NSO in Your Neighborhood Plans for Columbia Heights

A few months ago, the National Symphony Orchestra announced that it selected Columbia Heights for the annual "In Your Neighborhood" series. This arts education outreach program brings NSO musicians to the community for a week's worth of workshops, concerts, and more. NSO in Your Neighborhood: Columbia Heights is scheduled for January 3-9, 2012.

Highlights for the week include:

• January 4 at 7 pm - Chamber music at Acre 121

• January 6 at 7 pm - Free NSO concert at the Columbia Heights Education Campus. Reserve free tickets at Eventbrite.

• January 8 at 2 pm - Dance and music collaboration at Wonderland Ballroom.

Room 11 has brunch now!

So as of 12/9, Room 11 is joining the brunch club!

The Heights Life stopped in for a preview* a few weeks ago and we're happy to report that Room 11 didn't disappoint. The high quality, interesting food they have always served was re-imagined for brunch and paired with cocktails and bloody marys. The one thing we were particularly pleased with was the pricing. You can get an affordable, gourmet brunch.

Some items, such as the mushroom bruschetta, belong on the brunch and dinner menus. That stuff was good.

You can read a summary of the menu on the Room 11 website. Pictured here is a smoked salmon and fingerling potato dish with creme fraiche. It was fresh and filling without being heavy.

*Preview meal gratis to your bloggers.

Well HELLO Thar!

So something around here got hijacked. Actually two things got hijacked...

Thing 1: Our time.

Thing 2: The blog feed.

We decided to resolve Thing 2 by returning to a blogspot domain and coming back to life! As for Thing 1, well we gave up on putting Soft Paws on the cats six toes and suddenly HOURS were added back to our days.

So, Columbia Heights... what's up?

Outdoor pools open this weekend

Saturday is opening day for DC public pools. And while the forecast calls for rain, Sunday and Monday look fantastic. 

The DCPR website has an easy-to-search map of all outdoor pools in the city, which will be open from 12-6 pm on weekends only until June 21. Here are some of my favorites:

Banneker

Georgia & Euclid NW

Think Giant or the Wonderland are the only places you see way too many people you know? Nope, try this pool, too. 

Francis 

24th & N

Morning recap central. Remove those earbuds and just eavesdrop on the conversations around you.

East Potomac 

Ohio Drive SW

Create your own mini-triathlon. Bike to Hains Point. Swim a mile in the pool. And run the Ohio Drive loop. 

Farmers’ Markets Open Saturday

The first Saturday in May means one thing. No, not the Kentucky Derby. Neighborhood farmers' markets are open for business! Here is a rundown of what you can find at Columbia Heights, Mt. Pleasant and U Street this weekend.

 

Looking for what's in season? This is a good resource (PDF) from Fresh Farm Markets.

 

Columbia Heights Community Marketplace

9 am to 2 pm – Civic Plaza @ 14th & Kenyon & Park

runs through December 17

 

Bella Terra Family Farm - Comus, MD

Bonaparte Breads - Savage, MD

Briar's Farmstead - Boyce, VA

Chapel's Country Creamery - Easton, Maryland

Chesley Vegetable Farms - Smithsburg, MD

Dragonfly Farms - Mount Airy, MD

Ginger Juice - Washington, DC

Gunpowder Bison - Monkton, MD

Les Caprices de Joelle - Jessup, MD

Liberty Delight Farms - Resiterstown, MD

Licking Creek Farms - Needmore, PA

Pleasant Pops - Washington, DC

Springfield Lamb - Kent County, MD

Spriggs Delight Farm - Sharpsburg, MD

Stachowski Brand Charcuterie - Arlington, VA

Twin Post Farm, LLC - Princess Anne, MD

Upper Crust Bakery - Silver Spring, MD

 

Mt. Pleasant Farmers' Market

9 am to 1 pm – Lamont Park @ Mt. Pleasant & Lamont streets

runs through November 19

 

Atwater's Bread - Baltimore, MD

Cherry Glen Goat Cheese - Boyds, MD

Earth Spring Farm - Gardners, PA

Groff's Content Farm - Rocky Ridge, MD

Panorama Baking Company - Alexandria, VA

Pleasant Pops – Washington, DC

Quaker Valley Orchards - Biglerville, PA

Reid's Orchards - Adams County, PA

Richfield Farm - Manchester, MD

Truck Patch Farms - Frederick, MD

 

14th & U Farmers' Market

9 am to 1 pm – Reeve Center @ 14th & U streets

runs through November 19

Cherry Glen Goat Cheese - Boyds, MD

Copper Pot  - Washington, DC

Dolcezza - Washington, DC

Garner's Produce - Montross, VA

Kuhn's Orchards - Adams County, PA

McCleaf Orchard - Biglerville, PA

Mountain View Farm - Fairfield, VA

North Mountain Pasture - Markelsville, PA

Panorama Baking Company - Alexandria, VA

Pecan Meadow - Newburg, PA

Plant Masters - Gaithersburg, MD

Truck Patch Farms - Frederick, MD

Whisked DC - Washington, DC

 

Lost dog in Meridian Hill Park

A friend found a calm and friendly dog with no leash while in Meridian Hill Park Monday evening. She had no collar and no leash but was obviously well cared for. The dog had no microchip. More info:

The dog is probably about 3 years old, a female and has an excellent temperament. She appears to be trained to walk on and off the leash. She's currently at the NY Ave shelter. Her ID is A1300513 and they've named her Kelly. Unless I reclaim her or someone goes into adopt her specifically she goes through a five day evaluation process and then hopefully up for adoption. Anyway, I highly recommend someone go get this dog. 

Pics: Sundress Party on a Cloudy Day

Rain drops may have been falling but that didn't stop the Wonderland from having its annual Sundress Party. Now in it's seventh year, this day of bared shoulders for all is one of Columbia Heights' most unique traditions.

Here's a look at some of the competition for the best dressed.

P.S. The bride won.

Last day to register for local bocce league

Monday, April 4 is the last day for people to register for the new Columbia Heights Division of DC Bocce League. Players have the option to form a team (at least 5 players required); join an existing team; or sign up as an individual. Visit the league's website for more information. 

Every Tuesday night, beginning April 19, games will be played at Tubman Elementary at 6:30 and 7:30 pm. The Wonderland is sponsoring the division and will offer beer and drink specials following games. The season runs through early-June.

More details on Saturday's Great Day of Service

Your Saturday morning tipsheet:

9:30 am to 11:30 am ... Participate in a neighborhood clean up by meeting on 11th St. by Columbia Heights Coffee -- organized by North Columbia Heights Community Association

9:30 am to 3:00 pm ... Shop at more than 50 yard sales around Columbia Heights -- brought to you by Columbia Heights Day

10:00 am to 4:00 pm ... Donate clothes and home items and learn about local nonprofits -- beginning at 10 am on the CH Civic Plaza

10:00 am to 4:00 pm ... Checkout a live mural painting in front of Giant -- brought to you by BloomBars and Columbia Heights Community Marketplace

Yard Sales, Clean Ups and Doing Good for your 'Hood

This Saturday, neighborhood groups are coming together to present the Columbia Heights Community Yard Sale and Great Day of Service events. Here are the details for everything that's happening on April 2 from 10 am to 4 pm:

Community Yard Sale and Spring Clean presented by Columbia Heights Day Initiative *

Columbia Heights residents are organizing nearly 50 yard sales throughout the neighborhood. Browse the sales to get great deals and cool finds on furniture, kitchen wares, clothing, books and more. All the sales are listed on this Google Map.

CHDI is also accepting donations of clothing and home goods for two charities: Community of Hope and Amvets. Drop your items off at the Columbia Heights Civic Plaza.

You can also purchase Columbia Heights Day DC flag t-shirts and sweatshirts and learn more about what's planned for 2011 at the group's information table.

View 2011 Spring Clean Locations in a larger map

Great Day of Service presented by North Columbia Heights Civic Association

NCHCA has activities planned throughout the day that will beautify the neighborhood and enrich us all. Check out the full schedule from BloomBars.

9:30 to 11:30 am -- Neighborhood Clean Up (meet on 11th St. between Park and Monroe - by Columbia Heights Coffee)

10:00 am to 4:00 pm -- Mural painting (at Giant)

10:00 am to 4:00 pm -- Community Service Fair (at Columbia Heights Civic Plaza). Featuring:

• 826DC workshops for kids
• meet reps from neighborhood nonprofits and community groups
• donate clothing and home goods
• Performances every hour by local musicians

* I serve on the board of Columbia Heights Day.

Call for Artists

The opening of the Columbia Heights Community Marketplace is just six weeks away from opening (woo-hoo) and organizers are looking for local artists for the 2011 season. Interested artists and artisans have until April 22 to submit an application. You can download the application here (pdf).

Via the marketplace:

Eligibility and Restrictions All art and artisan pieces to be showcased and marketed at the Marketplace must be the original work of the artist(s) who are applying to participate. Each applicant's work will be judged on the work samples included in their application. Agents and sales representatives for individual artists (or groups of artists) are not eligible. However, collaborative art is allowed, and those to whom this applies (i.e., more than two artists) should apply as a single vendor. Please note that the Marketplace combines two elements – a producer-only and geographically restricted farmers market and an open-air, producer-only fine art and craft market.

DSW coming to Columbia Heights?

Is the discount shoe chain, DSW, on its way to DCUSA? Two job listings on CareerBuilding and Monster seems to confirm it. According to search results, DSW posted a notice for a store manager at new location at 3100 14th St. NW (ie. DCUSA) about three weeks ago. 

As someone who spent more than 90 minutes at the Pentagon City DSW last weekend, I'd say this is a fine addition to the area's shopping options.

News and notes for Columbia Heights

General busyness is preventing a regular posting schedule, but our Twitter account stays up-to-date. Here's some recent news from around Columbia Heights:

• Sticky Fingers competed on the Food Network's Cupcake Wars and won. Eater DC also reports the vegan bakery and cafe will have an official cookbook published next year.
• Lou's City Bar officially opened Thursday in the Highland Park apartment building. New Columbia Heights went for food and drinks and reported that "it's a suitable sports bar."
• Z Burger is coming to the Tivoli and will likely be selling milkshakes from its ticket booth take-out window, according to Prince of Petworth.
• Columbia Heights Day is having its second annual Community Yard Sale and Spring Clean on Saturday, April 2.

Building Demolition on Irving Street

A mini dust storm made its way down Irving Street this morning as a demolition crew knocked down the La Casa shelter in the 1400 block. It's making way for an expansion of the Highland Park apartment complex, as well as a new building for the men's shelter.

Here is what DCmud had to say about the new construction:

Originally approved as the "Calla Lilly", a 69 unit residence, the building will now feature a setback penthouse level and blend more harmoniously into Highland Park. The recent zoning extension also alleviates parking requirements by taking advantage of Highland Park's underground garage. The new Highland Park West apartment tower will front Irving Street and be connected to its sibling, both physically and visually, replicating the style of the existing apartments. A new shelter facility will occupy the back portion of the lot, and will stand separately from the apartment buildings.

Oscar host to visit Columbia Heights?

Your favorite actor / PhD student / performance artist / Academy Award host / author, James Franco, is headlining a fundraiser for 826DC on March 31, according to a save the date on its blog.

No word yet on if the event will be held in Columbia Heights, but if so, he can be added to the list of notables who have visited the neighborhood in recent years. President Obama and Michelle Obama signed the child nutrition bill at Tubman Elementary in December. And a number of Hollywood actresses stopped by the Unity Health Care Upper Cardozo Clinic in 2009.

Columbia Heights Marketplace announces 2011 season

Good news. We are just 13 weeks away from the opening of the Columbia Heights Community Marketplace. The Saturdays-only farmers' market had a great inaugural year and is now looking for new vendors for 2011.

They are especially looking for those who sell the following: grass-fed beef, poultry and goat meat, goat cheese, milk from free-range cows, and mushrooms. Interested vendors can apply online (PDF).

Some notes for potential vendors: the market is producer-only market and offers food from within 150 miles of Washington, DC. For processed foods, 75% of ingredients must come from within this radius, and you must have a business license and use a certified kitchen in order to be eligible.

The Columbia Heights Community Marketplace will run from May 7 - December 17, 2011, and the hours are 9 am-2 pm on Saturdays.

Photo courtesy of www.chfestivus.org.

Events for Literatis

Quick, you have about an hour to make you way to a reading at 826DC tonight. Beginning at 7 pm, the hip nonprofit is hosting a free McSweeney's-heavy reading with authors Stephen Elliott, Eric Martin, Jessica Anthony and Ted Thompson. Stop by the group's Museum of Unnatural History at the Columbia Heights Civic Plaza (14th / Park / Kenyon) to attend and click here for more info. 

Still missing your days an English Lit major? Head down to the Black Cat tomorrow night for a Bomb Magazine, Featherproof, and NY Tyrant-hosted event to benefit 826DC. Literature Party for a Cause starts at 9:30 pm. Tickets are $10 with Blake Butler as your host and music from DJ Lil' E. More info online at http://www.literatureparty.com/.

In the news: GALA founders honored

The founders of the the GALA Hispanic Theatre -- which calls the Tivoli theater home -- have been named one of Washingtonian magazine's "Washingtonians of the Year." Here is what the magazine has to say about Rebecca and Hugo Medrano:

You don't have to speak Spanish to revel in the richness of Latino culture at GALA Hispanic Theatre—every performance has surtitles. And GALA founders Rebecca and Hugo Medrano create such vivid productions and bring such talented artists to their stage that audiences almost don't need to know Spanish to enjoy what they see.

The Medranos have "preserved, promoted, and continued the first solely Hispanic theater in DC for decades, educating children and the public in the classics," says Dorothy McSweeny, former chair of the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities. "In times of economic stress, they have hardly taken salaries in order to present a season of the best plays and artists from all over the Latino world."

Read more online at the Capital Comment blog.

Volunteer Opportunity at Tubman Elementary

Local nonprofit, the Grassroots Education Project, will be holding a day of service at Tubman Elementary on Martin Luther King Day (January 17). Nearly 180 people volunteered last year and they are looking for folks to help out this year, as well. Volunteers will work on a number of projects around the school. 

You can sign-up to volunteer at this link -- http://bit.ly/eDmLpW

MLK Day of Service 2011 at Tubman Elementary

Monday, January 17, 2010

10am - 1pm

3101 13th Street NW

Photo courtesy Grassroots Education Project.

Some local helicopter history

File this under "surprises from Google News alerts." Design blog The Curator of Shit (and a fine one it is) takes a look at the history of 774 Girard Street. The building, located in Pleasant Plains, was once the home of the Gyro Motor Company, which pioneered advances in the development of the helicopter and vertical flight in the early 20th century. You can read more about the history of the Gyro Motor Company and what has become of the Girard Street building here.

For all of their DC posts, visit this link.

So it's the new year …

As you may have noticed, the blogging has been a little light on the site but hope that will change in 2011. We'll be blogging more often to provide readers interesting news and tidbits on all things Columbia Heights.

Also, thanks to our Twitter followers, which surpassed the 900-mark over the weekend. What is your New Year's Resolution for Columbia Heights? Let us know by tweeting at TheHeightsLife.