Landmark Theatre’s E Street Cinema, located in the Lincoln Square Building (555 11th Street), was kind enough to accommodate the DowntownDC BID’s Safety/Hospitality and Maintenance employees (SAMs) for their July SAM of the Month meeting. The 13-year-old cinema specializes in first-run independent and foreign language films, documentary features and classic revivals, and was an excellent venue for the SAMs, offering a temporary, but cool hiatus from the summer heat.
Thomas Beddow, the cinema’s events coordinator, greeted the SAMs during their visit. What they all now know: the multiple award-winning theatre has eight screens—seven featuring stadium seating and wall-to-wall screens—the latest state-of-the-art sound technology, bargain matinees, upscale concessions and an espresso bar with fresh, locally-baked pastries and cookies and gourmet chocolates, and a new bar stocked with beer, wine and liquor (bring your ID!). It offers reduced rate parking with validation at select times.
But E Street Cinema’s unique film offerings are what grab film buffs’ attention. Its ‘Round Midnight Friday and Saturday movie series feature such classics as The Rocky Horror Picture Show, American Psycho and Pulp Fiction. Some films opening soon include The Act of Killing (beginning Friday, July 26), with director Joshua Oppenheimer making a personal appearance on the opening weekend; the Europa Report (Friday, Aug. 2); and Computer Chess (Friday, Aug. 9). Woody Allen’s latest film, Blue Jasmine, as well as Fruitvale Station and 20 Feet From Stardom, are currently playing. Beddow noted the theatre’s auditoriums are also available to rent for special events and private screenings.
During the meeting, two SAMs were recognized as SAMs of the Month for their stellar performance: SAM Maintenance Team Member Ethel Frye and SAM Safety/Hospitality Team Member Montee Saunders.
Ethel Frye is a nine-year SAM veteran. The former daycare employee and native Washingtonian is never late, always present and has to be forced to take time off. “I put all my effort into being a good SAM. I do my duties in a timely fashion, and I like what I do,” she said. Frye can be seen around the BID area driving a cleaning machine, watering flowers and power washing sidewalks. Married with two children and two grandchildren, the former softball player (she broke her ankle not long ago but still attends her team games) admits to not being able to sit still. “I can’t be bored,” said the multiple SAM of the Month winner. In her spare time, Frye babysits her grandchildren and makes wigs. The proud mother wants everyone to know that her 17-year-old, honor roll son, Jamal, is in a college readiness program and is college bound.
Montee Saunders, also a native Washingtonian, has been a SAM for six years. This is her first SAM of the Month award. Saunders believes her stint as a nurse aid prepared her for her hospitality role with the SAM Program. “I like interacting with people,” she said. But the best part of her job is the camaraderie with her fellow SAMs. “The team is a family away from family,” noted. Oh, yeah, the incentives aren’t bad either! The mother of six enjoys taking her children to Downtown museums and eating out.
Congratulations, ladies!
(This article was updated on Thursday, July 25)