Ward 8 DC Newsreel

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Friday, May 17, 2013

My review of the new Martha's Outfitters community thrift in Anacostia


It was over a year ago that the then president of Martha's Table reached out to me personally to discuss their hope to open a Ward 8 location of their 'Martha's Outfitters' community thrift store. From the very beginning the nonprofit had their eye on the historic Anacostia neighborhood. The Martha's Table leadership was very open and committed to wanting to make sure that they solicited community feedback and support early on. They invited me and several other community members and leaders to visit their store on 14th Street NW to get an idea of what they wanted to bring to Ward 8 and asked us about Ward 8 locations that would be ideal. Although I wasn't able to take a trip to their 14th Street NW location ( I work way too much)  I was pleased and encouraged to experience first hand their efforts over the past year to stay in touch and to be a good neighbor. I am really looking forward to working with them in the future, I would love them to be a part of this year's LUMEN8ANACOSTIA festival on June 22nd. I already have an eye on their parking lot! It would be perfect for some outdoor entertainment! :)

To be honest, based on experiences in the past, most Ward 8 residents (and businesses!) get a little nervous when they hear of a another social service organization or nonprofit moving into their business district.  Sometimes that anxiety is well founded, remember Calvary Women's Service's top secret move into Anacostia and their subsequent stonewalling when it came to even holding a community meeting?  Needless to say Calvary Women's Services has never recovered from that in terms of its relationship with the residents of Anacostia - despite what Calvary's PR machine may say in their fundraising materials. CWS is pretty much a pariah when it comes to their perception by and interaction with Anacostia residents and businesses alike. I'm pretty sure their Executive Director wears blinders and earplugs when going about her day in the neighborhood (sorry, but I call it like I see it).

Anyway, I digress. I was pleased as punch to stop into the Martha's Outfitters community thrift located at 2204 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE in Anacostia and it looks G-O-O-D! It doesn't have the look of a typical thrift store, in many ways it reminds me of a hip New York second hand shop. Thanks to the prior occupant, a Sunbelt Rentals, the floors are polished concrete. The furnishings and fixtures are creative and chic, and the visual merchandising is done really, really, well. There was plenty of staff and they were polite, friendly, and proactive. They had me sorted out in no time -- even when we couldn't find the mates to two pairs of the 12 shoes I wanted to buy (if the employees are reading this I will be in this afternoon to see if you have found my new friends).

May 18 | Learning how to learn workshop



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Tomorrow is Sidehustle Saturday, a networking event for entrepreneurs




SIDEHUSTLE SATURDAY MONTHLY NETWORKING EVENT
Sat, May 18th | 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Our monthly networking event for aspiring and established entrepreneurs! Dress code casual, information invaluable. Come get connected! Bring your lap top and get a litle work done or engage in some lively discussion about how to make your "hustle" happen. Refreshments will be served. Free and open to the public. RSVP on Facebook or send an email to membership@thedchive.com 


Go HERE to RSVP on Facebook. 


1231 Good Hope Rd SE [lower level]
Washington, DC 20020




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Thursday, May 16, 2013

My SE field trip with NBC4's Danella Sealock

Today was a great day! The clouds lifted (temporarily) just in time for David Garber and I to hit the streets with NBC4's Danella Sealock (@DanellaNow)  to spread a little Southeast Love in Anacostia and on Capitol Hill.  We had so much fun visiting the people and places that make the Southeast quadrant (on both sides of the Anacostia river) a diverse and dynamic quadrant. Including some pictures below of our little field trip spreading the Southeast Love. You can follow our stops on Twitter under the #SoutheastLove hashtag.

It is so nice to be able to spread some GOOD news about Southeast. Hugs to NBC4 Washington for taking an interest in our story and getting the word out. In fact, please do me a solid and tweet @NBCWashington and let them know you love to see more positive stories on Southeast communities like this one.

I will let you know when the segment is scheduled to air. Have a great day!

Danella interviewing Julia Robey Christian about the Anacostia Playhouse

Free jazz concert tonight at 7pm at Honfleur Gallery

Nasar Abadey Trio played opening night of Honfleur Gallery's current show (pictured) 


The Bobby Muncy Trio is playing TONIGHT May 16th at Honfleur Gallery for FREE!
The show is 7-9pm & produced in partnership with Twins Jazz Club.

Honfleur Gallery is located in historic Anacostia at 1241 Good Hope Rd SE near the corner of Good Hope Rd and 13th Street SE. Free on street parking.

Spread the word and bring the family! This event is also on Facebook.


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Spreading some #SoutheastLove today!

Today I will be spreading some #SoutheastLove in Anacostia and on Capitol Hill with NBC 4's Danella Sealock! If you see us today please say "Hello" and take a picture with the Southeast Love sign!


Go HERE to learn more about the Southeast Love campaign and why people from all over are showing their love and appreciation for the District's Southeast quadrant.

Go HERE for your own Southeast Love sign and don't forget to tweet your picture (and location) under the #SoutheastLove hashtag!







To submit an article or to inquire about advertising send an email to Advoc8te@congressheightsontherise.com