Happy Halloween! Let's Keep it Spooky, Fun, & Safe

Happy Halloween! I hope everyone one out there has a fun and spooky Halloween. Remember to watch for kids if you are driving (or riding a bike) as some may wear dark colors and masks that make it hard for them to see their surroundings and move freely, and some might cross the street when and where they should not. Below are some Halloween tips that I've published versions of in previous years. I decided to post them again with updates because I feel like these come up again and again.

Got Bulk Trash? Bring it to Roll-Off Day at Miner Elementary Saturday (11/3)

Roll-Off Day is coming to Rosedale this Saturday. Bring your bulk trash and debris to Miner Elementary (601 15th St. NE) for free disposal from 1-4pm. This event is for bulk trash only, so they will not accept hazardous materials, electronics, or paint.

Taste of H Fundraiser Returns Nov. 3

 

It's time once again for the annual Taste of H fundraiser. This event raises funds for the grassroots education non-profit GrantEd Foundation. The GrantEd Foundation aims to provide direct funding to teachers in DCPS and public charter schools for a wide variety of classroom expenses. "Applying for traditional grants can require extensive searching and hours of drafting. These grants are competitive and are often not fulfilled for many months, which can make planning difficult. Through GrantEd, a teacher can apply for a micro grant in the time it takes for her students to come back from recess." It's an effort to simply the process so funds get where they are needed faster and teachers can focus on teaching. Taste of H originally raised funds for J. O. Wilson Elementary, but the organizers sought to broaden and refocus their efforts to reach other District schools where they saw a great need. This new vision gave rise to the GrantEd Foundation. Currently the organization is focused on helping teachers working at partner schools in Wards 7 and 8, "initially targeting schools without active PTAs or boosters."

Taste of H offers you the chance to enjoy food from H Street NE's best restaurants all in one place while supporting a very worthy cause. Taste of H has raised over $250,000 for public education since 2012. This event is run entirely by volunteers and the food, alcohol, entertainment, and services are donated. Individual tickets are $75, but there are multiple levels of support if you want to contribute more. There's even an option to buy a ticket that will be donated to a teacher. You must be 21+ to attend. Aside from enjoying a great night of food, drink (open bar all night), music, and socializing, you can also bid on some very cool items at the live auction.

When: Saturday, November 3 from 7–10pm
Where: Atlas Performing Arts Center (1333 H St. NE)

Victim in 10/24 Homicide on 17th Street Identified as Roger "Tom" Marmet

Roger "Tom" Marmet in a family photo

The Metropolitan Police Department has released the identity of the victim in Wednesday's fatal shooting in the 1200 block of 17th Street NE as 22 year-old Roger Marmet of Northeast DC. As I wrote yesterday, officers on patrol responded to the sound of gunshots and arrived on the scene to find Mr. Marmet unconscious and not breathing (per the Washington Post) with a gunshot wound to his upper body. Medics rushed him to the hospital, but efforts to save his life failed.

Roger "Tom" Marmet, was an aspiring social worker volunteering for in a year of service program with the well-regarded non-profit So Others Might Eat ("SOME"). That detail comes from The Washington Post, which appears to have the most in-depth story on Mr. Marmet. Marmet's father told the Post that police indicated they believe his son was struck by a stray bullet while his car was at a stop light. Marmet's death is the 135th homicide this year in the District.

Homicide in the 1200 Block of 17th St. NE

A man was fatally shot in the 1200 bock of 17th Street NE last night about 6pm. Officers on patrol nearby responded to the sound of gunshots and found an adult male in a vehicle with a gunshot wound to his upper body. According to a short article in the Washington Post the man was unconscious and not breathing when police located him. The man was transported to a local hospital, but he did not survive. According to a message from an MPD representative to a local email list police had no suspects or suspect descriptions as of 3am this morning. If you have any information about this murder please contact police at 202-727-9099 or anonymously text them at 50411. This is in the Carver-Langston area just off Bladensburg Road NE.

Local Briefing: Halloween Events Galore & Two Coffee Shop Openings

Pumkinpalooza in NoMa
NoMa BID will hold their annual Pumpkinpalooza today. While all the reserved pumpkins have been claimed, the event is still worth your time even if you don't get a pumpkin. It's a family friendly celebration with live music from the Ryan Forrester Band, a petting zoo, face painting, snacks, and food trucks. Leashed (and well-behaved) dogs are welcome. Pumpkinpalooza takes place at The Lot at First & Pierce (1150 First St. NE) from 4–7pm (Wednesday, Oct. 24). All is not lost if you didn't sign up for a pumpkin, as reserved pumpkins not picked up by 5pm will go to those who are present.

Free Pumpkin Carving for Kids at Maketto
Maketto (1351 H St. NE) is getting into the holiday spirit with pumpkin carving party for children this Sunday (Oct. 28) from 10am–12pm. Complimentary cider and snacks will be served.

Free Films, OAKtoberfest, & NoMa's Rain in Events this Week (Oct. 23–27) [UPDATED: Most OAKtoberfest Events Canceled]

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UPDATE

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Due to weather concerns all OAKtoberfest events except for the 5K Fun Run, the hike, and the Yoga Tour have been canceled. The organizers will make a decision by noon on Friday as to whether to also cancel those events.

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Frightening (and Not So Scary) Films in Rosedale
Catch Get Out (2017) tonight at the Rosedale Recreation Center (1701 Gales St. NE) tonight as part of the Rosedale Library's FrightFlix series. I'm pretty sure most of you have probably seen this movie, but here's your chance if not. Rated R with a run time of 1 hour and 44 minutes. The film starts at 6pm (Tuesday, Oct. 23). Free.

Early Voting Starts Today, Do You Know the ANC Candidates?

Early voting starts today at Judiciary Square (441 4th St. NW), and other early voting centers will be open starting on Friday, Oct. 26. You can take a look at the sample ballots in The Board of Elections Voter Guide. Note that the sample ballots don't include the ANC candidates.

Trunk or Treat at Joe Cole Rec. Oct. 30

 

This skeleton is giving out eyeballs, get candy instead at Trunk or Treat

Take the kids out for some pre-Halloween fun at Trunk or Treat on Tuesday, Oct. 30 from 6–8pm. Trunk or Treat will take place in the Joe Cole parking lot (1299 Neal St. NE), and will feature spooky decorated cars, candy, face-painting, and more Halloween and fall themed family fun. It's free to attend and costumes are encouraged. This event is sponsored by Joseph H. Cole Recreation Center and the Wheatley Education Campus PTA.

J. O. Wilson Fall Festival Friday (with Pumpkins for Sale)

Pick up a pumpkin at J. O. Wilson's Fall Festival tomorrow

J. O. Wilson Elementary (660 K St. NE) will hold their annual Fall Festival tomorrow (Friday, Oct. 19) from 3:15–7pm. The event is open to all, and they will have pumpkins for sale. You'll also find apple cider, snacks, and pumpkin decorating. All proceeds will go to support J. O. Wilson students.

Stabbing in the 1800 Block of Benning Road NE Yesterday

There was another stabbing in the 1800 block of Benning Road NE yesterday about 2:16pm. I don't have any information on the status of the victim, but the original alert contained look out information for a black female dressed in a pink shirt, blue jeans, slippers, and a black wig. The suspect, described as about 5'3" tall, was last seen heading south through an alley.

Shooting Yesterday Followed by a Stabbing Last Night

A man was fatally shot about 1:21pm yesterday in the 1300 block of D Street NE yesterday. Officers responded for the sound of gunshots and found 59-year-old Ezequiel Fernando Jimenez Pinto of NE suffering from multiple gunshots. He was transported to a local hospital, but succumbed to his injuries. In a follow-up message (both sent to a local email list) police said that "the shots fired in this incident were isolated to one vehicle and no other vehicles or areas seemed to be targeted." If you have information, or video, regarding this incident please contact police by calling 202-727-9099 or text them (you can remain anonymous) at 50411.

Several hours later, about 10:02pm, a victim was stabbed in the 1200 block of Simms Place NE in Trinidad. The original alert contained a lookout for "(3) B/M's, last seeing fleeing on foot south in the alley towards Raum Street NE."

Local Briefing: Early Voting, Support Rosedale Library w/Pizza, Halloween at JV's

Halloween at Jimmy Valentine's
Tickets are now available for Jimmy Valentine's Lonely Hearts Club's 12th Annual Halloween Party. $15 general admission, and $70 if you want top shelf open bar all night. Costumes are required for this 21+ event. Jimmy Valentine's is located at 1103 Bladensburg Road NE. The fun starts at 9pm Saturday, Oct. 27th.

Annual Movemberfest Pig Roast Fundraiser Nov. 10th

The annual Movemberfest Pig Roast, which raises money for The Movember Foundation USA, is fast approaching. A $60 ticket gets you all you can eat and drink. Chef Ryan Gordon of The Queen Vic (1206 H St. NE) will provide the food, and you can wash it down with some great brews from DC Brau (Brau Pils, The Public, Alpha Domina Mellis). The fundraising event will once again take place at Little Miss Whiskey's (1104 H St. NE). Movemberfest will also feature a cash raffle with hundreds of dollars in prizes. They've done that before, but this year they've added "a silent auction with all types of amazing DMV centric prizes and memorabilia." You can follow the event on Twitter @HStMovemberfest. The Movember Foundation is an international non-profit that works to address pressing men's health issues including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health and suicide prevention. According to the group's website they have funded more than 1,200 men’s health projects around the world in a fifteen year period. They hope to "reduce the number of men dying prematurely by 25%" by 2030. Why not enjoy some terrific food, drink, and company while you support this worthy cause? Tickets will sell out, so I suggest snagging yours now just to be safe.

What: The Movemberfest Pig Roast
Where: Little Miss Whiskey's (1104 H St. NE)
When: Nov. 10th (3–8pm)

The H Street Mile, A Pre-Festival Short Fun Run

Are you full of nervous energy as tomorrow's H Street Festival approaches? Why not channel some of that energy into a fun pre-festival run with friends and neighbors? Meet at 3rd & G Street NE by 7:20am tomorrow. The informal race will begin promptly at 7:30am. Bring your own timing device.

Here's the top 3
1. Pat H. 5:04
2. Ariel L. 5:10
3. Ralph L. 5:21 Congrats!@RunHSt @FrozenTropics pic.twitter.com/97WfwegO0w

— H Street Mile (@Hstmile) September 16, 2017

Street Closures, Parking Restrictions, Detours, & Service Suspensions for Tomorrow's H Street Festival

 

DDOT and WMATA have released information about temporary H Street Festival related street closures, bus detours, and service suspensions for the streetcar. The D8, X2, 90, and 92 buses will all detour on Saturday from 4am–9pm.

The streetcar will run its normal hours today (Friday) and Sunday, but will not operate at all on Saturday.

The following streets will be posted as closed and emergency no parking from 4am–11pm on Saturday:

Hitchcocktober at the Angelika Pop-Up

Hitchcocktober is in full swing at the Angelika Pop-Up at Union Market (550 Penn St. NE). Every Thursday in October you can catch a different classic suspense film from Alfred Hitchcock. Shadow of a Doubt plays tonight. All screenings take place at 7pm, and the theater will show Psycho on Halloween night. Tickets for each film are just $10.50, so this is a terrific chance to see these thrillers on the big screen.

Oct. 11  – Shadow of a Doubt (1943, PG): A young woman's favorite uncle arrives for a visit, but all is not well as she begins to suspect that he harbors a dark secret.
Oct. 18 – Strangers on a Train (1951, PG): Two strangers meet on a train and have a discussion about how to commit the perfect murder. One of them was just making conversation, but it soon becomes clear the other was dead serious.
Oct. 25 – 39 Steps (1935, not rated): A man is caught up in international intrigue when a spy is murdered in his apartment and he becomes the chief suspect.
Oct. 31 – Psycho (1960, R): Frustrated in life and in love, a woman makes a fateful decision that brings her to the Bates Motel where she crosses paths with the mild-mannered Norman Bates. Others come asking questions when she disappears mysteriously along with $40,000 cash she stole.

What's Up Round-Up: Little Salon, &Pizza for Dinner, & Swampoodle Park,

Little Salon Gets International on Capitol Hill
Tickets are on sale now for the Oct. 16 Little Salon, which will take place inside a Capitol Hill rowhouse (632 C St. NE, 7–10pm). A $20 ticket (+$2.29 fee, sales are limited due to venue size) gets you entry to this intimate event, which will kick off with a visual art exhibition by Iranian-American artist Mojdeh Rezaeipour and Indian-Pakistani culinary samples courtesy of the team at Cusbah (1128 H St. NE). At 8pm the performances will begin with Mongolian musician Khatnaa on the morin khuur, fiction from Cuban-American writer Gabrielle Lucille Fuentes, and verse by Spanish poet Irene Solá.

J.O. Wilson Night (Tonight) at &Pizza
Tempted to take the night off from cooking? Head over to the H Street NE location of &pizza (1118 H St. NE), because from 3–8pm it's J.O. Wilson night and a portion of all proceeds will be donated to the J.O. Wilson PTA to support students at J.O. Wilson Elementary (660 K St. NE).

Police Seek to Identify Suspect in Armed Robbery on H Street NE

 

Video stills released by MPD show a suspect in yesterday's armed robbery

A man wearing a black facemask walked into a local business and produced a gun during an armed robbery yesterday. The robber ordered employees to open the register, removed cash from the register, and fled on foot down Ninth Street (heading north). Thankfully, no one was injured. It happened just before 12:30pm in the 900 block of H Street NE. The business hit was reportedly DTLR (902 H St. NE). Police circulated descriptions of the robber as a black male in his 20s, about 5'8" tall, around 140lbs, wearing black gym pants with white stripes running down the sides, black and white sneakers, and a red pullover jacket with a hood.

St. Anselm Catches the Attention of Tom Sietsema

 

St. Anselm prior to opening

Newly opened tavern St. Anselm (1250 5th St. NE) is already winning early praise from Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema. Sietsema appears to be a fan of some of the vegetable-focused side dishes and salads (fried cauliflower, and a cucumber salad) as well as the mains. He writes glowingly of the salmon ("a real catch") and the "luscious" fried chicken (served with the bird's head and feet still attached). St. Anselm has a sister restaurant of the same name in Brooklyn, but Chef Marjorie Meek-Bradley put her own spin on the menu for the District incarnation.

For now the restaurant is only open for dinner, but brunch and lunch plans are in the works. The restaurant recently requested a substantial change to their license to add a sidewalk cafe with 24 seats.

Sun-Wed: 5–10pm
Thurs-Sat: 5–11pm

Capital City Symphony Kicks Off 51st Season with a Celebration of Leonard Bernstein 10/7

Image courtesy of Capital City Symphony Photo credit: Nelson Rietzke Photography

Capital City Symphony opens its 51st season this weekend with an all-Bernstein program in honor of the Leonard Bernstein Centennial.  This special vocal program includes the charming Arias and Barcarolles song cycle, and a semi-staged presentation of the one-act opera Trouble in Tahiti – the only work for which Bernstein wrote the words as well as the music.  This program features world-renowned opera singers Delores Ziegler and Kevin Short, esteemed members of the vocal faculty at the University of Maryland.

Sunday, Oct. 7 (4pm)
Tickets are $25
Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE

A Chile Pepper Celebration & More at the National Arboretum in October

Head to the Arboretum's (3501 New York Ave NE, or 2400 R St. NE) National Herb Garden this Saturday for the annual Chile Pepper Celebration. Join members of the Herb Society of America and National Herb Garden staff as they turn up the heat and present some colorful varieties of hot peppers. Feel the burn yourself and learn a few things along the way.
Saturday, Oct. 6 (1–4pm)
National Herb Garden (under the arbor)
Free, no registration required.

Opening Soon: The Village Cafe

 

The Village Cafe owners Kevon King, left, Ryan Williams and Mahammad Mangum. 

Photo credit: The Village Cafe.

The Village Cafe (1272 5th St. NE), possibly formerly known as that space you peered into next door to Politics and Prose (1270 5th St. NE), will have a soft opening next Tuesday (Oct. 9). The Village Cafe has been in the works for a while, and it's a passion project for District natives and longtime friends Kevon King, Mahammad Mangum and Ryan Williams. The three aspire to more than just serving patrons a quality cup of coffee. For them, the opening of The Village is the first step towards their dream of creating "an inclusive culinary incubator" east of the river that could nurture creativity, learning, and collaboration to help local small businesses grow. The founding of The Village is a movement "towards the creation of a virtuous circle of knowledge sharing, social connection, and wealth creation for the people who need it the most." The Village Cafe’s official coffee partner is Southeastern Roastery.

Suspect in Custody After Stabbing Last Night in 1500 Block of Benning Road NE

Police took a suspect into custody last night following a stabbing in the 1500 block of Benning Road NE last night. The stabbing happened at about 11pm. I don't have any information on the status of the victim. This stabbing follows a shooting in the same block very early Sunday morning (12:13am). That shooting took the life of 27-year-old Wilbert Brooks. By my count it was the eighth shooting (most resulted in injuries, but not fatalities) on a particular stretch of Benning Road NE since Sept. 21st. As I mentioned yesterday, there was also a 9-year-old girl injured when she was struck by stray gunfire in the 1600 block of E Street NE Friday night.

Halloween at Rosedale Seeks Volunteers

Halloween at Rosedale seeks volunteers to assist before, during, and after the event scheduled for 12–4pm Saturday, Oct. 27 at the Rosedale Recreation Center (1701 Gales St. NE). You can earn community service hours if you pitch in to help. For more information please contact ANC 6A07 Commissioner Sondra Phillips-Gilbert at spgilbert01[at]comcast.net or 202-397-7228.

One Dead & a 9 Year-Old Wounded Following Two Weekend Shootings

Red indicates the location of yesterday's homicide and purple marks the block where a 9-year-old was hit a stray bullet Friday

A man was fatally shot early Sunday morning in the 1500 block of Benning Road NE. MPD officers responding to investigate the sound of gunfire at 12:13am found 27-year-old Wilbert Brooks (of NE D.C.) suffering multiple gunshot wounds. They attempted to revive him, but he was pronounced dead on the scene and taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. If you have information about this crime you can contact police (you can remain anonymous) at 202-727-9099 or text the tip line at 50411. MPD offers a reward of up to $25,000 for information "which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for any homicide committed in the District of Columbia."