ANC Supports Arena Stage Expansion

By Brian S. Heller, Arena Stage facilities project manager

  Following up an initial presentation to Southwest’s ANC 2D in July and a neighborhood open house at Arena’s Old Vat in August, Arena Stage appeared before the October 21 meeting of ANC-2D to discuss the theater’s planned renovation and expansion.

  Representatives of the theater briefly summarized the project, seeking ANC approval for required zoning variances.

  After questions from the commissioners and audience, the Commission voted unanimously to support the variances.

 

(caption)

The concept for the future appearance of Arena Stage, was displayed at a public meeting in August, 2002.

Construction is expected to start in the summer of 2004, with an opening in 2006. No decision has been reached on where plays will be given during construction.

 

 

 

Zoning For Waterside Mall Nov. 28

  The long-awaited request for zoning change for redevelopment of Waterside Mall has been made public.

  The application (36 pgs. Plus Exhibits) for a Planned Unit Development (PUD) will be explained at the Mon., Nov. 28, monthly public meeting of the Southwest Neighborhood Assembly, Inc. (SWNA), at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 3rd & M St. S.W. at 7:30 p.m.

  The explanation is expected to take 20 minutes, with an hour and a half for questions and comments from Southwest residents.

  Controversial elements of the proposal include the nature of the extension of 4th St. S.W. through the site, and the eventual location of four new 112 ft. high buildings at the four corners of the site. They will require a zoning change from the present 70-foot height limit. The two east and west EPA towers, which are 130 ft. high, will be retained.

  ANC 6D and the SWNA Board have already been briefed on the PUD by the developers.

 

 

 

 

 

Delay Zoning Change, Says ANC

  The request to change zoning for the “Waterfront” redevelopment at 4th and M St. S.W. from the present C-3-B (heights limited to 70 ft.) to C-3-C (heights of 130 ft.) is strongly opposed by the Southwest Advisory Neighborhood Commission ANC2D.

  In a letter to the D.C. Zoning Commission the ANC requested “that the applicant’s proposed zoning map amendment from C-3-B to C-3-C be denied consideration for a public hearing, and that the hearing date for the PUD be set at a future public meeting in approximately six months.”

  “Such delay will still enable the developers to be well along in implementing their proposed matter-of-right phase of this project and will give the community additional time to consider which elements of the requested increase in height and bulk for existing and new structures it can support.”

 

 

Art-O-Matic Draws Crowds

  With music, poetry, theater and a cabaret as well as dozens of walls of art, Art-O-Matic has drawn the public by the hundreds to its three floors of former offices of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at the northwest corner on the I (Eye) St. side of Waterside Mall, 401 M St. S.W. (now called simply Waterfront).

  For a $40 registration fee artists are sharing wall space to hang and sell their paintings and performers are taking turns in special areas for their art.

  Admission is free. Open noon to midnight every day except Mon. and Tue. and Thanksgiving Day, through Nov. 30.

 Their website is www.artomatic.org.

A weekly schedule of events is being printed in City Paper.

 

 

ANC 6D Votes

Voters in Near Southwest/Southeast at Precincts 127, 128, 129 and 131 gave the following votes for Advisory Neighborhood Commission candidates:

(asterisk * marks winner)

SMD 01 Edward J. Johnson       596*

SMD 02 Charles W. Hargrave   343*

SMD 03 Mary Williams             185*

SMD 04 Andy Litsky                 351*

             Gene Solon                  222

SMD 05 Roger Moffatt             353*

SMD 06  Ahmed Asssalaam      182*

            Nanette Z. Cothran       121

SMD 07 Robert (Bob) Siegel     162*

 

Southwest Day At Art-O-Matic

  Sun. Nov. 24 from 3 pm to 6 pm will be Southwest Day at Art-O-Matic, upstairs on the I (Eye) St. side of  Waterside Mall.

  Any Southwest resident who would like to perform in the Art-O-Matic Exit Fare Stage on the 2nd floor #14  between 4 and 5 o’clock should call Naomi Monk 479-0442.

 

(caption)

Hundreds of paintings, photos and sculptures –such as this dragon made of metal –and music, dance, and film are available at Art-O-Matic.

 

INSIDE

Community Calendar                 p. 2

Special Event calendar               p. 2

SW College Student grants         p. 3

Bad Meat At Safeway               p. 4

“A New Fourth St.”                  p. 4

Club #4 Football                        p. 5

Candidate Forum                       p. 6

”Ma Rainey” At Arena Stage    p. 7

Drama Training For SW Youth p. 7

Tracey Hooks Training              p. 8

Rev. Allen At Carron Baptist     p. 8

 

 

PAGE TWO

 

(classified ad)

CD Player – multi (5) -$40. 554-8281.

 

 

Community Calendar Nov. –Dec. 2002

 

Mon. Nov. 18 ANC Public meeting, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 400 I (Eye) St. S.W. 7:00 pm

Tues. Nov. 19, SW Chamber Players, St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church, 6th & Maine Ave. S.W. 7:30 pm

Wed. Nov. 20, 4th St. Group meets at Tiber Island 7:30 p.m.

Wed. Nov. 20 WWCA Harbor Patrol 600 Water St. S.W. 7:30 pm – 9pm

Thurs. Nov. 21 NARFE, Place to be announced 12:30 p.m.

Thurs. Nov. 21 PSA 110 on crime, Second Union Baptist Church, 1107 Delaware Ave. S.W., 7:30-9:00 p.m.

Sun. Nov. 24 Southwest Day at Art-O-Matic – 401 M St. S.W. I (Eye) St. side – free 3pm – 6 pm

Mon. Nov. 25 Southwest Neighborhood Assembly public meeting, St. Matthews Lutheran Church, 222 M St. S.W., 7:30 p.m.

Mon. Nov. 27 Deadline for Southwester stories and ads for January issue (to be distributed Dec. 10)

Mon. Dec. 2 SWNA Board at Waterside Mall office, 7 pm

Tues. Dec. 3 Police Citizens Advisory Council, 415 4th St. S.W. 7 pm

Sat. Dec. 7 & 14 Baby Sitter classes, SWNA office, 401 M St. S.W. 10am – 2 pm

Mon. Dec. 9 ANC public meeting, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 400 I (Eye) St. S.W., 7 pm

WEEKLY & BIWEEKLY MEETINGS

Komen Toastmasters, First & Third Saturdays – Place to be announced 10 am

Fil-Am Toastmaster Second and Fourth Wed. – Place to be announced, 6:45 pm

School Street Toastmasters, every Tuesday, 400 Virginia Ave. S.W., Room 88 – noon

S.W. Kiwanis, Every Monday – SE University, 6th & I St. S.W. – 6:30 pm to 7:30pm

 

Please submit calendar items for the next issue by Wed. Nov. 27 to 554-8560..

 

 

Special Event Calendar 

  The Southwester has received these notices of Special Events:

ZANZIBAR ON THE WATERFRONT

Fri. Nov. 22 David Boothman (jazz) 6 pm to 9 pm

Fri. Nov. 29 Mike Phillips & Kindred (jazz, neo soul) 8 pm

HOLIDAY BAZAAR

Sun. Dec. 8 9:30am – 4:30 pm. Rent a table to sell products. Capitol Hill SDA Church 914 Mass. Av. N.E. 202-543-1344

FRIDAY NIGHT JAZZ IN SW

Every Friday, 6 pm – 9 pm, Westminster Church, 400 I (Eye) St. S.W. Admission $5. Food for sale.

WOMEN’S DAY SEASON

Sun. Nov. 24 Friendship Baptist Church. 10:30 am Praise & Worship. Dinner after morning service. 3:30pm Gospel Musical

 

Baby Sitter Classes

  Boys and girls ages 11 to 13 can still register for Safe Sitter classes Sat., Dec. 7 and 14 from 10 am to 2 pm by calling 488-3746.

 

PAGE THREE

 

13 SW College Students Receive Grants

  SWNA’s S.W. Scholarship Committee has announced grants to help with books, fees and transportation for thirteen Southwest college students.  The students (in alphabetical order) and the colleges they are attending during 2002-2003 are:

Quanicia L. Alston – University of Tampa; Fatoumata Bah – New York University; Dontria M. Brawner – Penn State University; Paris Davis – Hampton University; Joseph Johnson – University of the District of Columbia; Jamal Jones -  Guilford Technical Community College; Enoch Long – Temple University; Alexander McMahan – Rutgers University; Winifred Najjuma – Salem State College; Eugenia Serita Norde – N.C. A&T State University; Gregory Rouse – Virginia State University; John Thompson – Winthrop University; Keith Thompson – Virginia State University.

  This year grants ranged between $400 and $1,000 and were based on community service, grades and need. S.W. residents in zip code 20024 can apply each year for four years of undergraduate studies. Grants are made from funds donated to the scholarship committee, from residents of S.W. and others interested in youth making an effort at self-improvement.

  Donations are tax exempt and can be sent to:

Southwest Neighborhood Assembly, Inc., Scholarship Fund

P.O. Box 70481, Washington, D.C. 20024.

 

(caption)

Eight of the 13 Southwest college students who received grants from the Southwest Scholarship Committee are (top row, left to right) Quanicia Alston, Paris Davis, Fatoumata Bah, Gregory Rouse

(second row, left to right) Eugenia Norde, Jamal Jones, Dontria Brawner, Enoch Long,

 

 

 

PAGE FOUR

 

800 4th S.W. To Build 6-Story Addition

  The long-rumored new building in the parking lot and park area east of Potomac Place at 800 4th St. S.W. is finally on the drawing boards open to view.

 

Bad Meat At Safeway

  If you bought hamburger at Safeway in Waterside Mall a while ago on Tues. or Wed. Nov. 12 or 13, it may be poisoned with the deadly e-coli bacteria, the U. S. Dept. of Agriculture says.  The package would have a sell date of Nov. 13.and the label “GR BF NOT LESS THAN 90% LN VPC, Safeway, Inc. and store number 1425.

  Check your refrigerator or freezer and return this meat for a refund to Safeway at 401 M St. S.W. (Waterside Mall, now called WATERFRONT)

  The problem was discovered when the U. S. Dept. of Agriculture made a routine inspection of the Safeway store on Nov. 12 and took samples of the ground beef. It took from Nov. 12 to Nov. 17 for USDA to test the meat and send out the alert.

  Cooking the meat to a temperature of 160 degrees would kill all bacteria, according to the USDA., but you need a thermometer and can’t tell by the color of the cooked meat.

  Consumers can get information from Carole Wilson of Safeway Headquarters, (301) 918-8902.

 

 

“A New 4th Street SW” – Slide Show

  The D.C. Office of Planning brought four design professionals to Southwest for slide presentations on how 4th St. S.W. might look when it is reunited between M St. S.W. and I (Eye) St. S.W.

  Jon Eisen of StreetSense Retail Advisors illustrated “Anatomy of a Good Retail Street.” Two of his slides appear on this page.

  Matthew Bell of Ehrenkrantz, Ekstut & Kuh Architects spoke on “Seven Principles for Retail Architecture.”

  Richard Lake of Madison Retail Partners spoke on “Cars, Pedestrians and Retail Streets.”

  “A Profile of Pedestrian and Vehicular Retail Streets” was given by Maureen McAvey of the Urban Land Institute.

  Don Edwards of Justice & Sustainability began the evening and Andrew Altman, Director, DC Office of Planning gave the introduction and listed “Next Steps,” in considering the new 4th St. S.W. The D.C. Department of Transportation will present its traffic study and recommendations. The public will have input into the Zoning Commission analysis of the developers’ Planned Unit Development (PUD) that would permit exceptions to existing Zoning requirements for height and bulk.

 

(caption)

 

Here are two of the slides used by John Eisen to illustrate his talk on

“Anatomy of a Good Retail Street.”

 

PAGE FIVE

 

MPB&G Club #4, 65 lb. Mitey Mites

Coaches in back (L to R): Gregory Boykin, Officer Gregory Gibson, Jimmy Miles

Front row (L to R): Hashem Lewis, Deuntre Hilliard, Brandon Dunston, David Ballard

Middle Row (L to R): Sherod Harvey, Tray Johnson, Jai Dickerson, Jerod Diggs, Richard Parker, Raphael Terrell, Samuel Paylor.

Back Row (L to R): Dana Robertson, Michael Johnson, Brandon boykin, Anthony Calloway, Desean Murphy

Not show: Elijah Fairnot, Hasslem Epps

 

MPB&G Club #4 75 lb. Junior Pee Wee (5-1 record)

Front row L to R: Andre Ware, Jujuan Whitley, Leroy Frye, Stephon Mathis, Malik Mack, Audley Feemster,Eric Wanzor, Kevin Allen, Andre Gregory, Makee Parker

Second row L to R: Adrian Dickerson, Deontae Swingler, Charles Arrington, Leonard Johnson, Andre Wilkerson, Dequintus Brocks, Andre Belt, Sean Shuler, Tyrell Arrington,

Back row: Assistant coach Dino Hines, Assistant Coach Al Hudgens, Head Coach Troy Bailey. Not shown: RahShawn King

 

MPB&G Club #4 105 lb Junior Midget

Top row, L to R: Benny Boykin, DeAndre Hammitt, Vontay Singletary, Kevin Patterson, Jr., Anthony Chambers, David Kennedy, Joshua Benton, David Thompson, Nelson Long, Keneth Turner, Rico Hines, Ricardo Keys, Anthony Sparks and Coach Parson.

Kneeling: Kevin McLean, Shawn Williams, Markee Young, Richard Short, Antwan Lowry, Bobby Terrell.

On ground: Rodney Lawrence and Omar Dowtin.

 

 

PAGE SIX

 

Sparks Fly At Candidate Forum

  Election rhetoric came in all sizes and forms – including passionate and loud – at the candidate forum in S.W. the week before the election - sponsored by the local ANC and S.W. Neighborhood Assembly.

  Southwester reporter Maurice Boyd gave this report:

“The usual issues, mainly revolving about neighborhood development, housing, and safety inevitably made their way to the forefront.  As usual there were no hot controversies, but blasts of cold air at the forces perceived to be in charge of all the things no one likes but soft-pedals.

  “The demeanor of the candidates ranged from loud, super self-confident, one might almost say demagogic, to tentative, moderate.

  “Perhaps the most lively interchange of the evening came from Statehood Green Party at-large council candidates Michelle Tingling-Clemmons and Debby Hanrahan.(In the interest of full disclosure I confess I am campaigning for this party). They were coming on as the “truth squad” for better or for worse, as they leveled accusations against the big boys in local politics.”

 

(caption

ANC candidates at forum:

(top row) Gene Solon, Mary Williams, Charles W. Hargrave, Edward Johnson

(bottom row) Nanette Z. Cothran, Roger Moffatt, Andy Litsky, Ahmed Assalaam, Robert Siegel

 

Art-O-Matic May Get Mayor’s Award 

Art-O-Matic 2002, D.C.’s largest volunteer-driven arts event, has reached the finalist stage in the Mayor’s Arts Awards under the category of "Innovation in the Arts."  The 18th Annual Mayor's Arts Awards Gala and Reception will be held on Monday, December 9, 2002.  


 

 

PAGE SEVEN

 

 

“Voices of Now” – Drama For S.W. Youth

  Do you love to be on stage? Do you love to express yourself? Are you interested in writing or acting?

  You can still be part of Arena Stage’s free weekly program in the theatre arts for Southwest teenagers.  Each Tues. from 4 pm to 5:30 pm at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church on M St. S.W. professionals from Arena Stage give free training to a dozen teenagers in writing and performing for the stage.

  The announcement from Arena Stage says, “Participants will learn how to write and perform their own theater piece, incorporating words, images, hip-hop, dance, etc. This performance will express the experience of being a young person in America, in DC, and specifically in the Southwest.  A premier performance will take place at Arena Stage in June.”

  Call Laura Zam, Director of Education, Arena Stage at (202) 234-5782.

 

 

Thompson Directs “Ma Rainey”

By Wallace Babington 

  Try to think of three words that aptly describe Tazewell Thompson, director of Arena’s current production, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” How about multi-talented nice guy? It fits.

  Mr. Thompson is a director of proven ability and is in much demand across the country. He is no stranger to Arena Stage and the Washington theater community. He has been nominated for more than 30 Helen Hayes awards. He is also a playwright of record. Arena recently produced his play “Constant Star”, a production that received well earned applause and praise. He has been commissioned to write plays for Arena Stage and South Coast Repertory, so we will be hearing from him as both director and playwright in the years to come.

  Mr. Thompson has also established himself as a director of opera in locations as varied as La Scala, New York City Opera and San Francisco Opera.

  Directing opera productions is no small feat. The opera world is known for temperamental, high-strung performers who try the patience and skill of even the best and most accomplished directors. But Mr. Thompson has built a solid reputation in this field and has received considerable recognition.  He has not, however, become involved in movies or television. He explains that he prefers the immediacy and creative demands of theater and opera stages.

  I attended a preview performance of “Ma Rainey” and spoke to Mr. Thompson at the end of the show. I said that “Ma Rainey” was a powerful and provocative experience. He asked that I tell this to friends and acquaintances.

  I just did.  

(caption)

Tazewell Thompson, director of “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ at Arena Stage’s Kreeger Theatre through Dec. 29.

 

 

Ma Rainey, the head strong “Mother of the Blues” of the 1920s is portrayed by Tina Fabrique at Arena Stage’s Kreeger Theater through Dec. 29.

 

 

 

A Note From Arena Stage

  Tickets are going fast!

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, the explosive emotional roller coaster, continues at Arena Stage in the Kreeger Theater through December 29. The production marks the first August Wilson play produced at Arena Stage in 12 years. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is the story of five Black musicians contending with the inequalities of the White dominated music industry in 1927 Chicago.

  For ticket information, please call (202) 488-3300.

 

PAGE EIGHT

 

D.C. Agenda Trains Local Leaders

  Four Southwest civic activists are taking classes in effective leadership and capacity building sponsored by the non-partisan group on K St. N.W. called D.C. Agenda. Classes are weekends or evenings for six months and will result in certificates of completion and a graduation ceremony.

 In classes that started recently are Tracey Hooks of the Greenleaf Extension Residents Council, David Brewer of S.W. Community House, Bob Siegel, ANC Commissioner, and Thelma Jones, former president of the Southwest Neighborhood Assembly.

  D.C. Agenda was created by the Federal City Council.

 

 

Tracey Hooks In Carpenter Training Class

  On Nov. 5 Tracey Hooks, president of Greenleaf Gardens Extension resident council, started her four year program training to be a carpenter.

  In a 13 week pre-apprenticeship class she was salutatorian, not having missed any sessions.

  The program is sponsored in 21 cities by American Community Partnerships (ACP) to provide long-term career opportunities in the construction industry for public housing residents.

 

Rev. Allen At Carron Baptist Deserves Credit

By Gloria Hamilton, SWNA Rep.

  Pastor Lester W. Allen and his congregation at Carron Baptist Church 1354 First St. S.W. do not hesitate to offer their services or assistance to our residents in times of grief.

  Pastor Allen has been pastor for 14 years. He is loved, honored and respected by all in the Southwest community. He is an inspiration to persons of all ages.

 

(caption)

Pastor Lester W. Allen of Carron Baptist Church.

 

 

United Methodist Jazz Vespers

  Vocalists Bonnie Harris and Dick Smith (shown here) performed at “An Evening of Joy, Jazz Vespers” at Christ United Methodist Church at 4th & I (Eye) St. S.W.

  Other jazz musicians on the program included: Wes Biles, bass; Paul Carr, saxophone; Ronald Compton, percussion; Vince Smith, piano and Sam Turner, percussion.

  The Reverend Joan H. Coates, officiated.

 

 

Kiwanis Ends Its First Year

  The Kiwanis Southwest Waterfront Club celebrated the completion of its first year with a dinner at Pier Seven Restaurant.

  Kiwanis Division One Lieutenant Governor Wayne R. Quick thanked outgoing club president Willie Robinson for an active year and congratulated the incoming president Wendell Campbell.