Midcity DC Magazine January 2014 by Capital Community News

An Urban Lifestyle Magazine

MIDCITY JANUARY 2014

APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE 2014-2015 SCHOOL YEAR Pre-K 3, Pre-K 4, Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade

Building on our strong foundation as an early childhood program

Information / Open House Sessions on the Following Thursdays*: • January 23 & 30 from 9:30 am-10:30 am • February 20 & 27 from 9:30 am-10:30 am *You must register to attend, limit of 20 people per session. Call (202) 545-0515 to register.

Apply for admissions at: www.myschooldc.org • Application deadline March 3, 2014.

Accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Voted Best Preschool in DC, City Paper Readers Poll 2013!

• Before & After Care • Small classroom size and well trained staff • Individual planning for each student • Hands-on and project-based curriculum Free and open to all DC residents. Tuition paid by non-residents. 2 u midcitydcnews.com

www.bridgespcs.org 1250 Taylor Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011 p: 202.545.0515 e: info@bridgespcs.org

Gasoline and Fuel Pump Octane Measurement Amendment Act of 2012 What: Come Learn About DCRA’s Office of Weights and Measures new Gasoline and Fuel Pump Octane Measurement Amendment Act of 2012. This workshop will educate individuals on automotive fuel to ensure that the octane levels sold to customers is of the quality that is advertised. When: January 21, 2014 Time:

9:00 am - 10:30 am

SBRC’s Money Smart for Small Business Program: Financial Management and Credit Reporting Workshop What: If you want to learn basic financial management and credit reporting concepts of how to run your own business, this workshop is for you. Presented By: BB&T Bank When: January 30, 2014 Time:

5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

To register go to: https://bizdc.ecenterdirect.com or call 202-442-4538 for assistance.

Small Business Brief Advice Legal Clinic Meet One-on-One with a Lawyer for Free!

Presented by the Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs Sponsored by the DC Bar Pro Bono Program If you are an existing or an aspiring small business owner, come and meet one-on-one with attorneys at this brief advice clinic. You can get information on business formation, contracts, leases, taxes or any other questions you may have related to small business legal issues. Or, if you do not have specific questions, come and tell the attorneys about your business—they can help you spot legal issues or give you general advice. Date: Wednesday, January 15, 2014 Time: 5pm – 7:30 pm Location: DCRA Small Business Resource Center 1100 4th Street SW, Second Floor Waterfront-SEU Metro Station Please bring any documents relevant to the issues you wish to discuss. This is a walk-in clinic; however, if you wish to pre-register, call Lauren Paley, Project Coordinator at 202-737-4700, ext. 3357 or visit http://bizdc.ecenterdirect.com/ConferencePresignup.action?iD=37647 Language translation services are available upon request.

Midcity DC | January 2014 u 3

CONTENTS JANUARY 18

MIDCITY

08 What’s on Washington 10 Calendar out and about

24 34

Insatiable • Jonathan Bardzik

Let’s Get Physical • Jazelle Hunt

Octavia Payne • Jonathan Neeley

your neighborhood 23

E on DC • E. Ethelbert Miller

Bulletin Board • Kathleen Donner

District Beat • Andrew Lightman

ANC 6E • Steve Holton

The Numbers • Wes Rivers and Jenny Reed

Shaw Streets • Pleasant Mann

Logan Circles • Mark F. Johnson

Bloomingdale Bites • Jazzy Wright

In From the Cold • Stephen Lilienthal

kids and family 40

Kids and Family Notebook • Kathleen Donner

at home 45

Changing Hands • Don Denton

46 Classifieds COVER: Octavia Payne, DC Ultimate Star on the Rise. Photo: Micah Tapman. Story on pg 20.

Midcity DC | January 2014 u 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 capitalcommunitynews.com EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Melissa Ashabranner • melissaashabranner@hillrag.com

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Look for Next Issue of MCDC on FEBRUARY 8 EDITORIAL STAFF MANAGING EDITOR: Andrew Lightman • andrew@hillrag.com CFO & ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Maria Carolina Lopez • carolina@hillrag.com SCHOOL NOTES EDITOR: Susan Braun Johnson • schools@hillrag.com KIDS & FAMILY NOTEBOOK EDITOR: Kathleen Donner • kathleendonner@gmail.com FOOD EDITOR: Annette Nielsen • annette@hillrag.com

KIDS & FAMILY Kathleen Donner • kathleendonner@gmail.com Susan Johnson • schools@hillrag.com

ARTS, DINING & ENTERTAINMENT ART: Jim Magner • jjmagner@aol.com DINING: Emily Clark • clapol47@gmail.com Celeste McCall • celeste@us.net Jonathan Bardzik • jonathan.bardzik@gmail.com GENERAL ASSIGNMENT: Maggie Hall • whitby@aol.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: Marissa Terrell • mterrell@sbclawgroup.com THEATER: Barbara Wells • barchardwells@aol.com THE WINE GUYS: Jon Genderson • jon@cellar.com

HOMES & GARDENS Derek Thomas • derek@thomaslandscapes.com Catherine Plume • caplume@yahoo.com

CALENDAR & BULLETIN BOARD CALENDAR EDITOR: Kathleen Donner • calendar@hillrag.com, bulletinboard@hillrag.com GENERAL ASSIGNMENT Martin Austermuhle • martin.austermuhle@gmail.com Maggy Baccinelli • mbaccinelli@gmail.com Dana Bell • dana@hillrag.com Elise Bernard • elise.bernard@gmail.com Ralph Brabham • ralphbrabham@yahoo.com Stephanie Deutsch • scd@his.com Kathleen Donner • kathleendonner@gmail.com Michelle Phipps-Evans • invisiblecolours@yahoo.com Mark Johnson • mark@hillrag.com Stephen Lilienthal - stephen_lilienthal@yahoo.com Celeste McCall • celeste@hillrag.com Charnice Milton • charnicem@hotmail.com John H. Muller • jmuller.washingtonsyndicate@gmail.com Will Rich • will.janks@gmail.com Linda Samuel • lindabsamuel@yahoo.com Heather Schoell • schoell@verizon.net Virginia Avniel Spatz • virginia@hillrag.com Michael G. Stevens • michael@capitolriverfront.org Peter J. Waldron • peter@hillrag.com Roberta Weiner • rweiner_us@yahoo.com Jazzy Wright • wright.jazzy@gmail.com Jennifer Zatkowski • jenn@hillrag.com

SOCIETY & EVENTS Mickey Thompson • socialsightings@aol.com

COMMENTARY ETHELBERT MILLER • EMILLER698@AOL.COM THE NOSE • THENOSE@HILLRAG.COM PRODUCTION/GRAPHIC/WEB DESIGN ART DIRECTOR: Jason Yen • jay@hillrag.com Graphic Designer: Lee Kyungmin • lee@hillrag.com WEB MASTER: Andrew Lightman • andrew@hillrag.com ADVERTISING & SALES ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE: Kira Means, 202.543.8300 X16 • kira@hillrag.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE: Jennifer Zatkowski, 202.543.8300 X20 • Jenn@hillrag.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE: Dave Kletzkin, 202.543.8300 X22 • Dave@hillrag.com CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING: Maria Carolina Lopez, 202.543.8300 X12 • carolina@hillrag.com DISTRIBUTION DISTRIBUTION MANAGER: Andrew Lightman DISTRIBUTORS: MediaPoint, LLC 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

BEAUTY, HEALTH & FITNESS Patricia Cinelli • ﬁtmiss44@aol.com Candace Y.A. Montague • writeoncm@gmail.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.

Midcity DC | January 2014 u 7

see our website for more events! www.whatsonwashington.com

National Skating Month Open House at Fort Dupont

This year to celebrate National Skating Month, Fort Dupont Ice Arena is hosting an open house on Monday, Jan. 20, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day public holiday. Come and skate from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There’s free skating lessons from 11 a.m. to noon and a special exhibition at 12:25 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and $4 for children 12 and under and seniors. Skate rental is free. If you miss this one, there is another open house on President’s Day, Feb. 17 (same time and program). Fort Dupont Ice Arena, 3779 Ely Pl. NE. 202-584-5007. fdia.org

Arica Shepherd, a longtime volunteer of the Fort Dupont skating program is a high school senior. Photo: Brittany Greene

“Let Freedom Ring” Concert at the Kennedy Center

On Jan. 20 at 6 p.m. Grammy Award winning singer and actress Dionne Warwick joins the Kennedy Center and Georgetown University in a musical celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. During this event Georgetown University will award the 2014 John Thompson Legacy of a Dream Award to Lecester Johnson, executive director of D.C.’s Academy of Hope. Free tickets, two per person, will be distributed beginning at 5 p.m. on January 20 in the Hall of Nations. The concert is in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. kennedycenter.org Rev. Nolan Williams conducts the Let Freedom Ring Choir during the 2013 Let Freedom Ring Celebration in the Concert Hall. Photo: Margot Schulman

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Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center Open House

On Saturday, Jan. 25, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., celebrate the Udvar-Hazy Center of the National Air and Space Museum’s tenth anniversary with its first-ever open house. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at historic artifacts, documents, and works of art that are not on public display and see what it takes to collect, preserve, and restore them. Tour the Mary Baker Engen Restoration Hangar and see the Museum’s current projects such as the Curtiss SB2C-5 Helldiver. Meet curators, conservators, archivists, and other specialists, and learn how the aircraft are hung for display in the Boeing Aviation Hangar. Participate in hands-on activities designed for adults and children. Get some tips for photographing objects in the Museum from a staff photographer. Free but parking is $15. UdvarHazy Center in Chantilly, VA Courtesy of the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Cente

The Washington Ballet Jazz/Blues Project

This mixed repertory program pays homage to American Jazz and Blues music and includes Blue Until June by Trey McIntyre, Bird’s Nest by Val Caniparoli and PRISM, a world premiere by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa. Set to the soulful songs of Etta James, Blue Until June explores how our ideas of love are influenced by the American songbook. Val Caniporali’s Bird’s Nest, uses the music of Charlie “Bird” Parker that ushered in the modern Jazz Era and explores the relationships between men and women. PRISM set to Keith Jarrett’s iconic improvisational work, The Köln Concert reflects the different moods and atmospheres of the music like a prism reflects light. PRISM is choreographed to give the audience an improvisational feel as a tribute to the music. Both Blue Until June and Bird’s Nest premiered at The Washington Ballet in 2000. The Washington Ballet Jazz/ Blues Project will be performed Sidney Harman Hall, from Jan. 29 through Feb. 2. Sidney Harman Hall, 610 F St. NW. 202-547-1122. washingtonballet.org

Brooklyn Mack and Sona Kharatian. Photo: Steve Vaccariello.

The Tallest Tree in the Forest at Arena

Bursting with poetic storytelling and 14 songs, including “Ol’ Man River,” and “Happy Days Are Here Again,” The Tallest Tree in the Forest combines the talents of award-winning solo-artist Daniel Beaty (Emergence-See!) with acclaimed director, Moisés Kaufman (33 Variations, The Laramie Project). Discover the true story of Paul Robeson, hailed as the ‘best-known black man in the world’ for his incomparable singing and acting, brought low by accusations of disloyalty to America. Beaty brings his signature wit, grit and piercing lyricism to more than 20 characters, asking the question, how does a man remain an artist when his soul cries out to be an activist? On stage, Jan. 10-Feb. 16 at Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW. 202-488-3300. arena-stage.org Daniel Beaty as Paul Robeson in Tectonic Theater Project’s The Tallest Tree in the Forest, which comes to Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater Jan. 10-Feb. 16, 2014. Photo: Don Ipock.

Midcity DC | January 2014 u 9

MLK DAY AND RELATED EVENTS

H H H

calendar “A Day Like No Other: Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington”. Through Mar 1. The exhibition consists of 40 iconic black-and-white images that mark what Martin Luther King, Jr., called “the greatest demonstration for freedom in the nation’s history.” The photographs, part of the Library’s Prints and Photographs Division collections, convey the immediacy of being at the march and the excitement of those who were there. A video-screen display in the exhibition features another 75 images. Library of Congress, Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St. SE. loc.gov

JANUARY

Dr. King Comes to Washington Tour. Jan 12, 19, 20 and 26. 3:00-4:00 PM. He shared his dream with the world here, but August 1963 wasn’t his first trip to the city. Come hear about all the marches in Washington. Free. For more information, Susan Philpott at 202-426-6841. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, 1964 Independence Ave. SW. nps.gov/mlkm “With Their Own Eyes: Photographers Witness the March on Washington” Symposium. Jan 13, 1:004:00 PM. A Library of Congress symposium will bring together photographers who took pictures at the March on Washington more than 50 years ago. Whittall Pavilion on the ground floor of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St. SE. The event is free and open to the public. No tickets or reservations are needed. loc.gov Staged Reading of Dr. King’s Letter from the Birmingham Jail. Jan 14, 6:30 PM. Join in honoring Dr. King with a live staged reading of his beloved, “Letter from the Birmingham” by DC Public Library Staff. This program will also feature a video display and special musical offering from vocalist Orlanzo Chapell and pianist Maceo Kemp. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW. 202-727-0321. dclibrary.org/mlk 29th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Program. Jan 17, 7:00-9:00 PM. Join them for their annual program to commemorate the legacy of one of the nation’s most influential leaders. Baird Auditorium, National Museum of Natural History, Constitution Ave. at 10th St. NW. “I Have a Dream” Tournament at Southeast Tennis and Learning Center. Jan 17, 4:00-8:00 PM. Southeast Tennis and Learning Center, 701 Mississippi Ave. SE. dpr.dc.gov Collective Voices Poetry Extravaganza in Honor of Dr. King. Jan 18, 1:00 PM. Please join them in the Great Hall for this very special event as Collective Voices once again presents their annual literary tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. There will be special guests, including the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers and Washington, DC Poet Laureate, Delores Kendrick. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW. 202-727-0321. dclibrary.org/mlk MLK Civil Rights Film Festival. Jan 18-20, 11:00 AM1:00 PM. Screenings of the Eyes on the Prize Series and the A&E: Martin Luther King, Jr.: The Man The Dream

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Photo: Anchyi Wei Photography (Biography. The films, for ages 15-up, are free and open to the public. Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, Visitor Information Center, 1411 W St. SE. To find out more about this and other programs, call the site at 202-426-5961 or visit nps.gov/frdo. Wreath-laying at the MLK Memorial. Jan 20, 8:00 AM. 1964 Independence Ave. SW. The memorial is open all hours, every day. nps.gov/mlkm Wreath-Laying at the Lincoln Memorial. Jan 20, 1:00 PM. The National Park Service will place a wreath at the Lincoln Memorial, on the steps where Dr. King gave his 1963 speech. The recitation of the “I Have a Dream” speech will be presented by students of a Washington, DC school. 202426-6895. nps.gov/linc

For Light and Liberty-African Americans and Civil War Espionage in Washington and Beyond. Jan 23 and 30, 6:30 PM. Join Hari Jones, Curator of the African American Civil War Memorial Freedom Foundation and Museum, to discuss the activities of the “Loyal League,” a secret national organization made of men and women of African descent whose extensive efforts helped the Union war effort to end slavery. Jones, a foremost authority on the role of African Americans in the Civil War, will deliver a twopart lecture highlighting the League’s covert operations in Washington and beyond. Free. Historical Society of Washington, D.C., 801 K St. NW. historydc.org Alexandria’s Watson Reading Room. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM. Visitors should call in advance for holiday hours. Located next door to the Alexandria Black His-

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$15 Artz Bazaar at ArtJamz. Jan 16, 8:30 PM-midnight (monthly event-usually the 3rd Thursday-but check). Come one, come all to the ArtJamz Artz Bazaar featuring curiously creative cocktails, local art, a roving human canvas, the magniﬁcent bearded DJ, live painters and special discounted on canvas and street art dolls. The ArtJamz Dupont Studio, 1728 Connecticut Ave. NW, will be converted into an afterhours party and carny sideshow themed art gallery and performance art space featuring large scale works from local artists. Tickets cost $15 and include 3.5 hours of studio time (2.5 hours free!) one free drink, and access to paints and art materials with the new option of pick your own canvas. artjamzdc.com

tory Museum, the Watson Reading Room is a non-circulating research repository focusing on issues of African-American history and culture. Black History Museum staff and volunteers are available (by appointment) to work with visitors of all ages who are researching African-American history. Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St., Alexandria, VA. 703-746-4356. alexandriava.gov/historic Visit the MLK Memorial. Open to visitors all hours, every day. 1964 Independence Ave. SW. nps.gov/mlkm NAACP: A Century in the Fight for Freedom Online Exhibition. The NAACP: A Century in

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JANUARY the Fight for Freedom exhibition presents a retrospective of the major personalities, events, and achievements that shaped the NAACP’s history during its first 100 years. myloc.gov/Exhibitions/naacp Civil Rights at 50 at Newseum. On display through 2015. “Civil Rights at 50,” a threeyear changing exhibit, chronicles milestones in the civil rights movement from 1963, 1964 and 1965 through historic front pages, magazines and news images. Newseum, 555 Pennsylvania Ave, NE. 888-639-7386. newseum.org MLK Day of Service. Find volunteer service opportunities by calling 202-727-7925 or at serve.dc.gov.

SPECIAL EVENTS Inauguration Day Celebration. Jan 20, 11:00 AM-4:00 PM. Learn about U.S. Presidential Inaugurations from staff in Federal Period clothing. Sign and take home a copy of the U.S. Constitution. For more information, conatct Mike Rose at 202-438-9667. Jefferson Memorial Washington Auto Show. Jan 22-Feb 2. Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mt. Vernon Pl. NW. wanada.org Maryland Polar Bear Plunge. Jan 25, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM. All proceeds benefit Special Olympics Maryland. Sandy Point State Park. plungemd.com NatsFest. Jan 25, 11:00 AM-3:00 PM. The annual fun-filled baseball festival will offer a variety of interactive games and activities, including live batting cages, exclusive Q&A sessions with players and team personnel, skills challenges and much more. Advanced tickets are $20, adults; $10, children 12 and under ($25 and $15, day-of). Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, National Harbor, MD. nationals.com/2014

MUSIC Music at The Howard. Jan 11, Big Sam’s Funky Nation; Jan 15, Dizzy Wright; Jan 17,

Big Daddy Kane; Jan 18, Paul Mooney; Jan 22, Waka Flocka Flame; Jan 24, Ja Rule; Jan 25, Martha Reeves; Jan 30, Brazilian Girls; Feb 5, The Ringers; Feb 7, Latin Fusion-The Valentine’s Fiesta Event. Howard Theatre, 620 T St. NW. 202-803-2899. thehowardtheatre.com Music at Sixth and I. Jan 21, David Broza; Jan 26, Grant-Lee Phillips; Feb 5, Clannad; Feb 8, Sybarite5; Feb 10, Julianna Barwick. Sixth & I Historic Synagogue, 600 I St. NW. 202-408-3100. sixthandi.org The Marquis Ensemble at Anderson House. Jan 25, 1:30 PM. Join them for the first date of the 2014 Spring Concert Series featuring The Marquis Ensemble (soprano saxophone, cello, and piano) presenting works by Schumann, Khachaturian, Piazzolla, and others. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. A reception with light refreshments follows the concert. Anderson House, 2118 Massachusetts Ave. NW. 202.785.2040. societyofthecincinnati.org The Kobayashi/Gray Duo at Anderson House. Feb 1, 1:30 PM. The Kobayashi/ Gray Duo presents themes of tradition, gender, and patriotism through the music of Beethoven, Irene Poldowski, Emma Lou Diemer, and Lukas Foss. Violinist Laura Kobayashi and pianist Susan Gray have thrilled audiences around the world with their energetic performances. Seating is on a firstcome, first-served basis. A reception with light refreshments follows the concert. Anderson House, 2118 Massachusetts Ave. NW. 202.785.2040. societyofthecincinnati.org HR 57 Weekly Jam Sessions. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8:00 PM-midnight. Since 1993 HR-57 has provided a place where aspiring musicians gather to learn the history and cultures of the genres of jazz and blues. It’s a venue for the exchange of ideas and information between aspiring and professional musicians, students, aficionados and the general public. $8. 1007 H St. NE. 202253-0044. hr57.org Church of the Epiphany Weekly Concerts. Every Tuesday, 12:10 PM. Free but free will offering taken. 1317 G ST. NW. 202-3472635. epiphanydc.org

Jazz Night (and fish fry) in Southwest. Fridays, 6:00-9:00 PM. Every Friday night. Expect a large, fun and friendly crowd. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 400 I St. SW (Fourth and I, south side of intersection). The cover is $5. Children are welcome and free under 16 years old. 202-484-7700. westminsterdc.org/jazz Blue Monday Blues. Mondays, 6:00-9:00 PM. Westminster Presbyterian Church. Local musicians perform, and the Southwest Catering Company provides a fish fry from 5:308:30 PM. $5/general; free/children under 16. Modestly priced food. 400 I St. SW. 202-4847700. westminsterdc.org/blues National City Christian Church Organ Concerts. Every Friday, 12:15-1:15 PM. Free. 5 Thomas Cir. NW. 202-232-0323. nationalcitycc.org Sunday Gospel Brunch Featuring the Harlem Gospel Choir. Every Sunday, 12:30-2:00 PM. $30-$45. The Howard Theatre, 620 T St. NW. 202-803-2899. thehowardtheatre.com Steinway Series of classical music concerts at American Art Museum. Second Sunday, 3:00 PM The Steinway Series is a classical music concert that features the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s refurbished Steinway Concert Grand piano. Free. McEvoy Auditorium, Lower Level American Art Museum (between Seventh and Nineth and and F and G sts. NW.) 202-633-1000. americanart.si.edu “Take Five” (free jazz at the American Art Museum). Third Thursday, 5:00-7:00 PM. Smithsonian American Art Museum, (Great Hall on the 3rd floor), Eighth and F sts. NW. 202-633-1000. AmericanArt.si.edu Here to Stay-The Legacy of George and Ira Gershwin. Ongoing exhibition. Experience the glamour and sophistication of the 1920s and 1930s in this permanent tribute to the brothers who helped provide a musical background to the period. The exhibition contains a wealth of materials that provide insight into their careers and personalities, including manuscript and printed music, lyric sheets and librettos, personal and business correspondence, photographs, paintings, and drawings, all from the Gersh-

Gospel Choir Brunch at Union Market. First Saturday of every month, usually starts at about 11:00 AM. Experience Gospel Choir Brunch on the ﬁrst Saturday of every month with a dynamic performance featuring the Israel Baptist Church. Brunch specials are available from vendors. Union Market, 1309 5th St. NE. unionmarketdc.com 12 u midcitydcnews.com

win Collection in the Music Division of the Library of Congress, the world’s preeminent resource for materials about the Gershwins. Gershwin Gallery, Ground Floor, Thomas Jefferson Building. loc.gov National Jukebox. The Library of Congress presents the National Jukebox, which makes historical sound recordings available to the public free of charge. The Jukebox includes recordings from the extraordinary collections of the Library of Congress Packard Campus for Audio Visual Conservation and other contributing libraries and archives. Go to loc.gov/jukebox.

THEATER AND FILM Jazz Film Fridays with Larry Appelbaum at LOC. Jan 17, Mickey One (1965); Jan 24, Black February (2010); Jan 31, Inside Out in the Open (2001) and The Breath Courses Through Us (2013). All films shown at 7:00 PM. All films will be shown in the Mary Pickford Theater, 3rd floor of the Library of Congress James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. SE. Doors open 30 minutes before screening. No tickets required. For information, call 202-707-5502. loc.gov/concerts/ filmscreenings The Tallest Tree in the Forest at Arena. Through Feb 16. The incomparable Daniel Beaty (Emergence-See!) brings to life the true story of Paul Robeson, hailed as the ‘best known black man in the world’ for his incomparable singing and acting, brought low by accusations of disloyalty to America. Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW. 202-4883300. arena-stage.org Gin Game at Anacostia Playhouse. Jan 11Feb 2. This Pulitzer Prize winning play uses a game of cards as a metaphor for life. As the two characters play gin, they reveal the intimate details of their lives and their secrets become weapons. The New York Times called it, “a thoroughly entertaining lesson on the fine art of theatrical finesse. The closest thing the theater offers to a duel at 10 paces.” Anacostia Playhouse, 2020 Shannon Pl. SE (under five minutes from Capitol Hill). 202-290-2328. anacostiaplayhouse.com The Importance of Being Earnest at Shakespeare. Jan 16-Mar 2. Oscar Wilde’s most perfect of plays is a comedy of class, courtship, and avoiding burdensome social conventions. Lansburgh Theatre, 450 7th St. NW. 202-547-1122. shakespearetheatre.org The Rape of Europa Film Screening. Jan 23, noon. The Rape of Europa chronicles Nazi Germany’s plundering of Europe’s great works of art during World War II and Allied efforts to minimize the damage. For 12 years, the Nazis looted and destroyed art on a scale unprecedented in history. But young art professionals as well as ordinary heroes, from truck drivers to department store clerks, fought back to safeguard, rescue, and return the millions of lost, hidden, and stolen treasures. Joan Allen narrates the documentary film. (2006; 117 minutes.) This screening is presented in conjunction with the Featured Document display Album of Artwork Looted by the Nazis. National Archives, 700 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. archives.gov

Violet at Ford’s. Jan 24-Feb 23. A touching story of hope, love and healing, “Violet” is set in the early 1960s and follows the story of a physically scarred young woman, who travels across the South in search of a televangelist’s healing miracle. On her journey into Oklahoma, Violet meets Monty and Flick, two soldiers who help her learn about courage, beauty and her own self-worth. Ford’s Theatre, 511 10th Street NW. 202-347-4833. fordstheatre.org The Best Man at the Keegan. Jan 25-Feb 22. A play about power, ambition, political secrets, ruthlessness and the race for the presidency, Gore Vidal’s The Best Man is set at the national convention where two candidates are vying for their party’s nomination during the primary season. Keegan Theater, 1742 Church St. NW. 703-892-0202. keegantheatre.com Richard III at the Folger. Jan 28-Mar 9. Weighing how history is written, Robert Richmond returns to direct another of Shakespeare’s celebrated stories of the English throne. With the skeletal remains of the long-vilified king being discovered earlier this year, beneath a parking lot of all places, this staging features Drew Cortese as the Machiavellian king. Folger Shakespeare Library, E. Capitol St. SE. 202544-7077. folger.edu Yellow Face at Theatre J. Jan 29-Feb. 23. Theater J begins the second half of its 2013-2014 season exploring Crucial Questions, Critical Fault Lines and Necessary Conversations with David Henry Hwang’s Yellow Face, an engaging, metatheatrical cultural satire about political correctness and racial identity. Theater J, 1529 16th St. NW. 800 494-8497. washingtondcjcc.org Mother Courage and Her Children at Arena. Jan 31-Mar 9. Kathleen Turner returns stars as a tough-as-nails matriarch who profits off the very war that steals her children from her one by one. But will the cost of war be higher than she’s prepared to pay? Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW. 202-488-3300. arena-stage.org

EXHIBITIONS, GALLERIES AND OPENINGS White Out/Color In at Touchstone. Through Feb 2. Touchstone member artists take the chill off January by ratcheting up the color inside their studios, focusing on vibrant hues or muted shades, stoking up the temperature in their all-media artworks. Touchstone Gallery, 901 New York Ave. NW. 202-347-2787. touchstonegallery.com Women of Vision: National Geographic Photographers on Assignment. Through Mar 9, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM daily. For the last decade, some of the most powerful and impactful stories have been produced by a new generation of photojournalists who are women. These women are as different as the places and the subjects they have covered but they all share the same passion and commitment to storytelling that has come to define National Geographic. 1145 17th St. NW. 202-857-7700. nationalgeographic.com Michael Horsley at DC Arts Center. Through Feb 9. DC Arts Center, 2438 18th St., NW. 202462-7833. dcartscenter.org

David Hicks’ “Nucleus” at Cross Mackenzie Gallery. Through Feb 28. “Nucleus” is an exhibition of new ceramic sculpture by the prolific and compelling California based artist, David Hicks. Cross Mackenzie Gallery, 2026 R St, NW. 202-333-7970. crossmackenzie.com Lindsay Pichaske-Everything That Rises at Flashpoint. Jan 17-Feb 15. Opening reception Friday, Jan 17, 6:00-8:00 PM. Everything That Rises is a three-dimensional drawing installation. A web of threads attached to the walls, ceiling and floor will encase a suspended animal frame made with strands of knotted human hair. Pichaske explores notions of time, mortality and the relationship of humans to animals in this site-responsive installation. Flashpoint Gallery, 916 G St. NW. 202-315-1305. culturaldc.org First Fridays in the Dupont Circle Neighborhood. First Friday of every month, 6:009:00 PM. First Friday openings are a collaborative effort to strengthen arts and culture in the beautiful, multi-cultural neighborhood of Dupont Circle. On the first Friday of every month, galleries in the neighborhood host simultaneous openings for art enthusiasts from all walks of life. They encourage all come to the openings and to circulate between neighboring galleries, which host an ever-changing array of styles and media. $5 suggested donation. Overdrive: L.A. Constructs the Future, 1940– 1990. Through Mar 10. Overdrive: L.A. Constructs the Future, 1940–1990 traces the city’s transformation into an internationally recognized destination with its own design vocabulary, canonized landmarks, and coveted way of life. National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW. 202-272-2448. nbm.org Unveiling of “Records of Rights”. The new permanent exhibition in the Rubenstein Gallery, “Records of Rights,” uses original documents, photographs, facsimiles, videos, and interactive exhibits to explore how Americans have worked to realize the ideals of freedom enshrined in our nation’s founding documents and how they have debated issues such as citizenship, free speech, voting rights, and equal opportunity. National Archives, 700 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. archives.gov Shakespeare’s the Thing at the Folger. Jan 28-June 15. Explore Shakespeare’s influence on visual art, performance, and scholarship through treasures from the Folger collection hand-picked by Folger staff, including a special look at how fans have celebrated Shakespeare from his time to ours. Marking Shakespeare’s 450th birthday. Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 E. Capitol St. SE. 202-544-4600. folger.edu New Space-New Directions at Studio Gallery. Jan 2014. The artists of Studio Gallery mark the re-opening of their freshly redone exhibition space with a show celebrating the concepts “new” and “fresh”: a new year, a fresh face for a familiar space (no, the gallery has not moved!) and a fresh forward vision that will put the gallery on a path in new and fresh directions. Each artist was asked to contribute one or more pieces that represent these concepts. Each piece is a new and fresh departure from the artist’s usual art practice, either as a playful interlude or to test the waters for a new body of work. Studio Gallery, 2108 R St. NW.

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JANUARY 202-232-8734. studiogallerydc.com Art Enables Call for Art: Amazing Marvels. The Off-Rhode Studio at Art Enables is opening its walls and inviting artists in the Washington, Virginia, Maryland area to participate in Amazing Marvels, a show featuring work inspired by the circus, sideshows or carnival acts. OffRhode is a gallery for self-taught and outsider artists however, this call is open to all artists working in all mediums and preference will be given to self-taught and outsider artists. Electronic submissions due by Jan 29, 2014. Email bbaldwin@art-enables.org. Art Enables is a studio and gallery for emerging artists with developmental disabilities. Their chance to make art comes through Art Enables. Their reasons for doing it are their own: to have something to do, to make money, to feel important, to tell the world who they are, to become famous. All those reasons and more. Art Enables is at 2204 Rhode Island Ave. NE. 202-554-9455. art-enables.org

SPORTS AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Washington Wizards Basketball. Jan 11, 15, 17, 18, 20, 22 and Feb 1. Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW. 202-397-SEAT. nba.com/wizards Washington Capitals Ice Hockey. Jan 12, 14 and 21. Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW. 202-6283200. capitals.nhl.com NBC4 Health and Fitness Expo. Jan 11-12, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. More than 200 health care providers, businesses, and non-profit organizations will be on site at the Expo. They will provide free assessments, advice and information, and tests, screenings and services. Also, raffles and giveaways, blood drive, dancing, healthy cooking stage and a Winter Olympics pavilion. Free. Washington Convention Center. nbcwashington.com DC Rollergirls. Jan 18 and Feb 1, 4:00 PM. (Doors open at 3:00 p.m.) Tickets are $12 for ages 12 and up, $6 for children 6-11, and free for kids 5 and under. Tickets are available in advance at ticketmaster.com or at the door on bout day. Individuals with a valid military ID can purchase tickets for $10 at the door. Bouts are at DC Armory. dcrollergirls.com Championship Boxing at DC Armory. Jan 25, 9:00 PM. Hometown hero IBF Junior Welterweight World Champion Lamont Peterson defends his 140-pound crown against Montreal’s unbeaten Dierry Jean as part of a live SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING event at the DC Armory. In the co-main event, Middleweight Jermell “Iron Man” Charlo risks his undefeated record against Two-Time World Title Challenger Gabriel “King” Rosado. Tickets $25-$250. Tickets available for purchase at ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Canal Park Ice Rink. Open Monday-Friday, noon-9:00 PM; Saturday, 10:00 AM-10:00 PM; Sunday 10:00 AM-7:00 PM. Adult fee is $8; children, seniors (55+) and military fees are $7. Skate rental is $3. On Tuesdays, two can skate for the price of one from 4:00-6:00 PM. The park is at Second and M sts. SE, one block from

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the Navy Yard Metro (New Jersey Avenue exit). canalparkdc.org Ice Skating at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. Open through mid-Mar (weather permitting). Monday-Thursday, 10:00 AM-9:00 PM; Friday-Saturday, 10:00 AM-11:00 PM; Sunday, 11:00 AM-9:00 PM. $7 for adults, $6 for children 12 and under, students with ID and seniors 50 and over. Skate rental is $3. Seventh St. and Constitution Ave. NW. 202-2893361. nga.gov/ginfo/skating Public Skate at Fort Dupont Ice Arena. Fridays, noon-1:50 PM and Saturdays 11:45 AM12:45 PM. Children (12 and under) and seniors are $4, adults (13 and older) are $5. Skate rental is $3. For more information, call 202584-5007. Fort Dupont Ice Arena, 3779 Ely Pl. NE. fdia.org Washington Harbour Ice Skating. Open through mid-Mar (weather permitting). Monday-Thursday, noon-9:00 PM; Friday, noon10:00 PM; Saturday, 10:00 AM-10:00 PM; Sunday, 10:00 AM-7:00 PM. At 11,800 square feet, the new Washington Harbour Ice Rink is DC’s largest outdoor ice skating venue, and is also larger than New York City’s Rockefeller Center rink. Adults, $10; children/seniors/military, $8. Skate rental is $5. 3050 K St. NW. thewashingtonharbour.com Pentagon Row Outdoor Ice Skating. Open through mid-Mar, 10:00 AM-11:00 PM. $7-$8. $3 for skate rental. 1201 South Joyce St. Arlington, VA. 703-418-6666. pentagonrowskating.com Nearby (heated) indoor public swimming pools. Turkey Thicket, 1100 Michigan Ave. NE. 202-576-9236. Rumsey Pool, 635 No.Carolina Ave. SE. 202-724-4495. All DC public pools are free for DC residents. Have ID. dpr.dc.gov DC’s Rock N Roll Marathon Registration Open. Marathon is Mar 15. runrocknroll.competitor.com

MARKETS Fresh Tuesdays at Eastern Market. Every Tuesday, 3:00-7:00 PM. Tuesday afternoon farmers’ line of fresh produce. Eastern Market, 200 block of Seventh St. SE. 202-698-5253. easternmarket-dc.com Union Market. Tuesday-Friday, 11:00 AM8:00 PM; Saturday-Sunday, 8:00 AM-8:00 PM. Union Market is an artisanal, curated, yearround food market featuring over 40 local vendors. 1309 Fifth St. NE. 301-652-7400. unionmarketdc.com Eastern Market. Daily except Mondays and important holidays. Weekdays, 7:00 AM-7:00 PM; Saturdays, 7:00 AM-5:00 PM; Sundays, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. Flea market and arts and crafts market open Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00 AM6:00 PM. Eastern Market is Washington’s last continually operated “old world” market. On weekends the market area comes alive with farmers bringing in fresh produce, craft and flower vendors, artists, a flea market and street musicians. 200 block of Seventh St. SE. 202698-5253. easternmarket-dc.com

Anacostia Big Chair Flea Market. Saturdays, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM. The market features a diverse mix of art, crafts, imports, antiques, collectibles and furniture every Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The market will also feature local specialty food items such as fruits and vegetables, flowers, preserves, prepared foods and beverages. 2215 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE. bigchairmarket.com Dupont Circle Farmers Market. Sundays year round (rain or shine), 9:00 AM-1:00 PM. The Wall Street Journal and The Financial Times of London named the market one of the top farmers’ markets in the country. During the peak season, there are more than 30 farmers offering fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, cheeses, fruit pies, breads, fresh pasta, cut flowers, potted plants, soaps and herbal products. 20th St. and Mass. Ave. NW, 1500 block of 20th St. NW (between Mass. Ave. and Q St. in the adjacent parking lot of PNC Bank). 202362-8889. freshfarmmarket.org Georgetown Flea Market. Sundays year around (except in the case of very inclement weather), 8:00 AM- 4:00 PM. The crowd is as diverse as the items for sale! Antiques, collectibles, art, furniture, rugs, pottery, china, jewelry, silver, stained glass, books and photographs are an example of the available items. 1819 35th St. NW. 202-775-3532. or georgetownfleamarket.com

CIVIC LIFE Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer Speaks at National Archives. Jan 14, 7:00 PM. National Archives launches a series of conversations with the Supreme Court Justices of the United States with an evening with Associate Justice Stephen Breyer. Yale law professor and Constitutional scholar Akhil Reed Amar will lead the discussion, focusing on ideas, viewpoints, and issues related to the Constitution and their impact on the American people. Free. William G. McGowan Theater, National Archives Building. 700 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Archives.gov Free Foreclosure Prevention Hotline. 1-855449-2255. Housing Counseling Services, a DC based HUD approved non-profit, now offers a free hotline for homeowners in danger of foreclosure. If you own a home and are in danger of falling behind on your mortgage or have already fallen behind, you can get free counseling and assistance. DC Hypothermia Hotline. 1-800-535-7252. Please call when you see a homeless person who may be impacted by extreme temperatures. Families seeking emergency shelter should go to the Virginia Williams Family Resource Center at 33 N St. NE. The shelter operates 8 a.m.3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday (except for holidays and days the District government is closed). After 3:30 p.m. and on weekends, during extrene temperature alerts, families should call the Shelter Hotline for transportation to the DC General family shelter or other available family shelter. Congresswoman Norton’s NW District Office. Open weekdays, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM. 529 14th St. NW, suite 900. 202-783-5065. norton.house.gov

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. The public is welcome. Convention Center Community Association. Last Tuesday, 7:00-8:30 PM. Kennedy Rec Center, 1401 Seventh St. NW. www.ccca-online. Downtown Neighborhood Association. Second Tuesday, 7:00-9:00 PM. US Naval Memorial Center, 701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. miles@ dcdna.org. dcdna.org East Central Civic Association of Shaw Meeting. First Monday, 7:00 PM. Third Baptist Church, 1546 Fifth St. NW. Contact: Al Hajj Mahdi Leroy J Thorpe Jr, 202-387-1596. Eckington Civic Association. First Monday, 7:00-8:30 PM. Harry Thomas Recreation Center, 1743 Lincoln Rd. NE. www.eckingtondc.org Edgewood Civic Association. Last Monday, 7:00-9:00 PM. Edgewood senior building, 635 Edgewood St. NE, nineth floor7-9pm. They encourage all Eckington and Edgewood residents to come out and take part in the lively civic life of our communities. www.theedgewoodcivicassociationdc.org Logan Circle Citizens Association. Please contact Jennifer Trock at jennifer.trock@logancircle.org for meeting dates and times. logancircle.org Mount Vernon Square Neighborhood Association. Third Tuesday, 7:30-9:30 PM. Yale Steam Laundry, 437 New York Ave. NW. lifein.mvsna. org U Street Neighborhood Association. Second Thursday, 7:00-8:30 PM. Source (second floor classroom), 1835 14th St. NW ANC 1A. Second Wednesday, 7:00 PM. Harriet Tubman Elementary School, 3101 13th St. NW. 202-588-7278. anc1a.org ANC 1B. First Thursday, 7:00 PM. Reeves Center, 2000 14th St. NW (second floor). 202-8704202. anc1b.org ANC 1B11. Second Monday, 7:00 PM. LeDroit Senior Building (basement community room), 2125 Fourth St. NW. 202-481-3462. www.anc1b.org ANC 1C. First Wednesday, 7:00 PM. Mary’s Center for Maternal and Child Health, 2355 Ontario Rd. NW. 202-332-2630. anc1c.org ANC 1D. Third Tuesday, 7:00 PM. 3166 Mount Pleasant St. NW. 202-462-8692. anc1d.org ANC 2C. First Wednesday, 6:30-8:30 PM. Watha T. Daniel Library, 1630 Seventh St. NW (new location). 202-682-1633. anc2C.org u

Midcity DC | January 2014 u 15

Meltingly tender lamb shank from Dunya’s Mediterranean-inspired, American bistro menu.

O n M y B est B e h av io r

nce the niceties of midnight toasts are complete, it is our societal obligation to share concrete plans for bettering ourselves in the new year. Therefore, I imagine you must all be dying to know, what my intentions are regarding diet, exercise, cigarettes and alcohol. Platitudes and bold promises aside, here are my plans for better health in the year ahead.

Drinking in the Mediterranean Flavors of Dunya

A friend’s recent overnight in DC proved the perfect reason to brave the snow and try recent Florida Avenue recent addition, Dunya (801 Florida Ave NW, www.dunyadc. com). As expected on the second night of 2014, Mike and I arrived to a quiet night in a space that still felt rich and warm, the perfect place to watch wet flakes of snow through the large windows. We warmed up sipping Beirut and Napoli drinks from their cocktail menu. The former paired floral rosewater, herbal gin and the bitter, citrus bite of powdered sumac on the rim. The latter provided the bracing warmth and 16 u midcitydcnews.com

written and photos by Jonathan Bardzik bitterness of pairing Maker’s Mark, Drambuie and Campari. Made to whet the appetite, not induce a hangover, they were the perfect start to the meal that followed and I resolved not to drink any insipidly sweet drinks in the year ahead. I felt greatly improved already. The menu is described as a Mediterranean inspired American bistro. Neema Sadeghi, who moved to the East Coast from California to design and open the restaurant, owned by his parents, offered, “Mediterranean isn’t one place, like Turkey or Greece, but combines flavors from both Southern Europe and Northern Africa.” It captured perfectly the diverse and beautifully conceived flavors of our meal. Mike began with crisply caramelized Brussels sprouts, the sweetness balanced with a mellow vinegar and the salty fat of pancetta. My plate of light and brightly-spiced chick peas was topped with fresh, sweet, sautéed spinach and a fried egg whose rich yolk sauced the dish. We shared Dunya’s already popular portobello mushroom fries. The coating was crisp and grainy, like cornmeal, while the mushroom inside was tender but not wet.

They were good enough to eat alone, but even better with the lemon aioli brightly flecked with basil. I ordered the lamb shank and Mike ordered the half chicken. The roasted chicken arrived, rich, tender and moist, with a relish of fruity green olives and salty, sharp preserved lemons. The minted quinoa was light and summer-fresh. My lamb was meltingly tender. It sat over a lightly sweet red pepper and carrot purée. Israeli couscous offered the perfect textural counterpoint, like the tapioca in bubble tea. We finished the night with two slices of pistachio cheese cake, crumbly and rich with a beautiful drizzle of vanilla cream. Please note that I offered to share one slice and it was Mike’s insistence that we get two. A gracious host, I quickly acquiesced. Before leaving, Neema showed me the second floor, a casual lounge warmed by the fireplace, and the soonto-be-opened, intimate rooftop deck.

Working out at Little Ricky’s

One day earlier, on January 1, my husband Jason and I rolled out of bed promptly at

out and about

+ Dining

The taste of campfire wood smoke infuses rich, fresh fish in Neopol Savory Smokery’s Salmon Sandwich at Union Market.

learned of shared Creole roots, they decided to add a “Fat Tuesday” selection of items for Tuesday nights. No firm date, but coming soon!

Smoking with Neopol

noon. We planned on sitting down over brunch to share the joys of the year past and set goals for the one ahead. Deciding that driving to a new neighborhood counted as exercise, we set off to Brookland for a long overdue to visit to Little Ricky’s. The restaurant is co-owned by Chase Moore, whose P&C market at Lincoln Park on Capitol Hill often stocks our home with wine, cheese and pastries. With sunny yellow walls, hip art and tables filled with families and friends, Little Rick’s feels more like a small town restaurant than one two miles from the US Capitol. The menu is divided between “Ricky’s” more traditional Cuban dishes, and “Lucy’s” Cuban inspired bistro food. We started with fried yucca, with the thinnest crisp crust giving way to a creamy interior. The dipping sauce countered with the perfect bite of vinegar and herbs. The ham and cheese croquettes were equally delicate and crisp, with a comforting, oozing interior. The fresh corn salsa provided just the right brightness. The highlight of the meal was Jason’s beef empanadas and eggs. The crisp crust enclosed wellseasoned, tender beef which was perfect eaten with the yolk running from Jason’s fried eggs. Chase surprised us at the end with a plate of their queso flan. The creamy texture was similar to creme brûlée, the caramel tasted of butterscotch. It was so delicious we had already book marked three butterscotch pudding recipes on our phones before the check arrived. Currently open Wednesday through Sunday, we overheard Chase talking about plans to open Tuesday nights. After he, his co-owner and the chef

I gave up cigarettes long ago, but decided that this year was the perfect time to start smoking again. I blame it on Neopol Savory Smokery. With a home base in Baltimore, Neopol is well-known for their smoked seafood, meats and salts. Having used their salt in my farm-market cooking demos at Eastern Market (it’s great in a salad dressing with fresh spinach and blueberries), my friend Nancy and I decided to try their stall at Union Market. I should warn you that I’m a bit of a fair weather fish eater. Strong, full-flavored, oily seafood or bold, brackish fish challenge my palate, but determined, I ordered fearlessly. And I had nothing to worry about. The smoke in the shrimp salad provides just the right depth to a dish that can disappear into the soft fat of mayo. I sampled the marmalade and grainy mustard smoked-salmon. The pleasantly firm fish balanced the taste of a burning campfire with the sweet preserves and sharp mustard. I braved the large, smoked mussels cold though

they offered to warm them. They were sweet, and smokey, of course, with a peppery vinaigrette. Nancy and I each filled up with one of their overstuffed sandwiches, mine a mild, whitefish salad and hers smoked salmon. The mayo was light, the smoke strong, and the flavor of the fish fresh and briny. I’m definitely hooked on a new habit and can’t wait to go back.

I resolve

I’m not sure I’ll be any thinner by the end of 2014, but if the first few days of the year are any indication, DC will offer another twelve months of great meals. I resolve to be fat and happy! Jonathan Bardzik is a cook, storyteller and author living in Eckington. Known for his weekly, live cooking demos at Eastern Market (Saturdays from March to November), Jonathan loves cooking fresh ingredients as much as seeking them out in DC’s growing restaurant scene. His first cookbook, Simple Summer: A Recipe for Cooking and Entertaining with Ease is available now (and would make a wonderful gift!). Grab a copy and find out what Jonathan is cooking at www.jonathanbardzik.com or his Facebook page “What I Haven’t Cooked Yet.” Need some foodporn? Follow @JonathanBardzik on Twitter and Instagram. u

Crisp shells and creamy interiors offer comfort from croquettes and fried yuca at Little Ricky’s in Brookland.

Midcity DC | January 2014 u 17

out and about

+ Health

Let’s Get Physical

Flying Fit

The knee hang is the first thing you’ll learn as a new flyer. Photo courtesy of Trapeze School New York - Washington DC.

by Jazelle Hunt

he Trapeze School of New York – Washington, DC’s indoor Navy Yard facility is essentially a heavy-duty big-top tent. With its sprawling safety net, gymnastic-grade trampoline, giant colorful rubber balls, aerialist ropes and silks, and other fun-looking apparatuses, the place could easily be mistaken for an adult-sized play zone. But a quick glance at the chiseled flyers chatting, reviewing recordings of their last flights, and waiting for their next turn on the trapeze makes it clear these are training grounds. And if Toward the end of the first class, new flyers have the option of completing there was any lingering question their first catch. Photo courtesy of Traabout whether flying trapeze can peze School New York - Washington DC. whip a body into shape, please refer to the weeklong ache in my armpits, trapeziuses, chest, ribs, and even my calves after barely scratching the surface of this circus art. 18 u midcitydcnews.com

“From a physical perspective, flying trapeze artists are truly athletes. They train, condition, study and prepare,” says Mandy Keithan, instructor and assistant general manager of The School of New York - Washington, DC. “But we are called flying trapeze artists for a reason. Flying trapeze is a performance art, involving beautifully choreographed movements, both individually and in partnership with another flyer.” My first visit to TSNY-DC begins with a whirlwind instructional speech that includes literally everything that’s going to happen, when it will happen, and how. Unfortunately, hearing about the mechanics of flying and actually flying are two totally different things—so the speech might as well be about string theory at that point. The only thing I physically practice on the ground is how to leap off the platform properly. The lesson ends as quickly as it began. Suddenly, a thick, vise-like nylon belt is strapped onto me and I’m next up on the trapeze platform. And

it is 23 feet up a construction ladder. And I have forgotten most of the tutorial. Great. Climbing the ladder isn’t the scariest part and being up on the platform is also manageable. The moment of truth comes just before the jump. As instructed, I lean all the way forward over the platform edge—think Michael Jackson in “Smooth Criminal”— as the trainer grips the back of my waistband to keep me from falling. Dangling at the mercy of gravity and the trainer’s strength, I grip the trapeze bar one hand at a time and note exactly what 23 feet looks like. There are a few seconds of quiet trepidation. The trainer holding me says to bend slightly at the knee. The trainer on the ground gives a firm, but pressure-free “hep!” which is the cue to take the plunge. With a generous helping of self-assurance, I hop off the platform feet first, as if into a pool. I am flying! “The best part about my job is watching students overcome their internal struggles and doubts, and prove to themselves, that yes, they can do it,”

Keithan shares. “I’ve seen tears of fear turn into tears of joy after a student’s anxiety and intimidation transform into excitement and confidence.” Takoma Park resident Matthew Graham seemed like a natural on his inaugural flight. On one hand, it might be due to his complementary hobbies: paraand hang gliding, teaching yoga, polo, and more. On the other hand, anyone with great listening skills can see first-time success. “If you listen to the instructors and turn off your brain like they tell you, everything will go fine,” Graham says. “The scariest part for me is climbing the ladder

and waiting your turn, but once you’re off you relax and have fun.” Sarah Hudson, who has been practicing trapeze all over the country for six years, has similar advice. “It’s not necessarily the most fit people I see succeeding, it’s those who can listen,” she shares. “If you try to think too much about it, it’ll mess you up. [Trapeze] might be hard for people who want to control things.” For everyone else, the class is lots of fun. TSNY takes inaction photos of each flight and stores them in personalized files so they can be purchased at any time (although mid-flight facial

Sarah Hudson (right) dismounts from her previous flight as instructor Mandy Keithan (left) applauds and offers feedback. Photo: Jazelle Hunt.

expressions aren’t always photogenic). Everyone is patient and good-natured, and the trainers offer helpful and encouraging feedback after every attempt. By the end of the initial twohour class, beginners will learn a knee hang, back tuck dismount, and if they’re up to it, complete their first catch—flying to an instructor by the knees, and allowing him or her to catch, swing, and release. Learning these basic moves is painless (until the soreness sets in). As skill level advances, the physical and mental demands do too. “Flying trapeze delivers an incredible whole body workout,” says Keithan. “Regular flyers will see their strength levels increase and the muscles in their upper bodies and cores emerge due to how flying utilizes these areas of the body.” Beyond that though, flying trapeze offers an accessible thrill, a unique hobby, a lifelong chal-

lenge, and a great community. “There is a reason that our tagline is, ‘Forget Fear – Worry About the Addiction.’ While many students come for their first class thinking that it will be a one-time deal, trapeze regularly ignites a new passion,” Keithan says. “The trapeze community is an amazing, inspiring, encouraging, supportive group of students, instructors and performers. I am so proud to be part of this family.” TSNY-DC’s indoor Navy Yard facility is located at 4th St. SE and Tingey St. SE, right on the water. Flying trapeze classes are held seven days a week, with up to four classes per day. Individual classes cost $49, $55, or $59 (depending on class time), and f ive or more classes can be purchased together at a discount. For details, see washingtondc.trapezeschool.com, email dcinfo@trapezeschool.com, or call 410- 459-6839. u

This chart details the extensive progression of mastering the flying trapeze. A two-hour intro class introduces flyers to the basic skills of the beginner’s red center. Photo by Jazelle Hunt. Midcity DC | January 2014 u 19

out and about

+ Health

Octavia Payne DC Ultimate Star on the Rise by Jonathan Neeley

n Sunday, Oct. 20, Octavia Payne and DC Scandal, the region’s top women’s ultimate Frisbee team, won the USA Ultimate Club Championships in Frisco, Tex. Scandal beat San Francisco Fury, a seven-time defending champion, in the title game – the first time that a team not from Boston, San Francisco, or Seattle has won a women’s championship since 1989. The next morning Payne, an account executive at Edelman Public Relations, flew to Denver for a client training session. Despite being less than a full day removed from winning a national championship, it was just another Monday at work. “Twelve hours [before],” says Payne, “I’m on top of the world. “On the biggest stage of my sport, I made this great achievement. Now I’m just working at some event. Nobody knows why I have scabs all over my arms. They just think I get rough on the weekends.” Created in New Jersey in the late 60s, ultimate is a lot more than rowdy weekends. Played with a flying disc, the game combines the nonstop movement of soccer, the individual matchPhoto: Steve Helvin

20 u midcitydcnews.com

Photo: Steve Helvin

ups and technical skill of basketball, and the end zone scoring of football. Opposing teams field seven players at a time, and teams like Scandal compete at grueling tournaments that run from Saturday morning to Sunday afternoon. The Sports and Fitness Industry Association estimates about five million people in the United States play ultimate – more than lacrosse and rugby combined. Known as “Opi” to the nickname-loving ultimate community, Payne is the face of a new wave of players – high school varsity studs and Division 1-caliber athletes – taking up the game. Standing 5’6” with a frame that is slim but strong, powerful but nimble, the Baltimore native features blazing speed and pinpoint long throws that make her one of the best women’s players in the world. The scabs come from her high-flying layouts to save possession or block opponents from scoring. In addition to captaining Scandal, this July Payne was one of 13 players to represent the United States and win gold at the World Games, a 2,800-athlete competition overseen by the Olympic Committee in Cali, Colombia.

Despite her achievements, the anonymity Payne felt in Denver is commonplace for ultimate players. With very few exceptions ultimate has no college scholarships, sponsorships are marginal, and the only reward for the endless weekend practices, nights on the track, and hours in the weight room that a high-level season demands is personal satisfaction. Payne and the rest of the National Team fundraised their way to Colombia, and Scandal players themselves foot the bill for the cost of a season (which included travelling to seven tournaments). Still, Payne says there’s no question that it’s all worth it. She had never used a passport before going to Colombia, and that’s not to mention domestic travel to California, Colorado, Boston, North Carolina, and Texas, all done this year alone and all to play or practice ultimate. As the coach of George Washington University’s women’s team, a position she volunteers for, Payne is revered as an expert, which she says has made her more assertive and improved her public speaking ability. And back when she was looking for her first

Photo: Micah Tapman

job out of college, her initiative with running Scandal’s Facebook and Twitter accounts prompted a teammate to recommend her to a colleague at Edelman. Above all Payne values ultimate for the camaraderie. While playing for the National Team, Payne formed a particularly close bond with Sarah Griffith, a player from Seattle. The duo quickly learned the best ways to encourage each another at practice and enjoy lowkey relaxation together between games. The relationship is one in a long line of examples of friendships that started with a shared love for the game. “Only [Sarah] and I will understand the connection that we made in a matter of six months,” says Payne. “These people, I’ll be friends with for life.” On top of coaching a college team, Payne frequently helps run local youth clinics and participates in Washington Area Frisbee League games. She points to ultimate’s low barriers to entry – to play, all you need is a field and a disc – as reason to use the sport for youth development. “It’s very welcoming,” she says, “very accessible, very flexible.” And though she’s only 24, Payne is acclimating to the Midcity DC | January 2014 u 21

MIDCITY FEBRUARY 2013

FIND US AT THESE LOCATIONS! 14U Cafe Andrene’s Carribean Azi’s Cafe

1939 U ST NW 308 Kennedy ST NW 1336 9th ST NW

Ben’s Chilli Bowl

1213 U ST NW

Bicycle Space

1019 7th Street, NW

Big Bad Woof

117 Carroll ST NW

Big Bear

1700 1st ST NW

Bioscript Pharmacy

1325 14th ST NW

Brookland Metro Bus Boys & Poets

801 Michigan Avenue NE

Caribou Coffee

1400 14th ST NW

Carls barber shop

1406 P St MW

Drafting Table

1529 14th ST NW

Dunkin Donuts

1739 New Jersey Ave NW

Emery Recreation Ctr.

5701 Georgia Avenue, NW

Enviro. Working Group

1436 U ST NW

First Cup Coffee

900 M ST NW

Foster House Apts.

801 Rhode Is. Ave, NW

Giant

1050 Brentwood RD NE 1345 Park RD NW

Habesha market

1919 9th st

Harris Teeter

1201 First St, NE 3221 Mt. Pleasant ST NW

Howard University

2225 6th ST NW

Java House

1645 Q ST NW

Kennedy Rec Center

1401 7th ST NW

LAYC

1419 Columbia RD NW

Lincoln Westmoreland Apts.

1730 7th Street, NW

Long & Foster

1401 14th ST NW

Love Cafe

1501 14th ST NW

Marie Reed Rec Center

2200 Champlain ST NW

MLK Library

901 G ST NW

Modern Liquors

1200 9th ST NW

Mt. Vernon Sq. Metro

700 M ST NW

Mt. Pleasant Library

3162 Mt. Pleasant St. NW

Northwest One Library

155 L ST NW

Off Road Cycling

905 U Street, NW

3031 14th ST NW

Paul Laurence Dunbar Sr. Apartments

2001 15th Street NW

3601 12th ST NE

Petworth Library

1239 9th ST NW 23 Logan Circle NW

Chinatown Coffee

475 H ST NW 1432 U ST NW

CNN Office

224 7th ST SE

Coldwell Banker

1606 17th ST NW

Columbia Hts. Coffee

3416 11 ST NW

CVS

1000 U ST NW 110 Carroll ST NW 1117 10th ST NW 128 Kennedy ST NW 1418 P ST NW 1637 P Street, NW 1700 Columbia RD NW 1900 7th ST NW 2129 14th ST NW

Providence Hospital

1150 Varnum St NE

Reeves Center

2000 14th ST NW

Safeway

1045 5th ST NW 1701 Corcoran ST NW 1747 Columbia RD NW 6501 Piney Branch RD NW

Senior Wellness Center

3531 Georgia Avenue, NW

Shaw Library

945 Rhode Island AVE NW

Shaw Mainstreet

1426 9th ST NW

Shaw metro

1800 7th st NW

Shephard Park Library

7420 Georgia Avenue, NW

Starbucks

1600 U ST NW

1631 Kalorama RD NW Heller’s Bakery

Chester Arthur House City First Bank

200 I Street SE

1025 5th ST NW 2021 14th ST NW

Chatman’s Bakery

DC Child & Family Services Agency

2225 Georgia AVE NW State Farm

3327 12th ST NE

Street Boxes

925 monroe st ne 925 monroe st ne 2022 14th ST NW 8th & R Streets., NW 1400 Block P Street, NW 7th ST & Rhode Is. Ave, NW 1501 14th ST NW 1501 U ST NW

Takoma Metro

327 Cedar ST NW

Takoma Park Library

312 Cedar Street, NW

Third District MPD

1620 V ST NW

Trilogy NoMa

151 Q Street, NE

Tryst

2459 18th ST NW

Turkey Thickett Rec Ctr.

1100 Michigan Avenue, NE

U Street metro

900 U st

Wilson Building

1350 Pennsylvania AVE NW

4200 Kansas AVE NW

Windows Cafe

101 Rhode Island AVE NW

Yoga District

1830 1st ST NW

400 Mass. AVE NW

Petworth Metro

3700 Georgia AVE NW

6514 Georgia Ave, NW

Phyllis Wheatly YWCA

901 Rhode Island Ave NW

MIDCITY YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

22 u midcitydcnews.com

view that her status as a minority – she’s half black, half Japanese, and has a long-term girlfriend – makes her a role model. “I’m a recognizable player by virtue of the way I look,” she says, “so I might have an automatic foot in the door. [A friend] asked me to come by his school with my medal and talk to his kids about being healthy and exercising and how it can lead to really good things, which I thought was really cool.” Before she left for the World Games, Payne’s co-workers made her a poster to wish her good luck. When she came back there was a gold-medal-shaped cupcake waiting on her desk, and after Scandal’s win her office organized a viewing party to re-watch the championship game. “I think inevitably, if you’re as into ultimate as I am, that bleeds through your immediate circle and into the people you interact with everyday,” she says. “My co-workers are happy for me” Payne says their understanding is aided by ultimate’s recent push toward mainstream relevance. DC is home to two semi-professional teams, the DC Current, part of Major League Ultimate, and the DC Breeze of the American Ultimate Disc League, both of which are running unprecedented social media campaigns. The Washington Post, City Paper, and DCist have all recently run stories about the sport. In May ESPN began broadcasting major USA Ultimate events, and in September Time magazine ran a feature about ultimate that included a full-page photo of Payne diving to catch a disc. Most recently, on Dec. 3, the DC City Council passed a ceremonial resolution honoring Scandal’s championship. National exposure and recognition from a government as big as DC’s feels like a pretty big deal for a sport that, throughout its existence, has struggled to achieve even blip status on pop culture’s radar. “Time,” says Payne, “is something that at face value doesn’t need a lot of explaining. [Passing] the resolution is similar: the city recognized our achievement. You don’t have to explain much about why that’s noteworthy.” u

Leaping From December Without Falling by E. Ethelbert Miller

or me 2013 was a year of too much cancer. Friends either died from the disease or discovered they had it. Lumps and bumps in the night. A different type of pain making one suddenly feel old or just old enough to really think about death for the first time. A person you love loses their hair and maybe a breast. It’s December and everyone wants to be a survivor. Can the new year be four seasons of spring? I keep thinking terrorism starts from within. If only we could stop cancer and all those sleeper cells. What if we could free ourselves from cancer the way we hand over bottled water in the airport terminals? Why can’t we all fly free? Sad texts and painful phone conversations filled 2013. What do you say when a person shares the “c” news with you? No way I can turn away and simply write a poem. Do I blame God for changing a friend’s narrative? How many sunsets do they have left? How many years? In 2013 we had endless talks about healthcare. Cancer treatment, however, comes with a price tag. If only we could solve the “Big C” the way we shut down our government. We continue to experiment with new drugs the way we handle our democracy. We take risks. We make mistakes.

But what gives me hope is the ability to dream and to be seduced by my imagination. What gives me hope is memory: the stories already told that I can return to. Poet Lucille Clifton once wrote about the good times and how we should celebrate them. We accomplish this by remembering – everyday I call a close friend who is fighting cancer and I let her know how much I love her. I still believe love is eternal, it’s what endures after everything is lost. It’s love that provides the blueprints to rebuild after disaster. It’s love that unwraps the New Year and presents itself as a gift. What we cherish can never be denied by illness or diminish our hope. We embrace life even when it flickers, knowing we determine the brightness no matter how short or long. Gil Scott-Heron once sang about “Winter in America.” Did he sense the cancer in the air? Two thousand thirteen was a year of dark clouds, bombs, floods, and guns in schools. If politicians were doctors they would be accused of malpractice. History sits in a crowded emergency room holding a number that reads 2014. While my friends fight, to live I’ve started to pay more attention to how wounded I too have become with time. My feet and knees hurt more.

My eyes no longer see in the dark or even in the light as well as they did two years ago. At my workplace many of my friends have retired. I was starting to make my own arrangements but I looked ahead to what W.E.B. DuBois once called “dusk of dawn.” I’m writing more, pushing myself into the extra innings. It’s not about throwing fast balls, it’s about knowing how to finally pitch well. Yes, I’m looking forward to a few more springs with optimism. December’s darkness can only descend so far. Two thousand thirteen will not repeat itself. If 2014 brings the changing same, then our struggle to make this a better world will have to continue. Faith often comes with gray hair. What I’ve learned about winter is that I must avoid slipping or falling during or after a storm. World events can often turnw a sane person into an acrobat. In 2014 we must land on our feet. I’m afraid there is no longer enough money for nets. E. Ethelbert Miller is a literary activist. He is the director of the African American Resource Center at Howard University and the board chair of The Institute for Policy Studies. u Midcity DC | January 2014 u 23

your neighborhood by Kathleen Donner

Bulletin Board Registration Open for Cupids Undie Run

American Art Museum Acquires Video Games

The Smithsonian American Art Museum has acquired two video games for its permanent collection, “Flower” (2009) by Jenova Chen and Kellee Santiago of thatgamecompany and “Halo 2600” (2010) by Ed Fries. These acquisitions build upon the museum’s growing collection of film and media arts and represent an ongoing commitment to the study and preservation of video games as an artistic medium. The brief history of video games already includes several generations of both games and gamers. The rapid evolution of technology and the enormous cultural reach of video games have set the stage for a new genre in media art. Video games offer a compelling avant-garde performance space, activated by artists and players alike. These media art practices are distinct from film, video and theater and mark a critical development in the history of art. The museum is acquiring works that explore and articulate the unique boundaries of video games as an art form and plans to acquire additional video games in the future, working with artists, developers and programmers to represent this new creative practice. The inclusion of video games furthers the mission of the museum and ensures the ongoing preservation, study and interpretation of video games as part of the national collection of American art. americanart.si.edu 24 u midcitydcnews.com

Silo Restaurant Opens in Mt. Vernon Square

In the works for more than a year, Silo restaurant opened its doors in Mt. Vernon Square neighborhood shortly after Christmas. The restaurant’s name represents its raw and industrial interior as well as the fresh ingredients and grains used in its cuisine. It will accommodate 20 people at the bar and 50 people in the dining room. Chef Vetsch has designed Silo’s menu on Contemporary American cuisine with a Swiss/French twist that pays homage to his heritage. Silo is located at 919 5th St. NW, between K St. and Massachusetts Ave. 202-309-0073. SiloDC.com

Cupid’s Undie Run is returning on Feb. 15 for its 5th year in Washington, DC. On Valentine’s Day weekend, come put the hilarity in charity with hundreds of halfnaked runners taking to the streets in celebration of their fundraising for the Children’s Tumor Foundation. Be a part of something great. Last year Cupid’s raised over $1.3 Million to end NF and they’re relying on you to join and make this year’s fundraising (and party) the biggest and best yet. Start a team, join a team, or just run solo and make some new friends. The party, at Pour House, Hawk ‘N’ Dove and Capitol Lounge on Capitol Hill, starts at noon; run time is 2 p.m.; then back for more fun until 4 p.m. Arrive early and stay late... and feel free to remain pants-less the entire time! Until Jan. 14 registration is $70; Jan. 15-Jan. 31 registration is $80; and Feb. 1-Feb. 15 is $100. cupidsundierun.com

Sitar Arts Center Volunteer Opportunities

Every semester more than 100 volunteers donate an hour of their time every week to teaching Sitar Arts Center students. Volunteers also help support the Center in a variety of ways, such as providing administrative and event support. They would not be able to fulfill their mission without such dedicated and talented volunteers. They encourage everyone in the community to share their gifts through volunteering at Sitar. There are opportunities

to become a part of Sitar’s volunteer faculty in visual arts, music, creative writing, dance, drama and graphic arts for those with three or more years’ experience in any of the artistic disciplines. If you are interested in assisting with various volunteer needs at the Center, including lobby hosting, help with administrative tasks, mailings, Center maintenance, event support or a volunteer internship, call A. Lorraine Robinson at 202-797-2145 ext. 107 for more information. Sitra Arts Center, 1700 Kalorama Rd. NW. 202-797-2145. sitarartscenter.org

For Light and Liberty African Americans and Civil War Espionage in Washington and Beyond

On Jan. 23 and 30, 6:30 p.m., join Hari Jones, Curator of the African American Civil War Memorial Freedom Foundation and Museum, to discuss the activities of the “Loyal League,” a secret national organization made of men and women of African descent whose extensive efforts helped the Union war effort to end slavery. Jones, a foremost authority on the role of African Americans in the Civil War, will deliver a two-part lecture highlighting the League’s covert operations in Washington and beyond. Free. Historical Society of Washington, DC, 801 K St. NW. historydc.org

Volunteer for Black History Month Luncheon

The luncheon is on Saturday, Feb. 22 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel. The 2014 theme is Civil Midcity DC | January 2014 u 25

Shaw Ribbon Cutting Palooza

On Dec. 17, Shaw Main Streets hosted Mayor Gray, Ward 1 Councilmember Graham and other guests as ribbons were cut celebrating the opening of five new bars and restaurants, a quintuple ribbon cutting for new Shaw bars and restaurants on adjacent blocks. The celebration of the latest phase in Shaw’s bar and restaurant boom began at Right Proper Brewing Company at 624 T St. NW. The 110-seat microbrew pub proudly proclaims, “Made in Shaw” on its windows and growlers (rightproperbrewery.com). The second stop on the Ribbon-Palooza Tour was Eat the Rich, 1839 7th St. NW (etrbar.com). Owner Derek Brown opened sherry and ham bar Mockingbird Hill on the block in June. Eat the Rich, a 40-seat venue featuring Rappahannock River Oyster Company oysters and Chesapeake seafood, is next door to Brown’s new Southern Efficiency, a 16-seat Southern diner and whiskey bar at 1841 7th St. NW (whiskeyhome.com). Southern Efficiency was the third stop on the ribbon cutting trail. All Souls Bar at 725 T St. NW, (allsoulsbar.com), a 33-seat neighborhood bar from David Batista, formerly of Jaleo and Zaytinya, also opened. Be sure to check out the copper bar top, which is from Penn Quarter tapas restaurant Jaleo, removed in its most recent renovation. The final stop was Dunya, a Turkish/Mediterranean restaurant at 801 Florida Ave. NW (dunyadc.com). With 120 seats on three floors, Dunya is the largest of the latest crop of Shaw eating and drinking establishments. A rooftop deck will open in the spring. Shawmainstreets.org features a running list of businesses that have signed leases along the historic 7th and 9th Sts. NW commercial corridors, with 23 listings prior to the opening of the Quintuple Ribbon Cutting bars and restaurants. Twenty of those businesses are food and beverage establishments. Of the approximately 120 businesses that have opened in central Shaw since Shaw Main Streets began operations, the vast majority have been restaurants and bars. 26 u midcitydcnews.com

Ribbon Cutting at All Souls Bar, 725 T St. NW. Photo: Pleasant Mann, Courtesy of Shaw Main Streets

Rights in America. The Association for the Study of African American Life and History is recruiting volunteers for the event. Help as a greeter, host, stage production and raﬄe support. Contact them at 202-238-5910 or at info@asalh.net.

Ford’s Theatre Audiences Give $77,000+ to Covenant House

Ford’s Theatre Society announced that a donation drive during performances of “A Christmas Carol” has raised $77,413.42 for the local charity Covenant House Washington. Donations were collected Nov. 21-Dec. 23. In addition to the curtain call collection, patrons also were encouraged to make donations through the Ford’s Theatre Box Office and members of the Ford’s Theatre Society staff donated money to the campaign. This is the fifth year that Ford’s Theatre has partnered with

your neighborhood a local non-profit during its run of “A Christmas Carol.” Including this year’s campaign, the cast and crew has raised more than $375,000 for local charities over the last five years, including Covenant House Washington, Martha’s Table, Miriam’s Kitchen, So Others Might Eat (SOME) and Bread for the City, to help sustain their work with thousands in the DC area who struggle with hunger and homelessness. Since 1995, Covenant House Washington has been a lifeline to more than 30,000 youth. Covenant House Washington is the DC affiliate of Covenant House International, the nation’s largest privately funded nonprofit organization responding to the needs of young people who suffer from homelessness, abuse and neglect. Covenant House Washington’s goal is to serve fragile young people who are disconnected, abused or homeless with absolute respect and unconditional love and to provide support to needed to help stabilize their lives. covenanthousedc.org

Changes to Picnic Reservations Process at Rock Creek Park and Fort Dupont Park

Beginning Mar. 1, 2014, the National Park Service will move the reservation process for group picnic areas at Rock Creek Park and Fort Dupont Park to Recreation.gov, a convenient website used by many national parks and thousands of park visitors across the country. Since 1949, the District of Columbia Department of Parks and Recreation has managed these reservations under an agreement with the NPS. DPR has asked the NPS to assume reservations management. The fee for group picnic areas has not changed since the early 1990s, and an increase is under consideration. The NPS proposal would bring the fee in line with the price for similar group picnic areas in the Washington Metropolitan Area, and would provide options for full-day and half-day rentals. The proposal is to phase this increase over three years starting in the summer of 2014 with an increase to $25/half day. Additional increases will occur in 2015 at $45/half day, and 2016 at $65/half day. The additional revenue will improve the

condition of the picnic areas and the service provided to visitors.

Sunday Forum Schedule at St. John’s Church, Lafayette Square

Come to St. John’s Church, Lafayette Square, 16th and H Sts. NW at 10 a.m. for the following discussions: Jan. 19: John McLaughlin on Al Qaeda 2.0: The Terror Threat Today. Dr. McLaughlin is host of two weekly public affairs programs, The McLaughlin Group and John McLaughlin’s One On One. Before his broadcasting career, he served as a speechwriter and special assistant to Presidents Nixon and Ford, and was associate editor of America, a weekly opinion journal. Jan. 26: Joshua DuBois will discuss his book The President’s Devotional, a collection of readings that inspired President Obama. DuBois was the President’s spiritual adviser and director of the White House Office of Faith-based Partnerships. Feb. 9: Katherine Imhoff, Part I of The Presidency of James Madison. Imhoff is president of the Montpelier Foundation, established at the President’s home. Feb. 16: Dr. Hunter Rawlings, Part II of The Presidency of James Madison. Dr. Rawlings is President of the Association of American Universities and a Madison scholar. 202347-8766. stjohns-dc.org

Housing Financial Assistance for Veterans

The Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program offers financial assistance and case management to help veterans and their families attain and maintain safe, stable housing. Through SSVF, veterans who are homeless or in danger of homelessness receive short-term assistance with rent, utilities, childcare, security deposits, and other household expenses. The program also provides case management to help veterans resolve the issues that caused their housing crises and to ensure long-term housing stability. SSVF serves veterans in DC, Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, Alexandria, Fairfax, and Arlington. Call Housing Counseling Services at 202-667-7006 for more information about this important resource for veterans.

+ Bulletin Board

DC Awarded $25,000 Cities of Service Grant

After receiving a record number of applications, Cities of Service has awarded $25,000 to the District of Columbia to implement a service initiative designed to address neighborhood beautification and environmental sustainability. The District is one of 23 cities to win a Cities of Service Impact Volunteering Fund grant, which supports mayors who are implementing “impact volunteering” strategies that tackle pressing local challenges. “The Love Your Block DC initiative is a meaningful complement to the ongoing efforts of Sustainable DC and leverages the power and energy of residents to take an active role in making the District the healthiest, greenest, most livable city in the nation over the next 20 years.” said Mayor Gray. “Through Love Your Block DC, 430 trees will be planted, 25 city blocks will be revitalized, and three community gardens will be created along with a number of new local park affinity groups.”

NeighborGood, DC’s New Volunteer Search Engine & Database

As the District of Columbia Government agency dedicated to empowering residents to meet community needs through service, Serve DC has developed NeighborGood, a free, online DC-specific volunteer opportunity database and search engine. NeighborGood connects residents with meaningful DC-based volunteer opportunities and connects community-based organizations with the city’s cadre of dedicated, experienced volunteers. Visit serve. dc.gov/node/607792. u

Midcity DC | January 2014 u 27

your neighborhood

+ District Beat

The Gray Equation by Andrew Lightman

hen a candidate is considering running for office in the District, the first order of business is to figure out the magic number of votes needed to win the election. The key element of this political calculus is taking an educated guess at the total number of registered voters likely to show up at the polls. This month The District Beat will walk readers through just such an exercise. So, power up your calculators and let’s begin.

The Magic Number

In August 2013 there were 355,774 registered Democrats in the District of Columbia. Of course not all those registered choose to vote. Good electoral calculus involves making an educated guess at predicting voter turnout. Previous elections can provide some guidance to the electorate’s behavior. In the September 2006 Democratic primary 37.23 percent (106,288) of registered Democrats voted. Adrian M. Fenty received 57.20 percent (60,732) of the votes, Linda Photo: Andrew Lightman Cropp received 30.98 percent, and Marie Johns 8.01 percent. In the 2010 Democratic primary 39.95 percent (134,342) of registered Democrats voted, and 54.27 percent of them (72,648) voted for Vincent C. Gray. 28 u midcitydcnews.com

Fenty garnered 44.47 percent of the total (59,524). Unlike previous primaries, which were conducted in September, the 2014 Democratic election will take place on April 1. No longer will candidates slog door-to-door in the summer heat. Campaigning will take place in unpredictable winter weather. It is unclear whether the turnouts of early mayoral primaries offer a guide to predicting future voter behavior. To add insult to injury, the primary is being held on April Fools’ Day. Fortunately for political prognosticators, DC held an April Democratic primary election in 2012 that gives some idea of turnout in a non-mayoral contest: 17 percent of Democrats voted. Accepting that prior electoral turnouts provide a guide to future behavior, we can take the mean of the percentages of voter turnout in the 2006, 2010, and 2012 primaries. This yields a 31.39 percent figure. Applying this to the current number of registered Democratic voters (355,774) yields a prediction of 111,677 votes in the 2014 primary. If the mayoral field remains crowded, and the US Justice Department fails to issue additional indictments, Gray, following the path charted by Councilmember Anita Bonds (D-At Large), can win with low as 31.49 percent of the vote. However, many pundits believe that voters, much like herd animals, converge on candidates they think likely to win. If the electorate becomes focused on two challengers, Gray’s victory might require as much as 40 percent of the vote, as it did for Councilmember Vincent Orange (D-At Large) in 2012. Depending on the dynamics of the race Gray needs between 34,000 and 44,000 ballots. Unfortunately for Gray these votes are unlikely to come from the city’s western, mostly white, wards.

A Wounded Mayor

In July 2012 The Washington Post commissioned Abt SRBI to poll public impressions of Mayor Gray. The pollsters found that 34 percent of all adults had a favorable impression, though perceptions varied strongly by race. While 37 percent of African-Amer-

icans approved of Gray’s performance, only 15 percent of whites agreed with this assessment. Surprisingly, 61 percent of the respondents believed the mayor to be untrustworthy. When asked whether Gray should step down owing to the federal investigation, 62 percent of whites agreed joined by 48 percent of African-American respondents. Gray’s strong negatives did not improve with time. A year later a poll conducted by Lake Research Partners for Candidate Tommy Wells (D-Ward 6) found only 31 percent of likely voters in the Democratic primary had a favorable impression of the mayor. This dismal view of Gray’s stewardship was confirmed by a poll of voters conducted by Hart Research Associates this past September, which found support for the mayor hovering at 35 percent. Of those surveyed, 45 percent held a totally unfavorable opinion, an improvement on the previous year. It is clear from these polls is that there is persistent, widespread dissatisfaction with the mayor. Moreover, white residents are significantly more displeased. The situation, somewhat ironically, mirrors that of the summer of 2010, when 56 percent of AfricanAmericans expressed unfavorable views of Fenty in a Washington Post poll. It was the heat from this simmering discontent that lifted the fledgling Gray campaign to victory against a well-funded incumbent. Is it a stretch to imagine angry white voters propelling one of his opponents to victory in 2014? Fortunately for Gray, Wards 2 and 3, the city’s predominantly white wards, are home to only 18.66 percent (66,402) of the city’s registered Democrats. This gives him an opportunity to pursue the same path to victory pioneered by Orange and Bonds in their recent primary victories, the “Eastern Strategy.” Wards 4, 5, 7, and 8 are home to 55.53 percent of registered Democrats. Ward 7, Gray’s home ward, contains the largest number, 51,174 (14.38 percent), followed by wards 5 with 50,806 (14.28 percent) and 8 with 47,286 (13.29 percent). Ward 6, their immediate neighbor and home of challenger Councilmember Tommy Wells, contains 49,600 registered Democrats, representing 13.94

percent of the city’s total. Given the racial and geographical breakdown of Gray’s negatives, these neighborhoods are the key to his finding between 34,000 and 44,000 votes.

Gray’s Base: Wards 7 & 8

In September 2006 Ward 7 provided Gray with 11,314 votes to propel him to the chairmanship of the DC Council. This number constituted 19.39 percent of his total citywide take and 82.46 percent of the ward’s vote. The Democratic turnout in Ward 7 was 34.46 percent. In the September 2010 contest with Fenty, Ward 7 provided Gray with 14,518 votes, roughly 20 percent of his total citywide, and 82.26 percent of those cast in the ward. 36.75 percent of registered Democrats voted in Ward 7. In the April 2012 Democratic primary, in which Councilmember Yvette Alexander (D-Ward 7) won reelection, the turnout was 19.07 percent in Ward 7. If we average the percentage of voter turnout in the 2012, 2010, and 2006 primaries (30.01 percent) and apply this to the total number of registered Democrats in Ward 7 we get 15,337 voters. If Gray manages to maintain his previous margin of victory, he can expect 12,576 votes. Given the fact that his Ward 7 political machine has been decimated by indictments and defections, and that candidate Muriel Bowser’s (DWard 4) brother may garner support in Hillcrest, this is likely an optimistic figure. Moreover, the total constitutes only 29 percent of the 44,000 needed to ensure his victory in a crowded field. The situation in Ward 8 is analogous to its neighbor’s. In September 2006 Ward 8 provided Gray with 6,823 votes to propel him to the chairmanship of the DC Council. This constituted 11.70 percent of his total votes citywide and 78.90 percent of those cast in the ward. The Democratic turnout was 27 percent. In the September 2010 contest with Fenty, Ward 8 provided Gray with 10,502 votes. This was roughly 14.5 percent of his total citywide and 82.10 percent of those cast in the ward. The polls drew 31.35 percent of registered Democrats in Ward 8. In the April 2012 Democratic primary, in which Councilmember Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) handily won Midcity DC | January 2014 u 29

reelection against a crowded field, the turnout was 15.78 percent. If we average the percentage of voter turnout in the 2006, 2010, and 2012 primaries (24.71 percent) and apply this to the total number of registered Democrats in Ward 8 we get 11,684 voters. If Gray manages to maintain his previous margin of victory in the ward he can expect roughly 9,400 votes – 21 percent of the 44,000 needed to ensure victory in a reduced field. Even if Gray’s base performs as expected in wards 7 and 8 he still needs another 22,000 votes elsewhere (50 percent of his needed total) to sail to victory. Given his huge negatives among white voters, he will no doubt seek these votes in wards 4 and 5, the battlegrounds of the 2014 election.

Ward 4: Can 2010 Be Repeated?

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The situation in the battleground wards remains unsettled. Here Gray faces competition from sitting councilmembers, each of whom possesses a ward political machine. Demographic change wrought by three years of gentrification may have eroded previous strongholds of support. Let us begin with Ward 4. In September 2010 Gray trounced Fenty, a favorite son, in Ward 4, amassing 12,815 votes (58.94 percent). This constituted 17.64 percent of his total citywide. Turnout in the ward was high at 45.10 percent. In 2014 an incumbent Gray faces Councilmember Bowser, a well-funded favorite daughter. In her first election, in May 2007, Bowser beat out a crowded field with a total of 5,064 votes or 40.30 percent in a low-turnout election. In September 2008 Bowser defended her seat, taking 74.85 percent of the vote (7,132). In April 2012 she won with 64.95 percent of the vote (7,541) against a crowded field. By comparison, Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells garnered 12,862 votes. In 2010 Fenty pulled in 8,639 votes, 1,000 more than his successor did in any election. If we average the percentage of voter turnout in Ward 4 for the September 2006, 2008, 2010, and April 2012 primaries we get 33.13 percent. However, given the ward’s historically high turnout during mayoral contests, a figure of 40 percent is more likely. Applying this to the total number of currently registered Democrats we get 19,321 voters. For the sake of argument, if Gray takes the same percentage of the electorate as Bowser’s earlier opponents he could garner a minimum of 6,700 voters. The amount could be larger depending on the effectiveness of Bowser’s campaign and whether Tommy Wells can attract progressive voters into his camp, as David Grosso (I-At Large) did. In November 2012 the Brookland independent garnered 10,981 votes in

Ward 4 during his contest against former councilmember Michael A. Brown, a favorite son. Either way, this only brings a third or less of the 22,000 additional votes Gray needs outside his eastern base.

Uncertainty in Ward 5

While Ward 4 remains very much in play, the situation next door in Ward 5 is even more unsettled. In his September 2006 race for chair, Gray garnered 9,772 votes, or 17 percent of his total, from Ward 5. Turnout in the ward was 36.76 percent. Orange garnered 1,255 votes, or 7.99 percent of the total cast. In September 2010 Gray trounced Fenty, a favorite son, taking 14,160 votes (74.75 percent). This constituted 19.5 percent of his total citywide. Turnout in the ward was 39.05 percent. Orange, running against then popular Kwame R. Brown for chair, garnered only 42.25 percent of the vote for a total of 7,742 votes. If we average the percentage of voter turnout in Ward 5 for the 2006, 2008, 2010, and 2012 primaries we get 27.5 percent. However, given the ward’s historically high turnout during mayoral contests, a figure of 35 percent is more likely. Based on the 50,806 registered Democrats in the ward, 17,782 voters are in play. In Ward 5 Gray faces Orange (D-At Large), a favorite son. He also must contend with Bowser, the neighboring councilmember, who has a strong claim on the ward owing to her father’s long political activism in its northeast corner. Finally, the ward provided Grosso with progressive support from the Brookland and Bloomingdale neighborhoods (5,405 votes). These western sections of the ward, having seen enormous demographic change, are being actively courted by Wells. There is no easy way to quantify what will happen in Ward 5. Bowser is an unknown entity, having never competed there. Orange has had trouble historically holding his own against a powerful African-American incumbent from Ward 7. It seems likely that Gray can conservatively pull at least 12,000 votes out of the ward.

One Fractured City

Wards 4, 5, 7, and 8 contain 247,169 registered Democratic voters. Yet, Gray’s path to victory through an eastern strategy remains uncertain. The analysis above suggests the mayor will garner something in the neighborhood of 40,000 votes, possibly more. While this will certainly provide a base for victory in an election waged against multiple opponents, success in a reduced field is much less certain. If one of Gray’s opponents can harness the discontent in the city’s western neighborhoods, Gray may be looking for a new job come 2014. u

ANC 6E by Steve Holton

Reinventing the Square

The Washington DC Convention Center Authority attended the meeting to give a presentation on redevelopment of the Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square. The library was dedicated in 1903 by President Theodore Roosevelt and Andrew Carnegie and is also known as a special events venue for hosting galas, weddings, receptions, and press events. The plan calls for redeveloping the square while keeping the consistency of public gatherings for the community. A large part of the new site plan calls for the Spy Museum, located downtown at 800 F St. NW, to make its new home in an additional structure to be built on the north side of the library, opposite the DC Convention Center. “We want to keep the character of the library so we don’t want to obscure or cover it up. The new addition will appear more open by having a modern, glassy and transparent design,” said Dan Kelley of MGA Partners Architects while giving a walkthrough of the new design to the board and meeting attendees. The Spy Museum is looking to move since it does not have a longterm lease at the current location. The addition will be tasteful and respectful to the square while involving the public in the process. The architects would like to go underground with two-thirds of the museum to accommodate all its exhibits in the addition’s extra square footage. The above-ground portion will feature the Spy Museum’s retail shop, visitors center, café, and an area for special events. “The Historical Society of Washington, DC will continue to occupy the iconic Carnegie Library and have given their support of the new sketches,” said Kelley. The library’s north side will appear more like a city streetscape with the addition of extra trees and redeveloped paving. “Neighborhood demographics are trending toward more families moving in so we anticipate a playground, amphitheater, and pavilions in

future plans” said Greg O’Dell, president and CEO of Events DC. Once the project breaks ground construction and renovation could take up to 18 months, and concerns of its impact on the community were raised. East and west streetcar lines have been proposed, but the conversation is not over due the concerns of other street traffic and cabstands that could make the area too congested. With neighborhoods being affected, dialogue on the transportation plan will continue. “We are hiring a transportation consultant to come in and make sure construction doesn’t affect the community. It is one of the most critical issues that we will have to address” said O’Dell. Visit the Notice of Public Meetings page at www.eventsdc.com for other committee meeting dates.

The Triangle Effect

Commissioner Marge Maceda (6E05) made a special announcement informing everyone that the city has narrowed its design-firm search from 10 to four firms to develop a parcel of land at the corner of 5th and I streets NW. The land is located next to Massachusetts Avenue and is referred to as the Mt. Vernon Triangle property. “The 5th and I property is the gateway to our area so I am looking forward to the proposals” said Maceda. Ten proposals were submitted in July, and the excellence of the designs has given the city some hard choices. The four final groups and proposals selected are as follows: The Peebles Corporation, which plans to construct a hotel on the property (www.peeblescorp.com); CSG Urban Partners, which plans on creating a dog park, daycare center, and retail units (www.csgurban. com); Akridge, which plans to build a daycare center and bakery and create a green area with a playground (www. akridge.com); and JBG, which plans to create a community room available to the public and two triangle parks, one designated as a dog park (www.

jbg.com). The groups will be submitting their proposals on Dec. 18 and 19 to the Deputy Mayor’s Office, which hopes to award a contract in January.

Venue Change?

The board will continue the discussion of holding future meetings at the current location or another that would be more central to 6E constituents at the Jan. 8 meeting. Currently meetings are held at the Shaw Library on 1630 7th St. NW, and the proposed location is at Northwest One Library at 155 L St. NW. “The ANC will be able to connect with four single-member districts at the new location and we are interested in engaging these constituents because of the increase in development in the area. We want to know their opinion too” said ANC 6E04 Chairwoman Rachelle Nigro. If approved the venue change could go into effect as early as February.

Rito Loco Application

A request for support for a special exemption to be a quick food service restaurant at 606 Florida Ave. NW was presented by Louie Hankins, an owner of the Rito Loco, a food truck franchise that makes burritos with homemade ingredients in locations all over DC. Hankins asked for the board’s consent to open a new location with seating in the Shaw neighborhood near Howard University. The restaurant will have up to 30 seats and be open early for breakfast and coffee and late for dinner and the Howard Theatre crowd. ANC 6E01 Vice Chairman Alexander Padro asked that the board table the motion until the ANC 6E meeting on Jan. 8 due to the absence of that particular area’s (6E02) commissioner, Kevin Chapple. Padro would like Chapple to have the opportunity to review the application and speak with adjacent property owners and area residents. “I fully support Rito Loco coming to the area, but I think we should take

the responsible approach of consulting area constituents first” said Padro. Responded Hankins, “We are good stewards of the land by picking up any trash on our property. Business owners and residents have welcomed us with open arms but by all means speak with them yourself.” The motion passed to table the request until the January meeting.

Maximum Sentence Encouraged

The board supported a community impact statement that will be sent to Judge John Ramsey Johnson to give the maximum sentence to accused kidnapper and rapist Jahlani Benjamin Brown. Brown pled guilty to brutally sexually assaulting and kidnapping a rental office employee in the Shaw neighborhood last September. Judge Johnson will receive the letter 10 days prior to the sentencing hearing, which will be held on Jan. 10.

Other Topics of Note

• The board motioned to send a letter to DC Police Department Chief Kathy Lanier to have a representative at future 6E meetings and provide a public service announcement for the area. Mayor Vincent Gray and Councilman Tommy Wells will be copied in the letter. • A motion passed to support a public space patio application for Le Pain Quotidien at 433 Massachusetts Ave. NW. • A motion passed to the Director of District Department of Transportation to undertake a traffic study in the 400 block of Warner Street to install traffic-calming measures. The next ANC 6E meeting occurs on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 6:30 p.m., at the Shaw Library, located at 1630 7th St. NW. Visit www.anc6e.org to view the ANC 6E newsletter. Follow on Twitter, @ANC6E, and Facebook by searching ANC6E. u Midcity DC | January 2014 u 31

your neighborhood

+ The Numbers

Making Work Pay Even More for DC Residents

or District residents in low-wage jobs, making work pay is important. We live in an expensive city, where $8.25 or even $11.50 per hour doesn’t go very far in paying for housing, transportation, food, and other necessities. That’s why DC gives an incentive to working residents through the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which eases taxes for low-income workers. But right now the credit provides very little to a big

by Wes Rivers and Jenny Reed group of workers: singles without children. The DC Tax Revision Commission (DCFPI) recognized this gap and recently endorsed an expanded EITC that increases benefits to low-wage workers without children, a group which is ineligible for many other public benefits. DCFPI enthusiastically supports this recommendation. We hope that Mayor Gray and the DC Council will fund this important tax credit in the

upcoming budget. Making the EITC work for childless households will provide a boost to the pay of these residents, as well as to our local economy, because most of these dollars will go right back into local businesses. Little Safety Net for Singles Over one-fourth of DC families who lived in poverty in 2012 had no children, making them a significant portion of the poorest residents. Yet the District’s safety net and income tax system offers fairly little assistance to them. Low-income childless workers are ineligible for cash assistance like TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) and can get just $195 a month in food stamps. And the EITC, one of the best tools to lift families above poverty, provides very little benefit to singles. The fact that singles without kids are largely excluded from assistance means that singles working at a low-wage job get much less to make ends meet than lowwage workers with children. But if properly designed the EITC could lift thousands of single earners out of poverty by incentivizing work and supplementing the wages of those who need it most.

EITC 101: How the District’s Credit Works

The District offers an EITC that reduces DC income taxes, much like the federal EITC that applies to the federal income tax. The credit is refundable, meaning that if a worker’s EITC benefit exceeds the amount of taxes owed, the excess 32 u midcitydcnews.com

is given as a tax refund. DC’s EITC is equal to 40 percent of the federal credit, making it the second largest state-level EITC among the 21 states that offer an EITC. Very low-income households receive an EITC equal to a percentage of their income, so that the credit grows as these households earn more. As income increases further, households reach a range of incomes in which they can claim the maximum EITC benefit. Beyond the maximum credit income range the credit slowly phases out. The District credit, like the federal credit, varies based on the number of children living in the household. Households with no children receive the smallest credit, while households with three or more children receive the most. As Figure 1 illustrates, the District’s credit for childless adults is small and claimable by only a very limited group of single filers without children. For 2013 a single person without children can receive a maximum credit of $195, compared to a single person with one child who can receive a maximum credit of $1,300.

Making Work Pay for Childless Workers

The District’s EITC is effective at providing income tax relief for very lowincome families with children, but fairly limited in its effect for childless singles. For example, a single parent with one child making the new minimum wage of $11.50 per hour and working 30 hours a week can receive the maximum EITC of $1,300. A childless single with the same amount of income – about $17,250 a year – would not be eligible for any EITC benefit at all and would instead owe DC income taxes of $500. A recent proposal endorsed by the DC

Tax Revision Commission would change the DC EITC’s benefit level and income eligibility for childless singles, while still maintaining the benefit for families with children at 40 percent of the federal credit. The commission recommended raising the credit to about $500 for a single worker earning between $6,400 and $16,800, which means someone working part-time to almost full-time at minimum wage. The credit would then start to phase out completely at about $23,000. This would significantly increase the number of singles without children who could claim the credit and provide more relief to childless workers at the minimum wage. For example, the minimum wage worker who earns $17,250 and owes $500 in taxes currently would have an EITC of $450 and end up

owing only $50. That’s a 90 percent reduction in income taxes. Figure 2 shows the proposal’s EITC benefits at different level of income. The tax commission’s EITC proposal would provide tax relief to a substantial number of low-wage workers who get little work support from other sources. If the mayor and DC Council adopt the proposal, DC would be the first state to create an EITC for childless adults that goes beyond the federal credit. As with the recent passage of the $11.50 minimum wage, the District would remain a national leader in making work pay for all its residents. u

Midcity DC | January 2014 u 33

your neighborhood All Souls Bar ribbon-cutting.

Shaw Streets written and photos by Pleasant Mann Livable/Walkable Awards in Shaw

Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells held this year’s celebration of his Livable/Walkable Awards, better known as the Brickies, on Dec. 2 in Shaw. The venue was the top floor of the City Market at O development at 7th and P streets NW. This was the seventh annual event where Councilmember Wells has given recognition to community, government, and business leaders who have supported creating sustainable communities, smart growth, and appropriate transportation options in Ward 6. The Neighbor Award was bestowed on both the Reverend Ruth Hamilton of the Westminster Presbyterian Church and Pastor L.B. West of Mount Airy Baptist Church for their work in maintaining a sense of community in their areas of Ward 6. This year’s Community Organization Award went to the French Street Neighborhood Association for its fostering of community, most notably its multi-year effort to develop and maintain French Street Park. The Business Award went to the Labyrinth Games and Puzzles shop, known for its collection of non-electronic games and homey atmosphere, while the Public Service Award went to the Ward 6 Core Team, a group of DC employees devoted to identifying and correcting issues that arise in the ward’s neighborhoods. Finally Councilmember Wells made a posthumous award of the Livable/ Walkable Legacy Award to recently deceased Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Ron McBee, for his tireless work in historic preservation, education, and recreation aimed at improving the quality of life in his Southwest neighborhood. 34 u midcitydcnews.com

Shaw Holiday Fun

Shaw Main Streets started the holiday season with its annual holiday party, held Dec. 3 at the Wonder Bread Factory on S Street. Approximately 300 people attended the celebration, which featured food from Shaw restaurants and beverages from local merchants. Notable attendees included the building’s developer and owner, Douglas Jemal, as well as Ward 1 Councilmember Jim Graham, Ward 2 Councilmember Jack Evans, Ward 4 Councilmember Muriel Bowser, and At-Large Councilmember Vincent Orange. The night ended with dancing to the standards of “The Electric Slide” and “Cupid’s Shuﬄe.” The French Street Neighborhood Association held its 21st Holiday Tree lighting on Dec. 14. However, due to the cold heavy rain falling that night the participants quickly lit the tree at French Street Park then went inside the home of the association president to continue the celebration. Due to the timing of the new DC Election calendar, a number of politicians came seeking signatures for their petitions to get on the ballot for the April primary. Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells made a presentation giving President Helen Mohrmann the Livable/Walkable Award for the French Street Neighborhood Association. Also in attendance were City Council Chair Phil Mendelson and Ward 6 Council candidates Charles Allen and Darrel Thompson.

Shaw Ribbon-Palooza

On the morning of Dec. 17 Shaw Main Streets held another ribbon-cutting marathon, this time for five new restaurants and bars in Shaw. Dubbed Shaw Ribbon-Palooza, the event publicized the continuing march of new

Crowd at Shaw Main Streets Holiday Party queuing up for the buffet.

Tommy Wells presenting Ron McBee Legacy Award.

eating and drinking establishments opening in Shaw. Ribbon-Palooza started at Right Proper Brewing Company at 624 T Street NW. Underneath a mural depicting King Kong-sized giant pandas fighting against a Washington backdrop, Mayor Vincent Gray, Councilmember Jim Graham, and Shaw Main Streets Executive Director Alexander Padro hailed the large investment that the brew pub represents and its role as an illustration of Shaw’s development into one of the hottest commercial areas of the city. Then the crowd went around the corner to open Southern Efficiency at 1841 7th Street NW, a tavern focused on providing exotic bourbons and whiskeys along with appropriate country side dishes, and Eat the Rich at 1839 7th Street NW, whose shellfishfocused menu goes all the way down to a series of oyster shooter cocktails. The next stop on Ribbon-Palooza was All Souls Bar at 725 T Street NW. Started by David Batista, an alumnus of Jaleo, All Souls intends to be a neighborhood bar with quality cocktails and edibles. As the participants inspected All Souls,

Shaw Main Streets Holiday Party. Doing the electric slide at the Wonder Bread Factory.

Mayor Gray seemed to be mesmerized by the extensive selection of classic soul tunes on the jukebox. The final destination for Ribbon-Palooza was Dunya at 801 Florida Avenue NW. The owners met the crowd outside for the ribboncutting and then invited everyone in to share samples of the restaurant’s Mediterranean cuisine. Visitors were impressed with the rustic décor of the two-floor restaurant, which also has an outdoor rooftop deck that will be open in warmer weather.

A Win and a Loss

Ivy and Coney, the Midwestthemed sports bar at 1537 7th Street, termed the “Shaw bar for people who miss Chicago and Detroit” by one critic, announced that they would have their formal opening on New Year’s Day 2014. Meanwhile, Cause: the Philanthropub at 1926 9th Street announced that they were closing operations, saying that they had not been able to generate large enough profits to accomplish the pub’s mission of devoting a portion of proceeds to charity. u

A new Chipotle has opened at 1508 14th Street between P and Church streets.

Logan Circles by Mark F. Johnson

Good New Year’s Advice from Ofﬁcer Friendly

If you’re reading this issue chances are you made it into the New Year without incident. Keeping us incident-free throughout 2014 is exactly what one of the DC Metropolitan Police Department’s finest wants for everyone. He was out issuing “warnings” of the good kind just before New Year’s Eve, at P Street’s Whole Foods. “I continue to warn people to be careful about using expensive cell phones in public,” he said. Much of the crime in U/14, he pointed out, is “snatch and grabs” of cell phones, especially while the owner is wobbling out of a club drunk or semi inebriated. Cellies are also easily pilfered as people walk down the street talking or stand in the street while on the phone, if they are not aware of who’s around them. The officer also warned against leaving valuables in plain sight in a car. “You are likely to come back to a smashed window and missing stuff,” he admonished. How to be safe and hold on to your valuables? It all boils down to not making it easy for thieves to glom onto your possessions. All in all, the officer gave 15 minutes’ worth of logical thinking and common sense. His comments came at the start of a new year, when folks can resolve to follow the good advice and thereby reduce the incidence of thefts and muggings in 2014.

DC Swaps 14th & U Reeves Center for Buzzard Point Parcel

The days are numbered for the 1980s Frank D. Reeves Municipal Center that takes up the entire west side of 14th between U and V streets. The building housing several DC government offices is being swapped for a parcel of land at Buzzard Point, according to ongoing negotiations. The city desires to locate a soccer stadium on the Buzzard Point parcel owned by developer Akridge. The company would in

turn develop the delicious piece of property at the crossroads of U/14 into a mixed-use building offering apartments as well as retail. Some government offices have already relocated from the Reeves Center. Many feel that the building is too valuable in the transformed and pricey U/14 strip to be used for government offices. However, Councilmember Jim Graham, who represents Ward 1, is telling his constituents that he might want to keep the building public and substitute another DC-owned property for it so that a swap may go through in order for DC United to play soccer.

Chipotle Opens On 14th Near P Street

Mexican-style chain Chipotle has taken over the former Sam’s Pawn Shop space at 1508 14th Street. It joins Tortilla Coast and El Centro as purveyors of tacos and burritos in U/14 – although, in fairness, Tortilla Coast and El Centro are more sit-down restaurants than Chipotle, which is generally Mexican on the go. The space has transformed nicely and it definitely livens up that stretch on the west side of14th directly across from the Studio Theater.

U Street Businesses Attempt to Organize

Businesses along U Street have had enough of feeling eclipsed by the towering structures along 14th Street, they say. So they’ve formed a group called 15th & You “in an attempt to unify the block and promote our businesses.” The businesses on the stretch of U between 14th and 16th were probably never as much on the beaten path as the 14th Street businesses, but these days they feel they get even less notice. Certainly with all the mid-rise residential buildings with ground level retail spaces that occupy 14th Street, it is often more difficult to tempt shoppers to the cross streets. Perhaps the businesses feel that the Midcity Business Association is too focused on 14th Street and not enough on the side streets. u

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Midcity DC | January 2014 u 35

your neighborhood

Bloomingdale Bites by Jazzy Wright

Helping the Ward 5 Needy

For many the World Missions Extension Center is a red church storefront that blends inconspicuously into a long line of slender row houses on 1st Street NW. But for some of the poorest residents in the city the Bloomingdale church is a lifeline that provides food, supplies, and educational support for families in need. In addition to hosting food giveaways the church organizes back-to-school fundraisers, mentoring programs, and tutoring lessons for students. The church is particularly active during the holiday season. Last November more than 530 families traveled to the church to receive free food baskets during World Missions’ annual Thanksgiving Basket Giveaway. Additionally World Missions distributed 25 shopping gift cards to families and McKinley Technology High School parents. “If you’re on fixed income, it helps a lot,” said Jesse Howard while holding a food box of turkey, fruit, vegetables, and canned goods. Howard, who has children ages 11 and 15, has come to the food giveaway for the past seven years. “I come for the food and [worship] message.” 36 u midcitydcnews.com

Last December the church gave away toys and presents to more than 700 children as part of World Missions’ Back to School Rally & Giveaway, co-hosted by the Rhode Island North Capitol Ecumenical Council of Churches. Commander Charnette Robinson helped distribute supplies dolls, bikes, watches, and digital music players to children at the event. According to JoAnn Perkins, founder and executive director of World Missions, many people depend on the services her church offers. “The economic factor has really affected everyone,” said Perkins, adding that the recession greatly impacted the work of her church. “You know the concept of Robin Hood? That’s what we do. At any given time we could be economically deprived and at a soup kitchen. You give to people who are in need.” World Mission data from registration forms and surveys shows that most of the giveaway recipients live in Ward 5. Perkins says that she is also seeing a greater need for church services that stretch beyond food and school supply donations, such as jobplacement assistance, literacy programs, computer training, school

Boy meets Santa at toy drive. Photo: JoAnn Perkins.

placement support, and mentorships. “Our emphasis in 2014 is to provide training and mentors to the less fortunate,” she said. Perkins also wants to find new ways to get Bloomingdale residents and businesses involved in the charitable work. “When people don’t give, they live a life that is only about themselves,” she said. “Giving helps the community. There’s a need on both sides to give and to receive. We need to engage with each other.” Perkins encourages local residents to participate in the youth mentorship program at World Missions.

Get on the Bus

Perhaps you’ve seen the four aged buses parked on a small parcel of land at the corner of Rhode Island and Florida av-

enues NW. Those retrofitted buses belong to “traveling carnival” food-truck owners the Fojol Bros. Right now the owners are working to expand their mobile food enterprise with a new business venture, Elastic Highways. According to co-owner Justin Vitarello the buses can seat dozens of people while offering a mobile Wi-Fi internet connection. Here’s how the new business will work (if I understand this correctly): diners will be able to eat on the buses during the day, while entrepreneurs will have the option to rent workspace on the buses in the evening. Additionally the Fojol Bros. want to collaborate with artists or other food-truck companies to bring customers to new areas. Fojol Bros. expects to launch the mobile dining venture in the spring. u

Trudy and Gary Peterson

E.V. Downey, Thomas Snow and Ana and Jason Townsend.

Melissa Ashabranner (CCN) and Roberta Weiner

Paul and Barbara Savage

Mimi Kim and Lee Kyungmin (CCN)

Damian Fagon, Marco Fagon, Mia Fagon

Nicolas Frank and Dorian Lipscomb owner of Boutique on the Hill

Kwame Brown, Anwar Saleem (H St. Main Street), Jean-Keith Fagon, David Grosso, Mayoral Candidate Tommy Wells

Pattie Cinelli, Melissa Ashabranner, Carolina Lopez Jamie Bohl, owner of Lavendar Retreat

Best to all in 2014 from Capital Community News!

Ward 6 City Council candidate Charles Allen with wife Jordi Hutchinson and daughter Cora

We celebrated the season with friends, collegues and clients in the beautifully renovated Piano Bar at Banana Cafe. Photos: Nicolas Frank

Sharon Bosworth (BRMS) and Jim Smailes, Capital Rowing Club

Jean-Keith Fagon, CCN and Stan Bissey (John C. Formant)

City Councilmember-At-Large David Grosso and Carolina Lopez (CCN)

Dave Kletzkin (CCN) and Jason Yen (CCN) Barbara Wells, John Smith, Phil and Genie Hutinet

Ward 6 City Council Candidate Darrell Thompson and Jason Miller (JSMG)

Midcity DC | January 2014 u 37

In From the Cold

Father McKenna Center Helps Homeless Men Address Underlying Problems

by Stephen Lilienthal

augher erupts when Cortez McDaniel and Roland Woody recall their tense encounter two years ago. Woody’ teenage daughter had died, his wife had left him, and he was homeless. From McDaniel’s perspective, Woody’s dwelling on the past was not helpful. “I told Roland that he had to change his whole attitude. I was very blunt that there was no point in his being here,” says McDaniel, who is transition coordinator at the Father McKenna Center (FMC) on North Capitol Street NW, just blocks from the US Capitol. “I kept pushing and challenging him.” “I had to decide whether I was to live or die,” says Woody. Now Woody’s life has made a 180-degree U-turn. There’s a positive change at the FMC too as its staff develops stronger convictions on how to help the homeless. In FMC’s view, providing shelter or sustenance is insufficient.

38 u midcitydcnews.com

The McKenna Center

Homeless men line up every morning at FMC, located in Saint Aloysius Church and on the campus of Gonzaga High School. Casual ob-

servers may perceive FMC, incorrectly, as a program that simply provides meals or shelter. What differentiates

FMC from other homeless programs is that it offers more than just shelter or even spiritual awareness. Its primary contribution is encouraging self-assessment and change.

Tom Howarth. “We really want a guy not just to get stable. We want him to understand what he is capable of doing.” FMC’s small size enables staff to build relationships with the men and to treat them “with dignity and respect.” Roland Woody (foreground) and Homelessness is Father McKenna Center staff a complicated probmember Cortez McDaniel. lem, exacerbated by DC’s dwindling supply of affordable housing, including single residency occupancy (SRO) units. McDaniel says, “Many guys [at FMC] have income, but their incomes do not allow them to rent suitable living places. Anything within a 25-mile radius of DC is just as expensive.” DC public housing has a long waiting list. Yet, says McDaniel, he hears many men say housing or a job would solve their problems. He’s seen too many men lose the housing or jobs they obtained due to addictions or behavioral problems. That’s why “We want to make sure that peo- McDaniel has a sign over his door ple live rather than just continue to proclaiming, “Don’t believe everyexist,” says FMC executive director thing you think.”

your neighborhood

Addressing Underlying Issues

Many men arrive at FMC with problems ranging from drug/alcohol addiction to unemployment and broken families, along with being homeless. Howarth and McDaniel estimate that approximately 70 percent of FMC’s clients are impacted by psychological problems. A daily “Life Skills Meeting” delivers inspiration and information about topics such as conflict resolution and job-seeking skills. The goal is to create a conversation that encourages sharing and the desire to change. “Some guys,” says McDaniel, “can sit for months and then one day they get it” and start making changes. At a meeting in December McDaniel, who’s African-American like most men FMC serves, pointedly tells his audience that too often African-American males will say, “I’m good” or “I’m all right” when asked how they are doing, even though they are homeless, jobless, even impacted by mental illness or an addiction. “Unfortunately, McDaniel notes, “when someone says something about mental health, people go straight to ‘crazy,’” which deters men from discussing their true state. But he adds, “If I had to go straight from incarceration to a shelter, I’d be a good candidate to be depressed.” Within three months of becoming homeless, says McDaniel,

a person’s mental state is likely to deteriorate, perhaps even slip into psychosis, a more serious mental problem. Incarceration, often linked with homelessness, can invoke post-traumatic stress syndrome. Pointing to his “Pyramid of Success” chart, McDaniel lists “honesty, humility, and awareness” as qualities that provide the foundation to breaking out of homelessness. McDaniel tells the men that he too has been incarcerated and homeless. Upon leaving prison he obtained needed medical and psychological help, even using medication. Now, more stable, he does not need medication but still sees a therapist.

Roland’s Story

During the meeting Woody talks about having his legs scalded at a very young age by family members. Later, as an adult visiting Howard University Hospital to see the records of his hospitalization, he took the advice of staff members and decided not to examine them. Although chronic pain persists in his legs Woody proclaims he never has a problem going to work. But problems within his life left him “playing the blame game.” Graduating from the Job Corps as a certified plumber’s helper, he took work in construction, followed by a layoff, then went to work as a chef. But the pain in his legs led him to “self-medicate,” a problem that he calls addictive.

He entered the Art Institute of Washington, hoping to receive an associate’s degree in culinary arts that would enhance his earnings and enable him to move his family out of Section 8 housing. Instead, Woody’s hopes unraveled. His marriage was not strong, and his wife had her own problems. Raising two children, Roland Jr. and Arnica, the couple found themselves living in housing managed by someone Woody describes as a slumlord. Grappling with the difficulties presented by the poor housing, which accentuated his daughter’s breathing problems, Woody cut short his studies. Then, his daughter died, his wife left him, and he found himself homeless. McDaniel stressed to Woody that he possessed the ability to change things in his life. Soon, as McDaniel describes it, “the light bulb popped on from within Roland,” and Woody for his part says he had been “stressed out about something I could not fix. Cortez knew I had to get some help.” McDaniel provided Woody with a reference to a mental health provider. Now, with substance abuse in check and anger having subsided, “Woody’s overall attitude and approach to life is one of hope rather than defeat and despair.”

The Outlook

Woody also finds the atmosphere in FMC’s Hypothermia Program (HP), which houses 20

men from Nov. 1 to April 1, to be positive. “The guys are out to change their lives,” says Woody, who speaks warmly about how HP participants cooperate with each other. “We’re more like brothers.” Now, approaching 50, Woody enters the Community College of DC (CCDC) this month to raise his academic proficiency in hope of entering the University of the District of Columbia to study nutrition. He is already reading texts about nutrition at the Library of Congress. Woody plans on using the support he can receive from counselors, including FMC’s, and CCDC instructors to help him, something which he failed to do while studying at the Art Institute. One lesson that Woody learned is that he must be “relentless” in staying positive. McDaniel says you can be homeless and overcome addiction and mental health problems, but may not find a job or housing right away. “You need to stay positive and motivated,” McDaniel emphasizes. Woody looks at the top of the “Pyramid of Success” chart. “It’s a process,” he notes. “Once you’ve reached health, housing, and relationships, you’ve just begun. You need to keep going to therapy, stay connected with people like Cortez, and keeps your network going.” Stephen Lilienthal is a freelance writer. u

Midcity DC | January 2014 u 39

kids and family

+ Notebook

n Donner

by Kathlee

N O T E B O O K “I Have a Dream Wall” for Teens at MLK Library

Between Jan. 12-19, teens are encouraged to artistically express themselves and continue the nonviolent fight towards equality for all. Come to MLK Library and help decorate a “dream cloud” that will state your dream for the future for yourself, your community and/or this country. Your “dream cloud” will be on display on the “I Have A Dream” wall during Black History Month at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library during February. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW. 202-727-0321. dclibrary. org/mlk

Sitar Center Spring Classes Registration Open

Sitar Arts Center advances the critical life skills of underserved children and youth and prepares them for achievement in the 21st century through visual, performing, and digital arts education in a nurturing community. Registration for spring classes has begun. Visit sitarartscenter.org for more information. Sitra Arts Center, 1700 Kalorama Rd. NW. 202-7972145. sitarartscenter.org

All-Ages Walk-Inz at ArtJamz

Looking for a great family-friendly “funtivity” but can’t schedule anything due to the hectic pace of your family’s ever changing schedule? No problem-

just drop into ArtJamz anytime during their All Ages Afternoon WalkInz, 5-6 p.m. during the week (except Mondays) and Saturday to Sunday noon-6 p.m. Anyone can come in and paint. Their art-trained Creative Enablers are always on hand to help get you set up and provide tips, guidance and encouragement throughout your session. They also host classes. ArtJamz costs $15 an hour for access to their arty Dupont Studio. That includes unlimited use of water-based acrylic paints and tons of brushes, markers, glitters and various other art materials. Canvases are extra and range in size and price. You can even bring your own canvas and pay a $5 or $10 “corkage fee” per canvas. Are you a parent who doesn’t want to paint? No worries! It’s free to just chill and hang out in their artist’s lounge. They have WIFI, coffee and drinks. ArtJamz Dupont Studio, 1728 Connecticut Ave. NW. 202-709-8096. artjamzdc.com

First-Ever Sleepover for Kids in Rotunda at National Archives

On Saturday, Jan. 25, the National Archives and the Foundation

Canal Park Ice Skating Extended Hours for School Holidays

On Jan. 21 and Feb. 18, Canal Park ice skating hours will be extended to 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Skating fees are $8; children, seniors (55+) and military fees are $7. Skate rental is $3. The park is at 2nd and M sts. SE, one block from the Navy Yard Metro (New Jersey Avenue exit). For more information, email SkateCanalPark@gmail.com or call 202-554-6051. canalparkdc.org Skating in Capitol Riverfront. Photo: Courtesy of Canal Park

40 u midcitydcnews.com

Accepting Only Online Applications for the 2014-2015 School Year Grades PS/PK-5th Grade Apply at www.ewstokes.org If applicants do not have internet access, they can come to the school to apply on-line. With a French and Spanish immersion program and a dual focus on academic excellence and community service, Stokes School prepares culturally diverse elementary school students to be leaders, scholars, and responsible citizens who are committed to social justice.

Upcoming Open House: January 30, 2014 from 9:30am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11:00am RSVP to Ms. Jo-Anne Hurlston, Parent Coordinator, jo-anneh@ewstokes.org School tours on Wednesday from 9:00 am -10:00 a.m.

3700 Oakview Terrace, NE | Washington, DC 20017 | 202.265.7237 Midcity DC | January 2014 u 41

Seaton Elementary School celebrates winning the 16th Annual DC SCORES Poetry Slam! Photo: Courtesy of DC SCORES

mances for children in the Helen Hayes Gallery. Tickets are required and distributed first come-first seated. Tickets are distributed 1/2 hour prior to performance. One ticket per person in line. The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave., NW. 202783-3372. On Jan. 25, see Katherine Lyon-Transformation Imagination; Feb 1, Bright Star Theater-George Washington Carver; and Feb. 28, Paul Hadfield-General Foolishness.

Jerusalem 3D at the Natural History Museum

DC SCORES Poetry Slam

The 16th annual DC SCORES Poetry Slam!, the largest youth spoken-word competition in the District, showcased original poetry and songs written by students who participate in the award-winning afterschool program. December’s two-night event was held at the newly renovated Cardozo Education Campus on Dec. 4 and H.D. Woodson Senior High School Dec. 5. On the first night of the Poetry Slam!, students representing 22 elementary and middle schools wowed 500 guests with group and individual performances about everything from soccer, another aspect of DC SCORES; to taking pride in being educated; to a girl’s solo poem about the Sandy Hook shooting. Elementary school winners were Seaton (1st); Marie Reed (2nd); and Bancroft (3rd); while Sydney Chimka won the individual Shine Award. Middle school winners were Truesdell Education Campus (1st); Cardozo Education Campus (2nd); and Cesar Chavez Public Charter School – Prep (3rd). David Torres of Truesdell won the Shine Award. DC SCORES builds teams through after-school programs for 1,500 low-income DC youth at 47 schools by instilling self-expression, physical ﬁtness, and a sense of community. To learn more, visit DCSCORES.org. for the National Archives are partnering to host the first-ever overnight event for children ages 8 to 12 in the home of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. Participants will meet award-winning author and History Channel host Brad Meltzer, as well as journalist Cokie Roberts. Each participant will have the chance to engage with National Archives documents in fun and exciting ways: decode Civil War ciphers, write a letter to the President, learn how to write with a quill pen, play with historic toys and games from their patent collec42 u midcitydcnews.com

tion, and other activities. The evening will end with with a selection of Oscar-nominated short films in the William G. McGowan Theater. The cost is $125. After the night sleeping in the Archives Rotunda and Rotunda Galleries, participants will enjoy breakfast, play Archives trivia, and join in an interactive demonstration on how hot chocolate was made in colonial times, using American Heritage Chocolate. For more information and to register, visit archivesfoundation.org/ sleepover. Questions about the event should be directed to sleepover@archivesfoundation.org.

Kid Inventor Day at MLK Library

Did you know that many kids have been great inventors? It’s true! You, too, can become a kid inventor! On Sunday, Jan. 19, 3 p.m., join them in celebrating Kid Inventor Day with fun activities to get your creative juices going. Taking place in the Children’s Room, this event is open to school-age children, 6-12 years old. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW. 202727-0321. dclibrary.org/mlk

Chinese New Year Family Day at the American Art Museum

On Saturday, Jan. 25, 11:30 a.m.3 p.m., the American Art invites everyone to join them in celebrating the Chinese New Year in the heart of Chinatown. Festivities to bring in the Year of the Horse include traditional dance performances and demonstrations. Learn the art of calligraphy and make red paper lanterns to bring yourself good luck in the New Year! Free admission. American Art Museum, Kogod Courtyard, 8th and F sts. NW. 202-633-1000. americanart.si.edu

Saturday Morning at the National Free Performances for Children

On Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. there are free live perfor-

Jerusalem 3D takes you on an inspiring and eye-opening tour of one of the worlds oldest and most enigmatic cities. Destroyed and rebuilt countless times over the past 5,000 years, Jerusalem’s enduring appeal remains a mystery. What made it so important to so many different cultures? How did it become the center of the world for three major religions? Why does it still matter to us? This IMAX movie runs daily at 11:10 a.m.; 1:50 p.m.; 3:20 p.m. and 6 p.m. Museum of Natural History, 10th St. and Constitution Ave. NW. mnh.si.edu

Glorious March to Liberty: Civil War to Civil Rights at Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Library

On Monday, Jan. 29, 11 a.m., Hari Jones, the African American Civil War Museum’s Curator and Assistant Director, will present the program “Glorious March to Liberty: Civil War to Civil Rights.” In this interactive program, participants will learn about the scope of African American involvement in the Civil War and have the opportunity to handle reproduced Civil War items. Program is for ages 5, older. Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Neighborhood Library, 1630 7th St. NW. 202-727-1288. dclibrary.org/watha

imagiNATIONS Activity Center at the American Indian Museum

Open every day, the interactive, family-friendly imagiNATIONS Activity Center provides visitors with a multitude of unique learning experiences. Weave a giant basket to learn

about the various styles of basketry. Explore different modes of transportation like snowshoes and skateboards. Sit inside a full-sized tipi and learn about the buffalo. And stamp your imagiNATIONS passport with real tribal seals as you journey through the center. Even the homes where Native people lived show how they adapted to their environments. Visitors can find out how as they wander through an Amazonian stilt house, see what makes a Pueblo adobe house special, or learn how a Comanche tipi is built. Visitors can also learn about Ross and Cascade, native kids who wear various styles of clothes for the different modern and traditional roles they play. Additionally, the activity center offers stories about native cultures or by native authors, available for reading in the center’s story room. The craft room offers visitors the opportunity to create art projects and take them home. Their newest activities include a kayak balancing game and our Native Beats Music Room, where kids can explore music through Native percussion instruments. The center always has something new, hosting a regular schedule of storytellers, artists, and other unique performers and activities. The imagiNATIONS Activity Center is open Monday 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; Tuesday through Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. NMAI on the National Mall at 4th St. and Independence Ave. SW. nmai.si.edu

Congress National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, 2014-2015

Kate DiCamillo, Newbery Medal Award-winner and honoree, has been named National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature by Librarian of Congress James H. Billington. DiCamillo will serve in the position during 2014 and 2015, succeeding Walter Dean Myers. She has chosen “Stories Connect Us” for her platform. The National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature is named by the Librarian of Congress for a twoyear term, based on recommendations from a selection committee representing many segments of the book com-

munity. The position was created to raise national awareness of the importance of young people’s literature as it relates to lifelong literacy, education and the development and betterment of the lives of young people. loc.gov

Chinese New Year Party at Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Library

On Friday, Jan. 31, 4 p.m., come celebrate Chinese New Year 2014, the year of the horse! They’ll read a story about Chinese New Year, learn about traditions, sing songs in Chinese, figure out our Chinese zodiac signs, and enjoy some special Chinese snacks. Children 3 and older and their caregivers are invited to join the celebration in the story time room. Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Neighborhood Library, 1630 7th St. NW. 202-727-1288. dclibrary.org/watha

King Week Project: “Let’s Promote Peace” Mural

From Jan. 12-18, families can stop by any neighborhood library to participate in the King Week Project. Your child can personalize a paper peace symbol and sign a peace pledge to be displayed as a “Let’s Promote Peace” mural in the children’s room. After the mural is displayed in your neighborhood library, it will be sent to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library to become part of a larger peace display for Black History Month! “We must come to see that peace is not merely a distant goal we seek, but it is a means by which we arrive at that goal. We must pursue peaceful ends by peaceful means.” -Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Especially for ages 4-12. dclibrary.org

LOC to Offer Junior Fellows Summer Internships

Now in its 10th year, the Library’s Junior Fellows Summer Internship Program once again is offering special 10-week paid fellowships to college students. For a stipend of $3,000, the 2014 class of Junior Fellows will work full-time with Library specialists and curators, May 27-Aug. 1, 2014, to inventory, describe and explore collection holdings and to assist with digital-preservation outreach activiMidcity DC | January 2014 u 43

ties throughout the Library. The fellows will be exposed to a broad spectrum of library work: copyright deposits, digital preservation, reference, access standards and information management. From 15thcentury German woodcuts and Civil War battlefield maps to Abraham Lincoln’s life mask and a braille copy of the book “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” published in 2003, rare and unique treasures were processed by the 2013 Junior Fellows, who were given access to a wide variety of collections housed in the Library of Congress. Applications will be accepted online only at usajobs.gov, keyword: 357481100, through midnight, Friday, Jan. 24, 2014. For more details about the program and information on how to apply, visit loc.gov/hr/jrfellows. Questions about the program may be sent to interns2014@loc.gov.

ImaginAsia: Yoga at the Sackler

Come Party

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On Jan. 25 and 26 at 2 p.m., explore the exhibition Yoga: The Art of Transformation with an activity book. Learn how a person became a yogi, what was gained and lost in the process, and yogis’ influence on Indian rulers and villagers during the period in which the art in the exhibition was created. Then return to the classroom to paint yantras used to focus the mind. ImaginAsia programs are for eight- to fourteen-year-olds and their adult companions. Space is limited and available on a first-come, firstserved basis. Programs begin promptly at 2 p.m. with introductions and a question-and-answer session. Next, families use an activity book to explore an exhibition or theme at their own pace. They then return to the classroom for an art project related to the works viewed in the galleries. Art supplies are provided, and families are invited to take home their creations. The Sackler Gallery is at 1050 Independence Ave. SW. asia.si.edu

Uniﬁed Application and Lottery System Launched

The District has launched a common application and lottery system

for DC Public Schools (DCPS) and public charter schools. My School DC provides a single online application where families can apply for spots at all DCPS out-of-boundary schools (K–12), all DCPS PK3 and PK4 programs, DCPS specialized high schools, and nearly every public charter school program. Families can go to myschooldc.org and submit an application to as many as 12 schools. The application is open through Feb. 3 for grades 9-12 and Mar. 3 for grades PK-8. In addition to the comprehensive and searchable information available on MySchoolDC.org, there will be a targeted media campaign and extensive grass-roots community outreach. There is no advantage to applying early. However, the system launched successfully on the first day, with more than 1,000 applications submitted. More than 10,000 individuals have visited the website to learn more about the process and school options.

Imagination Stage: “Aquarium” at the Atlas

From Jan. 28-Feb. 2, enter a world where giant jellyfish fly through the air, sheep graze in the grass, and lemons create the sun in a “let’s pretend” sky. With gentle music, beautiful puppets, and imaginative props, Jack and Calypso lead children and caregivers to a magical, interactive world. Imagination Stage, an international leader in family theater, is a proud presenter of “serious fun for the very young” in their innovative live performance experiences. $8. The Atlas, 1333 H St. NE. 202-399-7993. atlasarts.org

DC Parks and Recreation Outdoor Explorer Family Adventures

Outdoor Explorer: Family Adventures is series of outdoor recreation excursions, designed for families to enjoy the great outdoors together. Excursions are one the 2nd Saturday of each month. The next adventure is snow tubing at Ski Roundtop Resort on Feb. 8, all day, and leaves from Fort Stanton Recreation Center, 1812 Erie St. SE. Registration is required at bit. ly/oefa2014. u

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Watch Osprey, Blue Heron, & Bald Eagles soar from the backyard of this waterfront home in Dunkirk, MD only 30 min from DC!

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

PRICE

FEE SAMPLE 16TH STREET HEIGHTS 1439 KENNEDY ST NW 1503 GALLATIN ST NW 1508 VARNUM ST NW

ADAMS MORGAN 2337 17TH ST NW

BRIGHTWOOD

1346 SHERIDAN ST NW 1377 RITTENHOUSE ST NW 1447 ROCK CREEK FORD RD NW 429 RITTENHOUSE ST NW 517 TUCKERMAN ST NW 6808 PINEY BRANCH RD NW 7222 BLAIR RD NW 802 WHITTIER PL NW

BROOKLAND 2314 2ND ST NE 2717 6TH ST NE 3812 25TH PL NE 4103 13TH ST NE 4415 13TH ST NE 4625 12TH ST NE 4703 7TH ST NE 917 HAMLIN ST NE

CENTRAL

2144 NEWPORT PL NW

COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 1336 PARKWOOD PL NW 1338 MERIDIAN PL NW 1409 OAK ST NW 1467 GIRARD ST NW 1525 MONROE ST NW 2904 13TH ST NW 3021 11TH ST NW 3541 HERTFORD PL NW 3543 HERTFORD PL NW 3631 WARDER ST NW 514 COLUMBIA RD NW 618 QUINCY ST NW 725 PRINCETON PL NW 770 HOBART PL NW

ECKINGTON

11 S ST NW 129 RANDOLPH PL NW 170 TODD PL NE 175 TODD PL NE 2004 4TH ST NE 2110 4TH ST NE 220 RANDOLPH PL NE 321 U ST NE 75 FLORIDA AVE NW

KALORAMA

1807 PHELPS PL NW 2005 BELMONT RD NW 2118 BANCROFT PL NW 2424 KALORAMA RD NW

LEDROIT PARK

1803 4TH ST NW 1838 NORTH CAPITOL ST NW 2130 2ND ST NW 415 T ST NW

LOGAN

1452 CORCORAN ST NW 1901 12TH ST NW 1930 11TH ST NW

MICHIGAN PARK 4824 EASTERN AVE NE 1816 MICHIGAN AVE NE

MOUNT PLEASANT 1768 KILBOURNE PL NW 1813 KILBOURNE PL NW 1867 PARK RD NW 1919 PARK RD NW 3129 19TH ST NW 3337 17TH ST NW

OLD CITY #1

1005 FLORIDA AVE NE 1109 I ST NE 1110 I ST NE 1310 I ST NE 1425 C ST NE

$714,000 $400,000 $772,000

7 0 4

$595,000

$454,000 $505,000 $680,000 $405,000 $399,000 $518,000 $759,000 $605,000

3 3 4 4 4 3 5 4

$410,000 $335,000 $549,000 $390,000 $380,000 $330,000 $341,000 $449,900

3 3 4 3 3 3 3 3

$760,000

$500,000 $720,000 $732,000 $790,000 $810,000 $750,250 $681,000 $820,000 $465,000 $408,000 $450,000 $532,500 $549,000 $447,000

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

$399,999 $765,000 $226,524 $529,000 $572,000 $449,000 $285,000 $340,000 $425,000

3 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 4

$1,675,000 $1,025,000 $2,545,000 $4,500,000

5 3 3 5

$845,000 $600,000 $710,000 $700,000

4 4 5 3

1527 CONSTITUTION AVE NE 1617 INDEPENDENCE AVE SE 1646 KRAMER ST NE 217 9TH ST NE 445 15TH ST NE 509 13TH ST SE 535 23RD PL NE 659 MARYLAND AVE NE 701 F ST NE 722 19TH ST NE 829 11TH ST NE

OLD CITY #2

1201 T ST NW 1319 T ST NW 1733 19TH ST NW 204 BATES ST NW 208 N ST NW 403 FRANKLIN ST NW

RIGGS PARK

402 PEABODY ST NE 5027 12TH ST NE 560 INGRAHAM ST NE 782 KENNEDY ST NE 5045 8TH ST NE

SHAW

605 Q ST NW

TRINIDAD

1115 HOLBROOK TER NE 1158 NEAL ST NE 1175 SUMMIT ST NE 1237 16TH ST NE 1320 LEVIS ST NE 1622 MONTELLO AVE NE 1743 L ST NE 1820 H PL NE

U STREET

1228 W ST NW

$335,000 $435,000

3 3

$1,050,000 $1,092,000 $800,000 $1,380,000 $925,000 $800,000

4 5 4 6 3 4

$600,000 $486,000 $608,000 $459,000 $620,000

4 3 3 3 3

2 3 2 3 3 3 2 4 4 2 3

$1,125,000 $1,350,000 $1,850,000 $660,000 $625,000 $444,000

3 4 5 3 2 2

$310,000 $315,000 $230,000 $379,900 $356,000

3 4 3 3 3

$862,500

$289,000 $360,000 $389,000 $173,250 $455,000 $210,000 $220,000 $310,000

2 4 2 3 3 2 2 3

$915,000

1654 EUCLID ST NW #206 1672 BEEKMAN PL NW #G25 2922 18TH ST NW #2 3220 17TH ST NW #208 3423 BROWN ST NW #302

ADAMS MORGAN

1700 KALORAMA RD NW #204 1745 KALORAMA RD NW #B1 1840 CALIFORNIA ST NW #20A 2380 CHAMPLAIN ST NW #304 2410 17TH ST NW #305 2421 18TH ST NW #302 2446 ONTARIO RD NW #1 2446 ONTARIO RD NW #2 2446 ONTARIO RD NW #3 2512 ONTARIO RD NW #2

$720,000 $720,000 $330,000 $700,000 $725,000 $635,000 $609,900 $685,000 $685,000 $682,500

2 3 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

MOUNT VERNON SQUARE

BRENTWOOD

1384 BRYANT ST NE #102

$219,750

PETWORTH

BRIGHTWOOD

300 ASPEN ST NW #302 5414 1ST PL NW #202 5414 1ST PL NW #504 60 HAWTHORNE CT NE

CENTRAL

1099 22ND ST NW #308 1112 25TH ST NW #2 1150 K ST NW #505 1260 21ST ST NW #603 2201 L ST NW #102 2301 N ST NW #504 2425 L ST NW #633 915 E ST NW #711

COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 2825 11TH ST NW #2 1308 CLIFTON ST NW #403 1324 EUCLID ST NW #202 1325 FAIRMONT ST NW #2 1341 FAIRMONT ST NW #1 1360 KENYON ST NW #1 1417 NEWTON ST NW #406 1436 MERIDIAN PL NW #105 1436 OGDEN ST NW #5 1440 COLUMBIA RD NW #303 1440 COLUMBIA RD NW #404 1448 HARVARD ST NW #2 2535 13TH ST NW #102 3415 Sherman NW #2 3417 SHERMAN NW #2 3500 13TH ST NW #209

3500 13TH ST NW #305 3511 13TH ST NW #203 3511 13TH ST NW #505 700 QUINCY ST NW #1 809 OTIS PL NW #201 809 OTIS PL NW #303

KALORAMA

1810 KALORAMA RD #B4 1831 BELMONT RD #202 1831 CALIFORNIA NW #9 1840 VERNON NW #201 1841 KALORAMA RD #1 1858 CALIFORNIA ST #33 1930 BILTMORE ST #02 1954 COLUMBIA #503 2029 CONNECTICUT #4 2123 CALIFORNIA #D5 2230 CALIFORNIA #3CE 2310 ASHMEAD PL #304 2311 CT AVE NW #301 2456 20TH ST NW #108 2456 20TH ST NW #403

LOGAN CIRCLE

1400 CHURCH ST #201 1444 CHURCH ST #102 1211 13TH ST NW #T-3 1306 12TH ST NW #A 1310 12TH ST NW #1 1401 CHURCH ST #522 1412 11TH ST NW #4 1415 10TH ST NW #2 1423 R ST NW #302 1440 CHURCH ST #101 1449 CORCORAN ST #1 1515 15TH ST NW #228 1529 14TH ST NW #603 1618 11TH ST NW #103

MOUNT PLEASANT

CONDO

BROOKLAND

$1,210,000 3 $764,750 2 $850,000 4

$423,500 $443,500 $345,000 $813,000 $425,000 $787,000 $275,000 $839,000 $1,385,000 $370,000 $700,000

437 NEW YORK AVE NW #Y-4 1117 10TH ST NW #507 811 4TH ST NW #904

1 2 2

$232,500

$620,000 $635,000 $550,000 $309,000 $285,000 $495,000 $645,000 $415,000

2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1

$764,980 $349,000 $399,999 $485,000 $440,000 $510,000 $339,000 $360,000 $355,000 $225,000 $314,000 $519,000 $399,000 $699,900 $700,000 $410,000

3 1 1 2 2 2 1 2 1 0 1 2 2 2 2 2

1 2 2 2 1 1

$530,000 $319,000 $573,500 $399,999 $620,000 $399,900 $690,000 $430,000 $865,000 $539,900 $1,130,000 $295,000 $707,000 $368,000 $381,100

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

$850,000 $699,000 $388,000 $447,500 $695,000 $885,000 $655,000 $760,000 $458,050 $729,000 $550,000 $625,000 $622,500 $580,000

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

$399,000 $92,000 $599,900 $546,000 $580,000

1 0 2 2 3

$569,000 $339,900 $574,500

2 0 2

132 18TH ST SE #1 $405,000 1391 PENNSYLVANIA AVE SE #515 $527,500 1815 A ST SE #204 $240,000 324 12TH ST NE #1 $685,000 614 MARYLAND AVE NE ##4 $620,000

2 2 1 3 2

OLD CITY #1

4226 7TH ST NW #304 907 WEBSTER ST NW #1 $240,501 $308,000 $265,000

$340,000 $364,900 $474,900 $499,000 $329,900 $334,900

SHAW

20 O ST NW

U STREET

1210 V ST NW #3 2020 12TH ST NW #508 2125 14TH ST NW #301-W 2307 15TH ST NW #4

$419,650 $307,000

2 2

$399,900

$572,500 $625,000 $1,080,000 $1,360,000

2 2 3 2

COOP 16TH STREET HEIGHTS 1365 KENNEDY ST NW #101 1365 KENNEDY ST NW #209

ADAMS MORGAN

1705 LANIER PL NW #402 1801 CLYDESDALE PL NW #325 2853 ONTARIO RD NW #618 1661 CRESCENT PL NW #607

KALORAMA

2220 20TH ST NW #41 2220 20TH ST NW #45

MOUNT PLEASANT

1801 CLYDESDALE PL NW #101

OLD CITY #2

1444 W ST NW #406 1915 16TH ST NW #603 u

$147,500 $155,000

1 1

$320,000 $152,000 $399,999 $701,000

1 0 1 2

$799,900 $435,000

4 1

$100,000

$117,179 $331,000

1 1

$779,990

Patti Stueckler Realtor, Re/Max One 301.908.2540 www.TeamStueckler.com

Steve Hagedorn Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

Happy New Year! Search listings at cbmove.com/steve.hagedorn Licensed in DC & MD

Direct: Cell: Office: Fax: Email:

202-741-1707 202-841-1380 202-547-3525 202-547-8462 shagedorn@cbmove.com Midcity DC | January 2014 u 45

CLASSIFIEDS AIR CONDITIONING

To place a classified in HILL RAG, please call Carolina at 202.543.8300 x12 or email: Carolina@hillrag.com.

AIR CONDITIONING

LANDSCAPES

WELL SEASONED FIREWOOD

Redefining Beauty One Client at a Time!

Conveniently Located Just Outside DC

Polar Bear

AIR CONDITIONING PLUMBING & HEATING, INC.

202-333-1310

FIREWOOD

BUY HOUSES

Relocation Assistance Available • Quick Settlement

www.polarbearairconditioning.com

1.800.601.4496

LICENSED BONDED INSURED FALL & WINTER SPECIALS FREE ESTIMATES

ELECTRICIAN

• Pickup or Delivery • Large or Small Amounts • Over 10 years Serving DC Open M-F 10am-4pm • Sat 10am-2pm

(202) 554-4100 firewdfac@yahoo.com 4521 Kenilworth Avenue, Bladensburg, MD - Rear Lot

· Comprehensive Design and Maintenance Services · Installation, arbors, retaining walls, walkways, lighting, water features · Patios, roof top gardens, townhomes, single family homes • Trees & shrubs, formal & informal gardens • Custom Masonry, Fencing and Iron work · Restoration and Enhancement

Over 20 years of experience

301.642.5182

www.thomaslandscapes.com

THOMAS LANDSCAPES Full-Service Landscape Design & Maintenance Firm Derek Thomas / Principal - Certified Professional Horticulturist, Master Gardener. Member of the MD Nursery and Landscape Association & the Association of Professional Landscape Designers

CLEANING SERVICES

MASONRY

S TANDARD C LEANING S ERVICE I NC . Commercial & Residential

CHIMNEY REPOINTING, LINING & REPAIRS!

HALLIDAY CONCRETE & BRICKPOINTING

Ana Julia Viera 703.719.9850 • 703.447.9254 Days Free Estimates • Bonded & Insured References Upon Request 15% Discount New Customers

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS PAPER 46 ◆ midcitydcnews.com

HEALTH & FITNESS

Historic Masonry Repointing & Repairs

TONY’S BOXING GYM

Restoration cleaning on historical brick and stone

& FITNESS CENTER PROFESSIONAL & AMATEUR BOXING LESSONS s • All Types of Exercise Machine tion utri N & ng • Diet Counseli • Olympic Free Weights • Free Personal Training • Seniors Welcome · Handicap Accessible

9-5711 202-88nt Olive t Rd, NE 1216 Mou

Basements & Waterproofing Experts in both in new and traditional masonry NO Job Too Small! We Do it All!!

Serving D.C. since 1918

202.637.8808 Licensed, Bonded & Insured, DC

PAINTING

ROOFING

G G ROOFING

Keith Roofing

EXPERT WORKMANSHIP

REASONABLE PRICES!

AWARDED BEST WASHINGTON, DC CONTRACTOR OF 2012 BY ANGIE’S LIST

Residential/Commercial • Over 40 years in Business Chimney Repairs • Storm & Wind Damage Repair

• New or Re-Roofing • Tear-Off & Replacement • Flat Roof Specialist • Copper, Tin, Sheet Metal & Rolled • Seamless & Flat Roofs • Re-Sealing • Tar, Asphalt, Gravel, Hot Coats • Modified Bitumen • Ask about our gutter specials Insurance Claims • Free Estimates • 24Hr. Service

Fully Insured • Licensed • Bonded “No Job Too Large or Small” Senior & Military Discounts Available!

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We Do Everything!

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75 years in service

BBB

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202-223-ROOF (7663)

WELDING

Our Prices Won’t be Beat!

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EMERGENCY REPAIRS WE DO IT ALL

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RUBBER & FLAT ROOFS WATER PROOFING SLATE ROOFS LEAK REPAIRS METAL ROOFS GUTTER REPAIRS SHINGLE ROOFING CHIMNEY REPAIRS FACIAL/SOFFITS ALUMINUM ROOF COATING

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WIRING

CABLE LINK

CUSTOM WIRING & REPAIRS Cable, satellite, internet, networking, phone and stereo.

240-305-7132 Earl Dennis

Licensed, bonded & Insured, DC

SUPPORT YOUR NEIGHBORS

AND LOCAL BUSINESSES!

Midcity DC | January 2014 ◆ 47

Tell Them, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shaw Main Streets Sent

Me!â&#x20AC;?

Watch For These Three Shaw Businesses on the Sides of Metrobuses Near You! Then tell the business owners you saw them on a bus!

Shaw Main Streets is a designated DC Main Streets program and is funded in part by the Department of Small and Local Business Development, Vincent C. Gray, Mayor.