2021 Fagon Guide to Capitol Hill by Capital Community News

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Fagon Community Guide 2021

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contents 10 12 16

What’s Inside A Letter from Our Publisher Map of Capitol Hill

Welcome to the OTHER Capitol Hill: Congress, Turn East and Meet Your Neighbors by Elizabeth O’Gorek

HOW WE ENDURED

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Following Their Passions: Teens Explore New Learning During the Pandemic by Sarah Cymrot

2020 YEAR BOOK The Pandemic (32) Scavenger Hunt & Pumpkin Walk (34) Hill Rag Mask Contest (35) Black Lives Matter (36) The Election (38) Developments (40) Capitol Hill Community Achievement Awards (42) Passages (42)

HILL LIVING

Ward 6 ANC and SMD Boundaries Map

Blogs & Listservs

Annual Calendar

Rag Bag: Historic District, Eastern Market, Libraries, Parks, Parking Permits

Capitol Hill Historic District Map

Waste Matters: Reducing, Re-Using, Recycling, Composting and Such in DC by Catherine Plume

Staying SAFE: Understanding How MPD Helps the Community by Elizabeth O’Gorek

Metropolitan Police Dept. 1st District Map

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Getting Through It, Together: The Hill Unites to Make it Through the Pandemic by Elizabeth O’Gorek

Capitol Hillbillies impromptu jam session.

Victorian homes on East Capitol.

What IS an ANC? by Heather Schoell

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Strolling through Garfield Park.

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FAMILY & PETS

Volunteering on the Hill by Elizabeth O’Gorek

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Raising Kids on the Hill by Cory V. Langley

Community Resources

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Family Resources Directory

Spiritual Directory

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How the School Lottery Works by Emerald Becker

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DCPS Boundaries map

HOMES & GARDENS

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Pets on the Hill by Andrew Lightman

Capitol Hill’s Curb Appeal: Our Small Front Yards Create the First Impression by Rindy O’Brien

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Pet Directory

Garden Resources

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Category Index Advertisers Index

Top 6 Permitting Tips

Tips for Better Capitol Hill Building Projects

It’s Like a Needle in a Haystack: Finding A Roof Leak Is An Extraordinary Challenge by Tom Daniel

Home Services Directory

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REAL ESTATE

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Real Estate Directory

HELPING OUT

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SERVICES & RETAIL

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HEALTHY LIVING

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Anacostia River Trails Map

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Healthy Living Directory

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ARTS & DINING

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Restaurant Newcomers by Celeste McCall

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Arts on The Hill by Elizabeth O’Gorek

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It’s A Wrap, And What A Year It Was! Capitol Hill Residential Market 2020 by Don Denton

CHRS Hill Mural Hunt

Services and Retail Directory

Hi Ho, Hi Ho: It’s Off to the Anacostia We Go! by Catherine Plume

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Dining al fresco at Las Placitas on Barracks Row

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? e d i s n I s ’ t a Wh

The Guide Has Something for Everyone!

NEW TO THE HILL?

You’ve come to one of the best places to live in the entire country. The Fagon Guide will give you an overview of all that’s here and the best ways to connect to your new community.

JUST BOUGHT A HOME?

Get a full rundown on urban gardens, home services and renovations in the historic district.

JUST HAD A CHILD?

Find out the pluses of raising your child in a cultural mecca in the political capital of the world. Schools, services, support groups – we have it all.

BEEN HERE FOREVER?

We live in an exciting, ever-changing neighborhood. Find new restaurants, art galleries, venues for classes, lectures and music, ways to connect to the river, get around town, and meet new friends.

Read

the Fagon Guide for everything you need to know about life in our lovely urban village! 010

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From the Publisher Dear Hill Residents, When we went to press with last year’s Community Guide, there was much confusion about the coronavirus, where it would strike, how long it would last. Like millions of others across the country, we began publishing our papers while working remotely. I’m happy to say that, thanks to our loyal advertisers, our company has weathered the storm and we continue to give our readers essential news at a local level. Our neighborhood stepped up in so many ways to help those who bore the brunt of COVID-19. From volunteer efforts bringing supplies to those who could not leave their homes, to $100,000 in special grants from the Capitol Hill Community Foundation, our urban village rallied to help others make it through. And we made our voices heard during the Black Lives Matter protests, efforts that continue today. Now we face another threat. On January 6, our neighborhood was at the epicenter of a violent attack on democracy. We are the citizens who live intimately with our seat of government (though we still lack Congressional representation). The attack on the Capitol, and the massive fence that still surrounds it, is an attack on our way of life here on Capitol Hill. We all need to do what we can to make sure that the fence comes down and that the Capitol is once more open to us all. We look forward to better times in 2021 and to supporting our local businesses and our community.

THANK YOU Many people contributed to the content of this Guide, but we would like to extend special acknowledgments to: Karen Cohen, David Deutsch, Andrew Lightman, Elizabeth Nelson, Rindy O’Brien, Elizabeth O’Gorek, and other resident contributors for the many excellent photographs that make the Guide a true reflection of our community; writers Tom Daniel, Don Denton, Cory Langley, Celeste McCall, Rindy O’Brien, Elizabeth O’Gorek, Catherine Plume; our production team Jason Yen and Shawn Henderson; and to Carolina Lopez, Kira Means, and Mariana Heavey for their valuable contributions. We also thank H.G. Roebuck Printing of Baltimore for the excellent quality of their work and superb customer service.

Best Regards, Melissa Ashabranner – Executive Editor Capital Community News, Inc.

Capital Community News, Inc. Washington, DC 20003 capitalcommunitynews.com Jean-Keith Fagon, Publisher

CCN Staff Happy Hour: From top left: Carolina Lopez, Jason Yen, Kira Means›, Shawn Henderson, Melissa Ashabranner, Elizabeth O’Gorek, Andrew Lightman and Mariana Heavey.

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Mr Henry’s, now in its 6th decade on Capitol Hill, continues to welcome patrons with expanded outdoor seating in addition to inside dining rooms. Music, an integral part of the Henry’s experience, can be enjoyed online until the time live performances can resume. We’ve got classic American fare for any appetite every day of the week see what we’ve got to offer at MrHenrysDC.com or just pop in for a visit at the corner of 6th and Pennsylvania SE!!

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Capitol Hill Map

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Welcome to the

OTHER

Capitol Hill Congress, Turn East and Meet Your Neighbors

BY ELIZABETH O’GOREK

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he lady and her dog were just standing outside Mott’s Market on 12th Street. As I headed for the entrance, her dog pulled at his leash, barking at me. “Oh no,” she laughed. “I don’t want him to do that!” We exchanged some pleasantries until her son came out of the store. I went in, and Senator Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY), then in the race for the Democratic nomination for President, went on with her day. Casual encounters with personalities from the Capitol, both well-known and less known, are common in our neighborhood. You might see DC Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D) on a walk through Lincoln Park, or U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell at Capitol Supermarket (241 Massachusetts Ave. NE). By various estimates, between a quarter and a third of Congressional staff live on the Hill, a number that is dwindling as prices rise. Between that, the administration change and a four-mile fence that cut us off for much of the year, there’s reason to suspect that these days the Capitol Hill under the dome is less familiar than ever with the one to its east. But Capitol Hill is more than a metonym for our government. Sure, it’s logical that many Congresspeople look west from the Capitol, north and west to the National Mall, the offices on K Street and downtown businesses. But we’re going to

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pause with those of you who don’t inhabit both Capitol Hills and take a minute. Turn around, look east and check out the other Capitol Hill—you’ll be amazed at the village just on the other end of the Capitol Grounds. People live here—something like 40,000 of us between the river, the Capitol Building and H Street NE. Nationally, Capitol Hill is most associated with the work you do. Locally, the neighborhood of Capitol Hill is associated with strollers and dogs, Victorian houses, great schools and strong community groups. It’s a green community full of red brick townhouses and little libraries. We have our own newspaper (daily at hillrag. com and monthly in print), several community blogs (TheHillisHome.com, CapitolHillCorner. com), and one very well-known service industry insider, BarredinDC.com who will tell you in great detail where to get a good egg, bacon and cheese breakfast sandwich. The man loves sandwiches. Thousands of parents belong to MoTH, the Mothers on the Hill parent discussion group, where moms and dads trade clothes and equipment and information about sleep-training, childcare and schools. But we also have one of the largest and most active senior villages in the District—the nearly 400 member-strong Capitol Hill Village, a fount of volunteer-based advocacy and experience that helps people age in their homes (you’ve

Photos: A walk in Lincoln Park. (Rindy O’Brien); An oh-so-rare snow. (E. O’Gorek); Market Manager Barry Margeson at the Eastern Market Farmer’s Line. (E. O’Gorek); Historic townhomes are the fabric of our neighborhood. (M. Ashabranner); Enjoying outdoor space around the Botanical Gardens (Katie Yen); Our neighborhood menorah and Christmas tree at Eastern Market Metro Plaza. (E. O’Gorek)

probably heard of many of the members). At the center of the village is Eastern Market (Independence at North Carolina Avenues SE). Built in 1873 it is the last of the city’s public markets still in operation. It was designed by Adolf Cluss—yes, the same architect who designed the Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building and six other buildings on the National Mall—to fit the original L’Enfant Plan. Surrounded by an outdoor flea and farmers market on weekends, you can purchase fresh meat, fish, produce and spices from the experienced and knowledgeable vendors, many of whom have been there for generations. Or you can grab dim sum, sandwiches or the famous Market Lunch blueberry buckwheat pancakes. Watch the kids dance in the fountains on C Street SE, while diners at nearby restaurants enjoy people-watching while they brunch. Or stop to listen to the Capitol Hillbillies, who often perform near the 7th Street Hill Café (701 North Carolina Ave. SE), complete with piano, in warm weather. In the after times (hopefully we are emerging from the pandemic), the Hill Center (913 Pennsylvania Ave. SE) will throw its doors back open. The former Old Naval Hospital is now a community hub and event center that hosts community meetings, art shows, poetry readings and Talk of the Hill with Bill Press. On the same garden-covered grounds, you can get a coffee or a glass of wine (depending on the hour) at Little Pearl, the Michelin-starred FAGON GUIDE 2021

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coffee house and wine bar in the Hill Center carriage house. But you already know about Pennsylvania Avenue. Or do you? I mean, the fence just might have gotten in your way. Well, just a bit beyond the Second Street Starbucks, there’s a row of restaurants ripe for happy hours or longer dinners: restaurant and lounge Hawk and Dove, so-called ‘dive bar’ and diner Tune Inn, and Beuchert’s Saloon. And you just have to walk a bit further to the 600 block to get your books (East City Books, 645 Pennsylvania Ave. SE) or next door for your games (Labyrinth Puzzles & Games) or

Massachusetts Ave. NE) to grab your nightcap or a bottle of wine for dinner. Sit at the formica counter at Jimmy T’s Place (501 E Capitol St. SE) for very unpretentiously priced breakfast or lunch combos (they started serving dinner recently, too!). Cindy and John won’t take guff, but they will give you coffee in a Christmas mug and treat you like family –but bring cash! Forget the National Mall: the Capitol Hill July 4th parade is small-town celebration at its best, with the churches, schools, and boy and girl scouts all marching down Barracks

toys (Fairy Godmother Books & Toys, 319 Seventh St. SE). Step a bit further down to Eighth Street SE, called Barracks Row for the Marine Barracks at the south end, and find every kind of food from pizza at Extreme to Moroccan at Mekki (571 Eighth St. SE), bagels from Call Your Mother (701 Eighth St. SE --heard the President likes them), pub atmosphere at veteran-owned Valor Brewpub or Mexican and Salvadorian down at Las Placitas (1100 Eighth St. SE). And yes, we do have bodegas. Get your sandwiches and your bagels at Capitol Hill Supermarket (241 Massachusetts Ave NE), or just pop into Roland’s of Capitol Hill (333 Pennsylvania Ave SE) --the deli’s in the back. Maybe you’re on the senate side? Well, there’s more than Union Pub over there. Have a longer lunch or a German beer at Café Berlin. Visit Schneider’s of Capitol Hill (300

Row, waving flags and throwing candy. Fireworks? Ha. You won’t have to look for them, they’ll happen everywhere for weeks. At Halloween, check out the pet costume contest in Lincoln Park, the community street festival Hilloween near Eastern Market, or the way we get a bit carried away with decorations on East Capitol St. During the holidays, we all gather on Eastern Market Plaza. Students from the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW) sing carols and the Capitol Hill BID men in blue hand out hot chocolate and candy canes; when the Community Menorah is lit, we get jam doughnuts and chocolate coins. You can see a movie at the Miracle Theatre on Eighth Street, and up to four plays at once at Atlas Performing Arts Center on H (1333 H St. NE). Catch live music nearly every night upstairs at Mr. Henry’s (601 Pennsylvania Ave. SE),

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where Roberta Flack got her big break. Have brunch and play lawn games at H Street Country Club on H Street (1335 H St. NE). Of course, there’s so much that’s not too far from the Hill. We don’t want to forget the gems hidden south of the Mall. You can walk from the east side of Nationals Park through Bardo Brewing’s outdoor beer garden (25 Potomac Ave SE) and past the patios at The Salt Line (79 Potomac Ave. SE), where the outdoor bar has slushy drinks on tap with a view of the Anacostia River or the ballpark and the indoor dining is quality rating a first date (or final interview). You can rent a kayak or a canoe near Diamond Teague Park (100 Potomac Ave), or walk along the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail. Take Yards Park bridge over the kid’s wading pool and head right past the Navy Yard, before turning up back into Capitol Hill along 11th, all the way north to Lincoln Park, where families and dogs run through the ancient trees.

Photos: The iconic bridge in Yard’s Park. (Capitol Riverfront BID); Mayor Bowser greets constituents. (E. O’Gorek); Gathering in Marion Park (E. O’Gorek); Tommy Glasgow, owner of Market Lunch in Eastern Market. (M. Ashabranner); Enjoying holiday decorations at the Wharf. (Rindy O’Brian); Picnicking in Yard’s Park in Capitol Riverfront. (M. Ashabranner); Bartholdi Fountain (Jason Yen)

We know, we know -- you’re super busy. There’s an economy under the dome, and basically a mall under your feet. But some day when you have the time, forgo a quick trip to Cups and come outside to the sun. We’re all ready to greet you on the street, dressed in hoodies with a leash in one hand and coffee in the other. Some of us are your colleagues on Capitol Hill. All of us are your neighbors. u FAGON GUIDE 2021

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2020

how we endured

Park Closed (E.O’Gorek); Impromptu concert in Lincoln Park (David Deutsch); Masks for sale at Paik Produce (A. Lightman)

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Working together: Evan from Labyrinth Puzzles & Games hands the board game Pandemic to Chris at Mr. Henry’s for final delivery to a customer. When restaurants were permitted to offer pick-up while non-essential businesses were closed, Mr. Henry’s offered pick up of purchases from the game shop, East City Books and Hill’s Kitchen at their take-out window. Courtesy: Mr. Henry’s

Getting Through It,

Together

The Hill Unites to Make it Through the Pandemic BY ELIZABETH O’GOREK

he Hill is a close-knit community of people who enjoy coming together. But early in 2020, the events that once brought us together were cancelled. Neighbors could no longer gather at restaurants, churches, back yards and parks. We waved at one another from our porches and held

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socially-distanced conversations with our neighbors. But despite keeping our six feet of distance, we somehow managed to stay connected to one another. In some ways, though public health experts warned us to stay apart, we only grew closer. Here is a look at some of the ways we’re getting through this together.

COVID RESPONSE On March 12, 2020, the day after Mayor Bowser declared a public health emergency in the District, Hill resident Allison McGill tweeted out a message asking people who were at-risk or vulnerable to the virus, to contact her if they needed help. She had already begun gathering a list of volunteers

the school, the church has been a big willing to assist from the Table Church BUILDING COMMUNITY part of the effort, Miner co-organizer DC (945 G St. NW), where she is Director Community is key to the Hill, where Hannah Williams said. of Care. With the help of co-organizer parties take place on many blocks As local organizations like W6MA Amber Seyler, the volunteer list grew for most every holiday. With real-life tried to meet increased needs with to over 3,600 strong. gatherings curtailed, people found new limited resources, in April 2020 the Another group that stepped up, ways to connect with one another. For Capitol Hill Community Foundation Serve Your City DC (SYCDC), has been many Fridays throughout the spring, (CHCF) announced $100,000 in emerfighting inequality for DC students, and Ward 6 neighbors were encouraged gency grants to local organizations providing life-changing opportunities by Councilmember Charles Allen (D) helping to mitigate the effects of the and experiences for almost 20 years. At to end the week by stepping outside Coronavirus pandemic on the commuthe onset of the coronavirus pandemic, onto their porch, stoop or balcony to nity. The special grants went to five the group took on a role as the lead take in some springtime air and reconorganizations president Nicky Cymrot partner agency for Ward 6 Mutual Aid nect or get to know neighbors during called “anchors” of the community – (W6MA), delivering groceries, supplies a Ward 6 Happy Hour. CHAMPS (the Capitol Hill Association and personal protective equipment Another way that neighbors stayed of Merchants and Professionals), Hill (PPE) to neighbors who needed them. connected was through social media. Center at the Old Naval Hospital, EvA network of more than 30 nonCommunity groups saw increased aceryone Home DC (formerly Capitol Hill profits, W6MA is guided by the principle tivity and more casual conversation. Group Ministry), Little Lights and Serve of “Solidarity, not Charity” and has built Groups created for other purposes Your City, all organizations with which its service model that harnesses the soon became platforms for mutual CHCF has strong, ongoing relationships. grassroots knowledge and resources of assistance and connections. The goal The grants were possible because dolocal nonprofits. COVID-19 might have of two local Facebook groups, Buy nations continued to come in to CHCF. provided the impetus for the creation Nothing and Take My Sh*t (TMS), is to “People here [on the Hill] tend to be of W6MA, but it didn’t create the condibuild community while gifting items that generous and they tend to care about tions that the community is working neighbors need. But over the course their neighbors,” says Cymrot. to change —and that will continue to exist after the pandemic is over, said SYCDC Executive Director Maurice Cook. School communities stepped up as well. With advice from Cook, the Miner Elementary School (601 15th St. NE) equity team worked to alleviate the effects of the pandemic on the school community through tabling. On Saturday mornings once a month, volunteers set up tables with donated food (W6MA contributes about 15 boxes of groceries), masks, PPE and diapers. There are additions for special occasions: back-toschool supplies, books, holiday gifts –last month, there was a food truck handing out grilled cheese sandwiches. All of the items are donated and available free of charge, supported by a corps of volunteers from the school community and from W6MA delivered groceries and supplies to neighbors in need, including residents living in NoMA Christ City Church. Located in homeless encampments. Photo: Elizabeth Dranitzke, Courtesy: W6MA/SYC DC

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virtual workouts and social events. One young woman who had moved to DC at the height of the pandemic wrote on a community social media page, saying it was hard to meet friends and that she was tired of being catcalled on her solo walks. More than 100 neighbors commented, expressing solidarity and inviting her to join them. In a few hours, neighbors had established a community walking group.

BUSINESSES BAND TOGETHER

Chris Cardi (front) is pictured with volunteers June 27, 2020, the last day of the H Street NE Food Drive, in the lobby of Maketto (1531 H St. NE). The effort provided tens of thousands of meals to neighborhood families. Courtesy: Chris Cardi

of the pandemic, they also became a place of needed social interaction, where neighbors sharpened their wit and teased one another comfortably. The banter on one of them grew so popular that it started to get requests from far off the Hill. “This is such an awesome group,” commented one person. “The creativity and humor is as fun as the [stuff]. No wonder you’re getting requests from Texas.” During the holidays, the TMS group organized a secret gift exchange. Participants left anonymous gifts on the porches of an assigned group member. Many gifts were creative and amusing (the author received an assortment of gifts in a Justin Bieber stocking) and for many of those trapped at home, the gifts were a bright spot during a possibly lonely time. “Not gonna’ lie, I was feeling pretty sad this morning about having to be separated from family this Christmas AND not be somewhere awesome instead (the dream),” wrote one recipient as they posted a photo of their holiday haul, which included a Dallas album,

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Nationals snow globe and a roll of toilet paper, “but this just brightened everything up.” In February 2021, Amber Seyler papered community social media with an urgent request. A six-year-old child, the son of a family friend, had lost his security blanket. The child was undergoing a second round of chemotherapy. To him, the blue fuzzy rectangle printed with bears and hearts, which had been purchased three years ago, was a marker of safety and security. The community swung into action. Within an hour, neighbors had located not one but three replacements. One was sent by a child who had recovered from a serious illness herself. She included her recovery stuffed animal, insisting that the boy have it as well. Group members were struck by the compassion and effort put forward by the group. “Just when I think I’d lost all faith in love and humanity and goodness,” one wrote, “y’all go and pull this sh*t.” Workout groups helped parents with young children stay fit, but also connect with others in both real-life and

That sense of community wasn’t confined to Hill homes, either. Hill businesses got together to support the community, and one another. Beginning in March, the District supplied meals to students free of charge. But for some families, venturing outside to collect them was impossible or put another family member at risk. To help these families out, the Southwest Business Improvement District (SWBID) partnered with DC Public Schools, Councilmember Allen’s Office, and the Resident Councils. The BID’s Men in Blue picked up 200 meals daily from the District’s Jefferson Middle School meal site and delivered them directly to the Resident Councils at James Creek, Greenleaf, and Syphax public housing complexes in Southwest where kids could pick up breakfast and lunch closer to home. Meal pick-up was also a way for one restaurant to help other local businesses out. When Mayor Bowser shut down non-essential businesses on March 25, 2020, Labyrinth Puzzles & Games (645 Pennsylvania Ave. SE) owner Kathleen Donahue approached Mary Quillian Helms, owner of Mr. Henry’s Restaurant (601 Pennsylvania Ave. SE). The restaurant was closed for dine-in, but had a window for customer pick-up, and Donahue wondered if customers could collect the puzzles and games they ordered online or over the phone together with hamburgers and adult beverages. “I immediately said ‘yes,’ This is

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A man examines produce on the table at a Miner ES Mutual Aid event. Photo: Christopher Deutsch

a win-win for all of us,”” said Quillian Helms. Thinking it a brilliant idea, Quillian Helms approached East City Bookshop (645 Pennsylvania Ave. SE) and later, Hill’s Kitchen (713 D St. SE) to extend the same offer, giving ‘non-essential’ businesses a hand and promoting all four together. What was normally trivial took on a key support role during the pandemic as well. Realtors Jason Martin Group organized a weekly online trivia night that raised thousands of dollars in donations for local businesses, including Labyrinth as well as Trusty’s (1420 Pennsylvania Ave. SE), Maketto (1321 H St. NE), the former Emilie’s (now Paraíso Taquería y Mezcalería, 1101 Pennsylvania Ave. SE) and Bookstore Movers. Online donations from players were donated to the businesses and players were also encouraged to order food for delivery, to add to the pub atmosphere. Although it was a tremendously difficult time for them, local businesses gave back

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to the community as well. Restaurants like DC Harvest (517 H St. NE) handed out meals to hungry residents in February, despite fearing for their own survival over the course of the pandemic. For the first four months of the pandemic, Maketto dedicated their lobby to the work of Chris Cardi who, from March to June, used it as the base for the H Street Food Drive. Neighbors could simply walk in to pick up non-perishable food items and prepared meals, supplying thousands of meals over the four months. Later that year, Cardi again banded together with Maketto to plan an H Street 5K run to register voters, encourage election volunteers and raise funds for healthy nonprofit HIPS DC. With vaccinations ongoing, there is light at the end of the tunnel. But the pandemic isn’t over yet. Still, it is clear that those living and working on the Hill have found many ways to help, to connect and to uplift one another. It isn’t over. But we’re getting through it, together. u

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Following Their Passions Teens Explore New Learning During the Pandemic

BY SARAH CYMROT

doors closed on extrawhile convincing Moncurriculars and friendtana to settle (and stop ships, they got creative. nibbling her toes). It is Rather than learning inspiring to see how at loss, the teenagers tell age 13, she is learning to stories of finding new do something that will passion for study. have a profound benefit for someone else. And she’s not the NEW VISTAS IN only one. I spoke with LEARNING more than a dozen “I don’t mean to be teenagers across DC, morbid,” Camila Marcurious about whether ryshow, a 12th grader they had experiences from Ward 5 told me, like Zoe’s. “but your time is not Often described guaranteed, so I really Multi-instrumentalist and in the media as a lost took that to heart and composer Camila Marryshow is year for education, I thought about ‘what pictured with her flute. Photo: Courtesy C. Marryshow these teenagers tell a do I want to do if I only different story, a story have a certain amount of focusing on what they wanted to of time?’” know more about and then finding Composing cinematic music is ways to learn about it. what Marryshow wanted to do. Already There is absolutely no quesan instrumentalist with perfect pitch tion that this past year has been a who plays ukulele, classical guitar, flute challenging time for teenagers. It’s and piano, Marryshow recognized that a period of life that is supposed to her passion is actually music composinurture independence, growth and tion. She is drawing on that passion to opportunity. But when the panprocess and reflect on COVID-19. demic hit a year ago, it curtailed Expanding her knowledge of comall of that: a school year cut short, position has helped her map out her separation from friends, summer future, as well. Her intense exploration events canceled, frustrating seover this past year led her to apply to mesters of distance learning – not colleges where she can pursue this field. to mention the constant anxiety Like Marryshow, Kamtoya Okeke about getting sick and infecting found a way to dive deeper into an alloved ones. ready existing interest. An avid reader But the decision of DC Public who enjoys writing poetry and short Schools (DCPS) to make every stories, the extra time from the panWednesday a day of “asynchrodemic has allowed her to commit herself nous instruction” (a day with no to a much bigger project – writing a live classes), empowered students science fiction book. to decide for themselves how they Initially inspired by The Lunar Zoe Cymrot with Montana, a guide dog in training. Photo: Sarah Cymrot would spend that day. As many Chronicles by Marissa Meyer, Okeke

oe Cymrot has been waking up at 6 a.m. since March of last year. Every morning, the 13-year-old takes Montana, a one-year-old yellow lab, out of his crate to give him breakfast and begin his morning training session. Montana arrived at six weeks old from the evacuated New York kennels of Guiding Eyes for the Blind. Zoe is responsible for his training until he is around 18-24 months old. At that point, he will go back to New York for specialized guide training. If he passes, he will be placed as a guide dog for a person who is visually impaired. I have had the chance to watch this unique pandemic project unfold up close – Zoe is my younger sister. Zoe has impressively balanced distance learning and the training of a young and feisty puppy, simultaneously attending to her Zoom classes

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sees threads of the plot line for her work influenced by the issues of equality and racial justice raised by Black Lives Matter protests last summer. While she has not published any excerpts from her book, you can read some of her poems on page 6 in the recent edition of the School Without Walls literary magazine. Tenth grader Amaia Noursi stumbled upon an unexpected online opportunity that piqued her interest—a comedic script writing class taught by Greg Daniels, a writer, director and producer involved in a variety of TV shows including The Office, The Simpsons, Parks and Rec and most recently, Netflix’s Space Force. “I was like, ‘Oh my god, this is a great opportunity; if it weren’t [for the pandemic] then I would have to go to LA to do this,” Noursi said. She signed up, drafted a script for the first couple episodes of a TV show based on her freshman year of school and

Se’phira Amen learned how to continue her study of Indian classical dance over Zoom.

episodes at mylifesworkpodcast.org or is looking forward to someday being wherever you listen to your podcasts. able to film it. It’s been a terrifying and disBeyond artistic projects, some appointing year for all of us. But teens have found other meaningful this group of teens revealed their inways to dedicate their time. In addinate resiliency. tion to her role as Student Government Association President at School Without Walls (SWW) and as student representative on the Local School Restructuring Team (LSRT), Daya George, a 10th grader from Ward 3, volunteers with Kyanite Kitchen, an organization that distributes food to DC’s homeless population. Homeschooler Se’phira Amen said that the pandemic has expanded her knowledge of her own capacity, teaching her that she is able to learn in varied ways.She has been training in classical Indian dance for the past ten years. For the last year, she had to figure out how to take dance lessons online. “I know that I am capable of learning over Zoom,” she Nathaniel Liu, cohost of podcast ‘My Life’s Work,’ said, “so if I go off to college in which profiles the career paths of Capitol Hill resia different state and can’t go to dents. Photo: Sarah Cymrot the studio every week, then I have a way to keep learning.” Together, they demonstrate that When Montana isn’t asking me while COVID-19 might be impacting to play with his purple squeaky toy, schools, that doesn’t mean that teenmy friend Nathaniel Liu and I have agers are slowing down their learning. pursued a pandemic project of our Instead, they’re finding ways to pursue own. Confronted by fear and uncertheir passions, to learn about things tainty about the future, Nathaniel and that don’t always fall under the school I wanted to understand how other curriculum. They’re taking this time to people have made their choices about learn more about life –and themselves. their career paths. We started a podcast called My This story is part of a three-part series enLife’s Work. For each episode, we titled: Lost Year? Teenagers and Learning interview a Capitol Hill neighbor, During the Pandemic that can be found exploring how each one discovered online at Hillrag.com. Sarah Cymrot is their life’s work, and overcame hurdles a 16-year-old from Capitol Hill who ocin their careers. casionally contributes to the Hill Rag. She Like my peers, this pandemic is the co-host of My Life’s Work podcast project has allowed me to feel like I am and attends School Without Walls High continuing to move forward with my School. You can reach her at Sarah@ life. We are currently working on our hillrag.com. u fourth episode–you can find all of our

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2020

Year Book

Socially distanced shoppers await their turn at Eastern Market. Photo: Andrew Lightman

Socially-distanced dining at Bammy's in Yards Park. Photo: Capitol Riverfront BID

All entertainment venues were shuttered in March 2020. The sign on the Anthem expresses the hope we alll feel. Photo: Andrew Lightman

The Pandemic The past year has been defined by the COVID-19 pandemic. Mayor Muriel Bowser issued the Stayat-Home Order in March 2020. Hill residents began not only living, but learning, working and playing from their homes. We learned a new vocabulary: social distancing, community spread, PPE. Many of us lost friends, neighbors and loved ones. Together we mourned. We banded together to help our at-risk neighbors stay safe, and to support our local businesses, in the process becoming closer. We come out of this a stronger community, a village united against an unseen foe. There is light at the end of the tunnel now, as more and more of us are vaccinated. These days we wear masks over most of our faces. Yet we still recognize our neighbors when our eyes meet, and we see the same thought simultaneously cross our eyes: we are getting through this. Together.

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2020 high school graduation and prom took the form of yard signs and a special Congratulations section in the Hill Rag. No beach trip to celebrate this year.

A family collects their East City Bookshop order together with a pick-up dinner from Mr. Henry’s Restaurant, 601 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. The restaurant acted as a pick-up spot for Labyrinth Puzzles and Games as well as Hill’s Kitchen. Photo: E. O’Gorek

Photo: Andrew Lightman

Waiting to enter Fragers Hardware. Photo: Andrew Lightman

Acqua al 2 Head Chef Jesus Vara and Beverage Director Dominic Prudente with grocery items outside Acqua al 2 212 Seventh St. SE. Photo: Andrew Lightman

Scott sanitizes at Tunnicliff’s Tavern in the days before we all wore masks, March 2020. Photo: E. O’Gorek

Dating during COVID. Photo: A. Lightman

Over 240,000 white flags memorialize the victims of COVID-19 in October 2020 outside of RFK Stadium. Photo: M. Ashabranner

The Hill Center went virtual with its classes and presentations. Here is Marianne’s Virtual Cooking Class. Photo: Hill Center

Paik Produce selling vegetables and hand sanitizer. Photo: A. Lightman Hill Center Welcome to the Safe Celebration. Photo: E. O’Gorek COVID testing shack at Grubb’s. Pharmacy. Photo: E. O’Gorek

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Scavenger Hunts The Capitol Hill Restoration Society created two neighborhood scavenger hunts: animal yard art and more than 70 murals, activities that got everyone outside while still socially distancing. The hunts are on their website www.chrs.org.

Literary Pumpkin Walk The popular fundraiser Literary Feasts (book-themed dinners at people’s homes) could not be held, so the Capitol Hill Community Foundation invited residents to create a pumpkin walk of bookthemed pumpkin tableaus.

Mural at 1257 Wylie St. NE Polite Piggy’s Hiking Club visiting chrs.org/mural-hunt/

Mural at the Natatorium, 635 North Carolina, SE A clever entry in the Literary Pumpkin Walk.

The winner of the Literary Pumpkin Walk won $1000 to donate to a school of their choice.

Whimsical Animal Hunt on Capitol Hill. Photo: Andrew Lightman

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Steve Opiyo

Teresa Jarzynski

Hill Rag Mask Contest Masks can be a source of creative fun as well as protection, evidenced by these entries to the Hill Rag mask contest.

Jeni Shoemaker and Girls Leanna - Handmade Mask

Chelli Hamecs and Sherry Lane

The Capitol BID “Men in Blue” show off their masks.

Suzanne Wells FAGON GUIDE 2021

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k pport of Blac e Capitol in su ew Lightman reamed to th dr st An s o: nd ot sa Ph ou Th 20. on June 2, 20 Lives Matter

Black Lives Matter “Say Their Names!” chanted protesters who thronged the streets of the District of Columbia in June of 2020. Thousands gathered peacefully to demonstrate in the wake of the police murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. On Capitol Hill, children led a protest march around Lincoln Park. Others gathered in the park to debate whether the Emancipation statue of Lincoln and a kneeling freed slave should remain. In recognition of the movement, Mayor Muriel Bowser painted the words “Black Lives Matter” on two-block long stretch of 16th Street NW just north of the White House.

Glen and Stacey Yonkers, Jr. and their family have been protesting together since the death of George Floyd. Photo: E. O’Gorek

Skip Stroebel demonstates in supp ort of Black Lives Matter as police gather to ensure peac e and safety.. Photo: E. O'Gorek

A Hill restaurant is boarded up in anticipation of violence during Black Lives Matter protests.

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Hill residents listen to speakers debate whether the Emancipation Statue of Lincoln and a newly-freed enslaved man should remain on view in the park. Photo: E. O’Gorek

Father and son pay homage at the Black Lives Matter Plaza on 16th St. NW. Photo: Katie Yen

around Lincoln Park Kids lead a BLM Protest E. O’Gorek on June 6, 2020. Photo:

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Photo: Melissa Ashabranner

Hill residents make their voices heard in homes just blocks from the Capitol. Photo: M. Ashabranner

The Capitol From the tributes upon the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg to the election to the storming of the Capitol and the erection of an enormous black fence, Hill residents watched it all unfold from their nearby homes.

Biden Harris riding into town on a white horse. Photo: Elizabeth Nelson

National Guard on D Street outside Capitol Hill, on Inauguration Day. Photo: E. O’Gorek

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We The Pizza and other restaurants provided food to the National Guard troops guarding the Capitol. Photo: E. O’Gorek

Thousands left flowers in tribute to Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg upon her death on September 18, 2020. Photo: Larry Janezich/Capitol Corner

A memorial to Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, killed on January 6 during the insurrection at the Capitol. Photo: Dan Teich

A seven-foot tall fence topped with razor-wire after the storming of the Capitol. Photo: Andrew Lightman

Before January 6, 2021, Hill kids like this kindergartener playing frisbee took for granted playing on the Capitol Grounds, now a fenced-off fortress. Photo: Karen Pence

Capitol grounds closed on Election Day. Photo: Melissa Ashabranner

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Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen at the opening of the new 14th Street Safeway, Aug 11 2020. Photo: E. O’Gorek

Developments While activity around the world stopped during the COVID-19 pandemic, construction and development continued apace throughout Capitol Hill, the Wharf, H Street, Capitol Riverfront and Southwest.

The Aya, located in Ward 6 on Delaware Avenue SW, opened as short-term family housing. Photo: Andrew Lightman

The new Southwest branch of the DC Public Library. Photo: Larry Janezich/Capitol Corner

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Construction continues on Phase Two of the Wharf. Photo: Andrew Lightman

Cranes dominate the sky over Capitol Riverfront. Photo: M. Ashabranner

In September, the first eateries opened in the Roost,1401 Pennsylvania Av. SE, located across from Potomac Ave. Metro. Photo: E. O’Gorek

Construction on Eliot Hine Middle School, Nov 2020. Photo: E. O’Gorek

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Capitol Hill Community Achievement Awards Postponed from last year, in May 2021, the Capitol Hill Community Foundation honored three people for their contributions to our neighborhood during a virtual presentation of the Capitol Hill Community Achievement Award. The event, in normal times a festive dinner at the Folger Shakespeare Library, is an annual fundraiser for the Foundation which, since its founding in 1989, has given more than $10 million to support activities, projects and organizations that benefit life on Capitol Hill. It is funded by contributions from residents and businesses of the Capitol Hill neighborhood. In addition, the $20,000 Arnold J. Keller Award was given to two organizations this year -- Everyone Home DC and Serve Your City. Kathleen Donohue, Bonny Wolf and Pat Joseph are the 2020 Capitol Hill Community Achievement Award honorees. Photo: Elizabeth Dranitzke/Photopia

Passages

David Melendy

Jack Wandersee

John Franzén

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Jim Zinn

Mel Antonin

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hill living The venerable Jimmy T's, on East Capitol, also provides plenty of sidewalk seating.

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Hill Living

What IS an ANC? B Y H E AT H E R S C H O E L L

id you know each District resident has an elected official charged with representing the interests of 2,000 or so of their closest neighbors? You should know your commissioner, what an Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) is, and what they do.

WHO

advisory groups. They have standing committees to address regularly recurring issues such as use of public space, alcohol licensing, transportation, ANC grant funds, and public safety. Within each ANC, each committee is made up of a chair and community members. Committees make recommenda-

law the agency has to give “great weight” to that decision in their determination. ANCs have various degrees of involvement with District business. Years ago, Adrian Fenty’s ANC 4C blazed the trail on the ban of single-serving sales of alcohol. ANC 6A wrote the zoning code that defines what constitutes a fast-food establishment and began a vacant property database. Meanwhile, ANC 6B has made the inclusion of indoor trash rooms part of negotiations with area restaurants and bars.

Each District Ward is subdivided into Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (ANCs). Each ANC is made up of local elected officials who serve as commissioners. ANC 6A and 6B occupy much of Capitol Hill, WHY YOU with ANC 6C to the north and SHOULD CARE in NoMA and ANC 6D in near ANCs are your representatives Southeast and Southwest. and they can open commuEach commissioner reprenication channels to District sents a smaller area, in which agencies in an official capacity, they must also live, called a often getting answers or action Single Member District (SMD) when you cannot. A few years within the ANC. There are ideback, there were many streets ally about 2,000 voters in each on the Hill that were not zoned ANC 6C commissioners vote during the January 2021 meeting held SMD. These voters elect the for residential parking, which on Webex as were all ANC meetings during the pandemic. commissioner for their SMD meant that you could forget to serve a two-year-term. about having a spot in front of You can find your SMD and your your house when you got back from the tions to the whole. For instance, if a commissioner by using the Locate Your grocery store on Saturday afternoon. restaurant establishment wishes to add ANC tool at anc.dc.gov Bringing this sort of day-to-day, patio seating to their frontage on public ANCs are the first level of elected quality-of-life issue to the attention of space, representatives of the restaurant government in the District. Commisyour ANC commissioner can effect would have to take this to the public sioners are unpaid elected volunteers, change – petitions to get the street zoned space committee in the ANC where though the ANCs as a whole are given a for residential parking started floating the restaurant is located and present quarterly stipend. Most ANCs use this around and “Zone 6 Parking Only” signs their request. The committee would stipend to rent office space and hire an started going up on many blocks. hear any comments from residents assistant to manage their work. A few Commissioners also hold busior surrounding business owners, and ANCs use the stipend on grants for work nesses accountable for noise, trash then the committee’s recommendation that benefits the residents of the ANC. and loitering, which are all important to would be considered at the meeting of residents who live near commercial or the whole. entertainment districts. Commissioners The results from the meeting of the WHAT also broker community efforts such as whole would then be communicated to ANCs were created to end the duplitree plantings and community gardens, the appropriate District agency, and by cation of the work done by special

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Monthly newsletter...Home renovation guidelines...How-to seminars...Community meetings... House and Garden tour...Active committees...Advocacy on community issues

65 YEARS OF VOLUNTEER SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY

Mission: Capitol Hill is a special place. We promote, preserve, and enhance the character of our historic neighborhoods. Join Us Today at 202-543-0425; info@chrs.org; www.CHRS.org. Follow us on @CapHRS; @CHRSDC; @CapitolHillRestorationDC

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Hill Living

Ward 6 ANC and SMD Boundaries

each month in the Capitol Streets section. You can also go to each ANC website (see below) to find their specific committees and see when they meet or subscribe to their mailing list. Send an email to the chair or your SMD representative, all listed on the website. They will be happy to hear from anyone who wants to get involved!

WARD 6 ANCS: Pre-pandemic, each ANC usually meets at a regular time and location. While meeting times and frequency remain largely unchanged (aside from modifications due to holidays or religious observance) ANCs have met virtually since March 2020. Check the websites for updated information on meeting dates and how to join.

ANC 6A (anc6a.org) usually meets on the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at Miner Elementary (601 15 St. NE)

ANC 6B (anc6b.org) usually meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Hill Center (921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE)

ANC 6C (anc6c.org) meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Heritage Foundation (214 Massachusetts Ave. NE) and shepherd neighborhood landscape changes and developments such as the Hine redevelopment project, Virginia Avenue Park and the Southwest Waterfront redevelopment. They can also work with local nonprofits, community organizations and police to address continuing crime problems such as robberies, break-ins or shootings.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED ANCs work on many diverse projects,

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so it is easy to get involved with something you are interested in by joining a committee. If you have a penchant for keeping an eye on neighborhood order and quiet, the alcohol licensing board may be for you; those familiar with zoning regulations and building codes might prefer a planning and zoning committee. You can keep up with what each Hill-adjacent ANC is up to. The Hill Rag reports on ANCs 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D

ANC 6D (anc6d.org) usually meets on the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at 1100 Fourth St. SW or DC Water HQ (1385 Canal St. SE). Check calendar for location. ANCs do not meet on holidays or in August. u

ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 6A AMBER GROVE, CHAIR, AMBERANC6A@GMAIL.COM Serving the Near Northeast, North Lincoln Park, Rosedale, and Stanton Park communities

“Come & Make Your Voice Heard in Local Government!”

Monthly Meeting: 2nd Tuesday at 7PM Hill Center – 921 Pennsylvania Ave SE For Commissioner, Committee & Virtual Meeting,

www.anc6b.org OR E-mail the Office: 6b@anc.dc.gov visit:

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6C P.O. Box 77876 • Washington, D.C. 20013-7787 www.anc6c.org • (202) 547-7168 ANC usually meets the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 pm, 214 Massachusetts Ave, N.E. Please check the ANC 6C website for dates.

ANC 6C COMMISSIONERS

ANC 6C COMMITTEES

ANC 6C01 Christine Healey 6C01@anc.dc.gov

ANC 6C04 Mark Eckenwiler 6C04@anc.dc.gov

Alcoholic Beverage Licensing First Monday, 7 pm Contact: anc6c.abl.committee@gmail.com

ANC 6C02 Karen Wirt 6C02@anc.dc.gov

ANC 6C05 Joel Kelty 6C05@anc.dc.gov

Grants Last Thursday, 7 pm Contact: torylord@gmail.com Twitter: @ANC_6C_Grants

ANC 6C03 Jay Adelstein 6C03@anc.dc.gov

ANC 6C06 Drew Courtney 6C06@anc.dc.gov

Environment, Parks, and Events First Tuesday, 7 pm Contact: 6C06@anc.dc.gov

Transportation and Public Space First Thursday, 7 pm Contact: anc6c.tps@gmail.com Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development First Wednesday, 6:30 pm Contact: 6C04@anc.dc.gov Twitter: @6C_PZE

ANC 6A generally meets the second Thursday of the month, at Miner Elementary School, 601 15th Street, NE. 6A01 - Keya Chatterjee Vice-Chair 6A01@anc.dc.gov 6A02 - Phil Toomajian 631 10th St., NE philANC6A@gmail.com 6A03 - Mike Soderman 217 10th Street, NE 202-297-6777 MikeANC6A03@gmail.com 6A04 - Amber Gove Chair 1216 Constitution Ave., NE amberanc6a@gmail.com Check website for current contact information and meeting dates. Attend a meeting! Volunteer for a committee! It’s your ANC!

6A05 - Laura Gentile Commissioner 1418 Duncan Street, NE 202-596-9295 6A05@anc.dc.gov 6A06 - Robb Dooling 1350 Maryland Ave., NE 585-666-7364 6A06@anc.dc.gov 6A07 - Sondra Phillips-Gilbert 1744 E St., NE 202-397-7228 spgilbert01@comcast.net 6A08 - Brian Alcorn Treasurer 202 642-5193 AlcornANC6A08@gmail.com

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Blogs & Listservs WEB, BLOGS & LISTSERVS: CAPITOL HILL Barracks Row Main Street barracksrow.org • @BarracksRow Updates on happenings on Eighth Street SE from new businesses to festivals. It also keeps neighbors up to date on any construction projects in the area. Capitol Hill Corner capitolhillcorner.org • @ljjanezich Capitol Hill Corner is a news blog that covers mostly the activities of ANC6B, Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee, and the Capitol Hill Restoration Society. It provides coverage of neighboring ANCs, commercial and residential development, activities of neighborhood organizations and local politics. Capitol Hill Kid (CHK) Capitolhillkid.com • Cory@capitolhillkid.com Founded in 2019 by Capitol Hill mom Cory Langley, this blog was created as a centralized place to find Hill-specific info about kids’ activities. Find resources, lists and guides to subjects like camps, preschools and photographers. CHK also provides guides to upcoming kid-friendly events for the week or weekend. Eastern Market Main Street easternmarketmainstreet.org • @EasternMarketMS Eastern Market Main Street works with businesses from 6th to 8th Street, SE and from Pennsylvania to North Carolina Ave. SE. It supports small businesses and fosters a vibrant, neighborhood serving corridor. EMMS does this through public and private space improvements and community events and campaigns. Check out the website for contests, events and initiatives. Hill Rag Hillrag.com • @capitalcommnews The website of the Hill Rag newspaper, hillrag.com, provides daily news on important happenings and issues on Capitol Hill and the surrounding neighborhoods of H Street, NoMa, Capitol Riverfront and Southwest. It includes a daily blotter that tracks local crimes and public safety issues. In addition, you can

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find the current and past print issues of the Hill Rag and other publications of Capital Community News, Inc. The Hill is Home thehillishome.com • @theHillisHome An online news source designed to build community, connect neighbors, share news and celebrate the Capitol Hill neighborhood. It provides a current and relevant online experience through contributing news stories, features, profiles of residents, reviews and opinion pieces. Follow them on Twitter and Instagram for Hill bites throughout the day. CAPITOL RIVERFRONT Capitol Riverfront BID capitolriverfront.org @CapitolRiverFront Capitol Riverfront is the District’s fastest growing neighborhood, located five blocks south of the US Capitol Building, situated between I-395 and the Anacostia River. New restaurants, retail, hotels, and residences are opening every month in Capitol Riverfront; and there is always something new to discover in Yards Park, Canal Park, and other open spaces of the community. The BID’s website and weekly Front Page News newsletter are direct lines to current events like outdoor movies, concerts, and fitness classes, as well as ongoing development including Buzzard Point and Phase II of The Yards. DC Yards / Riverfront Events theyardsdc.com • @YardsParkDC @TheYardsDC Events hosted in The Yards neighborhood include lunchtime and evening concert series, outdoor movies, farmers’ markets and Nationals baseball games, all listed on The Yards DC calendar online.

NEAR SOUTHEAST Washington Redevelopment jdland.com • @JDLand News, photos and history from DC’s near Southeast/Ballpark District/Navy Yard /Capitol Riverfront neighborhood appear on this site. Jacqueline Dupree created JD Land in January 2003 to document development and changes in the Southeast neighborhood. Dupree recently added a “Tidbit Ticker,” showing user contributions to the site. This is the most complete source available for news and developments in the Capitol Riverfront area. H Street and North H Street hstreet.org • @HstreetDC This site is run by the H Street Main Street organization and is a reference guide for the retail, nightlife, restaurants, fitness centers, entertainment venues, etc., that comprise H Street NE. NOMA BID nomabid.org • @NoMaBID Named for its location – North of Massachusetts Avenue – this website is run by the NoMa Business Improvement District (NoMa BID and promotes the emergence of this vibrant, growing part of the city. The site includes reporting on upcoming events, new businesses, public meetings, the stores and pop-ups at Union Market. SOUTHWEST The Southwester thesouthwester.com @TheSouthwester The Southwest Neighborhood Assembly runs the online content of this community newspaper. It

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focuses on all of the changes, news and events happening in Southwest DC. DISTRICT Greater Greater Washington ggwash.org • @ggwash Comprised of a team of volunteer editors and more than 50 regular and non-regular contributors, GGW tackles issues such as new DC legislation, WMATA, DCPS, urban livability and city projects striving to inform and educate people around the DMV. Many Hill neighbors are regular contributors. East City Art eastcityart.com • @eastcityart East City Art is DC’s visual arts journal of record providing exhibition listings, artist interviews and in-depth reviews of regional contemporary art.

LISTSERVS: On Oct 28, 2019 Yahoo announced they were discontinuing the Yahoo Groups. The platform had been the site of several neighborhood listservs. Many transitioned to Google or groups.io. Others have not yet found a new home. Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6A Request to join the Google Group for updates on ANC 6A happenings by clicking “Ask to join group” on https://groups. google.com/g/anc-6a Capitol Hill North Neighborhood Assoc. groups.google.com/group/chnna This group supports the official Capitol Hill North Neighborhood Association, bounded by G St. NE to the south, the railroad tracks to the west, Florida Ave. to the north and 8th St. NE to the east. Moms on the Hill – MOTH https://moth.groups.io/ MOTH is a listserv for Capitol Hill parents. It’s a great place to make new friends and find nannies, preschools and pediatricians. It also helps with social planning, such as playgroups for the kids, family picnics and Mom’s Nights Out. A member must invite you.

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Navy Yard Neighbors groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/navyyard-neighbors Navy Yard Neighbors is a forum for Capitol riverfront/Navy Yard and near Southeast community members to post about local events, meetings, news and other topics for the neighbors to share. It is a private group, and members must be invited. New Hill East https://groups.io/g/Newhilleast New Hill East is a place for Hill East residents to meet their neighbors, keep up to date on local happenings, post community information and chat about Hill East life.

FACEBOOK GROUPS: Buy Nothing (several hyperlocal neighborhood groups) www.facebook.com/BuyNothingProject Buy Nothing is a national movement of Facebook groups. The Hill has several, each centered on a distinct neighborhood with group-defined boundaries, i.e. Capitol South, Capitol North or Lincoln/Kingman Park. Members join the group where they live. Buy Nothing is an adult-only hyperlocal gift economy designed to create connections between neighbors. Members must be admitted. Visit the “Find A Group” page for a list: https://buynothingproject.org/find-a-group/ Navy Yard/Barracks Row/Cap Hill Community www.facebook.com/groups/ 169497160226645 This private group was started to unite neighbors living in the community. Members post local events, ask questions about local vendors, businesses and services as well as connect with neighbors. You must request approval for membership. New Hill East www.facebook.com/groups/NewHillEast A group for friends and neighbors who live and work in the Hill East neighborhood, roughly between 13th and 19th Streets, East Capitol Street and the river. Membership must be approved to this private

group. It is not affiliated with the email listserv. Capitol Hill North Neighborhood Assoc. www.facebook.com/groups/chnna/ The NNENA is dedicated to promoting the interests of the residents of Near Northeast area in DC, which is roughly defined as the area bounded by Florida Avenue NE (north), G Street NE (south), 8th Street NE (east), and the railroad tracks (west). The group was formerly known as the Capitol Hill North Neighborhood Association (CHNNA), but this is no longer active. DC Family Biking www.facebook.com/groups/ 646044372194372 DC Family Biking supports family biking in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia areas. The group does not define “family” for members. All are welcome, and there are hopes that one day the group will even have a meet-up. Membership is private. Moms and Moms-to-be of Capitol Hill https://www.facebook.com/ groups/208466146178343 This group was created as a support group for new and expecting moms in the Capitol Hill area of Washington DC. Membership must be requested. Southwest DC Residents https://www.facebook.com/ groups/55804871497 A public Facebook group for people living in Southwest DC Waterfront, sharing information on public safety, community meetings, business and social events. SW DC www.facebook.com/groups/SOUTHWESTQ A public group for fans of Southwest DC. Neighbors post local happenings, new bars, new restaurants, or their hopes for Southwest. SW Waterfront Neighborhood www.facebook.com/ groups/1771357249834996 A smaller, public group for those living along the waterfront in Southwest DC. Neighbors share news, moving sales, freebies and commiserate about life on the water’s edge. u

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APRIL

NOTE: These local events are held each year. Hopefully, as we move forward, many can be held in-person. Check the organization to see how the event will be handled in 2021.

Easter Eggstravaganza at Lincoln Park Hill Havurah Passover Seder CHCF Community Achievement Awards Dinner National Arboretum Plant Sale

A favorite of area gardeners, the FONA Garden Fair and Plant Sale is held each April at the US National Arboretum.

H I L L C A JANUARY

CHAW Winter Open House Restaurant Week MLK Day of Service J.O. Wilson Camp Fair

MARCH

Boy Scout Annual Pancake Breakfast Food & Friends Dining Out For Life St. Patrick’s Day Dinner & Silent Auction at Christ Church Capitol Hill Village Annual Gala

MAY

Literary Hill Book Fest (Virtual) CHRS Mother’s Day House & Garden Tour (Virtual) Capitol Hill Classic 10K Front Stage: Capitol Riverfront Concerts begin US Marine Parades on Friday Evenings

Check out all the new dining options during winter Restaurant Week.

FEBRUARY

Black History Month Intersections Festival at the Atlas Valentine’s Dance Party at the Corner Store Folger’s Acquisitions Night

In March, the Capitol Hill Village Gala raises money to support seniors who wish to age on their own terms. Fine food, live entertainment and a terrific silent auction. capitolhillvillage.org.

February’s Atlas INTERSECTIONS Festival inspires and entertains through dance, art and music. atlasarts.org/intersections.

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Every Mother’s Day weekend in May, peek inside beautiful and historic Hill homes on the Capitol Hill Restoration Society House and Garden Tour. chrs.org.

NOVEMBER

Sousa’s Birthday at Congressional Cemetery Interfaith Thanksgiving Service Trees for Capitol Hill Annual Fall Planting 5K Fun Run Benefit at the National Arboretum

JUNE

Anacostia Watershed Free Paddling Nights Capitol Riverfront BID’s Outdoor Concerts Jazz at the Riverfront Enjoy outdoor concerts on the lawn at Yards Park in Capitol Riverfront Friday nights beginning in June. Check the line-up at www.capitolriverfrontbid.org

On Nov. 6 celebrate John Phillip Sousa’s Birthday at Congressional Cemetery. congressionalcemetery.org

L E N D A R OCTOBER JULY

4th of July Parade – Barracks Row 4th of July Concert – US Capitol Hill Rag Pet Photo Contest

Literary Feast Blessing of the Animals – Area Churches Renovators House Tour Hilloween Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest

DECEMBER

Brickie Awards Event Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Tree Lighting at Eastern Market Metro Community Sing-Along with Capital City Symphony

In late October, attend book-themed feasts in private homes on the Hill. The sell-out event raises money for the Capitol Hill Community Foundation grants to neighborhood schools. capitolhillcommunityfoundation.com.

SEPTEMBER Every July 4, Capitol Hill’s small town Independence Day parade steps off at 10 a.m on Barracks Row with marching bands, school groups and vintage cars. barracksrow.org

Barracks Row Fall Festival Festival on H Street National Book Festival LOC Arts on Foot Festival in Penn Quarter

AUGUST

National Night Out Restaurant Week

Christmas tree lighting at Eastern Market Metro Plaza opens the Hill’s Christmas season. Caroling, hot chocolate and holiday treats. capitolhillbid.org.

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Table of Contents: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Accessing Government Services and Information 311

The DC Government provides a centralized starting point for all questions relating to government processes and services. The Mayor’s Call Center at 311 has trained operators to direct your request to the appropriate city agency or staff member. The service also includes a computerized service request referral system that allows operators to record your problem and track its progress, meaning fewer calls for you. Learn more at 311.dc.gov.

1. CAPITOL HILL HISTORIC DISTRICT The Capitol Hill Historic District is loosely defined by the Capitol building properties to the west, F Street NE on the north, 13th and 14th Streets (NE and SE) on the east, and the Southeast Freeway on the south, with an additional area south of the Southeast Freeway bounded by Seventh, M, Tenth and 11th Streets SE. Created in 1973 principally through the efforts of members of the Capitol Hill Restoration Society (CHRS), the designation protects the architectural fabric of the neighborhood. Alterations to facades of houses and similar architechural changes visible to the public require a permit to be obtained from the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB). One of the oldest and most architecturally diverse communities in the city,

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Capitol Hill Historic District Eastern Market & Flea Markets Libraries and Friends of Libraries Parks: Agency Responsible for each Hill park Parking Permits

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Capitol Hill reflects the social diversity and economic growth of the early capital. It includes early residential development clustered near the Capitol and Navy Yard, and much late-19th and early-20th century housing that was built mostly for middle-class workers. The district contains a great variety of housing types, with elaborate ornamental pressed-brick structures adjacent to simple, unadorned frame buildings and small apartment houses. Many row houses were built either in long uninterrupted blocks or in small groups whose imaginative facades reflect the aspirations of the builders and residents. There are many fine commercial buildings, particularly along Eighth Street and Pennsylvania Avenue as well as notable religious and institutional structures. The predominant architectural styles include Federal, Italianate, Second Empire, Romanesque, Queen Anne, and Classical Revival. There are approximately 8,000 primary contributing buildings to the historic district, dating from a period between approximately 1791-1945. Capitol Hill is a legally designated historic district and is protected by laws and regulations designed to preserve the historic character of the neighborhood. The cornerstone of the historic preservation process in the District is the Historic Landmark and Historic District Protection Act of 1978, usually referred to as DC Law 2-144. This law establishes a procedure for official designation of buildings, structures, districts and sites as historic properties and

provides for their protection. It states that the mayoral agent will review any permit application for new construction, exterior alteration, demolition or subdivision involving any historic property to ensure the proposed work is compatible. The Capitol Hill Restoration Society (www.chrs.org, 202-543-0425) is a treasure of information about the history of the neighborhood and its homes as well as tips and resources for owning and maintaining a home in the historic district.

Historic District & Preservation Capitol Hill Restoration Society 420 Tenth St. SE 202-543-0425, www.chrs.org

Consisting of nearly 1,000 members, CHRS provides guidance on the preservation of historic sites and buildings on the Hill and conveys their views to governments and other organizations on issues affecting the Capitol Hill community. See also the entry in Civic Life: Community Resources section of this guide. DC Historic Preservation Office 1100 Fourth St. SW, Suite 650 East 202-442-7600 planning.dc.gov/page/historic-preservation-office

The Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) maintains the District Inventory of Historic Sites, a listing of federally designated landmarks and historic districts, makes recommendations on construction affecting those properties, and is a space for commu-

nity Involvement in historic preservation. On the Hill, the Capitol Hill Restoration Society (www.chrs.org) is also a great source of information about the Capitol Hill Historic District. For advice on how to research historic period design and preservation methods, contact the National Trust for Historic Preservation at 202-588-6000, or visit www.nationaltrust.org.

Capitol Hill Historic District

2. EASTERN MARKET Eastern Market, located at 225 Seventh St. SE, between North Carolina Avenue and C Street, is the oldest remaining public market in DC. Over the years, the market has become a focal point of community life, particularly on weekends when the outdoor farmers line, and arts and crafts vendors draw crowds of shoppers and browsers. A designated historic landmark, Eastern Market is protected against wholesale change or demolition. The South Hall of the market, built in 1873, was planned and designed by Adolf Cluss, an engineer and renowned architect who designed the Smithsonian Castle. The center and north halls of the market were added to the building in 1908. Eastern Market is first and foremost a working retail food market. Outdoors along Seventh Street, a farmers line forms on weekends. Here goods for sale range from flowers and fresh vegetables to pies, homemade jams, kindling wood and apple cider. In December, residents flock to the market for Christmas trees, wreaths and greens. According to city records, the farmers line dates from 1906. The South Hall merchants sell a

variety of high-quality fresh meats, seafood, poultry, cheese and dairy products, produce, baked goods, flowers and specialty grocery products. As of March 2021, food merchants are open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The market is closed on Mondays. On April 30, 2007, a fire devastated the South Hall of the 146-year-old building, destroying the interior and the stalls of the 13 merchants, some whose families had been operating in the same

location for close to 50 years. The fire spurred a public outpouring of support, urging the city to quickly rebuild the beloved community hub. The Capitol Hill Community Foundation administered more than $500,000 – contributed mainly by members of the community – to aid the merchants until the market could be reopened. A temporary East Hall opened across the street in August 2007, allowing the merchants to return. The District reopened the historic Eastern FAGON GUIDE 2021

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Market at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 26, 2009. The South Hall has returned to its original usage, and postCOVID restrictions, the North Hall hosts community events. The city’s Department of General Services (DGS) manages the market. The Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee (EMCAC) was formed to advise the city on the selection of a market manager and other market issues. It includes representatives from community organizations such as ANC6B and the Capitol Hill Restoration Society. A strategic plan was formulated in 2020 to guide the future of the market. Implementation of the plan could begin in 2021. There is talk of expanding market hours, so confirm before you go at www.easternmarket-dc.org 202-698-5253

The Flea and Farmers Markets

Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Fresh Tuesdays 12 p.m.-4 p.m.; See easternmarket.net.

There are actually many distinct arts and crafts/flea markets around the Eastern Market building on weekends. Barry Margeson, the Eastern Market Manager appointed by the DC Department of General Services (DGS), manages the vending on the grounds of the Eastern Market on the 200 block of Seventh St. SE and on the plaza of the adjoining Natatorium (officially the William H. Rumsey Aquatic Center). On Saturday, he also manages the market on the 300 block of Seventh Street SE. On Sundays, flea market vendors on that block are managed by Michael Berman under the auspices of Diverse Markets Management (DMM). On weekends, C Street SE is closed to cars between Seventh and Eighth Streets SE (except the entrance to Trader Joe’s parking) for the flea market there. The street is privately owned by Stanton Development and Eastbanc as part of the Hine redevelopment. The developers contract with private market managers to run the flea markets. On Sundays, Michael Berman organizes vendors under DMM.

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The Office of Property Management 202-741-0940, dgs.dc.gov

east-Library-140135376053962 www.dclibrary.org/northeast

The city’s Office of Property Management Department of Real Estate Services supervises the management of Eastern Market and all weekend outdoor vending except for the Saturday and Sunday flea markets.

Friends of the Rosedale Library 1701 Gales St. NE 202-727-5012 dclibraryfriends.org/rosedale

3. LIBRARIES There are five DC Public libraries in Ward 6. When it is safe, many offer activities for all ages, lessons and event space. Call the branch directly for hours or visit the DC Public Library website at www.dclibrary.org. Northeast Branch 330 Seventh St. NE, 202-698-3320 Southeast Branch 403 Seventh St. SE, 202-698-3377 Southwest Interim Branch The Southwest Library building (900 Wesley Pl. SW) is currently being modernized and is expected to reopen in spring, 2021. Until then, you can find the Interim Library at 425 M St. SW, 202-724-4752 Northwest One Library 155 L St. NW, 202-939-5946 Rosedale Library 1701 Gales St. NE, 202-727-5012

Library Support Groups

Many branches of the DC Public Library have a civic support group referred to as the ‘Friends’ of that branch. The Friends of the Library are dedicated to improving the library and encouraging its use. They publicize the library, encourage gifts and donations, provide volunteer assistance and work with the libraries to develop services for the community. Many host events such as book sales on a regular basis. Get involved by contacting your group using the information below. Friends of the Northeast Branch Library 330 Seventh St. NE, 202-556-1071 www.facebook.com/Friends-of-the-North-

Friends of the Southeast Library 403 Seventh St. SE 202-698-3377 www.foseldc.org Friends of the Southwest Library 900 Wesley Place SW 202-724-4752 www.facebook.com/Friends-of-Southwest-Library-133460770058384

Capitol Hill is also home to the Folger Shakespeare Library (202-544-4600, 201 East Capitol St. SE, www.folger.edu), and the Library of Congress (202-707-5000, 101 Independence Ave. SE, www.loc. gov). The Folger is under construction that is expected to end in 2022. When it is open, it has special exhibitions, lectures and plays in the Elizabethan Theatre. Use of the reading room is closed during construction, although reference librarians are available to answer questions. Visit the website for more information. The Library of Congress is housed in three buildings along First Street SE, between C and East Capitol Streets. The library has a variety of events scheduled each month, many of which were virtual during the pandemic – including readings, movies, concerts and exhibits. You must register for a reader identification card to access the library’s collection. The registration office is in room LM133 of the Madison Building, at Second Street and Independence Avenue SE.

4. PARKS The Capitol Hill neighborhood contains many parks and public green spaces. These spaces are administered by a variety of government agencies and other organizations:

Architect of the Capitol 202-224-6645, www.aoc.gov Administers: Providence Park (south of Folger Park), Second & E Streets SE Capitol Riverside Youth Sports Park (CRYSP) The Fields at RFK 401 Oklahoma Ave. NE 202-539-9555, rfkfields.com Opened in June 2019 the Fields at RFK are part of the Events DC portfolio. They are operated daily by Capitol Riverside Youth Sports Park (CRYSP). Amenities include a celebration pavilion, picnic area, restrooms, playground and picnic areas, parking, and green space. Fields are available for reservation at rfkfields.com DC Parks and Recreation 202-673-7647 dpr.dc.gov, dpr@dc.gov Administers: • Garfield Park – 200 F St. SE • Eastern Market Metro Plaza Park – 700 & 800 blocks Pennsylvania Avenue SE • Dennis Dolinger Memorial Park – (Intersection Potomac Avenue with 15 and G Streets SE) • Lansburgh Park– (Delaware Ave between I and M Streets SW) • Amidon Field– (Fourth at G Streets SW) • Love Joy Park (E at 12th St NE) • Multiple Triangle Parks throughout the Hill National Park Service – Capitol Hill National Capital Parks – East 202-690-5185 www.nps.gov/cahi/index.htm Administers: • Folger Park – Second & D Streets SE • Lincoln Park – 11th & East Capitol St SE • Marion Park – Fourth & E Streets SE • Stanton Park – Fourth & C Streets NE • Seward Square – Fourth St. & Pennsylvania Ave. SE • Anacostia Park – (including Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens and Kenilworth Marsh as well as ‘Section F’ near RFK Stadium)

Capitol Riverfront BID 1100 New Jersey Ave. SE, Suite 1010 202-465-7093, Capitolriverfront.org Manages: • Yards Park – 355 Water St., SE • Canal Park – 2nd & M Streets, SE Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Partnership with Coastal Properties Management Diamond Teague Park – First Street & Potomac Avenue SE Dockmaster: 202-595-5166, Diamondteague.com Partnership with Living Classrooms of the National Capital Region Kingman and Heritage Islands Park 202-488-0627 ext. 232 www.kingmanisland.org Friends of Parks Friends of Garfield Park www.garfieldparkwashingtondc.org The group’s mission is to foster improvement and maintenance of Garfield Park (bordered by New Jersey Ave. SE, Virginia Ave. SE, Third St. SE and North Carolina Ave. SE). They host monthly park clean-ups and maintain a calendar of events on their website.

Friends of Lincoln Park Residents in the area are working to establish an official Friends group to work in partnership with the National Park Service (NPS) to program, maintain and improve Lincoln Park. Priorities include repairs to playgrounds and green space as well as community events. For more information, to express interest in joining or to learn how to contribute in other ways, visit the Facebook page at https://www.facebook. com/lincolnparkdc/ or email FriendsofLincolnParkDC@gmail.com.

5. PARKING PERMITS New Digital Visitor Parking Permit System: In spring 2021, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will launch a streamlined digital parking permit program. This new system will transition the current annual Visitor Parking Pass, Temporary (15-day) Visi-

tor Parking Permits (VPP), Contractor Parking Permits, and Home Health Care Worker Parking Permits into one integrated digital platform. Residents should stay connected with DDOT via ddot.dc.gov, on social media @DDOTDC, or contacting the DDOT Customer Service team at 202-671-2700 for 5more information.  Resident Parking Permits 311, dmv.dc.gov/service/residentialparking-permits

The Residential Parking Permit (RPP) program is designed to allow DC DMVregistered private vehicles to be parked without restriction in a designated area around the vehicle’s registered address. An RPP is a permit number on your vehicle registration sticker, which is placed on the driver’s side of the windshield. Residents of participating blocks and their visitors are eligible for permits that exempt them from the two-hour parking limitation that is effective Monday through Friday. No other vehicle may park longer than two hours without a permit. Not all residential blocks are zoned for RPP. You can see District RPP blocks at opendata.dc.gov/datasets/residentialparking-permit-blocks RPP stickers are issued by DMV as part of the registration process or can be requested online at the above link. Permits are $35 for one year or $25/year for seniors 65+. Applicants without DC vehicle registration must also provide a valid reciprocity permit – proof of residency such as a notarized lease or utility bill. If the vehicle is not owned by the applicant – such as a leased vehicle or company car – then additional documentation, including a letter from the owner granting permission of use, will be required. Commercial vehicles are not eligible for a permit. The period of enforcement for RPP is generally Mon. to Sat. from 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Residents of individual blocks can request different enforcement hours by petitioning the District FAGON GUIDE 2021

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Department of Transportation (DDOT). The process involves getting 51 percent of residents on a block to sign a petition, available online at ddot.dc.gov (one adult signature per household). The ANC must also approve the change. RPP-holding residents who live on metered streets are exempt from meter fees except along commercial corridors such as Barracks Row. In the neighborhoods south of Pennsylvania Avenue between Ninth Street SE and Ninth Street SW and north of the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge, metered parking is more expensive when the demand is higher, i.e., the four hours around a stadium event. In this same zone, some areas have red and white signs along one side of the street where only residents and their visitors can park, while the opposite side of the street allows the standard two-hour parking for non-residents as indicated by the green and white signs. DDOT has extended the validity of the 2020 Visitor Permit Parking Pass through June 30, 2021. Residents who do not have a 2020 VPP or need additional visitor permits should visit their local police precinct to request a temporary parking permit through June 30, 2021. Visitor Parking Pass (Annual)

The Visitor Parking Pass (VPP) allows guests of District residents on Residential Permit Parking (RPP) zoned blocks to park for more than two hours. DDOT provides an annual VPP to all eligible RPP households upon request. The VPP is valid during RPP enforcement hours and in the same RPP zone and Advisory

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Neighborhood Commission (ANC) as the home. Residents in non-residential addresses or who live on commercial blocks are not eligible for VPP. Temporary Visitor Parking Permits (15-day) First District MPD Substation 500 E St. SE, 202-698-0068 mpdc.dc.gov/page/parkingpermits-visitor-parking-permits

Temporary Visitor Parking Permits are issued by Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Residents can obtain a temporary parking permit for visitors from police stations and substations through June 30, 2021. These permits are free and valid for 15 days. Contractor Parking Permits www.parkdc.com/pages/ residential#visitor_parking, 202-737-4404

The DMV issues temporary parking permits to contractors working at a District residence in a residential parking zoned neighborhood. The contractor’s vehicle must display commercial tags in the company’s name. The permit is free of charge and valid for up to 15 days at a time. The DMV will continue issuing these passes through June 30, 2021. Home Health Care Worker Parking Permits https://dmv.dc.gov/service/ health-care-provider-parkingpermit, (202) 737-4404

The DMV will issue 60-day home health care worker permits through June 30, 2021, which can be requested by residents for their home health care worker. u

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s r e t t a M Waste B Y C AT H E R I N E P L U M E

hat can and cannot be recycled or composted still varies from city to city. In DC there are a few key resources that will help ensure that you are recycling and composting correctly, along with ideas for how to responsibly reduce waste streams.

Reducin Compo g, Re-Using, R sting and

RECYCLING RIGHT ZeroWasteDC.gov (https://zerowaste.dc.gov/) offers some excellent recycling resources including an online waste-sorting game and a “What Goes Where” tool that will help you learn what is—and isn’t—recyclable in DC. You can print out a personalized certificate of achievement, assuming you pass the test! These games are a great way to learn about recycling for adults and kids alike. And remember, place your recycling directly in the bin. Plastic bags clog recycling machinery. Used paint, electronics, and hazardous waste should be taken to the Fort Totten Transfer Station for disposal where—even during Covid restrictions —the District continues to operate a drop-off event for DC homeowners every Saturday from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. and on the Thursday preceding the first Saturday of the month from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. And while the popular “roll-off days” in each Ward have been cancelled during COVID, check out DC’s Office of Clean City (https://communityaffairs.dc.gov/mocc#3) for schedule updates. Textiles (clothes, sheets, and towels) shouldn’t be placed in our recycling as they, like plastic bags, can clog machinery. Textiles that are still usable can be donated to any number of charities around town (see below), while animal rescue facilities such as DC’s Humane Rescue Alliance and City Wildlife usually welcome donations of old towels, sheets, and comforters for their four-legged and winged tenants and patients.

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Recycling Right means keeping plastic bags out of the bin. Photo: C. Plume

ecycl ing, such in DC

REDUCING WASTE AT HOME Reducing the amount of waste your family produces is even better than recycling. If your family is like most, food waste and food waste packaging makes up a sizable percentage of the waste generated in your home—especially with all the in-home meals and takeout food we’re eating these days. When sent to a landfill, food waste generates methane, a greenhouse gas many times more potent than CO2. Meanwhile, food waste is packed with nutrients that can improve soil fertility while aerating compacted areas, so don’t throw all that good nutrition away. While we still don’t have curbside composting in DC, we do have a residential composting program that provides residents up to $75 toward the purchase of an outdoor or worm composting container. You’ll need to attend a short training program to qualify for the voucher, but the trainings are being offered online during COVID; see zerowaste. dc.gov/homecomposting. The District also offers weekly food waste drop-off programs at farmers markets in each Ward, including three that operate year-round (see https://dpw.dc.gov/ foodwastedropoff, or you can join one of more than 50 composting cooperatives located at community gardens across the District and earn the right to share your food waste bounty (see https:// dpr.dc.gov/page/community-compostcooperative-network). Meanwhile, there are a number of companies that provide doorstep pick up composting services to DC houses, apartments and condos for a minimal fee.

GIVE IT AWAY COVID has hit the DC job market hard and the unemployment has risen from 5.2 percent in January 2020 to 7.9 percent in January 2021. Many DC families are struggling to stay afloat. As you cull your clothes and furniture, consider passing them along to a family in need. Giveaway and sharing groups have flourished during the pandemic. Mutual Aid

that both kids and adults will enjoy. Call 301-691-9001 for dates and times. Meanwhile, DC Water’s state-of-theart Blue Plains Water Facility located at 5000 Overlook Ave SW offers an overview of the complexities of water treatment. There are safe encounters with some fascinating yuckiness that both kids and adults will enjoy. Contact DC Water at 202-870-9789 for tour times. Remember, the “3-Rs” of sustainability preach that waste reduction can be most efficiently addressed by first reducing, then reusing, and only then recycling goods. Happy sustainable reducing!

Mutual Aid Groups across DC welcome your used goods. Photo: Elizabeth Dranitzke, Serve Your City/Ward City Mutual Aid

groups operate in most DC Wards and provide food, furnishings, and clothing to residents in need. Visit the DC Mutual Aid FaceBook page to get in touch with your Ward’s group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/492881801379594). If you’re in Ward 6, email the group at serveyourcitydc.org. Meanwhile, anyone can offer or receive goods through groups like Trash Nothing DC (https:// trashnothing.com/beta/washington-dcfreecycle) while “Buy Nothing” groups, associated with the Buy Nothing Project (https://buynothingproject.org/) are hyperlocal and a great way to meet your neighbors.

TAKE A FIELD TRIP And since we’re all ready to get out of the house as soon as it’s safe to do so, plan some tours now! If you’ve ever debated the importance of “recycling right,” a visit to a local recycling center will convince you. While DC’s recycling facility doesn’t offer tours, a tour of the Montgomery County Resource Recovery Center located in Dickerson, MD (between Bethesda and Frederick) is one

Catherine Plume is a lifelong environmentalist, a writer, and blogger for the DC Recycler: www.DCRecycler. blogspot.com; Twitter: @DC_Recycler. She is also the Chair of the DC Chapter of the Sierra Club, however, perspectives expressed are her own and do not necessarily represent the positions of that organization. u

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dpw.dc.gov/service/trash-collection, dpw.dc.gov/service/recycling-collection City cleaning services are provided through the Department of Public Works (DPW). Call the citywide call center to report a problem site that needs to be cleaned, or trash that has been illegally dumped.

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Abandoned or Dangerous Vehicles

To be considered abandoned, a vehicle must have been parked on public space for more than 48 hours or on private property for more than 30 days and also exhibit two of the following characteristics: extensive damage (wrecked, burned); inoperable (no engine, missing tires); or a lack of valid tags or a valid registration sticker. To report an abandoned or dangerous vehicle, call the DC Citywide Call Center at 311 or Parking Enforcement Management Administration (PEMA) at 202-541-6083 24 hours a day, seven days a week; or submit an online service request at dpw. dc.gov/service/removal-abandoned-anddangerous-vehicles. DPW will investigate within three days and the issue will be resolved within five days on public and 45 days on private property.

Alley Cleaning

DPW cleans alleys on a rotating basis —in Ward 6 approximately every six weeks between March and October. But alleys reported by residents or identified by DPW as dirty receive priority. Residents and business owners must assist by keeping alleys clean; picking up loose trash and litter; controlling weeds by cutting overgrowth; and preventing overhanging tree limbs. If your alley has not been cleaned, call the DC Call Center for a special clean-up, or submit a clean-up request online. Special requests are investigated within three days and resolved within seven to 28 days. Call 311, or 202-737-4404 or for additional information, check out dpw.dc.gov.

Bulk Trash Collection

dpw.dc.gov/service/bulk-trash-collection DPW provides bulk collection by appointment to District households with three or fewer dwelling units. See

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a list of acceptable (and unacceptable items) at https://dpw.dc.gov/service/ bulk-trash-collection. A maximum of seven items can be picked up at one time and should be placed where regular trash is collected after 6:30 p.m. the day before and no later than 6 a.m. the day of scheduled pick up; subsequent pickups must be scheduled for additional items. Call 311 or visit www.311.dc.gov to schedule an appointment. Residents can also drop off bulk trash at the Fort Totten Transfer station. Be sure to bring along your driver’s license for proof of DC residency. Call 311 to report any abandoned bulk trash items.

Composting – Food Waste and Yard Waste

The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DCPR) now offers composting (food waste and yard waste) at over 50 community/school garden sites around the District. You’ll need to take a short class to qualify to participate in this program. Visit dpr.dc.gov/page/community-compost-cooperative-network to find the nearest participating garden near you and the contact person. DPW currently offers weekly and year-round food waste drop-off at three farmers markets (Eastern Market, Dupont Circle, and Columbia Heights while food scrap drop-offs operate in every ward during the growing season. Note that no meat or dairy products are allowed. For more information, visit dpw.dc.gov/ foodwastedropoff

Garbage Cans / Recycling Bins

The District issues trash and recycling bins at those residences where the Department of Public Works (DPW) collects trash, usually in buildings with three units or less. Free bins are issued to new residents. Call the Mayor’s Call Center, place an order and the District will deliver the cans to your home,

free of charge, within a week. Call 311 or visit dpw.dc.gov. Damaged bins must be purchased for a price ranging from $45 to $62.50 depending on size; discounts are available to seniors. See https://dpw.dc.gov/service/recycling-container-repair-and-purchase, or call 311 or 202-737-4404. Containers are delivered seven days after payment is received. Theft of trash cans is a reoccurring problem, and DPW recommends residents put their address on the side and top and record the serial number.

Electronic Equipment (E-Waste) Recycling, Document Shredding, Hazardous Waste Disposal, and Paint Drop-Off

E-Waste includes unwanted computers, televisions, VCRs, stereos, copiers and fax machines helps prevent substances such as lead and mercury from leaking into the environment. Hazardous Household Waste (HHW) includes household products that are poisonous or can cause a fire; harm DPW workers; explode or release fumes when exposed to air, water or chemicals. The Fort Totten Transfer Station located at 4900 John F. McCormack Dr. NE offers drop off services for all of these materials as well as paint on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. There is an additional HHW, E-cycling and paint drop off event from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on the Thursday preceding the first Saturday of the month. Personal document shredding services are also provided to District residents at Fort Totten on the first Saturday of each month. Visit the website for a list of acceptable materials and a detailed schedule. dpw.dc.gov/service/ household-hazardous-waste-e-cyclingdocument-shredding

Holiday Tree Collection

The District collects holiday trees (stripped of ornaments and decora-

tions, and unbagged) from residences serviced by DPW, usually single-family homes and apartments or condo buildings with three or fewer units. Trees are (usually) collected for a period of two to three weeks starting in the second week of January. Trees must be placed where trash and recycling are collected on your regularly scheduled pick up days. Residents may also bring trees and greenery to the Fort Totten Transfer Station located at 4900 John F. McCormack Dr. NE.

Illegal Dumping

dpw.dc.gov/service/illegal-dumpinginvestigation. 311, 202-645-7190 Illegal dumping encompasses more than just the obvious case of someone depositing an old mattress in an alley at night. Trash or piles of debris not In proper containers or points of collection, set out in unsanitary manner, or on a vacant lot or public property are cases of Illegal dumping. Fines for illegal dumping can be as high as $5,000 for the first offense. DPW also offers rewards of up to $500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of an illegal dumper. Call 311 to report and provide: the location of the dumping; make, model and tag number of vehicles involved; time and date of dumping; nature of materials dumped. After an investigation, the team will make arrangements for clean-up.

Leaves

The District vacuums leaves from each street twice between November and January. Cleanup is based on the schedule included in a Leaf Collection Map, distributed to each District household during the fall of each year. Leaves must be raked to the curb by Sunday of the collection week. Place leaves in a paper bag or rake them into a pile in the tree box space or at the curb if there is no tree box. Leaves from the rear of the

property can be placed wherever trash and recyclables are collected. Pickup is limited to seven bags per address. Do not pile leaves in the street, or block gutters or storm drains and try to avoid parking on leaf piles. Contact the DC Call Center (311) if leaves have not been vacuumed or a special circumstance requires assistance. DPW investigates all complaints within three days and guarantees resolution within two weeks. Call 311 or visit dpw.dc.gov for more info or to sign up for a leaf collection reminder. DPW also collects up to five bags per week of yard waste (bagged leaves, grass clippings, weeds, bulbs, uprooted plants or branches tied Into 4-foot lengths). If your trash is collected twice a week, place yard waste out on the second day. Tree limbs, stumps, dirt, stones, concrete and broken flower pots will not be collected, and DPW will only collect yard waste from residences that it services for trash and recycling. Trash will be prioritized over yard waste, so the latter will be collected as space permits. Note that while vacuumed leaves are composted in the District, yard waste currently is not.

Rats

doh.dc.gov. 311, 202-535-1954 Rat.riddance@dc.gov Rodents are a fact of urban life. If you see rats around your home, contact the Animal Services Rodent and Animal Control call center immediately for assistance at 202-535-1954. The Department of Health (DOH) food protection program will initiate enforcement at food establishments if needed. DOH abatement efforts utilize registered products to bait rodents in outdoor burrows on public property. DOH also will bait rodents on private property. Improperly stored or maintained dumpsters can result in a fine of up to $500. To discourage rodents, store garbage and especially food waste in metal or heavy plastic containers with tight

lids. Place trash outside shortly before pickup, and don’t leave plastic garbage bags out overnight. Remove weeds and debris near buildings and in yards to avoid giving rats a place to hide. Pet food should not be left outside and both petfood and birdseed should be stored in a secure container. Sweep up food remains, litter, and trash inside and outside your home. Inspect your basement and house for cracks and holes, and seal them with mortar. Check for burrow entrances in retaining walls, tree stumps, and boxes.

Recycling

Zerowaste.dc.gov The Department of Public Works (DPW) provides recycling services for residents of DC whose trash is also collected by the department. Residents are issued a recycling container, and recycling pickups coincide with residential trash collections. In twice-weekly trash collection neighborhoods, recycling is collected on either the first or second collection day. Visit collectionday.dcgis.dc.gov for your street’s recycling schedule. Call the Mayor’s Call Center at 311 or the recycling hotline at 202645-8245 or visit https://dpw.dc.gov/ service/recycling-container-repair-andpurchase if you need an additional or replacement cart or bin. Visit DPW’s website or zerowaste. dc.gov for a complete listing of recycling “dos and don’ts” and a “What Goes Where” app that helps demystify what can and cannot be recycled in the District. Recycle glass, plastic, and metal food and beverage containers; rinse containers; you do not have to remove lids; all material must be clean. Call 202-645-8245 (the recycling hotline), or visit zerowaste.dc.gov to find collection days, request bins, report missed collections or request bulk trash pick-up (for furniture, mattresses or other large Items; see Bulk Trash Collection above). u

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Staying SAFE Understanding How MPD Helps the Community BY ELIZABETH O’GOREK

he Hill is a close-knit village, and It Is also located in a major metropolitan area where crime is an element of daily life. Capitol Hill is protected by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the US Capitol Police. Responsibility for policing Capitol Hill is shared between MPD’s First and Fifth Districts. The US Capitol Police handle security on the grounds of the US Capitol. Residents are encouraged to attend local police meetings and get to know their neighborhood officers. Contact information is available on the MPD webpage. Officers want to hear from residents and are interested in developing relationships to encourage communication that will assist in crime-fighting efforts.

REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY Community members are the eyes and ears of the MPD. Prompt and detailed reporting of suspicious activities helps prevent crime. If you see suspicious activity, or any activity that seems out of the ordinary, immediately call 911. When reporting suspicious activity, give an accurate description. Here are some things to include: • Brief description of the activity. • Date, time and location of the activity. • Physical identifiers of anyone you observed. • Descriptions of vehicles. • Information about where people involved in suspicious activities

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may have gone. Your name and contact information. • A photo or video, if you can safely take one. DO NOT put yourself in harm’s way to obtain a photograph. Citizens can also call the DC Crime Solvers Tip Line at 1-800-673-2777 or message the Text Tip Line at 50411. •

TEXT TO 911 Residents can use text-caCommander Kane reports on the siege of the Capitol Janupable mobile phones, with ary 6 at the January 2021 meeting of ANC 6B. location services enabled, Send messages via the Text Tip Line at to request assistance. Resi50411. Tips on serious or violent crimes dents should use voice-calling to 911 will be Investigated by members of the where appropriate. The system is wellpolice department. Message and data suited to handle cases where the caller rates may apply. has difficulty hearing or speaking, or Because the Text Tip line is anonywhere a phone call might put the caller mous, the sender will not receive a in additional danger. response to the original message. The Situations suited for Text to 911 anonymous text tip line is not an emerinclude: gency number, so if you witness a crime • Situations where a person is the in progress or have an emergency that victim of a crime and the perpetrarequires the police, please call 911. tor is still in the area, such as an •

assault, robbery, or a domestic violence incident. When people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or who have a speech disability need to reach 911.

TEXT THE TIP LINE AT 50411 You can anonymously text tips, pictures or video to MPD via text message 24 hours and day, seven days a week.

BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS There has been an increase in theft from autos. Many of these crimes occur as residents travel to and from public transportation hubs or when people leave items out in the open in a parked or unlocked car. Like other cities in the nation, the District experienced an increase in

carjackings, auto thefts, and unauthorized use of vehicle offenses in its communities during the pandemic. The DC Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is sharing ways that drivers can avoid becoming a target of these crimes: • Always lock your car. • Never leave your vehicle idling/running unattended – even if your key fob is on you, someone can still drive off with your car until it stops or gas runs out. • Always keep track of your keys, never leave them inside the vehicle. • Do not leave children unattended inside your vehicle. • Park in a safe spot. • Stay alert and aware of your surroundings. • If you see suspicious activity, report it anonymously by calling 202-727-9099. • If you are a victim of a crime, report it immediately by calling 911. When victims are robbed on the street, the target is frequently personal electronics and cash. Here are some commonsense steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of robbery: • Pay attention to your surroundings, particularly to passersby. Walk purposefully and with confidence. • DO NOT walk and text as this prevents situational awareness. • Talking on a cell phone, texting or listening to music can blind you to nearby threats. • Walk in groups in well-lighted areas. Avoid alleys where possible. • Do not display your personal electronics such as cell phones or tablets. • Make sure to enable your phone’s tracking system as well as know

your login and password to track your phone in the case of loss or theft. • Do not use ATMs located in remote areas. • Make sure to grasp any backpack or handbag with your hand at all times. • Always lock your car and shut all windows. • Never leave anything of value visible in your car. Most importantly, trust your gut instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in a situation, there is usually a good reason. If something feels awry, don’t hesitate to call 911. If you see something, say something.

SECURE YOUR HOME When citizens head to work, criminals head to residential neighborhoods. It is important to secure homes against burglaries. Here are some commonsense tips: • Ensure your home is secured—lock all doors and windows. • Close blinds, shades and curtains. • Make sure all doors have wellinstalled dead bolt locks. • Secure sliding doors with a dowel or broom stick on their inside track. • Lock double-hung windows with key locks. • Do not hide keys on the outside of your home. • Install bright exterior lighting. • Install security cameras outside and alert police if you have footage FAGON GUIDE 2021

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of a crime on your street. Rebates are available through the Private Security Camera Incentive Program. Visit www.ovsjg.dc.gov or contact the Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants at security. cameras@dc.gov or 202-727-5124 for more information. • Install bars on lower windows, and do not leave items in view from windows. • Consider a steel door and frame. • Contact the First or Fifth District for a free security survey of your home. • Get to know your immediate neighbors. Crime reports can be filed by citizens online at mpdc.dc.gov/service/filepolice-report-online or by calling 911.

KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD The MPD provides daily crime information through the First and Fifth District Google Groups. • h t t p s : / / g ro u p s . g o o g l e . c o m / forum/#!forum/official-mpd-1d • h t t p s : / / g ro u p s . g o o g l e . c o m / forum/#!forum/official-mpd-5d MPD migrated to Google Groups in October 2019 after Yahoo announced that contact would no longer be uploaded to the Yahoo Groups site. You can find instructions on how to join a Google Group at https://support.google.com/groups/ answer/1067205?hl=en Citizens can also follow the MPD on Twitter @DCPoliceDept. General public safety alerts are available by following @DC_HSEMA, and there Is an unofficial feed of the DC Alert System @AlertDCio.

CAMERA REBATE PROGRAMS The District encourages residents and businesses to Install security cameras on their property and register them with MPD. The Private Security Camera Rebate Program offers up to $200 per camera (maximum $500) for residents, business, nonprofits and religious Institutions. The Private Security Camera

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Voucher Program offers cameras free to residents who receive public assistance. MPD will ask registered participants to share footage from the cameras to assist in solving crimes. Learn more by calling 202-727-5124.

CRIME CARDS Information on District crime is also available through the DC Crime Card app. Users can US Park Police. Photo: Rindy O’Brien search by crime type, weapon, date and locato advise a district commander on tion. The app displays policing and neighborhood issues result in maps, charts and tables showthat impact crime and the quality of ing, for instance, where the crimes took life within a community. The schedule place in the selected area, or change for CAC is available at www.mpdc.gov. over time. Alternatively, the data set can be downloaded. You can use the POLICE BOUNDARY crime cards at dcatlas.dcgis.dc.gov/ REALIGNMENT crimecards/ A realignment of police boundaries took effect in January 2019. Such rePOLICE SERVICE AREAS (PSA) organization takes place periodically to To help facilitate the partnership beensure MPD resources are effectively tween the police and the public, the dispersed throughout DC. The redisFirst and Fifth Districts are subdivided tricting takes into account populainto several Police Service Areas (PSAs) tion growth, both real and projected; and three Sector Police regions. You economic development; community can find out what PSA you live in by needs; availability of police resources; searching your address at http://geoofficer safety and efficient delivery of spatial.dcgis.dc.gov/PSAFinder/ police services. Monthly PSA meetings conducted The most significant change on in a local venue provide a forum for the Hill affected the northern tip of residents to bring criminal activity and the First District (roughly the area quality of life issues to MPD’s attention north of I Street NE and south of M and learn what actions are already in Street and Florida Avenue NE, between place to prevent and reduce crime in North Capitol Street and Tenth Street the community. This is face-to-face NE). That area was moved from the time where you can discuss issues of jurisdiction of the First District to the concern and get to know the police Fifth District, into PSA 501. officers assigned to patrol within the You can learn more about the PSA. It’s also a great place to meet redistricting by visiting mpdc.dc.gov/ your neighbors. The schedule for PSA realignment2019 meetings is available at www.mpdc.gov. While PSAs function at the neighborhood level, the Citizens Advisory Council (CAC) represents the entire police district. The role of a CAC is

First District Station 101 M St. SW, 202-698-0555

First District Substation 1-D-1 500 E St. SE, 202-698-0068 Fifth District Station 1805 Bladensburg Rd NE 202-698-0150 US Capitol Police 202-224-1677

WHEN YOU DON’T NEED THE POLICE

Agency and Nonprofit Support Sometimes you want to call for help, but don’t necessarily need law enforcement. There are several numbers you can call to access support and services for those in crisis. Child and Adolescent Mobile Psychiatric Service (ChaMPS) catholiccharietiesdc.org/ chaps, 202-481-1440 This is an emergency response service for children, teenagers and adolescent adults who are having a mental health or behavioral health crisis. ChaMPS works in close partnership with hospitals and police to provide help for children living in DC facing a behavioral or mental health crisis. Help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for children and youth ages 6 to 17 or those ages 18 to 21 if they are in the care and custody of the DC Child and Family Services Agency. Community Response Team (Adult Mental Health Crisis) https://dbh.dc.gov/service/ community-response-team 202-673-9300 or 888-793-6496 A 24/7 multidisciplinary direct service team that supports adults who are experiencing emotional, psychiatric or substance use vulnerabilities to promote service engagement and overall behavioral health and wellness.

2Crime Victim Hotline: dcvictim.org/chat 1-844-4HELPDC (1-844-443-5732) Available 24/7 by telephone, text or online chat, the hotline provides information, resources and referrals to victims of crimes committed in DC. It is operated through a partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants with the National Center for Victims of Crime. DC Rape Crisis Hotline: dcrcc.org, 202-333-7273 The DCRCC crisis hotline offers information about the DC Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program which includes a medical evidentiary exam, emergency contraception, pregnancy and STI testing. You can also call the DC Victim Hotline (1-844-443-5732) directly to reach the on-call sexual assault examiner, who will accompany you to MedStar Washington Hospital Center Emergency Department. Transportation will be provided if needed. You also have the option to go directly to Washington Hospital Center (110 Irving St. NW). dcrcc.org DC Shelter Hotline: https://dhs.dc.gov/page/howcontact-us 202-399-7093 The hotline shelter is available 24 hours a day. Shelters provide a warm and safe place to stay and offer additional support services and case management. Transportation is also available—they will bring individuals to a warm and safe place to stay. Between November 1 and March 31, when the temperature or wind chill is 32 or below, the District of Columbia issues a Hypothermia Alert. On a Hypothermia Alert Day, the District is obligated by law to make shelter available. u FAGON GUIDE 2021

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helping out Elizabeth Nelson, co-chair of Trees for Capitol Hill, with a group of volunteers planting trees the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Photo: TCH

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g n i r e e t n u l o V on the Hill BY ELIZABETH O’GOREK

Over 10,000 people volunteer with the Anacostia Watershed Society each year. Here a group is planting grasses on Kingman Island

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apitol Hill has a lot to offer residents, and in turn residents have a lot to give back as volunteers to the organizations working to serve the people, places and institutions in and around our community. During the pandemic, nonprofits found creative new ways for people to safely engage. With increased need over the past year, many organizations will be building their volunteer corps. Others will face the increased demand with fewer staff. Talented, giving and supportive residents on the Hill can find many different ways to continue giving both their time and much-needed financial support at a wide variety of organizations as the pandemic winds down and as we rebuild on the other side. The Capitol Hill Community Foundation (www.capitolhillcommunityfoundation.com/volunteer/) lists local volunteer opportunities, and the website of Serve DC (serve.dc.gov/) lists opportunities throughout the District. Not all volunteer opportunities involve interacting with the public, or with large numbers of people. Many organizations need volunteers with special skills in areas such as information technology, law, accounting and social media. If you have an interest, it’s worth reaching out to any one of the partners listed in the Community Resources section of this Guide to see if you can help them meet their goals. Below find a list of some opportunities with organizations working in or based on Capitol Hill.

MUTUAL AID Since March 2020, DC nonprofit Serve Your City has served as the lead partner for Ward 6 Mutual Aid (W6MA), responding to the COVID-19 crisis by coordinating efforts among grassroots organizers, volunteers, and communitybased organizations that have been doing the work since long before the pandemic. With the motto, “We keep us safe,” the community provides food, supplies and assistance to neighbors in a wide variety of areas, from education, health and well-being to advocacy. To volunteer email Ward6MutualAid@ gmail.com, or call 202-683-9962. Get information on how to make in-kind or financial donations to the effort at ServeYourCityDC.com.

HOUSING Everyone Home DC: When the pandemic ends and restrictions on eviction and utility payments are lifted, many people will find remaining in their homes an increased challenge. Everyone Home DC works to help families negotiate that challenge. You can help. Volunteers with the Homeless Assistance Response Team (HART) hand out food, drinks, and other items to those who are homeless. Or volunteer to help at Shirley’s Place Hospitality Center. everyonehomedc.org The mission of Pathways to Housing DC (pathwaystohousingdc.org) is to end homelessness and support recovery for people with complex health challenges. Sign up to volunteer online, call 202-529-2972 or email info@pathwaysdc.org

FILLING FAMILY NEEDS Greater DC Diaper Bank: With unemployment on the rise, some families are finding it difficult to purchase necessities like diapers, feminine hygiene products and personal cleansing items. Volunteers (including children) can help package and load diapers at the non-profit’s Silver Spring warehouse. They can also serve as partners, providing a spot in their home or business to collect diapers or hygiene and food items such as baby wipes and formula for the Baby Pantry. Finally, volunteers can hold monthly gatherings at which attendees socialize and also bring feminine hygiene products for The Monthly program, which provides mothers with these expensive but necessary products.

HUNGER ISSUES DC Central Kitchen offers plenty of opportunities to prepare

SW BID delivers school lunches at residences. Photo: E.O’Gorek

meals for disadvantaged groups and Food for All DC provides food to low-income home-bound residents. Volunteers (bonus if they have cars) package and deliver food every Saturday starting at 9 a.m. Contact them at graeme@foodforalldc.org. Volunteers with cars can sign up with nonprofit Food Rescue US (foodrescue.us) to pick up leftover food from businesses and delivers it to food pantries around the city. S

MENTORING AND TUTORING Several programs in Capitol Hill provide mentoring and tutoring opportunities for youth. Many continued to provide these services virtually throughout the pandemic. Little Lights offers tutoring, family check-ins and during the pandemic, food and supplies to residents in public housing (www.LittleLights.org). Serve Your City DC seeks volunteers and mentors to provide mentorship, tutoring, opportunities and experiences to at-risk youth in the District. Get involved through their website at serveyourcitydc.org.

SENIORS About 85 percent of the services delivered to seniors by Capitol Hill Village (CHV) and Waterfront Village in Southwest are provided by volunteers, from driving and medical advocacy, to changing lightbulbs. Individuals and households are encouraged to visit the website for more information on how to get involved or call the CHV office at 202-543-1778 or email info@capitolhillvillage.org. Reach Southwest Village at dcwaterfrontvillage.org or call 202-656-1834. u FAGON GUIDE 2021

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Community Resources BEAUTIFICATION / ENVIRONMENT

clinics as well as competitive and recreational programs for all ages and abilities.

Anacostia Community Boathouse Association (ACBA) 1900 M St. SE www.anacostiaboathouse.org

Anacostia Riverkeeper 515 M St. SE, Ste. 218 202-863-0158 www.anacostiariverkeeper.org info@anacostiariverkeeper.org

Dedicated to safe and environmentally responsible recreation on the Anacostia River, this thriving rowing and paddle sport center holds free Learnto-Row and Learn-to-Paddle

Anacostia Riverkeeper works to restore and protect the Anacostia River and create opportunities for the community to connect to it. Volunteer, donate, report pollution,

try catch-and-release fishing at Diamond Teague Park, and explore the river on a free River Explorer Boat Tour. Capitol Hill Garden Club capitolhillgardenclub.org

Brings together people interested in gardening, landscaping and the environment. Members can enjoy lectures, demonstrations, workshops and tours, undertake community projects and contribute to garden and beautification projects in our

neighborhood. The club donates spring flowering bulbs to groups and individuals for planting in public areas on Capitol Hill. Post COVID, meetings are held monthly at Northeast Library. See the calendar for online events and an application to join. Casey Trees 3030 12th St. NE 202-833-4010 caseytrees.org

A citywide urban forestry nonprofit established in 2002,

Allison McGill, Amber Seyler and volunteer Melanie Acuna on a grocery run for their organization, Food on the Table DC. Photo courtesy Allison McGill.

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Casey Trees restores, enhances and protects DC’s tree canopy. They engage thousands of volunteers of all ages in planting trees, conducting citizen science, providing care to trees and more. Visit caseytrees.org/ events to sign up to volunteer and register for free workshops. Earth Conservation Corps 1520 First St. SE 202-479-4505 earthconservationcorps.org

This organization trains neighborhood youth skills to reclaim the river, providing them with the leadership skills and environmental education to set them on a path to a career in nature or science. The organization also serves as a conservation incubator, fostering more than six non-profit organizations on the Anacostia. Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA) 3501 New York Ave. NE 202-544-8733, fona.org

FONA is a nonprofit organization established to enhance support for the US National Arboretum. They focus on environmental preservation, plant research, preservation of urban green space, education and community outreach. Regular programs include the Washington Youth Garden, annual Garden Fair & Plant Sale, Dinner Under the Stars, and 5K fun runs in the spring and fall. To volunteer or to learn more, please complete the form found on their website or call 202-544-8733 Trees for Capitol Hill (TFCH) 202-329-7864 treesforcapitolhill.org mark@treesforcapitolhill.org

TFCH is dedicated to restoring the tree canopy of the Capitol Hill neighborhood. Volunteers work to help renew, restore and refresh the diversity of trees that make Capitol Hill so pleasantly green. TFCH organizes a day of tree planting each year, typically the Saturday before Thanksgiving, and works closely with the DC Department of Urban Forestry for permitting and with neighbors for proper site selection.

BRMS works to preserve and enhance Capitol Hill’s historic Eighth Street SE commercial corridor and to support its business community. Barracks Row Main Street operates an active façade improvement program. It also organizes festivals, a culinary crawl, promotions and celebrations throughout the year for merchants and residents of the area.

growing neighborhood, located five blocks south of the US Capitol Building, situated between I-395 and the Anacostia River. New restaurants, retail, hotels, and residences are opening every month in Capitol Riverfront; and there is always something new to discover in Yards Park, Canal Park, and other open spaces of the community. The BID’s website and weekly Front Page News newsletter are direct lines to current events like drive-in movies, concerts, and fitness classes; as well as ongoing development including Buzzard Point and Phase II of The Yards. For more information and to subscribe to the weekly Front Page News e-blast, visit www.capitolriverfront.org.

CHAMPS PO Box 15486 Wash., DC 20003 202-547-7788 capitolhill.org, champs@capitolhill.org

Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee (EMCAC) 202-698-5253 easternmarket-dc.org/emcac

BUSINESS & MERCHANT GROUPS Barracks Row Main Street 731 Eighth St. SE, 2nd fl. 202-544-3188 barracksrow.org

As a local Chamber of Commerce, the Capitol Hill Association of Merchants and Professionals (CHAMPS) is a dynamic organization of business and community leaders dedicated to a strong economic environment for the Capitol Hill neighborhood. CHAMPS advocates, connects, and promotes Capitol Hill businesses.

EMCAC is an advisory group that represents the entire Eastern Market community, consisting of representatives from community organizations, ANC’s, DC elected officials, vendors, merchants and professionals that do business on Capitol Hill. Public meetings are generally held on the last Wednesday of each month.

Capitol Hill Business Improvement District (BID) 1451 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. Unit 1 202-842-3333 capitolhillbid.org

Eastern Market Main Street (EMMS) 700 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, 2nd Floor 202-853-9810 easternmarketmainstreet.org info@easternmarketmainstreet.org

The Capitol Hill BID is funded through an assessment on commercial property owners who are dedicated to keeping Capitol Hill a clean and safe place to live, work and conduct business, while remaining a national and cultural tourist destination. The BID provides services that augment, not replace, services that the DC government provides. These include security, street cleaning, maintenance and graffiti removal; streetscape improvements, marketing and promotional services; as well as community outreach. Capitol Riverfront BID capitolriverfront.org, @CapitolRiverFront

Capitol Riverfront is the District’s fastest

EMMS, a designated DC Main Streets program from the Department of Small and Local Business Development, supports small businesses and fosters a vibrant, neighborhood-serving corridor through public and private space improvements, capacity-building resources for small businesses, and events and campaigns. H Street Main Street (HSMS) hstreet.org

The main goal of HSMS is to support lasting, comprehensive revitalization in one of DC’s most historic neighborhoods. The annual H Street Festival is a widely anticipated and enjoyable event. A streetFAGON GUIDE 2021

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from first grade through college and career. 300 volunteers helped 600 students last year in the Neighborhood Tutoring Program, Scholars Program for grades 6-12 and the Outdoor Education Center where students experience kayaking, rock climbing, swimming at 10-day camp experiences. Little Lights Urban Ministries 760 Seventh St. SE 202-548-4021 littlelights.org

Little Lights is a non-profit Christian ministry organization dedicated to helping underserved kids, teens, adults and Darius Baxter accepts a Brickie on behalf of GOODProjects at the Dec. 3 Brickie Awards. Screenshot: E. O’Gorek families on Capitol Hill and Southeast Washington, DC. car provides service between the Gallery With the help of more than Place/Chinatown metro and the Minnesota 500 volunteers annually, Little Lights Avenue metro. provides tutoring, mentoring and healthy meals for kids; internships for teens and Southwest BID young adults; job search assistance and job 420 Fourth St. SW training for adults; and parenting classes, 202-618-3515 resources and diapers for families. They swbid.org also manage a landscaping enterprise, the The Southwest Business Improvement Clean Green Team, which does hundreds of District (SWBID) works on cleanliness, jobs annually on the Hill. Visit the website public infrastructure, beautification and to see how you can volunteer. programming throughout the neighborhood. The BID weaves together three distinct areas in the 500 acres south of the National Mall: Federal Center South, housing 26 federal headquarters; the Southwest neighborhood, centered around the Waterfront Metrorail Station; and the transformational District Wharf development, located on the waterfront.

CHILDREN & YOUTH For Love of Children (FLOC) 1301 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-462-8686 floc.org

Provides educational services beyond the classroom to help students succeed

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RealTalk DC 651 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-543-9355 whitman-walker.org/youth-services

RealTalk DC is the main youth program of Whitman Walker, connecting youth 13-24 to free health resources, offering inclusive sexual education, HIV/STI and pregnancy testing and offering a safe place for self-expression. Youth Services are about education, prevention and helping youth understand health needs. They also offer regular game, trivia and movie nights. When it is open, no appointment is needed. Real Talk DC is temporarily closed during the pandemic. When it is open, regular hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Monday to Friday (except 6 p.m. second Friday of month). Sasha Bruce Youthwork (SBY) Sasha Bruce House Info: 202-675-9340 Emergency House: 202-547-7777 741 Eighth St. SE sashabruce.org

SBY is one of the largest and most experienced providers of services to youth in Washington, DC. SBY helps young people find safe homes, achieve and maintain good general and mental health, create and strengthen supportive and stable families, explore opportunities in education and careers and become tomorrow’s leaders. The Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League (SMYAL) 410 Seventh St. SE 202-546-5940, smyal.org supporterinfo@smyal.org

SMYAL supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Through youth leadership, SMYAL creates opportunities for LGBTQ youth to build self-confidence, develop critical life skills and engage their peers and community through service as well as safer sex outreach. For more information, email supporterinfo@smyal.org

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION Capitol Hill Community Foundation 419 East Capitol St. SE 202-544-1845 capitolhillcommunityfoundation.com info@capitolhillcommunityfoundation.org

CHCF draws on the generosity and idealism of the neighborhood to help build a stronger and more caring community, where every resident can share in a better future. An all-volunteer organization, the CHCF supports activities, projects and organizations that enrich the lives of residents and celebrate the history of the Capitol Hill community. Funded entirely by annual donations from Capitol Hill residents and businesses, the Foundation proudly directs

every dollar contributed to grants, more than $7 million since it was founded in 1989. CHCF has launched some major initiatives, including a thriving neighborhood history project, an awards program that honors individuals for distinguished service to the community and A Literary Feast, a series of literary-themed dinners that raises money for school initiatives. CHCF works with community partners in times of crisis. After the 2007 fire at Eastern Market, CHCF distributed nearly $500,000 in donations to merchants. In 2019, CHCF partnered with other community members and organizations to raise more than $333,000 to help the residents impacted by the 2018 Arthur Capper Senior Fire. In 2020, CHCF gave $100,00 in special grants to organizations helping to alleviate the effects of the pandemic on Hill residents.

HEALTH CARE Capital Breast Care Center (CBCC) 1000 New Jersey Ave. SE 202-784-2700 capitalbreastcare.georgetown.edu cbcc@georgetown.edu

The CBCC provides breast cancer screening services to women of the DC metropolitan area – regardless of the ability to pay – through patient guidance, clinical services such as exams and screening, community education workshops and research. CBCC relies on volunteers to help promote the health and wellness of DC women. Depending on the type of help you would like to offer, volunteers can work onsite or off-site, during regular office hours or on evenings or weekends. Capitol Hill Pregnancy Center (CHPC) 713 Maryland Ave. NE 202-546-1018 capitolhillpregnancycenter.org

The center provides free pregnancy tests and information on parenting, adoption, abortion and birth control with medical needs referrals. The center also offers prenatal and parenting classes; holds parent-

ing support meetings; and provides maternity clothes, baby clothes and equipment to those who need them. Donations of new or gently used infant and child items are always appreciated. CHPC offers many volunteer opportunities, from counselling and mentoring patients one-on-one and fundraising to sponsoring a baby shower or diaper drive, general office work and data entry. To sign up and find out more about the opportunities on offer, contact CHPC at 202-546-1018.

The nonprofit organization Serve Your City was created 12 years ago by Maurice Cook. Photo: Andrew Lightman

LIBRARY SUPPORT GROUPS (See page 58) MUTUAL AID Ward 6 Mutual Aid 202-683-9962 serveyourcity.com

Since March 2020, Serve Your City has served as the lead partner for Ward 6 Mutual Aid (W6MA), responding to the COVID-19 crisis by coordinating efforts among grassroots organizers, passionate volunteers, and community-based organizations that have been doing the work since long before the pandemic. With the motto, “we keep us safe,” the community provides food, supplies and assistance to neighbors in a wide variety of areas, from education, health and well-being to advocacy. If you wish to volunteer or need support through the COVID-19 crisis and beyond you can email Ward6MutualAid@gmail.com, or call the Ward 6 Mutual Aid hotline between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. at 202-683-9962. Get information on how to make in-kind or financial donations to the effort at ServeYourCityDC.com

NEIGHBORHOOD SUB-GROUPS Eastern Market Metro Community Association (EMMCA)

EMMCA promotes the civic interests and quality of life for residents who live near the Eastern Market Metro. This includes preserving the historic and aesthetic value of property, as well as presenting the views of EMMCA’s membership to government, public, private and other organizations. To subscribe to EMMCA MATTERS, send an email to marcihilt@aol.com Friends of Kingman Park Civic Association (FOKP) facebook.com/kingmanparkdc

FOKP meets monthly to serve, advocate for and foster community in the Kingman Park neighborhood of northeast DC. To join the FOKP listserv, please contact fokpcivic@ gmail.com, join on Facebook at https://www. facebook.com/kingmanparkdc or follow @ FOKPcivic on Twitter Near SE/SW Community Benefits Coordinating Council (CBCC) 400 I St. SW seswcbcc.org, info@seswcbcc.org

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The Capitol Hill BID’s Men In Blue augment DC services such as security, cleaning, and community outreach. Photo: Andew Lightman

and participates in negotiating ANC 6D community-benefits agreements. The mission is to pursue opportunities and mobilize stakeholders to strengthen schools, foster development of local business, and maximize diverse and affordable housing options. North Lincoln Park Neighborhood Association (NLPNA) 202-543-3512 chrs.org/north-lincoln-park-neighborhood-association, elizabeth_knits@ yahoo.com

NLPNA sponsors youth activities, neighborhood beautification projects and community-building activities. The Buzz newsletter, which informs residents of important happenings in the neighborhood, is suspended during the pandemic but copies of past issues are available at chrs.org/northlincoln-park-neighborhood-association Southwest Action www.swdcaction.com

A group of SW residents who organize and advocate for a more equitable, antiracist, and environmentally sustainable neighborhood. Meetings are usually the first Sunday of the month, starting at 12 p.m. Email swdcaction@gmail.com for the location or link for the meeting.

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group, is now the largest civic association on Capitol Hill, and one of the largest in DC. CHRS continues to play a key role in maintaining the integrity, history and appeal of the neighborhood that has been a diverse community for more than 200 years. CHRS provides guidance on historic preservation, zoning, large scale urban planning, traffic patterns, and environmental concerns. CHRS sponsors the annual Capitol Hill House and Garden Tour every Mother’s Day weekend and offers free lectures on topics in home restoration and repair. Their website includes a calendar of public events, plus posts on education, crimes, transportation, development, zoning and the environment—highlighting issues and providing advice on how you can help in the community.

Southwest Neighborhood Assembly P.O. Box 70131 Washington, DC 20024 202-320-4414 swdc.org, thesouthwester.com

Congressional Cemetery Association 1801 E St. SE 202-543-0539 congressionalcemetery.org staff@congressionalcemetery.org

An all-volunteer organization, SWNA sponsors issue-focused task forces that focus on emergency preparedness, education, youth, SW history, SW waterfront planning, transportation, parks & recreation and workforce development. SWNA hosts monthly community forums on the fourth Monday (except in July, August and December) at 7:00 p.m. to discuss topics of interest and concern to the community-at-large.

Established in 1807, the 35-acre Washington Parish Burial Ground is the resting place for nearly 70,000 members of Capitol Hill families. Now the oldest national cemetery in the United States, The Association for the Preservation of Historic Congressional Cemetery maintains and operates the cemetery, relying on hundreds of volunteers and generous donors to preserve this national historic and beautiful landmark. With over 22,000 obituaries on file for individuals from all walks of life buried within the grounds, Congressional Cemetery can tell the story of America from the Revolutionary War right through to today. When it is safe, free guided tours operate most Saturdays at 11 a.m. April through to November. Open from dawn to dusk every day, the grounds are a popular destination for many Hill residents to come together and walk their dogs in the more than 35 fenced, beautiful acres. Membership is required for dog-walking privileges and fees go directly back to funding the preservation of the cemetery. Check the website for COVID restrictions, hours and events.

PRESERVATION, HISTORY & DEVELOPMENT Capitol Hill Restoration Society (CHRS) 420 Tenth St. SE 202-543-0425 chrs.org, info@chrs.org

CHRS was founded in 1955, to promote, preserve, and enhance the historic neighborhood’s architectural and residential urban character. Due to the efforts of CHRS, Capitol Hill won designation as a historic district in 1976. CHRS, formed as a non-profit

Ruth Ann Overbeck Capitol Hill History Project 419 East Capitol St. SE Capitolhillhistory.org info@CapitolHillHistory.org

The Capitol Hill History Project aims to give our neighborhood a better knowledge of its past by collecting oral histories from longtime Capitol Hill residents and former residents, sponsoring lectures that explore the history of Capitol Hill and Washington, and promoting and publicizing its collection through its website, CapitolHillHistory.org. Contact them to receive email announcements of upcoming lectures, or at info@ CapitolHillHistory.org to recommend a neighbor to be interviewed or to volunteer your help.

SENIORS Capitol Hill Village 725 Eighth St. SE, 2nd Fl 202-543-1778 capitolhillvillage.org

Capitol Hill Village is a neighborhood nonprofit created to give senior residents of Capitol Hill both the practical means and the confidence to live their lives to the fullest in their own homes. Village members can access a range of professional and volunteer services as well as a variety of educational and social programs. CHV has a care services team that includes two social workers, and a cohort of trained volunteers. The Village sponsors many programs, lectures and other events such as recreational activities, from yoga to sporting events, theater outings, restaurant tasting parties and a monthly literacy club. Visit the website for more information on how to get involved or call the office at 202-543-1778 or email info@ capitolhillvillage.org Waterfront Village 607 Sixth Pl. SW 202-656-1834 dcwaterfrontvillage.org

Waterfront Village is a neighborhoodbased membership organization of paid staff, volunteers, and vendors supporting

Southwest Waterfront and Capitol Riverfront residents who wish to age in place. Services provided by the Village include telephone and in-home check-ins, drives to medical appointments, prescription and meal deliveries, Uber and taxi bookings. When it is safe, Waterfront Village offers a robust calendar of activities that offers at least one event per week. Check out the calendar, which also includes virtual events, at dcwaterfrontvillage.org.

SOCIAL SERVICES Community Action Group (CAG) 124 15th St. SE 202-543-4558 www.communityactiongroup.org

Established in 1988, serving more than 10,000 persons and families, CAG is a neighborhood non-profit organization providing holistic substance abuse DWI/DUI and extracurricular activities with a mission focusing on prevention, education and community engagement. The purpose of CAG is to create community partnerships in pursuing mutually beneficial goals for residents of DC. The Alumni Association is a major resource. The multi-purpose facility serves as a “hub” for educational, social, recreational, cultural and civic activities. Volunteers are welcome. Christ Episcopal Church Outreach 620 G St. SE 202-547-9300 washingtonparish.org/ministries/outreach

When it is safe, Christ Church offers a variety of outreach programs to help families and individuals of Capitol Hill, like making and distributing brown bag lunches for those in need and assisting with the Church of the Brethren Nutrition Program to provide more than 100 hot lunches a day. The church also works with other churches to support food bank programs for needy families in the Capitol Hill area and offers to pay for laundry services for the poor on the first Sunday of each month at Good Hope Laundromat.

Everyone Home DC 415 2nd Street NE, 3rd Floor 202-544-0631 everyonehomedc.org

Everyone Home DC provides lifechanging services, supporting the holistic needs of individuals and families at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness on Capitol Hill and across DC. It engages thousands of men, women, and children each year through its homelessness prevention, housing, day center, street and medical outreach, and supportive services. Founded by several Capitol Hill churches in 1967 as Capitol Hill Group Ministry and renamed Everyone Home DC in 2019, Everyone Home DC partners with a wide range of faith communities, civic groups, and concerned individuals of all backgrounds to serve the most vulnerable members of our community. To learn about the many ways to share your time and talents, visit www.everyonehomedc. org and follow @EveryoneHomeDC on your favorite socials (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn). Food Pantry, Lutheran Church of the Reformation 212 East Capitol St. NE 202-543-4200, reformationdc.org

The Food Pantry at the Lutheran Church of the Reformation has served neighbors for almost 30 years, distributing bags of groceries to families in need who live on Capitol Hill. Donations of food, time or money are appreciated. Contact Volunteer Coordinator Karen Carlson through the website, www.reformationdc.org/in-thecommunity to learn more. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church 301 A St. SE 202-543-0053 stmarks.net

The St. Mark’s Outreach Program has made a commitment to work with nine different local programs providing meals and assistance to families and individuals in need. For instance, volunteers prepare sandwiches in support of the Sunday Supper program. Check the website for ways you can contribute time. u FAGON GUIDE 2021

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spiritual Directory

Church of the Resurrection Seventh Day Adventist 501 E St. SE rezchurch.org Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 522 Seventh St. SE 202-547-8793 churchofjesuschrist.org Ebenezer United Methodist Church 400 D St. SE 202-544-1415 facebook.com/EbenezerUMCCapitolHill/

A celestial rainbow rises over Capitol Hill on April 11, 2021. Photo: Dan Teich

Brown Memorial AME Church 130 14th St. NE 202-543-0473 brownmemorialamec.org

Capitol Hill United Methodist 421 Seward Sq. SE 202-546-1000 chumc.net

Calvary Episcopal Church 820 Sixth St. NE 202-546-8011, calvarydc.net

Christ City Church 601 15th St. NE (in Miner ES) 202-854-8286 Christcitydc.org

Capitol Hill Baptist Church 525 A St. NE 202-543-6111 capitolhillbaptist.org Capitol Hill Presbyterian 201 Fourth St. SE 202-547-8676 capitolhillpreschurch.org Capitol Hill Seventh Day Adventist 914 Massachusetts Ave. NE 202-543-1344 capitolhillsdachurch.org

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Christ Episcopal Church on Capitol Hill 620 G St. SE 202-547-9300 washingtonparish.org Christ Our Shepherd Church 801 North Carolina Ave. SE 202-544-9599 christourshepherd.org Christ United Methodist Church 900 Fourth St. SW 202-554-9117, cumcdc.org

Graceway Baptist Church 921 Penn. Ave. SE (in the Hill Center) gracewaydc.com Greater People Union Baptist Church 1111 South Carolina Ave. SE 202-547-1301 gpubc.org Hill Havurah 212 East Capitol St. NE (at Lutheran Church of Reformation) 202-729-3515 hillhavurah.org Holy Comforter – St. Cyprian Catholic Church 1357 East Capitol St. SE 202-546-1885 hcscchurch.org Holy Name Catholic Church 920 11th St. NE 202-397-2525 holynameparishdc.org

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Redemption Hill Church 400 D St SE 202-543-2378 redemptionhilldc.org Riverside Baptist Church 699 Maine Ave. SW 202-554-4330 riversidedc.org St. Augustine Episcopal Church 555 Water St. SW 202-554-3222 staugustinesdc.org St. Benedict the Moor 320 21st St. NE 202-397-3895 stbenmoordc.com

Holy Comforter-St. Cyprian Catholic Church on East Capitol Street. Photo: Andrew Lightman

Holy Temple Church of Christ 439 12th St. SE 202-547-8365 htconline.org

Mt. Olive Baptist Church 1140 Sixth St. NE 202-544-6678 mtolivebaptistchurch-dc.com

Lane Memorial CME Church 1423 C St. NE (202) 547-0407 www.lanememorialdc.org

National Community Church 535 Eighth St. SE , 770 M Street SE (Entrance on 7th St) 202-544-0414 national.cc

Liberty Baptist Church 527 Kentucky Ave. SE 202-543-7894 libertybaptistchurchdc.org Lincoln Park United Methodist Church 1301 North Carolina Ave. NE 202-543-1318 lpumcdc.org Lutheran Church of the Reformation 212 East Capitol St. NE 202-543-4200 reformationdc.org Mt. Moriah Baptist Church 1636 East Capitol St. NE 202-544-5588 mountmoriahchurch.org

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New Hope Freewill Baptist Church 754 11th St. SE 202-547-2661 newhopefwbc.org

St. Dominic Church 630 E St. SW 202-554-7863 www.stdominicchurch.org St. Joseph’s Catholic Church 313 Second St. NE 202-547-1223 st-josephs.org St. Mark’s Episcopal Church 301 A St. NE 202-543-0053 stmarks.net St. Matthew’s, First Trinity Lutheran Church 222 M St. SE 202-737-4859 stmatthewsdc.org

Northeast Holy Trinity Church 709 Fourth St. NE 202-547-8252 neholytrinitychurch.org

St. Monica and St. James Episcopal Church 222 Eighth St. NE 202-481-0454 stmonica-stjames.org

Peace Baptist Church 712 18th St. NE 202-399-3450 pbc712.org

St. Peter’s Catholic Church 313 Second St. SE 202-547-1430 saintpetersdc.org

Pilgrim Baptist Church 700 I St. NE 202-547-8849 pilgrimbaptistdc.org

St. Vincent DePaul 14 M St. SE 202-488-1354 stvincentdepauldc.org

Sixth & I (eye) 600 I St. NW 202-408-3100 Sixthandi.org Tried Stone Church of Christ 417 Ninth St. SE 202-544-3471 triedstonechurch.org

Waterfront Church DC 100 K St. SE waterfrontchurchdc.com Westminster United Presbyterian Church 400 I St. SW 202-484-7700 westminsterdc.org u

Washington City Church of the Brethren 337 N. Carolina Ave. SE 202-547-5924 washingtoncitycob.org Washington Community Fellowship 907 Maryland Ave. NE 202-543-1926 wcfchurch.org

TELL OUR ADVERTISERS YOU SAW THEM IN THE GUIDE! Christ Our Shepherd Church (N Carolina at Eighth). Photo: E. O’Gorek FAGON GUIDE 2021

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YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD ROOFER Owner Tom Daniel, outside the original location of the family roofing business at 306 Independence Ave., S.E.

Serving Capitol Hill For Nearly 100 Years FAMILY HISTORY As one of the first (and most likely THE first) roofing companies actually located in Capitol Hill, Daniel Roof ing has maintained its values since it was founded in the early 1920’s. By providing outstanding roofing jobs and the best customer service the results are lasting; three gen erations of the Daniel roofing family have serviced thou sands of Capitol Hill homeowners in nearly 100 years and most of the business is from repeat customers. As stated by Tom Daniel, Owner and General Manager, “The absolute most important thing is to have happy cus tomers. Everyone says that; but I firmly believe the cus tomer has to be treated fairly, with respect and open and honest communication.” The family business was established in Capitol Hill, at 3rd and Independence Ave. S.E, by Tom Daniel’s great grandfather, Thomas, who also lived at the same location. After many years, Robert Daniel, Tom’s father, took over the business from his grandfather. For nearly 60 years

Robert greatly enhanced the services and increased the number of customers. Now, Tom Daniel, Owner and Gen eral Manager of R. Thomas Daniel Roofing, continues the family tradition in the roofing business in Capitol Hill. While providing quality roofing services the Daniel fam ily remains committed to active involvement in the Capi tol Hill community by sponsoring numerous neighbor hood organizations including: Capitol Hill Community Foundation Capitol Hill Restoration Society Capitol Hill Village Maury Elementary School Look to us for ALL your roofing needs including: Leak repairs and roof coating/painting Roof replacement for all roofs including flat roofs, sloped roofs, turret roofs Skylight repair and replacement Gutters and spouts Brick/masonry work

CALL OR EMAIL US NOW FOR YOUR FREE INSPECTION!

202.569.1080 202.544.4430 tom@rthomasdanielroofing.com www.rthomasdanielroofing.com 084

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homes & gardens

The 100-block of North Carolina Ave. SE has many beautiful gardens. Photo: Melissa Ashabranner

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Capitol Hill’s Curb Appeal BY RINDY O’BRIEN

Our Small Front Yards Create the First Impression

T The giraffe at the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and 10th Street, NE, wears a mask during the pandemic to the delight of the little ones. Photo: Rindy O’Brien

he home and garden experts call it curb appeal. It is the impression a home makes before someone steps through the front door. On Capitol Hill, our front yards come in many different shapes and sizes, as do our historic houses. Some are elevated with steps up from the sidewalk before the yard plateaus. Others are level and usually the front yard is differentiated from the public side-walk by iron fences and gates. But however they are situated, Capitol Hill’s front yards reflect the many different styles of their residents.

THE HISTORICAL APPROACH The little postage stamp front yards of Capitol Hill homes are unique and distin-guished by the masterful ability of Hill gardeners to combine traditional garden plants with new natural plants. The gardens are treasured because they are small enough to easily manage without breaking the bank on

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plant purchases. In pandemic days, the front yards also have become expanded living spaces allowing friends and neighbors to socialize outside at a safe distance. Part of the beauty of Hill gardens is the number of mature trees, some over a hundred years old, that define the front yards. Large oak, elm and flowering trees were planted decades ago to provide shade to cool Hill homes during the hot summers. They also provide a focal point to the yard. Looking at it more broadly, Casey Trees, a citywide urban forestry nonprofit, and Trees on the Hill, a local volunteer group that assists homeowners in planting trees, and homeowners’ have created a dense and ecological tree canopy for the entire neighborhood. Twenty-first century homeowners are rethinking the type of trees to plant in their Hill gardens given the changing climate conditions in the DC area. Looking to the south, trees that are more drought resistant are being planted, like sugar gum, hollies and magnolias. Other trees to consider are American hornbeam, black gum, overcup oak, and yellowwood.

THE NATURALIZED LOOK There are only a few front yard gardens that are grassy lawns on Capitol Hill (these are usu-

Capitol Hill front yards can create a dramatic entry to your home like this one on Maryland Avenue. Photo: Rindy O’Brien

Trees add a lot of value to a front yard. Flowering trees like the mediumsized dogwood are perfect for our small front yards. Photo: Rindy O’Brien

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Yard signs have become the new trend in Capitol Hill front yards. The signs started with a series of Dr. Martin Luther King sayings after the presidential election in 2016 and also promote DC Statehood and freeing the Capitol from it’s seven-foot fence. Photo: Rindy O’Brien

ally on the diagonal streets that run through the Hill). Many Hill front gardens mimic English Cottage gardens, full of Victorian urns and the Vic-torian gazing globes. These yards feature ivy, roses, and traditional flowers like dahlias, verbena, and petunias. Often the garden will have a variety of herbs that winter over and spread each summer. The size of the front gardens make this style very achievable. English garden design also features evergreen shrubs, boxwoods, and holly shrubs. They make a beautiful border for the garden, and they look good year round. Shrubs can get tall, but usually do not have the deep roots that a tree does, which sometimes can be destructive to sidewalks and home foundations. Other gardeners are selecting grasses that add height to their gardens and fo-cusing on native flowers like columbine, violets, salvia, bee balm, cone flowers, and milkweed. Plants, shrubs and certain trees also have elements that can benefit pollinators (birds, bees, butterflies) and wildlife. Often the native plants thrive because they acclimate better to the DC temperatures, and require less maintenance. An added benefit to the grasses is they can turn bright red or golden yellow in the fall, adding year round color. Daffodils are common on the Hill thanks to the Capitol Hill Garden Club distrib-uting thousands of daffodil bulbs to Hill homeowners and businesses over the years, a project begun by Lady Bird Johnson. Cherry blossoms,

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dogwood trees, tulips, phlox, crocus, and Lenten roses all help move the Hill from the muted tones of winter to the joyous beauty of spring.

THE ARTY FOCUS Many Hill homeowners use sculpture as the central focus of the front garden, so many in fact, that the Capitol Hill Restoration Society (www.CHRS.org) has de-veloped a walking tour that goes past dozens of pieces of yard art. The compact deer at the Deer House at 712 East Capitol St. NE, currently on the market, has captured the imagination of many a child over the years. Two blocks down the street is a reindeer, built like a Trojan horse, made by a local artist. But towering over all the garden statues is the giraffe at the corner of 10th and Massachusetts Avenue, N.E. The bronze giraffe was brought back from South Africa, after its owners returned from international development work (the giraffe has been good about wearing its mask during the pandemic). In addition to the animal and art statues, yard signs have become a way to em-phasize the values and interests of residents and the community. The newest ones are signs of the time, calling for the end of fencing around the Capitol, and DC Statehood. Many Black Lives Matter signs can be seen in gardens, in win-dows, and even in banner size messages across the front of homes. The yard signs often

appear to be a temporary installation in the garden, but along North Carolina Avenue and other streets, the signs fea-turing Martin Luther King quotes have real staying power.

outdoor shop can help you find the right size grill or patio furniture and there are many landscape designers that can help you redesign your garden.

MORE THAN A GARDEN

Nothing is worse then walking down a Capitol Hill street and seeing a front yard that is neglected or having to duck under branches hanging over the sidewalk. Homeowners can be ticketed and fined for such neglect. A good rule is to keep your garden inside your yard. If your sidewalk tree box needs attention, you can call 311 to ask for assistance. Watering the garden is also essential to keeping the front yards fresh and protecting your investment in plants. Plants that are in containers or in hanging pots dry out faster than

The pandemic has motivated Hill residents rethinking their traditional gardens and adding hardscapes to create special seating and living spaces. Even the tiniest spaces can be configured to include a small table and chairs out to allow for socially distanced chats with friends and neighbors. Outdoor living spaces can increase the value of your home and they can be beautiful when balanced with flowers, plants, and trees. It also a healthy decision since being outdoors helps reduce stress and may even improve cognitive skills. Fragers

MAINTAINING EYE APPEAL

Ben and Barbi Kasoff created a living space in their front yard at the Lincoln Park Condominiums this summer. Photo: Rindy O’Brien

plants in the clay soil. During hotter days, with tempera-tures reaching into the high 90s or higher, homeowners should check daily to see if there is a need to water. Charles Hudman, owner and landscape designer of Surroundings on Capitol Hill, recommends putting in an irrigation system when you update your garden. “Plants should be hydrated on a daily basis for approximately 30 minutes a day, so putting in an irrigation system that can do the work for you, makes a lot of sense,” says Charles. Water collection from the rain is also a great way to help the environment and your pocketbook. DC homeowners can get a rebate to install rain barrels on their property through the River Smart Homes project. Before you work on your garden, walk around the neighborhood and do some detective work. A plant that is thriving in a neighbor’s space will probably do well in your yard, and one that is struggling may not be a smart choice. The US Botanical Garden and the US National Arboretum are also excellent resources for information on plants. Curators can help you determine the size, pruning requirements, and other maintenance issues about specific plants. A common mistake is planting trees that will grow way too large for the front yard space. Contact a landscape garden expert to help you grow your garden or put in an outdoor living space. Shopping locally at garden centers like Fragers Garden Center, Gingko Gardens, W.S. Jenks & Son’s rooftop garden, and vendors at Eastern Market will help you select plants, pots, and artistic elements to make your front yard the talk of the Hill. Rindy O’Brien is an avid gardener, photographer and freelance writer. She and her husband are long-time residents of the Hill. u FAGON GUIDE 2021

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Garden Resources LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS (Due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, some of the events, meetings and general access to these resources may be affected. Please check with the organizations for the latest information.) Capitol Hill Garden Club capitolhillgardenclub.org This non-profit brings together people interested in gardening, landscaping and the environment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the club continues its monthly meetings through ZOOM. The organization enjoys lectures, demonstrations, workshops and tours, and contribute

to garden and beautification projects throughout the neighborhood, including the distribution of daffodil bulbs for planting in public areas. Excellent way to network with fellow gardeners.

moon hikes once a month, and sends an electronic newsletter that highlights what is in bloom at the Arboretum, as well as updates onthe Bald Eagles, Mr. President and the First Lady.

Casey Trees 3030 12th St. NE 202-833-4010 caseytrees.org A citywide urban forestry nonprofit, Casey Trees restores, enhances and protects the tree canopy of our nation’s capital. Subscribe to their e-newsletter, the Leaflet, at caseytrees.org/getupdates for weekly watering alerts during the spring and summer to inform residents when it’s vital to water and care for young trees in D.C. Want to plant a tree on your D.C. property? Casey Trees offers a few options: do it yourself and get a rebate for up to $100; they’ll plant a free tree for you. Casey Trees also plants commemorative trees to honor or celebrate people that have touched your life. It also holds an annual tree advocate workshop to train tree advocates.

Trees for Capitol Hill (TFCH) treesforcapitolhill.org mark@treesforcapitolhill.org TFCH is a non-profit community group dedicated to restoring the tree canopy of the Capitol Hill neighborhood. Volunteers work to help renew, restore and refresh the diversity of trees that make Capitol Hill so pleasantly green. TFCH organizes a day of tree planting each year, typically the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Visit treesforcapitolhill.org to learn more or to donate.

2020 marked the celebration of the U.S. Botanic Garden’s bicentennial year in partnership with the Smithsonian and showcased its largest specialty. Photo: USBG

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Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA) 3501 New York Ave. NE 202-544-8733 fona.org FONA programs include the Washington Youth Garden, and Dinner Under the Stars in June. The non-profit provides research grants to The federal arboretum, and helps provide educational and recreational activities like Forest Bathing workshops,

Lincoln Park Urn Project – P.L.A.N.T.S. P.L.A.N.T.S. (People Living Actively Near Their Site) is a volunteer group that plant and maintain the urns in Lincoln Park. The National Park Service provide the soil and volunteers supply the plants, changing the urns seasonally. Frager’s Hardware and Ginkgo Gardens have supplied discounts to volunteers in the project. Volunteers must carry water to the park due to lack of a water supply. Urns are available. Contact Jamesvgrimaldi@ gmail.com if interested.

COMMUNITY GARDENS The community gardens of Capitol Hill were founded by groups of residents, some working together with the District Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and some operated solely by groups of neighbors. Located in parks, near schools or on interior lots, most or all have waiting lists. To get on the list or check availability for a lot at a particular site, visit the website or email the listed contact. • 1200 Potomac Avenue Community Garden Association. Corner of 12th & Potomac Ave., SE. 23 plots

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Membership Fee $50. For info, or to see if plots are available, contact: marcihilt@aol.com 13th Street Community Park and Garden. 13th at C Street SE. 10 plots. 13thstreetgarden.org. Waiting list, assignments in March. Visit website to be added. Green SEED Community Garden. Alley lot between 17th, 18th, D and E Streets SE. 75 plots. Greenseed. org. One year waiting list, garden is child-friendly by design. Email to join list: info@greenseedgarden.org Hilton Community Garden. 6th St. between Constitution and C NE. 35 plots. 10+ year waiting list (really!). $20 initiation fee; annual dues vary according to plot size. Capitol Hill’s oldest community garden. Info: mary. lifcher@gmail.com Hill East Community Garden. between C St., D St, 17th and 18th Streets SE. 36 plots. hilleastgarden. org. 5 year+ waiting list; sign up on website, email: board@hilleastgarden.org Kingman Park/Rosedale Community Garden. 20th, 21st, D, and E Streets NE. 16 plots. kprgarden.org. kpgcoordinators@gmail.com King’s Court Community Garden. King’s Court Alley (center 200 block of 14th and 15th Streets SE). 30 plots, waiting list. email: Margaret. mook@gmail.com. $50 annual fee Pomegranate Alley Community Garden. 911 11th St. SE (Behind Ginkgo Gardens). 20 plots, various sizes. Waiting list. $1/sq foot annual rent. email: mark@GinkgoGardens. com, call 202-543-5172 or visit Ginkgo Gardens

The DPR Community Gardens program operates at multiple locations within the District. Three lots are maintained in Ward 6 thanks to a dual effort by DPR staff and D.C. citizens. To sign up or learn more, contact Joshua.Singer@ dc.gov, email the listed organizer or visit dpr.dc.gov/page/dpr-community-gardens • Lovejoy Community Garden. 12th & E Streets NE. 18 plots. Gardeners must live within four blocks in any direction. Waiting list. $25. lovejoygarden@gmail.com

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Southwest Community Gardens. Lansburgh Park (K Street & Delaware Avenue SW). 32 plots, 10 communal. swgardens.org. SW residents have priority. Waiting list. Email: swgardensdc@gmail. com Virginia Avenue Community Garden. 9th & L Streets SE (in Virginia Avenue Park). 80 plots. $.75/sqft. Waiting list. Email: Commgarden@yahoo. com

GARDEN CENTERS Frager’s Garden Center 1123-1129 Pennsylvania Ave. SE Foliage by Frager’s 1123 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-543-6157 www.fragersdc.com In the fall, huge oakleaf hydrangea blossoms line the antique wrought iron fence at Hill Center on The long-time Capitol Hill hardCapitol Hill. ware store’s Garden Center also operates Foliage by Frager’s, a boutique indoor garden center center also does on-site consultations, carry-ing items for atriums and indoor and provides landscaping and design gardening. Indoor pots and specialty potservices. It is open seven days a week. tery, small bagged goods and pesticides Gingko Gardens also provides landscapcan be found in the 900 square-foot ing services, as well. Masks required interior space as well as small tools and following the Dis-tricts COVID-19 decorative items. Frager’s Lawn and Garprotocols. den Center, a 4000 square-foot outdoor space behind 1123-1129 Pennsylvania W.S. Jenks & Son Ave. SE, offers garden supplies, including 910 Bladensburg Rd. NE live plants, larger bagged merchandise 202-529-6020, www.wsjenks.com like soil and ferti-lizer, large planting pots, The garden section has gardening tools, and seasonal items such as holiday trees potting soil and pots, pest control, lawn and decorations. Grills and patio furniture care products and much more. The store can now be found at Frager’s Hardware stocks a variety of hardware and machinstore at 1115 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. ery, including lawn mowers. The roof top Customers without cars can borrow garden is open Tuesday through Sunday loaner carts to get large items home with and is staffed by Culti-vate City garden ease. Shoppers must mask following the experts. Masks required while shopping. Districts COVID-19 protocols. Ginkgo Gardens 911 11th St. SE 202-543-5172, ginkgogardens.com Ginkgo Gardens has an excellent variety of plants, shrubs and trees and carries high quality and new species of plants. It has a great inventory of houseplants, pots, and garden accessories. The

GOVERNMENT RESOURCES Department of Energy and Environment 1200 First St. NE 202-535-2600, www.doee.dc.gov The Department of Energy and EnvironFAGON GUIDE 2021

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the Director of the National Park Service (NPS) to enter into cooperative management agreements (CMA) with the District for the operation, maintenance, and management of NPS-owned properties in DC. Urban Forestry Division – District Department of Transportation 55 M St. SE, Suite 400 202-673-6813 www.ddot.dc.gov The primary mission of the Urban Forestry Division (UFD) is to keep the District’s tree canopy healthy, safe and growing. UFD performs tree services such as dealing with emergency downed trees, removal of diseased trees, pruning, and planting of new trees. Call 311 for emergency services for downed trees. Visit ddot.dc.gov/page/ddot-urban-forestry to learn more about its work, tree regulations and standards and specifications for the District.

Early blooms on a nectarine tree. Photo: Thomas Landscape Design

ment (DOEE) is the key government agency on issues related to the environment, recycling, toxics, pollution and water quality. It offers environmental education programs, leads Anacostia River clean up, and provides free home energy and radon audits. It provides several green incentives, including rebates for installation of rain barrels, shade trees, rain gardens, native plant gardens, permeable pavers and re-vegetation through the RiverSmart Home program, as well as rebates for green roofs and discounts on the DOEE Stormwater fee (on your DC Water bill) in return for installing green infrastructure. See also: Casey Trees National Park Service – Capitol Hill National Capital Parks East 1900 Anacostia Drive SE 202-690-5185 www.nps.gov/cahi The National Park Service manages Folger, Lincoln, Stanton and Marion Parks. Other outdoor spaces include Eastern Market and Potomac Avenue Metro stations, Seward Square, Twining Square, the Maryland Avenue Triangles and 59 triangle parks established under the L’Enfant plan. However, legislation passed by Congress in 2019 provides authorization for

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US Botanic Garden & Capitol Grounds 100 Maryland Ave. SW 202-225-8333 www.usbg.gov Founded in 1820, this living museum and garden has been offering virtual tours of its 60,000 plants online during the pandemic. The institution is dedicated to demonstrating the aesthetic, cultural, economic, therapeutic and ecological importance of plants to the well-being of humans, it hosts a number of classes and programs for children and school groups as well as workshops for adults. USBG also cultivates a collection of plants, displaying these as part of educational programs for the public and Congress, and fosters plant sustainabil-ity and conservation. Volunteers are welcome and continue to work in the gardens during the shutdown. Check website for instructions to volunteer, and for future events once COVID protocols allow and the Garden reopens. US National Arboretum 3501 New York Ave. NE 202-245-4523 www.usna.usda.gov The Arboretum is open daily from 8:00 to 5:00 p.m. except for December 25. The Arboretum contains the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum, 446 acres of trees and plants as well as over nine miles of roads and trails. The Washington Youth Garden has taught urban children the joy of cultivation for over 40 years. The new interactive Arboretum Botanical Explorer (ABE) map helps you find benches, plants and more. The Arboretum is also a great place to walk dogs (leash required). Tours are available. Unfortunately, the National Bonsai Museum is closed currently due to COVID-19. The R Street entrance closes to automobiles at 2:00 p.m. but visitors can still access the Arboretum through the New York Avenue entrance. Check their website before going. u

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Top 6 Permitting Tips

he Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) is one of the larger departments in District government and its work affects almost every DC resident. DCRA issues business licenses and building permits; conducts inspections; enforces building, housing, and safety codes; regulates land use and development; and protects consumers. Led by Director Ernest Chrappah and Deputy Director Shirley Kwan-Hui, the agency was directed by Mayor Muriel Bowser to transform its services to give customers an experience that is more efficient and user friendly. As part of DCRA’s Five Year Stragic Plan, the agency has just launched two very useful tools. First, if you are looking for a contractor for a project or renovation, use DCRA’s new Contractor Rating System. It allows residents and businesses owners to pick a contractor for a particular project using a five-star rating system. The DCRA Contractor Rating System encompasses District-licensed building professionals who have completed permitted projects within the last three years. Currently phase one covers Architects and Interior Designers, General Contractors, and Home Improvement Contractors. Phase two will include Electricians; Plumbers, Gasfitters and Sprinklers; and Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Mechanics. The final phase will include the addition of Permit Expediters and Professional Engineers, at which time the system will be complete. This phased approach allows users to make suggestions for improvements and update their website information and photographs prior to including subsequent professional types. The goal is to arm residents and businesses with the information they need to hire licensed building professionals with proven track records, thus reducing the likelihood of having

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to deal with a problematic contractor. Next, the new DCRA Permit Wizard can help you determine what type of permit you need. This customer-friendly application modernizes the way our customers start their residential building projects. Customers are guided through a series of questions, and the Permit Wizard will identify the permits needed for the entire project – customers no longer have to know permit types in advance. In addition, the Permit Wizard will advise the customer of the need for additional required documentation and issues involving their property without having to meet with DCRA staff over the phone or in person. Finally, the Permit Wizard informs applicants of anticipated inspections that need to be scheduled. Currently, the Permit Wizard is only for one- and two-family structures, but DCRA will add more permit categories in the future.

SIX PERMITTING TIPS Generally, a permit is required for any new construction unless classified as exempt under Title 12A of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (DCMR). Most new residential and commercial construction requires a building permit as well as building plans during submission. The building plans must be designed to the current building code and local design criteria. A site plan may also be necessary based on the land disturbance activity of the property construction. Here are six things that everybody should be aware of before coming to DCRA for any type of permit. 1. Many permits for small home improvements can be obtained online by using the new DCRA Permit Wizard. 2. Any time construction work involves occupying the public space (sidewalk, public street and alley), you must get a public space permit from the DC Department of Transporta-

tion (DDOT) before a DCRA permit can be issued. Any construction that takes place beyond the authorized construction hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. requires an After-Hours permit that must be approved by DCRA. Anyone can check any property restrictions on an address prior to applying for a permit by using SCOUT located on DCRA website. The Online Resources page gives District residents access to information about permits issued, illegal construction, violations, inspections and vacant building data. Anyone can check eRecords for construction permit documents involving structural support or an adjoining property (land, building or structure) requiring Neighbor Notification. Scout allows residents the option to track their permit applications by providing the Application ID or property address. You can also see how other government agencies are involved in permitting process by using the DCRA Agency Dashboard. This will allow you to see how each agency and the customer contributes to the timeline for issuing a permit.

Remember, when hiring licensed professionals and permit expediters you can confirm that they are properly licensed or registered with DCRA if they are receiving compensation. This information is validated in both permit applications, permit wizard and citizens portal. You can also use Scout before hiring such professionals to validate their license. This helps to protect you from fraud and potential noncompliance.

MORE ABOUT DCRA In fiscal year 2020, DCRA approved 30,128 business licenses, issued 7,252 professional licenses and processed 14,658 corporations coming into the District. In addition, DCRA issued 54,380 permits to individuals and business

Tips for Better Capitol Hill Building Projects

apitol Hill is a brick-andmortar reflection of 200 years of neighborhood life. Since 1976, buildings within the Capitol Hill Historic District (CHHD) have been protected by the Historic Preservation Law, the review process of the DC Historic Preservation Review Board, and by the decisions of thousands of residents and business owners who have worked to preserve and enhance our neighborhood. Those parts of Capitol Hill beyond the boundaries of the CHHD are also historic and worthy of attention and concern. All plans for new construction, exterior alteration, demolition and/or subdivision require a building permit. Since building permits for both interior and exterior work are issued by the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA), you will find guidance and forms on their website: www.dcra. dc.gov. For projects within the Historic District, you should first share your proposed plans with the professionals in the city’s Historic Preservation Office (202-442-8800). Their website is http://planning.dc.gov/hp; their help is invaluable and there is no cost to you.

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Some tips to help make renovation and construction projects easier for you and your neighbors:

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Discuss your plans with neighbors who might be affected by your project. Having their support can be helpful in the review process. Consider consulting an architect who is familiar with the Capitol Hill Historic District. This is not required, but a

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professional’s knowledge can be very helpful with design decisions and in the review process. Understand the style and period of your house. Study the neighborhood carefully, looking at original features and patterns before considering any modifications or replacements to your building. The Guidelines on Styles and other topics on the Capitol Hill Restoration Society (CHRS) website, www.chrs.org, can be helpful. Familiarize yourself with the zoning regulations affecting your property. Zoning regulations control lot coverage, setbacks and allowed uses. For zoning information, contact the Office of Zoning at dcoz.dc.gov. Consider removing inappropriate elements that may have been added over the years so as to restore architectural integrity to your building. If your property is within the CHHD, consult the Historic Preservation Office (HPO) for approval before any removal or demolition. Replacing windows and doors within the CHHD requires HPO approval. Good basic maintenance and repair work to original doors and windows is always preferred and is more environmentally friendly. Installation of storm windows does not require a permit. Repointing mortar and stripping paint from brick facades require a permit so that the Historic Preservation Office staff can be sure proper materials and techniques will be used, protecting the physical integrity of the building. Keep unpainted brick and stone unpainted. Although the application of paint to unpainted and painted rowhouses does not require a permit, retaining exposed brick and stone

owners. That number includes building permits, Certificates of Occupancy and Home Occupation Permits. DCRA remains fully operational, but our office located at 1100 4th Street SW is unavailable to the public for in-person services due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the meantime, we are encouraging residents and businesses to use our online services. Should you have any questions about how to use any of our services online, please use the live chat

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surfaces highlights original construction materials and techniques and dramatically decreases exterior maintenance costs over time. Paint will not solve (and can even exacerbate) masonry problems. Renovations often require increased electric service, resulting in very large utility boxes. Electric and gas meters should be placed where they are not visible to public view. The Historic Preservation Office staff can help find the best location if consulted early in the planning process. Remember that the front gardens of Capitol Hill are generally in public space (owner controlled but city owned and not taxed). These should be maintained as a garden space with a minimum of hardscape. Fences, walls, steps, porches and walks in the public space require permits. Think about what you can do during the construction process to make life easier for your neighbors. For example, control dust as much as possible; have dumpsters emptied frequently and removed as soon as possible. Remember, work is allowed from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., six days a week , but never on Sunday.

Approaching this process with as much knowledge as possible will help you make better decisions, save money and time, and know that the resulting changes to your historic property will be an asset to you and to the community. Volunteers at CHRS are happy to provide advice to property owners both within and beyond the boundaries of the Historic District. For more information, contact them at CapHRS@aol.com; 202-543-0425. u

feature on our website, call us at 202-442-4400 during normal business hours (Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. EST), or email us any time at dcra@dc.gov. To learn more about DCRA, visit the website at DCRA.dc.gov. Also, connect with DCRA on social media by liking the agency on Facebook and following DCRA on Twitter, Instagram and Linkedin. u

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It’s Like a in a Haystack

Needle

Finding A Roof Leak Is An Extraordinary Challenge BY TOM DANIEL

ow hard is it to find a needle in a haystack? Well, haystacks are big so finding a tiny needle in one is REALLY hard! The origin of the phrase is nearly 500 years old and is credited to Sir Thomas More (Lord High Chancellor to England and Henry VIII) in a work of his from 1532; “To go looking for a needle in a meadow.” So, it’s been a challenge for many years. It is still a challenge today in the world of roofing. Trying to find a roof leak can be like trying to find a needle in a haystack or a needle in a meadow. How so? First, a roof is big, second, a roof may have many penetrations which can be a leak source (think chimneys, skylights, roof vents, etc.), so you see where this is headed. We know how difficult emotionally it can be for our customers with leaky roofs,

A deteriorating chimney.

r filled

Gutte

s and

ave with le

water

A broken seal on a vent pipe

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and that it can be a financial drain, so the role of a roofer is a serious undertaking. We know that if you have a leaky roof, the heart of your house is in critical condition and you need to find the leak and fix it fast before needing significant repairs both inside and outside the house. Did you know that mold can grow on damp surfaces within 24 to 48 hours? And the longer the roof leaks, the higher your cost will be when you have it repaired (in terms of both roofing damage and internal damage to your walls, ceilings and floors). There are many signs that you may have a leaky roof, but the hardest part of fixing a roof leak may be locating the problem! Let’s provide some details and tips for you to consider in this situation. If your roof is leaking right now and you know it, you can go into the attic (if you can access it) with a flashlight and some chalk to mark with while Tom Daniel masked-up and practicing social distancing on the roof (we use this pracit’s raining, or snow and ice is melting. A word tice with our co-workers and customers). of caution though; if there is no flooring step carefully from joist to joist (if you step between the joists, you might put a foot through the There are more signs but we’ll manage with what we ceiling or worse). Ideally though, it’s best to get a roofing have here. Once you’ve observed one of the leaking signs and professional over there as quickly as possible. you are in your attic, look for damp spots on the underside of the roof and mark with chalk. Also, look for a thin stream HOW TO KNOW IF YOUR ROOF IS LEAKING of water flowing down one of the rafters. Follow the water CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING: uphill until the area is no longer wet. It is not uncommon for roof leaks to start high and for water to travel down rafters 1. Interior paint bubbling or peeling during hard rains. or drywall before dripping through the ceiling or running 2. Dripping sounds inside the walls or ceiling. down a wall. If water is not visible on any wood, look for 3. Damp spots around interior air vents, fireplaces or water running down pipes that penetrate the roof and look skylights. for water around the chimney. 4. Moist drywall or paint around light fixtures or elecPlease note though that the actual leak itself on the trical outlets. roof may be several feet (or more) away because the water 5. Water stains or damp spots on your ceiling. can be diverted from the actual source of the leak. So you 6. Water stains or damp spots on rafters or wood can try this DIY method of finding your leak. However, we sheathing in the attic. do this work for our career and livelihood, so if you don’t 7. Peeling paint or rotten wood under roof eaves. want to do any of this find-it-yourself roof leaks, contact a 8. A musty house smell, especially in the attic. roofing contractor as soon as possible. Remember, leaks 9. Clogged or loose gutters or downspouts. only get worse and quick action is the way to go. 10. Cracked glass or broken seals on skylights. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

Damp or wet insulation. Insulation deteriorates more quickly than wood. Curling or buckling shingles on your roof. Loose shingles or slate tiles laying in your yard. Loose or exposed nails on your roof. An ice dam in winter An ice dam forms as a ridge of ice along the lower level (eave) of your roof and prevents melting snow (higher up on the roof) from flowing past the dam. Water then pools above the ice when melting and leaks into your roof.

Tom Daniel is owner of R. Thomas Daniel Roofing, LLC and is the third-generation of the Daniel family to provide roofing services to Capitol Hill homeowners over a span of nearly 100 years. Tom was born in Capitol Hill and supports numerous community organizations. For help with all your roofing needs, he can be reached at 202-569-1080, or tom@ rthomasdanielroofing.com. u

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Directory

A Capitol Hill front yard comes into bloom with sunflowers. Photo: Love and Carrots.

ADDRESS NUMBERS Monumental Graphics 202-251-7980 mongraphicsdc.com

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING Al’s Twin Air 202-621-9078 ataservices1.com

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Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating 202-333-1310 polarairconditioning.com see ad on pg. 3, 99 Sila Heating & Air Conditioning 202-338-9400, sila.com see ad on pg. 100

APPLIANCE REPAIR Woodland Appliances Repair, LLC 202.640.2178 woodlandappliancerepair.com see ad on pg. 99

C A P I TA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S . C O M

ARCHITECTS

CARPET CLEANING

Brittingham Architecture 1134 C St. NE 202-422-7372 Brittinghamarchitecture.com

Woven History 311-315 Seventh St. SE 202-543-1705 wovenhistory.com see ad on pg. 139

Lawlor Architects 120 Fourth St. SE 202-543-4446 lawlorarchitects.com Wentworth Studio 8555 Connecticut Ave. NW 240-383-1226 wentworthstudio.com

CLEANING (HOUSE) A Cleaning Service, Inc. 703-892-8648 acleaningserviceinc.com

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Maid Pro 202-399-3090 maidpro.com/capitolhill see ad on pg. 101

Joel Truitt Builders 202-547-2707 Joeltruittbuilders.com see ad on pg. 101

Natalia’ Cleaning 240-481-9683

LGM Home Improvements 571-437-4696 lgmhomeimprovements.com

Standard Cleaning Service 703-719-9850 standardcleaning.com

CONTRACTORS – HOME IMPROVEMENT Buffalo Company, LLC 703-786-3863 buffalocompanyusa.com Eddie Construction 202-247-0104 F&C Home Improvement, 202-492-9513, fcimprovements.com John Himchak Construction 202-528-2877 J.F. Meyer Construction 202-965-1600, jfmeyer.com see ad on pg. 101

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Old English Construction 202-926-7511 oldenglishconstruction.com R.W. Enterprize 301-929-0664 Renaissance Development 202-547-2345, rendevdc.com see ad on pg. 102 Sestak Remodeling 202-528-9606 sestakremodeling.com see ad on pg. 107 Wentworth Studio 8555 Connecticut Ave. NW 240-383-1226 wentworthstudio.com

DESIGN/BUILD Joel Truitt Builders 734 Seventh St. SE 202-547-2707 Joeltruitt.com see ad on pg. 101

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Capitol Hill

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734 7th St. SE o: 202.547.2707 f: 202.547.1977 info@joeltruitt.com joeltruitt.com Whole house restoration/ remodeling, design & build, additions, porches, decks, kitchen, bath, basements, cabinets & built-ins, counter tops and window & door restoration or replacement. Work is done in our shop or from quality manufactured sources appropriate to your building.

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Porch-front living on Kentucky Ave, SE. Photo: Victor Romero

The Kitchen Company 202-246-4206 the-kitchen-co.com Lawlor Architects 120 Fourth St. SE 202-543-4446 lawlorarchitects.com Sundance Contracting LLC 202-547-4483 sundancecontracting.com see ad on pg. Inside Cover Thomas Design Consultants 301-642-5182 thomasdesignconsultants.com see ad on pg. 103 Wentworth Studio 240-383-1226 wentworthstudio.com

ELECTRICAL Wilcox Electric 202-546-1010 wilcox-electric.com see ad on pg. 103

FLOORS Heritage Wood Floors 301-855-3006 Residential Floors 301-990-7775 residentialfloors.com

FRAMING – PICTURE Capitol Hill Frame & Photo 645 Pennsylvania Ave SE 202-547-2100, chframe.com see ad on pg. 103, 135 Frame of Mine 545 Eighth St. SE 202-543-3030 frameofminedc.com see ad on pg. 103 Newman’s Gallery & Custom Frames 513 11th St. SE 202-544-7577, newmangallery.com

GUTTERS Boyd Construction 202-223-ROOF (7663) boydconstructionco.com see ad on pg. 27, 93, 113

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Building Smart from the Start

Interior Renovation and Space Planning Whether remodeling, new construction or simply rearranging your current layout we handle complex and simple projects with equal care. We integrate the design and construction disciplines, so all your needs can be addressed with one point of contact. We keep costs in check and projects on time.

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derek@thomasdesignconsultants.com

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Framing Art & Life’s Most Precious Moments Serving Capitol Hil

l Since 1982

545 8th St, SE | 202.543.3030 | frameofminedc.com

Do-It-Yourself and Custom Framing Conservation Framing, Canvas Stretching, Shadowboxes, and more

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Continental Welding

CALL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE 202-749-1487 | continentalwelding@hotmail.com

C O N T I N E N TA LW E L D I N G .C O M

SPECIALIZING IN IRON REPAIR WORK 4 Iron Gates & Fences 4 Railing & Stairs 4 Steel Repair Work 4 Metal Structural Support 4 Security Gates for Windows & Doors

1200 Block of E Street NE. Photo: Nathaniel Liu

George Halliday Roofing 202-637-8808

INTERIOR DECORATING & DESIGN REUPHOLSTERY SERVICES WINDOW COVERINGS NEW CUSTOM FURNITURE

ANTIQUES & INTERIORS (202) 546-5466 JANET W. CROWDER

G&G Roofing 202-425-1614 gandghomeimprovements.net see ad on pg. 112

HOUSE HISTORY HANDYMAN SERVICES

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N&M House Detectives Nmhousedetectives@gmail.com nmhousedetectives.com

A.S. Improvements 301-310-7492 Eddie Construction 202-247-0104 Handyman Express 703-615-7122

TELL OUR ADVERTISERS YOU SAW THEM IN THE GUIDE!

W.S. Jenks 910 Bladensburg Rd NE 202-529-6020 wsjenks.com see ad on pg. 140

INTERIOR DESIGN Lisa & Leroy Interiors 202-380-9698 lisaandleroy.com

LGM Home Improvements 571-437-4696

Two Lions Antiques & Interiors 202-546-5466 see ad on pg. 104

HARDWARE

IRONWORK

Frager’s Hardware 1115 Pennsylvania Ave SE 202-543-6157 fragersdc.com see ad on pg. 140

Continental Welding 202-749-1487 continentalwelding.com see ad on pg. 104 Federal City Iron Ltd. 202-547-1945 see ad on pg. 105

Federal City Iron All Ornamental Ironwork

Expert Cast Iron Stair Repairs Window Bars & Security Gates Fencing & Tree Boxes Specializing in Capitol Hill Styles

202-547-1945 | 240-593-9950 federalcityiron.com FAGON GUIDE 2021

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DC’s Urban Garden Center Conveniently located on Capitol Hill 911 11th St. SE Washington DC 20003 202.543.5172 Mon - Fri : 8 - 7 Sat : 8:30 - 6 Sun: 9 - 5

Garden Design, Maintenance, and Consultations. Contact us for more information. Trees, shrubs, perennials, pottery, houseplants, seeds, soils, mulch, stones, plant care products, gifts, and much more.

ginkgogardens.com Karen Getman tends her garden in a charming outdoor living area. Photo: Tom Getman

KITCHEN & BATH REMODELING The Kitchen Company 202-246-4206 the-kitchen-co.com Sestak Remodeling 202-528-9606 sestakremodeling.com see ad on pg. 107

GARDEN DESIGN & CARE • PRUNING & CLEANUPS • GARDEN CREATION & RENOVATION • SKILLED GARDEN MAINTENANCE • PLANTERS & CONSULTATIONS

202-819-2636

melanie@melanieneumanlandscapes.com

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Wentworth Studio 8555 Connecticut Ave. NW 240-383-1226 wentworthstudio.com

LANDSCAPING Art Garden Design 202.258.6910 artgardendesign.com see ad on pg. 107

Branches Tree Experts 301-589-6181 branchestreeexperts.com see ad on pg. 117 Garden Wise 202-543-3422 gardenwise.co Ginkgo Gardens 911 11th St. SE 202-543-5172 ginkgogardens.com see ad on pg. 106 Melanie Neuman Landscapes 202-819-2636 melanie@melanieneumanlandscapes.com see ad on pg. 106 Thomas Landscapes & Maintenance 301-642-5182 thomaslandscapes.com see ad on pg. 107

Redefining Beauty One Client at a Time!

Thomas Landscapes OVER 25 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN CAPITOL HILL Full-Service Landscape Design & Maintenance • • • • •

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European Craftsmanship

Founded on service, dedicated to quality • Whole House Renovations • Kitchen, Bath and Basement Remodeling • Historic Door and Window Replacements • Full Line of Drywall and Painting Services For free consultation, please call

202-528-9606 www.sestakremodeling.com contact@sestakremodeling.com LICENSED - BONDED - INSURED FAGON GUIDE 2021

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LOCKSMITHS The New District Lock, Inc. 202-547-8236 www.districtlock.com The Lil Key Shop on Capitol Hill 202-540-6700 650 Pennsylvania Ave. SE thelilkeyshop.com

Navy Yard resident with 20 years experience will provide hands-on professional organizing assistance in your home. Call or text

757-999-2664 www.clutterdr.com 10% off all sessions booked by June 1st. 108

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Peach Trucking & Moving 202-368-7492 peachmoving.com

NURSERIES

Frager’s Hardware 1115 Pennsylvania Ave SE 202-543-6157 fragersdc.com see ad on pg. 140

Ginkgo Gardens 911 11th St. SE 202-543-5172 ginkgogardens.com see ad on pg. 106

MASONRY, STONEWORK

H St. Farms on Jenks Rooftop 910 Bladensburg Rd NE 202-627-0761 wsjenks.com

Bricklands 202-544-9301 see ad on pg. 109

ORGANIZATION

George Halliday Masonry 202-637-8808

Get Organized!

Continental Movers 202-438-1489 continentalmovers.net see ad on pg. 108

Michaliga Masonry 202-544-4484 202-257-8957 michaligamasonry.com see ad on pg. 109 R. Thomas Daniel Masonry 202-569-1080 202-544-4430 rthomasdanielroofing.com see ad on pg. 84 Renaissance Development 202-547-2345 rendevdc.com see ad on pg. 102

MOVING & HAULING 1800 Got Junk 1-800-468-5865 1800gotjunk.com

Clutter Doctor 757.999.2664 clutterdr.com see ad on pg. 108 Jill of All Trades 202-544-5455 jillofalltradesdc.com

PAINT STORES Frager’s Hardware 1115 Pennsylvania Ave SE 202-547-2468 fragersdc.com see ad on pg. 140 W.S. Jenks 910 Bladensburg Rd NE 202-529-6020 wsjenks.com see ad on pg. 140

PAINTING CONTRACTORS Gil Painting 301-445-4385, gilpainting.com

Preserving Capitol Hill B RI C K BY B RI C K since 1985

Historical Preservation Specialists • • • • •

202-544-9301 FREE ESTIMATES

Re-pointing with historical method mortar Rebuilding arches and historical architecture Restoration cleaning on historical brick and stone Masonry & Stone Restoration Artisans Lead Paint Abatement

brickmasonrywashingtondc.com Bricklands@msn.com

Need A Skilled Mason?

Specializing In Historic Renovation & Artisan Stonework Custom Masonry • Stone • Brick Work Point Up • Restoration • Patio & Water Garden Tom and his team did an amazing job on our chimney rebuild and brick repointing. From start to finish they were prompt, professional, and communicative. I would highly recommend Michaliga Masonry forany and all work you need done. - Glen S. Washington, DC

Tom Michaliga 202-544-4484 MichaligaMasonry@gmail.com

Award-winning mason with over 30 years of experience Former Head Mason of the Architect of the Capitol from 1989-1996

www.michaligamasonry.com REASONABLE PRICES • HILL RESIDENT • LICENSED - BONDED – INSURED

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EXCELLENCE IN EVERY STROKE

RESTORING HOMES TO THEIR ORIGINAL BEAUTY Exterior & Interior Painting

Clean, prompt and friendly service with a history of repeat customers

CertaPro Painters 202-849-7050 certapro.com/washington-dc see ad on pg. 111 Image Painting 202-543-1914 imagepainting.com see ad on pg. 110 J.F. Meyer Painting & Decorating 202-965-1600 jfmeyer.com see ad on pg. 101

CALL TODAY TO GET STARTED!

202.543.1914

Imagepainting.com

Tech Painting Co. 202-544-2135 techpainting.com see ad on pg. 4

PEST CONTROL SERVICES Capitol Mosquito Control 202-599-8454 Capitolmosquitocontrol.com FLK Pest & Rodent Control 301-273-5740 flkpestcontrol.com

PLUMBING Dial a Plumber 202-251-1479 Pletsch Plumbing LLC 202-345-5187 pletschplumbing.com Real Plumbers 301-567-2001 realplumbers.net

RENTALS / EQUIPMENT Hello Rentals 1115 Pennsylvania Ave SE 202-543-0100 fragersjustask.com

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ROOFING Boyd Construction 202-223-ROOF (7663) boydconstructionco.com see ad on pg. 27, 93, 113 Corley Roofing 301-894-4460 corleyroofing.com see ad on pg. 110 G&G Roofing 202-425-1614 gandghomeimprovements.net see ad on pg. 112 George Halliday Roofing 202-637-8808 Johnson Home Improvements 202-494-3138 flatroofexperts.com see ad on pg. 114 Keith Roofing 202-486-7359 MacKay Roofing 202- 210-2179 rooferwashington.com see ad on pg. 111 Maggio Roofing 800-ROOF-495 maggioroofing.com see ad on pg. 43 National Roofing 202-271-4377 see ad on pg. 115 R. Thomas Daniel Roofing 202-569-1080 rthomasdanielroofing.com see ad on pg. 84 Star Roofing 202-543-6383 Wood & Whitacre Contractors 301-674-1991 wood-whitacre.com

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YOUR NEXT PAINTING PROJECT* **Offer applies to your residential painting project of $2,500 or more. Must be presented at time of estimate. Not valid with other offers. Not valid on current estimates or proposals. ExpireCertaPro Painters ® of Wasington DC. Expires 5/1/22

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LEAKY ROOF?

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FREE ESTIMATES! LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED 114

C A P I TA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S . C O M

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You can put your trust in Capitol Tree Care, Inc. We provide personal service and work of exceptional quality.

William William Shelton Shelton Tree Tree Arborist Arborist

RUG RESTORATION

WINDOWS

Woven History 311-315 Seventh St. SE 202-543-1705 wovenhistory.com see ad on pg. 139

Joel Truitt Builders 734 Seventh St. SE 202-547-2707 Joeltruitt.com see ad on pg. 101

STORAGE

Sunbrite Windows & Doors 202-505-7918 SunbriteWindowsandDoors. com

Novo Development 519 11 Street, SE 202-315-1111 novodev.com Kings Court Management 202-215-6993 KingsCtManag@gmail.com

Windows Craft Inc. 202-288-6660 windowscraft.com see ad on pg. 117 The Window Man 703-978-9888 thewindowman.com

TREE SERVICE Branches Tree Experts 301-589-6181 branchestreeexperts.com see ad on pg. 117

CAPITOL TREE CARE, INC. Complete Residential & Commercial

Capitol Tree Care 202-234-0577 Capitol-tree-care.com see ad on pg. 116 Casey Trees 202-833-4010, caseytrees.org

DC (202) 234-0577 VA (703) 359-6608 24-hr cell (703) 930-9293 Please visit us at: www.capitol-tree-care.com

Licensed & Insured Visa and MC Accepted FREE ESTIMATES

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WINDOW CLEANING Dr. Glass Window Washing 301-588-0029 windowcleaningnow.com Window Washers Etc. 202-337-0351 windowwashersetc.com see ad on pg. 117

WOODWORK

WATER DAMAGE / RESTORATION

Galway Bay Woodworks 202-544-2362 galwaybaywoodworks.com44

AdvantaClean 202-747-3222 advantaclean.com/washington-dc

WELDING Continental Welding 202-749-1487 continentalwelding.com see ad on pg. 104 Federal City Iron Ltd. 202-547-1945 see ad on pg. 105

TELL OUR ADVERTISERS YOU SAW THEM IN THE GUIDE!

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real estate Three lots were joined to create the Deer House and Gardens in 1902. Currently for sale.

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Real Estate

It’s A Wrap, And What A Year It Was! Capitol Hill Residential Market 2020 BY DON DENTON

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This is how I started this article for the Guide exactly one year ago: “2019 was another great year for residential real estate in Washington DC and on Capitol Hill. Ward 6 is still one of the hottest real estate markets in the country.” All “having a very positive impact on our residential values and the desirability of Capitol Hill as a neighborhood where more and more people want to live.” I could start this article much

for record declines. In April and May, we were in the proverbial tank. No one knew what would happen or how bad it would get. As we worked through May, things seemed to be improving, but who really knew. Nobody! June and July brought a better real estate market. However, there were a few troubling signs. There were a lot of our friends and neighbors permanently fleeing to close-in

the same way this year, but what a wild and unpredictable ride it has been. At this point last year, the residential market in DC was off and running and we were looking forward to another record year. Then COVID hit and no one knew what to expect. Contract activity plummeted and we all braced

suburbs or distant vacation locations. One of our agents who was showing in Arlington reported that he recognized the names of three families from his children’s Capitol Hill school who had toured the property during the two-hour open house. Another family moved to southern Virginia where the kids could

C A P I TA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S . C O M

take advantage of in-school learning. Still others moved to OBX to finish the last few years of their professional careers working virtually. Where was all of this heading and how would it impact this great City? Restaurants were closing everywhere and those who remained were clearly struggling. How long could they hold on? Commercial properties were reaching all time high vacancy rates (already high before COVID). When this all ended, would anyone need an office or would everything be virtual forever? I also wrote: “In DC, discussing real estate has always been on par with discussing politics. Start talking about the local market at a crowded cocktail party, and you draw a crowd real fast. With all of its up and downs, Capitol Hill real estate has been, and continues to be, an amazing ride. It’s like being on rollercoaster. You hang on tight as you plummet to the lows, and then catch your breath as you hurtle to the heights. It makes for an exciting life.” Well, this past year, no crowded cocktail parties and COVID rose to number one on the discussion list. Then came the second half of the year. Still no crowded cocktail parties but, as the following charts show, prices and sales activity held and we wrapped up the year with still higher prices. December 31 ended with a huge sigh of relief.

HOW ABOUT THE FIRST 2 MONTHS OF 2021? Too early for any real data analysis but here are a few anecdotes: “Seeing escalations of 100-150K, multiple offers from 5-21 on any given property. In Petworth, Columbia Heights, 16th St Heights, Silver Spring, Takoma Park MD. Due to no overlapping appointments, scheduling is tight for both initial showings and pre-inspections. We are pre-inspecting (sometimes in 30 minutes due to scheduling) and waiving all other contingencies – and still losing to higher escalations which aren’t supported remotely by any comps (our folks are routinely going over the “norm” by 50-100K) We’ve basically said, here is what has sold in the neighborhood but throw it out the window in our current environment.” Capitol Hill – “I showed three new listings two Saturdays ago. Finished by noon. Buyer decided on one and I immediately called the agent and was told it was under contract. Went to number 2, same response. Went to number 3, same response.” So, 2021 has started off at a frenetic pace, at least in some parts of the market. Here are a few observations: Any single family homes around the beltway under $700,000 - $1M are flying off the shelf. In the city proper, anything under $1.3-$1.5M the same. Properties on the Hill for over $2.5M are taking a little while. But nothing new there. Just fewer buyers, but this can’t compare to the demand in the lower price range. Rentals are struggling. We have all been concerned for many years that we were building too much, too fast in the multifamily arena and a day of reckoning was coming. Well, that day is here. Many of the new buildings with great amenities are doing what they have to do to fill those units. This is tough on some of our older rental stock, and it will take a while to turn that part of the market around. If you are lucky enough to own a “vacation” property, good times are here. Markets along the Bay or in West Virginia (by God) are selling quickly and for unheard of prices. In OBX, a Capitol Hill neighbor has rented his older home on the ocean for 24 years and never a rental in March. Three weeks this year it rented. For the first time in 15 years, he is getting sales solicitation from realtors. It’s a very strange time we are living in right now. The only thing for certain is that if you are making retirement plans that include cashing out of your home, do it now and put the money in the bank. If you’re thinking of renting your home out while you move somewhere else, don’t do it. With evictions on hold at this point, it is easy to see the impact of one bad tenant on all your financial planning. Hopefully this time next year we will have returned to some sense of normalcy and we can gather at our favorite restaurant (some will have gone, but more will come) and maybe have a few of those wonderful Capitol Hill cocktail parties. Don Denton is Branch Vice President at Coldwell Banker Realty, 350 7th Street SE, 202-256-1353 u FAGON GUIDE 2021

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Real Estate

real estate Directory

Compass 660 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Ste. 300 202-545-6900 compass.com

BROKERS / SALES Jake Anderson Compass 202-669-7842, jakesellsdc.com

Compass – Jeanne, Phil & Meg Team 202-545-6900 jeannephilmeg.com

Tim Barley Barley & Barley Real Estate RE/MAX Allegiance 202-255-5554 barleyandbarley.com

Compass – Jenn Smira Team 202-280-2060 JennSmira.com

Betsy Bartron RE/MAX Allegiance 202-255-5554 realestateindc.com

Compass – Chris Coppola 781-696-8130 Chris.coppola@compass.com

Rob Bergman RE/MAX Allegiance 202-262-3848 robbergman.com

Compass – Vassar Broermann Group 202.813.9339 team@thevbgroup.com thevbgroup.com

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty 705 North Carolina Ave., SE 202-393-1111 penfedrealty.com

Manuel Cortes Coldwell Banker 202-556-5754 manuel.cortes@cbmove.com

Todd & Stan Bissey Compass 202-841-SOLD Dee Dee Branand Compass 202-369-7902 deedeebranand.com Evelyn Branic Coldwell Banker 202-744-5419 cbmove.com/evelyn.branic Chuck Burger Coldwell Banker 202-258-5316 chuckburger.com

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Joan Carmichael Century 21 202-271-5198 joancarmichael.c21.com

Bridgette Cline Century 21 202-271-4196 bridgettecline.c21.com

Century 21 Capitol Hill 1000 Pennsylvania Ave, SE 202-546-0055 c21nm.com

Coldwell Banker – Capitol Hill 350 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-547-3525 cbmove.com/capitol-hill

Libby Clarke Compass 202-841-1812 jlcteam.com

C A P I TA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S . C O M

Crystal Crittenden Compass 202-246-0931 jlcteam.com Peter Davis The Smith Team Berkshire Hathaway Realty 301-332-1634 thesmithteam.penfedrealty. com Tom Faison RE/MAX Allegiance 202-255-5554 realestateindc.com

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NEW MILLENNIUM

PROUD TO BE AGENTS WITH THE #1 CENTURY 21 FIRM IN THE WORLD!

Joan Carmichael Realtor 202.271.5198 joanvcarmichael@gmail.com

Bridgette Cline Realtor 202.271.4196 bridgette.cline@c21nm.com FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS 1000 Pennsylvania Ave., SE Wash., DC 20003 office # 202-546-0055

#welovecapitolhill

Formant Property Group 406 H St. NE 202-544-3900 formantpropertygroup.com Michael Frias Tiber Realty Group 406 H St. NE 202-355-6500 tiberrealtygroup.com Andrew Glasow The Grant, Ryall & Andrew Group Coldwell Banker 202-285-3600 www.grantryallandrew.com Grant Griffith The Grant, Ryall & Andrew Group Coldwell Banker 703-618-4444 www.grantryallandrew.com Peter Grimm The Smith Team Berkshire Hathaway Realty 202-270-6368 thesmithteam.penfedrealty.com Genie Hutinet Coldwell Banker 202-413-7661 geniehutinet.com

THE GRANT, RYALL & ANDREW GROUP Ryall Smith, 202-531-6400 Andrew Glasow, 202-285-3600 Fred Saddler, 202-746-5738 Our award-winning team has deep roots in the local real estate market ... and we are ready to put that experience to work for you! WASHINGTONIAN MAGAZINE Top Teams in DC, MD & VA

The Grant, Ryall & Andrew Group grantryallandrew.com Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage • 350 7th Street SE 20003 • 202.547. 3525

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Kitty & Tati Kaupp Coldwell Banker 202-741-1699 202-741-1760 kittykaupp.com Keller Williams Capitol Hill 801 D St. NE 202-243-7740 kellerwilliamsdc.com Long & Foster Capitol Hill 926 Pennsylvania Ave SE 202-547-9200 capitolhill.lnfre.com Kendall Milano RE/MAX Allegiance 202-255-5554 realestateindc.com Lee Murphy Washington Fine Properties, LLC 202-277-7477 leemurphy.net Joel Nelson Keller Williams 202-243-7707 joelnelsongroup.com George Olson Coldwell Banker 202-203-0339

Elsa Huxley Compass 202-499-2652 elsahuxley.com

Clare Palace Coldwell Banker 202-904-1096 palaceonthehill.com

Gary Jankowski Coldwell Banker 202-439-6009 hughkelly.com

Linda Pettie Coldwell Banker 202-741-1770 pettietubbs.com

Kristine Jones The Smith Team Berkshire Hathaway Realty 202-415-4716 thesmithteam.penfedrealty.com

RE/MAX Allegiance Capitol Hill 220 Seventh St. SE 202-547-5600 myallegiancehome.com

Sam Johnston Keller Williams 770-584-7663 samjohnstonhomesdc.kw.com

Fred Saddler The Grant, Ryall & Andrew Group Coldwell Banker 202-746-5738 www.grantryallandrew.com

Excellence in Customer Service!

Convenient Capitol Hill Location! Woodland Estate & Title is Conveniently Located at

701 E Street, SE • Suite 2 202.516.6855 I WoodlandtitleDC.com We Look Forward to Serving Our Neighbors in 2021. FAGON GUIDE 2021

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Real Estate

Management Attention Condos, Coops, HOAs, Apartment Owners, Homeowners, & Investors:

Full service property management offering direct depositing, online 24 hr record viewing, budgeting, funds management & special accounts, delinquent notices & collections, building inspections, project & maintenance bidding, project planning, contract monitoring, renting/ leasing (new D.C. law), tenant screening, and more.

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Heather Schoell Berkshire Hathaway Realty 202-321-0874 heathersdc@gmail.com heatherschoell.penfedrealty.com Judi Seiden Berkshire Hathaway Realty 202-547-4419, judiseiden.com YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD REALTOR

GEORGE OLSON (202) 203-0339 - (M) (202) 203-0339 - (D) george.olson@cbmove.com Capitol Hill Office 605 Pennsylvania Ave SE 202.547.3525

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C A P I TA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S . C O M

Jackie Sink Compass 202-352-5793 libbyandjackie.com Aaron Smith The Smith Team Berkshire Hathaway Realty 202-498-6794 thesmithteam.penfedrealty.com John Smith The Smith Team Berkshire Hathaway Realty 202-262-6037 thesmithteam.penfedrealty.com

Ryall Smith The Grant, Ryall & Andrew Group Coldwell Banker 202-531-6400 www.grantryallandrew.com Karen Szala Coldwell Banker 202-321-3056 www.karensellsdc.com Justin Tanner RE/MAX Allegiance 202-255-5554 realestateindc.com Michael Tubbs Coldwell Banker 202-547-3525 pettietubbs.com Dare Johnson Wenzler Compass 202-957-2947 realestateonthehill.com

EXTENSIVE KNOWLEDGE OF CAPITOL HILL & BEYOND

DEDICATION, EXPERTISE & INTEGRITY, WORKING FOR YOU!

I donate $500 of every sale to the Capitol Hill Community Foundation, to strengthen the fabric of our neighborhood. When you work with me, you make a difference!

Contact me for a no-obligation consultation Representing Buyers & Sellers

COLDWELL BANKER

REALITY

R E A LT O R Capitol Hill | 705 N. Carolina Ave. SE 202-608-1882 x111-175 Office heathersdc@gmail.com @HeatherSchoell Heather Schoell Real Estate dcheather

202.321.0874

heatherschoell.penfedrealty.com © 2018 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchise of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.

Listing & Selling Your Home ... Let Us Work for You!

DEVELOP A PLAN THAT MEETS YOUR NEEDS Set a Smart Pricing Strategy for Max Value

It is a Seller’s Market... don’t Undersell!

Prepare your Home for Market We Design & Repair Consult Interest Free Funding

Launch a Comprehensive Marketing & Sales Plan

Full Internet Penetration Custom Sales Materials Extensive Internet & Print Advertising Continual Sales Follow up with Buyers and Agencies

Negotiate the Right Deal and Terms Let Our Experience & Skills Work for You

Full Personal Team Service from First Meeting to Settlement for Sellers and Buyers!

Capitol Hill

We don’t just live here — we give here! Jeanne Harrison Phil Guire Meg Shapiro Alex Schindlbeck

jeannephilmeg.com 202.545.6900

Compass is a licensed real estate brokerage that abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Compass is licensed as Compass Real Estate in DC and as Compass in Virginia and Maryland. 660 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20003 | 202.545.6900

visit www.ChuckBurger.com

Coldwell Banker 350 7th Street, SE Washington, DC 20003 202.258.5316 Cell 202.547.3525 Direct Line

cburger@cbmove.com DC VA MD LICENSED FAGON GUIDE 2021

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Real Estate

Phyllis Jane Young Coldwell Banker 202-544-4236 phyllisjaneyoung.com

REAL ESTATE ATTORNEYS Johnson Law Group 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-544-1515 jlgi.com

DEVELOPERS Formant Property Group 406 H St. NE 202-544-3900 formantpropertygroup.com

RENTAL SERVICES Joel Truitt Management 734 Seventh St. SE 202-547-2707 Joeltruitt.com

PN Hoffman 760 Main Ave. SW 202-686-0010 hoffman-dev.com

Tiber Realty Group 406 H St. NE 202-355-6500 tiberrealtygroup.com

Scallan Properties 202.544.6500 Scallanproperties.com Stanton Development Corp. 202-544-6666 stantondevelopment.com

Yarmouth Management 309 Seventh St. SE 202-547-3511 yarmouthm.com

HOME INSPECTORS Cliff Kornegay Capitol Hill Home Inspection 202-251-5723 Capitolhillhomeinspection.com

MORTGAGES Chris Cox First Savings Mortgage 202-543-6830 Firstsavingsmortgage.com Department of Commerce Federal Credit Union 202-808-3600 docfcu.org National Capital Bank 316 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-546-8000 nationalcapitalbank.com

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C A P I TA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S . C O M

TITLE COMPANIES

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Joel Truitt Management 734 Seventh St. SE 202-547-2707 joeltruitt.com Scallan Properties Commercial and Residential Property Management 202.544.6500 scallanproperties.com Tiber Realty Group 406 H St. NE 202-355-6500 tiberrealtygroup.com Yarmouth Management 309 Seventh St. SE 202-547-3511 yarmouthm.com

Logan Title 631 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-400-2508 logantitle.com Monarch Title 210 Seventh St. SE Ste. 100 202-546-3100 monarchtitle.net Woodland Estate & Title 701 E St. SE 202.516.6855 Woodlandtitledc.com u

The Easiest Closing You’ll Ever Have. Right Here on The Hill! FULL SERVICE TITLE COMPANY Purchases

• Refinance Commercial

• •

Condominium Conversion Title Insurance

THE BISSEYS KNOW THE HILL!

202.841.SOLD (7653) TheBisseyTeam@compass.com

660 Pennsylvania Ave, SE 202.545.6900 STAN BISSEY

TODD BISSEY

Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. Compass is licensed as Compass Real Estate in DC and as Compass in Virginia and Maryland.

Buying A Home on The Hill? We’ll Get You to Closing In As Little as 15 Days!

Apply Online Today > www.chriscoxdc.com

631 Pennsylvania Ave, SE & 2308 14th Street, NW W: 202.400.2508 | F: 202.403.3095 | M: 202.341.3734

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR YOUR DREAM HOME?

I’D LOVE TO HELP! SAM JOHNSTON

Keller Williams Capitol Properties Licensed in Washington, DC

(770)584-7603 sam.johnston@kw.com

samjohnstonhomesdc.kw.com

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C A P I TA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S . C O M

services & retail

Mary Quillian Helms, owner of Mr. Henry’s and Vice Chair of Eastern Market Main Street; Laurie Gillman, owner of East City Books; and Nicole Opkins, Senior Counsel to the Office of Councilmember Charles Allen at an EMMS event. Photo: EMMS

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Services & Retail

services & retail Directory

Capitol Hill Auto Service Center 615 Independence Ave. SE 202-543-5155 capitolhillautoservice.com

ACCOUNTING Accounting 4 DC LLC 611 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Ste 405 202-709-9317 accounting4dc.com

Distad’s Auto Clinic 823 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-543-0200 http://distads-auto-clinic.edan.io

Marina Martin MBA La Strega QuickBooks Pro Advisor 202-251-3907 lastregaaccounting.com

Metro Motor Capitol Hill Exxon 339 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-547-4054 metromotor.com/location/ capitol-hill-exxon

ADVERTISING

Penn Exxon 1201 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-546-6146

Capital Community News Hill Rag 224 Seventh St SE 202-543-8300 hillrag.com

AUTOMOBILE – WASH

Taoti Creative 530 Eighth St. SE 202-546-8946 taoti.com

ATTORNEYS James M. Loots, Esq. 634 G St. SE, Ste. 200 202-536-5650 lootslaw.com Johnson Law Group 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-544-1515 jlgi.com Pershing Law PLLC Stephen B. Pershing, Esq. 1416 E St. NE 202-642-1431 pershinglaw.us

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Chat’s proprietor Burnie Williams will select that perfect wine for all your festivities. Photo: Andrew Lightman

Sanford, Heisler, Sharp LLP 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE., Ste. 300 202-499-5200 sandfordheisler.com

AUTOMOBILE – KEYS The Lil Key Shop on Capitol Hill 650 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-540-6700 thelilkeyshop.com

C A P I TA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S . C O M

The New District Lock 202-547-8236 www.districtlock.com

AUTOMOBILE – REPAIR Ben Nielsen’s 10th Street Automotive 518 Tenth St. NE 202-618-5835 10thstreetautomotive.com

Splash Car Wash 10 I (Eye) St. SE 202-547-7527 splashcarwash.com Inside Out Express Car Wash 777 C St. SE (in Parking Garage) 202-400-1509 insideoutexpresscarwash.com

AUTOMOBILE – SUPPLIES AutoZone 1207 H St. NE 202-388-1203 autozone.com

JOHNSON LAW GROUP

Law Offices Of

James m LOOts, Pc Serving the Capitol Hill Community Since 1984 General Litigation and Arbitration Franchising and Business Organizations Commercial Leasing and Development Labor and Employment Issues Contract and Licensing Matters

Wills, Estates and Trusts Business Law and Government Contracting Property and Housing Disputes Elder Law 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue SE • Washington DC 20003 202.544.1515 • www.jlgi.com

TOP “AV” RATED BY MARTINDALE-HUBBELL

634 G Street SE, Suite 200 | Washington DC 20003 (202) 536-5650 • Fax: (202) 315-3515 www.lootslaw.com

File Current Taxes File Past Due Taxes IRS Issues? Providing the highest quality tax representation and consultation to individuals and businesses

La Strega Accounting, Inc.

NEED A HONEST, EXPERIENCED MECHANIC? VISIT

Marina L. Martin EA, MBA Enrolled Agent – Federally Licensed to represent Taxpayers before IRS and all States

DISTAD'S OF CAPITOL HILL SERVICING AMERICAN CARS FOR OVER 30 YEARS

823 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-543-0200

www.lastregaaccounting.com

202-251-3907 (c)

lastregaindc@gmail.com FAGON GUIDE 2021

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Services & Retail

BANKS

BOUTIQUES

Bank of America 201 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-624-4600 bankofamerica.com

A Ma Maniére 1214 H St. NE 202-290-3160 a-ma-maniere.com Boutique on the Hill 208 Second St. SE 202-544-0002 theboutiqueonthehill.com

BB&T 317 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-544-0197 bbt.com

Clothes Encounters 202 Seventh St. SE 202-546-4004 clothesencountersdc. com

Chase Bank 700 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Suite A 202-729-8550 Chase.com CitiBank 600 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-800-2457 citi.com

Co-owner Dennis DeWees at Groovy DC, a gift store with a wide variety on 7th St. SE.

Credit Union 550 C St. SW 800-742-5582 democracyfcu.org National Capital Bank 316 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-546-8232 nationalcapitalbank.com PNC Bank 650 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-835-5441 800 H St. NE 202-835-7137 pnc.com Signal Financial Credit Union 1391 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 301-933-9100 signalfinancialfcu.org Wells Fargo 215 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-628-3365 wellsfargo.com

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BICYCLE EQUIPMENT & REPAIRS The Daily Rider 600 H St. NE, Suite D 202-396-0704 thedailyriderdc.com

BOOKSTORES Capitol Hill Books 657 C St. SE 202-544-1621 capitolhillbooks-dc.com East City Bookshop 645 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-290-1636 eastcitybookshop.com Fairy Godmother Children’s Books & Toys 319 Seventh St. SE 202-547-5474 Solid State Books 600F H St. NE 202-897-4201 solidstatebooksdc.com

C A P I TA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S . C O M

The Chic Shack 1230 H St. NE 202-733-3194 the-chicshack.com

Sidamo Coffee and Tea 417 H St. NE 202-548-0081 sidamocoffeeandtea.com Souk Market and Bakery 705 Eighth St. SE 202-547-7685 dcsouk.com Southwest Catering Co. 400 I St. SW 202-484-2550 Well Dunn Catering 510 11 St. SE 202-543-7878 welldunn.com

CELL PHONE SERVICES

Maketto 1351 H St. NE 202-838-9972 store.maketto1351.com

AT&T Store 1391 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-684-2837 att.com

Paris Bleu Boutique 321 Seventh St. SE 202-644-6575 www.facebook.com/ ChrisCapitolhill

Boost Mobile 910 H St. NE 202-546-8871 boostmobile.com

CATERING Chef Valerie’s Kitchen 611 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Ste 179 202-636-4300 chefvaleriellc.com Criollo Argentine Catering 571-302-2624 info@criosho.com criosho.com Frye Guys and Associates 411 Seventh St. SE 202-431-2004 fryeguysandassociates.com Radici 303 Seventh St. SE 202-758-0086 radici-market.com

Sprint 300 M St. SE, Ste. A 202-350-4654 sprint.com T-Mobile 721 D St. SE Ste. B 202-800-5607 840 H St. NE 202-544-4818 Metro By T-Mobile 1019 H St. NE 202-733-4691 t-mobile.com Verizon Wireless Zone 703 Eighth St. SE 202-364-1911 wirelesszone.com/washington

SHOP AND PLAY LOCAL!

Shop online for in store pickup, local delivery, and shipping throughout the U.S.

labyrinthgameshop.com Or visit us at:

645 Penn. Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003

202.544.1059 labyrinthdc

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Services & Retail

Capitol Hill Cleaners 601 Massachusetts Ave. NE 202-547-6755 Dryy 55 M St. SE 202-599-8888 381 Morse St. NW 202-599-8600 dryydc.com Georgetown Valet Green Earth Cleaners 301 Eighth St. NE 202-675-6948 washfolddelivery.com

Gail Stern, owner of Clothes Encounters, a consignment store for oneof-a-kind, luxury women’s clothing and accessories. Photo: EMMS

COMMERCIAL KITCHEN Union Kitchen Food Accelerator 1369 New York Ave NE 202-792-7850 info@unionkitchendc.com

COMPUTERS – SERVICE & REPAIR Anchor Computers 202-543-7055 anchorcomputers.com ProTech Computer Services 202-536-2611 protechcomputersllc.com uBreakiFix – Eastern Market 409 Eighth St. SE. Ste. #200 202-621-2491 ubreakifix.com

715 D St. SE 202-547-0421 fedex.com The UPS Store 611 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-543-0850 1100 New Jersey Ave. SE 202-808-2968 theupsstorelocal.com

Georgetown Valet 405 H St. NE 202-333-4277 gtvdelivery.com Lincoln Park Cleaners 1301 East Capitol St. SE 202-544-0011 Metro Cleaners 307 Fifth St. NE 202-543-9033 Neighbors Cleaners 1023 E St. SE 202-544-1755 www.neighborscleaners.com

Penn Cleaners 650 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-546-7366 penn-cleaners.business.site The Cleaner of Cleaners 300 E St. SW, Ste. 2 202-488-7882 thecleanerofcleaners.com The Press 619 Penn Ave. SE 202-544-7492 thepressdc.com Waterfront Cleaners 1101 Fourth St. SW 202-479-1281 waterfront-cleaners.edan.io Wells Cleaners 300 Tingey St SE Ste. 115 202-488-8808

ELECTRONIC REPAIR uBreakiFix – Eastern Market 409 Eighth St. SE, Ste. #200 202-621-2491 ubreakifix.com

CO-WORK SPACE WeWork 80 M St. SE 202-539-1743 wework.com The Yard 700 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-929-4779, theyard.com

DRY CLEANERS COPYING FedEx Kinko’s Ship Centers 409 Third St. SW, Ste. 109 202-554-0805

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Capitol Tailors and Cleaners 1308 H St. NE 202-399-0290 capitalcleaners.business.site

C A P I TA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S . C O M

Owner Dorian Bean-Lipscome outside Lustre Formal Wear and Boutique on the Hill, which sells fine womens fashions. Photo: E. O’Gorek

ANCHOR C O M P U T E R S IT SERVICES AND COMPUTER REPAIR Serving Capitol Hill Since 1994

ON SITE SERVICE

Troubleshooting, Repairs & Upgrades

We specialize in: • Remote Assistance • Network & Security • Hardware Repair • WiFi & Connections • New Computer • Virus & Malware Removal Installation & Setup • Data Recovery LARRY ELPINER 202.543.7055

admin@anchorcomputers.com

W W W. A N C H O R C O M P U T E R S . C O M FAGON GUIDE 2021

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Services & Retail

EVENT PLANNERS 621 Events 1140 Third St. NE 571-722-3274 621events.com Caroline Dutton Events 1300 Fourth St. SE 202-320-9893 carolineduttonevents.com Karson Butler Events 317 Constitution Ave. NE 202-525-3881 karsonbutlerevents.com Stunning Soirees 571-357-4489 stunningsoireesco.com The Event Group International 1100 New Jersey Ave. SE Ste 2379 202-792-6367 teginternational.com

EVENT SPACE American Legion 224 D St. SE 202-543-9163, legiondc8.com Atlas Performing Arts Center 1333 H St. NE 202-399-7993, ext. 103 atlasarts.org Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW) 545 Seventh St. SE 202-547-6839, chaw.org Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church 201 Fourth St. SE 202-547-8676 capitolhillpreschurch.org wsc@washingtonseminarcenter.org Christ Church 620 G St. SE 202-547-9300 washingtonparish.org office@washingtonparish.org

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Eastern Market North Hall 225 Seventh St. SE 202-345-2861 easternmarket-dc.org nicole.aiken@dc.gov The Fridge 516½ Eighth St. SE 202-664-4151 thefridgedc.com/rent alex@thefridgedc.com Gallery O on H 1354 H St. NE 202-649-0210 galleryoonh.com info@galleryOonH.com Hill Center 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-499-6449 hillcenterdc.org specialevents@hillcenterdc.org Makeshift 1321 Linden Ct. NE (behind Atlas) makeshiftdc.com hello@makeshiftdc.com St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Capitol Hill 301 A St. SE 202-543-0053 stmarks.net St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church 222 M St SW 202-484-3189 stmatthewsdc.org

FINANCIAL PLANNING Skip Thompson Edward Jones 600 Pennsylvania Ave. SE Ste. 330 202- 507-8441 Marc R. Lippman Folger Nolan Fleming Douglas 725 15th St. NW 202-783-5252, fnfd.com

C A P I TA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S . C O M

Leah Daniels, owner of Hill’s Kitchen, featuring kitchen supplies, gifts, cooking classes and more. Photo: Andrew Lightman

Signal Financial Credit Union 1391 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 301-933-9100 signalfinancialfcu.org

FOOD

FLORISTS

Bowers Fancy Dairy Products 225 Seventh Street SE 202-544-7877 www.bowerscheese.com

Blue Iris Flowers Eastern Market South Hall 225 Seventh St. SE 202-547-3588

The Capital Candy Jar 201 15th St. NE 571-293-0719 thecapitalcandyjar.com

Capitol Florist 409 Third St. SW Ste. 106A 202-488-7700 capitolfloristandgifts.com

Captain Cookie & The Milk Man 660 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-290-2798 www.captaincookiedc.com

Surroundings 1023 East Capitol St. SE 202-546-2125 surroundings.bz

Insomnia Cookies 1309 H St. NE 202-753-7808 insomniacookies.com

Union Market 1309 Fifth St. NE unionmarketdc.com

Jacob’s Coffee House 401 Eighth St. NE 202-507-8812 jacobscoffeehousedc.com

Volanni 218 Ninth St. SE 202-547-1603 volanni.com

Moorenko’s Ice Cream 720 C St. SE moorenkos.com Turning Natural 750 C St. SE 202-800-8828 turningnatural.com

Peregrine Espresso 660 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-629-4381 1309 Fifth St. NE (in Union Market) 202-543-5459 peregrineespresso.com Radici 303 Seventh St. SE 202-758-0086 radici-market.com Sidamo Coffee and Tea 417 H St. NE 202-548-0081 sidamocoffeeandtea.com Souk Market and Bakery 705 Eighth St. SE 202-547-7685 dcsouk.com Union Market 1309 Fifth St. NE unionmarketdc.com Union Kitchen Grocery 538 Third St. NE 202-792-7850 unionkitchendc.com

GAMES/TOYS Fairy Godmother Children’s Books & Toys 319 Seventh St. SE 202-547-5474 Labyrinth Games & Puzzles 645 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-544-1059, labyrinth.com

GIFTS Groovy DC 321 Seventh St. SE 202-544-6633, groovydc.com Hill’s Kitchen 713 D St. SE 202-543-1997, hillskitchen.com Honey Bunny Boutique 311 Eighth St. NE 202-792-5209 hunnybunny.boutique

FRAMING

Woven History & Silk Road 311-315 Seventh St. SE wovenhistory.com

H Street Art Framing 1311 H St. NE 202-758-0910 expertsinframing.com

Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-6pm 311-315 7th Street, SE • 202.543.1705 wovenhi@erols.com Since 1995 on Capitol Hill

View Our Entire Selection On Our Web Site

wovenhistory.com

/ wovenhistory

Specializing in Cheese from all parts of the World!

Native Beauty 711 D St. SE 202-544-1930 gonativebeauty.com Quavaro 323 Seventh St. SE 202-672-3173 quavaro.com

Frame of Mine 545 Eighth St. SE 202-543-3030 frameofminedc.com

WE ALSO OFFER:

Cleaning • Repairing • Restoring • Appraising • Acquiring

Yes! Organic Market 202-546-4325 yesorganicmarket.com

Capitol Hill Frame & Photo 645 Penn. Ave. SE Ste. 201 202-547-2100 chframe.com

Tribal, Village, and Urban Rugs and Gifts from Along the Silk Road

GRAPHIC and WEBSITE DESIGN

Bowers Fancy Dairy Products Serving the Capitol Hill Community since 1964

Elevation Web 100 M St. SE – Ste. 600 800-475-4590 elevationweb.org

@ Historic Eastern Market www.bowerscheese.com

Hunt Smith Design Phoebe Smith 706 North Carolina Ave. SE 202-546-0336 huntsmithdesign.com

Open: Tuesday-Sunday

202-544-7877

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Hardware Store and Garden Center. Where the PRESIDENT Shops!

Your Capitol Hill

202-529-6020

wsjenks.com

910 Bladensburg Rd. NE Washington, DC 20002

Purveyors of fine hardware, tools, and machinery since 1866 140

C A P I TA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S . C O M

KTD Creative 1341 H St. NE 202-330-2758 ktdcreative.com Taoti Creative 530 Eighth St. SE 202-546-8946 taoti.com

HARDWARE Foliage by Frager’s 1123 Pennsylvania Ave. SE www.fragersdc.com Frager’s Garden Center Outside, behind 1123-1129 Pennsylvania Ave. SE www.fragersdc.com Frager’s Hardware 1115 Pennsylvania Ave. SE fragersdc.com Ginkgo Gardens 911 11th St. SE 202-543-5172 ginkgogardens.com

Howard W. Phillips Insurance 80 M St. SE, Ste. 300 202-331-9200, hwphillips.com Tim LaCasse – State Farm Insurance 617 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-548-4229 insuremetim.com Marilyn Riehl – State Farm Insurance 912 Thayer Ave. Ste. 201 Silver Spring, MD 301-951-0355 allstate.com

INTERNET SERVICES DC Access 1504 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-546-5898, dcaccess.net

LAUNDRIES – SELF SERVICE Neighbors Cleaners 300 11th St. SE 202-544-2955

W.S. Jenks & Son 910 Bladensburg Rd. NE 202-529-6020 wsjenks.com

Slow Nickel Landromat 1101 C St. NE 202-544-1101

HOME & DÉCOR

LIQUOR & WINE

Hill’s Kitchen 713 D St. SE 202-543-1997 hillskitchen.com

Chat’s Liquors 508 Eighth St. SE 202-544-4660, chatsdc.com

Woven History & Silk Road 311-315 Seventh St. SE wovenhistory.com

INSURANCE Maurice Brown – Allstate Insurance 1200 G St. SE, Ste. A 202-546-1493

Congressional Liquor 408 First St. SE 202-547-1600 congressionalliquorndeli.com DCanter Wine Boutique 545 Eighth St. SE 202-817-3803 dcanterwines.com Gandel’s Liquors 211 Pennsylvania Ave SE 202-543-1000 FAGON GUIDE 2021

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Services & Retail

NOTARIES FedEx Kinko’s 715 D St. SE 202-547-0421 fedex.com The UPS Store 611 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-543-0850 theupsstorelocal.com

PHOTO FINISHING Fine oriental carpets at Woven History on 7th St. SE.

Harry’s Reserve Spirits 909 New Jersey Ave. SE 202-450-2314

409 Third St. SW, Ste. 109 202-554-0805 local.fedex.com

JJ Mutts Wine & Spirits 643 Pennsyvania Ave. SE 202-546-2800

The UPS Store 611 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-543-0850 theupsstorelocal.com

Schneider’s of Capitol Hill 300 Massachusetts Ave. NE 202-543-9300 cellar.com

LODGING – HOTELS, B&BS Capitol Hill Hotel 200 C St. SE 202-543-6000 capitolhillhotel-dc.com Capitol Skyline Hotel 10 I St. SW 202-488-7500 capitolskyline.com Courtyard Marriott 140 L St SE 202-479-0027 marriott.com

MAILING SERVICES FedEx Kinko’s Ship Centers 715 D St. SE 202-547-0421

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MARKETING / COMMUNICATIONS Hunt Smith Design Phoebe Smith 706 North Carolina Ave. SE 202-546-0336 huntsmithdesign.com

Capitol Hill Frame & Photo 645 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-547-2100, chframe.com H Street Art Framing 1309 H St. NE 202-758-0910 expertsinframing.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS Maria Helena Carey 202-709-8452 mariahelenacarey.com Nicole Harkin Photography 202-215-9546 nicoleharkin.com LightMan Photography andrew@andrewlightman.com

Impact Communications, Inc 735 Eighth St. SE 2nd Floor 202-543-7671 impactdc.com

Jenny Nordstrom – Sidedoor Studio 202-276-0555 Sidedoorstudios.com

Taoti Creative 530 8th St. SE 202-546-8946, taoti.com

PHOTOPIA, Portraits by Elizabeth Dranitzke 202-550-2520 photopiadc.com

MEDIATION Beyond Dispute Associates Divorce and Elder Mediation Sig Cohen 202-359-6141 beyonddispute.com

C A P I TA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S . C O M

RENTALS – EQUIPMENT Capitol Hill Outfitters 32 King’s Court SE 202-503-4652 capitolhilloutfitters.com

Hello Rentals – Events, Tools, DIY Frager’s 1115 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-543-0100 hello-rentals.com

SERVICE STATIONS Congressional Exxon 200 Massachusetts Ave. NE 202-543-9456 Distad’s Auto Clinic 823 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-543-0200 distads-auto-clinic.edan.io Metro Motor Capitol Hill Exxon 339 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-547-4054 metromotor.com/location/ capitol-hill-exxon Penn Exxon 1201 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-546-6146

SHOE REPAIR Eastern Market Shoe Repair 645 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-543-5632 Capitol Hill Cleaners 601 Mass Ave. NE 202-547-6755 Peterbug Shoe & Leather Repair 502 13th St./Peterbug Matthews Way SE 202-689-4549

RECORDING STUDIO – RENTAL District Productive Studio Rentals (Podcasts) 660 Penns. Ave. SE, Ste. 303 202-250-4032 districtproductive.com

Marilyn M. Riehl, CLU, ChFC 301-951-0355 marilyn@marilynriehl.com www.marilynriehl.com

SPORTING GOODS

TAX PREPARATION

Capitol Hill Outfitters 32 Kings Court SE 202-503-4652 capitolhilloutfitters.com

360 Accounting & Tax 1411 H St. NE 202-780-5476 360-accounting.com

The Daily Rider 600 H St. NE Suite D 202-396-0704 thedailyriderdc.com

H & R Block 617 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-544-5139, hrblock.com

DTLR Sportswear and Shoes 902 H St. NE 202-546-0415 DTLR.com Pacers Running 300 Tingey St. SE 202-554-1216 600 H St. NE 202-608-5953 runpacers.com

TAILORS Boutique on the Hill 208 Second St. SE 202-544-0002 theboutiqueonthehill.com Capitol Hill Tailor Shop 615 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-543-9292 Kim’s Custom Tailor 808 L St. SE 202-554-1201 Metro Cleaners 307 Fifth St. NE 202-543-9033 Neighbors Cleaners 1023 E St. SE 202-544-2955

TALENT AGENCY Central Casting 623 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-547-6300 centralcastingusa.com

Jackson-Hewitt Tax Services 725 Eighth St. SE 202-547-6540 jacksonhewitt.com Liberty Tax Service 1002 H St. NE 202-471-1649 libertytax.com Marina Martin MBA – La Strega QuickBooks ProAdvisor 149 D St. SE 202-251-3907 lastregaaccounting.com

LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOR STATE FARM IS THERE.®

CELEBRATING 70 YEARS on Capitol Hill serving our community with the country’s best selection of fine wines, spirits, and beer.

WINE. BEER. SPIRITS. TRADITION. RATED BEST LIQUOR STORE AND BEST WINE SELECTION 12 YEARS IN A ROW by the City Paper

TUXEDO RENTAL Lustre Formal Wear 208 Second Street. SE 202-544-0002 lustreformalwear.com

WASH & FOLD Capitol Hill Cleaners and Laundry 661 C St. SE 202-544-7934 Dryy 55 M St. SE 202-599-8888 381 Morse St. NW 202-599-8600, dryydc.com The Press 619 Penn Ave. SE 202-544-7492 thepressdc.com

RATED ONE OF THE BEST WINE SHOPS by Washingtonian Magazine Listed in the Wall Street Journal as one of the most enjoyable places to shop for wines nationwide. 300 MASS AVE. NE WASHINGTON, DC 20002 VISIT CELLAR.COM CALL 202.543.9300

La Strega Marina Martin, MBA

202-251-3907 QuickBooks Pro Advisor Set Up/Training/Support Small and Medium Business Expert FAGON GUIDE 2021

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Covid-19

BUILD UP YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM, INVEST IN SELF-CARE, AND PRIORITZE HEALTHY LIVING All of our Personal Training, Boxing, and Kick Boxing Sessions can be Accommodated at our Safe, Private, and Clean Personal Fitness Studio. Sessions can Also be facilitated Outdoors, in a Corporate Setting, or in the Comfort of your Home. Please Inquire About Options that Best Meet your Personal Needs.

www.EuphoriaDC.Org EuphoriaHealingDC

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Euphoria Healing & Wellness

healthy living

Tina Nguyen, owner of Eastern Market Nails on 7th St. SE. Photo: EMMS

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Hi Ho, Hi Ho It’s Off

to the Anacostia

We Go!

LUME tERINE P River keeps ge B Y C AT H the Anacostia s rt nd fo ou ef ar g d in an go anks to on Th he area along . le ib ss en ce vironm t d more ac Energy and En ting better an of t en e tm ar ep t’s D l groups, mor by the Distric environmenta of d ew an sl ng a ki h it hi w ed for (DOEE) along and rehabilitat g. d in pe lo nd ve pa de ex g s is also trails are bein otorized boat e DC ility for nonm ib even long tim ss at ce th ac ls le ai tr t ou ithin ab biking whi w n e atio cales ar some inform while these lo nd ong A al Read on for t. is nd ie ex bring a fr ht not know expanses, so ed at residents mig ol is e ud veral incl the District, se e adventure. to share in th d an for safety

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ANACOSTIA RIVERWALK TRAIL If you want to feel that you are far from the city, the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail is the place to go. Currently 12 miles of what will be a 20-mile loop has been completed. If you don’t mind a bit of backtracking, you can make the trail into a loop that meanders through neighborhoods, parks, and natural areas all the way to Maryland’s Bladensburg Park and even beyond as it ties into a series of trails associated with Colmar Manor Community Park. You can even stop off at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens along the way (see below). The Riverwalk is paved and easy to follow on the east side of the River while the west (Capitol Hill) portion of the trail is less developed and has less signage. The portion of the trail along the back of Navy Yard and Yards Park provides some gorgeous river vistas. The Benning Road, 11th St., and the South Capitol St. bridges provide pedestrian-protected crossover points.

KENILWORTH AQUATIC GARDENS Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, operated by the National Park Service, is a beautiful spot for a contemplative stroll. In the spring, summer, and fall, the ponds are full of water hyacinths, lotuses, and lilies while walkways include boardwalks that span the marshes and connect to the Anacostia River. You can access the

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The arches of the new Frederick Douglass Bridge as kayakers make their way downstream at sunset.

Gardens via the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail, or take the Metro to Deanwood (Orange Line) and walk a few blocks. You can also arrive by canoe or kayak. Admission is free, but call 202-692-6080 to confirm operating operating hours. 11th Street Bridge Did you know that the 11th Street Bridge includes a wide pedestrian walkway? And there are two outcroppings out over the water at mid-river that provide spectacular sunset views. It’s all a part of the much anticipated 11th Street Bridge Project that will eventually include parks, gardens, waterfalls, cafes, and performance spaces. Bring it on!

MARVIN GAYE TRAIL The Marvin Gaye Trail is an easily accessible two-mile paved trail that follows the newly restored Watts Branch from 61st and Banks NE. Marvin Gaye, a Motown artist and environmentalist, grew up in public housing located along a stream near the eastern trailhead. Download some of Marvin’s songs and follow the trail as it winds by the site of a Martin Luther King speech and rem-

nants of an amusement park dating to segregated times. The trail is accessible from the Capitol Heights Metro (Blue & Silver lines) at its eastern terminus and the Minnesota Avenue (Orange Line) at its western end. And if you’re up for a longer walk, continue under the freeway at the western terminus into Kenilworth Park and the Anacostia Riverwalk.

FORT CIRCLE PARK HIKER-BIKER TRAIL The eight-mile Fort Circle Park HikerBiker Trail links some of the District’s dozens of Civil War era forts (now national parks) that were built to defend the city from southern rebels. The little-known and unpaved trail runs through urban forests and neighborhoods between Fort Mahan in the north (near Burns and C Sts. SE) and Fort Stanton (near Texas Ave and 28th Sts. SE) in the south. The trail is signed in most places, but it can be hard to navigate. The National Park Service offers seasonal guided bike tours and other events, COVID permitting. While

the trail is accessible by bus and bike, according to the Park Service, the best place to park is midway along the route in Fort Dupont National Park. Call 202426-7723 to confirm any events.

THE NATIONAL ARBORETUM The National Arboretum has miles of trails and gardens and is home to one of only two of the District’s known pairs of bald eagles. COVID permitting, the Arboretum provides a variety of programs and plant sales, as well as moonlight hikes and beautiful views. In addition to access along New York Avenue, there is a dock and gate along the Anacostia that is open periodically. Call 202-245-4523 for more information.

SAILING DOWN THE RIVER There are also plenty of options if you want to be on the river instead of just near or alongside it. Canoes, kayaks, and even bikes, trikes, and fishing gear can be rented at Bladensburg Waterfront Park located along the Anacostia River Trail and just east of the Peace Cross on MD 450 in FAGON GUIDE 2021

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Left: Pink lily pond at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. Photo: Mary Procter. Right: Natural meadow at Poplar Point. Photo: Bill Matuszeski

Hyattsville. They also offer interpretive pontoon boat tours, a picnic pavilion, a fishing pier, a boat ramp and a free canoe/kayak launch as well as a playground and clean restrooms. In the District, you can also rent canoes and kayaks at Ballpark Boathouse located near Nationals Part at 1600 1st St SE. Meanwhile, the Anacostia Watershed Society sponsors Free Paddle Nights during summer evenings at various locales along the River. As you go along the river, you can take a side trip into Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens located along the east side and described above. Just be sure to go in – and get out – around high tide. And just north of the New York Avenue/Amtrak bridge, Dueling Creek heads off to the west. In the early 19th century, DC prohibited dueling, so a site was established outside its boundaries, with the Creek leading to it. After paddling through marshmallow-filled wetlands (abundant with white blossoms in summer) and working your way past fallen timber, you’ll eventually enter an area of tall trees and vines. Underneath are stacks of old catafalques (casings for coffins) still lined up for use in Fort Lincoln cemeteries from years ago. As with Kenilworth Gardens, it’s best to access Dueling Creek during high tide.

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After years of neglect, the neighborhoods east of the Anacostia River are being recognized for their cultural diversity and the unique wildlife habitat they provide within the District. Several local organizations including Ward 8 Woods Conservancy, Green Scheme, and Inner City Anglers are working with local residents to provide job skills and cultural opportunities for Ward 7 and 8 residents. If you want to be a part of the Anacostia revi-talization effort, these organizations would welcome your help! See you on – or nearby – the River! Catherine Plume is a lifelong environmentalist, a writer, and blogger for the DC Recycler: www. DCRecycler.blogspot.com; Twitter: @DC_Recycler. She is also the Chair of the DC Chapter of the Sierra Club, however, perspectives expressed are her own and do not necessarily represent the positions of that organization. u

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healthy living Directory

ACUPUNCTURE / ALT. HEALING

Rooted Pilates at 1301 Pennsylvania Ave. SE.

Capitol Hill Chiropractic Center David Walls-Kaufman 411 East Capitol St. SE 202-544-6035 capitolhillchiropractic.com

Urban Flavors 425 M St. SW 202-948-6152 wheresweed.com

Euphoria Healing & Wellness 611 ½ Pennsylvania Ave. SE 240-353-8189 www.euphoriadc.org

CHIROPRACTOR Washington Integrative Health 641 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-544-4478 dcintegrative.com

Lavender Retreat Wellness Club 1236 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-450-2329 lavender-retreat.com Marjorie G. Shovlin Acupuncture 906 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Ste. 210 202-680-0125 marjorieshovlin.com

BARBERS Capitol Barber & Stylist 201 Massachusetts Ave. NE 202-544-8380 Cutz On the Hill 114 15th St. SE 202-543-1547 Powell’s Barber Shop 1232 H St. NE 202-388-0378

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Kinfolk Dispensary 409 Eighth St SE #201 202-817-3920 kinfolkdispensary.com

BEAUTY SALONS Atlas Salon 733 11 St NE 202-803-2903 atlassalondc.com Cole Stevens Salon 1210 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-547-4444 colestevenssalon.com

Randolph Cree 325 Seventh St. SE 202-547-1014 randolphcree.com Rose and Sparrow 631B Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-543-9000 roseandsparrowsalon.com Tracy Hair & Nails by Nina 428 Eighth St. SE 202-546-4887

Michael Anthony Salon 661 C St. SE Second Floor 202-506-3609 michaelanthonysalondc.com

CANNABIS DISPENSARIES

Patou Salon & Spa 709 D St. SE 202-543-7643 patousalonandspa.com

DC Holistic Wellness 4721 Sheriff Rd. NE 202-388-3000 dcholisticwellness.com

C A P I TA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S . C O M

Paradigm Chiropractic and Performance, LLC Dr. Henry Jenkins Jr. 650 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Ste. 470 202-546-0981 paradigmchiropracticdc.com Moses Chiropractic 400 Eighth St. NE 202-546-2000 drmochiro.com

COSMETIC Change for Life Wellness & Aesthetics Wanda R. Dyson, M.D. 650 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Ste. 250 571-248-5724 cflwellness.com

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COUNSELORS Sharon L. Bernier 333 16 St. SE 202-609-8855 Capitol Hill Consortium for Counseling and Consultation 650 Pennsylvania Ave SE Ste. 440 202-544-5440 ccccmentalhealth.com Imago Center of Washington DC 301 A St. SE 202-670-5065 imagocenterdc.com Mind Body Health 600 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 571-328-7408 mindbodyva.com Nancy L. Lithgow, RN, MSW Individuals, Couples & Families 101 Sixth St. NE 202-543-7700 Re-New Psychological Services 600 Pennsylvania Ave SE Suite 310 202-341-0500 renewpsych.com Gina Sangster, LICSW Family Therapy 650 Pennsylvania Ave. SE Ste. 240 202-688-2376 Capitol Hill Center for Individual and Family Therapy 50 E St. SE, Ste. 300 202-543-4645 capitolhillcenterfortherapy.net

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Joy of Motion – H St. 1333 H St. NE 202-813-9505 joyofmotion.org Momentum Dance & Fitness 534 Eighth St. SE 202-517-7252 momentumdancetheatre.com St. Mark’s Dance Studio 301 A St. SE 202-543-0053 stmarks.net Studio One 511 11th St. SE studioone-dance.com

DENTISTS Aden Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Tawann P. Jackson DDS 650 Pennsylvania Ave. SE Ste. 460 202-547-7772 Adendentistry@gmail.com East Capitol Dental Dr. Larry Bowers & Dr. Langley Bowers 711 E Capitol St. 202- 544-0086 eastcapitoldental.com Capitol Dental Associates 1201 S. Capitol St. SW Ste. B 202-621-8446 capitoldentalteam.com

Hill residents Gina Eppolito, Kinley, Zaida and Francis Slakey come to the ice hockey rink to scrimmage together.

Dr. Chad Jones 56 M St. SE 202-670-4883 www.navyyarddental.com

Euphoria Healing & Wellness 611 ½ Pennsylvania Ave. SE 240-353-8189 www.euphoriadc.org

South Capitol Smile Center Sheila Samaddar DDS 1313 South Capitol St. SW 202-488-1313 southcapitolsmilecenter.com

Gold’s Gym Capitol Hill 409 Third St. SW 202-544-4653 goldsgym.com/capitolhilldc

FITNESS CENTERS & PERSONAL TRAINING 9Round Kickbox Fitness 1105 New Jersey Ave. SE 202-630-0848 www.9round.com/fitness/ washingtondcnewjerseyave

Jade Fitness 1310 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-629-4455 jadefitnessdc.com Momentum Dance & Fitness 534 Eighth St. SE 202-517-7252 momentumdancetheatre.com Old City CrossFit 1007 H St. NE 202-804-5944 oldcitycrossfit.com

Capitol Hill Dental Group 412 First St. SE 202-863-1600, chdg.net

Balance Gym 214 D St. SE 202-450-5448 balancegym.com

DANCE

Capitol Hill Pediatric Dentistry 650 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-849-3292 capitolhillpediatric.dentist

Biker Barre Capitol Hill 738 Seventh St. SE 202-733-1009 bikerbarre.com

Pure Barre 407 Eighth St. SE 202-847-3708, purebarre.com

Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW) 545 7th St. SE 202-547-6839, chaw.org

Nishan Halim, D.M.D. 27 Sixth St. NE 202-318-4113 nishanhalimdmd.com

Crossfit DC Northeast 1365 H St. NE 202-780-0309 crossfitdc.com

Reformation Fitness Capitol Hill 525 Eighth St. SE, 2nd Floor 202-813-3647 reformationfitness.com

C A P I TA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S . C O M

Off Road DC Capitol Hill 637 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-838-6516, offroaddc.com

Top Invisalign Provider on Capitol Hill

Washingtonian Magazine Top Dentist for 2021 COMPREHENSIVE COSMETIC ESTHETIC MINIMALLY INVASIVE FAMILY DENTISTRY General Preventative Dental Care Same Day Crowns Smile Design & Makeovers Advanced Technology for Patient Comfort

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CREATING BEAUTIFUL SMILES ALL OVER CAPITOL HILL!

President, District of Columbia Academy of General Dentistry DrSamaddar@SouthCapitolS mileCenter.com

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Freed Bodyworks 1337 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-321-9715 freedbodyworks.com Hands on Healing [in-home therapeutic massage] 202-750-1730 handsonhealing.com Lavender Retreat 1236 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-450-2329 lavender-retreat.com

Pattie Cinelli, Hill Rag’s health writer, plays pickleball, a sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis.

Sport & Health 315 G St. SE 202-234-5678 sportandhealth.com

George Washington Hospital 900 23rd St. NW 202-715-4000 gwhospital.com

Waterside Fitness 901 Sixth St. SW 202-488-3701 chuckfitt.com

Medstar Health Promptcare 228 Seventh St. SE 855-698-0795 medstarhealth.org

Vida Fitness 1212 4th St. SE #170 202-554-0444 vidafitness.com

HOSPITALS Bridgepoint Hospital Capitol Hill Long-term Care 223 Seventh St. NE 202-546-5700 bridgepointhealthcare.com Children’s National Medical Center 111 Michigan Ave. NW 202-476-5040 or 1-888-884-BEAR (2327) childrensnational.org

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MARTIAL ARTS DC Samurai Training Academy 613 Pennsylvania Ave. SE (Second Floor) 202-905-2627 dcsamurai.com Master Erica Gutman 202-546-6275 mastergutman@gmail.com mastergutman.com

MASSAGE / WELLNESS THERAPY Euphoria Healing & Wellness 611 ½ Pennsylvania Ave. SE 240-353-8189 www.euphoriadc.org

C A P I TA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S . C O M

MassageLuxe 609 H St. NE 202-558-6160 massageluxe.com Orange Wellness 725 Eighth St. SE 202-510-5246 www.myorangewellness.com Capitol Hill Sport & Health 315 G St. SE 202-234-5678 sportandhealth.com

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT Grubbs CARE Pharmacy 326 East Capitol St. NE 202-543-4400 grubbspharmacy.com Morton Eighth St. Pharmacy 724 East Capitol St. NE 202-547-0378 mortoncarepharmacy.com Super Pharmacy & Medical Supply 1019 H St. NE 202-388-0050 superrxdc.com

NAILS Angelo Nails 615 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-543-0260

Capitol Nail Salon 201 Massachusetts Ave. NE 202-543-0989 Eastern Market Nails 214 7th St. SE 202-548-0022 Easternmarketmainstreet.org Indigo Nail Stylist 1221 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-758-5842 Nailsaloon 740 C St SE 202-594-3252 thenailsaloon.com Urban Nail Lounge 202-599-2505 911 H Street NE www.urbannaillounge.com

OPTICIANS / OPTOMETRISTS Eye Central 635 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-318-6258 eyecentral.net Georgetown Optician 660 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-597-5172 georgetownoptician.com MyEyeDr. 233 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-544-9220, myeyedr.com Ovation Eye Institute 810 Potomac Ave. SE 202-878-6588 ovationeye.health

PEDIATRIC THERAPY HoneyBee Pediatric Therapy 202-546-7529 dchoneybeetherapy.com

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Skills on the Hill LLC 1301 Pennsylvania Ave SE 202-544-5439 skillsonthehill.com Capitol Kids Therapy Speech and Language 201 Massachusetts Ave. NE, C-9 202-544-5469 capitolkidstherapy.com

PHARMACY Grubbs CARE Pharmacy 326 East Capitol St. NE 202-543-4400 grubbspharmacy.com Morton 8th Street Pharmacy 724 East Capitol St. NE 202-547-0378 mortoncarepharmacy.com Safeway Pharmacy 415 14th St SE 202- 920-5875 1601 Maryland Ave NE 202- 398-6900 1100 4th St SW 202-719-2500 safeway.com Super Pharmacy & Medical Equipment 3180 Bladensburg Rd. NE 202-388-0050 superpharmacyllc.com CVS 500 12th St. SE 202-542-1555 661 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-543-3305 645 H St. NE 202-544-1878 1100 Fourth St. SW 202-544-2144 cvs.com

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PHYSICAL THERAPY Active Physical Therapy 650 Pennsylvania Ave. SE Ste. 170 202-544-4874 active-physicaltherapy.com Capitol Hill Physical Therapy Center 620 C St. SE 202-543-8020 capitolhillphysicaltherapycenter.com NovaCare Rehabilitation 600 Pennsylvania Ave SE Ste 202 202-543-9400 www.novacare.com Pivot Physical Therapy 300 M St. SE 202-221-8250 pivotphysicaltherapy.com Rose Physical Therapy Group 1015 Half St. SE 202-630-0378 rosept.com

PHYSICIANS – ALLERGY Denise Chevalier-Hamilton 650 Pennsylvania Ave. SE Ste. 480 202-546-0062 chevalierallergyandasthma.com

PHYSICIANS – DERMATOLOGY Allen A. Flood 650 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Ste. 420 202-235-2431 aafloodmd.com

C A P I TA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S . C O M

PHYSICIANS – FAMILY & GENERAL

PHYSICIANS – PODIATRY

Breastfeeding Center for Greater Washington 1020 19th St. NW Ste. 150 202-293-5182 breastfeedingcenter.org

District Podiatry 1647 Benning Rd. NE Ste. 301 202-388-5303 districtpodiatry.com

Breast Care for Washington DC 4 Atlantic St. SW 202-465-7164 capitalbreastcare.org Capitol Hill Medical Clinic 201 Eighth St. NE Ste. 3 202-546-7696

Eliezer Trybuch 620 C St. SE 202-543-0035 myfeetdoc.com

PILATES DC Pilates 526 H St. NE 202-543-4600 dcpilates.net

MedStar Medical Group Navy Yard 915 Half St. SE 202-546-4504 medstarhealth.org

Rooted Pilates 1301 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-681-6755 rootedpilates.com

Medstar Promptcare – Urgent Care 228 Seventh St. SE 202-698-0795 medstarhealth.org

Solid Core H Street 931 H Street NE 202-915-7886 www.solidcore.co/ washington-dc/h-street

PHYSICIANS – PEDIATRICS

PSYCHOTHERAPY

Children’s Pediatricians & Associates Capitol Hill 650 Pennsylvania Ave. SE Ste. C-100 202-833-4543 childrensnational.org House Calls on the Hill Heidi Johnson, CPNP 202-306-5862 heidijohnsoncpnp.com Capitol Hill Medical Clinic 201 Eighth St. NE Ste. 3 202-546-7696

Sharon Bernier Psychiatric Nurse, Relationship Therapy 202-609-8855 Re-New Psychological Services 600 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Suite 310 202-341-0500 renewpsych.com

SPAS Aura Spa at The Yards 1212 Fourth St. SE, Ste. 170C 202-554-0444 auraspa.net

Euphoria Healing & Wellness 611 ½ Pennsylvania Ave. SE 240-353-8189 www.euphoriadc.org

Waterside Fitness 901 Sixth St. SW 202-488-3701 chuckfitt.com

Lavender Retreat 1236 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-450-2329 lavender-retreat.com

WAXING

MassageLuxe 609 H St. NE 202-558-6160 massageluxe.com Skin Beauty Bar 749 Eighth St. SE 202-543-6993 skinbeautybardc.com

SPEECH THERAPY Capitol Kids Therapy Speech and Language 201 Massachusetts Ave. NE, C-9 202-544-5469 capitolkidstherapy.com The Reading and Language Learning Center 316 F St. NE Ste 118 202-253-1654 readingllcenter.com

SWIM CENTERS Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Lincoln Capper Children’s Pool 555 L St. SE Rosedale Recreation Center 1701 Gales St. NE 202-727-2591 William H. Rumsey Aquatic Center 635 North Carolina Ave. SE 202-724-4495 dpr.dc.gov

Brow Contour 655 C St. SE 202-506-2745 European Wax Center 717 D St. SE 202-807-1750 waxcenter.com

WELLNESS THERAPY Lavender Retreat 1236 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-450-2329 lavender-retreat.com

YOGA Corepower Yoga 501 H Street NE, Suite A 202.640.2427 www.corepoweryoga.com Healthy Self Sherri Pineyro hello@sherripineyro.com sherripineyro.com Hot Yoga Capitol Hill 410 H St. NE 202-547-1208 hotyogacapitolhill.com

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District Flow 715 Wharf St. SW districtflowyoga.com Yoga District 500 H St NE www.yogadistrict.com/thestudios/h-street-dc

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arts & dining

Half Street Streateries in Capitol Riverfront. Photo: Capitol Riverfront BID

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RESTAURANT COMERS

NEW

his past year has been like no other we’ve experienced. However, in spite of Washington’s year-long partial lockdown due to the Covid 19 pandemic, new restaurants are opening—or soon to open—on Capi-

Spaghetti and meatballs are a specialty at La Collina. Photo La Collina

tol Hill and in nearby neighborhoods. Virtually all adhere to rules regarding social distancing and mask-wearing (for on-site dining) while offering carryout and delivery. Following is a listing of newcomers. Before venturing out, be

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BY CELESTE MCCALL

sure to check for exact times (many places have cut back on hours), and other updates.

CAPITOL HILL Pizzas, they keep a-coming. The latest pie parlor to join the ranks is Extreme Pizza, 520 Eighth St. SE (former digs of Orchid and before that Senart’s Oyster & Chop House). In keeping with the chain’s sports theme, the Barracks Row décor spotlights “extreme” sports with color photos depicting mountain bikers and skiers flying through the air. The predecessor’s long marble-topped bar remains. In addition to pizzas (10, 14 and 18-inchers) you’ll find calzones, salads (Greek, Caesar etc.); “epic” subs; wings and sides including “zipline” knots and hummus. Customers may design their own pizzas or choose from combos ranging from traditional to tandoori. Crust choices are classic, wheat, gluten free and cauliflower. Desserts include homemade cookies, New York cheesecake and pow wows (twisted dough with chocolate and hazelnut sauces). Call 202-798-1222 or visit www. extremepizza.com

Joining Extreme Pizza and other pizzerias will be Della Barba Pizza. The local outpost of a national chain, Della Barba is moving from Union Kitchen (Ivy City) to 1382 East Capitol, NE. If that address sounds familiar, it’s the site of the long-gone Al’s Pizza, where Peter and I used to order pies back when the Hill had few pizza options. Visit www.dellabarbapizza.com. Call Your Mother, 701 Eighth St. SE (Eighth and G streets). This well-received Jewish-style bagel shop and deli is a spinoff of the original in Washington’s Park View neighborhood. (President Biden has visited the Georgetown location.) Mother’s menu showcases a serious lineup of bagels, including plain, poppy seed, sesame, za’atar. Snuggled in bagel sandwiches are eggs, pastrami, smoked salmon, cream cheese (naturally), cheddar cheese, cucumbers and much more. Desserts: Black and White cookies and other delights. Visit www.callyourmotherdeli.com. La Collina, Seventh & C streets SE (across from Eastern Market, next to The Duck & the Peach). This new Italian eatery showcases assorted antipasti (chickpeas, salami, Castelvetrano olives, provolone, pepperoncini), fresh pastas including homespun, flavorful spaghetti-and-meatballs plus wonderfully cheesy garlic bread. Desserts include chocolate hazelnut mousse. For now, service is carryout and delivery only; for updates visit www. lacollinadc.com. Adjacent to La Collina and under the same ownership is The Duck & the

At the District Wharf, Executive Chef Kevin Tien works his magic in his kitchen at Moon Rabbit, a contemporary Vietnamese restaurant.

Peach, 300 Seventh St. SE, across from Eastern Market. Created by managing partner Hollis Wells Silverman (formerly with Jose Andres’ ThinkFoodGroup), The Duck serves breakfast and lunch (yogurt parfaits, house-baked muffins, scones, overstuffed sandwiches. Try the BLT and chicken salad). Come evening, family-style “pick-up dinners” serve two to four persons. The rotisserie turns out roasted chickens with preserved lemon; braised lamb with apricot reduction; wine-braised short ribs with polenta; roasted cauliflower, all served with sides. Dinner items are also available ala carte, and don’t forget “to go” cocktails. Visit www.duckandpeachdc.com. Just East of Lincoln Park, Pacci’s Trattoria is set to open at 106 13th St. SE where the Lincoln Park Wine Bar used to be. The menu will showcase various pasta dishes, calzones, Neapolitan style pizzas, chicken parmesan, salads (including the classic Caprese with sliced tomatoes, mozzarella, oregano and olive oil), sandwiches, beer, wine and cocktails. For updates visit www. paccis.com. The Roost, 1401 Pennsylvania Ave SE. Located in the swanky Blackbird residences, Roost is managed by Neighborhood Restaurant Group in partnership with May Riegler. Eateries flocking to the Roost include AKO by Kasnaki (sushi and other Asian dishes), Yoko & Kota (sushi and omakase ); Cameo (coffee , tea, breakfast and the Shop Made in DC), Hi-Fi Taco (various tacos, nachos and more); Leni (borscht, brat-

wurst, salads and bowls, Arctic char, roast chicken with coriander); Red Apron (charcuterie made with handcrafted cured meats, hefty burgers, crispy pork belly Canadian-inspired poutine, smoked chicken salad); Shelter (umpteen beers on tap, ales, cider and other potables), Show of Hands (craft cocktails, homemade spirits including vermouth, herbal liqueurs, limoncello); Slice Joint (New York style pizza sold whole or by the slice with choice of a dozen toppings), State Fair (ice cream and other goodies). Visit www.theroostdc.com. Paraiso Taqueria Y Mezcaleria, 1101 Pennsylvania Ave SE (next to Frager’s Hardware).

Formerly Emilie’s, this Tex-Mex eatery turns out guacamole, ceviche, assorted tacos, burritos and quesadillas, branzino, fried cod, chicken mole, adobo lamb, beer, wine and cocktails. A scaleddown version of the adjacent market remains, with a few tables for in-house wining and dining. Call 202-544-4368 or visit www.paraisotaqueria.com.

CAPITOL RIVERFRONT (NAVY YARD) Basebowl Ramen & Grill, 1201 Half St. SE. Appropriately situated near Nationals Park, this cleverly named newcomer slings all kinds of ramen, as well as edamame, goyza (dumplings), soups, bento boxes and an 18-inch “Super Bowl” chock full of jumbo shrimp, steak and the trimmings. Beer and wine only. Call 202-975-1066 or visit www. basebowldc.com. Hatoba, 300 Tingey St. SE, is located in the historic Boilermaker Shops, Hatoba specializes in Sapporo-style ramen and Japanese-inspired sweet and savory small bites. Traditional noodle soups encompass garlic shoyu, red miso clam, spicy red. Complementing these victuals are beer, wine and cocktails. Hatoba is the District’s fourth restaurant from the award-winning Daikaya Group. Call 202488-4800 or visit www. hatobadc.com. Next door is Stadium Sports Bar +Smokehouse (formerly Willie’s Brew & Que), 300 Paraiso Taqueria Y Mezcaleria is an upscale Tex-Mex eatery at 1101 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. Photo: Anne Kim

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Located in the historic Barracks Row neighborhood, Sushi Hachi, founded by highly talented Chef, Steve Yoon, offers a premier dining experience like never before in DC. Dishes are plated with thick cut slices of fresh fish that is flown in daily, and rice that is prepared with the highest care. Sushi Hachi takes on the art of traditional sushi with an innovative drive.

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Paraiso TaueriaTingey St. SE. Part of the Hill Restaurant Group (Hawk ‘n Dove, Tortuga Caribbean Bar & Grille, Ophelia’s Fish House and other Hill favorites), this casual newbie pours a wide selection of beers, wines and cocktails, fans chow down on doublesmoked wings, bacon-wrapped shrimp, beet hummus, lamb lollipops, various “melts.” Plus plenty of beer, wine and cocktails. Call 202-651-6375 or visit www.stadiumsportsbardc.com.

cauliflower, coal-fired chicken, smoked lamb. Complementing these victuals are exotic coffees, teas and 16-ounce cocktails. Yes, the interi-or is bright yellow. Visit www.yellowthecafe.com.

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Bistro du Jour, 99 District Square SW (formerly Dolecezza). Modeled after Carette, a chic Paris café, the 1,700-square foot Bistro is Knead Hospitality’s third Wharf venture. (Others are Chef Roberto Santibanez’s Mi Vida and The Grill.) By day, Bistro du Jour showcases pastries from Mah-ZeDahr (1201 Half St. SE), the New York bakery which has partnered with Knead. Come nightfall, Bistro du Jour’s focus shifts to Champagne, French onion soup, steak frites and coq au vin. Visit www. wharfdc.com. Coming soon, is Ilili’s, an upscale Lebanese restaurant in the sprawling space formerly occupied by Mike Isabella’s Requin. If all goes well, you’ll find the Manhattan-based Mediterranean newcomer at 100 District Square SW. Canadian-inspired poutines--French fries with assorted The kitchen will turn out toppings--are highlights at the Red Apron in the Roost classics like hummus, lamb food hall. and beef meatballs, “black-iron shrimp with garlic and cilantro, doner Yellow Café, 1346 Fourth St. SE, is kebabs, moussaka (meat or veggie). For a bakery tucked inside Albi, dispensing updates visit www.ililinyc.com. an all-day taste of the Levant (Eastern NaRa-Ya, an izakaya-style (informal Mediterranean region). Chef Gregory yet high end) Japanese restaurant has Baumgartner, who oversees pastry at debuted at 88 District Square SW. The Albi, merges classic French techniques lavish third-story space overlooks the with Middle Eastern flavors with sweet Potomac River. Heading the kitchen is and savory croissants, mezze and pita Hawaiian-born chef Lucas Irwin, whose sandwiches filled with choice of grilled eclectic creations involve Alaskan

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king crab with purple sweet potatoes; takoyaki (octopus); wagyu beef, green tea soba noodles with bok choy, uni (sea urchin) butter, grilled squab. Plus oceans of sake and other stylish drinks. NaRa-Ya’s décor matches it’s artfully presented food: seats are covered with hot pink leopard print fabric; floor tiles are salmon-hued; one wall is enveloped in a vibrant cherry blossom print. Visit www.nara-ya.com. Moon Rabbit, 801 Wharf St. SW. Executive chef Kevin Tien’s “contemporary” Vietnamese enterprise is situated next to the lobby of the posh Intercontinental Hotel. Tapping his Vietnamese roots, Tien’s eclectic menu encompasses garlic-grilled prawns, scallop crudo, turmeric-scented catfish, beef tartare, lemongrass pork blade steak with coconut rice, and a 16-ounce ribeye. Complementing Tien’s cuisine are Asian-inspired cocktails, beer and wine. (The moniker Moon Rabbit refers to a mythical lunar dwelling bunny.) Call 202-878-8566 or visit www.moonrabbit.com

ATLAS DISTRICT (H STREET NE) District Jerk – Jerk at Nite Food Truck, 1100 H St. NE. Founded by Howard University students, this zesty newcomer started out as a food truck. Now (or soon!), customers can visit the bricks-and-mortar restaurant brightly appointed with the green, black and yellow Jamaican colors and faux thatched roofs. The menu encompasses rice and peas; Jamaican-style mac-and-cheese; Rasta pasta with Alfredo sauce, “Wingz N Tingz” (spicy jerk wings); assorted sides, sodas and bottled water. Call 202481-0034 or visit www.jerkatnite.com. KitchenCray Cafe, 1301 H St. NE. This Atlas District spinoff of the Lanham, Maryland original showcases Cajun and Caribbean cuisine with Harlem flair. Oxtails appear in spring rolls, egg rolls and brunch oxtail Benedict with Mumbo dipping sauce. There’s also chicken-and-French toast, catfish and

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Mangialardo & Sons The Best Subs on Capitol Hill! Italian Deli Est. 1953

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grits, curry lobster with rice and beans, crab cake BLTs. By the way, Cray stands for “Creative Revolutionary Artistic Youth.” Call 202-396-2729 or visit www.kitchencray.com. Kitsuen, 1362 H St. NE. This high-end Asian enterprise dispenses steamed edamame, spring rolls, spicy miso broth, shrimp tempura, Japanesestyle fried chicken, chilled seaweed salad and a non-Asian sounding side dish: sweet potato fries. Accompanying these victuals are craft cocktails and other potent (and non-potent) potables. Call 202-914-2465 or visit www. kitsuenbar.com. Mozzeria, a handsome, Neapolitan-style pizzeria at 1300 H St. NE, is operated by employees who are fluent in American Sign Language. Located on the ground floor of the Baldwin apartment complex, the 94-seat pie palace was specially designed by CORE Architecture +Design. The menu offers 12-inch woodfired pies, baby spinach salad, fried mozzarella “bars,” eggplant parmesan, Italian-style cocktails, beer and wine. Call 202-886-4424 or visit www. mozzeria.com. Smokin’ Pig, 1208 H St. NE. This “Legendary BBQ Joint” dispenses ribs (whole or half racks), pulled pork or chicken, smoked and fried chicken wings, half smokes, a “Big Tennessee grilled salmon sandwich, and a humongous brined and smoked turkey leg stuffed with mac-and-cheese. For dipping: barbecue sauces ranging from sweet and spicy to tongue-torching. Call 202525-5032 or visit www.smokinpigdc.com.

Tigo’s Per uvian Express, 1322 H St. NE, formerly housing Meggrolls and Red Ginger), dispenses South American creations: ceviche and other seafood including fried calamari with yucca and red onions; aguadito (savory chicken soup); empanadas; arroz chaufa (chicken-fried rice); whole or half roasted chicken (a popular Peruvian street food). Call 202-351-9117.

BUZZARD POINT Situated near the DC United’s Audi Field is The Point, 2100 Second St. SW. This stylish newcomer is part of the Fish & Fire Group which brought us Ivy City Smokehouse Tavern and other popular enterprises. (The Point is part of an ambitious development which will eventually connect Buzzard Point with The Yards and District Wharf.) At The Point restaurant, expect fire-grilled seafood and “turf” dishes involving duck and chicken. One notable starter is a doughnut stuffed with crab dip. Among vegetarian options is fire-roasted cauliflower shawarma. Visit www. fishandfirefoodgroupdc.com.

GONE Finn McCool’s (formerly Molly Malone’s), the Irish pub at 713 Eighth St. SE (Barracks Row), and Santa Rosa Taqueria, 315 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, have departed. Hank’s Oyster Bar has shuttered its 633 Pennsylvania Ave. SE outpost “until it’s safe to reopen.” For updates visit www.hanksoysterbar.com. u

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L L I H e h T n O s ART ltural e variety of cu use of the wid ca conbe to g k in al w az ill is am . We can to our homes iving on the H ar ne ly s. al re ay d pl and locate ts, book talks, amenities all gs that ings, art exhibi ad thly happenin re on ry m et or y po kl s, ee w cert r la lists, ve gu re no these as g poets, We’re used to hbors includin ig ne have ed rs nt fe le of ta l r many any virtua often feature ou . While the m n. ts ai tis ag ar ce d en an di , musicians as a live au s rs at to se ac r , ts ou see gh to to ri playw t to return ganization we cannot wai te for each or si g, in eb ake w az m e am th at t th en ou be groups arrives, check n support the ca u yo Until that day at th s way doing and the ill. what they are it off-- on the H ow sh to e ac sp e th nd --a ty beau

THEATRE COMPANIES Arena Stage 1101 Sixth St. SW 202-554-9066 arenastage.org Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater, under the leadership of Artistic Director Molly Smith and Executive Producer Edgar Dobie, is a national center dedicated to American voices and artists. Arena Stage produces plays of all that is passionate, profound, deep and dangerous in the American spirit, presenting diverse and groundbreaking work from some of the best artists around the country. Arena Stage is committed to commissioning and developing new plays and impacting the lives of over 10,000 students annually through its work in community engagement. Now in its eighth decade, Arena Stage serves a diverse annual audience of more than 300,000.

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Faction of Fools 800 Florida Ave. NE (Eastman Studio Theatre, Gallaudet Univ.) factionoffools.org info@factionoffools.org Faction of Fools Theatre Company is DC’s one and only Commedia dell’Arte company! The company preserves and promotes this Renaissance theatre style by both respecting its past and exploring its future. In addition to performances and touring, the company does school residencies, university workshops, and professional training for actors. Visit the website factionoffools.org or email info@ factionoffools.org for more information or to book a performance or workshop for your institution. Folger Shakespeare Theater – (See Folger Shakespeare Library under Performance Venues below)

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The Beauty of Buzzard Point mural adjacent to Audi Field in Capitol Riverfront. Photo: Bill Matuszeski

Mosaic Theater Company 1333 H St. NE (in residence at Atlas Performing Arts Center) mosaictheater.org Mosaic Theater Company of DC is known for producing provocative and socially relevant performances while providing opportunities for community dialogue and development for emerging artists. In its seventh season, Mosaic hopes to bring up to six new projects to audiences both at the Atlas Performing Arts Center and remotely, on screen. St. Mark’s Players 301 A St. SE 202-854-9199 stmarksplayers.org St. Mark’s Players has been a fixture on Capitol Hill for 38 years as the resident company at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. From their roots performing Gilbert and Sullivan operettas, this company has evolved to become an established and

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The Capitol Hill Jazz Jam usually takes place in Mr. Henry’s on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. This past year, the Capitol Hill Jazz Foundation has stepped up to assist in providing relief for musicians impacted by the coronavirus outbreak. Learn more at Capitolhilljazzfoundation.org. Photo courtesy Capitol Hill Jazz Jam

respected member of the DC theater community. Each season, the Players perform three plays. Taffety Punk Theatre Company 202-415-4838 taffetypunk.com Info@TaffetyPunk.com This small but mighty company frequently performs in the black box space of Capitol Hill Arts Workshop. Taffety Punk was founded by a group of artists who shared both a love of the Bard as well as punk rock music. The company is known for a fierce aesthetic, a pared down approach to classics and a commitment to accessible ticket prices.

MUSIC PROGRAMS Capital City Symphony 1333 H St. NE (Atlas Performing Arts Center) capitalcitysymphony.org Performing creative programs in a relaxed concert format provides a musical outlet for talented amateur as well as professional players. Led by Victoria Gau since 1997, the 100 volunteer musicians explore both symphonic classics and the best of 20th Century music.

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Capitol Hill Chorale P.O. Box 15703 Washington, DC 202-540-0547 capitolhillchorale.org Maestro Frederick Binkholder leads this 90-voice ensemble, performing a series of three concerts each season at area churches, presenting both a cappella and accompanied works in classical, folk, jazz, and popular music genres. United States Navy Band 617 Warrington Ave. SE (Washington Navy Yard) navyband.navy.mil The United States Navy Band is actually comprised of six primary performing groups as well as a host of smaller ensembles. One hundred seventy enlisted musicians perform over 270 public concerts and 1,300 ceremonies each year. Every spring, the Concert Band hosts their annual Young Artist Solo Competition. From May to the end of August, the band performs at regular Friday Evening Parades. The performance and parade are free but reservations are recommended. Go online at paraderes.dcmarines. com to reserve. Find a full event calendar on the website.

The Washington Chorus (TWC) https://thewashingtonchorus.org/ the-chorus Now in its 60th season, The Washington Chorus one of the foremost symphonic choruses in the nation. Noted for the superb artistry of its performances and recordings of the entire range of the choral repertoire, the three-time nominated and two-time Grammy Award winner, 160-voice Chorus is widely recognized as a cultural leader in the nation’s capital. TWC has appeared at the invitation of leading orchestras including the National Symphony Orchestra and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. TWC has sung for numerous prestigious events throughout its history— inaugurations, papal visits, with the Rolling Stones during their 50th anniversary tour, and at the White House in 2013 and 2014 for the President and First Lady.

MUSIC VENUES The Anthem 901 Wharf St. SW 202-888-0020 theanthemdc.com With a capacity of 6000, Anthem is more intimate than a large arena concert venue. State-of-the-art sound engineering makes Anthem one of the nation’s most acoustically prime places to watch your favorite performer. Mr. Henry’s Upstairs 601 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-546-8412 mrhenrysdc.com Local neighborhood pub and restaurant Mr. Henry’s has been in operation since 1966. The upstairs bar launched the career of artists such as Roberta Flack and continues to feature local talent with weekly jazz programming. The venue hosts online concerts 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday to support local musicians. When live shows resume, there’s a full line up: At the Wednesday Capitol Hill Jazz Jam (CHJJ), hosted by Aaron Myers and Herb Scott, musicians rise from the crowd to perform with the house band. Celebrate Groove Thursdays, celebrating Latin music and culture with a fine line up of artists. The

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Friday Feature showcases local jazz acts and occasional visitors, and on Saturdays, vocalists are featured on the historic stage. When we get back to live music, it will be wise to make weekend reservations. See the calendar of events and make a reservation online at mrhenrysdc.com/music

Rothstein, its mission is to be ambassadors of the jazz, hip hop and dance theater experience through performance, training, outreach and audience engagement. The studio houses the Jazz Hip Hop Academy for children and teens, offers classes for adults and holds performances and events for the community.

Pearl Street Warehouse 33 Pearl St. SW 202-380-9620 Step Afrika! info@pearlstreetware1333 H St. NE house.com (in Atlas Performing pearlstreetwarehouse.com Arts Center) This intimate all-American Joy of Motion offers dance classes to dancers of all ages and abilities, located in 202-399-7993 ext.111 live music destination Atlas Perfoming Arts. Photo: Melissa Ashabranner stepafrika.org is located at the Wharf Dedicated to the DC. Featuring local and art and tradition of national bands, ticketed DANCE stepping, Step Afrika! is a national and and free shows. Pearl Street offers two international touring company presenting bars and a full kitchen in addition to an Capitol Movement performance, residencies and workshops outdoor patio. Visit our website for the 315 G St. SE worldwide. Step Afrika! gets people movcalendar and menus. (in Sport & Health) ing—towards college, towards a greater 240-375-4505 appreciation for the arts and towards a Pie Shop capitolmovement.org better understanding of each other. Don’t 1339 H St. NE info@capitolmovement.org miss their holiday step show at the Atlas pieshopdc.com Offering classes in hip-hop, contemfor all ages. info@pieshopdc.com porary, jazz and lyrical dance for adults 202-398-8437 and kids, Capitol Movement also offers Studio One Dance Pie Shop is an independent womanworkshops, and master classes. The 511 11th St. SE owned, Washington DC legacy small professional Capitol Movement Dance studioone-dance.com business, baking the DC area’s favorite and CMI Kids Companies tour and are Studio One Dance’s program is designed pies since 2010 and rebranded in 2020. available for bookings at performances, for children aged 2-8 years old. Classes Pie Shop is also an award-winning indeclasses and events. use colorful, tactile props to stoke pendent live music venue dedicated to imagination and inspire movement, while supporting the D.C. area’s vibrant local Joy of Motion introducing classical and contemporary music and arts community. Thank you for 1333 H St. NE music, and beginning dance terms and supporting your local pie shop. (in Atlas Performing Arts) positions. Located at 511 11th Street 202-813-9505 Southeast, Studio One Dance is a haven Union Stage joyofmotion.org for tiny dancers. You’ll enjoy the comfort740 Water St. SW Joy of Motion offers classes and able, sunlit lobby with cubbies and a unionstage.comus workshops for dancers (and would-be curated library of children’s dance books. @unionstage.com dancers) of all ages, abilities, and levels The studio includes industry-standard Union Stage is a state-of-the-art live in ballet, hip hop, flamenco, ballroom, floors, mirrors and sound system, as well music venue and tavern at The Wharf. tango, and belly dancing. as a birthday party space. In addition to concerts, the Union State Tap Room serves local and regional craft Momentum Dance Theatre beers and artisanal pizza. Tickets can be 534 Eighth St. SE purchased from Tap Room bartenders or PERFORMANCE CENTERS 202-517-7252 via Eventbrite. Most shows are standing momentumdancetheatre.org room, but seating and table service can These are organizations which produce MomentumDanceTheatre@gmail.com be reserved in the Premier Plus section. and or host a variety of creative groups, Founded in 1986 by Hill resident Roberta

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performances, lectures, discussions and other events. Atlas Performing Arts Center 1333 H St. NE 202-399-7993 atlasarts.org The Atlas complex includes four performance venues, dance studios, lobby, cafe and administrative offices. The performance season of theatre, dance, and music is anchored by resident arts partners: Capital City Symphony, Joy of Motion Dance Center, Mosaic Theater Company of DC and Step Afrika! Throughout the year the Atlas produces its annual Intersections Festival together with programming for young audiences. Capitol Hill Arts Workshop 545 Seventh St. SE 202-547-6839, chaw.org Through after-school classes, summer camps and adult classes CHAW builds community and fosters creativity through the arts. The renovated school building on Seventh Street SE houses a dance studio, black box theater, drawing/painting and ceramics studios, an art gallery, a photographic darkroom, and rooms for private music instruction. Capital Turnaround 770 M St. SE capitalturnaround.com The main hall of the newly-renovated Capital Turnaround can accommodate 300 seated dinner guests, and a 982-person capacity concert hall features state-of-the art LED screens, audio visuals and sound production. Contact events@capitalturnaround.com City Winery DC 1350 Okie St. NE 202-250-2531, citywinery.com In addition to a functioning winery and a 40,000 square foot restaurant and event space, City Winery has a full stage, and state-of-the-art sound system, making It one of the most Interesting venues In DC. When it is safe, City Winery hosts events ranging from private parties, public concerts, trivia nights and Intimate evenings of music and spoken word. The winery paused activities beginning July of 2020. A date for re-opening has not yet been set. Visit the website for current information.

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Ebenezer’s Coffeehouse 201 F St. NE 202-558-6900 ebenezerscoffeehouse.com Owned and operated by the National Community Church, the coffee house has also become a favorite venue for local indie, folk rock, and acoustic singers and songwriters. In addition, when it is safe, the coffeehouse hosts ballroom dance lessons and openmic nights for musicians and poets. Folger Shakespeare The Hill Center offers all kinds of classes for adults and children and hosts lectures, art exhibits and much more. Library & Theatre 201 East Capitol St. SE 202-544-4600, gallery spaces throughout the building, and box office 202-544-7077 its annual Pottery on the Hill attracts the folger.edu finest potters from across the nation who Folger Shakespeare Library is home to sell their work in person and online. the world’s largest and finest collection of Shakespeare’s material and to major The Library of Congress collections of other rare Renaissance 10 First St. SE books, manuscripts and works of art. Its (Thomas Jefferson Building) Elizabethan theater provides an intimate 202-707-5000 setting for world class productions. Public loc.gov programs include plays, concerts, literary The largest library in the world is right here readings, family activities and exhibitions, in our neighborhood. Library of Congress as well as numerous K-12 and college pronot only houses the entirety of American grams for students and teachers. A major culture within its walls, it also produces renovation of the 1932 Paul Cret building a wide variety of programming including began in early 2020, restricting access to movies, concerts, exhibitions, book the building, but programs will continue at talks, and poetry readings accessible to other locations when it is safe. Check the the public. website for event listings. Hill Center 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 202-549-4172 hillcenterdc.org Commissioned by President Lincoln in 1864 as the first Naval Hospital in Washington, the rehabilitated Old Naval Hospital is now home to Hill Center. A vibrant home for culture, education and city life on Capitol Hill, Hill Center offers a wide variety of programming for people of all ages and backgrounds, including lectures and conversations which showcase current newsmakers and opinion leaders, cooking classes, mindful motion and health, classes for children, language classes, studio arts classes and more. Hill Center Galleries hosts over 100 artists annually in

Miracle Theatre 535 Eighth Street SE 202-400-3210 themiracletheatre.com The theatre shows current films and hosts live performances. The theatre is the site of local film festivals such as DC Shorts and can also be rented for private events. Culture House (formerly Blind Whino) 700 Delaware Ave. SW culturehousedc.org Over 15,000 square feet in the historic Friendship Baptist Church is dedicated to community-based arts programming, notable art Institutions and organizations. Visual pieces rotate through the 2,000

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square foot art annex, with performances and events happening in the lounge and performance spaces. When it is safe, the gallery is open Saturday 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Check the online calendar to confirm hours of operation.

VISUAL ARTS Artechouse 1238 Maryland Ave. SW artechouse.com/location/dc ARTECHOUSE is the nation’s first innovative art destination dedicated to the intersection of art, science and technology. From immersive art spaces to an extended reality (XR) mobile app, ARTECHOUSE is where curiosity-seekers of all ages go to experience creative innovation without limits. Founded in 2015, ARTECHOUSE has become the premier destination, both online and offline, for genre-pushing, technologydriven art. Capitol Hill Art League (CHAL) 545 Seventh St. SE caphillartleague.org A program of the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, CHAL is a thriving volunteer led organization for over 80 local artists. The program offers exhibitions, gallery talks, master classes, lectures, workshops, monthly peer critique meetings, Plein Air outings and other art related activities. Each year, CHAL hosts an Open Call exhibit for members and non-members of the DC Metro area. Members are able to submit work for numerous juried exhibits as well as non-juried shows held at Frame of Mine (545 Eighth St. SE). In May 2021, CHAL members will be participating in the Capitol Hill Historic Restoration Society (CHRS) Tour of Tours with “art on their lawns.”

Frame of Mine 545 Eighth St. SE frameofminedc.com (202) 543-3030 In addition to a wide range of framing, glass-cutting and canvas services, this familyowned Barracks Row business hosts art shows in the front of the store. Local artists and art collectives, such as the Capitol Hill Art League (CHAL) show their non-juried exhibitions here annually. Check out their website for hours.

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The Fridge 516½ Eighth St. SE thefridgedc.com In addition to the visual arts, the gallery maintains a rigorous programming schedule that includes workshops, musical performances, poetry readings and spoken word. Gallery NK 321 K St. NE (rear alley) 240-486-0261 galleryonk.com Gallery NK is part artist studio, part artist residence and mostly a street-level art gallery tucked away in a cozy alley between I and K Streets NE. The gallery exhibits local and international artists in a variety of mediums. The staff excels at helping clients find the right work to display in a particular environment. Martha Spak at The Wharf 60 District Sq. SW martha-spak-gallery-at-thewharf.com Martha Spak brings her expertise to The Wharf with a contemporary art gallery that offers original fine art and photography from local artists, as well as specialty items for your home. A DC-area artist herself, Spak is best known for her ethereal paintings that enhance environments and evoke a peaceful feel. u

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Nathanial Liu, Sarah Cymrot, Zoe Cymrot and Montana, guide dog in training. Photo: Helen Cymrot

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sth d i K n g eH o n i i l s l i a When you live on the Hill, the National Mall is your playground.

B Y C O R Y V. L A N G L E Y

ou don’t need me to tell you that this past year of parenting was challenging. With schools, playgrounds and kids’ activities closed, it was almost enough to make a committed city dweller covet a suburban home with a big yard and a pool—plus a nanny. We made it through the worst, and despite the hardships, I still believe that Capitol Hill is a ridiculously great place to raise kids. No one knows exactly when “normal” will return, but it is currently projected that we will get of a glimpse of it this summer and then live some version of it in 2022. With that optimism, I share with you 10 reasons why raising kids on the Hill is great—including neighborhood features and amenities that were available through the pandemic, as well as those we have sorely missed but will enjoy again as the Hill recovers. In non-COVID times, raising kids on the Hill looks like this: Your kids having friends down the street and a playground around the corner. Walking to school and biking past national monuments. Impromptu concerts in the park. Stopping for treats at Eastern Market. Endless activities and events. It’s a wonderland for kids. What we have here is special, too much fun—almost an embarrassment of riches, as the list below attests.

1. WALKABILITY AND BIKEABILITY I regularly walk a mile or less to the following places with my 4-year-old: school, doctor’s office, Lincoln Park, Eastern Market, RFK Fields. Capitol Hill is so walkable that I forgot how to drive, and I wish I were kidding. My son doesn’t bike (yet!), but once he gets going, our family will explore the nearby Anacostia River Trail and participate in Bike to School Day. Note: The Walk Score website gives the Hill a walk score of 86, a bike score of 92 and calls it “a biker’s paradise.”

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2. PROXIMITY TO SMITHSONIAN AND MORE MUSEUMS The Smithsonian National Museums of Air and Space (600 Independence Ave SW), Natural History (Tenth and Constitution Ave. NW), African American History and Culture (1400 Constitution Ave. NW), multiple art galleries and more: The most amazing classrooms are right in our backyard. Prepandemic, my family explored museums in classes given by the Smithsonian Early Education Center. Many museums have play spaces for little kids (American Indian, American History, National Children’s Museum) and most have programming for kids of all ages, when it is safe.

3. WIDE OPEN GREEN SPACES Here on Capitol Hill, we have access to both the capital city and the great outdoors. Our favorite place to escape is Kingman and Heritage Islands Park (575 Oklahoma Ave. NE), which we discovered during the pandemic. When many parks were closed, the island was open, and sometimes we had it all to ourselves. It has river overlooks, picnic clearings, a wild meadow and miles of trails. We’ve seen egrets in the river, lizards on the paths and butterflies in the air. We even once spotted an island deer. My boy used boulders as playground equipment, played hide-and-go-seek in the meadow grasses and got face-to-face with a river turtle. Other big green spaces nearby include the US National Arboretum and the National Mall/Tidal Basin area.

4. CLASSES, CAMPS AND ACTIVITIES Many of the camps, classes and activities we know and love are on a coronavirus hiatus. A smaller number continued, whether virtual, outdoors or indoors with precautions. During the pandemic, my son learned soccer moves with Kicks for Kids at Lincoln Park, played outdoors with friends in a pod arranged by Mr. Tony’s Adventure Camp and practiced

Modern Dance Weekly Class By Audition Only

Ages 8 to 12 13 to 16

Christmas Time Dec. 4 & 5 A Workshop to Engage the Children & Give Mom & Dad some Time

Baby Ballet Morning Sessions Small Group Mommy and Me, Daddy and Me

Performing Arts Music & Movement Classes

202-544-3106

Dance Yoga Piano Voice Theatre Therapeutic Arts & More All Ages—Group or Private

All Saints Celebration

CHINESE OPERA FOR CHILDREN

Kids’ Band Weekly Class By Audition Only

Ages 8 to 12 13 to 16

The Arts

Family Creative Process The Healing Power of the Arts Creativity & Parenting

A Class for Parents Thursdays 8:15-9:00 pm

Musical Theater Weekly Class By Audition Only

October 28th

Come Celebrate the Goodness in Our World Dress as Your Real-Life Superhero Between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm

Acting • Music Voice Chinese History Movement Visual Arts Ages 8 - 12

Ages 8 to 12 13 to 16

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Watkins in SE, King Greenleaf in Southwest) and fountains and water features (Canal Park, Eastern Market and Yards Park, all in Southeast). As of this writing, we don’t know yet if pools and water features will open for summer 2021.

6. LIBRARIES, LARGE TO LITTLE

Children’s librarian Miss Elaine entertains a rapt audience at Southeast Library.

his preschool skills at Busy Bees at the Hill Center. Friends of ours have enjoyed outdoor classes with DC Way soccer, Power Tots gymnastics and Polite Piggy’s. When “normal” arrives, you can expect a vast array spanning art, dance, foreign language, game play, music, performances, sports, swimming, theater and yoga. See the Family Resource Directory for more.

5. A PLETHORA OF PLAYGROUNDS, POOLS If you live on the Hill, chances are good that you have several playgrounds within a mile. Our go-tos have included Lincoln Park, RFK Fields, Sherwood Recreation Center and Stanton Park, all in NE, and Eastern Market playground, Garfield Park and Marion Park in SE. Elementary school playgrounds are open to the public during non-school hours. In addition, “pocket parks” are scattered all around the Hill. When the weather heats up, Hill kids have plenty of free options to cool down, including public pools (Rosedale in NE, Anacostia and Randall in SE), spray parks (Joseph H. Cole in NE, Benning Stoddert and

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The Hill is home to the largest library of them all, the Library of Congress. It boasts four neighborhood public libraries (Northeast, Rosedale, Southeast and Southwest), which continued serving families with book pickups during the pandemic and are known for their children’s story times and activities when it is safe to gather. And on almost every block, you can find a Little Free Library, where you can leave or take a book. Capitol Hill loves to read, and Hill kids learn early that books are a big deal.

7. KID-FRIENDLY EVENTS In the before times, we walked the Mall and watched in wonder as giant kites filled the sky around the National Monument during the Cherry Blossom Festival. We hunted for eggs at the Eggstravaganza at Lincoln Park. We met up with friends and trekked to Nationals Park for baseball games. We donned costumes for Hilloween, the neighborhood Halloween party at Eastern Market featuring vendors and moon bounces. And we’ll do these again, and more, when big family events get the green light.

8. KID-CENTRIC BUSINESSES When my son was smaller, we spent an inordinate amount of time at Elemeno (709 Eighth St. SE), the indoor play space and family club on Barracks Row. Just before the pandemic, the Little Gym, another play space, opened at 625 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. We are big fans of Labyrinth Game Shop (645 Pennsylvania Ave. SE), where we currently shop online for pickup. A toy store, Fairy Godmother

(319 Seventh St. SE), sits right next to Eastern Market. Bookstores like East City (645 Pennsylvania Ave. SE) and Solid State (600 H St. NE) have cozy children’s sections and many restaurants cater to little diners. We look forward to having fun inside these businesses when they fully reopen.

9. MAJOR SPORTS Washington is home to four major sports teams with the Nationals, Wizards, Capitals and the Washington Football Team. When fans are cleared to go to games, Hill residents can stroll down to Navy Yard for baseball games at Nationals Stadium (1500 S. Capitol St. SE). The Capital One Arena (601 F St. NW), home of the Wizards and the Caps, is a metro or Uber ride away. Washington Football games are a short drive to FedEx Field (1600 FedEx Way, Landover, Maryland). What more could a little sports fan and family want?

10. THE BEST NEIGHBORS Finally, one of the very best things about raising kids on the Hill? All of you. Capitol Hill is populated by interesting, engaged and community-minded people. Neighbors freely share information and support each other. During the pandemic, creative Hill parents organized socially-distanced games for kids to have fun, such as neighborhood scavenger hunts. This past year, we mostly gathered online at places like MOTH (the Moms on the Hill online community, also open to Dads) and neighborhood Facebook groups, where we exchange news, tips and family supplies (need a new cargo bike?). But better times are coming. I miss you, neighbors, and I can’t wait to gather in small and large groups with you again. Cory V. Langley is mom to a Maury preschooler and the creator of Capitol Hill Kid (capitolhillkid.com), a website about kids’ activities on the Hill. Find lists of summer and spring break camps, classes and activities, neighborhood networks and more at Capitol Hill Kid. u

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