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Tenleytown location benefits local smoothie shop

20140707_091751The Tenleytown Robeks store is still going strong after nine years despite the closings of several other Robeks stores in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, according to a store official.

Pedro Lazo, manager of the Tenleytown store, credited location as the reason the store is doing so well.

Located in the heart of Tenleytown–on Wisconsin Avenue by the entrance to the Whole Foods parking garage–the store gets its business from what Lazo calls a “very diverse crowd,” including college students, residents, area employees and Metro users.

20140707_102113_Richtone(HDR)“We do really well,” Lazo said. “We’re always busy. I think we might be one of the best stores in the district, if not the best store.”

In fact, the Tenleytown store is doing so well that many customers were unaware that other locations had closed.

Over the past two to four years, four stores have closed due to lack of business in the D.C. metropolitan area, including the Cabin John, College Park, Rockville Town Square, and Fairfax locations, which according to Lazo is easily attributed to bad locations.

“Robeks does pretty well but it depends on location,” Lazo said.

20140707_102239_Richtone(HDR)Tenleytown allows small businesses to thrive because of its proximity to public transportation, schools, and big box stores that draw customers in, according to a Tenleytown Retail Submarket Strategic Assessment.

The report also stated that retail businesses in Tenleytown benefit from a large and wealthy daytime population, who can afford Robeks’ smoothies ranging from $4 to $8 dollars.

With a great retail location comes competition from other stores nearby including Starbucks but that doesn’t concern Lazo or the business’ bottom line.

“In the winter they are really busy and we are really slow, and20140707_105428 in the summer we’re a little bit busier,” Lazo said.

Despite this, Robeks still has major competition from other smoothie stores like Jamba Juice, but it’s closest location is three miles away in Dupont Circle.

“If anyone is going to be our competition it’s really them,” Lazo said.

Lazo believes that Robeks will remain in Tenleytown for years to come and continue to integrate onto social media with new promotions. The manager, who is very passionate about his work, also sees himself moving up the ladder.

“I see myself being owner,” Lazo said of his hopes for his future at Robeks.

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Tenleytown, then and now

When you walk into Tenleytown, you might never suspect that you were in one of the oldest neighborhoods in Washington, D.C. Since its establishment, the neighborhood has evolved beyond its small beginnings.

Aerial sketch of Tenleytown in the 1940s. Photo by Tenleytown Historical Society Collection.
Aerial sketch of Tenleytown in the 1940s. Photo courtesy of the Tenleytown Historical Society Collection.

Tenleytown originally formed around the intersection of River Road and Wisconsin Avenue.The neighborhood’s name comes from the Tennally Tavern, built in 1791 and one of the first buildings in the area, according to the Tenleytown Historical Society website. The tavern itself no longer stands, but the name has stuck throughout the years.

Tenleytown has multiple historic sites, but one of the area’s most prominent is the former site of Fort Reno. The fort was a military base built to defend the Union’s Capital during the Civil War, as reported by the National Park Service website. It was one of the strongest forts in the D.C. area, according to the NPS website. The fort was eventually disassembled to make way for a reservoir.

Today in its place is Fort Reno Park, a community gathering place and home of the popular Fort Reno summer concerts, as reported by the Fort Reno website.

Residents of Tenleytown appreciate all that D.C has to offer to them.

“We love Washington, D.C. It is the greatest place,” Tenleytown resident, Cathy Kereyche, 58, said while standing with her friend, Jackie Davis, 54.

Though Tenleytown residents like Kereyche and Davis enjoy the town they live in, problems still spill out from other parts of D.C., according to Christina McTighe, a 28-year-old associate librarian. Her biggest problem is with the school systems.

McTighe focuses more on the positive aspects of living in D.C, however.

“When you think of D.C, you think of monuments or the suburban area with crime,” McTighe said. “There is a lot more going on with family life.”

Tenleytown has a lot to offer as well, according to McTighe.

“We’re really close to the Metro station, the houses are nice to look at, [and] there’s a really good Indian place across the street [from the Tenleytown library],” McTighe said.

With all of the different shops, restaurants and people around her, McTighe appreciates the diversity that she is able to find in Tenleytown, she said.

“Preserving diversity is important for [our] community and D.C. as a whole,” McTighe said.

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Fourth of July in D.C. marks first for some at AU’s summer programs

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Excitement looms around American University’s campus as students and faculty prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July in Washington, D.C., some for the first time.

While living in the nation’s capital this summer, many students are trying to take advantage of the activities that the city has to offer for the Fourth of July, including seeing the 17-minute fireworks display on the National Mall.

“I am thinking about going to the Mall and hangout,” AU junior Olivia Hoppe said. “I am going with friends, whoever is still in D.C.”

Every year, the National Park Service holds a celebration of Independence Day at the National Mall. According to the National Park Service website, the events this year include the Folklife Festival, a concert by the U.S. Navy Band, a Fourth of July parade, as well as one of the largest firework displays in the country.

With the installation of 18,000 feet of chain link fence, 14,000 feet of bike rack, and almost 350 portable toilets throughout the Mall, according to the NPS website, large crowds are expected to participate in the festivities this year.

But that massive crowd won’t include Mike Ridley, a 34-year-old AU employee.

Ridley, who works for Fire and Life Safety, is looking forward to a more simple celebration.

“There is going to be a big cook out, kegs, beer, and fireworks,” Ridley said. “I am going to be spending it with friends and family.”

Although Independence Day was originally created to celebrate the 13 colonies declaring their independence from England, people from other countries, such as a 34-year-old native from Ghana, still take part in this Fourth of July holiday.

“I am going to have fun and am going out with friends,” said Festus Allotey, an AU library staff member. “I am worried about traffic. You have to time what time you want to leave.”

While Allotey originally migrated from Ghana, he still has family around the D.C. area he visits around the Fourth of July.

While working on a project for a summer leadership program, 17-year-old Kristine Luna described her hometown traditions.

In her hometown of McAllen, Texas, local businesses and organizations help the city in running a community parade, with activities including video games and dancing, which Luna has previously participated in with her summer dance camp. Everyone at the parade then goes to the town high school to watch the fireworks display.

Luna is currently a student at the National Student Leadership Conference for Journalism, Film, and Media Arts, a program focused on the development of leadership and individual interests in the field of communication of high school students from all over the country.

For Brenda Vega, a 16-year-old from Los Angeles in Washington, D.C. for the NSLC program, this is her first time in the city celebrating Independence Day.

“I am looking forward to the fireworks because I usually watch them on T.V.,” Vega said. “But now I get to experience them up close and everybody feels the same emotion as they watch.”

Lee France, an AU junior from New York, will spend July Fourth with friends.
Lee France, an AU junior from New York, will spend July Fourth with friends.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Emotion over commotion–Soccer fans at AU react to FIFA World Cup

Image courtesy of FIFA.
Image courtesy of FIFA.

WASHINGTON — Passionate soccer fans at American University were devastated by the United States’ loss to Belgium on Tuesday in the Round of 16 at the World Cup in Brazil while others who are new to the sport felt indifferent.

Matt Divincenzo, 22, a recent American University graduate, is a passionate soccer fan and was heart-broken by the loss, but he’s excited for the future for American soccer.

“It was a heart-breaker,” Divincenzo said. “After that second goal in extra-time, I wanted to turn off the TV. It was one of the hardest games to watch.”

But fans like William Xu, who watch soccer only with their friends because they feel it’s social, didn’t feel as emotional about the loss. Xu, 26, mainly watches soccer when the World Cup or the Olympics roll around.

“I’ll watch it with my friends at a bar, but not by myself,” Xu said. “Like, I’m not a football player, but if all of my friends want to play football, I’ll play football.”

Elyssa Pachico, 28, is very proud to be supporting Colombia in the World Cup this year because of their new-found success. Colombia made it through to the Round of 16 by beating Greece, Japan and the Ivory Coast, according to the FIFA World Cup website. Colombia, who plays Brazil in the Round of 8 on Friday, also scored the second most goals in the entire World Cup with 11 through Thursday.

The most popular sport in the world has not yet hit the United States as a national phenomenon, although there are many soccer fans within the United States. Every four years the hype surrounding the World Cup is difficult to escape.

Pachico is similar to Xu because they are not normally soccer fans, and they both feel that the commotion surrounding the international games is unavoidable.

“Even if I wasn’t going to watch it, I can’t escape it,” Pachico said. “I was at the airport yesterday and I saw a ton of televisions playing the games. It’s everywhere.”

 

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Independence Day celebrations with international perspectives

WASHINGTON– People on American University’s campus are planning to exercise their patriotism with traditional and nontraditional activities for the Fourth of July this year.

Imani Muleyyar, a media production assistant at AU, is taking a slightly different approach this holiday. Muleyyar plans to travel to Baltimore, Maryland to visit family and box and kick box with friends. He explained that any day he’s off work, he and his friends use to train for boxing.

Though he enjoys athletics, Muleyyar expressed the importance of family time on this day.

“It’s good to be around happy people,” Muleyyar said.

The owner of an on-campus hair salon and spa, TIGI Boutique, Taher Kahel, is trying something new on America’s birthday this year.

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Taher Kahel, owner of TIGI Boutique on American University’s campus. Photo by Courtney Allen

Kahel is participating in traditional firework watching of the National Mall festivities, but is watching them from a rooftop with friends. Though he is Tunisian born, he has been in America for half his life, and happily celebrates Independence Day every year by hanging out with friends and family and going to festive parties. Kahel joyfully punched his fist when answering if Tunisia’s Independence Day is as exciting as America’s.

“Of course it’s, exciting. We beat the French!” replied Kahel.

Kahel thoroughly enjoys the Fourth of July here with the same excitement.

“I think it’s a happy holiday, Independence Day,” said Kahel.

Amrong Chey, a Cambodian-American, said she will be participating in the typical activities for Independence Day this year by going to cook outs and watching the fireworks. She also spoke about the similar day held in Cambodia for the country.

“Everyone gets together with family and friends to celebrate the country,” Chey said

It is clear to see that no matter where people are from, America or outside of America, they still excitedly participate in Independence Day each year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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American University summer programs offer experiences, meeting new people

WASHINGTON- Teachers and students from all over the world are congregating at American University to participate in various programs with the hopes of gaining experience, learning and meeting new people.

Monica Emma, 18, from Bellmawr, New Jersey, quickly grabbed a Frappuccino before she left to lead an orientation for new freshmen.

The incoming sophomore is staying on campus for the summer and whether helping with transition issues or answering questions, Emma takes pride in improving the college experience for the new students.

“I like to tell people that while AU may not have been your first choice or even if you are really excited to go here, AU is the place for you,” Emma said.

. Nineteen-year-old Stephan Piencian, an incoming junior from Linden, New Jersey, is another American University student residing on campus this summer.

With a smile spread across his face, Piencian is working part-time at the information desk at the Mary Graydon Center answering people’s questions and giving directions.

“I figured it would be a good experience to be in Washington, D.C. during the summer,”  Piencian said.

There is still more summer to come, but so far Piencian is enjoying his time.

“I think it’s been a very educational experience for my life,” Piencian said

. Programs such as the National Student Leadership Conference and Discover the World of Communication are hosting various camps for teenagers at American University this summer.

At American University, as well as many other college campuses, NSLC offers programs in the fields of education, sciences, national security, diplomacy, communication and politics, all while teaching young adults about effective leadership, according to its website.

Jessie Elop shares her excitement about the forensics science program. Photo by Lila Bromberg
Jessie Elop shares her excitement about the forensics science program. Photo by Lila Bromberg

Jessie Elop, 15, showed pure excitement when talking about the forensics science program that she started on June 27 and ends July 6.

Students in this program listen to lectures concerning fields of forensic science and get the opportunity to work on realistic cases.

One of the cases involved a woman who appeared to be hung with most common signs pointed to suicide; however after examining the crime scene, Elop said the suicide may have been a scam.

Each student has a different job and they work as a team to solve the case. Elop works as a sketch artist for the crime scene so she has turned the scene into a graph and plotted it out to scale so it can be revisited visually.

“I’ve really enjoyed it,” Elop said. “Besides forensics we have learned a lot about leadership and although some things have seemed a little slow, they all have a good purpose in the end. I’ve really enjoyed it overall.”

In fact, the program has caused her to rethink her future career.

“Initially, I thought I could be a forensic scientist working on crime scenes and since originally thinking that, I’ve learned a lot about being a medical examiner,” Elop said. “I think that might be a very cool path.”

Nona Bankova, 17, has traveled from Bulgaria to take part in the NSLC program. She is taking a broadcast journalism class, in which she says she is doing many new things.

“I think it’s very interesting and I can learn many things I have never experienced before,” Bankova said. “With the technology, with the camera, with the way you speak in front of the camera, and I like it a lot.”

She has also enjoyed group activities such as casino night and guest speakers.

“The way they speak to us, the way they influence us, the way they inspire us,” Bankova said. “This is one of the greatest things.”

Fifteen-year-old Ricky Sayer of Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, is also hard at work in broadcast journalism and professional newswriting, but is a part of the DWC program, which solely focuses on communication programs.

Similarly to NSLC, DWC goes on many field trips to places such as baseball games, museums, and even a cruise boat.

“It’s really fun,” Sayer said. “You learn a lot that I couldn’t learn back at school, so it’s really a great experience.”

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Fireworks, hot dogs, celebration…and traffic.

July Fourth fireworks on the National Mall.
July Fourth fireworks on the National Mall. Photo courtesy of the National Park Service.

WASHINGTON– With the anticipation building for the upcoming Fourth of July festivities, people in Washington D.C. are also preparing for the incoming traffic from tourists and visitors.

Road closures will be in place starting as early as Thursday night around the Washington monuments where an estimated 700,000 are expected to show up to watch the grand spectacle of fireworks that take place yearly in our Nation’s capitol.

Many will visit the National Mall, where fireworks will start at 9:10 p.m. on July 4, according to the National Park Service website.

The National Mall, being one of the most popular spots in Washington, D.C. for viewing the fireworks is expected to be packed and crowded and many at American University will avoid Fourth of July traffic by skipping firework viewings near Capitol Hill and downtown.

Mary Spanarkel, a New Jersey native, who was used to celebrating the Fourth of July on the beach back home, will steer clearly of the “super touristy” spots like the National Mall by hanging out with friends.

Eva Gates, who works as a receptionist at American University and moved from Long Island, will avoid the heavy traffic by going home for the holiday where she will enjoy barbecue with her family and friends on the beach.

Festus Allaotey, who was born and raised in Ghana, has been an employee at American University for two years, will not go out and plans to “stay in and watch on TV instead.”

Despite traffic, Washington, D.C. remains a favorite in places to experience America’s Independence Day for students attending summer programs at American University.

Celine Castronuovo,16, from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, is participating in NSLC and is spending her first Fourth of July in the nation’s capitol.

“I am looking forward to being able to look out my window and watch the fireworks and I’ve been watching them on TV forever and now I have the chance to actually see them in person, ” Castronuovo said.

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American University employees celebrate the holiday with friends

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An American flag flies on AU’s campus the week of July Fourth. Photo by Madison Hoffman

American University faculty and staff will be celebrating the Fourth of July this Friday with their friends.

University librarian Olivia Ivey plans to attend a cookout with her friends, and later, a fireworks-viewing party. Usually, her family visits D.C. to celebrate, but this year they will be postponing their visit until Ivey’s wedding later in the year.

Rebekah Johnson, a recent American University graduate and new staff member, hopes to do the same.

First thing in the morning on Friday will be brunch with a group of her friends, complete with special Fourth of July pancakes. In the evening, she’ll be going to a friend’s house near the National Mall to see the fireworks.

Back home in Dallas, Johnson usually spends time with her church group to celebrate the holiday, viewing fireworks and attending soccer games. This year, she’ll be among the revelers at one of the nation’s largest fireworks displays, according to the National Park Service website.

Leanza Bethel, a receptionist at the Leonard Hall dormitory, is planning to attend the Capitol Fourth program on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, a memorable event combining musical performances with a fireworks display. Fireworks, she said, are her favorite part of the Fourth of July.

Before Bethel came to Washington D.C., she celebrated the holiday by attending the family gathering and barbecue that her parents held.

This year is Charlotte Vogler’s first living in Washington, D.C., and she’s looking forward to celebrating her favorite holiday in the capital. As an AU receptionist, she will be working part of the day, but afterwards plans to see the fireworks at the U.S. Capitol with her friends.

When she spends the Fourth of July holiday with her family, sometimes the celebrations get a little more hands on.

“Usually we go to the mountains and set off our own fireworks,” Vogler said.

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D.C. residents plan to avoid Fourth of July crowds

WASHINGTON–As the Fourth of July approaches, individuals living on American University’s campus are planning to avoid the notoriously crowded festivities happening on the National Mall.

AU students, staff, and youth attending one of the various summer programs on campus cited traffic caused by a crowd of more than 700,000 as a major reason to skip the celebrations.

Ashtyn Quinones, 14, is participating in the National Student Leadership Conference, a program at AU this summer, and said that they won’t be taking part in any large event.

“We’re going to be here,” Quinones said. “They want to avoid traffic.”

Kristen Korfitzen, a New York native and employee of the University Library, won’t be staying in D.C. for the Fourth, but still hopes to see the fireworks over the National Mall.

“I’ll probably meet some friends on the Virginia side of the river to watch them,” Korfitzen said.

Although she plans to participate in Independence Day festivities, Korfitzen’s favorite aspect of the holiday doesn’t include celebrating.

“I usually get the day off from work, so I get to sleep late,” Korfitzen said.

Lee France, an incoming AU junior, isn’t interested in attending one of the traditional celebrations around the city either. Instead, he’ll go to a party.

Although many, including France, are avoiding big events this Fourth of July, their favorite memories of the holiday often involve large-scale celebrations from years past.

“The cliché answer is fireworks, my neighborhood goes crazy,” France said, “There was a time fireworks flew into someone’s window, but no one was really that mad.”

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Ashtyn Quinones, 14, remembers attending a fireworks show in San Francisco. This year, she’ll be participating in events with the National Student Leadership Conference. Photo by Melanie Pincus

Quinones remembers seeing fireworks in San Francisco a couple of years ago, capturing the appeal of celebrating even considering the holiday crowds.

“We were in the most awful place to view,” Quinones said. “But it was still fun because I was with family and friends.”