RIA Radio

We start off the show with an update from Philip - new seasonal offerings at Good Food Market are here! Next - the DC Office of Planning has just launched efforts to amend the Comprehensive Plan for the District - something that the Home Rule Act requires. Director Eric D. Shaw joins us to talk about the Comprehensive Plan, and the "Plan DC" amendment process, as well as the innovative outreach the Office of Planning is doing in each Ward to get feedback from the community. Tune in to find out about the process, why you should be involved, and how you can find out more information. You can also visit www.plandc.dc.gov to take an online survey and to get updates.

These days, the library is more than just a place to check out a good book. Richard Reyes-Gavilan is the Director of the DC Public Library, and he stops by to talk about the many ways the DC libraries are anchors in their neighborhoods, as well as the many resources available at the libraries. It's truly amazing! Tune in to find out about the 3D printers, software training, and more.

Israel Baptist Church has built a spectacular new addition to their facility, to meet growing needs within the community for event space and childcare. Matthew Phillips and Sylvia Reed talk with Michelle about their exciting new space, the daycare services, and the full service health care center, as well as their senior housing facility.

Creative placemaking is the practice of partnering public, private, nonprofit, and community groups to form and implement a strategy to transform a neighborhood, and it is a concept that is being embraced across the country. We visit with Steven Thompson of the Van Alen Institute (www.vanalen.org), as well as Natalie Campbell and Jose Ruiz of the Furthermore Artist Collective (furthermorellc.com) about their joint project with the DC Office of Planning. Tune in to hear more about their innovative project to link communities to their own unique sounds.

Scott Magnuson of iMagine Insurance (www.imagineinsurancedc.com) joins us to talk about insurance for small businesses. Your business is unique, and may need special coverage, or it may need updating along as your business grows. "Under-insured" might mean the end of your business dreams,should disaster strike. In the second half of the show, Tamara Robinson of the DC Board of Elections (www.dcboee.org) calls in to talk about voter registration, absentee voting, early voting, and how to handle special voting situations here in the District of Columbia. DC Board of Elections will be joining us at Fall Fest on Oct 1 for voter registration, so stop by and make sure you are all set to vote on November 8!

Michaela Brown-Jones, the energetic force and founder of The P Spot (www.bringitupsexy.com) stops by to talk about her special brand of fitness for women. Her classes include "Pole Fitness", "Strip Aerobics" (minus the naked part!), and "Sensual Stretch" - all designed to provide a "sexy" alternative to traditional group fitness classes, and suited for all levels of fitness. Then we're joined by Nate Blodgett, co-founder of District Spice (www.districtspice.com). After getting off to a tremendous start in Union Kitchen, District Spice is now creating their unique and delicious spice blends here on RIA Main Street. Tune in now - bonus content for listeners with smell-o-vision reception on their devices!

In this special episode, we talk to Carlos Davis, president of the Woodridge South Community Association, about the roles that Civic and Community Associations play in your neighborhood. Hint: Businesses are neighbors, too! In fact, Civic and Community Associations are often the first stop in special permitting requests for small businesses, particularly for restaurants that will be pursuing permits for beer and wine sales. Tune in to find out more about how to get involved with your neighborhood community organizations.

District Dance Arts (www.districtdancearts.com) is expanding! A new (2nd!) location, new instructors, and even more classes offered. Did we mention Zumba? Founder and teacher Cristine Davis joins us to talk about the growth of District Dance Arts. Next, Darryl Maxwell of DC Bar stops by to talk about the new overtime rules for exempt employees, and how they impact your small business. And of course, Philip from Good Food Markets calls in with the Good Food Markets report. Listen now!

t's that time of year again - the fast growing DC State Fair is just around the corner, on Sunday, August 28th! One of the organizers (and Ward 5 neighbor) Kish Rusek joins us to talk about the event's history, the competition categories, and more. Visit www.dcstatefair.org for details. Then we're joined by DC Water's Bill Levy and Joan Ward to discuss the Northeast Boundary Tunnel Project. In addition to talking about the need for this massive project, Bill and Joan share important construction news and timelines for residents and business owners along the RIA Main Street corridor. As always, Philip calls in with the Good Food Markets report - fall produce is starting to make its way to the area. Tune in to find out more!

In addition to the Good Food Markets report, and LOTS of news about upcoming activities (hint: Pokemon!) on RIA Main Street, we're joined by DeAndrey Howard, creative genius behind Alice's Jazz and Cultural Society. The newest hotspot for authentic jazz, located at 2813 12th St NE, is getting great reviews. Tune in to hear DeAndrey share the vision behind the club, then stop in and visit them. More details at their website, www.jazzandculturalsociety.com