MidCity DC Magazine - May 2011

MIDCITY MAY 2011

NOW OPEN! The Finest Selection of Oysters & Chops on The Hill • A Fifty-Foot Long Marble Oyster Bar • Twenty-Four Wines by the Glass • Sixteen Fine Ales on Draft

Open for Lunch, Dinner & Late Night Dining Lunch Daily: 11:30AM to 5PM Dinner: Sunday thru Thursday, 5 to 10PM Fridays & Saturdays, 5 to 11PM

Senart’s • 520 8th St. SE (202) 544-1168 • www.SenartsDC.com

CONTENTS MAY 2011

18

out and about 08 10 18 20 22

Hit the City • Joy Hopkins Calendar • Kathleen Donner Insatiable • Celeste McCall Retail Therapy • Scott Fazzini Jazz Avenues • Steve Monroe

your neighborhood

31

24 34 28 29 30 31 32

The Nose • Anonymous The Numbers • Ed Lazere Logan Circles • Mark F. Johnson 14th and U • Catherine Finn Bloomingdale Bytes • Eleanor Gourley and Emma Scott Shaw Streets • Ralph Brabham Spring in Shaw • Alexander M. Padro

kids and family 33

Kids and Family Notebook • Kathleen Donner

at home

37

37 38 40

The Garden Fairy: The Birds and the Bees • Frank Asher Home/Style: May Flowers Means Its Time to Clean Up Your Act and Get Organized • Mark F. Johnson Changing Hands • Don Denton

42

Classifieds

COVER: A first lady of the jazz song, Dee Dee Bridgewater, May 19-21 at the Kennedy Center

capitalcommunitynews.com â—† 5

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

ANC6A:

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

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

ANC6B:

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

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

ADVERTISING & SALES SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE: Deborah Bandzerewicz 202.543.8300 X13 • deb@hillrag.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE: Kira Means 202.543.8300 X16 • kira@hillrag.com CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING: Maria Carolina Lopez 202.543.8300 X12 • carolina@hillrag.com MARKETING ASSISTANT: Jeancarlo Fagon

DISTRIBUTION DISTRIBUTION MANAGER: Andrew Lightman DISTRIBUTORS: Southwest Distribution DISTRIBUTION INFORMATION: distribution@hillrag.com

DEADLINES & CONTACTS ADVERTISING: sales@hillrag.com DISPLAY ADS: 15th of each month CLASSIFIED ADS: 10th of each month EDITORIAL: 15th of each month; submissions@hillrag.com BULLETIN BOARD & CALENDAR: 15th of each month; calendar@hillrag.com, bulletinboard@hillrag.com

We welcome suggestions for stories. Send queries to andrew@hillrag.com.

We are also interested in your views on community issues which are published in the Last Word.

Please limit your comments to 250 words. Letters may be edited for space. Please include your name, address and phone number. Send Last Word submissions to lastword@hillrag.com.

For employment opportunities email jobs@hillrag.com.

PUBLISHER: JEAN-KEITH FAGON • fagon@hillrag.com Copyright © 2010 by Capital Community News. All Rights Reserved.

capitalcommunitynews.com 6 ◆ Midcity DC | May 2011

ALL OF US WILL LEARN Join the KIPP DC family!

KIPP DC is now enrolling Pre-School through 11th grade!

Apply online at www.kippdc.org today!

KIPP DC schools are tuition-free, public schools open to all students living in Washington. At KIPP DC, we approach education differently. We have an extended school day and year, Saturday enrichment programs, and teachers who are available by cell phone to answer questions after school. We offer rigorous, college-preparatory instruction and believe that all of our students will attend and graduate college.

We have been DC’s highest performing network of charters schools since we started in 2001 and together with our students and their families, we are proving the possible in public education.

capitalcommunitynews.com â—† 7

by Joy Hopkins

Constellation Theatre Nests its Green Bird at Source Theatre Constellation Theatre stages The Green Bird, an 18th Century commedia dell’arte by Italian playwright Carlo Gozzi. The fantastical plot revolves around an oblivious and lovesick king unaware of his mother’s evil plans to control the kingdom. The story includes an imprisoned queen, newborn royal twins who survive an assassination attempt, talking statues, a wicked fortune-teller, and of course, a magical green bird. Gozzi’s work features philosophical ideas about truth, love, sacrifice and compassion. Elements of the story seem to have influenced many other works, including Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors, as well as The Wizard of Oz. Gozzi was a relatively successful as a satirist in his lifetime, and several twentieth century stage works were inspired by Gozzi’s writings. These include versions of Turandot by Karl Vollmöller and Bertold Brecht, operas based on that same story by Puccini and Busoni, and, perhaps most well known, Puccini’s and Prokofiev’s treatments of The Love of Three Oranges.

Production Art for the Green Bird

The Green Bird opens on May 5 and runs Thursdays through Saturdays through June 4. Sunday performances are 2 p.m. matinees; most other performances begin at 8 p.m. with additional Saturday matinees on select dates.

Tickets are $25 – 30, with a discounted rate of $23 - $25 for those under 35.

Constellation Theatre Company at Source Theatre 1835 14th Street NW Washington D.C. (202) 204-7741 www.constellationtheatre.org

Though the play was written nearly 250 years ago, Julie Taymor debuted the most well known production on Broadway in 2000. Director Allison Arkell Stockman convenes a talented group of regional actors for Constellation’s version, which prominently features physical comedy. Helen Hayes Award recipient Tom Teasley performs live music he composed for the production.

8 ◆ Midcity DC | May 2011

Irvine Contemporary Presents Multidimensional Sculptures Brooklyn-based artist [dNASAb]’s Dataklysmos, an exhibition of new multimedia sculptures depict the world of technology in innovative ways. The

artist, whose name is an acronym for “Disney-NASA-Borg,” presents deconstructions of what he sees as the “Disneyfication” of our post-digital perceptions. [dNASAb]’s works exist to pose a question of its audiences, “What if we could reimagine the datasphere in all its materiality, open the black boxes, watch what happens at light speed behind our computer screens, expose the tangled wires, naked circuit boards, and bare hardware in a machine erotics, the secret life behind the screens?” [dNASAb] earned a BFA in Sculpture and Mixed Media from Florida State University. He was recently an Artist Honoree at the BRIC Contemporary Art Gala, 2010, “Brooklyn Art:Work”. [dNASAb] has exhibited widely in the past ten years, including exhibitions in New York, Mos-

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Sixty-Six and Thee Lolitas, on Saturday, May 21 at 9:30 pm.

Tickets are $8, and doors open at 9 pm.

You can get a taste of all three bands online at facebook or myspace.

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cow, Basel, Switzerland, Seoul, South Korea, and Paris.

Dataklysmos runs through June 4. Irvine Contemporary is open to the public Tuesdays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and by appointment.

Irvine Contemporary 1412 14th Street NW Washington DC (202) 332-8767 www. irvinecontemporary.com

D.C. Natives Headline DC9 Kill Lincoln is a ska/pop-punk/hardcore band from Washington DC. The five-piece band is notable for its prominent featuring of the trombone. The band lists among its influences Anthrax, Iron Maiden, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, and Megadeth.

Also on the bill is fellow DC-based outfit Thee Lolitas, known for their raw energy.

Rounding out the night is New Jersey-based quartet The Sixty-Six describes itself as a Rock / Progressive / Psychedelic Electric Folk band with influences including the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Brian Wilson, Chopin, and Neil Young.

Kill Lincoln plays DC9, along with The

The Pancretan Association of America in association with the Embassies of Spain and Greece, present Bridging of Two Cultures: Andalucia-Crete at the Lincoln Theatre. The event showcases the passion and excitement of the intercultural music and dance from the region of Andalucia, Spain and the isle of Crete, (Greece) on Friday, May 13, 2011, at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $30 to $60.

Lincoln Theatre 1215 U Street NW Washington, DC (202) 328-6000 www.thelincolntheatre.org Taste of Mount Vernon Triangle will be held on Saturday, May 14th from 2 to 5 p.m.

Enjoy appetizers, entrees, and desserts at restaurants near 5thand K Street, NW. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door for a master ticket to the event. Visit www.mountvernontriangle.org.

Joy Hopkins has been a resident of the District of Columbia for 13 years. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Music Industry from James Madison University and a Master’s degree in Arts Management from American University. She works as a nonprofit fundraiser, a direct sales consultant, and an artist rep, and her interests include reading, wine, music, crochet, and food. ◆

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calendar AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD

MAY

Café Collage (sidewalk cafe) Opens.

1346 T St. NW. Cafe Collage is a corner coffeeshop located next to Cafe Saint Ex, at 14th and T St. NW. Their quiet location is the perfect place to catch up on some coffee-infused study or work time, fuel your brain with their Da Vinci Tea St. Special Grilled Veggi, or treat yourself to their renowned Picasso roast beef and cheese sandwich. Serving vegan and organic foods seven days a week. 202232-3554. cafecollagedc.com To Make a World: George Ault and 1940s America. Through Sept. 5. During the turbulent 1940s, artist George Ault (1891-1948) created precise yet eerie pictures—works of art that have come to be seen, following his death, as some of the most original paintings made in America in those years. The beautiful geometries of Ault’s paintings make personal worlds of clarity and composure to offset a real world he felt was in crisis.

American Art Museum, Eighth and F sts.

NW. 202-633-7970. americanart.si.edu Vermont Avenue Garden (work) Party.

Saturday, May 7, 9:00 AM. Breakfast and meeting at African American Civil War Memorial. Lunch at Duffy’s Irish Restaurant at around noon. Join them to rejuvenate the street gardens here this spring--cleaning, planting, mulching & providing other care. Several years ago, neighbors partnered with DC Greenworks & Casey Trees to replace a quarter-mile stretch of concrete medians on Vermont Avenue between Florida Ave. and S St. with flourishing gardens. Over 50 trees, 500 ornamental grasses & hundreds of perennials, seasonal flowers & other plants, & several crosswalks were installed.

A Derby Day P’arty at Long View Gallery.

May 7, 5:00-8:00 PM. P’ARTY with a big hat or your seersucker and enjoy an evening that will guarantee a tri-fecta of fun! If you can’t make it to Louisville, make a visit to Shaw where the gallery will be transformed into Churchill Downs. They’re expecting seersucker and big hats, with bottomless mint juleps all around.

It will feel like we’ve packed the infield, with enough flat screens and projections to ensure a fabulous view of the ponies for everyone to enjoy! While sipping and watching you will also be donating to children in need. Pediatric Care, an organization to help children

10 ◆ Midcity DC | May 2011

Smokin’ Somethin’. Dogs, coolers, kids and friends are welcome. May 18, Oh Brother Where Art Thou; May 25, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade; June1, Stand

By Me. nomasummerscreen.com First Fridays at the Capoeira Spot. June 3 (first Friday of every month), 6:00-8:00 PM. Want to meet new people? Fascinated by Brazilian or Latin American culture? Interested in free cultural performances? Looking for a fun, challenging, and sexy workout? Check out First Fridays at the Capoeira Spot! Afro-Brazilian drumming demonstration and workshop.

Samba/Afro-Brazilian dance performance and workshop. Capoeira roda performance. Refreshments. The Capoeira Spot, 636 Florida Ave. NW. 240-606-4446. orcapoeiradc.com

Memorial Day in Logan Circle Park. May 30, 12:30-2:30 PM. Did you know that General John A. Logan, for whom Logan Circle is named, founded Memorial Day? As the Commanderin-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, General Logan instituted the practice of laying flowers on the graves of Civil War veterans. You are invited to join in this ceremony in Logan Circle Park. Together with the National Park Service and the Illinois State Society of Washington, DC, the Logan Circle Community Association participates in this annual commemoration of our national day of memory. The program features remarks from local dignitaries, a wreath-laying ceremony at the statue of General John Logan, and musical entertainment. It is old-fashioned, wonderful, and emblematic of Logan Circle village. Residents and visitors alike are invited to this celebration of authentic Washington, DC and its heritage. Following the commemoration, come to a reception hosted at the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House, 1318 Vermont Ave. NW. logancircle.org

Status of General John A. Logan, Photo Courtesy of Mary McLeod Bethune Council House

affected and effected with HIV/AIDS, will be receiving your contributions. $75, advance. $100, at door. Long View Gallery, 1234 Ninth St. NW. 202-232-4788. longviewgallery.com Andalucia-Crete at Lincoln Theatre. May 13, 8:00 PM. The Pancretan Association of America in association with the Embassies of Spain and Greece, present “Bridging of Two Cultures: Andalucia-Crete”. Showcased for the first time on the stage of the Lincoln, experience the passion and excitement of the intercultural music and dance from the region of Andalucia, Spain and the isle of Crete. $30$60. 1215 U St. NW. 202-328-6000. thelincolntheatre.org Fiesta Asia Film Festival. Saturday, May 14, 4:30-10:30 PM. The Historical Society of Washington DC is excited to celebrate Asian Pacific Island American Heritage Month. Join

them for the Fiesta Asia Film Festival and view films that reflect and explore some of the rich culture. Ages 16, up. $8-$12. Historical Society of Washington, DC, 801 K St. NW (Mount Vernon Square). 202-383-1850. historydc.org or fiestaasiafilmfestival2011 NoMa Summer Screen. This year’s NoMa Summer Screen schedule pays homage to classic and modern train films from a fitting vantage point overlooking the rail yards. The series features classics from ‘North by Northwest’ to modern Oscar favorites like ‘Slumdog Millionaire.’ Mark your calendars to join us for this popular 12-week movie festival, which runs Wednesdays May 18-Aug. 3. NoMa Summer Screen takes place at Second and L Streets, NE, just steps from Amtrak’s headquarters and DC’s fastest New York connection. Festivities begin at 7 p.m. with music, a variety of food vendors and the ever-popular barbecue from

Swampoodle Coming to Uline Arena.

May 21, 24, 25, 26, 27 and 28, 8:30 PM. Swampoodle, a play exploring the NoMa neighborhood’s intriguing history.

Swampoodle is a daring and innovative look into the past, a tailor-made spectacle created by The Performance Corporation and Solas Nua, both Irish arts and theatre organizations. Uline Arena hosted The Beatles’ first-ever North American concert and witnessed dozens of historic sporting, entertainment and political events, like Malcolm X’s address to an audience that included the leader of the American Nazi party. The arena is located on the site of DC’s forgotten Irish-American shantytown, Swampoodle, which now comprises much of the rapidly growing NoMa neighborhood.

The show combines the glamour of oldschool show biz with the grit of an Irish ghetto to create a fantastic adventure. $25.

This is a promenade non-seated performance.

1-800-494-TIXS. swampoodledc.com Rhythm in NoMa Lunchtime Concerts. New York Avenue Metro Plaza at Second and N sts.

NE, on Thursdays and Union Center Plaza, 810 First St. NE, on Fridays, 11:30 AM-1:30 PM. Rhythm in NoMa is a free lunch-time concert series featuring a variety of local musicians and styles – from blues to reggae, and top 40s hits to smooth Motown favorites. Free. nomabid.org/rhythm First Wednesday Jazz @ The Historical Society. First Wednesday (June 1), 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. 202383-1850. www.historydc.org “Take Five” (free jazz at the American Art Museum). Third Thursday, 5:00-7:00 PM. Smithsonian American Art Museum, (Great Hall on the 3rd floor), Eighth and F sts. NW. 202-633-1000. www.AmericanArt.si.edu BOOTYCANDY at Woolly. May 30-June 26. Robert O’Hara took home a Helen Hayes Award for Antebellum, and he’s cooking up an even saucier dish for us now. This kaleidoscope of sassy lessons in sex education speaks the truth about growing up gay and African American.

With outrageous humor and real heart, it tests how we talk about our bodies at home, in church, and on the corner. $40-$60. Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, 641 D St. NW. 202-393-3939. woollymammoth.net An Evening With Spike Lee. June 4, 6:30 PM. Spike Lee, award winning director, will be presented with the 2011 Paul Robeson “Here I Stand” award by the Hung Tao Choy Mei Leadership Institute. Mr. Lee will be interviewed live on stage by George Curry, columnist and former Editor-in-Chief of Emerge Magazine. Special performances by Urban Artistry, Hung Tao Choy Mei “Lucky Lions and Thunder Drummers”, International Martial Arts sensation Olivia Zhang and Frederic Yonnet. $28.50. Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U St. NW. 202-328-6000. thelincolntheatre.org

IN DC BUT NOT MID-CITY Capitol Hill House and Garden Tour. On May 7 and 8, the Capitol Hill Restoration Society will host its 54th annual tour of houses and gardens. The focus this year will be between Ninth and 13th Streets, SE below East Capitol Street to Pennsylvania Avenue. $25 in advance or $30 on the tour weekend. chrs.org Mother’s Day Tour of the Botanic Garden Rose Garden. Sunday, May 8, noon1:00 PM. Is your mom breathtakingly beautiful, a real sweetheart, charming, cuddly or—oh my goodness—ferociously thorny? Is she a city girl or does she prefer rugged, windy sea coasts? Is she spicy and wild, or does she prefer sensible shoes? They have just the right rose and rose story for her. Please note: This tour is held outdoors and meets on the National Garden Lawn Terrace. The tour is canceled if it rains. Free. Pre-registration required at nfusbg.org or call 202-2251116. US Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW 202-225-8333. usbg.gov Saint Sophia’s Greek Festival. If it’s a sunny weekend, between 8,000 and 10,000 people will attend DC’s biggest

capitalcommunitynews.com ◆ 11

ethnic festival. Live Greek music starts at 5:00 PM and the moussaka and pastries are homemade. There’s also Greek dancing, cathedral tours, kids’ activities, arts and crafts, a moon bounce and Greek jewerly and icon vendors. This annual festival is a Washington tradition and the best way to sample Greek culture short of a trip abroad. May 13, 14 and 15, noon-7:00 PM. St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 36th St. and Massachusetts Ave. NW. 202-333-4730. saintsophiawashington.org The Literary Hill BookFest. Sunday, May 15, 11:00 AM-3:00 PM. Meet over 30 authors who call Capitol Hill home.

There will be talks by Spike Mendelsohn, Diana McLellan, Marguerite Kelly, Louis Bayard, and others; a story times children’s corner; book sales and signings; and more than a dozen vendors and exhibitors including Riverby Books, Fairy Godmother, Capitol Hill Books, Platypus Media, Eastern Branch Press, the Library of Congress, and the Folger Shakespeare Library. North Hall of Eastern Market, So. Carolina and Seventh sts. SE. 202546-7231. literaryhillbookfest.org President Lincoln’s Cottage Civil War Songs and Readings. May 18, 6:00 PM. A special visit from President Lincoln and his secretary, John Nicolay, highlights a program of American folk songs, spirituals, patriotic music, and readings from the Civil War period. Bring a blanket and picnic - great for all ages! Free.

South lawn of President Lincoln’s Cottage (rain location - Stanley Chapel, adjacent to the Cottage). Reservations strongly recommended at 202-8290436 x31228. President Lincoln’s Cottage, Upshur St. at Rock Creek Church Rd. NW. lincolncottage.org Folger Friday: Lecture on American Wine. Friday, May 20, 7:00 PM. Todd Kliman, author of The Wild Vine, explores the history and mysteries of American wine. Free. Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol St. SE. 202-544-4600. folger.edu DC101 Chili Cook-Off. Saturday, May 21, gates open at 11:00 AM. DC’s largest one-day rock festival is expected to raise $1.5 million to benefit the National Kidney Foundation Serving the National Capital Area. Joining Weezer in this year’s lineup are national recording artists Seether, Papa Roach, Panic!

At The Disco, Neon Trees, Paper Tongues and Middle Class Rut. $35. RFK Stadium Festival Grounds. dc101chilicookoff.com Summer Concerts in the Yards Park.

Lunchtime concerts occur every Wednesday, beginning May 11, 11:00 AM-1:00 PM. Friday evening concerts kick off on Friday, May 13, 6:00-8-00 PM. The Friday concert series will feature a wide range of live musical performances including jazz, salsa, reggae, and more.

Food options will be provided by Devine Foods and Smokin Somethin BBQ, and a beer/sangria garden will be run by Mie N Yu. Whether you’re picnicking on the

12 ◆ Midcity DC | May 2011

Taste of Mount Vernon Triangle Saturday, May 14, 2011 2:00-5:00 p.m.

Taste of Mount Vernon Triangle. On Saturday, May 14, 2:00-5:00 PM, explore the new restaurants of Mount Vernon Triangle by dining around the neighborhood tasting appetizers, entrees, drinks, and desserts from eight different establishments. A ticket to the event is $15 in advance; $20 at the door. Tickets can be purchased in advance online at mountvernontriangle.org or 5th Street Ace Hardware, 1055 Fifth St. NW. Day-of tickets can be purchased at Fifth and K sts. NW. Take Metro to Gallery Place-Chinatown or ride the X2, 80, D4, or P6 bus. 202-216-0511. mountvernontriangle.org

Mandu, the neighborhood’s newest restaurant

lawn, enjoying sangria in the beer garden or playing with your kids in the Kids Activity Zone, the Yards Park Friday Concerts have something for everyone to wind down their week. All the concerts are free. Be sure to check out the full summer line-up on capitolriverfront.org. Yards Park, 10 Water St. SE. (one block south of N and Third sts. SE ).

PATRIOTIC Marine Barracks Evening Parade. Friday evenings in summer, through Aug. 26. Guests admitted starting at 7:00 PM. Guests should be seated by 8:00 PM. Program begins at 8:45 PM. The Evening Parade has become a universal symbol of the professionalism, discipline and Esprit de Corps of the United States Marines. The story of the ceremony reflects the story of Marines around the world.

The ceremony begins with a concert by the United States Marine Band. Free. It is wise to have reservations that can be made online at mbw.usmc.mil. Marine Barracks (front gate), Eighth and I sts. SE. 202-433-4073. mbw.usmc.mil 2011 Twilight Tattoo at Fort McNair.

Wednesdays, May 11 and 25; June 1 and 8.

7:00 PM. Members of the 3rd US Infantry (The Old Guard), the US Army Band “Pershings Own,” Fife and Drum Corps and the US Army Drill Team will perform an hour-long sunset military Pageant. Over 100 Old Guard soldiers dressed in period uniforms will provide a glimpse of Army history from colonial times to the soldier of the future. Historic Fort McNair, Fourth and P sts. SW. usarmyband.com GI Film Festival. May 9-15. The GI Film Festival is the nation’s only film festival dedicated

to celebrating the stories of our nation’s armed forces. The festival will take place at the United States Navy Memorial will feature 31 film premieres celebrating our country’s servicemen and women. $12, screening. gifilmfestival.com Memorial Day Concert (and dress rehearsal). Sunday, May 29 (rain or shine). Concert at 8:00 PM. Gates open at 5:00 PM. Full Dress Rehearsal, Saturday, May 28 (rain or shine).

Concert at 7:30 PM. Gates open at 5:00 PM US Capitol (west lawn). Featuring the National Symphony Orchestra and many name entertainers. Bring a blanket, folding chair, water, food and be prepared to make yourself comfortable for a few hours. Alcohol may be confiscated. In the event of very inclement weather, the concert may be rescheduled for Monday. This happens rarely but you should check local news broadcasts if you think the concert may be cancelled.

E

xplore the new restaurants of Mount Vernon Triangle by dining around the neighborhood tasting appetizers, entrees, drinks, and desserts from eight different establishments!

A ticket to the event is $15 in advance; $20 at the door. Tickets can be purchased in advance on line at www.mountvernontriangle.org or 5th Street Ace Hardware – 1055 5th Street, NW. Day of tickets can be purchased at 5th and K Street, NW. Take Metro to Gallery Place - Chinatown or ride the X2, 80, D4, or P6 bus.

Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally. Sunday, May 29, 7:00 AM. North Pentagon Parking Lot, Arlington, VA. The run departs the parking lot at noon and takes several hours (from start to finish) to complete. For the route schedule visit rollingthundermotorcyclerally.com.

“Flags-In” at Arlington Cemetery. Memorial Day Weekend, 8:00 AM-7:00 PM. Each year for the past 40 years, the 3rd Infantry (The Old Guard) has honored America’s fallen heroes by placing American flags before the gravestones and niches of service members buried both at Arlington National Cemetery and the U.S. Soldier’s and Airmen’s National Cemetery just prior to Memorial Day Weekend.

Arlington National Cemetery (Virginia end of Memorial Bridge). 703-607-8000. arlingtoncemetery.org

capitalcommunitynews.com ◆ 13

Memorial Day Wreath Laying at Arlington. Monday, May 30, 11:00 AM. Arrive much earlier. Expect heavy security.

Arlington National Cemetery (Virginia end of Memorial Bridge). 703-6078000. arlingtoncemetery.org

Meet Brendan Tharp The New Executive Chef at Lola’s Lola’s welcomes Executive Chef Brendan Tharp, formerly of Blue Hill Tavern. Chef Tharp is introducing a new exciting menu of a new seasonal offerings that will include Charcuterie, local salads and a variety of daily specials.

Don’t worry regulars! The Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos are staying with the addition of Brendan’s homemade Salsa Verde.

Lola’s is expanding! Look for an intimate upstairs bar and game room.

Lola’s Barracks Bar & Grill 711 8th Street, SE (202) 547-5652 www.lolasdc.com

National Memorial Day Parade. Monday, May 30, 2:00 PM. Beginning at Fourth St. and Pennsylvania Ave. NW and ending at 15th St. and Constitution Ave. NW. Expect a lot of music, color and old-fashioned patriotism. nationalmemorialdayparade.com Docent-Led Tour of Historic Congressional Cemetery. Saturdays at 11:00 AM. Free. 1801 E St. SE. 202-543-0539. congressionalcemetery.org

SPORTS, DANCE AND PHYSICAL FITNESS DC United Home Matches. May 7, 14 and 22. $23-$52. RFK Stadium. 202587-5000. dcunited.com Kung Fu and Tai Chi at the Historical Society of Washington, DC. Every Saturday (rain or shine). Kung Fu, noon; Tai Chi, 1:00 PM. Suitable for all ages.

Kung Fu is a broad term that is used to describe all martial arts of Chinese origin. The ancient art of Tai Chi is a style of Kung Fu that emphasizes internal energy. Free. No RSVP required.

Historical Society of Washington, DC, 801 K St. NW (Mount Vernon Square).

202-383-1850. historydc.org Fort Dupont Ice Arena. Closed for the season for maintenance. Will re-open July 5. 3779 Ely Place, SE. 202-5845007. fdia.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.

14 ◆ Midcity DC | May 2011

Pick-up Field Hockey on the Mall. Every Monday at 6:00 PM. Meets at the fields in front of the Smithsonian Metro stop for males and females who have a passion for field hockey. No experience necessary. Bring water, shinguards, mouthguard, cleats, a field hockey stick, and either a reversible jersey or a light and dark shirt - no grays please. Free.

Nearby public tennis courts. Banneker Community Center (eight outdoor tennis courts), 2500 Georgia Ave. NW. 202673-6861. Kennedy Recreation Center (one outdoor tennis court), 1401 Seventh St. NW. 202-671-4794. All courts are open daily, dawn to dusk. Some are lighted for extended evening play.

Courts are available on a first-come, first-served basis for one-hour intervals; extended use of tennis courts requires a permit. Proper shoes and attire is required. 202-671-0314. dpr.dc.gov/dpr 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. Dropin for $15 ($13, seniors). 3225 Eighth St. NE. 202-269-1600. danceplace.org DC Public Outdoor Pools Open Memorial Day Weekend. All DC public outdoor pools will be open on Saturday, Sunday and Monday of Memorial Day weekend and weekends thereafter until school is out and then daily through the summer.

Every outdoor pool is closed one day a week for cleaning and maintenance. All DC public pools are free for DC residents.

202-673-7647. dpr.dc.gov

YARD SALES AND MARKETS Great Brookland Yard Sale. Saturday, May 7 (rain date, May 8), 10:00 AM2:00 PM The Brookland Neighborhood Civic Association wants to bring you to Brookland to see what a great community they have while helping Brooklanders get rid of their stuff and make a little money. Over 25 families have already signed up. Individuals without yards will on the 12th St. sidewalk between Lawrence and Monroe. The Greater Brookland Garden Club is also having their annual spring plant sale this day, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM, in the Long and Foster parking lot at 12th and Newton sts. NE. Get a map at brooklandblog. blogspot.com.

North Lincoln Park Yard Sale. Saturday, May 14, 9:00 AM-2:00 PM. In the triangle park between the 1300 blocks of North Carolina Ave. and A St. NE (between 13th and 14th streets) Bloomingdale Farmers’ Market. Sundays, through November, 10:00 AM2:00 PM. This is a seasonal open air producer-only market. First and R sts.

NW. Marctus Art Market. Sunday, June 5, 11:00 AM-6:00 PM. Live musical performances. 6 bands from Jazz, Rock and Japanese Pop. Fashion tents. Food vendors. Arts and Crafts. At Yards Park, 10 Water St. SE. (one block south of N and Third sts. SE ). 301-567-8210. artwhino.com 9th and U Flea Market. Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. Ninth and U sts. NW. Liberty North Community Market.

Open Saturdays and Sundays, 10:00 AM6:00 PM. The market will have 80-100 vendors selling art, crafts, food, and produce. Fifth and Eye sts. NW. libertynorthcommunitymarket.com Dupont Circle Farmers’ Market. Sundays year round (rain or shine), 9:00 AM-1:00 PM. During the peak season, there are more than 30 farmers offering fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry,

Seasonal Sustainable Responsible Chef Robert Wood is inspired by seasonal offerings from the waters of the Mid-Atlantic and farms and vineyards of the Virginia and Maryland hinterlands. Visit his restaurant to truly taste the bounties of spring.

Serving Lunch & Dinner Daily 11 AM to 10 PM Weekend Brunch 10 AM to 3 PM Late Night Dining Available Until 1 AM Daily Patio Open Daily – Available for Private events!

THE CHESAPEAKE ROOM 501 8th Street SE On Barracks Row (202) 543-1445 www.thechesapeakeroom.com

Eat Local!

WIDE SHOE OUTLET Men’s and Women’s sizes up to 15 EE Brands: Naturalizer • Soft Spots Ros Hommerson • Propet Walking Cradles • InStride Slingshots are Back

Marlow Heights Shopping Center 4123 Branch Ave Marlow Heights, MD

301-702 1401

Free Gift With Ad capitalcommunitynews.com ◆ 15

fish, cheeses, fruit pies, breads, fresh pasta, cut flowers, potted plants, soaps and herbal products. 20th St. and Mass. Ave. NW, 1500 block of 20th St. NW (between Mass. Ave. and Q St. in the adjacent parking lot of PNC Bank). 202-362-8889. freshfarmmarket.org

CIVIC LIFE Ward 2 2012 Budget Briefing. May 9, 7:00 PM. Mayor Vincent C. Gray invites you to a town hall meeting on the FY2012 budget.

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1315 Eighth St. NW. For more information, contact Kenyon Churchwell at 202-727-2822.

“I Serve DC” 2011 Volunteer Conference. May 25, 8:00 AM-3:00 PM. The 2011 “I Serve DC” Conference connects nonprofits with experts from the region’s most renowned volunteer-driven organizations. Learn best practices to attract and maintain diverse, talented volunteers from across the Washington, DC Metro area. Free and open to anyone who lives or works in the District. George Washington University, Marvin Center, 800 21st St. NW. 202-727-7925. serve.dc.gov Congresswoman Norton’s NW District Office. Open weekdays, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM. 529 14th St. NW. 202-783-5065. norton. house.gov Norton’s Job Fair. Thursday, June 2, 10:00 AM-3:00 PM. Walter E. Washington Convention Center. norton.house.gov All-Ways Mount Pleasant. First Saturday, noon-2:00 PM. LaCasa. All-Ways is a citizen’s association primarily for the tenants of the larger apartment buildings of Mount Pleasant. 3166 Mt. Pleasant St. NW. aa-ss.org Chinatown Revitalization Council.

Fourth Monday, 7:00-8:00 PM. 510 I St. NW. Chinatown Revitalization Council (CRC) promoting the Chinatown renewal and the preservation of its cultural heritage. This meeting is slated to be the first perpetual monthly meeting except summer/winter recess with participation of representatives from the city government, civic organizations, developers, CRC members. The public is welcome.

Convention Center Community Association. Last Tuesday, 7:00-8:30 PM. Kennedy Rec Center, 1401 Seventh St. NW. www. ccca-online.

Downtown Neighborhood Association Monthly Meeting. Second Tuesday, 7:009:00 PM. US Naval Memorial Center, 701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. miles@dcdna.org. dcdna.org East Central Civic Association (ECCA) of Shaw Meeting. First Monday, 7:00 PM. Third Baptist Church, 1546 Fifth St. NW. Contact: Al Hajj Mahdi Leroy J Thorpe Jr, 202-387-1596.

16 ◆ Midcity DC | May 2011

MEET Molly’s NEW CHEF! Eckington Civic Association. First Monday, 7:00-8:30 PM. Harry Thomas Recreation Center, 1743 Lincoln Rd. NE. www.eckingtondc.org Edgewood Civic Association Meeting.

Last Monday, 7:00-9:00 PM. Edgewood senior building, 635 Edgewood St. NE, nineth floor7-9pm. They encourage all Eckington and Edgewood residents to come out and take part in the lively civic life of our communities. www. theedgewoodcivicassociationdc.org Logan Circle Citizens Association.

Please contact Jennifer Trock at jennifer.trock@logancircle.org for meeting dates and times. logancircle.org Mount Vernon Square Neighborhood Association Meeting. Third Tuesday, 7:30-9:30 PM. Yale Steam Laundry, 437 New York Ave. NW. lifein.mvsna.org U Street Neighborhood Association Meeting. Second Thursday, 7:00-8:30 PM. Source (second floor classroom), 1835 14th St. NW Rainbow Response Monthly Meeting.

Second Wednesday, 7:00 PM. Rainbow Response is a grassroots coalition that brings together organizations and leaders from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ) communities, along with traditional domestic violence service providers and government agencies. They collaborate to increase the awareness about Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) amid the relationships of LGBTQ individuals, educating within the LGBTQ communities and beyond. DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 5 Thomas Circle, NW. 202-299-1181 x105. rainbowresponse. org

Molly’s Malone’s welcomes Executive Chef Brendan Tharp, formerly of Blue Hill Tavern.

Chef Tharp is introducing a new exciting menu that includes his signature lamb shank and Irish potatoes, hardy Guinness Stew, and a variety of new sandwiches and new brunch items.

Pub Fare will Never Be The Same!

Molly Malone’s 713 8th Street SE • (202) 547-1222 www.mollysdc.com

PSA 308 Meeting. Second Thursday, 6:30-8:00 PM. Kennedy Recreation Center, 1401 7Seventh St. NW ANC 1A Meeting. Second Wednesday, 7:00 PM. Harriet Tubman Elementary School, 3101 13th St. NW. 202-5887278. anc1a.org ANC 1B Meeting. First Thursday, 7:00 PM. Reeves Center, 2000 14th St. NW (second floor). 202-870-4202. anc1b. org ANC 1B11 Meeting. Second Monday, 7:00 PM. LeDroit Senior Building (basement community room), 2125 Fourth St. NW. 202-481-3462. www.anc1b.org ANC 1C Meeting. First Wednesday, 7:00 PM. Mary’s Center for Maternal and Child Health, 2355 Ontario Rd. NW. 202-3322630. anc1c.org ANC 1D Meeting. Third Tuesday, 7:00 PM. 3166 Mount Pleasant St. NW. 202462-8692. anc1d.org ANC 2C Meeting. First Wednesday, 6:30-8:30 PM. Watha T. Daniel Library, 1630 Seventh St. NW (new location).

202-682-1633. anc2C.org, ◆

capitalcommunitynews.com ◆ 17

out and about

I

N

+ Dining

S

A

T

I

A

B

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By Celeste McCall

Brunch Bunch Last month, Insatiable visited some favorite U Street brunch spots. Our quest continues with The Tap & Parlour at Bohemian Caverns, 2001 11th Street NW. Heading the weekend brunch menu is french toast (made with croissants), french twist (this time incorporating vanilla wafers), chicken and waffles (again!), herbed turkey burgers, flapjacks, shrimp and grits. Entree salads encompass a hefty city Awedge,@ iceberg lettuce laden with bleu cheese, turkey bacon and balsamic vinaigrette. Naturally, there are bottomless mimosas ($7). Brunch goes Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 202-299-0800 or www.tapandparlour.com Like a rude dinner guest who refuses to leave, winter hung on far too long, slapping the city with a late March snow dusting and cold, blustery weather well into April. But inspite of the unseasonable chill, side walk cafes are beginning to pop up everywhere: Café Saint-E, a neighborhood mainstay, has unveiled its 54-seat umbrella-decorated terrace. SaintEx’s ever-changing menu taps seasonal ingredients from local farmer’s markets: light Tuscarora (farm co-op) beet salad, fried green tomato BLT and fresh grilled fish. The libation listing includes seasonal Poptails, Aadult@ booze-infused cocktail popsicles. Café Saint-Ex is located at 1847 14th St. NW; call 202-2657839 or visit www.saint-ex.com.

18 ◆ Midcity DC | May 2011

Favoritie U Street brunch spot, Tap and Parlour, located in historic Bohemian Caverns, offers evening jazz.

Photo: Celeste McCall

Beer, barbeque and brats fuel Standard, a buzzing biergarten on the stretch of 14th Street NW between Logan Circle and U. Colorful, communal picnic tables line the street-side patio; the interior is done up in sunny yellow, white tile and gleaming wood. A small bar pours six craft brews near the narrow dining counter. The bar is open Wednesday through Sunday, with longer hours planned this summer.

Standard is located at 1801 14th St. NW; no phone number for now.

Did you know May is National Burger Month? We didn’t either. In response, several local eateries are firing up their grills: Usually known for British fare, AGAINN offers two burgers during lunch Monday through Friday from 11:30 AM

453 K St. NW, which opened three months ago next door to Kushi in the gleaming City Vista Building.

We know that Paik Produce in Eastern Market sells bulgogi and kimchee to go, several pan-Asian restaurants serve Korean dishes, and Mandu has a parent restaurant near Dupont Circle. But we usually had to cross the river to Arlington or drive farther out to Annandale’s Little Korea for a sitdown Korean meal. Not any longer. We checked out Mandu and loved it. The decor is sparse and sort of zen. Flooring appears to be bamboo and the walls are decorated with memory boxes which are wooden containers commonly found in Asia to hold mementoes from ancestors.

to 2:30 PM. The Virginia Grass Fed Beef Burger is topped with caramelized onions and farmstead cheddar on a house-made brioche bun, while the Fish Burger is served with marinated tomato, pickled fennel, and saff ron aioli on a brioche bun. Both are served with a choice of chips or house salad, and priced between $14 and $15 each. AGAINN is located at 1099 New York Ave. NW (between New York Ave. and K Street on 11th). Call 202-639-9830.

Asian flair We’ve discovered a couple of new places (sort of ) in Mid City, and both are Asian: Near Mount Vernon Square is Mandu (Korean for dumpling), at

Memory boxes are part of the décor at Mandu, 453 K St. NW. Photo courtesy: Mandu

Soju – a mild Korean liquor similar to vodka -- is available by the bottle or incorporated into cocktails like Asojutinis and even yogurt. Soju goes well in bloody Marys, garnished with pickled cucumbers.

Those crunchy cukes also appear on Mandu’s pickled vegetable plate, which also have potatoes, red bell peppers, broccoli and eggplant. We shared an appetizer of six shrimp filled steamed dumplings, accompanied by a soy-like dipping sauce. Peter went for the kimchee soup, which was not as spicy as we had feared. The cabbage was laced with tofu and pork morsels. I de-

interior is richly appointed with teak trim, as well as graceful Southeast Asian images of gods and goddesses. Teakwood’s extensive menu showcases chicken satay, shrimp tempura, spicy Thai soups, mango salad, and myriad noodle and rice entrees. Desserts are headed by the addictive sticky rice and mango, plus green tea and mango ice cream. The menu also has a full page of sushi and sashimi, offered ala carte or as combos. A full bar pours a wide range of beers, wines, and sakes. Teakwood is open daily; call 202-290-1656 or www.teakwooddc.com

A favorite at Masa 14 is the Al Pastor Taco. Photo Credit: Chris Banks

cided on bulgogi, deliciously marinated rib eye served sizzling hot on a cast iron platter flanked by grilled veggies and served with white rice.

Our lunch, with a drink apiece, came to a reasonable $42, considering that we had enough food to take home for next day’s lunch.

Mandu is open daily for lunch and dinner, including Saturday and Sunday brunch. Call 202-289-6899 or visit www.mandudc.com Mid City’s other Oriental newcomer is six-month old Teakwood Thai and Sushi Bar, 1323 14th St. NW, near the U Street corridor.

True to its name, the restaurant’s

Let them eat pork Masa 14 now offers lechon asado (Latino-style roast pork), in addition to its Latin-Asian a la carte menu. For $25 per person, guests may choose pork (or beef ) accompanied by Latin-Asian sidesBincluding include black beans, cilantro rice, fried yucca. and seasonal vegetables.

Available Sundays from 5 to 11 p.m., lechon asado is served family style for parties of two or more, and is also be available individually upon request. Masa 14 is located at 1825 14th St. NW; call 202-3281414 or www.masa14.com. ◆ capitalcommunitynews.com ◆ 19

out and about

+ Shopping

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

by Scott Fazzini

Nana

After having built a loyal client base on U Street, Jackie Flannigan decided to relocate her shop to Mount Pleasant. Nana’s new digs are airy, open, and smartly merchandised.

The shop offers new and vintage clothing and accessories for the ladies, and a few things for babies, too.

Jackie’s also a patron of the arts, and graciously offers her shop as a platform for local artists and designers to showcase their work. Most recently she’s invited local artist Katharine Watson to create and sell her hand block print stationary ($14 - $16), journals, totes, and more. Also on display is a collection of hand-made jewelry by local designer Daisy McClellan who creates pieces out of found and salvaged odds-and-ends, like a beautifully chic rock crystal necklace ($48) composed of remnants from a discarded chandelier. Over in the kids department, Jackie offers the most adorable stuffed animals from Tiger Flight created by local artist Beth Baldwin. One gaze upon the woolen anteater ($49.), and I was instantly smitten.

In terms of clothing, Nana serves up a veritable smorgasbord of thoughtfully collected pieces ranging from a wispy, romantic, vintage, mint-green chiffon nightgown cum cocktail dress ($38) to an insanely chic tailored dress constructed entirely of discarded mens shirting/suiting by Preloved.

The fashionable residents of the District love Jackie and Nana, but wouldn’t we lover her even more if she’d pick up some men’s lines, too!

Match

Another new shop on U Street, Match is a ladies boutique that offers a nice assortment of trendy little numbers at almost unbelievably low prices. The quality and price point could be comparable to mega-chains such as Forever 21 and H&M, but has been edited down to a few thoughtful collections in a nicely displayed showroom.

A short navy shirtdress by Xtaren ($65) sports silver buttons and white piping lending to an overall feeling of sassy summer fun. Following in the same vein of sailing-inspired frocks, a navy belted jersey knit dress ($29) can easily take you from day to night --depending on how you merchandise it. For gals who appreciate a bit more edge Match offers an imitation leather motorcycle jacket ($89) and an entire table full of tough tights (ranging in price from $18-$25).

Match will be a good option for all of you gals who like to wear a different outfit each time you go out, but don’t want to spend a fortune looking haught.

20 ◆ Midcity DC | May 2011

Rock it Again

Rock it again might be one of the newest kids on the block on the increasingly vintage-filled U Street, but the husband and wife team have been peddling their pieces at Eastern Market for years before deciding to take the leap and open a brick-and-mortar shop. Their focus is ‘wearable vintage’, as opposed to costume vintage, and is easily noticeable as you enter the store.

One of the most attractive features of this shop, to me, is the huge amount of menswear. Racks of jackets (ranging from $60 - $80) stand alongside waistcoats ($25 - $35), the largest collection of braces ($18 - $25) that I’ve ever seen, and mounds of neckties. This is a great spot for all the dandies about town, and will surely act as a piazza where said dandies will be able to mingle with other like-minded gentleman.

The ladies department, equal in both style and quantity of goods, is a feast of classic designs. The owners mentioned that they can’t seem to keep enough vintage Ferragamo and Bally flats (generally around $95) in stock. This is DC after all, and no matter how stylish we might be, we’ll always embrace tradition. Any of you ladies out there who appreciate that Jackie ‘O’ or Audrey Hepburn style will be pleasantly surprised by the quality, selection, and price point.

Rock it again is a true original in the ever-increasing vintage niche around U Street, and is sure to delight and inspire all of us for years to come.

Millennium

Those of you who share an affinity of mid-century modern furniture are, I assume, quite familiar with Millennium.

This quaint little subterranean shop has been a destination for collectors, designers, and consummate consumers since 1992.

They generally have on hand a lot of the standard classics; Noguchi-style coffee table ($525), Nelson-style wood slat bench ($365), and a beautiful Heywood Wakefield lounge chair and ottoman ($525) to name a few. This is also a great spot for lighting and home accessories. I found a chrome adjustable Koch & Lowy floor lamp ($165) that would be perfectly suited in any environment. There are certain design staples that transcend the limited confines of a specific design genre. Their product, however, is not rigidly classic mid-century they offer a bit of cute kitsch, too.

The product at Millennium, like most other antique/ vintage shops in DC, changes from week-to-week, and sells quickly. I suggest that you shop Millennium often and with strong volition. ◆ capitalcommunitynews.com ◆ 21

out and about

+ Music

JAZZ AVES New space, warm sounds On a warm night in late April, the revival of a once prominent commercial and entertainment district continued as the jazz patrons filed steadily into HR-57on H Street to hear the Saltman Knowles quartet. Doug Pierce was out front on trumpet blowing hot lines while pianist William Knowles rippled along to the melody behind him, with bassist Mark Saltman and drummer Jimmy Jackson helping out on a bluesy romp.

This room with high ceilings is the new home of HR-57, the venerable and resilient hot spot for jazz now in its fourth location since it first opened many years ago on 9th St, NW not far from Shiloh Baptist Church.

The tune ended and the crowd applauded and Jackson -- a large man with an impish grin, known as Junebug-took the microphone. “Thank you ... and welcome to HR-57, thanks for coming out,” said Jackson. “What a great new spot, huh?”

More applause and cheers. Jackson introduced the band, and told the crowd about the jam sessions on Wednesdays and Thursdays ... then he put the mike back, looked over at pianist Knowles, who nodded and started playing another tune and Jackson and the rest joined in.

“It’s great, it’s a great neighborhood,” said HR-57 owner Tony Puesan a little later, standing on the sidewalk just outside the club’s front door. “We had been asked by the neighborhood association for years to come over here and help raise up the neighborhood, so this has been in the works for a while.

We didn’t feel it was the right time until now.

“We’re getting a great mix, there’s 22 ◆ Midcity DC | May 2011

by Steve Monroe a lot of older and young people coming through. And the association has worked hard to help the retailers in the area and the other retailers are very supportive also.”

Inside, Pierce was blowing some more hot licks to close out the tune, “Rhythm Changes,” and the crowd clapped. Jackson took the mike once again.

“We’ll be right back after a short pause … alright, you having a good time?” Applause and shouts. “Drink up,” said Jackson, grinning, “…the more you drink the better we’re gonna sound!” Laughs and more applause.

During the break, Jackson said he was originally from Michigan, and was the drummer for the late organ legend Jimmy Smith for 21 years. He said of the previous HR-57 location, “I was there many times, used to play the jam sessions there. I love this [new location]…I like it a lot better than the other one. It’s more intimate… you can get close to people. I think a jazz club has to be intimate and not spread all out.” See hr57.org for more information and schedules.

Legends at the Caverns May is special at Bohemian Caverns with the coming of living legends Ron Carter and Pharoah Sanders.

Now the elder statesman of the bass, Carter is to play with his Golden Striker Trio, with Mulgrew Miller on piano and Russell Malone on guitar.

Carter has played with everyone who is anyone, including Miles Davis, Eric Dolphy, Randy Weston, Wes Montgomery and Cannonball Adderley just to name a few, and has led his own groups for years as well.

Sanders is at the Caverns the week after Carter. Best known for his “The

A first lady of the jazz song, Dee Dee Bridgewater, hosts the 16th annual Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Festival May 19-21 at the Kennedy Center

Creator has a Master Plan” recording, Sanders first became known as a force in the music while playing in the early 1960s with luminaries like Sun Ra, Don Cherry and Billy Higgins. He formed his own groups after that -- and also began an acclaimed association with John Coltrane.

May Highlights: Michelle Webb, May 12, Twins Jazz …Lavenia Nesmith, Paul Carr, May 13, Westminster Church … Ron Carter, May 1921, Bohemian Caverns … Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Festival, May 19-21, Kennedy Center … Michael Thomas Quintet, May 20, Westminster Church … Steve Washington Quartet, May 21, Mandarin Oriental Hotel …

Blue Note Soul: From Bop to Boogaloo!, May 22, Bohemian Caverns … Pharoah Sanders, May 26-28, Bohemian Caverns … Thad Wilson Quartet, May 27, Westminster Church …

Sharon Clark, May 29, Blues Alley …

That time again …

The DC Jazz Festival will host a number of Latin jazz artists at this year’s festival, June 1-13, including legendary pianist/composer Eddie Palmieri and his All-Star Salsa Orchestra and Chilean vocalist Claudia Acuña.

DC Jazz Festival Executive Producer Charles Fishman said in a statement, “Latin jazz has been, and continues to be, a core highlight of the festival since its inception, exciting audiences and showcasing traditional Latin rhythms and its saucy international flavor.”

Other headliners include Bobby McFerrin, trumpeter Roy Hargrove, the Heath Brothers, Cyrus Chestnut, Antonio Hart and JD Allen. See dcjazzfest.org. ◆

May Birthdays: Shirley Horn 1; Richard “Groove” Holmes 2; John Lewis 3; Ron Carter 4; Mary Lou Williams 8; King Oliver 11; Red Garland 13; Jackie McLean 17; Fats Waller 21; Sun Ra 22; Archie Shepp 24; Miles Davis 25; Hilton Ruiz 29, Benny Goodman 30; Louis Hayes 31.

capitalcommunitynews.com â—† 23

the nose

by Anonymous

L

ike a drunken gambler, the District appears to have stumbled into yet another fiscal crisis. Having recently completed his tax returns, The Nose intimately understands the government’s predicament.

In his humble opinion, dealing with one’s accountant is better done after the ingestion of a minimum of three neat bourbons. After all, Elmer T. Lee is The Nose’s best friend.

However, even in the midst of an alcohol-induced fugue state, The Nose never loses sight of the Golden Rule of Accounting, “Expenditures Must Always Equal Income.” So, why is it, The Nose asks, that our mayor and councilmembers are never able to duplicate this feat?

Living up to his moniker, Mayor Vincent “The Undertaker” Gray has proposed raising the top bracket of the income tax. However, if the Mayor was really serious about distributing the pain, here are a few more revenue enhancements that he might consider.

There are many furry citizens of this fair metropolis who completely escape the eagle eye of the District’s Department of Tax and Revenue. Let’s start with our friend, the neighborhood squirrel. Why should someone who spends all day collecting nuts and chewing holes in roofs of people’s houses get a free ride? The Nose suggests these cute miscreants be tagged and taxed a nut apiece. If any of these varmints protest, drop them off in the great state of Virginia, where folks still consider them a tasty appetizer.

It is important not to discriminate just against Rocky. What about those canines who are costing The District thousands in dog park construction bills? Give the Metropolitan Police authority to check for DC dog licenses on demand. Fine the ones found without and doubly penalize their owners for every necessity left on the street curb un-bagged.

Why stop at dogs and spare the cats? Felines must pay their fair share as well. License their litter boxes. Authorize the Department of Health to do spot checks. No tag, seize the offender and dump out the contents.

Now that The Nose has alienated the local wildlife, cat ladies and all ‘dog people,’ let’s get right to the point about the real cause of our budget explosion--children. Yes, Dear Readers, if all District male residents were all legally required to get a vasectomy and while their female counterparts received a tubal ligation (Google that, my Dears!), it would significantly reduce District’s school age population over time.

The Nose fears the knife as much as the next man. What about taxing kids in true mainland Chinese fashion, or bringing back the workhouse? Let them pay for their own schools. Oliver Twist managed to ask for more.

No more need for expensive school modernization. Good riddance to poor performing teachers, in fact educators, in general. Sell all the play24 ◆ Midcity DC | May 2011

grounds to developers. No need to dodge strollers near Eastern Market. In truth, The District would become an adult paradise, sort of like Las Vegas, but with Internet gambling.

Dear Readers, caution before grabbing a pen and venting your spleen on this poor satirist. The Nose, at least, did not ‘modestly propose’ that residents dine on their progeny.

In truth, The District must soak all its residents equally if it is to avoid a Congressional incursion. With apologies to the Fab Four, this song states it most eloquently: Let me tell you how it will be, Five minutes for you, five quarters for me, ‘Cause I’m the District, Yeah, I’m the District.

Should eight-point-five percent appear too small, Be thankful I don’t take it all.

‘Cause I’m the District, Yeah, I’m the District.

(If you drive a car), I’ll tax the street, (If you go to theater), I’ll tax your seat, (If you dine out), I’ll tax your eats, (If you take a walk), I’ll tax your feet.

District.

‘Cause I’m the District, Yeah, I’m the District.

Don’t ask me what I want it for (Transparency? Mayor Gray!)

If you don’t want to pay some more ( Ja woh! Chair Brown!), ‘Cause I’m the District, Yeah, I’m the District.

Now my advice for those who die, (District!)

Put two smart cards on your eyes, (District!)

‘Cause I’m the District, Yeah, I’m the District.

And you’re slaving for no-one but me, (District!).

Remember, Dear Readers, a hearty belt makes writing a check to the taxman much easier.

Have a comment for The Nose? Email thenose@hillrag.com. ◆

your neighborhood

+ The Numbers

A “One City” Budget? Not a Chance

by Ed Lazere MAYOR’s PROPOSED FY 2010 GENERAL FUND BUDGET Government Direction 6%

Economic Development* 2%

Finance 16% Public Safety 16%

Public Works 9%

Human Services & Other Low Income Programs 26%

Education 25%

*Other low-income programs include the following agencies removed from Economic Development: Employment Services, Housing and Community Development, Housing Authority and Housing Protection Trust Fund

PROPOSED FY 2012 BUDGET CUTS FALL MOST HEAVILY ON HUMAN SERVICES & OTHER LOW-INCOME PROGRAMS Public Works 5%

Government Direction 7%

Economic Development* 2 %

Public Safety 9%

Education 9%

Human Services & Other Low Income Programs* 67%

26 ◆ Midcity DC | May 2011

DC

may be starting to recover from the Great Recession, but the news hasn’t trickled down to the city’s finances yet. Mayor Gray just proposed his first budget — for 2012 — with the city facing yet another big shortfall due to the lingering effects of the economic downturn.

Gray took some different steps from his predecessor, perhaps most notably by calling for a tax increase on higherincome households. But that still wasn’t enough to prevent a number of steep cuts.

DC Public Schools will not get enough to keep up with rising teacher salaries.

The Metropolitan Police Department will struggle to keep the number of sworn officers from dipping. And libraries will get less money for books and will close the main MLK on Sundays.

But the biggest cuts – two-thirds of them – would fall on services for lowincome and other vulnerable residents.

Children and residents with disabilities would be especially hurt, with cuts to homeless services, income assistance for needy families, mental health services for children, and assistance to residents with disabilities who are waiting for federal disability benefits to be approved.

More important, Gray’s first budget lacks a vision. It fails to address the challenges of an economically divided city.

He campaigned on the need to tackle unemployment — which makes sense given that unemployment remains at recession levels — yet his budget has no notable jobs initiatives. Affordable housing would be shortchanged even though

gentrification continues to spread and more and more DC families are finding it hard to stay. While school funding would remain relatively stable, educational outcomes will be undermined if more children come to school from homes facing troubles.

It is Not a “One-City” Budget Some argue that at least the budget spreads the pain by asking higherincome residents to pay more in taxes.

Some Council members think the tax increases go too far and should be undone.

A closer look shows that the increases are relatively modest – less than 0.25% of income for families up to $500,000, for example. Gray’s revenue proposals also include closing tax shelters used by large multi-states corporations, which is long overdue.

The following is the DC Fiscal Policy Institute’s early take on the budget. More information is available from the DCFPI “Budget Toolkit” at www.dcfpi.org.

A Budget that Is Still Shrinking DC’s tax collections are growing for the first time in three years, as the economy starts to rebound. But the hole in DC’s finances created by the recession was deep, and both revenues and spending next year still will be a lot lower than before the downturn.

Mayor Gray’s proposed budget for 2012 is a little larger than in 2011, but that largely reflects rising school enrollments, the need to replace over $100 million in federal stimulus dollars that will run out, and accounting changes.

Putting these together, funding for most services in 2012 would be lower than in 2011. Gray’s first budget is $400 million smaller in inflation-adjusted dollars than in 2008.

Budget Cuts that Hurt Given the economics he faced, it is not surprising that Gray’s budget reflects another round of cuts. These cuts are signs that the recession continues to make it hard to maintain basic city services.

Schools: DC Public Schools’ funding will go up, mostly due to enrollment increases and added funds for special education. Funding for basic school operations would go up, too, by $18 million.

But that is less than the $23 million rise in teacher pay, which means many schools will have to cope with less in real terms.

Police: The MPD budget would drop just slightly in 2012, but it includes funding to hire 120 more police officers. But even so, the department is having trouble maintaining the number of sworn officers at the level they would like.

Public Works: Gray proposes eliminating 100 positions sanitation positions and charging residents for their SuperCans.

These reductions, while serious, pale in comparison with the proposed cuts to services that provide basic support to the city’s most needy residents.

Homeless services: Homelessness among children is up nearly 50 percent, and DC is already turning away some fami-

lies with children due to limited funds, yet Gray’s budget would cut homeless services funding by one-fifth.

People with disabilities: Residents applying for federal disability benefits often wait more than a year for approval. Because most are unable to work, DC and 37 states provide modest cash assistance benefits during the waiting period. Mayor Gray would eliminate DC’s program, cutting 1,000 residents off from their sole source of income.

Housing: After a short hiatus, rents in DC are rising again.

Yet Gray’s budget would take away $18 million from housing construction, and he would make the city’s housing wait list grow even longer.

Families with children: Mayor Gray would push benefits down for 7,000 families with children on welfare, but without increasing training or child care that families need to successfully move to living-wage jobs.

Mental Health Services: The 2012 budget would increase funding for youth detention but reduce funding for children’s mental health services. Everyone should see what is wrong with that picture.

Tax Increases: Who Pays?

Mayor Gray proposed closing a little less than half of the city’s budget gap with new revenues, which kept the budget cuts from being even worse. A closer look shows that many of the choices are reasonable, despite some of

the hoopla against them.

Income Tax Increase: Right now, DC’s current top income tax rate of 8.5% -- starts at just $40,000. Gray proposes a new rate of 8.9% for those with incomes above $200,000 and to limit the amount of itemized deductions these households can claim. The total impact is less than $400 on average for families up to $350,000 and under $1,000 for families up to $500,000. It works out to less than one-fourth of one percent of income for these households.

Other taxes raised in recent year have fallen squarely on middle- and lower-income households — sales tax, gasoline, and cigarettes, among others.

Parking tax: Gray proposes raising the rate on parking garages from 12% to 18%, consistent with tax rates in New York and Philly. A good share of parking taxes are paid by non-residents, and higher parking taxes may promote public transit.

Corporate Taxes: The Mayor’s budget would implement a set of rules — known as “combined reporting” — that limit the ability of multi-state corporations to shelter income and avoid paying taxes to DC. The budget also changes the formula for DC’s corporate tax that puts greater emphasis on businesses that sell a lot in DC but don’t have a large physical presence.

Beyond that, Gray would raise the minimum tax businesses in DC pay from $100 – which hasn’t been changed in 30 years – to $250 for smaller businesses and

$1,000 for larger ones. With a majority currently paying just the minimum, this is a sound change

Needed: A Budget That Brings the District Together Gray’s budget has two gaping failings. First, it fails to see that investments in education, public safety, and human services need to go hand in hand – that cuts in one area make it hard to achieve success in another. His efforts to put more cops on the street or better teachers in the classroom won’t be as successful as possible if families are less stable.

Second, the Gray budget does little to address the great economic divide DC has known for years but that seems to be getting worse. Gentrification continues in many DC neighborhoods, in some cases fueled by public investments — such as streetcars. Helping DC residents stay in their neighborhoods and benefit from the city’s growth requires investing in job training and preserving affordable housing, among others. Yet Mayor Gray hasn’t put together a plan or put city resources behind either (other than a modest funding increase for the new-ish community college).

It is surprising, and a bit disappointing, from someone who wants to build “One City.”

Lazere is the executive director of the DC Fiscal Policy Institute (www. dcfpi.org), which conducts research on tax and budget issues that affect low- and moderate-income DC residents. ◆

capitalcommunitynews.com ◆ 27

your neighborhood

Logan Circles

by Mark F. Johnson

New Condos Coming to a Corner Near U The movie version of 14th Streets’s transformation might be called “Dial R for Renovation.”

The most recent residential development news is of PN Hoffman’s intentions to turn the Verizon, formerly, C&P (Chesapeake and Potomac) telephone switching station at the northwest corner of 14th and R Streets, into yet another midrise condominium with “yupperdly mobile” retail on the ground level.

Word is that the fairly large building will have about 30 to 40 units for sale sometime in 2012.

That is about the time that JBG’s District Condos is slated for delivery a block up the street at 14th and S. One difference between the two projects is that District Condos is looking for several retailers for their street-level shops while PN Hoffman apparently just wants one for its 1000 sq ft space.

Project designers, Eric Colbert & Associates have worked on nearby Floridian at Florida Avenue near 9th Street, and the Lofts in Adams-Morgan. The building currently has a very industrial look as do so many on 14th Street. It will be interesting to see how they work that into the final design.

Directly across the street from the PN Hoffman project, another new residence is on the way on the southwest corner on what is now a parking lot. This project, which has been mentioned by this writer before, has been on hold for over a year but is now said to be back on track with new owner Loford LLC. Bonstra/Haresign Architects 28 ◆ Midcity DC | May 2011

is behind the 7-story, 30,000 sq. ft. project’s design. They say plans call for a 6,000 sq. ft. parking lot on top of the building and about 31 or 32 units below. Retail space is of course part of the package.

of Harrison Recreation Center at 1330 V Street between 13th and 14th. Films begin around 8pm.

Crowds were pretty good at films last year and one benefit is that you get to see your neighbors.

U Street Summer Movie Series

The Ninth Time’s the Charm??

The outdoor free movie festival just off U Street has announced the line up for the second season.

The former Halo, located at 1435 P Street, next door to Stoney’s cafe and across from Whole Foods

the Fireplace, but you can’t actually feel the heat at that bar. At least not the heat from the fireplace! It will be interesting to see how the different gay subgroups come together at this new spot. It often seemed like a very frigid melting pot at Halo.

One thing about the name #9 is that it conjures up memories of gay clubs of bygone decades that often had names that evoked ultra masculinity and men in uniform.

However, that “stereotype” seems to have given way in these more recent years.

Room & Board’s Party on the Roof

Room and Board Rooftop party had a steel band playing

The series, says organizer Brian Weaver, just off his recent loss in the campaign for the At-Large City Council seat won by oldtimer Vincent Orange, runs from May 24 through Oct. The series begins with “Mr Smith Goes to Washington” and ends with “Waiting for Superman,” the documentary about Michelle Rhee’s efforts to reform District public schools.

Films are shown on the grounds

is now #9, U/14’s latest gay-oriented cocktail bar. While it sounds like a fire engine company, it is actually the 9th establishment started by the team who most recently brought us Town dance boutique and Velvet Nation years before that. Say g’bye to Halo’s ultra modern decor and prepare to enter a more plush space.

They even have a fireplace here. Of course, there is already a gay bar several blocks away on P Street called

It may just be a matter of time before Room & Board at 14th and T, becomes a major party destination with a sideline in selling furuniture. With such a great rooftop view of much of the city, no wonder the store’s parties are packed. A recent patio party was kind of an early first birthday celebration for the store which opened in June 2010. Since then, the store has had numerous parties in its quite beautiful three-story space.

The added on rooftop represents a new, fourth-level to the historic building that the company refashioned into its DC store.

Among the cheers of partiers munching on appetizing bites and sipping cocktails on a run-upto-summer Tuesday night was a tasteful tinkling of glasses to the end of an era of evil at the recent news of Osama Bin Laden’s death at the hands of US forces. On such a fun night in probably the most fun part of town, it was hard to imagine that evil could and does still exist in the world. ◆

14U

14th and U

by Catherine Finn

Smucker’s Farm to Market Store to Open

During May through November, U Street area residents are blessed with a farmers market that features fresh, local produce, meat, dairy, and goods. There have always been a few problems: it’s only open for four hours on a Saturday, and it’s closed half of the year. Well, for those looking for the farmer’s market experience year-round, all week, a new business is ready to provide Smucker Farms, a farm to market store, will be opening at 2118 14th Street, near the intersection of W Street. The store hoped to open by the end of April, but it looks like there opening date will be sometime in May. The store will provide goods from small farmers and producers, from mostly Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Their shelves will be stocked with grass fed beef, free-range poultry and eggs, heirloom pork, European style cheeses, butters, and yogurts, organic leafy greens, root vegetables, and fruit. They will also carry a wide variety of baked goods, canned products, dry goods, and handmade soaps.

And if you’re too busy to cook, Smucker Farms will even be selling pre-made, healthy meals made in Lancaster County. Beyond more traditional grocery shopping, you can also participate in Smucker Farms offered Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, which will provide subscribers with a weekly variety of fresh produce and fruit from the Amish and Mennonite farmers in Lancaster. To further the Amish feel, handmade Amish furniture and toys will be featured in the store.

If that weren’t enough, the store will also be offering wholesale options for restaurants and retail outfits.

The soon-to-come grocery store is the brain child of Eric Smucker, who grew up in Lancaster County and now lives in DC and missed the products of the farms of his youth. In fact, Smucker’s family first came to Lancaster County in the late 1700s and many of his ancestors farmed in the county.

Other Retail Changes Along 14th and U

Continuing the development of the upper part of 14th Street, a long vacant property on the 2200 block of 14th Street will become Piola. Piola, a restaurant based in Italy that has locations all over the world. The popular pizza joint’s closest location currently is in Arlington.

They hope to open at 2208 14th Street in the fall of 2011. The building, already partially renovated, still does need a lot of work before it can open as a restaurant – but all area residents are happy to see a business come to this location.

The restaurant will fill a 3,000-square-foot, two-level space with a garden patio area. The menu will be similar to the Arlington location, offering mostly pizzas, along with some pastas, salads, and specials. If you’ve been to the Arlington location you likely know of their L’Aperitivo happy hour. The happy hour features free food along with drink discounts.

U Street area residents will be happy to know that the happy hour deals will continue in the 14th Street location.

There are also more changes underway for the 1500 block of U Street. In closing news, local business RCKNDY (pronounced Rock Candy), a home decor store, that used to be located at 1515 U Street, has closed. Right now there is no word of what might open in the shuttered space.

Continuing the trend of the block being a fashion destination, another women’s boutique clothing store will be opening on the 1500 block of U Street. Match Clothing will be opening at 1526 U Street. The location used to house a hair braiding business. This location will be Match Clothing’s first, and while the store hasn’t publicized an opening date, it looks poised to open soon.

Catherine writes the neighborhood blog, U Street Girl. The blog covers happenings in the U Street corridor, whether they be cultural, artistic, epicurean, social, or lifestyle-related. You can read her blog at http://ustreetgirl.wordpress.com. ◆

capitalcommunitynews.com ◆ 29

your neighborhood

Bb

Bloomingdale Bytes

by Eleanor Gourley and Emma Scott

S

pring has finally come to Bloomingdale! During two weekends in mid-April neighbors have gathered together outside of Rustik Tavern and Big Bear Café respectively for springcleaning, flower planting, and general springtime merriment. In taking a lesson from our neighborhood, Emma and I have decided to use this article as a time to talk about several smaller, but noteworthy, subjects that have accumulated over the winter.

Recent Neighborhood Violence As everyone has probably already heard, there has been a recent surge of violence in the area.

Early in the afternoon of April 17th two men were shot outside of Shaw Metro. It seems that this event was a random act of violence but not much follow up information has been released on the subject. Four days later, two young men were shot at 14th and

V Street NW. Police indicate the V Street shooting could be related to gang violence. We are saddened by the news of these events and shocked not only by the seemingly safe hours of the day in which the incidents occurred but also by the lack of information released regarding both shootings.

Dunbar Reborn In more positive news, the District decided in December to expedite the renovation of Dunbar Senior High School. Pushing Dunbar to the front of the list has caused delays in other school renovations furthering frustrations with the DC government, but it is exciting news for our neighborhood and the students who will benefit from a new facility that doesn’t resemble a prison. In the past several years, Dunbar has received almost exclusively negative media attention for problems ranging from sexual and gang violence to poor administration.

Officials hope the renovation will

act as a catalyst for positive changes in the school—everything from academic achievement to student morale.

The $100 million plan would entail demolishing the existing building, constructing a cluster of several smaller buildings oriented on the eastern boarder of the property, installing a turf field, and new indoor athletic facilities.

Despite recent budget concerns facing the DC government, all

Farmers Market Returns

With May comes the return of the Bloomingdale Farmers Market, located on 1st and R Street (right outside of Big Bear).

We are looking forward to buying local, ditching chain super markets (although we love the new Harris Teeter) and experimenting with fresh ingredients. While this market is smaller than some of

In honor of the Farmer’s Market, Local Lettuce

An exterior view of Dunbar SHS which will be demolished 30 ◆ Midcity DC | May 2011

signs indicate the renovation will maintain its current schedule and begin this summer. Not only will this change visibly improve this corner of the neighborhood and the overall educational experience offered by the high school, but also, we hope it will encourage Bloomingdale residents to become more familiar and involved with the Dunbar community. We are certainly willing to bear the noise and construction vehicles if the students are given a better opportunity succeed.

the other ones in DC, we find the charm and the location unbeatable. In honor of eating local and the farmer market season, we’re pledging (in true Julie and Julia fashion) to explore one recipe each month either supplied by vendors or inspired a specific food. Each month you’ll get to read a blurb about our culinary endeavors and receive a copy of the recipe….

Maybe one day, once we become master chefs, you’ll see us with a booth selling our creations. ◆

Shaw wS Street Streets ts

by Ralph Brabham The stand is open n Tuesday nights from 5 to 7 p.m.

Community Grows at the Marion Street Garden A once forlorn lot at 1517 Marion Street, NW, is now a well tended community garden known as the Marion Street Intergenerational Garden. The garden just celebrated its first birthday and already has a track record of offering educational opportunities for neighborhood children, youth, adults and families. And, of course, it provides the area with a beautiful green space filled with flowers and edible goodness.

The garden is a project of City Blossoms, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to working with schools, neighborhood groups, community centers and other organizations to create spaces for children to use their creativity and combined strength and skills to learn how to grow and maintain fantastic yet functioning gardens.

Through much practice, City Blossoms has developed a holistic model that uses gardening as a tool to interweave four concepts that can help participants become active stewards of their communities. The owner of the property generously agreed to a long-term lease, thus ensuring that the Marion Street Intergenerational Garden will be around for years to come.

There are a variety of ways to become involved with the garden.

Notably, every Tuesday and Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m., the garden has “open times,” during which one can work with adult volunteers to learn about composting, cultivating vegetables, herbs and flowers, recipes utilizing the crops, basic pest management techniques, and

Tenth Stree Street et Park Opens

Tulips in bloom in the 1500 block of 9th St. Credit: Ralph Brabham

In 2008, a group of neighbors banded together and determined to turn an under-utilized and unkempt city owned parcel on 10th St. into a neighborhood park. They formed a nonprofit known as the Friends of Tenth Street Park. Their common vision was to turn the land into “a positive element of the neighborhood, featuring green space, trees, and benches that can be used by residents as low-impact recreation space.

With the help of Mayor Fenty, Councilman Evans and countless

other garden-based knowledge.

There are also volunteer workdays from time to time, like one that recently occurred on April 18. Learn more about ways to get involved at the garden on City Blossom’s web page, http://cityblossoms.org/.

A new feature at the garden in 2011 is a youth-run herb Community Supported Agriculture (“CSA”), the only youth run CSA in the city. Every week, youth ages 12 to 14 will cultivate, harvest, market and demonstrate uses for the herbs in the garden. Twenty shareholders have signed up to receive a bunch of herbs every other week for the duration of the growing season. City Blossoms is testing out this program in an effort to determine ways to involve the community in sustaining the garden, as well as giving youth participants skills and opportunities to shine.

Additionally, the Marion Street Garden will have a weekly garden stand selling seedlings and surplus produce from the garden for anyone who wants to come On Sunday, April 17, the Marion Street Garden hosted its first “Big by and support the space. Workday” of the season. Credit: Richard Bloom

others, their vision became a reality. Construction commenced in September 2010 and wrapped up in early April.

A The park p includes a water feature, scu sculptural ulptural play elements for children,, a grass lawn, benches, tables and an chairs, and a variety of plantings that will fill out in years to come, buffering the adjacent alley and making m the park a serene oasis in the t city. Quotes from nonotable his historic storic figures, such as Dr Dr. r.

Carter G. G Woodson, can be found d etched in i stone throughout thee park.

Also in the park is a memorial al to longtime neighborhood activist st h and friend Connie Maffin, which was sponsored by her husband d, husband, Bob Maffin and the Maffin Me Me-morial Fund. Mrs. Maffin was a well-known and beloved membe er member of the D.C. community until her passing in 2009.

The Friends of the Tenth Street Park hosted grand opening event on Sunday, April 18th. The event featured an egg hunt, egg roll, light refreshments and a visit by a special bunny guest!

Ninth Street in Bloom This April, tree boxes in the 1300, 1400, and 1500 blocks of 9th exploded with color from over 1,000 tulips. The tulips are the result of two consecutive years of fall tulip plantings, organized by Shaw Main Streets and Old City Green and executed by a handful of volunteers.

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the tree boxes 9th Street have transformed into well kept elements of the streetscape. In 2007, Shaw Main Streets caused iron tree box guards to be installed in all boxes from N Street to Florida Avenue. Volunteers have weeded, mulched and planted liriope at Shaw Main Streets’ annual Keep Shaw Beautiful Days.

In 2009, volunteers planted roughly 800 red and purple tulips, supplemented the soil with nutrients, and mulched 32 tree boxes on 9th Street between N and Rhode Island Avenue. About fifteen volunteers -- including Shaw business owners, residents and parishioners from Shiloh Baptist Church -- came together to work on the project.

Following a particularly rough winter of early 2010 (Snowmageddon) that took a toll on the tulips previously planted, the organizers decided to supplement the prior fall’s planting with additional tulip bulbs last November. Roughly 400 tulips bulbs were added to the tree boxes in the three block area.

The result is an undeniably welcoming and attractive corridor, enjoyable to residents and visitors alike (maybe the Obama family – which attended Easter morning services at Shiloh Baptist Church – caught a glimpse of the street’s beauty!). ◆

Spring in Shaw Text and Photos by Alexander M. Padro

O

n April 24, 2011, President Barack Obama and the first family attended Easter Sunday services at Shiloh Baptist Church, 1500 9th Street, NW. While Obama is not the first sitting president to worship at the historic black church (Ronald W. Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and William J. Clinton also did so), Pastor Wallace C. Smith and his congregation were especially proud to host the nation’s first African American president.

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Drinking for a Good Cause: Happy hour fundraiser at the Passenger supported Shaw Main Streets.

Shaw Main Streets hosted a well-attended happy hour fundraiser at the Passenger (1021 7th Street, NW, www.passengerdc.com) on April 25th, with 10% of sales during the three hours being donated by the bar to SMS. Organized by new SMS Board Chair Ralph Brabham, the event included a silent auction for a reservation for opening night at the new Blagden Alley restaurant, Rogue 24 (www.rogue24.com), and hotel stays in French Streeters of all ages dig in and plant perennials in the new French Street Park.

New York City and Hawaii. First time visitors and neighborhood regulars alike enjoyed the bartenders’ cocktail artistry and the tasty bar food, including kimchi hot dogs, muffuletta sandwiches, and pork cheek nachos.

French Street Cleanup The French Street Neighbors Association’s annual spring cleanup and planting event on April 30th was a big deal, since the order of the day was planting perennials in the almost competed park at the northeast corner of 10th and French Streets, NW. The former urban renewal-era pocket park, minus its concrete step pyramid, has been transformed by the Department of Parks and Recreation into an oasis after decades of neglect. Neighbors and entire families worked together to plant hundreds of plants that should look stunning by the time the park formally opens in another month. ◆

kids and family

+ Notebook

by Kathleen Donner

Campers enjoy an exciting canoe odyssey on the Potomac River. Photo courtesy of Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington

picture books, easy readers, juvenile fiction, children’s DVDs and audio books, and computers with Internet access and Microsoft applications. The expansive nonfiction collection will appeal to kids up to age 16. The diverse collections include resources in Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese and German. Children’s Division staff are dedicated to working with youth and their adult caregivers in an empowering and affirming way and are experts in locating appropriate materials for customers. The Children’s Division is open to kids to age 13 and the adults in their lives. 901 G St. NW. 202-7270321. dclibrary.org/about/mlk

Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington Camp Brown

Public Art for Me and You

Camp Brown has been operated by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington for 74 years. They provide seven open-enrollment sessions to urban youth ages 7-13 wishing to experience the great outdoors. The campground is located adjacent to the Potomac River in Scotland, Maryland. Campers can enjoy a range of activities including fishing, arts & crafts, hiking, karaoke, softball and theatrical acting/performance. $150 for DC residents. Payment plans available. For more information, call Jasmine Taylor, Camp Brown Registrar at 202-5402307. bgcgw.org

Join the Capital City Dragons Youth Team The Capital City Dragons youth dragon boat team for teens is looking for new members for the 2011 season. Youth will learn to paddle a dragon boat, meet new people, get a great workout, and have fun. No experience is required. The 2011 youth membership fee is $60 but you can attend as many practices as you need to see if you like the sport and want to join the team. The fees go toward sustaining NCAWPA as a non-profit organization, covering paddler insurance costs, and maintaining boating and boathouse equipment.

Practice started in Apr. and

will continue every Sunday, 10:0011:30 AM. Practices will run once a week until it’s too cold to paddle (usually around Oct.), at the Anacostia Community Boathouse, 1900 M St. SE. Contact Sharon Hong at youth@ncawpa.org. capitalcitydragons.org

MLK Library Children’s Division Located on the second floor in a newly renovated, kid-friendly space (complete with restrooms and water fountain), the MLK Library Children’s Division offers young customers and their caregivers a wide selection of print, audiovisual and electronic resources, including board books,

On May 15, 1:00-2:30 PM, enjoy a guided walk through the National Building Museum’s neighborhood with a special focus on public art. Take in the art and architecture of the city, come back to the Museum to enjoy murals and mosaics in two of the Museum’s exhibitions, and make your very own craft to take home and enjoy. Recommended for ages 6, up. $15. 202-272-2448. nbm.org

providing Industrial Revenue Bonds. On June 11, they will be holding their Dragon Festival Gala and Auction on the new site.

The Parent Association Gala Committee focus is fundraising for the new playground.

202-635-1950. washingtonyuying.org

11th Annual Mt. Pleasant Youth Arts Fair and Art Walk The Mt. Pleasant Youth Arts Fair and Art Walk, May 4-31, will feature artwork from local schools and after school programs displayed in the neighborhood’s interim library and in businesses along the Mt. Pleasant St. NW commercial corridor. Artists, from pre-K through high school, will display their art in a variety of media around this year’s theme: “Springtime in Mt. Pleasant.”

An art walk map that highlights the exhibit locations will be available at the Mt. Pleasant Interim Library, 3162 Mt. Pleasant St. NW, and at Mt. Pleasant Care Pharmacy, 3169 Mt. Pleasant St. NW. For more information, contact Joanie Majeed, 202-244-4821 or joanarts@aol.com. mtpleasantbusiness.

Washington Yu Ying PCS Purchases 220 Taylor NE This site, including a beautiful Children’s Chorus of Greater Washington 1902 brick building set on three acres will be Yu Ying’s permanent Children’s Chorus of Washington home. They will be opening the 15th Anniversary Concert 2011-12 school year here on Sept.

Children’s Chorus of Washington 6. Work has already begun on the will celebrate its 15th Anniversary with a site. Charter Schools Develop- world premiere by Finnish composer Olli ment Corporation (CSDC) is the Kortekangas along with the international redeveloper. Eichberg Construction lease of The Great American Folksong CD, is the General Contractor. Russell produced under the guidance of GRAMMY Sears is the Architect. Financing is winners Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer and generously being provided by Ea- collaborators Kim & Reggie Harris, during a gleBank, CSDC, and the Office of special concert on Sunday, May 8, 4:00 PM the State Superintendent (OSSE). at National City Christian Church, 5 Thomas The District Government will be capitalcommunitynews.com ◆ 33

Circle. Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling CCW’s office at 202-237-1005 or online at instantseats.com. $25. adults, $50 reserved seating ($10 for kids 12 and under). childrenschorus.com

R Street Speaks On H Street The Theater Alliance is partnering with the Duke Ellington School of the Arts’ Literary Media & Communications Department to present a monthly premier showcase of Ellington students as part of the Hothouse on H series. Titled “R Street Speaks on H Street” this new series will provide a platform for young artists to share their work and engage with other students. The students are responsible for curating each month’s line up, including performances ranging from live painting, to jazz, dance, and vocal talents.

The effort provides an environment for youth to share their work and engage with others interested in the arts. R Street Speaks provides a positive, social outlet for young people to gather and discuss the issues they face. Through art they are able to speak truth to power, and change the dynamic of their city. On the second Tuesday of every month at the H Street Playhouse. rstspeaks. eventbrite.com

Five-Day Voices of Now Festival at Arena Stage Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater announces the performances of 10 youth ensembles from the Voices of Now Community Engagement program in the inaugural five-day Voices of Now Festival. The festival will bring together more than 100 local artists from ages 11 to 21 who live in DC, Maryland and Virginia and have been participating in workshops and rehearsals focused on movement, vocal expression, creativity and team work for the past eight months. Over this time the 10 ensemble groups have created original plays to be performed in the Arlene and Robert Kogod Cradle on May 25-29. “Voices of Now explores themes that are critical to its participants, and through transforming those issues into art they gain mastery over their experi34 ◆ Midcity DC | May 2011

ences,” says Director of Community Engagement Anita Maynard-Losh.

“This is important for all young people but particularly with groups who are moving through life challenges.

For example, in our partnership with CFSA [Child and Family Services Agency] we are working with youth who are aging out of foster care, and with Capital Hospice our ensemble is comprised of young people who have recently experienced the loss of a parent.” Tickets for the Voices of Now Festival are free, though reservations are required through the Arena Stage Sales Office at 202488-3300. arenastage.org

District of Columbia National Guard Youth Leaders’ Camp The District of Columbia National Guard Youth Leaders’ Camp is accepting applications for its annual residential summer camp. The camp is a 13 day residential leadership development program for boys and girls, ages 12-15, from the DC Metropolitan area. Since 1968, the District of Columbia National Guard, through its Annual Youth Leaders’ Camp has provided over 6000 students throughout the area the opportunity to learn and implement the principles of leadership, citizenship, and good sportsmanship through classroom discussions, competitive sports, and recreational activities. The 44th annual camp is July 5-16 at Camp Moss Hollow in Markham, VA. For more information call 202-685-9649 or visit youthleaderscamp.org, click on the Eligibility & Enrollment page for registration procedures and/or to download the Enrollment Application and other forms.

DC United Kids’ Day at RFK Saturday, May 7, 6:00 PM. DC United vs FC Dallas, 7:30 PM, kickoff. Join DC United for a series of special matchday events created exclusively for our younger fans. The day features Kids’ Day Passports (The first 500 kids that bring their completed Kids’ Day Passports to the prize table will receive a special goody bag.); video game truck; DC United tattoos; Train Like the Pros activity station; speed kick; bean bag

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Adult and Youth classes available year round!

capitalcommunitynews.com ◆ 35

toss; meet local mascots--DC United’s Talon, The Nationals’ Screech, Georgetown’s Jack the Bulldog, and the GEICO Gecko. dcunited.com.

first-served basis. Additional information about the scholarships is available at 202-698-0123 or info@dcyop.org. dcyop.org

Children’s Storytime at Potter’s House

Kids World Cinema Children’s Film Festival in DC

On the third Saturday of each month, kids can enjoy stories, songs, read-aloud and other activities at 10:30 AM at Potters House, 1658 Columbia Rd. 202-232-5483. pottershousedc.org

Children’s National Medical Center “Bringing It All Together Day” The Children’s National Medical Center “Bringing It All Together Day” Health Fair is on Friday, May 20, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM at the Children’s National Medical Center, 2501 Good Hope Rd. SE. Free admission. Free giveaways, fruit, Domino’s Pizza, music, and more!

For more information contact Elva Anderson at 202-476-6944 or eanderso@cnmc.org

“Gifted, Artistic, and Under 21” Youth Art Fair Come support young people as they present and share their artistic gifts. Free to the public, you can purchase from over 100 original works of art from the DC area’s most talented youth. This youth-led program also features various dance groups and musical talents. Friday, June 3, 4:00-6:30 PM. Silver Spring Civic Building at Veteran’s Plaza at One Veterans Place, Silver Spring, MD. nccf-cares.org

DC Youth Orchestra Program Scholarships Available to DC students A generous donation has been made by an anonymous benefactor to the DC Youth Orchestra Program and music education for the youth of the District. This donation will allow the program to provide at least 60 scholarships for students wishing to attend Summer Camp at DCYOP. Scholarships through this contribution are available for the 2011 Summer Camp only. Scholarships will be awarded until the funds are exhausted and on a first-come36 ◆ Midcity DC | May 2011

The goal of this festival is to introduce international children’s films to Washingtonians and compare significant cross-cultural differences in this genre. The festival targets six to thirteen-year-olds, and will showcase a diverse selection of the most significant international productions for young audiences.

May 13-22, ten international organizations will offer screenings followed by children’s workshops and discussions addressing the films’ cultural contexts. Free admission for all venues. For more information call 202-234-7911 or visit francedc. org to see the complete program of the screenings.

US Botanic Garden Children’s Garden Opens for the Season The arrival of warm weather and spring blooms brings out the kid in all of us, and there’s no better place for kids and their parents than the United States Botanic Garden. Come and explore the outdoor Children’s Garden in the US Botanic Garden Conservatory where kids can grow their imaginations while checking out a variety of colorful garden plants. The Children’s Garden, which opened for the season in Apr., gives kids a chance to get hands-on in a garden where they can explore and play with gardening tools and watering cans. When young children use their imaginations to relate to their surroundings, there is evidence that they are also developing a life-long affection for the natural world. Kids are invited to see what’s in bloom and to gently touch and smell the plants in the Children’s Garden.

Watch your kids relax, discover and reawaken their sense of curiosity!

202-225-8333. usbg.gov ◆

at home

+ Garden Fairy

The Garden Fairy

The Birds and the Bees!!

by Frank Asher

Jeff Miller of DC Honeybees with one of his urban hives.

I

have always wondered why people refer to sex as the birds and the bees. (“The birds do it. The bees do it”.) Certainly, in spring, the birds are doing it.

But the bees? They are rarely having sex. The queen gets it once and then she has to lay eggs her whole life.

I think bees deserve our attention because they do so much for us, yet we take them for granted.

Without bees, we’d all be in serious trouble. We need bees to pollinate our vegetables and fruit.

Plants need pollinators to reproduce. But now honeybees need us in a big way cause they are in a fight for their lives. There has been an alarming decrease of bee populations worldwide, known as Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) over the past few years.

There is a movement to get honeybees into the urban environ-

ment, and leading the movement is Jeff Miller at D.C. Honeybees. (dchoneybees.com) I recently had the chance to talk with Jeff. It is always great to chat with a person who has a mission to help, especially when that mission is connected to mother nature. I think his work will definitely pay off in some sweet rewards in the coming year. And OLD CITY green will be helping the effort by soon becoming home to its own beehive.

Frank: Jeff, how many hives have you set up in the D.C. area?

Jeff: Tacoma Park, Logan Circle, Fort Totten, Georgetown, Mt Vernon, Capitol Hill and soon two new ones in the Shaw neighborhood, including OLD CITY green.

Frank: How do bees fare in the inner city?

Jeff: First off, the competition isn’t so tough. Bees have less to worry about in the city. For example, the main killer of hives is a mite called “varroa destructor”.

These mites destroy whole hives.

There are fewer mites in the city.

There are fewer pollinators in the urban area as well. This allows the bees a wider source of pollen for themselves.

Also, there are longer periods of nectar flow in the urban areas because of all the trees. This keeps the bees busy. Another great thing for our bees in our inner cities is that there are fewer pesticides.

Frank: So, could we say that urban bees are in paradise?

Jeff: Well, yes. There is what is called “Bee Colony Collapse Disorder.” But urban bees can create a micro laboratory that creates a stronger healthier, happier bee that is immune to common diseases.

Frank: That has got to have an impact on the honey. When does one usually harvest honey?

Jeff: Early summer in June or July. We can harvest 100 lbs. of honey each year from hive we create. We split that with the bee owner for an extraction fee.

Now with your hive that is arriving soon, I will wait till next year so the bees have enough time to save honey up for the winter.

Next summer you will have 50lbs of honey. Honey sells for $9.00 to $10.00 a pound.

Frank: $10.00 a pound for honey? Old City green may expand its product line next year.

Well folks you heard it here!!

Honeybees have invaded the District of Columbia. I could not be happier. If we create a bit of paradise for the bees, they will co-create a bit of paradise for us. I say that’s a win, win situation.

A WEB OF CONNECTION Now, since I have just shared with you a story about our precious pollinators, I offer a few simple requests.

1) The next time you go shopping for herbs, vegetables, flowers, shrubs or trees, consider creating a place/space for other living creatures to live. Bees, butterflies, birds, worms, lady bugs, praying mantises, all need a place to live.

2) It was recently discovered that 20% of the energy created through photosynthesis in plants is sent directly to the root system to nourish the fungi and bacteria in the soil, which in return draw the minerals from the soil for the plant to survive.

Please use plants and soil to encourage this balancing act between plants, bugs and soil. Use only organic pesticides for the unwanted bugs like white flies and aphids.

3) Remember that all of us are a part of this world. We all can use a helpful hand now and then. If the birds, the bees, the worms and the plants, the fungi and the bacteria do it, so can we humans assist them and each other in co-creating our paradise.

Frank Asher is owner/founder of OLD CITY green “Where people and plants come together.” (9th and N St. NW). ◆ capitalcommunitynews.com ◆ 37

at home

+ Home / Style

May Flowers Means Its Time to Clean Up Your Act and Get Organized

by Mark F. Johnson

I

t’s officially spring! Time to throw open the windows, throw out the used containers of snow melt, and throw on a fresh coat of paint. This is the time of year when what most of us fancy is a clean and organized house. After all, the warmer months are generally when we do most of our entertaining and when we want less “stuff ” around.

That means, doing a thorough spring cleaning which could include a purging of things no longer necessary. It also means

Organization Before and After

38 ◆ Midcity DC | May 2011

organizing winter away.

When growing up, and my mother would talk about “spring cleaning,” I always conjured up the Granny Clampett way of doing things. For those who don’t know, she would have all the Clampetts haul the entire Beverly Hills mansion of stuff out to the pool where she would proceed to wash the furniture and accessories and beat the rugs and curtains and allow everything to air dry.

We didn’t have a pool nor even a mansion growing up, so

that wasn’t the connection for the adolescent me. It was more the fact that things had to be “freshened up” because the season had changed. My mother’s way of looking at it was that spring brings a fresh start. “Life” has reawakened, she said in her own way, and we have to greet it with a fresh-smelling, sparkling and dust-free home.

Well, when you think about it, that is pretty much how most of us think. So, I put some questions to Diana Firth, a local designer and organizer who makes it her business to get people and their homes “presentable.”

Diana’s company, called “Simplify with Di” (www. simplifywithdi.net) began about a year ago and resulted from her work as a personal assistant and realtor. She pullled together skills learned from those fields to begin staging homes for sale and helping sellers to better organize their stuff. Since then she has moved into design work, including kitchen and bathroom renovations and remodeling.

How can you easily ready the house for spring and the warm weather to come? Here is what Diana Firth had to say: 1. What are some ways that most people can reflect spring and warmer weather in their home?

Using seasonal decor

in your home year round is a good start. Fresh flowers for spring and summer. Centerpieces for your dining table can be changed to reflect each season. Think gourds and fall leaves for autumn, holly berries or amaryllis for December.

Sunflowers for summer and any spring flower for spring.

2. How can folks easily “organize” winter and put it away for the next several months?

I believe in using clear totes so that you can easily find what you need. Find a storage space in your home to pack them away. To cut down on space, switch out the items as they are being used, utilizing the same tote.

3. If we’re in the period of outdoor living, what steps should we be taking now to ready the outdoors, meaning the backyard, front yard, deck?

Everyone should start with prep work for the yard.

Hire someone to clean out the gutters, edge the walkways, lay some mulch and begin to plant your favorite flowers and plants. A good powerwash to your deck can renew its beauty.

If you need new cushions for your patio furniture, get them but always store them away if they are not all weather cushions that can handle the outdoor elements.

4. What are the three or four most common projects that people usually undertake around the home at this time of year?

This is spring cleaning time! It’s a great time of year to go through your closets and pack away your winter clothes.

While you are doing this, select some items for donation or resale. Most consignment shops are now in the market

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for summer and spring clothes.

You can pack away your selected winter items in a container marked “consign/sell in fall”.

From a renovation standpoint most people are starting with a new paint color for the interior.

A fresh coat of paint and a new color can revive a room and give a new feeling to your home.

5. Vacation or Staycation: how do you give your home that feeling of being away at a resort or on a cruise?

I love using candles both indoor and out. They are relaxing and often come in a variety of scents that can help evoke that feeling of being away. Simplify your space by packing away things not in use year round like heavy throw blankets. Fresh linens like new towels in the bathroom. Bamboo bath mats also bring that spa feeling into the home. Bamboo stalks in a simple vase on a bath vanity or kitchen.

6. At a time when folks are looking to save money, is this a good time of year to skimp on home projects?

My philosophy is to never skimp on your home. This should be the most relaxing place for you. Your home should be your personal retreat. A good way to save money is to shop various discount home decor stores like “home goods” for bargains. Staging your home by re-purposing items you already own is a great way to save money and help you keep something you love. Don’t overpurge.

Find a new use instead. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box.

A piece traditionally used in a bedroom or entryway can sometimes be used in a bathroom for extra storage and surface space.

Definitely do not skimp on your yard. Landscaping is expensive but if maintained properly, you can avoid over paying for the same work each year. It’s sometimes expensive to be cheap.

May the warmth and beauty of the season fill your home!

Make Granny Clampett proud, ya hear! ◆

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