5K Breast Cancer Walk

Sat., Oct. 11 (8am, rain or shine): Kicking off from the Prince Hall Masonic Temple (10th & U Sts.) will be the 8th annual 5K BREAST CANCER WALK. Sponsored by the Order Of The Eastern Star’s Georgiana Thomas Grand Chapter, proceeds will benefit the Howard University Cancer Center. Forms for completing the $25 adult registration will be available at the Walk’s starting line or on-line by visiting www.gtgc.org. For more info, including about making donations, call (202) 483-0367.

Howard’s cancer center, the mission of which is to reduce the incidence of cancer through research, education, and service with emphasis on the unique ethnic and cultural aspects of minority and underserved populations, is the only one of its kind located at an historically black university (HBCU).The mission of the Cancer Center.

Organ Recital Featuring C.P.E. Bach & More

Sun., Oct. 12 (3pm): The Church of the Ascension and Saint Agnes (Mass. Ave. at 12th St.) will be presenting organist Haig Mardirosian in RECITAL performing works by Brahms, C.P.E. Bach, Louis Vierne, Olivier Messiaen, and others. A $10 suggested donation may be given at the door. For more info, call (202) 347-8161 or visit www. ascensionandsaintagnes.org.

Organ Duo Concert at National City Christian Church

Fri. Oct. 17 (7:30pm) National City Christian Church on Thomas Circle will be hosting a CONCERT by the critically acclaimed pipe organ duo Elizabeth and Raymond Chenault who will be performing works by several composers, including their own arrangement of John Phillip Sousa’s famous “Stars and Stripes Forever” on the church’s five keyboard, 7,000-pipe Möller organ. To hear this fabulous instrument — the city’s third largest pipe organ – played inside the church’s John Russell Pope-designed magnificent interior is an amazing experience. Tickets (adults, $20; students & seniors, $10; under 18, free) available at the door. For more info., call the church’s music office at (202) 797-0103.

At-Large City Council Candidates Forum

Mon., Oct. 20 (7-8:30pm): Of special interest to voters who want to hear more from candidates seeking election to one of the two at-large City Council seats next month, there will be an AT-LARGE CANDIDATES FORUM at the Cosmos Club (2121 Mass. Ave.).

Manna, Inc. Benefit Reception & Silent Auction

Thu., Oct. 23 (6:30pm): The Friends of Manna will be holding its 13th annual RECEPTION & SILENT AUCTION at the historic Carnegie Institution building (16th & P Sts.) Proceeds will benefit the continuation of Manna, Inc.’s work as the city’s leading non-profit developer of affordable home ownership housing in DC, which includes programs such as providing financial literacy training and initiating mortgages through its non-profit mortgage company – the only one in the city.

One of the highlights of the annual events is the silent auction, and, as in previous years, this year will be featuring a marvelous array of items, including give-a-ways from such popular restaurants as Dupont East’s Hank’s Oyster Bar, Nora, Zola’s, Clydes, and L’Auberge Chez François, to name but a few. Also offering gift certificates, free tickets or other opportunities are a wide range of donors, including City Fitness Gym, Adams Morgan’s District of Columbia Arts Center (DCAC), Joy of Motion Dance Center, Studio Theatre, Woolly Mammoth Theatre.

The buffet will feature generous hors d’œuvres, desserts, wine and beer. Tickets may be ordered in advance for $60 by visiting www.mannadc.org and clicking the link on the home page under “Upcoming Events” or mailing payment to Manna, Inc., 828 Evarts St., NE, Wash. DC20018. Tickets will also be available at the door for $75. For more info (or also to purchase tickets), call by calling (202) 832-832-1845.

Wilson Building Celebrates 100 Years

Wed., Oct. 15(10am): Kicking off the CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION of the historic John A. Wilson Building (14th & E Sts.), the District’s “City Hall” overlooking Freedom Plaza and Pennsylvania Avenue will be an opening ceremony followed at 10:30 a.m. by the opening of an exhibit co-curated by the Historical Society of Washington and the DC Archives, “People. Politics. Progress.” Among the many fascinating items on view will be an original DC flag (courtesy of the Association of Oldest Inhabitants), rarely seen photographs from the collections of the Historical Society and the Public Library’s Washingtoniana Division, maps of early Washington from the Albert Small Collection, to name but just some of what will be on display.

Also sure to be of interest will be the 11:30 a.m. building architectural tour conducted by historian Nelson Rimensnyder and a 12 noon tour of the extensive City Hall Art Collection. (For more about that arts initiative, see “DC Artists’ Work Now on Permanent Display in D.C.’s Wilson Bldg.,” The InTowner, November 2006, page 1; available in the Current & back issues Archive at www.intowner.com. Although there is no charge to attend, it is requested that persons intending to do so let the organizers know so they can be sure the tours run smoothly. To RSVP, call (202) 383-1828 or send email to rsvp@historydc.org.

Wine Tastings in Mt. Vernon Neighborhood

Wed., Oct. 15 (6-8pm): Modern Liquors (9th & M Sts.) continues tastings program of interesting wine, beer, spirits, and cheeses. On this date French Maid wine will be featured and two days later, on Friday, the 8th it will be Saint George Absinthe. The following week, it will be a yet-to-be-announced wine (Wed., the 22nd) and Massonez Brandy (Fri., the 24th); October’s tastings will conclude on Wed., the 29th with Modern’s Halloween Tasting featuring Vampyre red vodka and Vampire wines. All tastings are held between 6 and 8 p.m. For more info., visit www.modernliquors.com or call (202) 289-1414.

If the excitement of twice-weekly wine and spirits tastings in the neighborhood might be too much excitement, one can join others in the calming atmosphere of YOGA at the Maruka School for Yoga and the Healing Arts (1300 9th St.) where they are offering workshops and events during October.

On Columbus Day, Monday, the 13th, a special two-hour yoga class with Daniel Hickman will be conducted between 12 noon and 2 p.m. No experience necessary, and teachers and students especially welcome. Donation requested in lieu of a fee.

Friday, the 17th, from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. Esther Holiman will conduct a guided Christian meditation session, continuing her more than 20 years leading guided meditation sessions for the mind and the spirit. Free, though donations will be accepted.

Closing out the month’s no-charge programs, on Saturday, the 25th, between 9:15 and 10:30 a.m., Shannon Tomac will conduct a free and open to all renewal yoga class. Advance registration is suggested for most events. For more info., call (202) 745-1881 or send an email to info@marukadc.com or visit www.marukadc.com.

Woodley Park History & Architecture Tour

Sun., Oct. 26 (1-4pm): The Woodley Park Community Association will be having its HISTORICAL & ARCHITECTURE TOUR, with the sign-in and the 1:30-2 p.m. “Historical Overview” presentation by Judy Waxman at the Stanford University Washington Center (2661 Conn. Ave.), followed by the 2:15-3:45 p.m. walking tour. For more info or to register on-line, send an email to Alan Weinstein at tour_man@wpcaonline.org.

British Music Concert at National City Christian Church

Sun., Oct. 26 (3-6pm): The Thomas Circle Singers and the Sanctuary Choir of National City Christian Church will hold a grand MUSICAL CELEBRATION to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the death of Ralph Vaughan Williams, one of the 20th century’s greatest British composers. The program will feature some of the composer’s most memorable choral works along those of other British composers who influenced Williams, including Charles Villiers Stanford, Thomas Tallis, and Charles Hubert Hastings Parry. The concert will be accompanied by an orchestra and organ music played by Charles Miller and Julie Vidrich Evans. Mr. Miller will also serve as conductor for the concert along with James Kreger.

Tickets, $25 for adults (or $22 in advance by calling Thomas Circle Singers at 202-232-3353) and $20 for students & seniors. Tickets also will be sold at the door on the day of the performance. For more info., call the church’s music office at (202) 797-0103 or the Thomas Circle Singers at (202) 232-3353.

SELECTED STREET CRIMES

Reported for August, 2008

Bryant, 400 blk.: man accosted by another from behind who pointed a gun at his head 7 robbed him of his cell phone [9:15pm, Tue., 9/16]

Corcoran, 1600 blk.: man robbed of $30 cash by another who came from behind & pushed an unknown hard object against his back while demanding, “give me all your money” [1:30am, Tue., 9/23]

Crescent, 1600 blk.: man walking to his car robbed by another at gunpoint of wallet [2:45am, Sun., 9/21]

Florida, 1600 blk.: man accosted by 2 others from behind, one of whom kicked him in his head, whereupon they both started yelling at him [2am, Sat., 9/20]

Girard, 1400 blk.: woman talking on her cell phone approached by man who snatched property from her other hand [4:30pm, Tue., 9/23]

Harvard, 1700 blk.: man accosted by 6 others, one of whom put a gun to his head, demanding, “Give me everything you have” [2:45am, Sun., 9/7]

Irving, 1800 blk.: woman accosted by man who jumped out of vehicle, grabbed her purse & as she held on to it tightly she was dragged along the pavement, causing lacerations to her hand, before letting go [12:30pm, Sun., 12/14]

Kalorama & Ontario: 3 persons robbed at gunpoint by 2 others who approached from behind [1:30am, Tue., 9/23]

Kalorama, 1900 blk.: man robbed by person or persons who got out of an SUV that had been following him as he was walking toward 20th St. [12:15am, Sun., 9/21]

Kalorama, 1900 blk.: man robbed by 4 others who first demanded his wallet then all joined in punching him & slamming his head into a perked car [10pm, Sun., 9/21]

Kalorama (blk. # not provided): woman’s purse grabbed from her hand by man she had passed by who had been sitting on steps & who then got up & approached her from behind [2am, Sun., 9/21]

Monroe, 1000 blk.: man sitting outside on his house steps robbed by 2 others following first having been punched & kicked in his face before falling unconscious [10:45pm, Sat., 9/6]

New Hamp., 1700 blk.: man robbed by another who first pushed him several times causing him to fall to ground, whereupon was ordered, “Give me your wallet or I will kill you” [5:30pm, Mon., 9/1]

Ontario, 2100 blk.: man accosted by another brandishing gun & demanding, “Give it up,” followed by 2nd man with hand over his face demanding his wallet [3:30am, Sat., 9/20]

Ontario, 2100 blk.: woman’s property snatched from her hand by man who came running toward her & continued on running [1:15am, Sun., 9/14]

Ontario, 2200 blk.: 2 persons accosted by 2 men, one of whom brandished gun & demanded, “Give me your purse,” whereupon he pulled the purse from the woman while the other man went through the pockets of both persons [12:15am, Sun., 9/21]

Park (blk. # not provided): man accosted from behind by 3 others, one of whom grabbed by his arms while one of the others punched him in the face & head, causing laceration, and was then robbed [2:30pm, Sun., 9/21]

Parkwood, 1400 blk.: man accosted from behind by 3 others, one of whom held him by his neck while one of the others robbed him as the third stood by as lookout [2pm, Fri., 9/5]

Perry, 1400 blk.: man accosted by 5 others who punched him about his face & head & then robbed him [10:15pm, Sat., 9/6]

R, 500 blk.: man accosted by another who punched him in his face, causing him to fall down whereupon another man joined in and also was punching him, following which he was robbed [10am, Sun., 9/14]

R, 1700 blk.: while talking on his cell phone man accosted by another who punched him about his face & body, then joined in the assault by another who appeared, following which he was robbed [3:45am, Fri., 9/5]

Rhode Is., 100 blk.: man accosted from behind by 2 others, one of whom choked him while the other punched him causing injury & then was robbed [8pm, Wed., 9/24]

T, 400 blk.: woman robbed of tote bag & cell phone by man who first pushed her from behind, struck her in the head, pushed her to the ground and kicked her in the groin [10:30pm, Tue., 9/2]

T, 900 blk.: woman about to get into her car accosted by 2 men from behind who grabbed her by the throat & robbed her [7:15pm, Fri., 9/19]

U, unit blk.: food delivery person robbed by man who approached car as if to receive & pay for the order but instead brandished a sawed-off shotgun & demanded, “Gimme your money” [11:30pm, Sun., 9/14]

V, 900 blk.: man robbed at gunpoint by another who confronted him having gotten out from the passenger’s side of car at curb [3:45am, Sun., 9/7]

Vernon, 1800 blk.: woman walking toward the front door of her apartment building accosted by 3 men who came from behind , one of whom pushed the side of her face while the other 2 demanded her purse & then robbed her of it [11pm, Sun., 9/28]

Wallach, 1300 blk.: man accosted by another who came from behind, grabbed him & snatched his wallet from his rear pocket [12:30pm, Sun., 12/14]

Willard, 1700 blk.: man walking home followed by 3 others all the way down the street & when reaching his front door one of them demanded all his money & when he hesitated was punched 3 times in his face, whereupon he complied [2:15am, Sun., 9/21]

10th & T: man grabbed by one of 5 men who came from behind while another of the group robbed him [3:15pm, Wed., 9/24]

10th, 1400 blk.: man confronted by another who first ran up from behind & past him, stopped, turned around, pulled a gun & robbed him [9:45pm, Wed., 9/17]

12th, 1200 blk.: 2 persons robbed at gunpoint by 2 others who got out of car [12:15am, Fri., 9/12]12th, 2000 blk.: carjacking – woman who had just gotten into her parked car accosted by man who approached & demanded that she get out, whereupon he opened the car door, grabbed her by her hair & body pulling her out, then got in & stole the car [3:45am, Sun., 9/14]

13th & U: woman’s Blackberry snatched from her waist clip by man who came past her [12noon, Sat., 9/20]

13th, 1300 blk.: man robbed by 2 others who came from behind & pushed him to the ground [8:15pm, Sat., 9/13]

15th & Belmont: man walking home struck on his head in an unknown manner & by unknown assailant & due to, by his own acknowledgement, him having been highly intoxicated at the time did not realize until the following morning that he had been robbed [12:15am, Sat., 9/13]

16th & Columbia: man accosted by 2 others who hit & kicked him, causing him to fall to the ground & attempted to snatch his bag but did not succeed in robbing him of it [5am, Fri., 95]

16th & Riggs: person robbed of property snatched from hand by another who came from behind [Sat., 9/13]

17th & Columbia: man who was attempting to flag down a cab approached by 4 others, one of whom asked for a cigarette & after he gave one to him, they all surrounded him & robbed him a gunpoint [1:15am, Mon., 9/1]

19th & S: woman robbed at gunpoint by man who then knocked her to the ground & fired a gunshot into the air while standing over her [10:15pm, Tue., 9/2]20th, 1400 blk.: woman’s purse snatched by one of 2 men who came from behind [3:45pm, Sat., 9/13]