Reuben Jackson via Alan Squire Publishing

Thanks to Katie for sharing the super sad news about Reuben Jackson’s recent passing earlier this month.

On a personal note I have to say that this news has hit my very hard. Most people don’t know this but Reuben was a reader, supporter and occasional contributor to PoPville from the very early Prince of Petworth days. And when I say supporter I mean Reuben gave me strength in the very early days when I was filled with doubts. Reuben always gave me words of encouragement and urged me to keep doing what I was doing. Simply, Reuben was the best. He reached out to me after the pandemic to say hi, and I said hi. But I wish I had said so much more. Don’t we always. I’ll say it now – thank you Reuben. Thank you for your words, your voice and your friendship. You will be missed.

About Reuben’s words. Here’s what he wrote to us back in 2009:

“I am not sure I would call these “haiku”. In fact, I would not. They are 17 syllable “poems” looking at a side of this city (Washington, DC) which increasingly nags at me (to say the least). I am trying to do something with the very “Southern” aspects of life here-aspects which so-called home rule (etc.) has not changed. Finally, they are the -ahem-ahem- “musings” of a middle aged black man trying to come to grips with the tension, changes, what have you in what my Mom accurately dubbed a “big-small Southern town”.

I.

Spanish music plays
in buildings where James Brown ruled
Throbbing stereos.

II.

Followed in bookstores
Mocked by gangsta wannabees
Where do I fit in?

III.

Why would you leave here?
A childhood friend inquired
Through a toothless smile.

IV.

Men I’ve known since birth
Baby sit ragged corners
Under served by life.

V.

Girl with Whole Foods bag
Receives suspicious glances
“She must think she white.!”

VI.

Disdainful glances
Hurled at a new white neighbor.
Soon there will be more.

VII.

Parents left me here.
Is it too late to get out?
Dream on the down-low.

VIII.

Politicians flock
Like self important peacocks.
Shopping mall- at last!

IX.

Take a crosstown bus
If you dream of salad bars
And sit-down cafes.”

Katie and felow poets say that “his Trayvon Martin poem, For Trayvon Martin, is one of his best”: Read More

Thanks to Solomon and Anna for sending: “Lululemon in Navy Yard :)” Read More

1800 Rhode Island Ave, NE

Thanks to Aaron for sharing:

“Ronnie, the proprietor of Ronnie’s Transmission on Rhode Island Ave NE, DC, recently passed away. A skilled technician and a cornerstone of the neighborhood for decades, Ronnie not only excelled in his small business but also served as a repository of local oral history and a trusted friend to neighbors for decades.

Ronnie’s impact on me and everyone fortunate enough to have crossed paths with him was immense. Working tirelessly in his namesake small business, he was not just a skilled technician underneath his hydraulic lift or inside one of his interior garages; he was a cornerstone of the neighborhood on US Route 1. In his front office, Ronnie thrived professionally and also served as a carrier of local oral history and a trusted friend to the NE D.C. community for decades.

Almost every day, except for his one day off on Sundays, Ronnie would take notice of friends and neighbors passing by. Read More

Super sad news from Capitol Hill Books:

“We are sad to share that Jim Toole, owner of Capitol Hill Books from 1995 – 2018, has passed away.

Jim, AKA The Admiral, was still an active employee of Capitol Hill Books & will be dearly missed. He was one of a kind.” Read More

“M Street Bridge and 26th Street Westbound”

“Dear PoPville,

I’d gotten to know Jeff through my daily dog walks over the M Street Bridge. He was a kind, loving human and a friend to many in the community. Read More

“We are sad to report the loss of Gertrude, the white domestic duck so beloved by many at the waterfront.” Read More

4810 Wisconsin Ave, NW

Update from Emma and ah: “I am told that the owner recently passed away – unexpectedly – and there may not be a clear succession plan in place.”

City Bikes tweeted May 18: “It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Charlie McCormick, founder and CEO of City Bikes. In this period of grief, and respect for Charlie’s legacy, we have temporarily closed the doors of the business while we are evaluating the next steps.”

“Dear PoPville,

Drove by their location on Wisconsin and the store was temporarily closed with a sign on the door. Read More

Tommy Mazzocchi via IG

“Dear PoPville,

Not sure if you heard the news, but Tommy Mazzocchi – the owner of Hopscotch Bar and Grill in Bloomingdale, formerly bartender at Maddy’s, Old Ebbit and Clydes Tower Oakes (and many more), passed away very unexpectedly earlier this week. Services information is here, and Hopscotch will not be reopening, Read More

Thanks to S. for passing on this super sad note from Tenleytown:

“Thelma chicken has gone away for the summer to visit her family. We hope that she (or one of her sisters!) will be back in the fall. We will miss you Thelma…”

14 F Street, NW

From Kelly’s Irish Times: “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our founder and patriarch, Hugh Kelly.”

Read full Obituary here. RIP