Mid City DC Magazine – April 2025 by Capital Community News

SPRING ARTS WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

We Gather at the Edge: Contemporary Quilts by Black Women Artists at the Renwick

The artists featured in We Gather at the Edge honor the Black story quilt tradition with work that envisions a more just and connected world. The selection of quilts acquired by the Renwick Gallery, Pennsylvania Avenue at 17th Street, NW, and featured in this exhibition through June 22, is remarkable in its scope and groundbreaking in its representation of Black history and culture as told with needle and thread. This exhibition honors the legacy of Mazloomi and celebrates members of the Women of Color Quilters Network. americanart.si.edu.

Myrah Brown Green, In My Akuabaa Form, 2000, cotton fabric and cotton batt, 95 × 86 in. (241.3 × 218.4 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Fleur S. Bresler, 2023.40.19, © 2000, Myrah Brown Green.

Filmfest DC (62 films, 36 countries, 1 amazing film festival)

Filmfest DC has always been about more than just the lms; it’s about the magic that happens when people gather, share, and immerse themselves in the art of storytelling. Each lm has been selected for its artistic merit and its power to transport, enlighten, entertain, and remind us of the profound way artworks can impact our lives and the world. Festival programming consists of special opening and closing night events, as well as panels, workshops and Q&A sessions in theatres. Film programming consists of ction, documentaries, animation and shorts. Find the full schedule at lmfestdc.org.

Smithsonian Craft Show

The Smithsonian Craft Show is one of the country’s premier showcases for the nest in hand-crafted, American artisanal works. Each year, a new trio of experts is selected by the Show chairs to review hundreds of applications and select the year’s featured exhibitors representing all facets of contemporary craft and design, including basketry, ceramics, decorative ber, furniture, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, paper, wearable art, and wood. April 24 to 26, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and April 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW. Admission is $25. smithsoniancraftshow.org.

LEFT: Brooch by Aleksandra Vali

Running of the Chihuahuas at the Wharf

Come to The Wharf on Saturday, May 3, 2 to 5 p.m. for the Running of the Chihuahuas presented by Paci co and emceed by Tommy McFly. This fun- lled and free event features the iconic Chihuahua races, a Paci co Beer Garden, a DJ, 360 pet photo booth, an adoptable pet parade, an all-breed dog costume contest and a giant in atable Chihuahua for photo opportunities. wharfdc.com.

EU Open House

The 2025 EU Open House in Washington, DC is on Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This event falls every year on the rst Saturday after Europe Day on May 9. On this day, the European Embassies celebrate by opening their doors to the public so that Americans can catch a glimpse of the European cultures that make up the European Union. Normally you have to cross the Atlantic to visit the EU, but at Open House, you just have to cross the street. Plan your day at washington.org/visit-dc/ reasons-to-tour-an-embassy-in-dc-during-passport-dc.

Colin Jost at MGM National Harbor

Colin Jost is a writer, performer and author best known for his work on “Saturday Night Live.” He started writing for “SNL” in 2005 and has been the co-anchor of the show’s “Weekend Update” since 2014. Jost co-hosted the special editions of “Weekend Update” that aired on MSNBC during the 2016 Republican and Democratic National Conventions as well as the primetime “Weekend Update Summer Edition” in 2017. In 2018, Jost and co-anchor Michael Che hosted the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards. MGM National Harbor on Friday, April 25, 8 p.m. Tickets are $83 to $164. mgmnationalharbor.mgmresorts.com.

Capital Art Book Fair at Eastern Market

The Capital Art Book Fair is an annual event that brings together publishers, artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts to showcase and celebrate the world of art books. It serves as a platform for artists, publishers, and independent bookmakers to exhibit and sell art-related publications, which can include artist monographs, exhibition catalogs, zines, photography books, graphic novels, and other forms of printed material which double as ne art. The 2025 Capital Art Book Fair is at Eastern Market’s North Hall, 225 Seventh St. SE, on Saturday, April 5, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, April 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission. artbookfair. eastcityart.com.

Capital Art Book Fair at Eastern Market’s North Hall. Photo: Genie Hutinet for East City Art.

WHAT’S

Star Wars: A New Hope (1977) at Miracle Theatre

On Saturday, May 3, 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 4, 2 p.m., see the rst Star Wars movie on the big screen wherein young farm boy Luke Skywalker is thrust into a galaxy of adventure when he intercepts a distress call from the captive Princess Leia. The event launches him on a daring mission to rescue her from the clutches of Darth Vader and the evil Empire. The Saturday night movie is $10; Sunday matinee, $8 (including booking fee). 535 Eighth St. SE. There is a public parking lot on Eighth SE Street, between I Street and Virginia Avenue. themiracletheatre.com.

Synetic’s The Immigrant at Theater J

Synetic premieres The Immigrant, a new project from Paata and Irina Tsikurishvili based on the classic 1918 silent comedy. It is a simple, comedic story about the arrival of a new immigrant in turn of the 20th-century New York, with all the trials, adventure, mishaps, and high hopes of the American immigrant journey. As a theater founded, led, and populated by immigrant artists, Synetic considers this the perfect time and opportunity to develop its own version of story, bringing its adept physical comedy, innovative style, and great heart to the legacy of this cinema classic. Tickets start at $69.99 (plus fees). The Immigrant is at Theater J, 1529 16th St. NW, from April 11 to 27. synetictheater.org.

The Psychology of a Murderer at the Capitol Turnaround

On Friday, May 9, 8 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.), at the Theatre at Capitol Turnaround, 700 M St. SE, join forensic psychologist Dr. Rachel Toles for an illuminating journey into the mind of a killer. In The Psychology of a Murderer, Dr. Toles thoroughly examines the various factors and breaking points that might lead someone to kill, while exploring infamous cases, such as the Menendez brothers, Chris Watts, Aaron Hernandez and the Columbine killers (Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold). The pending case of Luigi Mangione will also be discussed. Discover the complex interplay of trauma, environment, and mental health that can drive individuals to cross the line into murder. Through a detailed explorative analysis of these gripping case studies, along with audience Q&A, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of what turns ordinary people into murderers. General admission is $30. unionstagepresents.com/capital-turnaround.

Mosaic’s cullud wattah at the Atlas It is 2016 and it has been 936 days and counting since Flint, Michigan has had clean water. Third-generation General Motors employee Marion nds herself on the cusp of a promotion until her sister begins participating in protests accusing the company of poisoning the water. Forced to confront their past and weigh their limited options for the future, the family nds their tightknit unit threatened by more than just the toxicity of the water. cullud wattah is at the Atlas, 1333 H St. NE, through April 27. Tickets are $42 to $78 (includes fees). atlasarts.org.

The Menendez brothers, 2024.

DC

earth day special

Environmental Concerns About Development Plans for RFK Site WhAt Lies BeneAth

by Elizabeth O’Gorek

After a decade of effort, the District took control of the RFK Campus site in January, following DC Council approval of federal legislation. This transfer came as Events DC began the phased demolition of the 64-year-old RFK Stadium.

“Now we have the opportunity to shape a vision and deliver for the residents of the District of Columbia,” Mayor Muriel Bowser said at a public meeting on February 12. The city is already exploring potential locations for an NFL stadium, which the mayor envisions as the centerpiece of the site’s redevelopment.

Mayor Bowser has confirmed that initial development plans for the 177-acre site are underway. This prime real estate—one of the last large tracts within the District— features extensive Anacostia River frontage and is adjacent to Kingman and Heritage Islands.

But environmentalists focused on protecting the river, wetlands, and wildlife say that transparency around these plans has been lacking. Stakeholders report that the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) has held meetings with invited parties centered on business, sports, as well as parks and open spaces. However, no meeting has yet been held with stakeholders focused on environmental concerns.

“It feels like at some point out of the blue, there’s going to be some sort of deal made, and things are going to move quickly,” said Lora Nunn, a Kingman Park resident and environmental activist. “As advocates, it’s been on us to independently prepare for whatever contingencies arise— whatever type of stadium or no stadium situation.”

Protecting the Anacostia River

Environmental activists are particularly concerned about the Anacostia River, which nurtures Washington, D.C. They fear that ongoing development could reverse hard-won progress in restoring the river and nearby Kingman and Heritage Islands, putting wildlife, water quality, and surrounding communities at risk.

“Our concern is always for the well-being of the riv-

er and everyone who uses it, including those who haven’t yet,” said Anacostia Riverkeeper Trey Sherard. A major issue is stormwater runoff, which carries heat, pet waste, trash, and oil into the river.

For the past 50 years, organizations have worked to clean up the Anacostia. The city has invested nearly $3 billion in the Clean River Project, constructing two massive tunnels to capture stormwater and sewage for treatment. The District Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) retrofits about 200 acres of streets annually to absorb stormwater, and private developments must implement runoff management systems. The Anacostia River Cleanup and Protection Act—commonly known as the “bag tax”—has also reduced plastic bag litter in the river by 75%.

Advocacy groups like the Anacostia Watershed Society (AWS) continue restoration efforts. AWS volunteers, including Nunn, help reintroduce mussels that naturally filter water and restore wetlands. Casey Trees planted 400 trees along the river in 2019, while DOEE’s planting efforts further reduce soil erosion and improve water filtration.

mans too and making sure that that area around the river is a place where people can enjoy, play and learn,” Linton said. While planning, she said the city could also consider how nature will interact with a newly built environment.

The effects of these efforts are visible. The river is the cleanest it’s been in decades, according to DOEE. However, new construction could harm these gains. “Nature is delicate,” said Nunn. “Even if something is accidental or unplanned, it could have a devastating effect on the progress that’s been made.”

One concern is that increased sediment flow during construction could harm mussels, cloud the water, and hinder the growth of underwater vegetation—disrupting the entire ecosystem. Environmental advocates are pushing for infrastructure that protects the water from stormwater pollution and construction runoff.

“It’s an opportunity to create additional habitat and plant more trees,” said City Wildlife’s Linton. She emphasized the importance of natural habitat for wildlife, adding the benefits extend to people. “It’s about habitat for hu-

Early development plans included footbridges linking the campus to the southern tip of Kingman Island, but advocates are concerned about the impact on delicate wildlife habitats located there. The District should work to promote access to the riverfront and to the islands by expanding a main entrance on Benning Road, Linton said, preserving access to the river from the RFK side but not making the island into a thoroughfare.

In 2018, Mayor Bowser designated Kingman and Heritage Islands as the District’s State Park to preserve their natural resources and scenic beauty. However, Nunn worries that the stadium’s significance may overshadow efforts to protect the parks and wildlife.

Access to the islands is already challenging. During the annual Earth Day cleanup, Nunn noted that festival attendees’ needs elsewhere on campus often take priority over volunteers’ access and resources.

The Maury Elementary School hiking club regularly heads to Kingman and Heritage Islands to “enjoy, play and learn,” just as City Wildlife President Linton envisions.

Photo: E. Nelson

“These challenges make it difficult for the community to trust that, as development grows, the needs of the islands, parks, and residents will be respected,” she said.

What Lies Beneath

Beyond the environmental impacts, there are concerns about what lies beneath the RFK site. The area has a long history, with materials from the dredging of the Anacostia River in the late 1800s used to fill in marshes. Later, the site was filled with soil, rubble and other materials before RFK Stadium was built in 1960. In 2019, The Fields at RFK opened, but much of the site remains covered in asphalt.

The exact condition of the land remains unclear. River advocates stress that a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is necessary before any construction. The site’s history as a marsh, combined with various fill materials over the years, raises concerns about toxins and structural issues.

The last EIS conducted for the site was in 1993 when a new stadium was proposed. That statement found contaminated soils, including lead and semi-volatile organics, from the fill materials. An environmental assessment for The Fields at RFK had missed lead in initial tests, leading to an additional $3.7 million in remediation costs once digging began.

Dr. Larry Martin, Chair of the DC Sierra Club Committee on Water and Natural Places, argues that an EIS is too generic. He wants the city to hold itself to its own standards. “What we really need is an environmental impact assessment that looks at our laws and evaluates development proposals against what we’ve already said we want for our city.”

In 2022, the Sierra Club created a tool to place monetary value on ecosystem benefits. The same year, DC amended the Green Building Act to require cityfunded buildings to meet net-zero energy standards. Despite these progressive goals, the city hasn’t always followed through.

In January, the city granted renovations to Capitol One Arena an exception

DC

from the net zero energy standards required in city-funded building improvements, which also condemn energy from fossil fuels. At the public meeting with Bowser, the Sierra Club’s Beyond Gas DC Co-Chair Mark Rodeffer asked the mayor to commit to developing RFK in conformity with the District’s climate commitments and environmental law.

“We’re not at that level of planning,” Bowser said. “That was a disappointing response,” Sierra Club’s Martin said when I asked him about it. He said the mayor often supports admirable legislation, like the Net Zero building commercial codes. Martin said. “But then she doesn’t always support these lofty goals with the budget to realize them,

Limits to Growth

Mayor Bowser has assured the public that the city will consult the community once it determines the required environmental assessments under federal law. “We’re going to develop 177 acres there,” she said.

However, not all 177 acres are available for development. The legislation transferring the site to the city requires that 32 acres be preserved as riparian wetlands and 30% of the site—about 42 acres—be maintained as parks and recreational space. Bowser has also committed to keeping the Fields at RFK, which occupy 27 acres. This leaves roughly 100 acres for development.

Activists argue that far less land is actually suitable. The Sierra Club, for example, points out that about a third of the site lies within a floodplain, making develop-

ment risky. Approximately 60 acres are in the FEMA-designated “1% floodplain”— an area prone to severe flooding from oncein-a-century storms. In the past six years, flash floods have occurred twice, and climate change models predict rising sea levels will further increase flood risks in the coming decades.

“We do not need to be building in the floodplain,” said Martin. “Floodplains are meant to absorb floodwater, preventing

downstream flooding.”

Rising sea levels also contribute to higher groundwater levels. Sherard noted that sea levels in the District rose 9 inches from 1970 to 2020 and are projected to rise another 11 inches by 2050. This could make it difficult to construct stable foundations for large structures like a stadium or housing.

A National Park Service (NPS) map showing areas in red that were transferred in the Federal legislation. The long, dark strip along the river is reserved to protect it. The blue spaces, which include Stadium Armory and Eastern High School, are not included in the land transfer. From Congressional Research Service (CRS) Dec. 9, 2024 Report.

Cautiously Optimistic

The Hill Rag sent a list of questions to the Mayor’s office, DMPED and DOEE, but none provided direct answers. Interestingly, DC DOEE referred questions about the project to DMPED and the Mayor’s Office.

In a statement, DMPED said, “Washingtonians have an incredible opportunity to create a new waterfront neighborhood at RFK. As the planning process continues, DC will continue to safeguard our air, water, and natural spaces. The District will follow the requirements of NEPA, NHPA, and the transfer legislation, including protecting and maintaining the riparian area, setting aside 30% of the campus for green space, improving public access to the Anacostia River, and restoring the wetlands south of Kingman Island.”

Despite the challenges, activists remain cautiously optimistic that the District and DOEE will do the right thing and hold a city project to the same standards as a private project, in terms of environmental standards for building as well as construction practices. “I have great hope there,” said Sherard, “and I trust DOEE to keep doing it, but they will have to hold their ground, right? One of the things that is awkward for [the agencies] in this kind of situation is that when one arm of the city is saying, we are developing this and they frankly want to do it really quickly, it’s awkward for a different arm of the city, DOEE, to have to be the cops for that.”

But they are realists. “I expect they will do their due diligence,” Linton said. “Whether or not everything that DOEE recommends happens, is another story.”

They are hoping for a balance between economic development and public good. “Just because we have these ideas on the books doesn’t mean they’re always going to be honored when push comes to shove,” said Martin. “Economic development is always a struggle between making money and serving the public interest.”

He believes that both goals can be achieved. “There’s always an opportunity to talk to developers and find solutions that can benefit the public interest and economic development at the same time.” u

New on U

Elmina, former “Top Chef” contestant and cookbook author Eric Adjepong’s highly anticipated West African restaurant, has arrived at 2208 14th St. NW. You’ll nd this exotic hot spot just o U street. Elmina is named after the West African port (in what is now Ghana), notorious for its fortress where enslaved Africans (and gold) were held before being shipped across the Atlantic. Born in the Bronx, chef Adjepong’s parents come from Ghana, and these roots in uence his West African street food and other authentic dishes.

On a sunny spring day, we visited Elmina for Saturday brunch. e décor is gorgeous. As we gawked at the gleaming granite topped bar and tables, we were greeted by the hypnotic, melodic sounds of African music. We were then ushered to our seats. Happily, they overlooked the kitchen. ere, Chef Eric seemed to be everywhere at once, as he orchestrated his busy, well-run domain. But the personable chef took the time to chat with us and fellow diners.

Insatiable

by Celeste McCall

We agreed that the dish was sublime, a “hug in a bowl,” a fellow diner rhapsodized. e exotic avors came together beautifully.

Not surprisingly, Elmina is rather pricy. Our lunch for two—including my $19 glass of Kumusha African Sauvignon Blanc—came to a hefty $79.20, before tip. But we didn’t really mind; everything costs more these days, including a delightful restaurant experience.

Other Elmina specialties encompass fufu (steamed and pounded cassava root resting on braised goat), crispy jollof duck (served three ways including the egg), corn bisque garnished with clams. Next time. For Elmina hours and more information visit www. elminarestaurant.com.

Bee My Honey

In Mount Vernon Triangle, dLeña by Chef Richard Sandoval, 476 K St. NW , is reprising his annual Viva Abejas (bees) campaign. You have until Earth Day, April 22, to enjoy bee-centric dishes and drinks at his Modern

bee-based food and drink specials will receive wild ower seed packets. For hours, complete menus and reservations, visit www.dlenadc.com.

Smoky Spring

2Fifty BBQ, 414 K St. NW, the Mount Vernon Triangle homage to all things smoky, has unveiled a sprightly spring menu: roasted chicken infused with rosemary, slow-roasted and drizzled with almond lemonette; ribs glazed with pineapple juice; sunset roasted cabbage spritzed with smoky citrus glaze; slow-smoked bon re beets with a “pinch of spice.” For hours and more information, visit www.2 ftybbq.com.

Blossom Time

Mita, 804 V St. NW, the vegan hot spot in Shaw, is showcasing another member of the plant family: Washington’s iconic cherry blossoms. e totally plant-based kitchen has come up with a luscious dessert made with rich cherry mousse, dark chocolate and raspberry yuzu sorbet. e decadent dessert is part of the restaurant’s spring tasting menu. Guests may also order the dish ala carte at the bar. And, while they are at it, folks might sip the Sakura Maru cocktail. Named after the ship that ferried the rst Japanese immigrants to Peru, the drink is a heady mélange of Torontel Caravedo pisco, Iwai 45 Japanese whiskey, sake, Campari, raspberry syrup and lemon juice. All this is

As we settled in, we hoped to experience the bar menu and sample cho (fried turkey tail) and jolof rice. Unfortunately, as Janai, our pleasant and well-informed server, explained, our choices were limited to the brunch menu. So, we ordered duck con t hash with diced yams topped with poached eggs. e yams added an unusual crunchy texture. e duck shreds were slightly chewy but avorful, and the runny eggs were ideal for sopping up with the house-baked roti.

Peter pondered the eggs Benedict and fried chicken sandwich, but went for the bambara bean coconut curry with braised mustard greens.

Camacho are creating food and drinks focused on bees, tapping sustainably gathered honey, pollen, and other bee-derived ingredients. Among special dishes emerging from the kitchen are coconut tuna ceviche with orange blossom honey and braised short ribs with agave honey and roasted heirloom carrots.

Among innovative cocktails complementing the spring menu are Sweet Revolution (mezcal, honey, guava puree) and alcohol-free Golden Melody (honey, chamomile tea and ginger). ere’s more: Guests ordering dLeña’s

a frothy layer of dairy free aquafaba (a viscous liquid in which legume seeds have been cooked). Whew! For Mita’s complete menus, hours, reservations and more information, visit www.mitadc.com.

Logan Lowdown

Bar Japonais, 1520 14th St. NW, has recently named a new executive chef, Masaki (“Uchi”) Uchino. e new top toque hit the ground running, introducing a lavish, 15-course omakase menu. Along with innovative sushi items, the repast honors our cherry blossoms with sea bream, re y squid (a species of squid), and cherry salmon (a type of salmon). ese dishes are also available ala carte. For exact hours and more information, visit www.barjaponaisdc.com.

Spicy Food Hall

In Shaw, Melange Foods Inc., is coming soon to 2108 Eighth St. NW, in the Atlantic Plumbing Building. Award-winning Ethiopian-born, French-trained chef Elias Taddesse will showcase American comfort foods enlivened with African spices. ese global marriages will encompass his signature Melange burgers, Doro Soul Food (fried chicken), and a third new upcoming concept. Stay tuned. For updates, visit www.melangefoods.com. ◆

At dLeña in Mount Vernon Triangle, enjoy bee-centric items such as Coconut Tuna Ceviche through April 22.

Sp o tli ght on Shaw

by Andrew Lightman

TThe Ugly Duckling

he hip design of the Ugly Duckling, 1550 Seventh St. NW, belies its name. Tall oor-to-ceiling windows set o a long, marble-topped bar, a spare concrete oor, red topped bar stools and dark walls provide a distinctly modern aesthetic. After all, who doesn’t appreciate a gilded moose head set in an empty o -kilter frame?

is tiny bar, hosting only 36 seats, is the brainchild of Rob Csonka and Cameron Cummings of Oglesby Management, renowned for Alexandria’s King’s Ransom and People’s Drug.

an engineer, who religiously followed complicated instructions in cookbooks, Csonka is an experimentalist. He believes in taking a recipe and “adding stu until it tastes better.” After high school, he enrolled in the famed Johnson & Wales College of Culinary Arts. Food had evolved from a passion to a profession.

Cummings, on the other hand, a scion of upstate New York, studied microbiology in college. Afterwards, he fell in love with the lore of wine, beer and spirit producers. He described the discovery of an ancient, familial cidery on a visit to Normandy where the pear cider was so good, it could be served in Parisian wine bars. To this day, he remains an enthusiastic homebrewer.

“ e openness is fun,” said Csonka.

Csonka developed a love of cooking at his father’s knee. Unlike his old man,

e two combined their talents at the Ugly Duckling. Given the constraints of the tiny kitchen, the establishment does not “serve your dad’s bar food,” Csonka said. ere is no fryer or pizza oven. With this in mind, he and Cummings selected Chef Mar Sallah-Mohammed for their creativity. e cucumber carpaccio, a family receipe of the chef’s Surinamese roots, is one such example. Dressed with dill, shallots, habañero feta and fennel frond, the thinly sliced, succulent cucumbers are Csonka’s favorite dish. It is truly a delight to the palate, this writer can honestly testify.

thinly

“Bar Bites” is Csonka’s term for the shareable small plates

The team behind The Ugly Duckling: Cameron Cummings, Chef Mar Sallah-Mohammed and Rob Csonka. Photo: Andrew Lightman for

the establishment’s menu. ey range from a meat lover’s beef tenderloin tartare to charcuterie and cheese plates.

e communal oriented menu is complimented by Cummings’ beverage program. Sourcing is key, he said. Cummings builds relationships with his brewers and winemakers, enjoying the opportunity to tell their stories to his patrons. As importantly, he encourages his bartenders to experiment.

e objective is “to elevate food and drinks to the level of an experience,” explained Csonka.

Csonka and Cummings welcome customer opinions. ‘What would you change?’ sta are told to ask. “ e people will design your menu,” said Csonka.

e Ugly Duckling is at its heart a neighborhood spot. “Hospitality is as important as the food and drink,” said Csonka. “You go someplace because of the people.”

For more information about e Ugly Duckling, visit www.uglyducklingdc.com.

HILL

A glorious cocktail graces the long bar at the Ugly Duckling.

Photo: Ugly Duckling

Corinto Gallery

Corinto Gallery, located at 1707 Seventh St. NW is named for the Salvadoran birthplace of its founder Josué Martinez. Martinez emigrated to the United States at the age of 10, growing up in Prince George’s County.

In El Salvador, Martinez recalls hearing gun re and running inside to hide with his cousins. He was artistic from a young age, selling calligraphy in middle school. A teacher, seeing his talent, helped him apply to an arts magnet school, where he thrived. He later attended the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) to study visual communications.

To pay for MICA, Martinez sold original tee shirt designs and then radio logo

designs. is evolved into a freelance design business. One day, he asked a professor, “What else does the school have to teach me?” “You are already doing what you want,” the man replied. “ at’s all I needed to hear,” recalled Martinez.

“If I want it, I have to do it myself,” Martinez said of his entrepreneurial penchant.

By the early 2000s, Martinez was working

in a print shop in Laurel. Learning the trade, he started selling his own designs and printing them at the company, along with his other work. His designs, based on an urban hip hop aesthetic, proved popular. Soon, he was hawking his shirts, hoodies and art at DC festivals, while sourcing his tees at trade shows.

While the print shop owner gave him the run of the place, Martinez yearned for his own spot. After holding an event for a writer friend that featured his designs, he realized his freelance business could be combined with an event space. He discovered a decrepit print shop for sale in Adams Morgan. e owner was more than willing to part with both his equipment and lease. However, the landlord took more convincing. After Martinez made several pilgrimages to the landlord’s home, they came to an arrangement.

He moved the equipment to a friend’s industrial space and transformed the lo-

cation into a design studio and event venue. Over seven years, including during the pandemic, his business grew. His “Gangsta George” design—a DC- ag gangster mask over George Washington’s portrait—became iconic. DC Mayor Muriel Bowser wore the shirt to the 2020 Democratic Convention, and a large version appeared in the Line Hotel. is exposure led to high-pro le commissions: murals for Capitol Vista, Cherry Blossom Festival’s “Art in Bloom” chairs, and later, projects with the Washington Commanders and Nationals.

In 2021, the death of his landlord ended his Adams Morgan studio. But the popularity of his Cherry Blossom chair brought a new opportunity—National Harbor o ered him gallery space. en in 2024, Dantes Partners CEO Buwa Binitie, who had led the Capitol Vista development, o ered Martinez a retail space in his new building at 1707 Seventh St. NW in the Shaw neighborhood. e new Corinto Gallery is located on the rst oor of Station U and O, a ten-story residential apartment building. Graced by high ceilings, punctuated by large columns and large windows, it has an industrial feel to it. e white walls currently display Martinez’s own designs. It has already served as an event space for El Salvadoran embassy events. In the meantime, neighbors can drop by to purchase their own Gangsta George hoody. is writer left with two.

For more information on Cortinto Gallery, visit www.corintogallery.com.

Josue Martinez working on designs at his original Adams Morgan studio.

Photo: Corinto Gallery.

Martinez fans ocked to the opening of Corinto Gallery in Shaw. Photo: Alexander M. Padro, Courtesy Shaw Main Streets

Josue Martinez poses at his Seventh Street gallery in front of one of his designs. Photo: Andrew Lightman

Mayor Bowser Holds Budget Forum in Shaw

Mayor Muriel Bowser held a Budget Engagement Forum for the next fiscal year at the Kennedy Recreation Center on March 1. The forum, which attracted an overflow crowd, allows District residents to register their budget priorities before the mayor develops her final budget.

Shaw Streets

by Pleasant Mann

Mayor Bowser noted that next year’s budget was being constrained by a number of actions by the Federal government. Still, she said that the District is still in a good position to grow. She wanted the audience to focus on supporting programs that would expand the District’s economy. Bowser also wanted the participants to offer any ideas that could raise new revenue. The Mayor concluded with some of the successes the District has already achieved, including a growth rate last year that exceeded any of the 50 states and the most improved urban educational system in the United States.

Then a parade of deputy mayors and agency heads came to the microphone to explain what they did and to argue for more money for their programs. Afterwards, the forum participants were given a breakdown of the current budget. Each table at the forum started to work on how they would change the percentages for the priorities they wanted in fiscal year 2026. The program categories they could choose to emphasize included Public Safety, Education and Workforce, Government Operations, Housing and Economic Development, Infrastructure and Environment and Health and Human Services. One program item, Debt Service and Union Agreements, was an obligation that could not be changed.

When each forum table reported out, the results differed wildly. While there was no consen-

sus reached at the forum overall, the participants appreciated the opportunity to debate the budget issues for the next year.

Shaw Restaurants Get Attention

The Washington Post’s Weekend section on March 28 had a cover story entitled “Sink your teeth into the best of Shaw,” with the paper’s restaurant reviewers offering their tips on the most notable establishments in the neighborhood. They characterized the task as a difficult one, noting that “Picking a place to eat in Shaw can feel a bit overwhelming,” with “nationally recognized Peruvian chefs, multiple Michelin-starred vegetarian restaurants and buzzy Panamanian coffee shops around every corner.” Still, the critics were able to come up with eclectic choices, including Blagden Alley’s Amazonia, the celebrated plant-based establishments Mita and Oyster Oyster, El Sol Restaurante and Tequileria, the Italian specialist Tortino, Seventh Street’s Baan Mae, Café Unido, the Puerto Rican fare of Qui Qui and even the down to earth offerings of Ghostburger.

Two Shaw restaurants have also jumped the hurdle to become finalists for this year’s coveted James Beard Awards. Mita, specializing in Latin plant-based fine dining, is a finalist for the Best New Restaurant in the nation. Carlos Delgado of Causa/Amazonia, no stranger to food awards, is up for Best Chef in the Mid-Atlantic region. The winners will be announced on June 16.

Shaw Main Streets Holds Annual Meeting Shaw Main Streets (SMS) held its annual meeting on the night of March 25, when it reported on its activities for the past year and elected new board members. The annual meeting was held as a virtual conference. SMS Board Chair Gretchen Wharton greeted the attendees. Ward 1 Councilmember Brianne Nadeau spoke first, declaring that DC is fortunate to have community groups like Shaw Main Streets to help with the District’s development. SMS Executive Director Alexander Padro thanked Councilmember Nadeau for her help in extending the responsibilities of the SMS Clean and Safe Team.

Ward 2 Councilmember Brooke Pinto spoke next, commending SMS on its work, such as its leading the effort to create the city’s Art All Night festival. She noted that the situation in the District has been steadily improving, with the crime rate in every area of the city going down last year. Padro noted Pinto’s facilitation of SMS’ purchase of an environmentally-correct EV pickup truck. Rosemary Suggs-Evans, Director of the Department of Small and Local Business Development, then went on to praise SMS for its work, noting that Shaw is a unique neighborhood in the District.

Executive Director Padro went over SMS’s accomplishments for the past year. He said that for the

The community meets at Kennedy Recreation Center to develop priorities for the District’s next budget. Photo: Pleasant Mann

third year in a row, based on surveys of mobile phone usage, Shaw was the most visited Main Street area in the District, and the third most visited in the nation. He related that SMS had continued to support neighborhood businesses in applying for grant assistance, like the District’s Great Streets program. SMS has also continued to sponsor activities that bring the Shaw community together and attract others to the neighborhood, including Eat.Drink.Shaw, Art All Night, Shaw Open House, DDOT’s Open Streets and Shaw’s Small Business Saturday at the end of the year.

e annual meeting concluded with the election of members of the SMS Board. e slate of candidates was Mario DiFranco (U Street Parking), Robert K. Johns (Howard University), Kristie Lee Jones (Lee’s Flower & Card Shop), B. Doyle Mitchell (Industrial Bank), Todd Weiss (Roadside Development) and Gretchen B. Wharton (Shaw Resident). e slate was elected unanimously.

S Street Revitalization Almost Complete

e District Department of Transportation’s multiyear e ort to correct problems on S Street between Fourth and Seventh Streets is almost complete. In the mid-20th centu-

ry, S Street was to be an exit for a highway that would tear through the middle of the District. Preparations for this required the narrowing of sidewalks and the removal of trees. e S Street Revitalization Project is correcting these mistakes by restoring wide sidewalks, installing up to date lighting, planting new trees and creating bioswales to retain rainwater and prevent ooding. enal task for the e ort has closed the segment of S Street between Fourth and New Jersey Avenue, which has allowed the creation of green space and a bicycle path.

Shaw

Spring Clean-ups

Shaw will see two separate neighborhood cleanups this spring. Ward 2 Councilmember Brooke Pinto, Shaw Main Streets, District Cleanups and the Logan Circle Community Association are sponsoring an Earth Day Cleanup on Saturday, April 12. Participants should meet in front of the main entrance to Seaton Elementary School at Rhode Island Avenue and Q Street at 11:00 a.m. ere will be another cleanup the following Saturday, April 19, meeting at Shiloh Baptist Church’s Henry C. Gregory, III Family Life Center, 1500 Ninth Street NW at 11:00 a.m. ◆

The revitalized S Street with wider sidewalks, better lighting, new trees and bioswales at the corners. Photo: Pleasant Mann

ANC 2G Councilmember Pinto Updates ANC on Council, Shaw BID

by Pleasant Mann

Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 2G held its monthly meeting for March on ursday evening, March 13, 2025. e meeting was held as a virtual conference. Commission Chair Steven McCarty (2G04) called the meeting to order. Commissioners Howard Garrett (2G01, Vice Chair), Alexander M. “Alex” Padro (2G02), Nicole Shea (2G03, Secretary) and Rachelle Nigro (2G06, Treasurer) were in attendance.

Third Police District Crime Summary

Lieutenant Alan Herring of the ird Police District gave a summary of crime statistics in PSA 308. Overall crime was down for the previous month. ere were no homicides. ere were two robberies, one of them closed by an arrest and the second, a carjacking attempt, still under investigation. ere had been a string of burglaries, but two suspects had been arrested.

Councilmember Pinto Update

Ward 2 Councilmember Brooke Pinto joined the ANC meeting to give updates on the work of the DC Council and her e orts in Shaw. She started by expressing her concerns about the District budget for the next scal year, which will face reductions due to the end of COVID-era subsidies from the Federal government and the reductions in revenue from the decline of the value of the city’s commercial real estate. e continuing budget resolution from Congress for this scal year could produce an additional problem if the quirks in the law’s language preventing DC from spending $1 billion of its own money is not corrected. e Mayor is supposed to present her budget for the next scal year on April 2.

Pinto seemed excited by the prospect of a Business Improvement District (BID) being es-

tablished in Shaw. A Shaw BID would be devoted to maintaining the infrastructure in support of the neighborhood’s businesses. It would be funded by an assessment made against the commercial property in Shaw. Pinto envisioned the BID going all the way from the Howard eater down to Mount Vernon Square. She mentioned that the Downtown BID was able to create a Community Resource Hub that led to a decline in crime in the area.

Appointment of

ANC Committee Chairs

e commission continued its work in appointing chairs for the committees of ANC 2G. ere were two candidates for the leadership of the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Licensing Committee: Russell Reed and Parker Gri n. After making brief statements, a vote was taken that made Reed chair of the ABCL committee.

ere was only one candidate for the Transportation and Public Space Committee, Katie Bees. She was not in attendance at the ANC meeting, but the commission still voted unanimously to make her Transportation Committee chair.

WMATA Better Bus Design

A liaison from the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) introduced a Notice of Intent (NOI) to support WMATA’s Better Bus Design Network e ort to improve bus transportation in the DMV. e NOI calls for the creation of two new bus stops on the corners of the intersection of New York Avenue and New Jersey Avenue for the planned new D-34 Metrobus route. One stop is at the northwest corner and the other at the southeast corner of New York Avenue. e liaison said that he would bring any comments from the ANC

meeting to DDOT and WMATA. Commissioner Nigro expressed concern about the safety of anyone sitting at the northwest bus stop. She characterized the corner as a dangerous one and suggested that the planned con guration of the stop could get someone hit by a car careening o of one of the avenues. Commissioner Shea agreed. Commissioner Garrett asked if the NOI could include more lighting at the stops. e liaison said that he would bring this up as the NOI is developed. Nigro made a motion to support the NOI with a note to WMATA about the commission’s concerns.

Beau Thai, 1550

Seventh Street NW

Request for support to renew their Class C Restaurant License. Commissioner Padro noted that there was nothing negative on the restaurant’s licensing history and that the ABCL committee supported the renewal. e request for support passed unanimously.

1311 Sixth Street NW. Owner requesting ve items of zoning relief, largely related to the addition of a third oor to the building. e relief asked included issues of lot occupancy, setbacks and the removal of a cornice from the façade. Robert Goldberg, Zoning and Development Committee Chair, said the committee supported the project. e commission voted unanimously to support the request for zoning relief.

ANC 2G will hold its next meeting on ursday, May 8. e meeting will start at 6:30 p.m. Plans are to hold this meeting as a virtual conference. Visit www. anc2g.org for more information. ◆

CONGRATULATIONS!

To the two Shaw chefs and restaurants chosen as finalists

Mita is nominated for Best New Restaurant Carlos Delgado is nominated for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic

BULLETIN BOARD

AWS Earth Day Cleanup

Started by DC native Howard Gasaway of Seafarers Yacht Club in 1985, the annual Anacostia River Earth Day Cleanup is the Anacostia Watershed Society’s largest annual volunteer event and one of the largest single-day volunteer events in the DMV. On Saturday, April 26, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., thousands of volunteers from around the watershed will pick up trash, serve our community and enjoy the Anacostia River. At 1:30 p.m., AWS will host a community celebration to show appreciation to our volunteers. Read more and register at anacostiaws.org.

Artist Gathering & Arts Exchange

On Saturday, April 16, from 6 to 8 p.m., join the Dupont Underground for a community-building event for DMV-based artists. All artistic mediums and experience levels are welcome. Attendees are encouraged to bring a tangible item representative of their artistic work, valued at no more than $25, to exchange with another artist. Ideas include preparatory sketches, draft but signed written work, or sample tracks—whatever is creative, fun, and a ordable. Admission is free. e Dupont Underground’s address is 19 Dupont Circle NW, with the red entrance located next to the Dupont Circle Starbucks on 19th Street. More details at dupontunderground.org.

Theater J Announces 2025-2026 Season

eater J has announced its 2025-

2026 season, celebrating its 35th year of producing thought-provoking theater. e season features a mix of new works and beloved classics, exploring identity, resilience, and the intersections of Jewish life with the broader human experience. Curated by Artistic Director Hayley Finn, the season o ers a diverse range of stories. Here’s the lineup: An Enemy of the People by Henrik Ibsen (Oct. 29 to Nov. 23), e World to Come by Ali Viterbi (Feb. 3 to March 1), Avaaz by Michael Shayan (June 6 to 21), Stories From the Brink by Iris Bahr (Jan. 24 and 25), and eater Jr.’s Tiny Lights by Aaron Posner (Dec. 2026). More information at theaterJ.org.

Movies in Milian Park

Every Wednesday through April 23 at approximately 7:30 p.m., head to Milian Park, 499 Massachusetts Ave. NW, for outdoor movie screenings.

e remaining schedule is as follows: April 9 - Mean Girls, April 16 - e Incredibles, and April 23 - Shrek 2. For more details, visit mountvernontriangle.org.

DC Emancipation Day at Freedom Plaza

Celebrate Emancipation Day in DC on Sunday, April 13, at Freedom Plaza, 1455 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. e festivities include a parade at 2 p.m., a concert at 3 p.m., and reworks at 8:30 p.m. More details at dcemancipationday.com.

Clothing Swap 2025 at MLK Library

On Saturday, April 26, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., join MLK Library, 901 G St. NW, for a clothing swap. Bring your gently worn clothing, and ex-

change them for something newto-you. Each person may bring up to 10 items and must bring items to participate. Tickets are provided for the number of items brought and can be exchanged for other items when browsing opens at 1:30 p.m. Items accepted include men’s and women’s clothing in wearable condition; event t-shirts, undergarments, lingerie, socks, hangers, swimsuits, children’s clothing, shoes, and accessories are not accepted. Unclaimed items will be donated. More info at dclibrary.org.

Golden Triangle BID Launches

Interactive Art Tour e Golden Triangle Business Improvement District (BID) has launched a self-guided tour showcasing museum-quality public art across

Azalea Peak Bloom at the Arboretum

Visitors come to the US National Arboretum’s Azalea Collections every spring to witness one of Washington’s premier spring attractions: thousands of azaleas covering the anks of Mount Hamilton in a blaze of color. e rst warm days bring out the owers. Peak bloom can vary by two weeks or more, depending on the weather, but usually takes place around the end of April. e earliest peak date reported last decade was April 15; the latest, May 4. Many azaleas are in bloom long after the peak and others might bloom early--there are usually some azaleas in bloom from early April until well into June. e best way to see this collection is on foot. e US National Arboretum main entry is at 3501 New York Ave. NE. usna.usda.gov/discover/gardens-collections/azaleas.

Rhododendron cultivar. United States National Arboretum, Washington, DC, USA.

DCHFA,

DC Open Doors

DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership in the city. is program o ers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on rst trust

DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership i city. is program o ers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on rst trust

DC Open Doors

homebuyer or a D C. resident , be purchasing a home in the District of Columbia

DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership in the city. is program o ers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on rst trust homebuyer or a D C. resident , be purchasing a home in the District of Columbia

HPAP provides interest free deferred loans for down serves as a co-administrator of this DC Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) rst -time home buyer program

DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership in the city. This program offers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on first trust mortgages.You are not required to be a first-time homebuyer or a D.C. resident to qualify for DCOD. You must, however, be purchasing a home in the District of Columbia.

HPAP provides interest free deferred loans for down serves as a co-administrator of this DC Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) rst -time home buyer program.

HPAP provides interest free deferred loans for down serves as a co-administrator of this DC Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) rst -time home buyer program

years or older who have fallen behind on insurance and tax payments as a result of their reverse mortgage. Quali ed District homeowners can receive up to

DC4ME

years or older who have fallen behind on insurance and tax payments as a result of their reverse mortgage. Quali ed District homeowners can receive up to

DC4ME provides mortgage assistance with optional down payment assistance to D.C. government employees.

DC4ME provides mortgage assistance with optional down payment assistance to D.C. government employees. DC4ME is o ered to current full-time District government employees, including employees of District government-based instrumentalities, independent agencies, D.C. Public Charter Schools, and organizations, provided the applicant/borrower's employer falls under the oversight of the Council of the District of Columbia.

years or older who have fallen behind on insurance and tax payments as a result of their reverse mortgage. Quali ed District homeowners can receive up to

COVID-19

DC4ME is offered to current fulltime District government employees, including employees of District government-based instrumentalities, independent agencies, D.C. Public Charter Schools, and organizations, provided the applicant/borrower’s employer falls under the oversight of the Council of the District of Columbia.

COVID-19

DC MAP COVID-19 provides nancial assistance to those a ected by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Quali ed borrowers can receive a loan of up to $5,000 per month to put toward their mortgage for up to six months.

COVID-19

www.DCHFA.org

downtown DC. The tour highlights sculptures, murals, functional art, and haiku competition winners. Download the tour guide at goldentriangledc.com/whatwe-do/public-art.

Union Market District FRESHFARM Market Opens for Season

Union Market District FRESHFARM Market, 1298 Fifth St. NE (adjacent to Union Market), is open Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Dec. 21. The market features fresh produce, pastured meats, artisan baked goods, roasted coffee, blended teas, prepared foods, local flowers, and rotating specialty items. For more information, visit freshfarm.org.

SAAM Fellows Lectures

On Wednesday to Friday, May 7, 8, and 9, from 1 to 5 p.m. (4:30 p.m. on Thursday), join the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Eighth and G streets NW, for a series of lectures by the 2024–2025 SAAM Fellows. These lectures will explore new scholarship on American art and the museum’s collections. The event is available both in person and online, but registration is required. View the full schedule at americanart.si.edu/research/fellowships/lectures.

Eye-Popping Art: A Tour for People with Colorblindness

On Thursday, May 22, at 5:30 p.m., join the Smithsonian American Art Museum for a docent-led tour using colorblind-correcting glasses. This free tour offers a unique way to experience the museum’s vibrant collection. Registration is required. For more details, visit americanart.si.edu.

In-Gallery Sketch Breaks at the NPG

On Thursdays, April 10, 5 p.m., April 17, 11:30 a.m., and May 1 and 8, 11:30 a.m., join the National Portrait Gallery, Eighth and G streets NW, for free sketching sessions with artist educator Laurain Park. These drop-in workshops are open to artists of all levels and include all materials. Participants can create and connect

Folger’s Shakespeare Birthday Celebration Returns

The Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol St. SE, has announced the return of a longstanding tradition: Shakespeare’s Birthday Celebration. Through performance, poetry, song, dance, scholarship, and history, the birthday celebration showcases the breadth of the Folger’s offerings as a cultural organization. The party to celebrate the playwright’s 461st year kicks off when the Folger opens at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 19, and concludes that evening with the annual Shakespeare’s Birthday Lecture, given this year by the Folger’s recently appointed director, Dr. Farah Karim-Cooper. The festivities offer guests the opportunity to participate in Elizabethan ruff-making, watch sword-fighting and printing press demonstrations, write sonnets, learn about Elizabethan dance and music in a dance contest, and engage with gallery guides across Folger’s exhibition halls and historic spaces. The day includes a variety of DC-based artists, as well as birthday cake for all visitors. For complete details and the schedule of events visit folger.edu/birthday.

while drawing inspiration from the museum’s collection. Note: The museum opens at 11:30 a.m.; please do not arrive earlier. For more information, visit npg.si.edu.

Nat’s Baseball District Tickets Start at $5 DC residents can purchase District Tickets starting at $5 for home games at Nationals Park. These tickets are available for sections 401 & 402 and can be purchased through nats.com/boxoffice or at the box office. District Tickets offer eligibility for giveaways, Happy Hour, Signature Sundays, and the Kids Run the Bases event. For more details, visit nats.com/boxoffice.

Learn How to Navigate Your Local Court

On Thursday, April 17, from 3 to 5 p.m., at Shaw Library, 1630 Seventh St. NW, the DC Superior Court will provide guidance on navigating its services. This session covers topics such as civil, criminal, family court, probate, tax, landlord-tenant, small claims, and traffic matters. It’s part of the DC Library’s ‘Our City, Our Stories’ program series. Visit dclibrary.org for more information.

Washington Nationals “Pups in the Park” Games

The remaining Pups in the Park games this year are Friday, April 25, 6:45 p.m. vs. Mets; Tuesday, May 20, 6:45 p.m. vs. Braves; Saturday, June 14, 4:05 p.m. vs. Marlins; Wednesday, Aug. 20, vs. Mets; Sunday, Sept. 28, 3:05 p.m. vs. White Sox. Tickets are $42. Purchase a discounted ticket for you, your family, and your favorite family pet and support the Washington Humane Society. All those with tickets purchased for Pups in the Park must enter through the Right Field Gate. Before entering, you must drop off a signed waiver for your dog’s up-to-date shots. All Pups in the Park attendees must print, sign and bring the Waiver Form with them to Nationals Park. For more information, visit washington.nationals.mlb.com.

Photo: Chester Simpsom

SW Night Market Returns for Season (arts, food, flea and fun)

Southwest DC’s eclectic Friday night market, on the lot at Fourth and M streets, SW, returns with a diverse mix of art, crafts, handmade jewelry, accessories, bath and beauty goods, and vintage and antique furnishings. On stage, local musicians and DJs curate a mix of live music and inviting evening soundtracks. Additionally, specialty food businesses, a fully-stocked beer garden, a cigar lounge, and select food trucks add to the programming mix. Southwest Market is open on May 2, 16 and 30; June 13 and 27; July 11, 25; Aug. 8 and 22; and Sept. 5 and 19; 4 to 10 p.m. diversemarkets.net.

Board Game Speed Dating at Wunder Garten (Ages 25-39)

On ursday, May 8, from 7 to 9 p.m., join Wunder Garten, 1101 First St. NE, for a night of board games and speed dating. You’ll play a variety of games with di erent groups of singles. At the end of the night, submit a list of people you’d like to connect with, and the event organizer will facilitate sharing contact information if there’s mutual interest. e event costs $30 to $35. Visit wundergartendc.com for tickets.

Tech Tuesdays (Device Help) at Northwest One Library

On Tuesdays, from noon to 1 p.m., visit Northwest One Library, 155 L St. NW, for help learning how to use your devices, including laptops, cellphones, and tablets/iPads. e library sta is eager to assist you in navigating technology. For more information, visit dclibrary.org.

Je t’aime Georgetown!

e Georgetown BID hosts its 22nd annual Georgetown French Market on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, April 25 to 27, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. is popular open-air market, inspired by French markets, features sidewalk sales and specials from over 40 locally owned boutiques, cafés, and galleries along Wisconsin Avenue from O St to Reservoir Rd. Enjoy live music, stilt walkers, face painting, a mime, and more. Neighborhood restaurants offer French cuisine and other specials, including pastries, croissants, macarons, grilled lunch items, and wine discounts. More details at georgetownfrenchmarketdc.com.

The Pearl Escape Commemoration

e Pearl Escape Project invites all to a commemoration of resistance and freedom on Tuesday, April 15, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Westminster Church, Fourth and I Streets SW. is event honors the 77 African American men, women, and children

who sought freedom in 1848 by sailing from the Seventh Street pier at the Wharf aboard the schooner Pearl. Dr. Clarence Lusane, Professor of Political Science at Howard University and author of Twenty Dollars and Change: Harriet Tubman and the Ongoing Fight for Racial Justice and Democracy, will lead a discussion with Howard University graduate students on the contemporary relevance of the Pearl story. Afterward, attendees may join a procession, led by jazz musicians, retracing the steps of the escapees to the Wharf, where descendants of Pearl passengers will call their names. Everyone is welcome to attend, learn, remember, sing, and march. For more details, visit westminsterdc.org.

Bike to Work Day

Bike to Work Day is Thursday, May 15. Join the event at more than 100 pit stops in DC, MD, and VA for a fun and healthy way to start your day. The first 18,000 registrants who attend at a pit stop will receive a free T-shirt. Giveaways, food, and beverages are available at participating locations, while supplies last. Most pit stops operate in the morning, but a few are in the afternoon. Register at biketoworkmetrodc.org/register.

Spring NoMa BID

CiNoMatic Season Opens

Join NoMa BID for the spring CiNoMatic season, every Wednesday night at sunset from May 7 to June 11. Bring your blankets, and they’ll provide the laughs and showstoppers with a season of musicals, comedies, and feel-good movies under the stars at Alethia Tanner Park, 227 Harry Thomas Way NE. The park, just north of New York Avenue in Eckington, features a large green lawn, a children’s playground, a dog park, and more. For more details, visit nomabid.org.

NoMa Farmers Market at Third Street Opens for Season

Gateway Open Studios Tour (Four Towns,

One Community, 250 Artists)

On Saturday, May 10, noon to 5 p.m., the public is invited to explore the vibrant art community located in the four towns of Mount Rainier, Brentwood, North Brentwood, and Hyattsville that comprise Maryland’s Gateway Arts District. On this day, the artists have their studios open at the same time and visitors can explore the depth and breadth of this unique community. The district encompasses a two-mile stretch from Mt. Rainier to Hyattsville with most locations on or around Route 1/Rhode Island Avenue. While some art goers choose to walk, free shuttles will operate along the corridor to help people cover more ground. Street parking is available as well at Lots 1, 3, and 4 in Hyattsville. Shuttle routes and a parking map is available on the OST website. After the open studio tour, all are welcome to the outdoor afterparty from 5 to 7 p.m. at 3698 Wells Ave., Mount Rainier, featuring music, skateboarding, and a food truck. gatewaycdc.org/ost2025.

The NoMa Farmers Market, hosted by NoMa BID, opens Thursdays from 4 to 8 p.m. from April 24 to October 30. Enjoy fresh produce, quality meats, and artisanal goods, plus ready-to-eat meals and live music. The market is conveniently located near the NoMa-Gallaudet Metro and Union Market. More information is available at nomabid.org/farmersmarket.

FurnishHopeDC

FurnishHopeDC is dedicated to helping residents of DC’s Wards 7 and 8 furnish their homes, aiming to break the cycle of poverty. They provide essential furniture like beds, dressers, and dining tables to families in need. As the only nonprofit that delivers furniture, FurnishHopeDC ensures that those who need it most aren’t burdened with the cost of trans-

DC Margarita Rumble at Union Market

On Saturday, May 10, noon to 6:30 p.m., this event brings together the top, specially curated bars and restaurants, each sending their best mixologists to compete for the coveted title of Best-In-Town Margarita. Margarita tastings are included in your ticket. Session one is noon to 3 p.m.; Session two is 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. $39; $55, for early admittance. Union Market Dock 5. unionmarketdc.com.

portation. They are committed to keeping good furniture out of landfills and bringing hope to families in need. Learn more at furnishhopedc.org.

The Capital Rare Book Fair

The Capital Rare Book Fair will be held Saturday, May 3, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, May 4, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the University Club, 1135 16th St. NW. Antiquarian booksellers from across the country will showcase a broad range of books, prints, and ephemera. Admission for the Friday, May 2, preview night (6 to 8:30 p.m.) is $60, which includes access to the fair on Saturday and Sunday. General admission for Saturday and Sunday is $15, $10 for students, and free for those under 16. Tickets allow multiple entries on different days. More details at finefairs.com.

Free DPR Lifeguard Training

The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) offers lifeguard certification through the International Lifeguard Training Program (ILTP). All candidates must be 16 or older and pass prerequisites on the first day of class, including a 100yard swim, retrieving a 10-pound dive brick, treading water for one minute without using hands, and exiting the pool unassisted. For more information, visit dpr.dc.gov/lifeguard.

Residential Street Sweeping Service

Resumed

Residential street sweeping has resumed and will

Jun Lee from Washington Glass School in Mount Rainier.

Marine Barracks Evening Parades Begin for Season

The Evening Parades at Marine Barracks Washington, DC, Eighth and I streets SE, begin this year on Friday, May 2. Gates open from 7 to 8 p.m. Guests will see the finest in military excellence including performances by “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, “The Commandant’s Own” United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, and the esteemed United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon. Following the ceremony, guests will have the opportunity to meet Marines who performed throughout the parade as well as take photographs with the Marine Barracks mascot, Chesty XVI. Read more and register to attend at barracks.marines.mil/Parades/Friday-EveningParade-Schedule-Reservation.

run through Friday, Oct. 31. Motorists are urged to follow posted signs indicating parking restrictions to ensure thorough street sweeping. Parking is typically prohibited for two-hour intervals (9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.) during sweeping hours. Alternate side parking is required where applicable. Violators face fines of $45. For more information on DC’s street cleaning and other spring services, visit dpw.dc.gov/spring.

April is Fair Housing Month

April marks the anniversary of the signing of the federal Fair Housing Act in 1968, which prohibits housing discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, familial status, and disability. Local laws provide even more protections. If you believe you have experienced housing discrimination, contact Housing Counseling Services at 202-667-7715 to learn about your rights. For more information, visit housingetc.org.

Do You Have a Notice for the Bulletin Board?

The Mid-city DC Bulletin Board includes event notices, volunteer opportunities and other community news. If you have a notice, send it to bulletinboard@hillrag.com. u

CHANGING HANDS

Changing Hands is a list of most residential sales in the Midcity DC area 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.

KIDS & FAMILY

Kids Fun Run at the Capitol Hill Classic >

The 44th annual National Capital Bank Capitol Hill Classic is on Sunday, May 18. Washington’s largest and oldest 10k brings runners through the roadways of Capitol Hill, winding past the US Capitol, the Supreme Court, the Library of Congress, the Folger Shakespeare Library, Lincoln Park, East Capitol Street, and the Fields at RFK. They also have their regular 3k and kids’ fun run that will follow the 10k. The 10k ($50) starts at 8:30 a.m.; the 3k ($40) immediately following the conclusion of the 10k and the fun run ($20) immediately following the 3k. Registration is open now at capitolhillclassic.com/registration.

< Dog Man: The Musical at the Warner

With the head of a dog and the body of a policeman, Dog Man loves to fight crime and chew on the furniture. But while trying his best to be a good boy, can he save the city from Flippy the cyborg fish and his army of Beasty Buildings? Can he catch Petey, the world’s most evil cat, who has cloned himself to exact revenge on the doggy do-gooder? And will George and Harold finish their show before lunchtime?? Find out in this epic musical adventure featuring the hilarity and heart of Dav Pilkey’s beloved characters. Dog Man: The Musical is at the Warmer Theatre, 513 13th St. NW, on Saturday, April 26, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and Sunday, April 27, noon and 4 p.m. Tickets start at $48. Recommended for grades one through five. warnertheatredc.com.

Brick City at > the National Building Museum

Through August 2026, Brick City at the National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW, celebrates iconic architecture from cities around the world through carefully recreated constructions made from LEGO bricks by UK-based artist Warren Elsmore. Visitors will take a world tour discovering new destinations across all seven continents that include: lively streetscapes from Cartagena, Colombia; Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans; intricate temples from India to Mexico; and imaginative castles from medieval Japan to modern Las Vegas. Builders young and old can channel their creativity in an interactive area where they can build their own masterpieces out of LEGO bricks. $10 admission for adults; $7, youth and seniors. nbm.org.

MOST-DC Portal For Out of School Time Programs

Mayor Bowser has announced the launch of the My Out of School Time DC (MOSTDC) portal, a new online platform designed to make it easier for families to find and register for afterschool and summer programs. The portal serves as

a one-stop shop for parents of students in kindergarten through 12th. most.dc.gov.

Family Workshop: A Power Player Spectacle at the Folger

On Saturday, May 3, 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., join the Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol St. SE, as they use their how-to guide to power playing and the words of Shakespeare to create their own spectacular production. This family workshop is inspired by Folger’s temporary exhibition, How to Be a Power Player: Tudor Edition. There are two sessions available with these recommended ages: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for ages five to seven; and 1 to 2 p.m. for ages eight to eleven. Free, however registration is required. folger.edu.

Day of Play at RFK

On Wednesday, April 16 (rain date, April 18) noon to 4 p.m., join Events DC for a Day of Play at RFK with your friends, family and neighbors during Spring Break 2025. Events DC hosts this free, fieldbased event to gather adults and youth in DC for a day of fun and

L-R: Brian Owen, Dan Rosales, DeShawn Bowens, Jamie LaVerdiere, L.R. Davidson, Crystal Sha’nae.

Photo: Jeremy Daniel

The kids fun run ($20) follows the 3k.

All Hallows Guild’s antique carousel dates from around 1890 and is one of only two surviving carousels manufactured by the U.S. Merry-Go-Round Corporation.

Ride the Antique Carousel at Flower Mart

The National Cathedral’s 86th Flower Mart “In Living Color” is on Friday, May 2, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, May 3, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition to their carousel, Flower Mart has an entire Children’s Area with a huge array of games and carnival rides. Tickets for the carousel, rides, and games can be purchased at the ticket booth in the Children’s Area. Flower Mart is the largest annual fundraiser for the Cathedral’s gardens and grounds. It features a white elephant tent, an international floral display, plants and gifts for sale, tower climbs, free live entertainment and food. allhallowsguild.org.

friendly competition. It will feature music, food trucks and activities for all ages. Assemble your squad of friends, teammates, or family--create your team of adults, youth or both to come play. Teams can be coed. Registration is required, but free. All kids must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 18. The Fields at RFK Campus is at 401 Oklahoma Ave. NE. playrfk. splashthat.com.

Amphibian Week Kickoff Celebration

Join the Natural History Museum, inside Q?rius, the Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center, on Saturday, May 3, to learn about amphibians with the

USDA Forest Service, US Navy, US Geological Survey, and more. Families with learners of all ages are invited to explore different stations, see live amphibians, and explore play, art, and related museum collections. Drop in anytime from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Free. No registration required. naturalhistory.si.edu.

Kids Welcome at AWS Earth Day Clean-up

Kids, accompanied by an adult, can join in the Anacostia Watershed Society’s Earth Day Cleanup--a DC-area tradition where thousands of volunteers cleanup sites all along the Anacostia River and its

tributary streams throughout the watershed in DC, Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties. On the Saturday following Earth Day, thousands of volunteers come out to dozens of different sites to pickup trash, serve their communities, and enjoy the Anacostia River. This year’s Earth Day Cleanup is on Saturday, April 26 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. After the cleanup, AWS will host a community celebration to show appreciation to their volunteers. Preregistration is required to volunteer and to get the Earth Day Cleanup t-shirt at anacostiaws.org.

Cherry Blossom 5k at Congressional Cemetery Kids Race

The Cherry Blossom 5k at Congressional Cemetery, 1801 E St. SE, is on Sunday, April 13, at 9 a.m. There is a kids race prior to the start of the 5k. Participation in the children’s run is free for any child who has a parent, guardian, or friend registered for the 5k. Children may still participate, if no runners are registered, for a $5 fee. Registration for the children’s race is in the chapel on the day of the race and a parent or guardian must sign a waiver. congressionalcemetery.org.

DC Truck Touch at RFK

On Saturday, May 3, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., RFK Stadium’s Lot 8 (2400 East Capitol St. SE, entrance off Independence Avenue) will rev up with excitement for DC’s annual Truck Touch. Watch local kids take the wheel as they navigate a dynamic track in electric vehicles showcasing innovation and energy-conscious design in action. Get a front-row seat for the EV time trials from 9 to 11:00 a.m., followed by wheel-to-wheel racing kicking off at 12:30 p.m. Explore nearly 30 types of vehicles from DC government agencies—from street sweepers and snowplows to dump trucks, police cruisers, and fire engines. This is your chance to hop inside, honk the horn, and learn about the tools that keep our city moving. Hosted by the DC Department of Public Works, this free, family-friendly event invites kids to climb aboard big rigs while grownups get to test out equipment usually seen from a distance. The DC Department of Parks and Recreation will keep the energy high with interactive games and activities--including tennis, basketball, and fitness challenges. dpw.dc.gov.

King Bullfrog Happy Hours at Hill Center

On Fridays, May 9 and June 6, 5 to 7 p.m., bring the family to Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, to enjoy an evening filled with live music that is perfect for all ages. These concerts are outdoors and perfect for little ones to run, dance, laugh, and play to the beat of their favorite songs. Adult tickets are $7; $14 for kids. Children under two do not need a ticket. Beer, wine and pizza for sale. hillcenterdc.org.

Children’s Business Fair at Dupont Circle

On Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (rain date, May 17), come to one of the largest entrepreneurship events for children in North America. This morning-long fair at 1521 20th St. NW (Dupont Circle area), gives children the opportunity to showcase their very own businesses. Children ages six to fourteen are invited to create a product or service and sell to customers. Judges award prizes to recognize excellent work. Past businesses have included handmade greeting cards, a pet-sitting service for exotic birds, a photobomb booth, and a lemonade stand that donated a percentage of profits to protect honeybees. The possibilities are limited only to what children can create. Originally started in Austin, Texas, the Acton Children’s Business Fair has grown to over 1,500 fairs around the world serving more than 50,000 young entrepreneurs in over 500 cities and 20 countries. dcchildrensbusinessfair.org.

Easter Monday at the Zoo: A Washington Family Tradition

On April 21, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., join the National Zoo for a wild and egg-citing celebration. This decades-long tradition is a roaring good time, celebrating families and the vibrant DC community. Get a front-row seat to keepers working with animals in the daily demonstrations. Admission is free and all are welcome. Parking is $30. Zoo hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Last admittance to exhibit buildings is 30 minutes before closing. For a schedule of activities, visit nationalzoo.si.edu/visit/events/easter-monday.