

Nov. 6 Metro Mambo: Mambo Memory, 2-4 p.m. Filmmaker Mimi Machado-Luces discusses the preservation of Latin music legacies on film. Dance party with Verny Varela y su Orquesta follows.

Nov. 7 Growing Up In and Outside Gullah Culture, 2 p.m. Dorothy Hubler recalls growing up in several Gullah households and memories of customs around cooking, medicinal herbs use, and the “praise/ prayer house.”

Nov. 9 Quilts and Baskets in Afro-Carolinian Gullah Life, 7 p.m. Mary Twining Baird, co-author of Sea Island Roots: African Presence in the Carolinas and Georgia, presents common ties of Sea Islanders to West Africa.

Nov. 12-13 Symposium: Connecting the Worlds of the African Diaspora: The Living Legacy of Lorenzo Dow Turner, 9:30 a.m. Panel of contemporary historians, linguists and anthropologists discuss the ways in which Turner’s work inspired their research. Event includes exhibition tours. For info and registration, call 202.633.4832 or email Alcione Amos at amosal@si.edu through Nov. 5.

Nov. 14 Rhythm Café: “The Long Awaited Return – Cont’d”, 2 p.m. Part 2 of a three-part dramatic original performance by David Vandy explores traditional community life in Sierra Leone and the Gullah link. Part 3 takes place on January 9, 2011.

Nov. 16 The Curator’s Vision, 10:30 a.m. Alcione Amos, curator of Word, Shout, Song, leads a gallery tour and discussion.

Nov. 21 Family Across the Sea -56 min. video, 2 p.m. Film focuses on how Lorenzo Dow Turner’s work connected the Gullah people with the people of Sierra Leone.

Nov. 23 Black American Coal Miners, 10:30 a.m. Author Nancy Frantel discusses issues of mining and slavery sharing an often neglected aspect of American history.

Nov. 27 Hoodoo Medicine: Gullah Herbal Remedies, 1 p.m. Medical anthropologist Faith Mitchell explores Gullah healing practices, root doctors and medicinal plants as covered in her book which is available for sale and signing.

REMINDER: All events are free, open to the public and require reservations which may be made at 202.633.4844 unless otherwise indicated.

1901 Fort Pl. SE, Open 10am-5pm daily except Dec. 25. 202.633.4820 anacostia.si.edu. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

capitalcommunitynews.com ◆ 15

is a style of Kung Fu that emphasizes internal energy. Free. No RSVP required. Historical Society of Washington, DC, 801 K St. NW (Mount Vernon Square). 202-383-1850. www. historydc.org Tidal Basin 3K Monthly Run. Third Wednesday of each month, noon. This run is free and informal. West Potomac Park (meet on Ohio Drive at West Basin Drive, near the Tourmobile. stand). 703-505-3567. www.dcroadrunners.org East Potomac Mini Golf. Open weekends only through Oct., 11:00AM-7:00 PM. East Potomac Park. Built in the 1920’s with stone bumpers and obstacles. $6 for adults and $5 for kids under 18. 972 Ohio Dr. SW. 202-4888087. www.golfdc.com East Potomac Driving Range. Open daily except Christmas, 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM. Tuesdays open 10:00 AM to 9:30 PM. The East Potomac Driving Range features 50 covered and 50 uncovered stalls for year-round golf practice. $6 for 51 balls. East Potomac Golf Course, 972 Ohio Dr. SW. 202-554-7660. www.golfdc.com Langston Driving Range. Open every day 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 www.golfdc.com

CIVIC LIFE All-Ways Mount Pleasant. First Saturday of every month, 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 Convention Center Community Association.

Last Tuesday of every month. 7:00-8:30 PM. Kennedy Rec Center, 1401 Seventh St. NW. www.ccca-online.

Eckington Civic Association. First Monday of every month. 7:00-8:30 PM. Harry Thomas Recreation Center, 1743 Lincoln Rd. NE. www. eckingtondc.org

Public Safety 305 Monthly Meeting. First Tuesday of every month. 7:00-8:15 PM. DC Housing Finance Agency, 815 Florida Ave. NW. Monthly meeting with MPD, Howard U. Police, residents, community groups and others. publicsafety305.csnadc.org PSA 308 Meeting. Second Thursday of every month. 6:30-8:00 PM. Kennedy Recreation Center, 1401 Seventh St. NW. Lieutenant Jeffery Carroll, MPD Third District, 1620 V St. NW. Cell 202-437-8198. jefferyw.carroll@ dc.gov PSA 501 Monthly Meeting. Third Wednesday of every month. 7:00-8:30 PM. Harry Thomas Recreation Center, 1743 Lincoln Rd. NE ANC 1A Meeting. Second Wednesday of every month. 7:00 PM. Harriet Tubman Elementary School, 3101 13th St. NW. 202-588-7278. anc1a.org ANC 1B Meeting. First Thursday of every month. 7:00 PM. Reeves Center, 2000 14th St. NW (second floor). 202-870-4202. anc1b.org ANC 1B11 Meeting. Second Monday of every month, 7:00 PM. LeDroit Senior Building (basement community room), 2125 Fourth St. NW. 202-481-3462. www.anc1b.org ANC 1C Meeting. Third Tuesday of every month. Mary’s Center for Maternal and Child Health, 2355 Ontario Rd. NW. 202-332-2630. anc1c.org ANC 1D Meeting. Third Tuesday of every month. 7:00 PM. 3166 Mount Pleasant St. NW. 202- 462-8692. anc1d.org ANC 2C Meeting. First Wednesday of every month. 6:30-8:30 PM. Watha T. Daniel Library, 1630 Seventh St. NW (new location). 202682-1633. anc2C.org ANC 6C Planning, Zoning and the Environment Committee Meeting. First Wednesday of every month, 7:00-8:00 PM. NPR Headquarters, 635 Massachusetts Ave. NW. Contact Planning, Zoning and the Environment Committee Chair Rob Amos at robamos@yahoo. com. anc6c.org

Edgewood Civic Association Meeting. Last Monday of every month. 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

ANC6C Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Committee Meeting. First Tuesday of every month.

7:00-8:30 PM. To verify the meeting location, contact Committee Chair Anne Phelps at anne. phelps@ gmail.com or 202-607-7826.

Mount Vernon Square Neighborhood Association Meeting. Third Tuesday of every month. 7:30-9:30 PM. Yale Steam Laundry, 437 New York Ave. NW. lifein.mvsna.org

H Street Farmers’ Market. Saturdays, 9 AMnoon, through Nov. 20. Parking lot in the 600 block of H Street. The market is a producers-only outdoor market offering fruit, vegetables, meats, baked goods, cheese, flowers and more for sale. www.freshfarmmarket.org

U Street Neighborhood Association Meeting. Wednesday, Oct. 13, 7:00-8:30 PM. Source (second floor classroom), 1835 14th St. NW PSA 101/Downtown Neighborhood Association Meeting. Second Tuesday of every month. 6:30-8:00 PM. Calvary Baptist Church,

16 u Midcity DC | November 2010

755 Eighth St. NW (entrance on Eighth St. between G and H). www.dcdna.org

MARKETS

Friends in the Market “Funky Flea Market” with a DJ. Saturdays and Sundays, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM. New and used clothing, tools, furniture, jewelry, plants, soaps, art, CD’s, videos and electronics. 6th St. NE

(north of Florida Ave. beside DC Farmers Market). 202-399-6040.

Mi Tierra (Latino) Market at Unity Park. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (weather permitting). 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Unity Park at Champlain St. Euclid St. and Columbia Rd. NW. Mi Tierra market has 18 approved vendors that sell foods and crafts from their native countries in the heart of Adams Morgan.

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. www. freshfarmmarket.org

OUT OF TOWN Annual Luminaria at the Soldiers` National Cemetery in Gettysburg.

Nov. 21 (If cancelled for bad weather, not rescheduled.) 5:30-9:30 PM. Luminary candles are placed on the graves in the Civil War section of the cemetery at Gettysburg as a testament to the sacrifices made on this battlefield in 1863. 717-338-1243. gettysburgfoundation.org Old Town Alexandria Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Nov. 26, 7:009:00 PM (rain or shine). Enjoy musical entertainment, caroling with a community sing along, and greetings from the Mayor and Santa. Historic Market Square in Old Town, 301 King St., Alexandria, VA. The Garden of Lights (Winter Garden Walk) at Brookside Gardens. Nov. 26Jan. 9. Open daily except Dec. 24 and 25, January 3, 4, 5 and 6; 5:30-9:00 PM on weekdays; 5:30-10:00 PM, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. 940,000 twinkling colorful lights shaped in imaginative displays throughout the gardens. $15 per car on weekdays, $20 on weekends. Brookside Gardens, Wheaton Regional Park, 1800 Glenallan Ave.,Wheaton, MD. montgomeryparks.org/brookside/garden_lights Historic Fort Washington. Open daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day, 8:00 am to sunset. Fort Washington has stood as silent sentry defending the Nation’s Capital, for over 180 years.Fort Washington is one of the few remaining Seacoast Forts in its original designs.13551 Fort Washington Rd., Fort Washington, MD. nps. gov/fowa u

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capitalcommunitynews.com u 17

CFC LISTINGS Access Housing, Inc. CFC #22663

Access Housing, Inc. (DC) operates the Southeast Veterans Service Center and Chesapeake Veterans House in Southeast DC. This is a non-profit agency dedicated to providing support services and housing to formerly homeless veterans. Both male and female veterans reside at the facilities. Veterans from all branches and wars have been served by the SEVSC; which celebrated its 10 year anniversary last November. 820840 Chesapeake Street, SE, DC 20032, 202-561-8387, Accesshousingdc.org

Capital Area Food Bank

CFC #30794, United Way #8052

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT (NON PROFITS ONLY)

Various sizes available from 64SF to 143SF Great Downtown location - One block from Judiciary Square on the Metro Red Line Community Areas: • Conference Room—Seats 15 • Large Kitchen Area • Roof Top Patio • Private Elevator (Street Entrance) For additional information and to schedule a visit to “your” new office, please contact: Betty Washington on 202.347.0511 ext. 320

Friends of Fort Dupont Ice Arena

For 30 years, CAFB has been the D.C. metro area’s hub for food sourcing, distribution and nutrition education - serving over 478,000 people struggling with hunger. Through direct service and a network of 700 nonprofit partners, the CAFB distributed 27 million pounds of food last year, including 10.8 million pounds of fresh produce.

For more on hunger, visit our website at CapitalAreaFoodBank.org. 645 Taylor Street, NE, Washington, DC 20017, 202-526-5344, www.CapitalAreaFoodBank.org

Coalition for the Homeless

CFC #83436, United Way #8194

The Coalition for the Homeless was established in 1979. Our mission is to help transition homeless and at risk individuals and families in the Washington area to self-sufficiency through housing programs and supportive services. The Coalition fulfills its mission by operating 13 housing and shelter facilities. 1234 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Suite C-1015, Washington, DC 20005, 202-347-7279, www.dccfh.org

Friends of Fort Dupont Ice Arena CFC # 7193

Kids On Ice provides ice skating lessons to over 10,000 DC-area children each year. YOUR support through the CFC will help these children build confidence, boost their self esteem and live a healthier and more active lifestyle. Fort Dupont Ice Arena is the only year-round, indoor ice rink in D.C. with the only free, community skating program in the region.

Please designate CFC # 7193 to help.

Call 202-584-5007 or visit www.fdia.org for more information.

18 u Midcity DC | November 2010

Friends of Fort Dupont (FDIA) supports a wide variety of skating programs for District children, ages 5-18. Kids can enroll in group skating, and summer camp activities. FDIA partners with DC public schools to provide ice skating to students during the school day.The arena also has facilities for private parties. 3779 Ely Place, SE. 202-584-5007, www.fdia.org

COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS Our mission is to help homeless, at-risk individuals and families return to self-sufficiency and independent living, through a range of residential and social services.

In 2009 the Coalition served

• 550 individuals and families daily.

• 344 individuals and families were placed into permanent housing • 194 adults were placed in jobs • 41 families with children were prevented from becoming homeless

Rebuilding lives and strengthening communities Please support us by donating through the 1234 Massachusetts Ave., NW Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) # 83436 Suite C-1015, Washington, DC 20005 or United Way #8194 Main Office: (202) 347-8870 / Fax: (202) 347-7279 Open Monday-Friday 9am to 5pm

For more details on our program and services, please visit our website at www.dccfh.org.

Affordable Health Insurance Plans for individuals, families, small business and the self-employed • Replace expensive COBRA insurance • Choose your own doctors/hospitals • Doctor Office Co-Pay available • Prescriptions, Disability, Life • Preventive care benefits • Fast, fair claims & great service

Call for a FREE quote!

William J. McNamara 202-333-8325 Since 1993

We offer 25+ plans. We will help you pick the plan that works best for you. capitalcommunitynews.com u 19

out and about

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+ Dining

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By Celeste McCall Fired Up In The Bloomies Good news from the up-andcoming Bloomingdale neighborhood: The newly-arrived Rustik Tavern is turning out yummy pizzas and other victuals. Pizza concoctions encompass “margherita,” topped with mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce and sprinkled with fresh basil; an exotic combination called “Ward 5” with mushrooms, zaatar (Middle Eastern spice blend), and preserved lemon.

These pies are all baked in a woodfired oven. You may also find sandwiches (try lamb piled on pita bread), along with those ubiquitous “small plates,” including baby octopus, a delicacy increasingly available in this neck of the woods.

These inexpensive options may be accompanied by craft brews and interesting wines. Rustik’s snazzy interior features a fanciful mural depicting an Albanian heritage village, while window-side tables overlook the busy street scene. Hopefully, by next spring, patrons may dine al fresco. Rustik is located at 84 T St. NW; call 202-290-2936.

TOP: The hip décor of Masa 14.

Photo: Peter Stepanek Photography LLC LEFT: An al pastor Taco at Masa 14.

Photo: Chris Banks RIGHT: A plate of crisp crab wontons at Masa 14. Photo: Chris Banks

Windy City Dogs There is a lot going on along U St. NW these days. Coming soon (if not already) to 14th and U is ChiDogos, which introduces “Chicago Classics” to our Eastern establishment. Items in this windy City spinoff include hotdogs nestled in steamed poppy seed buns slathered with mustard, bright green relish, tomatoes and peppers, all sprinkled with celery salt.

Other options: Italian beef sandwiches with the trimmings, classic combos, and–fried dill pickle spears.

For more information call 202-332DOGS or visit www.chidogos.com.

20 ◆ Midcity DC | November 2010

Logan Lowdown Logan Circle welcomes two more restaurants: Already on the scene is Teak Wood, a Thai charmer at 1323 14th St. NW. The creation of co-owner Chuchart Kampirapang, Teak Wood’s gorgeous, golden-hued decor is replete with wooden statues and handsome window frames. The kitchen dispenses innovative Siamese dishes, and there’s an elegant sushi bar in the back of the dining area.

Arriving next year will be Pearl Dive Oyster Palace, the latest off-

spring of Jeff Black, who operates several upscale restaurants throughout the metropolitan area. To be situated at 1612 14th St. NW, the 75 seat Palace will have an upstairs bar–complete with a bocce ball court--called BlackJack....The Logan neighborhood will also have a long-awaited creperie, Point Chaud, at 1734 14th Street, NW.

Yet More From Logan Just down the street, Masa 14, 1825 14th St. NW has unveiled a weekend brunch menu with unlim-

ited servings. From 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, guests may order as much as they want of chef de cuisine Antonio Burrell’s Latin-Asian inspired dishes, all for $35 per person (excluding tax and gratuity).

Options encompass breakfast pizza with bacon, egg, Gruyere cheese, pico de gallo and arugula; pan dulce with ancho-whipped cream and pineapple syrup; chilaquiles (corn tortillas) layered with chorizo, queso cotija, scrambled eggs and salsa verde; pho beef sandwich with eye of round, siracha-hoisin aioli, Thai basil; tenderloin Benedict with scallion kimchi pancake and green chili hollandaise. Customers may also order brunch items ala carte, priced from $4 to $12. “Bottomless” drink specials (part of the all-you-can eat deal) include lemon lager, rye bacon Bloody Mary, litchi or mango-blood orange mimosas.

Masa 14 serves dinner from 5 p.m. to a.m. Monday through Thursday; until 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday; ‘til 2 a.m. Sunday. A late night menu is available after midnight. Masa 14 is a partnership between Kaz Okochi of KAZ Sushi Bistro, Richard Sandoval of ZENGO within Modern Mexican Restaurants and SULA, LLC. For more information or reservations call 202-328-1414 or visit www.masa14.com.

Exotic Husband Peter and I enjoyed an exotically entertaining evening recently at Dukem, the popular Ethiopian restaurant at 1114 U St. NW. As it was midweek, we did not expect live entertainment, and was it lively. Exotic East African music set

Tell Them, “Shaw Main Streets Sent Me!”

the beat for energetic dancers, who performed almost the entire evening.

As this was a special press event, we were seated near colleagues, and it was fun catching up. We were impressed with Dukem’s extensive beer, wine and spirits listing–unusual for an ethnic restaurant.

Drinks in hand, we perused the menu, and settled on a shared appetizer: a sambusa (sort of like an empanada) chock-full of mixed vegetables.

We shared lamb wot (stew), enlivened with fiery berbere, a sundried hot pepper mix) and a vegetable combo of red lentils, cabbage, greens and tomato salad. The veggies came with a moist, crispy whole fish.

Dukem – named after a small town south of Addis Ababa-- is open daily until late. Call 202667-8735 or visit www.dukemrestaurant.com.

More Exotica Speaking of Ethiopian restaurants, Axum, at 1934 Ninth St. NW, has unveiled a lively lounge on “Level X,” the second floor. The lounge is open seven nights a week, plus daytimes Saturday and Sunday. All kinds of promotions are planned: weeknight happy hour from 5 to 8 p.m. with discounted beer and wine; open mike night Tuesdays; complimentary wine and/or spirit tasting Wednesdays; reggae on Thursdays; Sunday and Monday sports viewing on six flat screen TVs. Situated in the heart of Shaw’s “Little Ethiopian restaurant row,” Axum showcases traditional African dishes, while Level X creates American fare with Ethiopian overtones: Wot chicken wings, Ethiopian calzone, toasted injera to dip into apple/ginger chutney. Now that’s international. For more information, call 202-387-0765 or www.axumethiopianrestaurant.com. ◆

Find fun activities for the whole family in the Kids & Family Notebook. every month. read it.

capitalcommunitynews.com

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out and about

+ Shopping

RETAIL THERAPY RETAI RERE TAI LTAI RETAIL LTHERAP RETAIL L THERAP RETAIL THERAP RETAIL TH RETAIL TH YER YERA TAPY YHERA T HERA TPY HERA PYPY PY

by Scott Fazzini

RCKNDY

S

hakespeare’s Juliet once asked of her clandestine paramour, “What’s in a name?” It’s my belief that most people probably ask themselves the same question when faced with the daunting endeavor of pronouncing the name of this shop --it’s Rock Candy, by the way. RCKNDY’s proprietor, David Dennis, eloquently explained his reasoning behind the decision --please, allow me to paraphrase. David tinkered with the type of iconic 1950’s rock candy to both nod at the mid-century modern past, and to hint at the playfulness that he intended to employ in the store -- a delicate combination that he’s perfected since opening the shop three years ago.

With the entertaining season upon us, my focus this month is to highlight great gift ideas for hosts and hostesses, as well as products that too jazz up your space. One of

Candy colored candles from Kobo. Photo: Scott Fazzini

the most venerable hostess gifts is the candle. RCKNDY carries Kobo candles ($36), made in the US from domestically grown soybeans. If instead of gifting your concerns lie in decorating, then you might be interested in reversible dog pillows ($49), among other items from Naked Decor, a local company with international recognition. New Leaf Works offers graphic hand-cut felt pillows (small $95. large $115) in punchy pantone colors. And, what best to compliment new pillows on the sofa, but a throw?

Eco2Cotton offers an array of brightly colored, and environmentally friendly, throws ($115) made from discarded industry cut & sew clippings.

Treat your host, yourself, and the environment this season. Shop at RCKNDY and you’ll surely find something for all three.

Redeem

S

hopping at Redeem is almost a rock and roll solemnity. The space is extremely well appointed, and brimming with chic frocks and cheeky accessories, for both men and women. The store opened three years ago by DC native, Lori Parkerson, who has an unequivocally keen eye for fashion. She selects pieces from designers around the globe, as well as some from the District.

If you’re in the market for party attire that will surely help to set yourself apart from the rest of the crowd, you’ll find a great amount of options within these mural embellished walls.

Religion, from East London, has designed many show-stoppers, here you’ll find two of this season’s best: the Fola Dress ($215), black netting overlay with spike beaded shoulders and a silk underlay; and the Jools Dress ($145)

22 ◆ Midcity DC | November 2010

which recalls the romantic restriction of a character from Edith Wharton’s “Age of Innocence” --complete with corset and bustle, but is thoroughly modern. What better way to compliment these tough cocktail dresses than with elaborately designed one-of-a-kind jewelry from local designer Couture Saboteur (ranging around $150).

If you’re a man less interested in dressing up, Tee Library offers cooly literary tee-shirts housed in boxes resembling classic books ($65).

For his and her accessorizing delight, WeWood had designed awesome watches made from different types of wood ($115), and for every watch sold WeWood plants a tree.

Redeem lends itself to a distinctively unique shopping experience, offering something for everyone.

The height of urban shopping. Photo: Scott Fazzini

Tell Them, “Shaw Main Streets Sent Me!”

Nana

S

weetly named after owner Jackie Flanagan’s grandmother, Nana is a supremely cute shop offering ladies a great mix of vintage and carefully selected new merchandise. Nana will be moving from U Street to Mount Pleasant after the first of the year. Be sure to stay informed, and take advantage of upcoming promotions by visiting the Nana’s blog at NanaDC.wordpress.com.

As the cool months creep up on us you’ll surely appreciate all of Nana’s outerwear selections; for instance a darling plaid cape, with hood, from Deer Creatures ($229) --Sherlock Holmes would be almightily envious. You’ll also find sartorial gems like the Mata Traders flat front sailor pant with wooden buttons ($64), and Preloved wool skirts ($149) made A colorful collection of clothing. Photo: Scott Fazzini from vintage men’s suiting. Jackie also carries Elizabeth W, a small private company out of San Francisco specializing in handcrafted gifts for bath, body, and home. (perfume: $36, candles: $20, lotion: $24). Nana is a great shop for stylish, yet casual gals, and the men who love them.

Timothy Paul Bedding & Home

P

ioneers of the wild U Street Corridor, Timothy Paul, and wife Mia Worrell, set stakes on 14th Street years ago with a high-end rug shop. After much success this dynamic duo decided to open a second store bringing their focus slightly above floor level.

Although the primary focus of this boutique is on bedding, their inventory runs the gamut from soy candles by LAFCO ($58), to custom upholstery (pricing available upon request). Classic cotton throws from Sferra ($80) in a wide range of colors, a huge array of pillows even custom-monogrammed ($140), as well as vintage furniture finds are just a few of the delights you’ll encounter upon entering this stylish boutique.

Do something nice for yourself -- you deserve it. Shop at Timothy Paul Bedding and you’ll leave with a giant smile on your face and a shopping bag full of beautiful items.

Textiles, and pillows, and custom upholstery -- oh my!

Photo: Scott Fazzini capitalcommunitynews.com ◆ 23

out and about

+ Music

JAZZ AVENUES

by Steve Monroe Beyond the Norm Eclectic, innovative, stimulating, provoking. All those and more apply to a couple of dates coming up this month highlighting the music fare for enterprising listeners. One of the performers is a living legend many times over, the other a younger talent trying to make her own lasting legacy.

Cecil Taylor is to perform Nov. 10 at the French Embassy. See houseoff rance.com for more information on that date.

But for those who have seen Taylor in person and have his recordings, no further information is needed; be there or be square as the hipsters might say. One of those few who was avant garde before the term was invented, Taylor’s artistry is actually very rhythmic and swinging at the same time it is non conforming, inventive and always fresh and new, to this listener.

As the French Embassy press notes say, “Taylor has been an uncompromising creative force since his earliest recordings in the 1950’s. His music would become a leading exponent, along with that of John Coltrane and Ornette Coleman, of the budding “freejazz” movement.” And, “Taylor has performed at the world’s most renowned jazz venues, festivals and at the White House; he is also the recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship, Jazz Master Award from the N.E.A. and a McArthur Foundation ‘genius’ grant.”

Michelle Webb is a New 24 ◆ Midcity DC | November 2010

Jersey native who attended the Duke Ellington School of the Arts here in D.C. and has made a name for herself playing her own kind of uncomprising, ethereal, sometimes mystical, sometimes hypnotic sounds on the guitar. She is to be at Twins Jazz Nov. 18, with her trio, Warren Pedersen on bass and Alfred Adams on drums. Of her live CD, The Michelle Webb Group Live in Brooklyn, WPFW’s Lona Alias commented, “I love the band’s new live CD. Michelle Webb is a young up and coming guitarist who’s time has come !”

Webb’s website says of her, “After many concerts over the years, Michelle decided to assemble various groups of her own. These groups were instrumental in making Webb more well-known. Her vast, poliedric repertoire is particularly oriented towards contemporary nu-jazz forms and music from Northern Africa, particularly Egypt and Morocco.”

See michellewebbmusic. com for more information on Webb, whose other recording is “DC /Istanbul,” from her own Nachshon Red Sea label.

Thanks Much Thanks to all, from all of us avid listeners, for making WPFW’s last fund drive –seriously needed according to reports – a success. According to the station’s website, it made its goal: “WPFW would like to thank the 4718 new and renewing supporters that have helped us

raise over $361,797 !!!The overall goal for the fall membership drive is $350,000 and 4345 new and renewing supporters.”

Chad in the Apple

Chad Carter

Michael Thomas

Our vocalist friend Chad Carter, appearing Nov. 13 at the Tuscan West restaurant near 13th and I Streets Northwest was asked back to the Lenox Lounge in New York recently.

As he says, “We did three shows on Saturday, October 16th and it was great! I had a fantastic trio with me … the great Lisle Atkinson on bass, the timekeeper Greg Bufford (i.e. a Philly Joe Jones student) on drums, and my good friend and musical director, Frank Owens on piano.

The first show was packed and they had to turn people away …

The room was filled with people from all over the world, London, Paris, Germany, Ukraine, and from around the country. I also had great support from the good folks from home, the Washington DC Metropolitan area.”

It’s official – MAJF to return!

The mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival, a hit in its debut in February, is returning Feb. 18-21 to Rockville, with headliners Freddy Cole, Whit Williams, Jimmy Heath, Randy Brecker, Nasar Abadey, Michael Thomas and more, along with gospel big bands, jazz on film, master classes, vendors and band competitions. See midatlanticjazzfestival.org. ◆

November Highlights: Sharon Clark, Nov. 6, Mandarin Oriental Hotel ... Cecil Taylor, Nov. 10, French Embassy … Chad Carter, Nov. 13, Tuscan West … UDC Small Jazz Ensembles, Nov. 16, UDC ... Chris Vadala w/ Rick Whitehead Trio, Nov. 16, Blues Alley ... Michelle Webb, Nov. 18, Twins Jazz … Jeff “Tain” Watts Quartet, Nov. 18-19, Blues Alley … Tony Martucci, Nov. 19, Twins Jazz … Cyrus Chestnut, Nov. 19 Kennedy Center … Kurt Elling, Nov. 20, Kennedy Center … Diane Schuur, Nov. 20-21, Blues Alley …

Benito Gonzalez, Nov. 26, Twins Jazz …Bobby Felder & the Capitol All-Stars Big Band Jazz Ensemble, Nov. 26, Westminster Presbyterian Church

November Birthdays: Lou Donaldson 1; Phil Woods 2; Arturo Sandoval 6; Hubert Laws 10; Ernestine Anderson 11; Sam Jones 12; Hampton Hayes, Idris Muhammad 13; W.C. Handy 16l Don Cherry 18; Coleman Hawkins 21; Teddy Wilson 24; Paul Desmond, Nat Adderley 25; Randy Brecker 27; Gato Barbieri 28; Billy Strayhorn 29. capitalcommunitynews.com ◆ 25

I’M A GOOD LISTENER

Share your thoughts on areas for future Circulator service.

“U Street Biography” Examines History of City’s Famous ‘Contact Zone’

By John Muller

Upcoming Circulator Public Meetings: Monday, November 8 • 6:00-8:00 PM Martin Luther King Memorial Library 901 G St NW, Room A-10 Saturday, November 13 • 1:30-3:30 PM Benning Library • 3935 Benning Rd If you need special accommodations or language assistance (interpretation or translation), please contact Marti Reinfeld at (202) 423-3734 or marti.reinfeld@dc.gov.

dccirculator.com

26 ◆ Midcity DC | November 2010

O

n May 1, 1991, the U Street metro station opened. In the ensuing two decades the corridor extending eastward from 16th Street to Florida Avenue has physically healed from the deep scars of the 1968 riots, but a longstanding and discernible anxiety is still palpable as U Street’s transformation continues.

Blair A. Ruble’s “Washington’s U Street: A Biography” arrives at an apt time when U Street and the greater city’s historical and cultural integrity is being closely examined in the context of development and neighborhood change, known as the omnipresent encroachment of gentrification. Ruble’s book, with exhaustive detail, goes where some seem afraid to go at times --- U Street’s vibrant past.

Previously known for writing about Russia’s urban history, Ruble says, “This book was different, because on the one hand, interest in Washington is greater than in Russia these days yet, oddly enough, the cannon of letters around the city is more scattered and less developed. I found myself having to develop an image of the field of DC history in order to relate my work to it rather than adding a new work to a well developed field.”

Complete with personal profiles of past and present DC luminaries, known locally and nationally, in more than 300 pages of text Ruble takes the reader on a journey of U Street’s history from its initial development following the

arrival of runaway slaves to the city during the Civil War to President Obama’s visit to the landmark Ben’s Chili Bowl.

Sifting through public collections at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library, Historical Society of Washington, Howard University’s Moorland-Spingarn Library, and the Library of Congress to gather material for his book, Ruble discovered an untapped wealth of DC based scholarship by graduate students and faculty of local universities. It would appear no stone is left unturned as Ruble cites sources as various as city life blog DCist to the New Deal era Federal Writers’ Project to the fiction of Edward P. Jones in his written opus to U Street’s past and present.

The Dupont Circle resident and long time city jazz patron’s genuine affection for U Street comes through the pages. The area’s creativity, which earned it the colloquialism “Black Broadway” in the early decades of the twentieth century, is thoroughly explored.

Without jazz, the unique creation of African Americans, the book might not have been put together.

“The idea of U Street came to me after talking with the folks at Twins Jazz one night about how the neighborhood was changing,” says Ruble. “The book took several years to write and seemed to become more important for me as U Street caught more and more attention. The street has become a symbol of profound changes in DC, which is one reason why I

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think this is the right moment for the book.”

Throughout the years U Street has remained a distinctive “contact zone” where people of all different walks of life, ethnicity, and class converge and interact to create a cultural experience not found anywhere else in the city, contends Ruble. His book is proof positive that the ongoing renaissance of U Street as a cultural “contact zone” and epicenter will be, in fact, soulless if the past is haphazardly forgotten and not celebrated. This important work, the first full history of the U Street neighborhood, shows that the area’s rebirth has just begun, again.

“Washington’s U Street: A Biography’ is available at Busboys & Poets on 14th Street & V Street NW. On Tuesday, November 9th at 6:30pm Ruble will be interviewed at Busboy’s &Poets by WPFW’s Rusty Hassan; sponsored by Woodrow Wilson Center Press and Johns Hopkins University Press. ◆

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the nose

T

by Anonymous

he leaves are falling and turning amber shades. Soon, the November election will be over and a cast of characters, both old and new, will make their debut in that much storied edifice, the Wilson Building.

After drinking Blackberry Breezes for the past four years, The Nose faces the daunting task of mixing a new brew to take the edge off the endless hours of District political porn on Channel 13.

However, with a looming budget deficit about to flatten the District’s financial house, the city cries out for a savior.

No, Dear Readers, The Nose has not broken into the Wilson Building, climbed onto the roof, and turned on the Bat Signal. It is not necessary. The Nose has every confidence that the new Chair of our esteemed Council, Kwame “Mighty” Brown is already hard at work steering his fellows away from that gaping fiscal abyss.

After all...

Mr. Gandhi never hangs around, when he hears this Mighty sound, “Here I come to save the day!”

That means that Mighty Brown is on the way!

Yes sir, when there is a deficit to right, Mighty Brown will join the fight!

Whether it is a million or a grand, He’s got his head out of the sand!

Last year’s budget deliberations, broadcast to the public for the first time, took place in a dimly lit conference room. This year, according to what The Nose has heard from a well-regarded Wilson Building source, the venue will be shifted to the now vacated Blackberry bullpen. There, laborers from the Dept. of Public Works are busy erecting a cage of the type usually featured in World Wide Wrestling. To add a scintillating element to the proceedings, they have left several folding chairs in the ring.

The main bill is a death match between the Council’s Liberal wonks, Tommy “The Bleeding Heart” Wells and Phil “The Nitpicker” Mendelson; and its Conservative rump, David “The Bean Counter” Catania and Jack “The Grinch” Evans, who has taken a moment to put his check book down on the dais to tend to the Public’s business...

You’re a distracted one, Mr. Grinch.

You’re really are a schlemiel.

It was your focus on Wall Street, Allowed those folks at Tax & Revenue to steal. Mr. Grinch.

28 u Midcity DC | November 2010

Ah, those lines should earn The Nose an angry midnight call.

Now, please take a moment, Dear Readers, and put your well-worn Imagination Caps.

The crowd roars and the scent of sweat and beer is in the air, as our mighty competitors, The Grinch and The Bean Counter, stride purposely down the red carpet courting the adoration of their Ward 3 fans. The latter, already formulating his arcane budgetary calculus, waves his laptop in the air in a menacing manner. The former loosens his designer tie and pulls off his suit raring to defend the wealthy against increased municipal assessments.

A thumping theme song fills the cage: Efficiency and progress are ours once more Now that we have the Neutron bomb It’s nice and quick and clean and gets things done Away with excess progeny But no less value to property No sense in Three but perfect sense in Eight: The sun beams down on a brand new day No more welfare tax to pay Unsightly slums gone up in flashing light Jobless millions whisked away At last we have more room to play All systems go to kill the poor tonight * Relaxing in the center of the cage, the Liberal faction awaits the moment of judgment. The Bleeding Heart furiously tweets on his iPhone, while the Nitpicker reclines on a folding chair shuffling a stack of budget documents nonchalantly. Who can tell whether the Bean Counter’s PowerPoint presentations can prevail over the Nickpicker’s ability to drone on for hours over the minutia of civic affairs?

The Conservatives enter the cage. The Bean Counter grabs a chair. Is he preparing to brain the Bleeding Heart over their disagreement on the Human Services budget, or simply attempting to prevent the Nitpicker from opening his mouth? Dear Readers, we shall never know, because he is interrupted by a Mighty Call, “Here I come to save the day!”

Did Mighty Brown succeed in preventing budgetary apocalypse? Did he ensure that The Grinch paid attention on the dais? Did he prevent the Nitpicker’s diatribes from casting colleagues into a coma? The Nose leaves that to his Readers’ imagination.

The Nose loves to hear from his readers. Have a comment? Email TheNose@ hillrag.com. u

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The Real Vincent C. Gray Relative Newcomer to District Politics Takes Helm as City’s Mayor

By Michelle Phipps-Evans ard 7 Councilmember Yvette Alexander remembers her first time encountering the man who would become the sixth mayor of the District of Columbia, Vincent Condol Gray. It was the early ‘90s, and

she was at a memorial at Rankin Chapel, at Howard University, for Ray, a friend who passed suddenly.

Ray was an employee at the D.C. Department of Human Services, and the agency’s director was delivering a moving speech.

“I remember thinking,‘Wow,’either Ray is very important or that Vincent Gray is sincerely a concerned, compas-

Gray relaxes with his cat, Samurai, in the kitchen of his gracious Hillcrest home. Photo: Andrew Lightman 30 u Midcity DC | November 2010

sionate guy,” Alexander said. “You hardly ever see an agency head attend an employee’s funeral. Far less say anything. He wasn’t even his supervisor.” Afterwards, Alexander headed over to Gray to tell him how much she appreciated what he said.

“I wasn’t sure I’d ever see him again,” she added, “but I wanted him to know. “ Almost 20 years have passed, but this incident still resonates with Alexander, even as she works with her Ward 7 neighbor on the Council dais. This simple act showed her who Gray was—and is—beyond the politician.

Another person who experienced his compassion firsthand is his brother-in-law, Kenneth Goodson. After suffering his first heart attack in 1993, Goodson said, “Vince was the first person there,” at the hospital to visit, even before his parents or his younger sister, Gray’s wife, Loretta, who passed away in 1998.

“I tell people, this isn’t just my brother-in-law,” Goodson said.

“This is my brother.”

Longtime Ward 7 resident, Paul Savage, has known Gray for more than 20 years.

“Vincent Gray, to his credit, is not a classic politician,” said Savage who lives in the Hillcrest neighborhood, where Gray has lived for 25 years. “He came to elected office rather late. [He is] a man of impeccable honesty and integrity. As a politician, what makes Vincent Gray successful is his ability to build consensus and coalitions.”

Another friend and neighbor, Miles Steele III, said Gray’s public life saw a “meteoric rise to the top,” which began in 2004 when

he ran against and beat then-Ward 7 councilmember, Kevin Chavous.

In 2006, he won Council chair after Linda Cropp vacated the seat to run for mayor. Then recently, he ran as the Democratic candidate for mayor, which he won.

“I like his professional demeanor, ethical conduct and his management skills,” Savage added.

“These skills will be tested mightily during the next four years when he becomes our mayor.”

This compassionate side of the 67-year-old Gray may surprise those who glean their knowledge about him from the newspapers.

However, to friends and family, this is the caring, attentive and funny man they know.

“When you get to know him,” Goodson said, “he loves to tell jokes. He loves this city. And he loves those Redskins.”

Alexander agreed. “He is serious but he’s an approachable man with a big heart. ”

Listening to the People

It was a warm Sunday morning in October. Gray was wearing a dark-colored V-neck sweater, with a white shirt peeping out as he casually walked into Denny’s on Benning Road, NE, for an early afternoon breakfast. His presence was not lost on patrons, many returning from church, and the owners, that the city’s second most powerful politician was dining comfortably at Denny’s among the residents who elected him.

As he ate, a 40somethingyear-old man hollered from his seat, three tables away, “Chairman Gray, we’re glad you’re in there.

We needed to get Fenty out.” A woman interrupted him to endorse an agency head she works

with. “We’re happy with her, I thought you should know that,” she said. Another asked if he could take a photo of the chairman with his cell phone. With each, he was gracious, responsive and attentive.

Gray joked that the job as Council chairman cannot compare to his pending job as mayor.

“I thought I used to be in the public eye on the Council, but this is far more than that,” he said about becoming mayor on Nov. 2.”It’s absolutely something else.” A Scorpio, Gray will celebrate his Nov. 8, birthday as the new mayor.

Growing up

Gray grew up in a one-bedroom apartment in northeast Washington. His older brother, James, is 12 years his senior. His mother, Elizabeth, was from North Carolina and his father, James, from Southern Maryland. Neither finished high school.

“My father worked his way up as far as he could go,” Gray said, at his job at Freedman’s Hospital. “He drove a taxi cab at night. He wanted us to do better.” His mother, a homemaker, “never had to work a day in her life.”

His father died when he was 19.

Gray’s mother died seven years ago, one year before he won the Ward 7 seat.

Before attending George Washington University to earn a bachelor’s and completeing all the coursework toward his master’s degree in clinical psychology, and where he pledged in the Tau Epsilon Phi fraternity, Gray attended Paul Laurence Dunbar Senior High School. Known as Vint, he was involved in activities including first baseman on the baseball team, major in the Cadet Corp, president of the chemistry club, vice president of the senior homeroom, and more. On his senior photo, he wrote he wanted to be a pediatrician.

That was a mistake, he realized, especially after he saw the way “they carved up a cat in Anatomy class.”

Gray looks on as one of his teammates on the Dragons hits a home run.

Photo: Andrew Lightman “The scientific aspect was interesting,” he said about becoming a doctor, “but I can’t stand the sight of blood.”

Hillcrest resident and community activist, Car- Professional Life One decision he regrets was not pursuing prorie Thornhill, then Lee, was two years behind Gray fessional baseball, especially when he had an opat Dunbar. portunity to try out with two major league teams.

“I have been looking up to, and admiring VinAfterwards he said, ‘I will not make another cent Gray since our high school days,” Thornhill decision based on anxiety.’” That may have been a said. “He was a commanding personality. He was reason he accepted the job to head up the Departtall, handsome, smart, gregarious, yet humble and ment of Human Services under Mayor Sharon caring. He demonstrated his leadership abilities in Pratt Kelly.

The dysfunctional agency had 10 dithe classroom, as an officer with the ROTC and on rectors in 12 years.

It was his leadership there, bethe baseball field.”

tween 1991 and 1994, which his Democratic opponent, Adrian Fenty, tried to use to paint Gray as moving the city backward to when the government was arguably at its worst.

“It engenders resentment on the part of the people,” he insisted, “trying to portray me as a Marion Barry person. I never worked for Marion Barry.” Heading up the agency was challenging, but he saw an “opportunity to do something important for the people.”

While there, he developed his belief that “a paycheck is fine but there are other important things that make people feel appreciated,” he said. “On so many days, you ask staff to go above and beyond the call of duty.” During his tenure as Council chair, he hosted the firstof-its-kind, summer backyard barbeque at his home to mark his staff ’s years of service, and to simply say thanks.

“I think it’s a good move,” said Venious Parker, the longest-serving staffer at 36 years.

“We’ve never been to anyone’s home.”

Gray’s reputation for his advocacy for the developmentally disabled at the Association for Retarded Citizens of DC, (now the Arc) is widely known. But Goodson said he remembered how the Kennedy and the Shriver families were impressed by Gray’s work with Special Olympics. Later, he became founding executive director at Covenant House Washington, a faith-based, nonprofit serving homeless and at-risk youth.

During his decade there, he helped shape it into one of the most effective of its kind, leading a $6.5 million campaign to build a new community service center in southeast.

“I thought, what a challenge,” he said. “I was among its first staff; now it has 21 different locations. I was loving every minute of it.” Here, he further honed his compassion for the young, and encouraged them to use their voice. He has chaired monthly Council youth hearings with ongoing participation from the youth.

Animal Activist

So, this is Vincent C. Gray—a man who shows compassion for the mentally challenged, the homeless, economically and socially depressed individuals and at-risk youth. But there is one more group he strongly advocates for—animals.

For that, he is grateful to Loretta, who stood with him through 27 years of marriage and two children, Jonice and Vincent Carlos. Mrs. Gray was a teacher at Winston Education Center in the D.C. Public School System.

“My wife was an animal activist,” Gray said. capitalcommunitynews.com u 31

“We’ve always had cats and dogs around the house. She found our cat on the street.”

Samurai, who is about 16, is a streetwise cat, Gray said.

Gray became a member of the Washington Humane Society’s board.

“My sister loved animals” Goodson recalled. “She would adopt animals, people, anybody who was downtrodden.”

Goodson said he remembered when, in 1964, he met a young, “cool guy,” that his kid sister brought to their northeast home.

“He came in an MG convertible so I thought he was flashy. But after meeting him, I began to think, “how could he be so young, so driven.”

Gray was 24.

The next thing, Goodson recalled, the entire family was watching Gray play football in the fall; then basketball in the winter. Then, when he thought it was all done, baseball in the spring.

After his sister and Gray were married June 19, 1971, at St. Augustine Catholic Church on V Street, NE, Goodson said they worked well together, and for long hours, mainly on issues for people with mental disabilities.

“They were a charming couple,” said Goodson, “Vince and Loretta could have easily been the Barack and Michelle Obama of their time.” Every year, for the past 12 years, according to Goodson, Gray puts his favorite picture of her in a July issue of The Washington Post’s obituary section, telling her how much she is missed and loved.

He said Gray is exactly what the District needs.

“I think the city needs somebody who cares, and wants to bring it together,” Goodson added. “The city is in need of healing.” u

32 u Midcity DC | November 2010

Ethiopian musicians and dancers entertained festival goers in July.

First Saturdays in Shaw:

Cool Jazz on a hot summer day in July.

First Year Highlights article and photos by Alexander M. Padro

F

First Saturday Shaw Pedicab Tour: Pedicab tourists enjoyed free food and beverage samples and learned about the neighborhood’s history in May.

Art tours at the Convention Center in September.

Dogs cooled down with doggie ice cream and a wading pool in August.

Lisa Caprioglio Native Plants Speaker June First Saturday: An expert on native plants spoke at Old City Green during the June Shaw Garden Tour.

rom May through December 2010, Shaw Main Streets drew visitors from the District and beyond for free special events in its service area on the first Saturday of each month, part of DC Main Streets First Saturdays, a promotional campaign in all the DC Main Streets neighborhoods.

The May kickoff featured a pedicab tour of Shaw, powered by National Pedicabs, a performance by lion dancers, and an architectural treasure hunt, with prizes awarded at a ceremony at the Historical Society of Washington.

June’s event included the first ever Shaw Garden Tour, a presentation on using native plants instead of invasive species, and the annual Lower Ninth Street Open House.

July offered the first African Diaspora Music Festival, with live musical performances by CDH Brassworks and Yehunie Belay and His Band at La Carbonara Italian Restaurant and Little Ethiopia Restaurant.

The Dog Days of Shaw came in August, with an outdoor doggie fiesta in Blagden Alley, hosted by Wagtime Pet Spa and Boutique and Long View Gallery. A dog wading pool and doggie ice cream made for great canine fun.

September brought Shaw Arts Day, with guided tours of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center’s $5 Million art collection and a self guided walking tour of public art in the neighborhood.

October saw the last First Saturday event of 2010, combing the first Shaw Sweet Potato Festival with the annual Upper Ninth Street Open House.

DC Main Streets First Saturdays are sponsored by the Department of Small and Local Business Development, DC Main Streets, and the Historical Society of Washington, DC. u capitalcommunitynews.com u 33

your neighborhood

Shaw Streets

by Ralph Brabham

New Salon Opens on Ninth Street

Hair & Body Studio (1410 9th St., NW, 202-234-9522, www.hairandbodystudioonline.com) is a bright and airy full service salon that recently relocated to 1410 9th St., NW. Serving women and men, Hair & Body Studio offers a full range of hair services, facials and waxing, nail care, massages, and makeup services.

The salon is owned by beauty industry veteran Camille London, a former Shaw resident. London graduated from Dudleys Beauty College and has been in the industry for ten years. She opened Hair & Body Studio on 14th St. three years ago, and seized on the opportunity to move to the bigger and newly renovated space on 9th Street this September.

When asked what drew her to the Shaw neighborhood, London responded that “It’s a great, diverse neighborhood. I like the energy that comes from that.”

The salon’s ten employees and constant stream of devoted clients bring added foot traffic to the 1400 block of 9th St. That block has been a lot quieter since the closing of vegetarian restaurant Vegetate at 1414 9th St. in 2009 (although with new chairs and tables appearing inside the former Vegetate space, it seems that another restaurant may open there in the near future). London is confident that foot traffic will continue to improve as the area’s major projects, such as the convention center hotel and CityMarket at O, materialize.

NIF Funding Approved for Shaw Dog Park Improvements

The Shaw Dog Park in the 1500 block of 11th St., NW, opened in 2008 as the city’s first legal dog park. Since then, the 15,000square-foot, fenced off area has brought neighbors and dogs together and enhanced the area’s quality of life.

Although a great oasis for canines and 34 u Midcity DC | November 2010

Hair & Body Studio recently relocated to 1410 9th St, NW. Photo: Ralph Brabham

Tell Them, “Shaw Main Streets Sent Me!”

their owners, the park is a pretty bare bones destination. Its big and small dog play areas are defined by a chain link fence. It offers little shade or greenery, it has limited seating or amenities, and its pea gravel surface has been a source of complaints.

In September, MidCity Residents Association Dog Park Committee (also known as “Shaw Dogs,”), the group responsible for the dog park, received a Neighborhood Investment Fund (“NIF”) grant of up to $85,000 from the city to make improvements at the dog park. George Kassouf, co-chair of Shaw Dogs, said that the funds will be used to pay for several yet-to-beidentified improvements to the park, such as upgrading the surface, installing a gate from the small-dog park into the larger area, installing a water fountain for humans, installing sturdier benches, and installing planter boxes for some shade-providing trees and shrubs. A meeting with area dog owners will likely be held in November to discuss ideas for improvements.

Shaw Dogs manages the park in partnership with the Department of Parks and Recreation. As the sponsor, Shaw Dogs is responsible for maintenance, improvements and enforcement of the park’s operating rules. Volunteer dog owners donate their time and money to maintain the park, and improvements and maintenance supplies (e.g. poop bags, bin liners, sanitary spray) are typically funded completely by the dog owners. A monthly group cleanup takes place the last Saturday of every month.

For details or more information, visit the Shaw Dogs website, http://www.shawdogs.org.

Shiloh Tax Relief Legislation Proposed, Rescinded

In the past year, Shiloh Baptist Church has been proactive with its vacant property holdings, which are a longtime source of neighborhood frustration. In Oct. 2009 and March 2010 respectively, the church sold its vacant properties at 1543 and 1600 8th St., NW. In Oct. 2009, the church spruced up its 9th Street properties by exposing and repairing long-boarded windows and painting trimwork. In Sept. 2010,

the church broke ground on a community center at 1533 9th Street. Additionally, the church has promoted with renewed resolve a comprehensive vision for the remaining vacant properties in the 1500 block of 9th Street, which the church intends to comprise its “Victory Village” complex.

With this notably improved stance in the community likely in mind, in October, Councilmember Jack Evans, D-Ward 2, proposed a bill that would retroactively reclassify its vacant properties to be subject to Class 1 taxation. The effect of the legislation would have been to relieve the church of at least $100,000 in taxes. The bill provided that the church had to use the sale proceeds from 1543 and 1600 8th St. within two years for redevelopment activity relating to the church’s remaining vacant properties and that the Class 1 status would remain in effect until the properties become tax exempt as permitted by law.

The Shaw Neighborhood Yahoo!

Group List serve was quickly abuzz over the proposed legislation. A few people expressed support for the bill, noting that development would be delayed if the church remained liable for the large tax bills and arguing that the community would be better off if the money went towards redevelopment rather than to the city’s coffers. In contrast, many others were enraged over the plan. Summing up the opposition to the bill, one commenter argued “Shiloh needs to be treated like treated like any other resident or business or non-profit in the city and pay the appropriate taxes.

If they can’t afford to pay the taxes on the property that they have acquired over the years and allowed to go into neglect, then they need to come up with the funds to pay the taxes and sell the properties. . .”

On October 20, Councilmember Evans sent a message to the Shaw Yahoo! Group list serve stating that “In light of the community opposition to the legislation regarding the Shiloh Baptist Church’s properties, I have withdrawn the legislation and contacted Rev. Wallace Smith, Pastor of Shiloh, of such.” u

capitalcommunitynews.com u 35

your neighborhood

14th and U

by Catherine, U Street Girl

Long Standing Restaurants Close, New Ventures To Open

The U street corridor is an ever-evolving, vibrant area. As such, there is always turnover in businesses. In the past month, some neighborhood staples have closed, while new ventures are scheduled to open.

Cafe Nema and MoMo’s, both formerly at 1334 U Street, have closed. Cafe Nema, an African and Middle Eastern restaurant, was one of the pioneers of the revitalization of U street.

Ibrahim Aden, a native of Somalia, opened the restaurant in 1995 after the birth of his daugh-

36 u Midcity DC | November 2010

ter, Nema. Nema is an Arabic word meaning “blessing.”

MoMo’s, a popular sports bar, opened in 2007 and might be looking for a new location. What’s the Deal DC, a daily deal website that recently sold a deal to the bar, indicated that they wouldn’t refund their deal because MoMo’s will reopen. MoMo’s didn’t respond to a request for comment regarding where they would reopen.

There is no indication of what will open in the vacated building on U Street.

AM/PM Carryout, formerly at 2100 14th Street, closed after their lease ended. AM/PM Carryout had been open for 19 years, and was

a staple of the 2100 block of 14th Street. The community center, located in the same building as AM/PM Carryout on the V Street side, has closed too.

La Fonda, a Tex-Mex restaurant, will open in the location. La Fonda will seat 220 people with a sidewalk cafe that seats 48. The restaurant’s liquor license application states the business hours as 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 7 a.m. until 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The restaurant also plans to have live entertainment. Construction has already begun on the property, but the owners haven’t announced a possible opening date.

One local restaurant’s website said that it

had closed, however Crème, 1322 U Street, is still open. The owners recently fired the management team and they posted the false information on the website. But never fear, you can still get your shrimp and grits at Crème.

As for restaurants coming the neighborhood, Chidogo’s (Chicago style hot dogs, 1934C 14th Street), Standard (burgers with outdoor seating, 1801 14th Street), Peregrine Espresso (coffee shop with outpost in Eastern Market, 1718 14th Street), and Pearl Dive Oyster Palace (seafood restaurant from Jeff Black with a bocce court, 1612 14th Street) should be opening in the next six months.

Whoopie for Whoopie Pies in Mid City

McKee Floyd, 23, left her job on Capitol Hill in March to start Whoops! an enterprise where she bakes nostalgic, creamfilled whoopie pies for the masses.

Six months later, Floyd caters events and has started doing pop-up -tyle shops in the District, mostly in the Mid City area. She works with local businesses to sell her treats at their location for a few hours, often on the weekends. In the past few weeks, she’s sold her $3 whoopie pies at DC Noodles (1410 U Street) and Mid City Caffe (1626 14th Street). Floyd announces her location a few days before on her Twitter account and sells her confections on the spot, not unlike food trucks.

Recently she’s featured a pumpkin and red velvet whoopie pie at her pop-up shops.

“I love sandwich-style food, anything in that form is fun to eat. And unlike cupcakes, whoopie pies are in a layer format, which is the way cake is meant to be eaten,” Floyd says.

Floyd lives and has an office in the Adams Morgan neighborhood. She currently bakes her whoopie pies at the CakeLove (1506 U Street) kitchen at night. You can also purchase her pies at Love Café, the café from the CakeLove owners, (1501 U Street) across the street.

She plans to open a retail store in spring 2011. She is pursuing many DC neighborhoods in which to open her store, but is certainly considering the 14th and U corridor.

Floyd believes her whoopie pies will stand out from the competition because she focuses on customization. Her retail store will have a make your own whoopie pie bar, where you will be able to choose your cake, type of frosting, and extra elements (anything from fresh fruit to lemon curd to bacon bits).

“I think customer participation is the next food trend. Once customers have ownership of the product, they are much more invested in it,” Floyd says.

Floyd has benefited from the strong local business community in DC. She has worked at Sweetgreen, the salad/frozen yogurt empire started by Georgetown students in 2007, to learn the ropes of the food industry. She interned at CakeLove, the bakery franchise from Warren Brown, and ended up doing a stint as their baker for a few months.

“There is this non-political counterculture in DC right now. Everyone is starting creative ventures and helping each other to succeed. It’s a great climate to start a business in DC,” Floyd says.

Find out where Floyd is popping up next by following her Twitter feed @ whoopsbakeshop. Visit her website at www.whoopsbakeshop.com to keep up with where her retail location will open.

Catherine writes the neighborhood blog, U Street Girl. The blog covers happenings in the U Street corridor, whether they be cultural, artistic, epicurean, social, or lifestyle-related.

You can read her blog at http://ustreetgirl. wordpress.com. u capitalcommunitynews.com u 37

your neighborhood

Bloomingdale Bytes

by Amanda Abrams

So it’s not all that major. The big, big deal—and an entirely separate project—is rebuilding the area’s sewer system. That’s going to take a lot longer than three years.

Rustik, Finally: Present And Future

I know, the opening of Bloomingdale’s first sit-down restaurant, Rustik, is practically old news by now; the place first opened its doors in late September. But how can I claim to be a true neighborhood correspondent without mentioning the new establishment? Plus, I was personally curious, so I stopped in on a recent sunny afternoon and chatted with owner Diton Pashaj about how things are going.

Pashaj must’ve taken media lessons from his counterpart Stu Davenport, owner of Big Bear Café, down the street: both are circumsaect and humble to a fault when it comes to talking about their businesses. But Pashaj finally admitted with a smile that things are going well. “We’re happy,” he said when I asked if the restaurant is busy. “I wouldn’t say it’s crowded, but we have business every night.”

Most of the restaurant’s early glitches have been worked out, and he and chef Seth Brady are starting to brainstorm about moving forward—maybe expanding the menu, offering brunch with an Albanian flavor (Pashaj hails from Albania), or hosting special evening events.

For now, though, it’s all up in the air. “We’ll see what the community wants,” he said cautiously.

I got there around 5 p.m. and things were just getting humming: bartenders were starting to stock the shelves, a couple of cooks were standing by the big wood-fired oven, and manager types were milling around.

Of his 15 employees, Pashaj says that 90 percent live in the neighborhood—and that includes both him and Brady.

It’s definitely a “think local” kind 38 u Midcity DC | November 2010

A Sunny City Trail Worth Exploring

Photo: Rustik chef Seth Brady and owner Diton Pashaj at the restaurant’s bar (credit: Amanda Abrams)

of place. Pashaj is planning on adding a tap for DC Brau, a soon-to-beonline local brewery that’s co-owned by a Bloomingdale resident, and he’s uber-friendly with his neighbors, one of whom breezed in while I was sitting at the bar. “I love it! I come every chance I get,” said Karen Cotton, of Rustik. When the kids’ learning center she’s developing next door finally opens, she figures the restaurant can serve as a parents’ waiting room.

If all goes according to plan, though, Rustik won’t be the neighborhood’s only restaurant for long.

Another group of Bloomingdale residents—Gareth and Matt Croke, and Colin McDonough—are moving forward with plans for Boundary Stone, a restaurant/pub just down the street. They expect the place to open sometime around April, as soon as construction is finished and approvals are in place.

Is Pashaj worried about looming competition? Not at all, he said.

“I can’t wait for Boundary Stone to open. When I’m done working, I want to go drink somewhere that’s not my place.”

New Pipes, No Traffic

Here’s some early news: starting around spring 2011, Bloomingdale residents are going to see some longterm traffic changes. The deal: DCWASA is retrofitting some of the pipes carrying drinking water out of the Bryant Street Pumping Station to neighborhoods all over the city.

The upshot: Bryant Street between 2nd and 4th streets will shut down to traffic sometime in the spring and remain closed for around three years.

Yes, three years.

Details are still up in the air.

DCWASA and the consulting firm in charge of the project, Hatch, Mott, MacDonald, are finalizing designs and traffic studies now, and then will solicit bids for the construction.

When that’s all done, work will finally begin.

It’s not exactly at the level of an emergency. The pipes are simply old—some have been in place since the pumping station was constructed in 1904—and need to be replaced before they break down and wind up costing catastrophic sums to repair.

I’m embarrassed to say that I only just explored the Met Branch Trail this past week—a new city amenity that’s close enough to Bloomingdale to be significant. The 8-mile bike path running from Union Station to Silver Spring opened in May, but I wasn’t paying attention at the time.

How foolish of me! The trail is awesome: first of all, it’s one of the few direct routes in that part of town, running across Metro tracks from Union Station to Fort Totten. More important, though, is the sense it gives (to me, at least) that DC is a cosmopolitan city designed to benefit a variety of residents. The trail is wide, clean, and reasonably well-marked (though I did get a little confused where it joins 8th St., NE), and dotted with benches and lights.

It passes awesome graffiti that you normally can only see from a red line train, plus a bunch of murals I’d never noticed before and a long stretch of industrial zones between New York Avenue and Franklin Street.

The trail seemed to be relatively well-used; I passed folks on bikes, walking dogs, pushing baby carriages, and walking. Would I feel safe riding in the evening? Maybe not; there’s been some violence on the path in the past few months. But with the leaves changing color right now, it’s a perfect daytime city ride.

Amanda Abrams is a freelance writer and dancer living in Adams Morgan. u

Logan Circles

by Mark F. Johnson

Buy a Home in the District They Say!

The condo market in the District continues to trudge along even in a weakened economy, local real estate agents say. So, is this good news for the developers of District condos? While many other parts of the country are seeing record unemployment and home foreclosures, real estate analysts attribute continued moderate and higher-priced home sales here to the vitality of the nation’s capital’s economy.

It would seem then, that the news may be hopeful for District condos, the new JBG highend residential/retail development about to finally launch on the corner of 14th and S Streets.

The official announcement came just before Halloween. If JBG officials were scared about the prospects of offering 125 luxury homes at a time like this, they didn’t show it. Instead, they held a press event to officially announce the new project and included DC Councilmembers Jack Evans (D-Ward 2) and Jim Graham (D-Ward 1). Evans, who represents the ward in which the project is located, welcomed the JBG development, and the promise of new, higher-income residents who are more likely to vote in city elections. Since the project closely borders neighboring Ward 1, Graham, who used to lead Whitman-Walker Clinic from that very building as its executive director, gave a brief historical overview of the building and neighborhood.

The District condos, a block-long mixed use project is a combination of existing structures and yet to be built construction. Its anchor, at the corner of 14th and S, is the former administrative offices of the Clinic, bought by the clinic in 1986 for $1.25 million, according to Graham.

It was a high price tag at the time, he said, especially given that there was so much pushback about “moving into that area from Adams-Morgan.” Both Graham and Evans described the 14th street corridor as a hangout for prostitutes and drug addicts even into the early `90’s. “No one could foresee the renaissance that we have now.” But, Graham told the crowd, it seemed like a very good gamble to move here because of the size of the space, the fact that the building was renovated and also because much of the

JBG Unveils name of new condo project slated for 14th and S Streets

clinic’s clientele already lived in the area.

The new JBG project will take up the entire block along the west side of 14th street starting at S and running north to Swann. The condo units will rise about 7 stories and the ground level is planned as retail space, common among such developments. The project is expected to take about 18 months to be completed. Interested parties can register their interest in a unit now. They will go up for sale in a few weeks JBG says. JBG has not listed unit prices on the website but word on the street is that they will start fairly reasonably, meaning to say at slightly less than market rates for the type of building and the neighborhood.

More Competition for Mickey Dees

Rouge States Burgers is soon to open up across the street from McDonalds. Don’t know

if they will burn away Mickey Dee’s business but…I’ll bet they will fry trying!

For those who don’t know the story of David and Goliath, Rouge States (otherwise known as David), the little burger joint next door to law firm behemoth Steptoe and Johnson down in Dupont Circle, may be forced to shut down due to complaints from said law firm of a stench of hamburger grease funking up the white shoes of its bevy of lawyers.

Rouge States probably figured they would lose this battle all along. Therefore, they out a have apparently taken a lease at 1931 14th Street in a building that used to house a clothing store that recently went under. The space is a few doors down from a recent addition to U/14 that sells Philly Cheesestakes. So much for healthy competition! But, it is hard not to be happy for Rouge States in its well-publicized struggle against the giant law firm. You have to ask yourself why they wouldn’t have wanted to be in U/14 anyway. capitalcommunitynews.com u 39

your neighborhood the NUMB3RS 3.327.649.10

The Recession Strikes Again Poverty’s Rising But Revenues Are Falling

The Ark: This huge float, resembling an ark, carried the fun crowd to and from the Rally for Sanity and Fear just before Halloween

Halloween In-Sanity in U/14

Anyone who planned a large-scale rally on the Mall for Halloween weekend, i.e.

Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart, had to know there would be a whole lot of partying and costume-wearing going on. So, I’m sure no one was disappointed as 14th Street turned almost Mardis Gras-like on the Saturday pre-ween. A great number of the masses of folks walking downtown along 14th on Saturday prior to the noon start time for the rally were clad in costumes ranging from the overtly political, like the walking tea bag that had the slogan “live in fear” emblazoned over it, to the regular old every day construction worker and drag queen in Marge Simpson beehive. After the rally and, as folks were walking back uptown, many bars and restaurants along 14th street with outdoor seating actually had lines forming to get a table. This, in addition to all the cars, bikers and walkers turned a typically busy Saturday afternoon in U/14 to 40 u Midcity DC | November 2010

something resembling Bourbon Street.

Logan Circle Holiday House Tour

Summer shenanigans are quickly to become a warm memory. Pretty soon it will be “the most wonderful time of the year.” And, what that has meant here in Logan Circle for the last 32 years is the annual Logan Circle Holiday House tour. It’s always great to see the old dames at their holiday best and have a glass of wassail too. The mix of old and new homes and condos on the tour, most of which are decorated for the season is really a holiday treat to see and shouldn’t be missed.

This year’s tour is scheduled for Sunday, December 5 from 1 to 5 pm. Tickets are sold for $20 in advance at www.loganCircle.org or $25 on the day of at the Studio Theater, located at 14th and P Streets. Twelve properties have been scheduled for the tour, one of which includes Grace Church on 15th Street, between Rhode Island Ave. and P Street. u

J

By Jenny Reed and Ed Lazere

ust two weeks after DC’s primary election, some troubling news arrived: thousands of DC families have been driven into poverty by the recession. Child poverty, in particular, has skyrocketed. Within days, we also learned that the District faces yet another budget shortfall due to falling tax collections, this time for the fiscal year that started October 1.

The challenges facing Mayor Gray are great — and he hasn’t even taken office yet.

How DC’s leaders choose to resolve our fiscal troubles will greatly affect how the city and its residents come out of the recession. Mayor Fenty has imposed a hiring freeze and told agencies to hold back on other costs, giving him and the Council time to work out a more detailed budget-balancing plan. That plan will be presented, debated, modified and approved in the next month.

Some have argued for a cuts-only approach focused on education and human services. But reducing education spending could imperil the future of DC’s school reforms, and cutting human services funding would put the greatest burden on struggling families hurt most by the downturn, through reduction of services like child-care,

affordable housing, or job training.

Moreover, children who don’t have three meals a day and a stable place to sleep often don’t succeed in school, and family stress from poverty can result in higher incidences of child neglect. In other words, there’s a high cost to poverty, and it’s not simply financial.

It’s time for the District to take a more balanced approach. Additional cuts in services are inevitable, but revenue increases are needed, too. Both Gray and the new Council Chair, Kwame Brown, have acknowledged the possible need for tax increases. Unlike its neighbors, DC has not raised any of its core taxes in a meaningful way in the recession. And due to tax cuts made before the recession, taxes paid by most DC households are the lowest in the region. Some kind of tax increase, focused on those most able to pay, is reasonable at this point.

Rising Unemployment and Poverty

It’s not hard to understand why poverty is on the rise. The District hit a record-setting 12 percent unemployment rate at the start of 2010, as tens of thousands of residents lost their jobs. Many of these workers were living paycheck to paycheck and had little financial protection when the

economic tsunami hit.

The impact of the recession has been especially devastating for some of our neighbors. Three in 10 DC children now live below the poverty line, less than $22,000 a year for a family of four. And 14,000 more District residents fell into deep poverty — reporting income below half of the poverty line — in just two years.

This increase means that one in ten DC residents now live on less than $11,000 a year.

Can you even imagine trying to live in DC on less than $11,000 a year?

Falling Tax Collections, Big Budget Shortfalls

It’s important to keep DC’s rising economic insecurity in mind as we turn to another troubling number — the $175 million budget shortfall. It’s not hard to understand how this happened, either. High unemployment means people are earning and spending less.

The downturn also walloped the savings of many residents, reducing capital gains income.

As a result, the city is collecting less in income and sales tax revenue to support basics like schools, public safety, and parks and recreation centers.

Falling revenue collections have lead to successive rounds of budget cuts over the past three years. As presumptive Mayor Vincent Gray recently said: “We have not only cut to the bone, we are down to the bone marrow.” A closer look at the largest parts of DC’s budget shows that health and human services have been cut the most despite dramatic increases in need for assistance. As one example, the city is now at a

point where it cannot provide emergency shelter to all families with children who literally have no place to go, not even a friend’s couch.

The risk we take with cutting even more is it might go beyond the bone and hit an artery—and the impact for our city could be catastrophic. The hiring freeze – if maintained – would mean important initiatives cannot be fully implemented. The Healthy Schools Act – which aims to improve the nutritional content of school meals -- cannot be launched. The Fire Department can’t maintain staffing, potentially leading to higher overtime costs. Council member Catania’s hope to improve mental health services for DC’s stressed children cannot go forward. New libraries will continue to be understaffed. The list goes on.

A Balanced Approach: Revenue Increases and Budget Cuts

The solution to these problems isn’t easy or short-term.

Despite falling tax collections, it’s important to maintain investments in our neighbors and in the services that are fundamental to DC’s quality of life – and therefore to our future.

Given that, is it really unreasonable to try to preserve funding for education and other services, even if that requires some level of tax increase?

Look at our neighbors. Maryland has raised income and sales taxes. The Virginia suburbs have raised property tax rates.

What about the District? The only increase in one of DC’s major revenue sources is a temporary ¼ cent increase in our sales tax. Meanwhile, the city spent much of the past decade cutting property taxes for businesses and residents and cutting income taxes.

That leaves us at the point where taxes for middle-income families are now the lowest in the region. Areport from the DC Fiscal Policy Institute shows that a DC family of four earning $100,000 pays more than $2,000 less in income and property taxes than families in Fairfax, Arlington or Montgomery counties and more than $4,000 less than families in Prince George’s – primarily due to the city’s very low residential property taxes.

DC’s income taxes also are lower than in Maryland and only a bit higher than in Virginia at this income level.

It doesn’t matter if you live in Palisades, Petworth or Penn Branch—we all want a city that provides a good

quality of life and opportunities for everyone to succeed. Simply taking a cuts-only approach to our budget will make it harder for our neighbors to get back on their feet in the still-shaky economy, which means less income and sales tax revenue, more strain on social services, and less money for teachers, trash collection, bike lanes—you name it.

Taking away these opportunities jeopardizes the past investments we have already made and the future prosperity of our city. By maintaining our investments in education, providing literacy and job training for our out-of-work neighbors, and keeping the quality of life in our city strong, we can help prevent the economic divides in our city from growing even more – and ensure we all come out the recession stronger.

Reed and Lazere are staff of the DC Fiscal Policy Institute (www.dcfpi.org), which conducts research on tax and budget issues that affect low- and moderateincome DC residents. u capitalcommunitynews.com u 41

kids and family

+ Notebook

by Kathlee

n Donner

ace at Air and Sp arron Hilton Pioneers of y a D ily m a F ted B light Pioneers of F e re-opening of the newly upda hosting a Family Day. Activi-

e Museum is ht techTo celebrate th iation when flig nal Air and Spac av io in at s N de e ca th , de ry e le ativ recordFlight Gal tremendously; s and 1930s, form ew 20 gr 19 n e th tio ia on av s n each the civilia ties will focu ; military and icans began to br er ed m nc A va an ad ic y fr dl A rest; 20. 10:00 nology rapi ured public inte Saturday, Nov. . pt ee ca Fr . ng rn ci ra bo r as ai setting and ern rocketry w flight; and mod 00. nasm.si.edu social barriers of 208. 202-633-10 ry le al G .

M P AM-3:00

Free Saturday Morning Children’s Performances at the National Theatre On Nov. 6, 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM, “Yojo Pigs Out!” You just gotta love YoJo! He’s the biggest, grooviest, fuzziest blue guy you’ll ever meet. But he’s been binging on junk food big-time. Uh-Oh! After some comical fitness challenges he learns that it’s actually fun to be fit. He’ll have the young ones (and even couch potatoes in the audience) up on their feet doing his YoJo-robotics! On Nov. 20, 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM, “Mutts Gone Nuts!” Enjoy a show full of merriment as Jessie and James and the Gang--a cast of canny canines--take the stage. The youngof-heart will love this fast-moving circus of amazing animal feats, juggling, jokes and laughter: a riot of doggie delights. The pooches and their human partners will have you barking with laughter. On Dec. 4, 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM, “A Christmas Carol.” An interactive adventure presents Charles Dickens’ ever-green holiday tale of Tiny Tim Crachit and the hard-hearted Ebenezer Scrooge.

The old miser’s redemption from illhumor and grumpy greed is brought vividly to life by the delightfully charming, entrancing and whimsical story-teller, Chris Davis.

Performances are free and in the Helen Hayes Gallery at the National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Shows are best appreciated by children four and older. Tickets are Required and are distributed without charge one half-hour prior to performance, on a first-come first42 ◆ Midcity DC | November 2010

The Barron Hilton Pioneers of Flight Gallery, located in the National Mall building, is an exhibition about the growth and influence of aviation and rocketry during the 1920s and 1930s. The fully-renovated gallery will open to the public Nov. 19, 2010, Aircraft in this image: the Douglas World Cruiser “Chicago,” the Curtiss R3C-2 Racer, the Fokker T-2, Amelia Earhart’s Lockheed 5B Vega and the Lindberghs’ Lockheed 8 Sirius “Tingmissartoq.” Photo: Eric Long

served basis. One ticket only to each person standing in line. Children must be accompanied by an adult who remains present for the entire performance. 202-783-3372. nationaltheatre.org

Young Readers Center at the Library of Congress Young people are encouraged to explore the center’s library of current and classic books, which can be read onsite. Adults can also read aloud to their children from a selection of preschool-appropriate books by the nation’s best authors and illustrators.

This collection of books is noncirculating, and readers are encouraged to check with their school and local public libraries for copies that they can borrow and enjoy at home to complete their reading. Open weekdays (except federal holidays), 9:00 AM-4:30 PM. Thomas Jefferson Building, Room LJ G31 (ground floor), 10 First St. SE. 202-7071950. read.gov/yrc

National Award Celebrates District’s Food Service Director and Innovative Lunch Program District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) Food Services Director Jeff rey Mills has won a national award for his innovative approach to serving healthy, vegetarian lunch options in more than 120 schools in the nation’s capital. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), a national nonprofit organization that promotes healthy

diets, has named Mills a winner in the 2010 Golden Carrot Awards.

DCPS offers a wide variety of nutritious, vegetarian meal options—including curried local fall vegetables with steamed brown rice, Moroccan bean and vegetable stew, and black bean burger on a whole wheat roll—with fresh salads offered daily. Mills has introduced students to a variety of new fruits and vegetables this year through afterschool programs and a “Strawberries and Salad Greens Day” to kick off a celebration of fresh, high-quality, local food in school cafeterias. pcrm.org.

Children’s Artwork for Wounded Marines The National Museum of the Marine Corps is sponsoring a collection of original art to display at the Wounded Warrior wing of the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda. Children who wish to participate should draw a picture and write a supportive message on an 8 1/2x11 piece of paper. Artists should also write their name, hometown and grade level on the back of

their picture. The Museum will accept drawings, paintings or colorings. All works must be submitted in a flat, rigid envelope, postmarked by Nov. 30, 2010.

The Wounded Warrior wings of the National Naval Medical Center (NNMC) is a dedicated area for men and women recovering from injuries sustained in battle. NNMC provides medical services for every injured Sailor and Marine returning to the continental U.S. from Iraq and Afghanistan. Since 2003, NNMC has cared for more than 2,000 American uniformed service members wounded in war.

Mail submissions to: The National Museum of the Marine Corps; Attn: Teacher in Residence; 18900 Jefferson Davis Highway; Triangle, VA 22172-1938. For more information call 703-221-8430 or email daniels@marineheritage.org.

“The Stars Tonight” at Air & Space Journey through the stars, constellations and celestial highlights of the current night sky with a museum

capitalcommunitynews.com â—† 43

staff member using the planetarium projector. Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday (except Saturday in first full weekend of each month) at 11:30 AM. Free.

National Air and Space Museum, on the National Mall at Seventh St. and Independence Ave. SW. nasm.si.edu

Halloween Fun in Shaw

by Alexander M. Padro

T

he screams could be heard from outside the Kennedy Recreation Center on October 29, 2010, as the center conducted its annual Halloween event, which drew over 150 children and family members.

Three Iron Men, multiple Scream ghouls, and a plethora of ladybugs, fairies, and other winged creatures paraded, danced, and played games like “Find the Eyeballs in the Brains” (golf balls in spaghetti) and musical chairs and ate “Worms and Dirt” (gum-

my worms in powdered chocolate cookies). Everyone enjoyed refreshments in the spider web-strewn gymnasium following the games and costume competition (with prizes for scariest, most creative, and best overall).

Next, it was time to head outside for the flashlight candy hunt. The hunt, a decades old tradition, gets kids to search the darkened playing field for candy strewn beforehand by rec center staff.

Then it was time for the Haunted Hallway. Smoke machines, strobe lights, and sound effects set the stage.

Bloody Mary, the Butcher (“I need meat! Where is my meat?”) and other terrors made some retreat without running the gauntlet. Teenagers screamed louder than the smaller children. The bravest were rewarded with candy after escaping from the darkened tunnel of terror.

Rec center staff and volunteers decorated the building and ran the event. The Halloween party was supported by the nonprofit Friends of Kennedy Playground.

Photos by Alexander M. Padro, Courtesy Shaw Main Streets. ◆

The White House Internship: A Public ServiceLeadership Program The White House Internship Program provides a unique opportunity to gain valuable professional experience and build leadership skills. This hands-on program is designed to mentor and cultivate today’s young leaders, strengthen their understanding of the Executive Office and prepare them for future public service opportunities. Applicant must be 18 years old and and US citizen. The Summer 2011 application and details will be posted on Nov. 8 on whitehouse.gov/about/internships/apply

Youth APPLab Classes for Teens Youth APPLab is designed to teach Black and Latino high school students in DC how to design and create mobile Android applications (apps). Classes are starting soon and will be held on the campus of Howard University. If you or someone you know is interested, please send an email to leshell@youthlab.org for more information and a student application package. Space is limited, so reply now. For more information, visit www.youthapplab.org. Classes will go until May/June with an app competition for internships.

202-713-5027.

First Lade Michelle Obama Honors M.O.M.I.E’s TLC For its effectiveness in developing creativity and fostering 44 ◆ Midcity DC | November 2010

academic success by engaging young people in the arts and humanities, M.O.M.I.E’s TLC of Washington, DC was recognized with a prestigious national award by First Lady Michelle Obama at a White House ceremony in October.

Chosen from a pool of almost 500 nominations and 50 finalists, M.O.M.I.E’s TLC was one of 15 after-school and out-of-school programs across the country to receive the 2010 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award, the highest honor such programs can receive in the United States.

The awards are administered by the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The award honors community-based arts and humanities programs that make a marked difference in the lives of their participants by improving academic scores and graduation rates, enhancing life skills, and developing positive relationships with peers and adults.

M.O.M.I.E’s TLC was recognized by Mrs. Obama for using engagement in the humanities and arts to build self-esteem, develop leadership skills, and improve academics.

Founded in 2000, M.O.M.I.E’s TLC was created to nurture the genius of children through creative and culturally-relevant learning opportunities. Over the past 10 years, the organization has engaged more than 6,000 young people in all of its year-round cultural education Programs, including the After School and Summer Programs and the year-round Children’s Gallery of Black History. 202545-1919. momiestlc.com ◆

capitalcommunitynews.com ◆ 45

at home

+ Home / Style

Sittin’ Pretty, Comfortably!

Fall/Winter are the best seasons to lounge.

by Mark F. Johnson

D

Brazilian-style distressed leather armchair.

Bo Concepts lounge chair.

46 ◆ Midcity DC | November 2010

uring this countdown to the holidays, “a long winter’s nap” is probably the last thing you have scheduled on your calendar. More likely, November, December and into New Year’s, will be filled with lots of readying the home for entertaining company, eating, partying, shopping, traveling and then, more eating! All this activity can drive just about anyone to a meltdown.

Rest and recovery can come most effectively from a simple inhome treatment, however. Anyone’s list of the top five most useful home décor items for fall and winter should include a comfortable lounge chair.

The left chair is really more than just a chair! I’m talking about a cathedra to which you rush home to worship the god of rest and peace after a day of doing those things that have to be done at this busy time of year. A contrivance to suck all the tired from your body and then reinvigorate you to go out and do more stuff just so you can hurry back to it and repeat the cycle. Sitting in this chair, you do for you!

The perfect side-kick to a great lounge chair is of course, a good reading light. Either a table lamp or a floor lamp that throws sufficient soft light next to you or over your shoulder should do fine as you sit in this chair, favorite drink at your side, book or television/cable box remote in- hand.

Most of us probably are fortunate enough to have such a chair at home already. It might have gone a bit neglected during spring and summer while we spent more time

outdoors and probably came inside just in time to go to bed. Why spend much time in a lounge chair when the weather is warm outside?

Television is full of repeats during the summer and most of the entertaining or quiet time is spent outdoors for many.

But feeling a little nip in the air and noticing that the days are growing shorter, I spent some time scoping out lounge chairs at area stores. Of course, there’s always a variety of styles, colors, sizes and shapes. Rank comfort as the number one factor as you search out a comfy refuge to suit your taste and decor. This is one of only a few opportunities (that we will discuss in this column at least) where your butt actually gets to choose.

In my search, I found three very different chairs that I liked.

In their own right, they were pretty sweet to look at; they all had a style and, rock bottom, they all felt good to sit in.

Chair number one, the Schelly, I found at Bo Concept in Georgetown. It is basically a re-do of an Arne Jacobsen Mid Century Modern design and looks a bit like a lotus flower that got turned into a chair. While it may look a little cold and hard, the plush wool upholstery (alternatively in leather) helped make it incredibly comfortable and the sunken design adds to the relaxation effect. This one would go nicely in a Modern-style apartment/condo unit, especially.

Comfort doesn’t always come cheap, as the Schelly sells for just under a $1,000. So, if the high price tag causes a panic attack, there are much less expensive and

also very cool alternatives out there. Take for example, the more traditional wingback and matching ottoman from Miss Pixies on 14th Street. The chair is the type you might find Santa dozing off in in-between drops. At $600 this one falls in the mid price range of the three. I can see this in a Columbia Heights, Logan Victorian or an uptown Wardman home.

My favorite of the three is a vintage Brazilian-style distressed leather armchair with titled backrest and leather seat pad. This one looks like it might have been handcrafted back in the 1960s or so, and is definitely the coolest-looking.

This is the one James Bond would come home to after a day or night of life-threatening MI-5 work. Take this one home to your hipster pad or to your stylishly furnished twostory on the Hill, so you can sit quietly and watch city life going on below you. At a price of $295, you can give your wallet some peace too.

Obviously there are many more choices to choose from out there. And who’s to say that either of the two vintage store chairs will still be available when you read this, as items change regularly in these type stores. Just keep in mind that in all the variety, comfort should be the driving force along with style and price.

And, as the season of peace approaches, make sure you find time to experience as much of it as possible from your own peaceful perch. The winter months give us all the excuse we need to lounge without too much guilt. It’s hard to see greener grass elsewhere after it has withered and been replaced by ice and snow. ◆

START HAVING THE YARD OF YOUR DREAMS · 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

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THOMAS LANDSCAPES

Specializing in urban landscapes since 1989 Derek Thomas / Principal - Certified Professional Horticulturist,Master Gardener Member of the MD Nursery and Landscape Association & the Association of Professional Landscape Designers

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at home

+ Home / Garden

A Great Garden Year-Round Evergreens make tough, beautiful and versatile garden base

By Joe Carmack

G

reat gardens look great all four seasons and that includes winter. It can happen for you and with very little effort. Here’s my secret. I use a lot of evergreens. They account for about 90% of the plants in my garden as well as those I design for many of my customers.

Most evergreens can take tough compacted soil and full sun with ease, and are slow growing and

have been around a long time, about 285 million Buyer’s Guide: years. They’re one of the most competitive speGarden centers all over are cies on the planet. They’re survivors. Count on now clearing their inventory at them to survive in your garden too. clearance sale prices to make way Two other classes of evergreens include for Christmas trees. It’s still a great time to plant. Buy now, save broadleaf and perennial evergreens. Broadbig, and fill in those bare spots leaf evergreens include shrubs and trees with with evergreens. Buy from a repufirm leaves, and some even bloom beautifully. table garden center that offers a My favorites for this area are great guarantee. Go to their webthe Magnolia “Little Gem “and sites. Trees and shrubs should be guaranteed for at least one year the Japanese Camellia, the later and perennials for six months. blooming rose like flowers in fall Your garden shop should have a or late winter. Last but not least, knowledgeable and friendly staff evergreen perennials can either be that can answer all your queswood forming such as Rosemary tions regarding proper plant care instructions. and Thyme, or leaf and blade-like in ground covers such as Liriope, a near indestructible plant.

I pick expressive evergreens nation, a single shrub such as Dwarf Alberba Spruce, loaded with so much personal- Steeds Holly or Boxwood in a clean-lined dark matte ity they appear to have souls. I container. To add more color, look to your pottery. I love couldn’t imagine life without these volcanic red containers with rich green plant material.

In addition to their charm, evergreens can provide characters: the Hollywood Juniper, excellent green solutions for around the home or ofwhich is irregularly shaped, and fi ce.

Th e Arborvitae Green Giant and Leyland Cypress ever so flamboyant; the Juniper make excellent privacy screens, and an Akebia ChocoProcumbens ‘Nana’, a mounding late Vine attached to a trellis makes a brilliant camouground cover that appears to flow fl age to an unsightly utility box. Bamboo is evergreen like a strong river over rocks; and and makes an excellent screen too. Plant it, however, in the Chamaecyparis Nootkatensis a container as it’s invasive.

Th e Leyland and Akebia are ‘Pendula’, awe-inspirvery fast growers, and Leylands ing with its weeping can be sheared into a tall upbranches somehow right hedge. looking like a wise This winter take note of old man. Soul or no your garden. Do you see gaping soul these evergreens bare spots in your soil where Expressive evergreens are loaded with so much personality they appear to have souls. add drama to the Photo: Joe Carmack your herbaceous perennials garden. have gone dormant and are Conversely, the no longer visible?

If the sight drought tolerant. As for maintenance, I spend more familiar traditional-shaped of this isn’t working for you, no more than an hour a month working in my evergreens that are pyramidal, coand you want a four-season garden. My customers, who understandably are lumnar or globular reflect a sense garden, try using evergreens very busy, like this garden as well. of permanence and refinement. to fill in empty space. Plant As far as getting evergreens in particular co- Mid-City businesses, Mitchell smaller specimens in groupnifers--which include pine, fir, spruce and other Gold and Room and Board, use ings. I always like planting in cone-bearing trees--to survive in your garden, evergreens in containers for their The entrance to Mitchell Gold is flanked by odd numbers in a triangular your chances for success are very good. Conifers entryways. It’s a classic combi- two fernspray cypresses. Photo: Joe Carmack 48 ◆ Midcity DC | November 2010

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

Neighborhood

scheme because the pattern will be more natural looking.

Coordinate your groupings with different varieties that have contrasting color, texture, shapes or sizes. Plant a larger specimen (a focal point) on its own off center.

This is my garden: a collection of evergreens that are low maintenance, colorful, and filled with long-time prominent characters that never let me down. They grow more beautiful every season, and I grow with them.

They’re comforting to have... even in snow.

And this, our life, exempt from public haunt, finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, sermons in stones, and good in everything. ~William Shakespeare Joe Carmack is owner of Garden District and a landscape designer/consultant, graduate of the George Washington University, Landscape Design Studies Program. He’s a lifelong gardener dedicated to bringing great plants and resources to the urban-landscape and to making DC a more green and inviting city. You can reach him at 202-797-9005 or send email to joecarmack@gardendistrictdc.com. ◆

Close Price

BR

FEE SIMPLE 16TH STREET HEIGHTS 4606 15TH ST NW 1409 DECATUR ST NW 1518 BUCHANAN ST NW 1501 WEBSTER ST NW 4507 ARKANSAS AVE NW

s$449,500 $760,000 $649,900 $500,000 $486,500

5 6 4 3 4

$250,000 $40,000

3 2

$350,000 $347,000 $305,000 $300,000 $295,000 $270,000 $225,000

3 3 3 3 3 4 3

$445,000 $428,000 $379,500 $350,000 $330,000 $258,000 $220,000 $169,000 $165,000 $75,000

3 4 3 3 3 2 4 3 3 1

$650,000 $614,000 $505,000 $465,000 $460,000 $365,000 $348,500 $291,000 $273,000

4 4 4 5 5 3 4 3 3

BRENTWOOD 1358 ADAMS ST NE 1932 CAPITOL AVE NE

BRIGHTWOOD 729 TUCKERMAN ST NW 615 OGLETHORPE ST NW 723 ROXBORO PL NW 817 ELDER ST NW 732 TUCKERMAN ST NW 408 RITTENHOUSE ST NW 857 VAN BUREN ST NW

BROOKLAND 1017 HAMLIN ST NE 21 V ST NE 1809 OTIS ST NE 4124 14TH ST NE 4418 14TH ST NE 509 MONTANA AVE NE 24 GIRARD ST NE 218 CHANNING ST NE 1700 OTIS ST NE 318 RHODE ISLAND AVE NE #304

COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 1530 MONROE ST NW 3029 11TH ST NW 2515 UNIVERSITY PL NW 1466 NEWTON ST NW 3646 PARK PL NW 1422 SPRING RD NW 3522 11TH ST NW 763 GIRARD ST NW 608 COLUMBIA RD NW

ECKINGTON 118 SEATON PL NW 10 QUINCY PL NE 126 RHODE ISLAND AVE NW

$407,000 $393,000 $559,000

3 3 3

$585,000 $584,000 $374,000 $370,000 $320,000

6 3 2 8 4

$323,333 $1,480,000 $588,000 $1,225,000 $715,000

2 5 3 5 5

$850,000 $849,000 $789,000 $715,000 $640,000 $620,000 $440,000

5 5 4 4 3 4 4

LEDROIT PARK 2124 1ST ST NW 1843 5TH ST NW 37 V ST NW 2128 1ST ST NW 44 W ST NW

LOGAN 2110 VERMONT AVE NW 1320 RHODE ISLAND AVE NW 1504 10TH ST NW 1233 10TH ST NW 907 R ST NW

MOUNT PLEASANT 3166 18TH ST NW 3134 19TH ST NW 3437 OAKWOOD TER NW 1933 PARK RD NW 1743 HARVARD ST NW 1861 MONROE ST NW 3225 WALBRIDGE PL NW

OLD CITY

Joe Carmack

636 F ST NE 1236 WALTER ST SE 331 F ST NE 530 9TH ST NE 723 12TH ST NE 810 9TH ST NE

$699,900 $600,000 $590,000 $558,500 $519,500 $500,180

5 2 3 3 2 5

623 M ST NE 820 I ST NE 613 14TH PL NE 543 24TH ST NE 1135 3RD ST NE 1817-1819 BENNING RD NE 1208 I ST NE 922 9TH ST NE 1238 18TH PL NE 1011 7TH ST NE 1811 E ST NE 1358 C ST NE 1213 FLORIDA AVE NE 911 L ST NE 2102 D ST NE 651 20TH ST NE 610 Q ST NW 933 WESTMINSTER ST NW 613 Q ST NW 70 BATES ST NW

$475,000 $461,500 $440,000 $371,500 $370,000 $368,000 $355,000 $330,000 $319,000 $309,287 $304,000 $296,965 $290,000 $240,000 $135,000 $115,000 $679,000 $600,000 $515,000 $350,000

3 5 2 3 2 4 3 3 4 6 3 2 2 3 2 2 3 6 3 4

$546,000 $471,000 $460,000 $385,000 $375,000 $365,000 $358,000 $320,000 $300,000 $259,000 $255,000 $250,000 $248,500 $244,900 $242,000 $241,000 $234,900

4 3 3 3 4 4 3 4 3 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 5

$258,000 $240,000 $202,000 $186,000 $164,100

3 3 4 3 3

$277,000 $225,000 $214,000 $135,000 $128,000 $101,000

3 3 2 2 3 4

PETWORTH 4213 ILLINOIS AVE NW 817 CRITTENDEN ST NW 821 MADISON ST NW 302 TAYLOR ST NW 4700 9TH ST NW 1104 JEFFERSON ST NW 5310 5TH ST NW 4413 GEORGIA AVE NW 412 CRITTENDEN ST NW 5508 9TH ST NW 5002 7TH ST NW 523 INGRAHAM ST NW 4614 5TH ST NW 217 WEBSTER ST NW 41 GALLATIN ST NW 4627 5TH ST NW 1132 JEFFERSON ST NW

RIGGS PARK 719 JEFFERSON ST NE 516 INGRAHAM ST NE 625 ONEIDA ST NE 602 JEFFERSON ST NE 612 INGRAHAM ST NE

WOODRIDGE 3018 SOUTH DAKOTA AVE NE 1440 CHANNING ST NE 1819 HAMLIN ST NE 3101 ADAMS ST NE 3007 CLINTON ST NE

$245,000 $220,500 $212,000 $161,500 $153,990

4 3 4 3 2

CONDOs $710,000 $626,000 $322,000

2 2 1

$360,000 $93,450

3 1

$910,000 $610,000 $576,000 $526,000 $470,000 $428,000 $385,000 $355,000

2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1

BRIGHTWOOD 525 BRUMMEL CT NW #525 6645 GEORGIA AVE NW #102

CENTRAL 801 PENNSYLVANIA AVE NW #1118 915 E ST NW #705 1126 25TH ST NW #2 1010 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #1209 1111 25TH ST NW #607 400 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #320 631 D ST NW #1037 715 6TH ST NW #501

1 1 0 0

$570,000 $429,000 $427,000 $341,746 $309,900 $309,900 $299,900 $295,000 $269,000 $215,000 $94,000

3 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 0

$174,000

1

$799,000 $600,000 $510,000 $465,000 $370,000 $365,000

2 2 1 2 1 1

$495,000 $255,000

2 2

$389,000 $383,500 $210,000 $1,200,000 $987,000 $769,000 $585,000 $575,000 $400,000 $344,000 $329,900

2 1 0 4 2 2 2 2 2 1 1

$623,500 $283,000

3 1

$345,500

1

$320,000 $237,000 $165,000 $125,000 $655,000 $363,000 $188,641 $100,000

1 0 1 1 1 1 1 1

$437,500 $289,900

1 0

$184,900 $150,000

2 1

$392,500

2

$725,000 $385,000 $257,500 $554,000 $420,000

2 1 1 2 2 ★

COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 3546 13TH ST NW #3 1300 TAYLOR ST NW #202 3546 13TH ST NW #2 1308 CLIFTON ST NW #411 3318 SHERMAN AVE NW #205 1020 FAIRMONT ST NW #5 3318 SHERMAN AVE NW #206 2535 13TH ST NW #103 3534 10TH ST NW #330 1356 KENYON ST NW #3 1457 PARK RD NW #204

ECKINGTON 303 SEATON PL NE #01

KALORAMA 2230 CALIFORNIA ST NW #PH6BW 2416 19TH ST NW #1033 2227 20TH ST NW #405 2107 S ST NW #C 1901 COLUMBIA RD NW #502 1811 VERNON ST NW #202

LEDROIT PARK 1731 1ST ST NW #2 6 RHODE ISLAND AVE NW #6

LOGAN 1209 13TH NW #101 19 LOGAN CIR NW #101 1420 N ST NW #209 1323 CORCORAN ST NW #2 1515 15TH ST NW #413 1400 CHURCH ST NW #401 24 LOGAN CIR NW #7 1320 13TH ST NW #41 1435 CORCORAN ST NW #1 1225 13TH ST NW #407 1300 N ST NW #219 3365 18TH ST NW #C 3314 MOUNT PLEASANT ST NW #33

MT VERNON SQUARE 1240 4TH ST NW #T

OLD CITY 1305 EAST CAPITOL ST SE #302 1305 EAST CAPITOL ST SE #203 1437 K ST SE #2 1815 A ST SE #203 1401 CHURCH ST NW #306 2120 VERMONT AVE NW #403 440 L ST NW #514 66 NEW YORK AVE NW #404

PENN QUARTER

ADAMS MORGAN 2410 17TH ST NW #304 1668 BEEKMAN PL NW #A 1801 CALVERT ST NW #308

$330,000 $295,000 $275,000 $249,900

MOUNT PLEASANT

TRINIDAD 1274 HOLBROOK ST NE 1259 PENN ST NE 1935 H ST NE 1848 L NE 1273 OWEN PL NE 1018 18TH ST NE

2201 L ST NW #301 2101 N ST NW #204 1121 24TH ST NW #1 400 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #502

631 D ST NW #327 631 D ST NW #738

PETWORTH 936 MADISON ST NW #203 5204 3RD ST NW #11

SHAW/LOGAN 626 Q ST NW #2

U STREET 2111 11TH ST NW #PH-1 2004 11TH ST NW #430 902 T ST NW #C 2106 10TH ST NW #2 2106 10TH ST NW #1

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