Matchbox Opens November 30 to Public

I am pleased to announce that the Matchbox restaurant at the corner of 14th and T is scheduled to open Friday, November 30, to the public.  Preview dinners are currently under way with invitations being sent to media, neighbors and community leaders.  The former Club Bali (where Cab Calloway, Erol Garner, Billie Holiday, Morgana King, Sarah Vaughan, and Dinah Washington once performed) and Arena Stage rehearsal space has been converted to a large 250 seat (inside) restaurant with outdoor patio seating for an additional 50 patrons.  The menu is similar to their other locations on Capital Hill and Chinatown.  I have linked one reviewer's comments.  See you at Matchbox!

Garrison Elementary Targeted to be Closed

On Tuesday, Chancellor Kaya Henderson proposed 20 school closings, including Garrison Elementary that serves our neighborhood,
the latest sign of a system facing budget pressures and increased competition from fast-growing charter schools.    “It’s like a kick in the teeth,” said Ann McLeod, president of the PTA at Garrison Elementary, which is slated to be closed under the plan and turned into a community arts center. Its students would be sent to nearby Seaton Elementary.  

McLeod said Garrison has been gathering momentum in recent years, drawing attention and buzz from the neighborhood’s growing number of young families. “I just don’t see that closing Garrison and moving us to Seaton is going to get any more students enrolled into DCPS,” McLeod said. “In fact, it might get fewer.”

The school system has planned four community meetings for late November and early December to hear community feedback, including on how vacant buildings should be used. In addition, the D.C. Council will hold public hearings on the plan Thursday and Monday.  Henderson said she will listen to public input before making final recommendations to Gray in mid-January.

Council member Jack Evans has stated publicly that he prefers that it not be closed and that Seaton students be reassigned to Garrison.  Please contact his office and voice your opinion! 

Zahra Jilani Elected as ANC 1B12 Commissioner

In a four-way election to determine who will represent the 14th and U neighborhood after redistricting, the voters in 1B12 elected Zahra Jilani as their ANC Commissioner.  She has been assisting ANC 1B for some months as an intern who is producing a newsletter for them and describes herself as a person who enjoys community service.  She will begin serving as Commissioner for the Single Member District beginning in Janaury 2013.  She will be succeeding Commissioner Alex Lewin-Swerdling who served out the term of Aaron Spencer after he moved out of the SMD.  Congratulations, Zahra, and best wishes on your election.  I look forward to working with you on issues of mutual concern in our neighborhood!

Leaf Collection Schedule for 2012

The District has scheduled our neighborhood for leaf collection from November 19 to December 1 . Please rake your leaves into the tree boxes by Sunday, November 18. Leaves ONLY! Tree limbs, bricks, dirt, rocks, etc. will damage the equipment and delay collections. 

Bagged leaves, placed in your alley trash collection site, will be collected along with the regular trash.