Halloween at Impala

If you're looking for something a little different for Halloween, spending the evening at Impala (1358 H Street) might be just what the doctor ordered. They've got a fire pit set up in the courtyard, $20 all you can eat tacos (5-11pm), and $5 hot spiked cider. Tomorrow's forecast calls for clear skies with a high of 61°F, and it's be in the mid-low 50s all night. Sounds like fire pit and cider weather to me.

Rat Funerals, A Gallaudet Tradition

The Chronicle of Higher Education has a really interesting video feature on the unusual tradition of rat funerals at Gallaudet University (800 Florida Ave) to celebrate the end of a class' freshman year. For those who may be wondering, the tradition continues, but they now used stuffed toy rats instead of the real thing. Hat tip to Twitter user @flyingovertrout for the heads up.

Jimmy Valentine's Annual Halloween Bash

Looking and not finding a listing recently made me wonder if the bar were taking a year off. Thankfully, that is not the case. Even after operating along Bladensburg Road for eight years Jimmy Valentine's Lonely Hearts Club (1103 Bladensburg Road) remains off the beaten path. But it's worth the trip as they throw one hell of a Halloween party. Tickets come in general admission ($15 + a $2 fee to buy online), and top shelf open bar ($65 + $3 fee to buy online). 21+ only and you won't be admitted without a costume. The part starts at 10pm Halloween night, so there's still plenty of time to hand out candy to the kids earlier.

Now at Bardo: Winter Hours, Indoor Bar Opens, & Bar Dawg Growlers

 

A Bar Dawg Growler. Photo courtesy of Bardo

Bardo (1216 Bladensburg Road) is shifting into their winter hours: Open at Thursday and Friday: 6pm. Open at 1pm Saturday and Sunday.  Their indoor bar opens November 5th. They are also introducing growlers, that will allow you to take home some of your favorite Bardo beer (bring back the growler to refill it). The first batch of growlers they've ordered feature resident canine Bar Dawg's mug. Please be aware that Bar Dawg only appears on the first batch of growlers they've ordered, so get your now before they're gone.

Mosaic Theater Company of DC to be Based Out of the Atlas

The Atlas Performing Arts Center (1333 H Street) has a new resident arts partner in Mosaic Theater Company of DC. According to their website, Mosaic "is committed to making powerful, transformational, socially-relevant art, producing plays by authors on the front lines of conflict zones and providing audiences with a dynamic new venue for the dramatizing and debating of ideas." That includes annual festivals sharing ideas from different cultures and areas, such as their much praised Voices From a Changing Middle East series.

Trinidad Neighborhood Association Meeting Tonight

The Trinidad Neighborhood Association holds its October meeting tonight (Tuesday 10/27) at 7pm. Trinidad Rec (1310 Childress Street).

Tips For a Great Halloween

Every year I like to publish a brief guide to trick-or-treating around here. I think it can be useful to those who are new to the area. If you've experienced a Halloween here before, feel free to add your tips.

1. Do kids trick or treat around here? Absolutely. It is a fact that many parents will take their kids over to Capitol Hill, but there are still plenty of kids north of H Street, & up in Trinidad. Some kids might start to come as early at 5:30, but peak time is definitely going to be 7-9pm.

Stabbing in the 1700 Block of Benning Road

Text of the DC Alert that went out early this morning (there is no 1700 block of Benning Road SE, so I assume that's a typo intended to read NE):
10/25/15, 4:32 AM
5D is working a confirmed stabbing in the 1700 b/o Benning Road SE. No lookout CALL 911 W/ EVENT #

Safe Haven Halloween at Rosedale Rec, Donate or Attend

There's a lot going on during Rosedale Rec's Safe Haven Halloween celebration. The party includes a community parade, music, family movies, arts and crafts, costume prizes, popcorn, and plenty of candy. It's all happening from 12-4pm 10/31 at 1701 Gales Street.

Think this is a great event and want to support it? You can volunteer your time, or you can make a donation of needed items. Teens who volunteer their time can get credit for community service hours. The E Street Adventures people (of Tricks and Treats on E Street) have pitched in with a webpage detailing the events needs. The organizers expect about 400 people for Saturday's event.

Atlas Brew Works & Joseph A. Magnus Team Up for Halloween

In what sounds like a scary good idea Atlas Brew Works (2052 West Virginia Ave #102) and Joseph A. Magnus Distillery (2052 West Virginia Ave) have teamed up for a Halloween Party.

Strike a Pose with Nyle DiMarco of ANTM for a Good Cause

As I've mentioned before, it's Homecoming Week at Gallaudet. That means they have all sorts events and attractions lined up.  One of those is a photo booth with America's Next Top Model contestant Nyle DiMarco. DiMarco's a Gallaudet alum, and the first Deaf contestant to appear on ANTM. He's competing on the current season.

Tomorrow: Gallaudet Holds an Open House & Book Sale at Peet Hall

As part of its Homecoming celebration Gallaudet University is holding an open house and book sale on the 4th & 5th floors of Peet Hall Friday (9:30am-2pm). The open house is to show off the new Gallaudet Interpreting Services, Office of National Outreach, and Gallaudet University Press office spaces. This event is open to the public, not just folks associated with the University. Here's a little info from the event page on Facebook:

Fatal Stabbing Inside Layla Lounge (Florida Avenue Market) [UPDATED]

Image via Google maps

A man was stabbed late last night inside Layla Lounge (501 Morse Street) in the Florida Avenue Market area. Layla Lounge is a popular nightclub, and not typically a problem spot. The stabbing took place a little after 1am. A man in his early twenties was reportedly stabbed in the chest and abdomen following a fight on the club's second flood and later died of his injuries. Layla Lounge had musical performances scheduled as part of the club's Levels Wednesdays series. Judging from that top video below, and one on Periscope there was quite a line out front earlier.

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UPDATE

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MPD released the identity of the victim. It's Eric Jones of Clinton, Maryland. Mr. Jones was 19 years old. MPD is asking for anyone with any information about what happened to please contact police.

Gallaudet Homecoming Starts Tomorrow

Gallaudet University kicks off their homecoming festivities tomorrow (Thursday, 10/22). They have a ton of events, some of which are open to all. 1 p.m. At 1pm on Saturday the Gallaudet football team takes the field against against Husson (Hotchkiss Field). The game will be immediately proceeded by a class parade on the field. Tickets are $7 (free for children 12 and under) and may be purchased at Hotchkiss Field on game day.

A Smithsonian Associates Dinner at Ethiopic

The Smithsonian Associates program is hosting a dinner at Ethiopic (LINK PLAYS MUSIC, 401 H Street) 6:45pm-8:45pm Monday, October 26th. Here's the event description:

Explore an exciting eatery in a city known for its many Ethiopian restaurants. The buzz has been more than positive about the stunning Ethiopic in the Atlas District, which is making a name for serving delicious authentic cuisine. The Washington Post’s Tom Sietsema praised it as “the benchmark for the area’s dozens of Ethio­pian restaurants.”

Maketto Launches Dim Sum Sundays

Maketto (1351 H Street) will begin serving a dim sum menu this Sunday from 11:30am-3:30pm. Prices for individual items range from $4-20. No reservations accepted. First come, first served.

Friends of Rosedale Library Presents a Reverse Book Sale 10/25

The Architectural Spines by Flickr user Abhijeet Rane. Used under a Creative Commons license

The Friends of Rosedale Library (FORL) is holding a reverse book sale to celebrate their third birthday. What's a reverse book sale you ask? The concept is simple, instead of adding to your collection of books, you donate books you no longer need and/or make a monetary donation to support FORL. FORL is a non-profit organization that raises funds and for, and supports, programs and events at the Rosedale Library (1701 Gales Street). 1pm Sunday 10/25.

There will also be a bake sale with treats and cider, giveaways, the chance to learn more about the FORL and the Rosedale Library, as well as a film screening at 2pm of Mama C: Urban Warrior in the African Bush.

Fatal Shooting in Ivy City (Off West Virginia) Overnight [UPDATED]

 

A man was shot shortly after 2:30am today in lower Ivy City. The victim sustained a gunshot wound to the upper chest area, and was transported to the hospital. The Washington Post reports that victim has succumbed to his injuries. MPD has not released any information about suspects.

Fall Bicycle Sale at the Daily Rider

The Daily Rider (1108 H Street) is having a sale. All remaining 2015 models from Raleigh, Spot, and Breezer are up to 20% off.

Celebrate Halloween at the Queen Vic

It's a "Shawn of The Dead" Halloween at The Queen Vic (1206 H Street) this year. Film screenings at 7pm and 9pm. They'll have zombie food and drink specials. Get a free shot if you dress as a famous (Zombified) Brit. No reservations necessary.

Whiskey Tasting at Little Miss Whiskey's Tuesday 10/20

whiskey on the rocks by Flickr user Dominicotine. Used under a creative commons license

Little Miss Whiskey's (1104 H Street) is hosting a whiskey tasting Tuesday at 7:30pm. Led by Master of Whiskey Nick Crutchfield, the tasting kicks off at 7:30pm and features:

• Talisker Distiller's Edition
• I.W. Harper
• Port Dundas 12 year
• Clynelish 14 year
• Barterhouse 20 year
• Johnnie Walker Select Cask Rye

Tickets are $7.

Ocopa is Hiring

Ocopa's climate controlled patio is open year round. Photo courtesy of Ocopa

A representative from the Peruvian restaurant Ocopa (1324 H Street) reached out to let me know they are currently hiring.

We are looking to hire servers and a hostess within the community. Experience is not necessary we are willing to train the right people. They can stop by the restaurant Tuesday-Thursday 3:30 till 4 for an application or call the restaurant at 202-396-1814 for more information. 

Boogie Babes at the Angelika Pop Up

The lobby at the Angelika Pop Up

Boogie Babes, a local musical group of performers catering to the tastes of the (much) younger crowd and their parents, recently added the Angelika Pop Up (550 Penn Street, conveniently located behind Union Market and next door to the Dolcezza Gelato Factory) to their list of performance venues. They held their first show at the Angelika October 7th, and they’ll be appearing regularly there in the future. They generally perform weekday mornings, but also sometimes have weekend morning shows. Costs for events may vary, but most shows are $5 per child, with no charge for siblings under the age of six month. Some special events cost $10 per family. Stroller parking is available.

Weekend East City Event Round Up: Art in the Alley Edition

Trinidad's Art in the Alley returns this Friday. The semi-annual community arts event includes works by neighborhood artists, libations and music. Pictured above Art in the Alley 2011. Photo by Phil Hutinet for East City Art 

The Weekend East City Event Round Up is here courtesy of East City Art.

Friday, October 16

Art in the Alley – 6pm to 10pm
Head to Trinidad this weekend and enjoy the seventh installment of Art in the Alley. This community arts festival provides guests with an opportunity to see local art and enjoy enjoy music and refreshments.
The event will take place in the alley between the 1200 blocks of Florida Ave. and Morse St. NE. 

Trinidad's Art in the Alley is Tomorrow (10/16)

 

Work by photographer R.Teri Memolo of Rosina Photography hangs on a fence during Art in the Alley

A hurricane forced the rescheduling of this year's Art in the Alley (originally set take place 10/3), and it's happening tomorrow from 6-10pm. Everyone is welcome. Come out and see great art, hear awesome music, and enjoy some refreshments with neighbors. In the alley between the 1200 and 1300 blocks of Florida and Morse. Public bathroom available.

Tricks & Treats on E Street is This Saturday [UPDATE: THEY NEED A REPLACEMENT COSTUMED SUPERHERO]

Tricks & Treats is this year's version of an annual Halloween celebration put on by E Street Adventures. E Street Adventures is a group of neighbors in the 1600 block of E Street. This isn't a money making venture of any sort. It's a fun community event, and you don't have to live in the 1600 block of E Street to attend. Many of the children who attend come from the nearby apartment complexes, or are students at the local elementary school (the E Street Adventures team extends a special invitation to all the students).

Washington Improv Theatre's HOWL at the Atlas

 

Image courtesy of Washington Improv Theatre. Photo by Darian Glover 

Feeling the Halloween spirit taking hold? Make plans to take in Washington Improv Theatre’s  HOWL at the Atlas Performing Arts Center (1333 H Street) at 8:30pm on a Friday or Saturday night October 23rd through November 7th. HOWL features (click on that link, it explains A LOT) the group’s improvised horror movie Die! Die! Die!, as well as unscripted performances by the group’s talented ensemble cast. Tickets are $12 and available through the Atlas website.

Food Republic: How to Make Lime-Marinated Fish with Erik Bruner-Yang

Food Republic put out this awesome video in which Erik Bruner-Yang of Toki Underground (2nd floor 1234 H Street) and Maketto (1351 H Street) does his think with raw snakehead.

Someone Tried to Rob the Rite Aid on H Street This Morning

File photo of the Rite Aid

An MPD representative sent out the following just now about a failed robbery attempt at the Rite Aid (801 H Street). No one was injured, and a suspect is in custody.

On Tuesday, October 13, 2015, at approximately 0805 hours, a male suspect entered the Rite Aid store located at 801 H Street, Northeast, wearing a hooded sweatshirt with his hood up over his head.  The suspect, with his hand underneath his shirt, approached the checkout counter and demanded money.  The clerk ran off and the suspect fled the store.

Agenda For Tonight's ANC 5D Meeting [UPDATED]

ANC 5D 10/13/15 Public Meeting Agenda from Inked78

I present the agenda for tonight's ANC 5D monthly public meeting. I first saw a copy of it only this morning, and thought I'd share. Tonight's meeting should be an interesting one. As you have likely heard, the recall efforts initiated against three ANC Commissioners (Buggs, Roberts, and Shropshire failed). I consider this to be very good news, as I believe the recall efforts were ill conceived and politically motivated. In the cases of Buggs and Shropshire no petition signatures were submitted. Petition signatures were turned in for Commissioner Adam Roberts, but the total number of signatures was insufficient for a recall.

ASL Pick-Ups with Dog & Pony at the Argonaut

The performance group Dog & Pony is up to something pretty interesting at the Argonaut these days. They held one of these events on Sunday, and they're doing it again on the 18th. i think the description on their website says it best.

DC Oysterfest at Union Market 10/18/15

There's still time to buy your tickets ($35 for attendees 13 years of age and older, free admission for the 12 and under set) for Sunday's DC Oysterfest at Union Market (Dock5). The admission price includes your first six oysters and a drink. While Rappahannock sustainably raised oysters are the main attraction, this event is not all about the oysters. In fact, you be able to find all kinds of other locally produced food and drink. Keep an eye peeled for 3 Stars Brewing Company, Hardywood Brewery, Red Apron, Gordy’s Pickles, Early Mountain Wine, Pepe by José Andres, DC Slices, Capitoline Vermouth, Flying Dog Brewery, Dolcezza, and James River Distillery. Live bluegrass music and events for the kids too. 12-5pm 10/18.

ANC 5D Meeting Tuesday 10/13 & Recap of Last Month's Meeting

Video shot by Edward Milton of the 9/8/15 ANC 5D meeting

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5D
Regular Monthly Meeting
MPD 5th District (1805 Bladensburg Road)
7pm Tuesday October 13th

No agenda has been circulated yet.

Below you will find the following items of interest:

1. Draft minutes from the last meeting
2. My Storify recap of the meeting (think of it as a collection of tweets with links, notes, and photos added)

Reminder: S Street Rising Signing Tomorrow at the Argonaut

 

Award winning reporter Ruben Castaneda will hold a Q & A session and signing  for his book S Street Rising at the Argonaut (1433 H Street) at 4pm tomorrow (Saturday, October 10th). S Street Rising is a memoir about Castaneda's time covering the crime beat for the Washington Post during the violent crack era. The Washington Post named it one of the 50 notable works of nonfiction published in 2014, and Brightest Young Things named it one of the best books of the year.

Weekend East City Event Round Up: Outsider Art Edition

 

Outsider Art Inside the Beltway celebrates its 10th anniversary at Art Enables. Experience the work of outsider artists from around the country at this annual showcase. Pictured above Cabin by the Lake by Mike Knox. Image courtesy of Art Enables.

Saturday, October 10

Stitch & Rivet – 9am to 1pm
Stitch & Rivet hosts a “Meet the Maker” series through November 21, 2015. Join Annie Howe for a workshop on paper cuts and prints. For more information, click here.
Stitch & Rivet is located at Studio #3 716 Monroe St. NE.

It's Hitchcocktober at the Angelika Pop Up

As Halloween draws ever closer, the Angelika Pop Up (550 Penn Street, behind Union Market) is celebrates with a special Hitchcock series they're calling dubbed "Hitchcocktober." The series kicks off tonight at 7:30pm with The Man Who Knew Too Much. Tickets for this show, and the rest of the Hitchcocktober films are $7 (plus $1.50 fee if you buy online, but it does let you reserve a particular seat).

Bake Sale at Sally's Middle Name to Benefit So Others Might Eat 10/14

Sally's Middle Name (1320 H Street) is hosting a fundraiser bake sale for the non-profit So Others Might Eat. For those unfamiliar with SOME, they are a pretty awesome group. Here's how they describe themselves:

SOME (So Others Might Eat) is an interfaith, community-based organization that exists to help the poor and homeless of our nation’s capital. We meet the immediate daily needs of the people we serve with food, clothing, and health care. We help break the cycle of homelessness by offering services, such as affordable housing, job training, addiction treatment, and counseling, to the poor, the elderly and individuals with mental illness. Each day, SOME is restoring hope and dignity one person at a time.

Be Part of Capital Fringe Festival 2016

Image from the Capital Fringe website

Capital Fringe (1358 Florida Ave) is taking applications for performers and groups who want to be part of the annual Capital Fringe Festival this July. Full details below:

Applications to the 11th Annual Capital Fringe Festival, July 7 to 24, 2016 now open
The Fringe Festival is a self-producing performing arts festival where established and emerging artists can present their work free of a selection process. The Fringe Festival takes place in July with over 140 productions, roughly 800 individual performances, showcasing 5,000 artists for over 30,000 patrons each year. The Fringe Festival is DC’s largest and most anticipated performing arts festival. It is just the place for you to showcase your most daring, raw and authentic live performance work.

ANC Joint SMD Meeting Re: 1164 Bladensburg Road Development

 Text from the meeting notice:

We need your input regarding a future development project! Neighborhood Development Co. and its affiliates are planning to develop approximately 75 affordable housing units at 1164 Bladensburg Road, NE on the corner of Meigs Place and Bladensburg Road NE. The building is currently boarded up and serves little purpose to the surrounding community. This newly proposed development will help spur further development along Bladensburg which will help bring more retail and more general business to this part of Trinidad DC.

Reader Question: Can You Recommend an Architect & General Contractor?

A reader writes in that he and his wife are considering purchasing an older home in our area and asks for recommendations for any particular architects or contractors who might be a good fit.

My wife and I have lived in NE for 5 years now (love your blog) and are getting close to buying a home. A home we have an eye on definitely needs renovation but is not a total gut job. I was wondering if you or your readers have come across good (or bad) renovation companies to handle this sort of work? We're looking to expand a bathroom, do minor kitchen updates, and renovate another bathroom. We'd also do some painting/small electrical work, etc and would love to have one point of contact to handle this sort of work.

Non-Fatal Stabbing in the 900 Block of 8th Street

Google Maps image

A man was stabbed last night around 8pm in the 900 block of 8th Street (between I and K). The man's injuries are not life threatening, and he refused to cooperate with MPD. MPD has said the victim "was stabbed by several suspects that he knows." The victim was taken to the hospital.

WaPo: More on Saturday's Early Morning Triple Shooting

The 700 block of H Street

MPD has identified the decedent as 32 year old Jerome Leroy Wright. Mr. Wright was apparently attempting to rob the other four men when one of them fought back and attempted to gain control of Mr. Wright's gun. That plan did not work out so well, and the resisting victim was shot in the chest. He did eventually get control of the gun and shot Mr. Wright multiple times in the chest. One of the other intended robbery victims was shot by mistake during the struggle. Some of that comes directly from a this Washington Post story, which contains additional details. The Washington Post piece also says the shooting is likely to be ruled a justifiable homicide, meaning no charges would be filed in Mr. Wright's death.

Two Critically Injured, One Dead, in Attempted Robbery on H Street Overnight [UPDATED]

Shooting at 0106 hrs,700 blk of H Street, NE. No lookout///3725 pic.twitter.com/1W7MbT3CJK

— DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) October 3, 2015

MPD sent out the tweet above early this morning about a shooting in the 700 block of H Street. Hill News Now has more of the story, and it sounds like an attempted robbery that did not go as planned. An armed individual approached a group of four with the intent to rob them. There was a struggle, and at least two of the intended victims were shot and incritically injured. The robber was also critically injured. One of those three injured people has now died. 

A Diner, Coffee, & Cask Fermented English Beers Headed to H Street

Recent months have seen a few businesses in the area close (Chinito's Burritos, The Spot Deli, and H Street Coffee & Cafe), but this past weekend brought news of three new places looking to open.


One of these new places is a 24 diner called Blue Diner. The address for this one appears to be 1250 H Street.