East of the River Magazine – December 2022

NEWS

US Navy Announces New Museum Site Plans – Preferred Navy Option Involves Land Swap Outside Tingey Gate by Sarah Payne

The Revised Criminal Code Act – An Important Step Forward, But It is Often Misunderstood by Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen

Capital Community News, Inc. Publisher of:

ON THE COVER: Keith Killgo performssings in concert. See page 32. IN

Changing Hands by Don Denton

& FAMILY

EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Melissa Ashabranner • melissa.ashabranner@gmail.com MANAGING EDITOR: Andrew Lightman • andrew@hillrag.com PUBLISHER: Jean-Keith Fagon • fagon@hillrag.com Copyright © 2022 by Capital Community News. All Rights Reserved.

We welcome suggestions for stories. Send queries to andrew@hillrag.com. We are also interested in your views on community issues which are published in the Last Word. Please limit your comments to 250 words. Letters may be edited for space. Please include your name, address and phone number. Send Last Word submissions to lastword@hillrag.com. For employment opportunities email jobs@hillrag.com.

WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

DRINK THE DISTRICT WINE FESTIVAL: WINTER EDITION

The winter edition of the Drink the District Wine Festi val on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2 to 4:30 p.m. or 6 to 8:30 p.m., is a wine bonanza, with a wide variety of wines to sam ple. Enjoy an unlimited sampling of over 50 wines, includ ing French favorites; ask questions and learn about wine from the roaming sommeliers at the event; gain access to the Demonstration Kitchen where you can learn how to sip like a pro; and enjoy live music and entertainment throughout the venue. $39.99 to $99.99. The Drink the District Wine Festival: Winter Edition is at the National Union Building, 918 F St. NW. drinkthedistrict.com.

LECTURES ON THE CHRISTMAS STORY IN ART AT THE NGA

On Wednesdays, Dec. 14 and 21, 1 p.m., enjoy an illustrated Christmas holiday lecture by se nior lecturer David Gariff exploring the episodes surrounding the birth of Christ as depict ed through masterworks from the National Gallery’s permanent collection. Related excerpts from the King James Version of the Bible as well as investigations of iconography, technique, and historical context enrich the experience. Paintings by Duccio, Fra Angelico, Botticelli, Giorgione, and Gerard David are among the featured works. Registration is required at nga. gov/calendar/lectures/christmas-story.

THE HIP HOP NUTCRACKER AT STRATHMORE

From Dec. 19 to 22, 8 p.m., join Ma ria-Clara and the Nutcracker Prince as they set off for a magical ad venture…in modern day New York City. The Hip Hop Nutcracker fea tures Tchaikovsky’s classic score punched up by all-star contempo rary and hip-hop dancers, a DJ, a vi olinist, and Kurtis Blow, one of hiphop’s founding fathers, who opens the show with a short set. Innova tive visual effects transform the landscape of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s be loved story from traditional 19th century Germany to the vibrant, di verse sights and sounds of modern urban life. $34 to $68. The Hip Hop Nutcracker is at The Music Cen ter at Strathmore 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD. strath more.org.

Sandro Botticelli, The Adoration of the Magi, c. 1478/1482, tempera and oil on poplar panel, Andrew W. Mellon Collection.

“IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE” SEASONAL STORIES AT

UNION STAGE

Story District celebrates the holiday season on Dec. 17 with It’s a Wonderful Life featuring seasonal stories told live at Union Stage. This one night only event features first-person stories inspired by classic holiday movies like It’s a Wonderful Life. This classic 1943 film touches on themes that have particular resonance during these pandemic years: generosity and greed, the power of com munity, the interconnection of humanity, and what goes around comes around. Story District uses true stories to connect the Dis trict with the enduring lessons of the holiday season. Saturday, Dec. 17, 7 to 9 p.m. (doors at 6 p.m.), at Union Stage, 740 Water St. SW. General admission, $25. storydistrict.org.

CANDLELIGHT HOLIDAY SPECIAL FEATURING “THE NUTCRACKER”

Listen to your favorite holiday music by the Listeso String Quartet from “The Nutcracker” and more at the Mira cle Theatre, 535 Eighth St. SE, under the gentle glow of candlelight. Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring lo cations like never seen before in Washington DC. Zone seating; first come, first served. Two shows each date: Dec. 3, 7 and 15; 6:30 and 9 p.m. $40 to $50. Nearby public parking lot is on Eighth Street, SE between I Street and Virginia Avenue. themiracletheatre.com.

THE CHRISTMAS REVELS: CELTIC CROSSROADS

JUST FOR US AT WOOLLY

Through Dec. 23, Just For Us takes the audience through hilarious anecdotes from Alex Edelman’s life—his Olympi an brother AJ, an unconven tional holiday season, and a gorilla that can do sign lan guage--but at its center is an astonishing and frightening ly relevant story. After a string of anti-Semitic abuse is di rected at Edelman online, he decides to covertly attend a gathering of White Nation alists in New York City and comes face–to–face with the people behind the keyboards. The result is a hair-raising en counter that gives Just For Us its title and final, jaw-drop ping moments. PWYC tickets, $5 up; otherwise, $30. Wool ly Mammoth, 641 D St. NW. woollymammoth.net.

WICKED AT THE KC

The Broadway sensation looks at what happened in the Land of Oz… from a different angle. Long be fore Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin— smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordi nary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is ex ceptionally popular, their ini tial rivalry turns into the un likeliest of friendships… until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other one “wicked.” Wicked is at the Ken nedy Center’s Opera House from Dec. 8 to Jan. 22. $59 to $349. kenne dy-center.org.

This holiday, Washington Revels brings the 40th annual Christmas Revels back to Lisner Auditorium, 730 21st St. NW, for a homespun celebration of the holidays with music, dance and stories that echo from Celtic homelands to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Friends and neighbors living in a 19th-century “hollow” gather to prepare for “Old Christmas,” and the coming of the New Year. They share mu sic, the warm family rituals that reflect their ancestral roots, and sto ries of the journeys that led them to their Appalachian home. Scot tish, Irish, German, Appalachian, and African American musical influences create a rich, uniquely American mash-up of toe-tapping reels, ballads and spirituals. $17 to $65. Performances are Dec. 10, 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 11, 2 p.m.; Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m., Dec. 17, 2 and 7:30 p.m.; and Dec. 18, 2 p.m. revelsdc.org.

HOLIDAY MARKETS

The National Arboretum Winter Festival is on Saturday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., shop from local vendors, buy Christmas trees and holiday greenery, and enjoy free holiday-themed family activities in the New York Avenue parking lot, 3501 New York Ave. NE. The Cleveland Park Winter Market, also on Dec. 10, 2 to 7 p.m. is on the 3400 block of Connecticut Ave. NW. Shop jewelry, original art, sweets & treats, aromatherapy, tea, handcrafted cards and Cleveland Park merch. Downtown Holiday Market runs daily through Dec. 23, noon to 8 p.m., on F Street NW, from Seventh to Ninth Sts. Enjoy shopping, browsing, food and live entertainment. The Flea Market at Eastern Market, Seventh and C streets, SE, operates Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. At Season’s Greenings at the Botanic Garden, a gift store run by the Friends of the US Botanic Garden and local DC small business Rewild offers a variety of botanically themed gifts for purchase. BZA Holiday Black Gift & Art Show, Dec. 23 and 24 at Shiloh Family Life Center, 1510 Ninth St. NW.

FOLGER CONSORT’S A NEW WORLD CHRISTMAS (EUROPEAN, AFRICAN, AND NATIVE AMERICAN CURRENTS)

Most composers in New Spain during the 16th to 18th centuries were originally Spanish, but they drew from many sources for their varied musical styles, including indigenous American and African in uences. This extraordinarily colorful, spirited, and diverse music includes a rich repertoire telling the story of Christmas. On Friday, Dec. 9, 8 p.m; Saturday, Dec. 10, 4 and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, 2:30 p.m., with an ensemble of singers, harp and guitar, strings, winds, and percussion, the Folger Consort celebrates the fusion of European, American, and African practices that formed a uniquely Latin American music. $60. Performances are at St. Mark’s Church, 301 A St. SE. folger.edu.

A WINDOW SUDDENLY OPENS: CONTEMPORARY PHOTOGRAPHY IN CHINA

A Window Suddenly Opens: Contemporary Photography in China is the Hirshhorn’s rst survey of photography by leading multigenerational Chinese artists made between the 1990s and 2000s. The exhibition showcases 186 artworks made between 1993 and 2022 of which 141 are a landmark promised gift to the Hirshhorn from pioneering collector of Chinese art Larry Warsh. A Window Suddenly Opens chronicles how, over three decades, emerging Chinese artists independently embraced the immediacy of print and digital photography, recorded performance and video art during an unprecedented cultural shift away from the priority of the collective to a revived focus on the self. Hirshhorn Museum, Independence Avenue and Seventh St. SW, through Jan. 7, 2024. hirshhorn.si.edu.

¾ x 6 in.

NSO’S HANDEL’S MESSIAH

Experience all of the hope, redemption, and grace of Handel’s cherished Messiah in the festively decorated Concert Hall as Biondi – best known as the founder and director of esteemed period-instrument group Europa Galante – conducts a performance of Messiah the way it was premiered in Dublin, 1742. The National Symphony Orchestra’s Handel’s Messiah is at the Kennedy Center, from Thursday, Dec. 15 to Sunday, Dec. 18. $15 (wheelchair access) to $89. kennedy-center.org.

Conductor Fabio Biondi.

Photo: Alan Gelati

This program will also be available for on-demand streaming from Dec. 16 to Jan. 5 at folger.edu/folger-consort.

Huang Yan Chinese Landscape Series No. 3, 1999. Color photograph; 47

Eastern Market Flea. Photo: Charlie Ross

THE MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS AT THE NATIONAL

From Friday, Dec. 16 to Sunday, Dec. 18 ( ve performances only), the world’s greatest entertainers unite for a spellbinding and incredible holiday production—A Magical Cirque Christmas. Experience the enchantment of Christmas as Magical Hostess Lucy Darling takes you through an evening of dazzling performers and breathtaking cirque artists, accompanied by your favorite holiday music performed live. Get into the spirit of the season with this merry treat that’s perfect for the entire family. $50 to $188. National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. thenationaldc.com.

RING IN THE NEW YEAR AT THE HAMILTON

For almost four decades, the Grammy winning Rebirth Brass Band has been stunning fans with aery live show and a rich musical catalog. Their trademark sound pays homage to the New Orleans brass band tradition while weaving a tapestry that combines elements of jazz, funk, soul, and R&B. From their legendary 25+ year run of Tuesday nights at the Maple Leaf to stages all over the world, Rebirth is the soundtrack of the Crescent City and her premier musical ambassador. Enjoy Rebirth Brass Band on Friday, Dec. 30 and Saturday, Dec. 31 at The Hamilton, 600 14th St. NW. The show begins at 9 p.m. (doors at 7:30 p.m.). $85, seated; $40, standing (plus fees). thehamiltondc.com.

SNOW MAIDEN AT SYNETIC

In a frozen silver forest high in the mountains, a lonely boy builds a girl from snow. When she mysteriously comes to life, mischief, laughter, and enchantment abound. But what will happen when the ice begins to melt? Told through dazzling movement, dance, and acrobatics, Synetic’s magical take on beloved folktale Snegurochka is a story of hope, friendship, and the power of dreams. $25 to $40. Synetic Theater, 1800 So. Bell St., Arlington (Crystal City), through Dec. 23. synetictheater.org.

FANTASIA AT NATIONAL HARBOR

North Carolina native Fantasia broke on to the scene in 2004 as the season three winner of Fox’s American Idol. Since then, she has captivated audiences around the globe with her powerful vocals and R&B anthems. Prepare to be blown away this December as Fantasia performs a range of her greatest hits at The Theater at MGM National Harbor, 101 MGM National Ave. National Harbor, MD, on Friday, Dec. 23, 8 p.m. $155 to $433. nationalharbor.com.

Photo: Johnny Shryock

Rebirth Brass Band

THE UTOPIA PROJECT: INSPIRATION FOR CREATIVE ACTIVISM

The Utopia Project seeks to deconstruct the reasons why social change happens. Why does one tactic work and another fails? This interactive gallery is a space to learn the art of activism and to unlock the creativity in each of us to transform our world. Through a series of experiential activities, visitors learn to tap into the issues they care about and then envision their own version of a utopia in an immersive “Dream Space.” Here, visitors will be asked to imagine, with all obstacles removed, a world beyond the problem at hand to the awe-inspiring end goal. They will discover the research-informed tactics that have most often led to measurable social change. With everything from cardboard and tape to Legos and whiteboards, visitors are invited to prototype their ideas for making a better world. The Utopia Project is at the Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE, through March 1, 2023. anacostia.si.edu.

JANE ANGER AT STC

It’s 1606 and Shakespeare is plagued…with writer’s block. London’s theatres are closed and the actual plague has the Bard stuck in quarantine with his “young” apprentice, Francis. In through the window climbs Jane Anger, a cunning woman and a writer of her own merit with a dream to change history. As Shakespeare attempts to write King Lear, Jane and Anne Hathaway take matters into their own more than capable hands. Jane Anger is at Shakespeare Theatre, Klein Theatre, 450 Seventh St. NW, from Dec. 13 to Jan. 8. Tickets are $35 to $115. shakespearetheatre.org.

CLASSIC HOLIDAY MOVIES ON THE BIG SCREEN

SING! AN IRISH CHRISTMAS AT THE ANTHEM

On Dec. 19, 7 p.m. (doors at 5:30 p.m.), the Museum of the Bible presents Sing! An Irish Christmas at the Anthem, 901 Wharf St. SW, featuring Keith and Kristyn Getty. The Gettys and friends will be performing Sing! An Irish Christmas, a concert previously aired to millions on TV. $45 to $85. Theanthemdc.com.

Nothing beats the big screen for classic holiday movies. This year, The Miracle Theater, 535 Eighth St. SE, presents some of the best. Here’s the lineup: Dec. 2, 7 p.m. and Dec. 4, 2 p.m., A Christmas Story; Dec. 9, 7 p.m. and Dec. 11, 4:30 p.m., Christmas Vacation; Dec. 10, 11 a.m., Polar Express PJ Party; Dec. 16, 4:30 p.m., The Star and 7 p.m., Elf; Dec. 17, 4:30 p.m., Elf and 7 p.m., White Christmas; Dec. 18, 2 p.m., The Star and 4:30 p.m., White Christmas; Dec. 23, 4:30 p.m., The Polar Express and 7 p.m., White Christmas. All daytime tickets are $6; after 5 p.m., $8, adults (13+); $6 for kids (two to twelve), students with ID, military and seniors. Nearby public parking lot is on Eighth Street, SE between I Street and Virginia Avenue. themiracletheatre.com.

In 1970, neighborhood residents worked with Anacostia Community Museum staff to transform the vacant lot next to the museum into People’s Park. Painting murals on the walls and planting a community garden also helped to transform people’s lives. Photo: People’s Park, 1970. Anacostia Community Museum, Smithsonian Institution

DROP-IN

ART

MAKING AT THE NGA

On the First Sat urday of every month, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., try your hand at cre ating art in the in formal, relaxed environment of the National Gal lery of Art’s East Building Atrium. A different art activity is offered each month, inspired by works of art on view. Artmaking activities are designed for all ages and abilities. All ages are welcome; however, children must be accompanied by an adult. nga.gov.

Visitors enjoy a Community Event in the National Gallery’s East Building.

A SOLDIERS’ PLAY AT THE KC

In 1944, on a Louisiana Army base, two shots ring out. A Black ser geant is murdered. And a series of interrogations triggers a gripping barrage of questions about sacrifice, service, and identity in Ameri ca. A Soldier’s Play, the 1982 Pulitzer Prize-winning thriller by Charles Fuller, is back in the spotlight, thanks to this 2020 Tony Award-winning Best Revival from Roundabout Theatre Company. A Soldiers’ Play is at the Kennedy Center’s Eisenhower Theater from Dec. 13 to Jan. 8. $45 to $135. kennedy-center.org.

NEW YEARS EVE AT THE BIRCHMERE

Celebrate New Years Eve, Dec. 31, 8 p.m., at the Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Al exandria, VA, with The Seldom Scene, Eastman String Band & Wicked Sycamore. The Sel dom Scene was established in 1971 in a basement in Bethesda, Maryland. Their progres sive bluegrass style has become increasingly popular since their founding. The band’s popularity has forced them to play more than once a week—but they have continued to maintain their image as being seldom seen (and non-touring) and on several of their ear ly album covers were photographed with the stage lights on only their feet, or with their backs to the camera. $49.55. Long live the Seldom Scene. birchmere.com.

NOTES FROM THE CRYPT CONCERT AT CONGRESSIONAL CEMETERY

On Saturday, Dec. 17, noon to 1 p.m., some of DC’s best musicians will perform an intimate concert in the cemetery’s his toric 1903 Chapel. This chamber music concert is free to attend but there is lim ited seating. Seating is first-come, firstserved, so they recommend arriving early.

Historic Congressional Cemetery, 1801 E St. SE. congressionalcemetery.org.

The Seldom Scene

The 2019 Broadway Revival Company of A Soldier’s Play. Photo: Joan Marcus

Interior of Congressional Cemetery’s historic 1903 Chapel.

Thursday,

Monday,

Thursday,

Monday

Wednesdays

Miercoles

ACC 10th Annual Holiday Celebration and Toy Drive Anacostia Coordinating Council Sets A

Record

by Markus Batchelor

On November 28th, the Anacostia Co ordinating Council, a community con sortium formed in 1993 to support Anacostia and its surrounding neigh borhoods, hosted its 10th Annual Holiday Celebra tion and Toy Drive, with all donations going to the Met ropolitan Police Department Seventh District’s Holiday Toy Giveaway, being held this year on December 14th. To celebrate its tenth holiday gathering, the partnered with Building Bridges Across the River, hosting for the first time at THEARC’s Blackbox The atre. A record number of peo ple attended and there were a record number of donations for the children and families of Ward 7 and 8.

The evening featured informative talks on religious and cultur al observances of the season, in cluding reflections on Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. Attend ees were brought to their feet dur ing musical and dramatic perfor mances by DC Strings Orchestra, Children’s Legacy Theatre, Go-Go artist J’TA, and Troy Prestwood. Special guests included DC Attor ney General-Elect Brian Schwalb and U.S. Shadow Senator Michael D. Brown. u

BELOW: Members of the Metropolitan Police Department 7th District load donations of toys for Ward 7 and 8 youth.

Anacostia Coordinating Council leadership deliver toy donations to members of the Metropolitan Police Department for their annual 7th District Holiday Giveaway

Dr. Nura Lane and Ward 8 Democrats

President Troy Prestwood share a tune at the Anacostia Coordinating Council’s 10th Annual Holiday Celebration

Stuart “Santa Clause” Anderson delivers tidings and joy to Fairlawn Civic Association President Graylan Presbury

DC Faces Disability Suit Over Bike Lanes

Lawsuit Charges Bike Lanes Violate ADA Rights

by Elizabeth O’Gorek

Protected bike lanes are presented as a way to increase safety and mobility across the District. The city has thus far built 24 miles of protected bike lanes. Earlier this year, Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) announced plans to build an additional 10 miles annually.

But what expands street space for one user can prevent access for others, ac cording to a new lawsuit filed in federal court.

A Nov. 28 lawsuit charges that District street redesigns are in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Plaintiffs, including two residents and two organizations—the DC Center for Independent Living (DCCIL) and the Dupont East Civic Action Association (DE CAA)—say that protected bike lanes “create serious barriers for individuals with disabilities.”

The lawsuit calls for the DC to alter bike lane designs to be in compliance with ADA, pointing to problems caused by the design of bike lanes on Fourth Street SW and 17th Street

Bike lanes on the 700 block of Fourth Street SW. Photo: Andrew Lightman

A plan for ADA accessible parking as depicted in the federal Highway Administration Separated Bike Lane Planning and Design Guide (2015).

The DC Protected Bike Lane Plan Fiscal Years 20 through 24. Courtesy DC Dept. of Transportation. (detail East of the River)

NW. Both streets, the suit says, lack ac cessible or curbside parking and midblock curb cuts. That makes it difficult for people in wheelchairs or walkers to get safely from vehicles to the sidewalk.

“We aim to remedy this systemic dis crimination by the District against resi dents as well as visitors with mobility dis abilities who are prohibited from moving about this beautiful city with the same freedom and ease as those without dis abilities,” says Richard A. Simms, Exec utive Director of DCCIL. DCCIL is a pri vate non-profit organization that assists DC residents with significant disabilities with living independently.

According to the CDC, about 22 percent of adults in the District have a disability. That’s about 115,000 people in DC.

EDCAA attorney Ed Hanlon said ev eryone in the city should have the right to access sidewalks, which are a public facil ity. But there are now barriers between the space where vehicles park and the side walk. Even if a person in a wheelchair manages to exit the vehicle, he said, they often exit into the bike lane, forcing them to travel to a curb cut or negotiate the curb. “That 4” curb might as well be a 10-foot wall for somebody who is in a wheelchair or a walker,” Hanlon said. “There is no ready access to the sidewalk.”

Hanlon said that parties have been asking DDOT to consider the needs of disabled residents for years. The group is not opposed to bike lanes themselves, Hanlon said. “Bike lanes and accessibil ity [are] not mutually exclusive. There is a way to properly build bike lanes to guarantee accessibility to the sidewalk for people with disabilities,” Hanlon said, referencing Federal Highway Adminis tration guidance. “DDOT has chosen not to do so, but DDOT knows how to do so and the law requires DDOT to do so.”

A representative for the District De partment of Transportation (DDOT), the agency responsible for roadway redesign, said the agency does not comment on on going litigation. The 2019 DDOT De sign and Engineering Manual advises that “bicycle and pedestrian facilities, includ ing sidewalks, crosswalks, over/under passes, traffic control features, curb cuts and access ramps for persons with dis abilities, should adhere to the latest de

sign standards and Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.”

Two women are named as plainti s in the lawsuit, Theodosia Robinson and Dana Bolles. According to the ling, Bolles uses a power wheelchair and drives a van equipped with a side ramp that can be deployed onto a curb as long as there are no obstacles. However, the lawsuit states that many sidewalks are obstructed by trash cans and planters. In commonly used designs, the bicycle lane is located between the sidewalk and the parking spaces. There is not enough space for the ramp on Bolles’ van to deploy with clearance for her to exit her vehicle.

DC isn’t the only city facing accessibility concerns with bike lanes. In London, activists have expressed concern about bike lane design, pointing to concerns that bus passengers at “ oating” bus stops have to cross a bike lane to reach the sidewalk. In 2020, a California court held that Los Angeles violated ADA law when it redesigned its streets to add protected bike lanes. Parking was moved from curbside to the middle of the street without designating accessible spaces. Like Bolles, the plainti in that case, Ron Sarfaty, used a side-loading wheelchair lift to get out directly onto the sidewalk. After the redesign, he had to travel in bike lanes to reach a curb cut and access the street. The court held that this inaccessible alteration to a public program—parking— was a violation of the act. The judge in Los Angeles rejected the city’s argument that it complied with the law by following the ADA Standards for Accessible Design (the 2010 standards do not mention curbside parking or bike lanes), noting that ADA act requires alterations to public facilities be “readily accessible” to people with disabilities.

“Access is a critical component to equity for people with disabilities,” said Maia Goodell of Vladeck, Raskin & Clark, co-counsel for the plaintiff. “Like everyone, they deserve streets designed to allow them to participate fully and equally in life in the District without putting their safety at risk.” ◆

An animatronic Frederick Douglass welcomes members of the community to THEARC’s Blackbox Theatre for Anacostia Coordinating Council’s 10th Annual Holiday Celebration.

Community members share re ections on the 7 principles of Kwanzaa at ACC’s 10th Annual Holiday Celebration

Donations for Ward 7 and 8 youth over ow at the Anacostia Coordinating Council’s 10th Annual Holiday Celebration. They will be distributed at he Metropolitan Police Department’s 7th District Holiday Giveaway on December 14th

US Navy Announces New Museum Site Plans

Preferred Navy Option Involves Land Swap Outside Tingey Gate

by Sarah Payne

Hundreds of the US Navy’s ship historic models, guns and artifacts will soon have a larger and more accessible home. The US Navy is establish ing plans for the construction of a new museum outside the confines of the Washington Navy Yard –and they’re doing it through an interest mech anism: a land exchange.

The Navy is hosting two virtual public meetings this month to receive public opin ion on the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) associated with the acquisition.

The Proposed Site

The Navy is seeking approximately six acres of land immediately outside the Tingey Gate at the Washington Navy Yard for the development and to help improve the installation’s antiterrorism security posture. The proposed development location sits adjacent to the Washington Navy Yard which is a fully operational military base. The property would be purchased by the Navy from the developer and would receive the SEFC E parcels from GSA, or be acquired through a land exchange.

The new location aims to allow the museum to offer the general public “unfettered ac cess to US Navy history and heritage.” Visitors to the current museum must pass through an extensive security checkpoint as they are officially entering a US Military base. It also improves the overall antiterrorism posture of the Navy Yard as a whole, representatives indicated in a public presentation.

In late October, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro announced the Department of the Navy’s preferred location for a new National Museum of the United States Navy. Del Toro spoke at the ceremony about the importance of maintaining these artifacts.

“The exhibits of this new museum will create a living memorial to the US Navy’s heritage of victory and valor, bringing to life the human experiences of serving at sea,” said Del Toro. “It will give all the visitors of the future museum – regardless of their previous military experience – a greater appreciation and understanding of the economic and diplomatic importance of what a strong and robust Navy means to our national and economic security.”

Land Exchange

The land exchange is the Navy’s preferred option, but they could also do noth ing, or purchase the site outright.

If a land exchange is completed, the Navy would trade access to “certain underutilized properties” within the Washington Navy Yard Southeast Corner “to obtain acquisition rights and ownership of the South East Federal Center (SEFC) E Parcels.” This is the Navy’s preferred alternative. It would include the development of both a new museum and mixed commercial and retail spac es on the land exchanged.

In this model, the Navy would hold development rights to the approxi mately six-acre SEFC E Parcels. The General Services Administration (GSA) would transfer ownership of the SEFC E Parcels to the Navy via a federal-tofederal transfer.

Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro and Naval History and Heritage Command Director Samuel J. Cox, U.S. Navy rear admiral, unveil a model of the future National Museum of the U.S. Navy during an event celebrating the Navy’s 247th birthday. Photo: Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Abigayle LutzUS Navy Announces New Museum Site Plans

In exchange for acquisition rights, the Navy would transfer and/or lease underutilized assets (approximately 15 acres) of federal land to a developer, which would become developable and taxable private land that would bene t the local community. The developer would potentially construct mixeduse buildings on transferred property and renovate buildings on the leased property for commercial/ retail use on Navy Yard Southeast Corner.

Additionally, this land would provide the opportunity for in-kind considerations from the developer, such as upgrades to the Riverwalk and Piers, which would bene t the Navy and the local community.

While the speci cs of the museum’s construction are still undetermined, Naval History and Heritage Command, the lead for the development project, hopes to celebrate a signi cant construction milestone on the Navy’s 250th birthday, Oct. 13, 2025.

Community Impact

The environmental impact study found that there would be some additional tra c impacts if the preferred alternative were selected, such as some congestion at the I-695 on ramp near 11th Street in the morning and at the o -ramp in the afternoon. There may also be delays at the O Street Gate. These could be alleviated with improvements to the gate, or by lane changes, especially for turning. Some zoning changes would be required for private development on the Navy Yard.

Overall, however, community representatives are positive about the museum relocation. ANC 6B Chair and Commissioner for the area Corey Holman (6B06) spoke supportively of the project and its ability to “open and create better connections” between the surrounding residential neighborhoods and the Navy Yard. He also underscored the benets of the addition of retail stores and green spaces for the community.

“Our ANC has had a long, long track record of supporting, and trying to support, development there,” Holman said. “Finding ways to create more reasons to be down there, rather than just [creating] surface parking lots, [as well as] having more people down there can hopefully make the experience on the sidewalks and being around a little less hostile [and] a little less intense.”

Scott Kratz, a Capitol Hill resident and Founding Director of the 11th Street Bridge Park Project, said the development would provide the community not only with historic preservation, but also economic bene ts.

“I think the Navy museum will be one more phenomenal destination, bringing residents both here in the District of Columbia, from the DMV and from the nation and world, to experience our neighbor-

hood,” Kratz said. “I think this can be a huge economic generator.”

Kratz said he has “heard nothing but positive comments” about the proposed project and expressed excitement about the potential for what the project could bring to the community.

“If the land swap goes through the Navy would get this northwestern corner of the Navy Yard in exchange for working with developers to carve out a new development with mixed use retail, apartments and new green spaces,” Kratz said.

Community Comments

The Navy hosted two virtual public meetings in November to receive public opinion on the draft EIS. The sessions included an informational overview of the project and its proposals, a question and answer session and a public comment period. The informational session included studies on the project’s impact on transportation, cultural resources, land use and zoning and noise. You can read the draft statement at https://ndw.cnic.navy.mil/WNY-Land-Acquisition/1/.

Community members can also submit commentary via email to NAVFACWashNEPA1@navy.mil or by mail, postmarked by Dec. 2, to Naval Facilities Engineering Command Washington at 1314 Harwood St SE Washington, DC 20374.

The draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) estimates that a decision about the land acquisition will be made in the spring of 2023. The project could begin as early as 2023, and the construction period is estimated to last 10 years.

Visiting the Current Museum

The announcement is followed by several changes to the current museum buildings located within the Navy Yard. On Nov. 7, the Cold War Gallery closed to visitors to facilitate the removal of artifacts and exhibits. As of Nov. 12, the main museum building closed Monday through Friday to allow for movement of artifacts and exhibits. It will remain open to the public on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The museum will continue to engage with the community through educational programming in person, virtually and in collaboration with community partners in o site venues such as schools, community centers, assisted living facilities, libraries and other public venues. The museum will also be available for special events for Department of Navy organizations and Honor Flights.

Sarah Payne is a general assignment reporter for Capital Community News. She can be reached at sarahp@hillrag.com. ◆

The Revised Criminal Code Act

An Important Step Forward, But It is Often Misunderstood

by Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen

Last month, the DC Council unanimously passed the Revised Criminal Code Act, bring ing to close a process that lasted 16 years. I know from meeting with Ward 6 neighbors and scrolling social media that there’s been a fair amount of discussion about the revised code, includ ing some confusion (and let’s be honest, misinformation) about what it is and what it isn’t.

The Revised Criminal Code Act (RCCA) is the prod uct of an independent commission tasked by the Coun cil way back in 2006 with modernizing, overhauling, and improving the District’s laws re garding all criminal conduct. The commission’s final product was approved unanimously by the US Attorney’s Office, the Dis trict’s Office of the Attorney Gen eral, the Public Defender Service, and two distinguished professors from the Georgetown University and George Washington Univer sity law schools. All parties agree with 95 percent of what is in the 450-page bill, with that last five percent making up most of the debate recently.

The final bill represents an enormous amount of compro mise and agreement. No one, my self included, thinks this is the per fect bill. There’s no way that could ever happen in a bill that repre sents our entire criminal code. But all parties also understood how important it was to get this done.

Why? Because our current laws are a mess. Since Congress first created the District’s criminal code in 1901, it has never been comprehensively revised. That makes us an outlier – most states have been through this process. We have charges that are poorly defined or have no clear defi nition at all — for example, simple assault, one of the most charged crimes in the District. Some offenses have a man datory minimum or degrees of severity, while others do not. Sentence maximums are all over the place.

According to a recent analysis ranking state criminal codes, DC’s is one of the worst in the nation. This makes

it harder to arrest, convict, hold accountable, and rehabil itate the people who do harm in our community. The re vised code addresses these shortcomings.

It creates consistency by adding penalty degrees for all serious offenses, with degrees escalating as the harm increases. This will help everyone from attorneys to judg es to juries better fit the crime with the punishment. And because it clearly defines each offense at multiple levels, it will make investigations and arrests easier by removing so much uncertainty left by our current laws.

The bill gets rid of nearly every mandatory minimum

penalties and maximums above what judges are sentenc ing today.

Finally, none of the provisions of the RCCA go into effect for three years to ensure there’s plenty of time for our law enforcement, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and the courts to prepare for the changes. Additionally, as the RCCA slowly (over the next decade) returns the right to a jury trial — a fundamental legal principle — for misde meanors facing jail time, we will need the Senate and the President to address our judicial vacancy backlog; or make DC the 51st state so we can fix it ourselves.

The RCCA is a strong reflec tion of DC values. It creates a set of laws that are consistent, fair, and hold anyone who does harm ac countable. That isn’t the case with our current laws, under which two different people can, and often do, receive different sentences for committing the same offense. I’ll also point out the spike in crime we’ve endured for the past two years has taken place under the status quo, not the RCCA. It has taken place with outdated and ex treme maximum penalties. It has taken place even as the District maintains one of the highest in carceration rates in the nation. DC residents deserve better.

sentence, a damaging and outdated practice that does lit tle to make us safer. And while it removes extreme maxi mum punishments that are rarely used, it brings sentenc ing in line with what judges actually hand down in court. Importantly, it strengthens our gun laws, particularly for repeat offenders and anyone carrying dangerous assault rifles, extended clip magazines, ghost guns, or carrying a weapon while awaiting trial. It even creates a new of fense and penalties for firing a gun in public. The Coun cil also maintained the carjacking statute with significant

No matter what you hear about the RCCA, I want you to know it is good for our city and was created with input and collaboration from all sides. It takes violent crime very seriously and maintains penalties close to or higher than what judg es sentence now. The Council voted unanimously twice to approve the revised criminal code because it will move our criminal justice system to be more fair and more con sistent, and in doing so, earn greater trust from the com munity it serves.

Charles Allen (D) has served as the councilmember for Ward 6 for two terms and has just been reelected to a third. He chairs the DC Coun cil’s Committer Judiciary and Public Safety. u

Our River: The Anacostia The Route To Better Boating Along Our River

by Bill Matuszeski

An important part of the re covery of the Anacostia is to make it feasible, attrac tive and safe for the public to take out small boats, ei ther owned or rented, and feel the plea sures of finding favorite places. This is especially true in the upper parts of the river where most of the shoreline and is lands are in a natural state, although the vistas are pretty dramatic from anywhere along the river.

The river is getting better all the time in terms of pollution; discharge of com

ago, when adjacent land was cleared for agriculture and topsoil ran into the riv er. Currently the river is subject to a lot of runoff from streets and residential ar eas that carries soil with it. When the runoff enters from a stream or overland and eventually slows down, the soil that it carries, known as sediment, settles on the river bottom. After years without the regular dredging that rivers carrying larg er vessels receive, parts of Our River, in cluding portions of the boating channels, are so shallow that they can be danger ous. Boats, even smaller ones, can run

soils. Normally, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is in control of the bottoms of streams and designs an approach internal ly. But here we need to get the City and the Park Service to develop a program and get it funded.

That program needs to be designed to deal with the two portions of the riv er above and below the CSX Railroad Bridge, which crosses west to east from above Pennsylvania Avenue in Capitol Hill to right above the rink and museum at the end of the riverside road in Ana costia. The river above the bridge car

ries nearly all paddle boats; there are a few motorboats and those have shallow hulls like the tour boats operated by environ mental organizations, so the depth of the channels can be quite shallow, although some deepening may still be needed.

The river portion below the railroad bridge and further downstream is quite different and has significant challenges: the depth of boat channel is authorized to 8 feet and the channel width to 80 feet in the area from the railroad bridge downstream to the Pennsylvania Avenue bridge, and 12 feet deep and 200 feet

bined sewer overflows are being virtually eliminated by the new tunnels that carry it directly to the Blue Plains Sewage Treat ment Plant. And improvements are being made to the few remaining pollution flows from upriver streams like Hickey Run and Lower Beaver Dam Creek near the DC/ Maryland line.

Challenges Remain

Over the years, the Anacostia has been filling in. This started hundreds of years

aground and moving them is difficult be cause the river bottom may have no solid soil to stand on.

The solution is to dredge the boat channels deeper, but that may mean resuspending in the water any toxins that may be in the sediments. And because the National Park Service owns and has responsibility to manage the river bottom, they are resistant to removing any of the soils there that might be toxic. The solu tion has got to be to deepen the channels but very carefully to capture any escaping

This low-level railroad bridge crosses the Anacostia between the Pennsylvania Avenue and East Capitol Street bridges, and separates large from small vessels.

Below the railroad bridge the boat clubs cover most of the west bank of the River.

Above the railroad bridge the boats are nearly all small and powered by oars through natural landscapes.

wide from there to the Potomac Riv er. The most recent dredging was in 1993, almost 30 years ago, so no one knows the actual depths and the bot tom configuration.

Issues To Be Dealt With:

• There are boat marinas, some areas of which have filled with sed iments coming downstream and off the land so that some boats cannot even be moved to reach the channel;

• Th ere are areas where discharg es from previous industrial ac tivity cover virtually the entire river width and designated chan nels; any deepening could disturb these; and

• The likel y extent of dredging needed will be significant and re quire substantial funds to remove and dispose of sediments, some of which may have toxic elements, as well as potential capping of bottom areas of the new channel with a lay er of clean sediments.

All of this is to say that we can ei ther sit around and talk about the con flicting goals related to boating, clean waters and public access and use of the river; or we can work out among all the interested parties and agencies ways to assure safe boating and even swimming in the Anacostia while minimizing the effects of modifying the bottom with a use of the full range of remediation technologies.

Many of the entities and people in volved want to get moving on the de sign, adoption and implementation of a program to create an Anacostia River that draws us in to boat, fish, and swim with a sense of health and safety at the base of it all. It is a challenge like this that will take us off deadlock and get us to celebration!

Bill Matuszeski is a member of the Mayor’s Leadership Council for a Cleaner Anacostia River, and the retired Director of the Ches apeake Bay Program. He also serves on the board of Friends of the National Arboretum and on Citizen Advisory Committees for the Chesapeake and the Anacostia. u

• Is your business too small for a full-time accounting department but too large to handle your monthly accounting needs efficiently?

• Do you need help with QuickBooks?

• Are your accounting systems streamlined and efficient?

• Dou you spend countless hours balancing your books, invoicing, and following up on collecting payments?

• Do you need help managing payroll with an evolving team?

• Would your strategic planning be enhanced with the input and unique perspective of a Chief Financial Officer (CFO)?

• Are you a company owner or CEO looking or a part time CFO or Controller?

neighborhood news

Mayor Bowser’s Fresh Start 5k

The mayor invites us to join her in the ninth annual Fresh Start 5k (run and/or walk) on New Year’s Day at running tracks throughout the city. DPR will open athletic tracks and provide other suggested routes. Residents are encouraged to run or walk a 5k at a location of their choice at any time on New Year’s Day. The FITDC Fresh Start 5k is a free event and residents who register at tinyurl. com/2023VirtualFreshStart5K will receive a commemorative T-shirt. Run or walk at one of 11 DC Public Schools sites or in your own neighborhood. Share on social media using the hashtag #FreshStart5K. Runner/walker packets and T-shirts may be picked up on Thursday, Dec. 29 and Friday, Dec. 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Columbia Heights Community Center, 1480 Girard St. NW; Edgewood Recreation Center, 301 Franklin St. NE; Deanwood Community Center, 1350 49th St. NE; and Wilson Aquatic Center, 4551 Fort Dr. NW.

Congress Heights Christmas Tree Lighting

On Friday, Dec. 16, 6 p.m. (rain date, Dec. 17, 6 p.m.), celebrate the holidays with a community tree lighting at Shepherd Park, corner of Malcolm X and MLK SE. facebook. com/Congress-Heights-Community-Association.

Wards 7 & 8 Faith Leaders Holiday Prayer Breakfast

Wards 7 & 8 Faith Leaders Second Annual Holiday Prayer Breakfast is on Saturday, Dec. 17, 10 a.m., in the Panorama Room, 1600 Morris Rd. SE. anacostiacc.org/faith-committee.html.

Welcome Wednesdays at THEARC

Join THEARC staff as they welcome individuals or small groups to sign up for one of their monthly tours of THEARC campus, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE, on the last Wednesday of the month. Guests will gain a rsthand expe-

rience of the world class, multi-sector collaboration and expand their understanding of THEARC’s mission and signature programs. All tours begin at noon and end at 1 p.m. Call 202-889-5901 x 111 or email JChevis@thearcdc.org with questions. Register at interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E92754&id=30.

Theater Alliance Announces 20th Season

In celebration of its 20th Anniversary Season, Theater Alliance at the Anacostia Playhouse, has programmed a lineup of innovative, family-friendly, thought-provoking productions. Theater Alliance kicks o its season with This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing, Feb. 27 to March 25—a modern-day fairytale by Finnegan Kruckemeyer, exploring the choices young women make, and the consequences of those choices. Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye will take the stage May 31 to June 25. Eleven-year-old Pecola Breedlove, a Black girl in 1940s Ohio, wants nothing more than to be loved by her family and schoolmates. Blaming her dark skin for the ridicule she endures, she prays

for blue eyes, sure that love will follow. To complete the season in late summer, Theater Alliance and The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts are collaborating on a co-production of the World Premiere of Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks, adapted from Jason Reynolds’ young adult novel by El Chelito and Raymond O. Caldwell. The adaptation will perform rst at The Anacostia Playhouse, then move to the Kennedy Center later in the year. Ten NameYour-Own-Price tickets are available for every performance, ensuring that anyone who wants to experience the work can do so. theateralliance.com.

Visit the National Christmas Tree

The National Christmas Tree site is free to visit and open to the public through Jan. 1. Visiting hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday to Thursday; and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Lights on the National Christmas Tree and the 58 smaller trees that surround the tree turn on around sunset each evening. 15th and E Streets, NW. thenationaltree.org/visit-the-tree.

Photo: Jason Yen

DCHFA, Your Homeownership Resource in the District.

DCHFA, Your Homeownership Resource in the District.

DCHFA, Your Homeownership Resource in the District.

DCHFA, Your Homeownership Resource in the District.

DC Open Doors

DC Open Doors

DC Open Doors

DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership inthe city. is programo ers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on rst trust

DC Open Doors

homebuyer or a D C. resident , be purchasing a home in the District of Columbia

DC Open Doors

DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership inthe city. is programo ers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on rst trust

homebuyer or a D C. resident , be purchasing a home in the District of Columbia

DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership in the city. This program offers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on first trust mortgages. You are not required to be a firsttime homebuyer or a D.C. resident to qualify for DCOD. You must, however, be purchasing a home in the District of Columbia.

DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership int city. is programo ers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on rst trust

DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership int city. is programo ers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on rst trust

HPAP provides interest free deferred loans for down serves as a co-administrator of this DC Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) rst-time home buyer program.

homebuyer or a D C. resident , be purchasing a home in the District of Columbia

homebuyer or a D C. resident , be purchasing a home in the District of Columbia

Home Purchase Assistance Program

HPAP provides interest free deferred loans for down serves as a co-administrator of this DC Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) rst-time home buyer program.

HPAP provides interest free deferred loans for down serves as a co-administrator of this DC Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) rst-time home buyer program.

(HPAP)

years or older who have fallen behind on insurance and tax payments as a result of their reverse mortgage. Quali ed District homeowners can receive up to

HPAP provides interest free deferred loans for down serves as a co-administrator of this DC Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) rst-time home buyer program.

HPAP provides interest free deferred loans for down payment and closing cost assistance up to $202,000 combined. DCHFA serves as a co-administrator of this DC Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) first-time home buyer program.

years or older who have fallen behind on insurance and tax payments as a result of their reverse mortgage. Quali ed District homeowners can receive up to

DC4ME

years or older who have fallen behind on insurance and tax payments as a result of their reverse mortgage. Quali ed District homeowners can receive up to

DC4ME provides mortgage assistance with optional down payment assistance to D.C. government employees. DC4ME is o ered to current full-time District government employees, including employees of District government-based instrumentalities, independent agencies, D.C. Public Charter Schools, and organizations, provided the applicant/borrower's employer falls under the oversight of the Council of the District of Columbia.

DC4ME provides mortgage assistance with optional down payment assistance to D.C. government employees. DC4ME is o ered to current full-time District government employees, including employees of District government-based instrumentalities, independent agencies, D.C. Public Charter Schools, and organizations, provided the applicant/borrower's employer falls under the oversight of the Council of the District of Columbia.

COVID-19

years or older who have fallen behind on insurance and tax payments as a result of their reverse mortgage. Quali ed District homeowners can receive up to

DC4ME provides mortgage assistance with optional down payment assistance to D.C. government employees. DC4ME is o ered to current full-time District government employees, including employees of District government-based instrumentalities, independent agencies, D.C. Public Charter Schools, and organizations, provided the applicant/borrower's employer falls under the oversight of the Council of the District of Columbia.

DC MAP COVID-19 provides nancial assistance to those a ected by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Quali ed borrowers can receive a loan of up to $5,000 per month to put toward their mortgage for up to six months.

COVID-19

DC4ME provides mortgage assistance with optional down payment assistance to D.C. government employees. DC4ME is offered to current full-time District government employees, including employees of District government-based instrumentalities, independent agencies, D.C. Public Charter Schools, and organizations, provided the applicant/borrower’s employer falls under the oversight of the Council of the District of Columbia.

DC4ME provides mortgage assistance with optional down payment assistance to D.C. government employees. DC4ME is o ered to current full-time District government employees, including employees of District government-based instrumentalities, independent agencies, D.C. Public Charter Schools, and organizations, provided the applicant/borrower's employer falls under the oversight of the Council of the District of Columbia.

DC MAP COVID-19 provides nancial assistance to those a ected by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Quali ed borrowers can receive a loan of up to $5,000 per month to put toward their mortgage for up to six months.

COVID-19

Homebuyers Info Sessions are Back at DCHFA Register at bit.ly/dcopendoors

COVID-19

DC MAP COVID-19 provides nancial assistance to those a ected by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Quali ed borrowers can receive a loan of up to $5,000 per month to put toward their mortgage for up to six months.

Visit www.DCHFA.org how to apply to any of DCHFA’s homeownership programs.

Visit www.DCHFA.org

DC MAP COVID-19 provides nancial assistance to those a ected by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Quali ed borrowers can receive a loan of up to $5,000 per month to put toward their mortgage for up to six months.

how to apply to any of DCHFA’s homeownership programs.

Visit www.DCHFA.org

how to apply to any of DCHFA’s homeownership programs.

NMAAHC Debuts Freedmen’s Bureau Search Portal

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) announces the launch of the Freedmen’s Bureau Search Portal. The search platform is designed to help family historians and genealogists search for their ancestors and for scholars and students to research various topics found in over 1.7 million pages of Freedmen’s Bureau records. The portal allows users to search records from the United States Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands, commonly known as the Freedmen’s Bureau. Congress created the Freedmen’s

Bureau after the Civil War to assist in the political and social reconstruction of post-war Southern states and to help formerly enslaved African Americans transition from slavery to freedom and citizenship. From 1865 to 1872, the Freedmen’s Bureau created and collected over 1.7 million handwritten records containing the names and information of hundreds of thousands of formerly enslaved individuals and Southern white refugees. nmaahc.si.edu/explore/freedmens-bureau.

Temporary Closures on Kenilworth Avenue NE Service Road

DDOT needs to periodically close the southbound service road of Kenilworth Avenue NE between Nash Street NE between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; weather permitting. The closures, which started Nov. 21, will be in place for approximately two months. ddot.dc.gov.

Friends of Fort Dupont Ice Arena to Operate Canal Park Ice Rink

Friends of Fort Dupont Ice Arena (FDIA), the non-pro t organization that operates the only public indoor ice-skating rink in Washington, DC, has been selected to operate the outdoor ice-skating rink, located in Canal Park in the Capitol Riverfront district, for the 2022-23 outdoor skating season. A portion of revenue from the Canal Park Ice Rink will help to support FDIA’s KIDS ON ICE programming, which provides ice sports instruction accessible to all DC youth, regardless of ability to pay.

2023 Fringe Festival Applications Open

lator’s Winter Wonder Ride will be present at the Downtown DC Holiday Market on Saturday, Dec. 17, noon to 3 p.m., at F Street NW between Seventh and Ninth. dcstreetcar.com and dccirculator.com.

RFK Seats and Memorabilia Sale

All orange seats and turnstiles on the sale website will be available for in-person pick up on Dec. 16 to 18 at RFK Stadium. After purchase, information with speci c details regarding the pickup location, dates and times will be coming from Events DC via email. All seats come with a Certificate of Authenticity. Stadium seats are sold in authentic asis condition and will show signs consistent with outdoor stadium usage. The seats being sold in this rst sale are the best ones in terms of overall condition and have little to no sun fading. A portion of the proceeds will bene t The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington and St. Coletta of Greater Washington. stadiumseatdepot.com/RFK_Stadium_Seat_and_Memorabilia_Sale.aspx.

American History Museum’s Entertainment Nation Festival

On Dec. 9, the National Museum of American History unveiled the new permanent exhibition Entertainment Nation/Nación del espectáculo. From Dec. 9 to 18, visitors can enjoy dynamic conversations about the cultural impact of entertainment, intimate talks with curators, sneak peeks at objects from the national collection, lm screenings of pop culture classics, free activities, and musical performances that bring entertainment history to life. Visit americanhistory.si.edu for the full schedule.

“Season’s Greenings” at the Botanic Garden

The Botanic Garden offers a garden-wide “Season’s Greenings” holiday display this year, running through Monday, Jan. 2 (closed on Dec. 25). As part of the festivities, G-gauge model trains run between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. each day in the gated outdoor gardens and the Conservatory features poinsettias, holiday decor, and DC landmarks made from plants. A gift store run by the Friends of the US Botanic Garden and local DC small business Rewild o ers botanically themed gifts for purchase in the Conservatory’s West Gallery. Zeke’s Co ee o ers co ee and hot chocolate for sale just inside the gated outdoor garden near the trains. The Garden has extended evening hours each Tuesday in December when the Conservatory and train display will be open until 8 p.m. USBG.gov/ SeasonsGreenings.

Capital Fringe was founded in 2005 with a mission to celebrate cultural democracy and art for everyone. By embracing diversity and a spirit of independence, they create earning opportunities for artists. They aim to challenge perceptions, shake up the institutionalized hierarchy, be brave and unafraid, and serve as a launching pad for unseasoned and established artists. The 2023 Capital Fringe is from July 13 to 16 and 20 to 23. Applications are open through Dec. 28. Read more and apply at capitalfringe.org/artist.

DC Streetcar’s Inaugural Winter Wonder Ride

For the rst time, DC Streetcar has been wrapped for the Winter Wonder season alongside DC Circulator. This year’s Winter Wonder Ride theme is, “Spreading Joy Around the District.” The holiday rides are decorated with a multi-colored, pastel wrap featuring various animals participating in fun snow activities. Residents and visitors are welcome to take a Winter Wonder Ride on DC Streetcar along the H St./ Benning Corridor. DC Circu-

9:30 Club Kicks off 21st Holiday Raf e

The 9:30 Club’s annual Holiday Ra e--now in its 21st year--continues the momentum gained by o ering two different ways to enter. There will also be two di erent winners, each receiving the Grand Prize of a pair of tickets to every 9:30 Club show in 2023. To enter, donate canned goods/non-perishable food items and/or clean, gently worn clothing at the 9:30 Club, 815 V St. NW. One entry per item donated, up to 10 entries per day (though you can donate more than 10 items per day). Donations can be made during the 9:30 Club’s regular box o ce hours or at any show during the month of December. You can also make a monetary donation online through BetterWorld page at 930club.betterworld.org. Each entry is $5, and there’s no limit to the number of entries. Online donations close Dec. 31, at 11:59 pm. 930.com/HolidayRa e.

Canal Park Ice Rink Opens for Season

Canal Park Ice Rink is now open Monday to Thursday, noon to 10 p.m.; Friday, noon to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Adult admission,

In the Conservatory, view holiday decorations including nearly 2,000 poinsettias and the Garden’s collection of DC monuments and landmarks, such as the US Capitol building and the Washington Monument, all made from plant parts.

Stefan Lockridge, the son of Wanda and William Lockridge, delivers the keynote address at Dancing With the Scholars XII (DWTS) on November 19, 2022. DWTS is the annual fundraiser of the William O. Lockridge Community Foundation (WOLCF).

$12; kids and seniors, $10; skate rental, $5. Canal Park, 200 N St. SW. skatecanalpark.com.

National Shrine Christmas Dinner Registration

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception provides meals for hundreds of poor, homeless, elderly, and needy individuals living in the District of Columbia and surrounding areas on Christmas Day. Meals are available for pick-up or delivery only. To request a Christmas Day dinner, call 202-526-8300. All meal requests must be received by Friday, Dec. 16.

Volunteers are needed to fill many different positions. To register as a volunteer, visit nationalshrine.org/ event/2022-christmas-dinner-registration. For more information, contact rsvp@bnsic.org or 202-526-8300.

DC Snow Preparations

Call the shelter hotline at 202-399-7093 if you see a person who is experiencing homelessness and outside during extreme temperatures. Join Serve DC’s Volunteer Snow

Christmas Illuminations

(and fireworks) at Mount Vernon

Team, which helps clear sidewalks for registered seniors who are 65 and older and residents with access functionality needs. Sign-up at servedc.galaxydigital.com. For more information about DC’s snow program, preparing for winter weather, or to see where District Snow Team plows are during a storm, visit snow.dc.gov.

Free Legal Clinic for Veterans & Surviving Spouses

If you live in DC, are 60+ and income eligible, you may be able to receive free legal services through Legal Counsel for the Elderly. Free Legal Clinics for Veterans & Surviving Spouses are on Tuesdays, Dec. 13, Jan. 10 and Feb. 14; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the 202-K Consultation Room at MLK Library, 901 G St. NW. dclibrary.org/mlk.

Arena Stage’s Allen Lee Hughes BIPOC Fellowship Program

The Allen Lee Hughes BIPOC Fellowship Program is a professional training program for individuals who self-identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color). The program o ers personalized training and in-depth, handson experience with top-tier professionals in artistic development, production, arts administration, arts education and community outreach. Fellows receive a weekly stipend of $600. The Fellowship Program applications will be accepted through Feb. 20, 2023. Interviews with select applicants will take place in April 2023. Applicants selected for the fellowship will be noti ed by phone and email by mid-May 2023. Read more at arenastage.org/opportunities.

Arboretum Community Center Opens

On Nov. 5, Mayor Bowser, Department of Parks and Recreation, the Department of General Services and community members cut the ribbon on the new Arboretum Commu-

nity Center. The $10.8 million, LEED-certi ed facility, at 2412 Rand Pl. NE, incorporates and expands on the historic eld house while adding many new amenities. The center includes a gym, community room, tech lounge, tness center, patio, and green roof.

Big Objects, Big Stories at the NMAAHC

On Dec. 11, 15, 27 and 29, “The Paradox of Liberty” talk takes place at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. On Dec. 14, 15, 21 and 29, “The Paradox of Liberty” talk takes place at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. On Dec. 15, “Angola Prison Guard Tower” talk takes place at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. On Dec. 13 and 20, “Angola Prison Guard Tower” talk takes place at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. On Dec. 12, 15 and 27, “I Go To Prepare A Place For You (Harriet Tubman Quilt) by Bisa Butler” talk takes place at 1:15, 2:15 and 3:15 p.m. On Dec. 22 and 29, “I Go To Prepare A Place For You (Harriet Tubman Quilt) by Bisa Butler” talk takes place at 10:15 and 11:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. On Dec. 15, “Southern Railway Car No. 1200” talk takes place at 11 a.m. and noon. On Dec. 18, “A charred penny from the Tulsa Race Massacre in 1921” talk takes places at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Tours are free and walk-in. All visitors, regardless of age, must have a timed-entry pass to enter the building. Same-day timed-entry passes are released online only at 8:15 a.m. nmaahc.si.edu/visit/plan-your-visit.

DC Health Link Enrollment Opens

DC Health Link is the District’s state-based health insurance exchange established under the A ordable Care Act and provides health insurance to more than 14,000 residents through the individual marketplace and more than 87,000 people through the small business marketplace. Open Enrollment for individuals and families ends January 31, 2023. Plan selections made by Dec. 15 will be e ective on January 1, 2023. Small businesses—as well as individuals and families eligible for Medicaid—can enroll through DCHealthLink.com at any point.

DOEE Launches Reuse DC Website

On Friday, Dec. 16 and Saturday, Dec. 17, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., join Mount Vernon for a family-friendly celebration of the holiday season with an evening of Christmas Illuminations. Tour the Mansion to get an up-close look at the Washington home. See the lantern-lit Historic Area, the Mansion aglow in beautiful amber light, and the Upper Garden and Greenhouse dazzling in blue and lavender with moving wintry light patterns. Enjoy the atmospheric setting of an 18th-century winter encampment, the working Blacksmith Shop, Christmas carolers, and Aladdin the Camel. Watch holiday reworks over the Potomac River. The reworks begin at approximately 8 to 8:30 p.m. Adult admission with mansion tour, $60, youth with mansion tour, $38. mountvernon.org.

The Department of Energy and Environment has announced the launch of Reuse DC, a rst-of-its-kind website to help District residents get centralized information on how to repair, donate, and shop secondhand items ranging from furniture, clothing and other household items. Through the website, the public can search an online map-based directory, explore how to exchange items with neighbors, learn about the importance of food recovery, nd an upcoming Fix-It event, discover grant programs, and more. reuse.dc.gov. ◆

east washington life

Meet Keith Killgo

Musician, Educator, and Original Member of the Blackbyrds

by Anthony D. Diallo

In one form or the other, Keith Killgo has been immersed in music his whole life. First, as the son of a professional musi cian growing up in the nation’s capital, then later as an original member of the DC-based Blackbyrds and now, in conjunction with being the bandleader, as a music teacher in the school system.

Formative Years Filled with “Happy Music”

“I knew that my life would revolve around mu sic as a young boy. I watched my father play with

other musicians and wanted to do just that,” said Killgo. “I never had any thoughts of doing any thing else like being an astronaut or fireman.”

Killgo was mesmerized by his father, Harry Killgo, who played piano, practiced at their Bar ry Farms home and performed on the road. The elder Killgo was a drummer and a member of the J.F.K. Quintet produced by acclaimed jazz art ist Julian “Cannonball” Adderley in 1960. The group got its name in honor of the then-newly elected President John F. Kennedy and his am bition to change the status quo of African Amer icans and increase investment in the arts.

The sounds he heard inspired the young

Left to right: Marshall Keys, Willie Anderson (no longer currently in the group), Joe Hall, Keith Killgo, Paul “Jus Paul” Spires, Dave Robbins, Thad Wilson, and Charles Wright.

Keith Killgo performs/ sings in concert.

Killgo—a combination of bebop and a free, nontradition al version of jazz that was aptly dubbed “the New Thing.” That sound in the mid-1960s catapulted jazz and the mu sic scene to the next level and offered audiences an inno vative music experience.

“I’ve been around many great artists and musicians who would come to the house regularly. They became like family. I’d listen intently and watch them practice…peo ple like Shirley Berkeley (a fourth-generation Washingto nian who later became the Minister of Music emeritus at the First Baptist Church of Glenarden) and James Cleve land (the music icon and composer who was known as the King of Gospel).”

While accompanying his father at appearances, Kill go witnessed a Who’s Who in the jazz genre including the likes of Freddie Waits, Ben Riley, and Miles Davis. Some times these jazz experts would allow the young Killgo to sit and play with them.

With Donald Byrd at the ‘Mecca’

Another one of the elder Killgo’s friends was renowned jazz trumpeter Donald Byrd. The influential and incred ibly talented Byrd had the distinction of performing with John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Thelonious Monk, and lat er Herbie Hancock. He stayed at the Killgo home whenev er he was in the nation’s capital. That was where the foun dation began for the teacher-student and mentor-protégé relationship with the younger Killgo.

That relationship was strengthened when Killgo trans ferred to Howard University in his junior year. Byrd was the head of the university’s Institute of Jazz Studies, and it was here that Byrd conceptualized the Blackbyrds.

The Blackbyrds—Allan Barnes (flutist), Joe Hall (bassist), Pericles “Perk” Jacobs, Jr. (percussionist), Kill go (vocalist and drummer), Barney Perry (guitarist), and Kevin Toney (keyboardist)—were all Howard University students. Notable member Orville Saunders (guitarist), along with Steve Johnson (saxophonist and flutist) and

Jay Jones (flutist and saxophonist), joined a little later. They elegantly fused jazz with soul sprin kled with just a touch of disco. They epitomized a new funky sound nationally and made an indel ible mark on the local scene. The year was 1973.

Flying High

The students, now recognized as (Donald Byrd and) the Blackbyrds, left the cozy confines of the campus and signed with Fantasy Records, record ed their debut album, and began touring globally. The album was simply entitled, The Blackbyrds. They were in full flight with eight tracks on the al bum, including the popular “Do It, Fluid.”

“That first album was recorded at Fantasy Studio in California after we had conceived the band’s name in the backseat of a car,” Killgo, 68, vividly recalled.

The “Flying Start” was their second re lease and featured the Grammy-nominated song, “Walking in Rhythm” (https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=5y3CBI260Z8) which sold more than a million copies and was dubbed a gold record.

Arguably the Blackbyrds most popular album was their third studio album entitled “City Life.” The singles “Fly ing High,” “Happy Music,” and “Rock Creek Park”—the unofficial Washington, DC anthem about the park created by an Act of Congress that stretches across the Northwest quadrant of the city—were featured on it.

The chorus of the catchy song (https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=2wn167MG-x8) with the few lyrics, “doing it in the park/ doing it after dark/ oh, yeah/ Rock Creek Park” is sung at cookouts, barbecues, festivities, and other outdoor events throughout the city.

“I would have to say that Soft and Easy is my favorite song out of all the Blackbyrds compositions,” Killgo ad mitted. “It is a ballad but then it is really not. I love Myste rious Vibes too.”

Time Is Moving On

During the peak of the Blackbyrds’ success, the group re corded seven studio albums and appeared on the soundtrack of the movie, “Cornbread, Earl & Me” that starred a young Laurence Fishbourne, along with Bernie Casey, Rosalind Cash, and Moses Gunn.

“One of our biggest memorable events at that time was when we played at the Belle Isle, outside of Detroit. We played with one of the first black orchestras in the country. That was special.”

The group disbanded around the early 1980s. Byrd had stopped producing after the “City Life” album and moved on to other projects. Some members were engaged in a bat tle with the record company about royalty rights and mon ey they felt they were due.

“The most difficult time that I remember was when I was working in Philly at the Bijou and having to take the

train back and forth to New York to fight in court about our royalties. I was on the stand for two days,” Killgo laments. “We finally ended up making a deal.”

What We Have Is Right

The Blackbyrds are preparing for their 50th anniversary celebration in 2023 with a world tour that will span into 2024. Killgo re-established the group in 2012 with new members that currently include vocalist Paul “Jus Paul” Spires, trumpeter Thad Wilson, saxophonist and reeds player Marshall Keys, keyboardist Harold Barney, percus sionist Sean Anthony, guitarist Charles Wright, trombon ist and keyboardist Tom O’Grady while keeping main stay Joe Hall on bass.

Killgo learned a lot from his longtime and later mentor— Byrd. Part of the lessons learnt was to share his vast knowl edge with the next generation as a music teacher first at An acostia Senior High School and now at Friendship Charter School Tech Prep Campus that is located off Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave, SE. He serves as chair of the Fine Arts Depart ment. Killgo started teaching in 1989 and remains resolute although the system sometimes frustrates him.

“They (the school system) never made the arts a pri ority. They are chasing these test scores. It is all by design. Music has never been seen as a career. They spend money on basketball and football,” he said.

In 2014 Killgo founded his nonprofit organization called Artz 4 Kidz that brings his STEM-centric approach to enlighten students interested in music education. He uses techniques and references to demystify the often-illu sive music industry giving former students a direct path to become viable players in the business.

“I like soul music better than any other genre because soul is fusion. It is literally live music. It is getting some body’s soul through instrumentation,” said Jus Paul, 33, the youngest member of the Blackbyrds and Killgo’s protégé— just like Byrd was to Killgo. Everything has come full circle.

“I was a senior at Anacostia when I met Mr. Killgo. I was skipping my painting class to sneak into his class. One day he gave me a CD and told me to write music to it and if he liked it, I could record the song. That song turned out to be ‘I Need Your Loving’ and it became the first single on the (2012 Blackbyrds’) album ‘Gotta Fly’,” said Paul.

Besides Jus Paul, Killgo has helped cultivate students into fine musicians and upstanding citizens like vocalist Tailaha Bell, a North Carolina State student, and Jerrell King, a trombonist at Yale University. Jameal Humphries is another student, living in southeast, that has benefitted from his tutelage.

Killgo will always be associated and remembered for be ing part of the Blackbyrds and rightfully so. But his great est legacy may be the impact Killgo has as a DCPS educa tor and honing the skills of hundreds of students. He sees each student’s gifts and challenges and meets them exactly where they are, empowering them to see themselves in the brightest light. u

Left to right Dave Robbins, Keith Killgo, Orville Saunders (recently retired), and Joe Hall.

THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSING AUTHORITY

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) SOLICITATION NO.: 0001-2023

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT OPERATIONS (PMO) SECURITY GUARD SERVICES

The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) requires adequate uniformed unarmed security guard services for four (4) DCHA properties.

SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS will be available beginning Monday, November 21, 2022 on DCHA’s website at www.dchousing.org under “Business” and “Solicitations”.

SEALED PROPOSAL RESPONSES ARE DUE ON OR BEFORE Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at 11:00 AM.

Email Lolita Washington, Contract Specialist at lwashing@dchousing.org with copy to business@dchousing.org for additional information.

Watchdog Journalism is the beating heart of a healthy city.

Spotlight DC directly funds investigative reporters at local news organizations pursuing groundbreaking stories that can prompt reform and hold the powerful to account.

100% of Your Contribution Goes To Working Journalists.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) SOLICITATION NO.: 0006-2023

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SERVICES

The District of

THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSING AUTHORITY

The Eastsider Celebrating While Remembering

by Leniqua’dominique Jenkins

This month, I planned to share information about where to see San ta Claus, interesting stats about the Nation al Tree, details about the 18th Annual Christmas Holiday Market and my fa vorite gingerbread recipe. However, as I pondered my column, I discovered several of my personal Christmas tra ditions stemmed from a very dark part of America’s history—slavery.

Growing up I have loads of great Christmas memories. Of course, we celebrated at the holiday at church. We marked the Yule with gift giving and seasonal decorations. I volunteered to aid the less fortunate. Yet, now I reflect our community’s longer history, the season has deeper meaning.

Take for example our tradition of holiday gift giving. According to au thor Farrell Evans who wrote “What was Christmas Like for Enslaved Peo ple,” the Christmas season was a time for enslavers to “express their pater nalism and dominance over the people they owned, who almost universally lacked the economic power or means to purchase gifts.” They “often gave their enslaved workers things they withheld throughout the year, like shoes, cloth ing and money.”

Growing up, I remember holding hands at Christmas dinners to pray with dozens of friends, family, and neighbors. The table would be beau tifully decorated with fresh poinsettias and a large ham as the centerpiece. The ham would be perfectly adorned with pineapple rings with cherries in the center of each ring.

In the South, hogs were butchered after the first frost. Typically, between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The cold temperatures allowed the meat to be processed without spoiling in the heat.

According to author Grady Atwater, a site administrator of the John Brown Museum and State Historic Site and author of “BBQ Roots Are Connected to Slavery,” on Southern plantations, the “Pit Master” was usually an old el derly slave who was an expert cook. He would cook the entire pig in a pit in the ground, tending to the fire all day for the slow roasting. The enslaved peo ple received the ribs and various oth er cuts of the meat, deemed undesir able. It was not until I studied African American history that I discovered the link between this tradition and Ameri ca’s darker history.

Knowing what I do about the histo ry of Black people at Christmas makes me uncomfortable. However, the holi day also embraces faith, love for human ity and family joy. This season lets us combine our celebration of Christmas, spending time with family, eating deli cious food, volunteering and drinking eggnog till our teeth hurt, with an appre ciation of how our enslaved forefathers and mothers found beauty in darkness.

Some suggested articles for addition al reading:

• “BBQ Roots are Connected to Slavery” -- https://www.repub lic-online.com/news/osawatomie/ bbq-roots-are-connected-to-slav ery/article_113b15e2-f1d4-11e98631-c353b4b1f564.html

• “What Was Christmas like For A Slave” -- https://www.histo ry.com/news/christmas-slaveryamerican-south

Leniqua’dominique Jenkins holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Houston and has worked on Capitol Hill and in Africa, India and Spain. She is a pre school teacher at a language immersion school in Ward 7. u

The author decked out for Christmas.

Changing Hands

NEIGHBORHOOD PRICE BR

FEE SIMPLE

CONGRESS HEIGHTS

3514 7th St SE $510,000 4 3934 1st St SW $300,000 3

DEANWOOD 307 56th St NE $585,000 4 4118 Gault Pl NE $475,000 3 5330 Gay St NE $425,000 3 4053 Grant St NE $415,000 4 5013 Just St NE $270,000 3

FORT DUPONT PARK 732 Adrian St SE $330,000 3

LILY PONDS 4602 Quarles St NE $525,000 4 117 33rd St NE $420,000 2

MARSHALL HEIGHTS

5009 Astor Pl SE $590,000 4 5506 C St SE $258,000 2

RANDLE HEIGHTS 1949 S St SE $450,000 3

TRINIDAD

1432 Trinidad Ave NE $756,500 3 1316 Montello Ave NE $605,000 3

CONDO

ANACOSTIA

1300 Talbert Ct SE $430,000 3

CARVER LANGSTON 1021 17th St NE #7 $600,000 3 828 18th St NE #301 $480,000 2 1019 17th Pl NE #301 $459,000 2

CONGRESS HEIGHTS

212-212 Oakwood St SE #112 $200,000 1 3876 9th St SE #203 $159,000 2

FORT DUPONT PARK 3935 S St SE #101 $185,000 2

H STREET CORRIDOR 1102 Staples St NE #302 $479,900 2

HILL CREST 1317b 27th St SE $265,000 3 1327a 27th St SE $140,300 0 2016 37th St SE #102 $180,000 2

HILL EAST

1324 E St SE #106 $740,000 2 1628 C St SE #303 $489,000 2

KINGMAN PARK 401 13th St NE #310 $680,000 2 1607 Isherwood St NE #C $650,000 2 1612 Isherwood St NE #2 $594,900 2 415 17th St NE #B $439,000 2

MARSHALL HEIGHTS 4732 Benning Rd SE #203 $138,500 2

RANDLE HEIGHTS 2311 Altamont Pl SE #202 $140,000 3

TRINIDAD 1159 Neal St NE #1 $700,000 3 1732 Montello Ave NE #3 $199,900 1

COOP

CONGRESS HEIGHTS 20 Chesapeake St SE #C23 $50,000 1 u

kids & family

Emotions at Play at the National Children’s Museum

Through Jan. 8, step into the magical world of Pixar’s hit animated lm Inside Out and explore the important role emotions, memory, and imagination play in our everyday lives. Learn to recognize emotions and how they are expressed through hands-on and digital experiences featuring the characters who represent our ve core emotions: Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust, and Fear. The exhibit was developed by Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh in collaboration with

Pixar Animation Studios. Recommended for ages two to ten. Open every day except Tuesday (and Christmas), 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is $15.95 for adults and kids under one. National Children’s Museum, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. nationalchildrensmuseum.org.

Step Afrika!’s Holiday Step Show Family Fun Pack

As the world’s rst holiday show highlighting the African American tradition of

The Trains at “Season’s Greenings”

The Botanic Garden o ers a garden-wide “Season’s Greenings” holiday display this year, running through Monday, Jan. 2 (closed on Dec. 25). As part of the festivities, G-gauge model trains run between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. each day in the gated outdoor gardens and the Conservatory features poinsettias, holiday decor, and DC landmarks made from plants. The Garden o ers extended evening hours each Tuesday in December, when the Conservatory and train display will be open until 8 p.m. US Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW. usbg.gov.

by Kathleen Donner

NORAD Tracks Santa NORAD tracks everything that ies in and around North America in defense of our country. However, on Dec. 24, they have the special mission of also tracking Santa. NORAD has been tracking Santa since 1955 when a young child accidently dialed the unlisted phone number of the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD) Operations Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, believing she was calling Santa Claus after seeing a promotion in a local newspaper. Air Force Colonel Harry Shoup, the commander on duty that night, was quick to realize a mistake had been made, and assured the youngster that CONAD would guarantee Santa a safe journey from the North Pole. Thus, a tradition was born that rolled over to NORAD when it was formed in 1958. Each year since, NORAD has dutifully reported Santa’s location on Dec. 24 to millions.

Each year, the NORAD Tracks Santa website receives nearly fteen million unique visitors from more than 200 countries and territories around the world. Volunteers receive more than 130,000 calls (phone number appears on the website on Dec. 24) to the NORAD Tracks Santa hotline. Children are also able to track Santa through Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram. noradsanta.org.

stepping, Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show is a feast for the eyes and ears. Fabulous and furry friends from the Arctic Kingdom—Popper the Penguin and Polo the Polar Bear—along with DJ Nutcracker ensure a fun and exciting experience for the entire family. Step Afrika’s Holiday Step Show is at Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW, Dec. 9 to 18. Tickets are $56 to $95. Arena Stage also o ers their Family Fun Pack for this show—four seats for $130. arenastage.org.

NORAD and USNORTHCOM, take calls at the NORAD Tracks Santa Operations Center.

Capital City Symphony Holiday Concert and Sing Along (free for kids)

On Sunday, Dec. 18, 3:30 and 5:30 p.m., come celebrate the holiday season with Capital City Symphony and Potomac Fever, a close-knit harmony a cap pella group made up of members of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC. Grab your family, friends, and neighbors for a fun-filled concert and sing along featuring your holiday favorites. Adults, $35; kids 16 and under, free. Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. atlasarts.org.

Join the National Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count

A family holiday tradition for many, the annual Christ mas Bird Count (CBC) is a long-standing program of the National Audubon So ciety, with over 100 years of citizen science involve ment. It’s an early-winter bird census, where thou sands of volunteers across the US, Canada and many countries in the Western Hemisphere, go out over a 24-hour period on one cal endar day to count birds. To participate, you need to join an existing CBC circle by contacting the compil er in advance of the count day. All Christmas Bird Counts are con ducted between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5, inclusive dates, each season. Read more and sign up at audubon.org/content/ join-christmas-bird-count.

Fort Dupont Ice Arena Public Skating in December

Discovery Theater’s Seasons of Light

Joy, warmth, and community illuminate seasonal holiday celebrations the world over. This signature Discovery The ater show celebrates the history and customs of Diwali, Chanukah, Las Posadas, Ramadan, St. Lucia Day, Kwan zaa, Christmas, and the First Nations’ tradition of the Win ter Solstice in an interactive event that bridges communi ties and cultures. Seasons of Light is at Discovery Theater Monday to Friday, from Dec. 5 to 16, at 10:15 and 11:30 a.m., with an additional 1 p.m. performance on Dec. 9 and 16. It is recommended for ages five to ten. $9 for adults: $8 for kids; $3 for kids under two. Tickets on sale now. This show always sells out. Discovery Theater’s Ripley Center is at 1100 Jefferson Dr. SW (on the National Mall). dis coverytheater.org.

Young Portrait Explorers at the NPG

On Mondays, Dec. 12, Jan. 9 and Feb. 13; 11 to 11:30 a.m., join National Portrait Gallery staff at the museum (G Street lobby) for an engaging program about art, history and sto rytelling. For children up to age six and their adult com panions. Free but registration is required. The National Portrait Gallery is at Eighth and G streets NW. npg.si.edu.

Big News for Little Ones at the Hirshhorn

Want to make art inspired by your favorite Hirsh horn artworks? Maker Morning is the Hirsh horn’s free monthly series that invites kids to experience contemporary art through interac tive hands-on making activities. Drop in and explore the Museum through engaging inter actives, kids’ tours, and more. Each month will introduce a new topic and completely new way to think about art. Upcoming Maker Mornings are Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Dec. 10, Illumi nate The Season; Jan. 14, Shape Of You. Stroller parking is available in the lobby and on the low er level of the museum. No reservations or tick ets required. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden is at Independence Avenue and Seventh St. SW. hirshhorn.si.edu.

Fort Dupont Ice Arena two-hour skating sessions are on Sundays, 2:30 p.m.; Fridays, noon and Saturdays, 1 p.m. Extra session on Friday, Dec. 23, 3 p.m. Adults skate for $5; kids and seniors for $4. Skate rental is $3. The arena is at 3779 Ely Place SE. fdia.org.

Family-friendly First Night Alexandria (is back)

First Night Alexandria is back on Saturday, Dec. 31, noon to fireworks at midnight. This annual New Year’s Eve bash takes over Old Town Alex andria with more than 100 performances at 22 in door venues, with live music, dancing, children’s face-painting and games. Fireworks at midnight on the river. Their All-Access Pass gains you en try to any show and every show, any time, all day, and all the way to midnight! All-access pass prices are birth to two, free; ages three to ten, $10; ages 11 to 19, $20; ages 20 to 64, $50; 65+, $30. first nightalexandria.org.

100th National Christmas Tree Celebration

From state flowers to notable landmarks, American students have designed one-of-a-kind ornaments to celebrate the plac es they call home. These ornaments will adorn 58 smaller trees that surround the National Christmas Tree. The trees represent states, territories, and schools managed by the Bureau of Indi an Education and the Department of Defense Education Activ ity. thenationaltree.org.

Nelson-Rietzke Photography

American Celebrates trees in 2021. Ornaments designed by students from each state and territory adorn small trees around the National Christmas Tree. NPS Photo.

National Cathedral Family Christmas Service

On Friday, Dec. 23, 10 a.m., a menagerie of live animals helps bring the Nativity to life in this joyful ser vice of carols and prayers. Gather loved ones to welcome the Holy Family in the festively decorated Cathedral nave. Free passes are required to attend in person ($7 handling fee per pass). cathedral.org.

Tiny Tim’s Christmas Carol at LTA

Zoolights

Zoolights allows you to meander through the Zoo when it is covered with thousands of sparkling lights, attend special keeper talks and enjoy live entertainment. Re maining dates are Dec. 4, 9 to 11, 16 to 23, and 26 to 30; 5 to 9 p.m. Free admission; parking is $30. Nation al Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW. nationalzoo.si.edu.

The Little Theatre of Alexandria rings in the holiday season with a new take on the classic tale by Charles Dick ens. Tiny Tim longs to have his father

home on Christmas day, but Ebenezer Scrooge won’t give Bob Cratchit the day off. There must be a way to change Scrooge’s mind--and perhaps a ghost or two will set Scrooge right. Written by

Dia de los Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day) at GALA

On Saturday, Jan. 7, 1:30 p.m. (show inside the theatre at 2 p.m.), join GALA for this annual tradition, the celebrated Three Kings celebration which brings Latin American tradition to the streets of DC. This festive end to the holiday season features the time less story of the Magi, performances by local musicians and dance troupes, a street pa rade, and free gifts for children. Free/gratis. GALA Theatre is at 3333 14th St. NW. gal atheatre.org/post/threekingsday.

Photo: Gerald Martineau

Broadway’s award-winning Ken Ludwig and his son, Jack, get ready for the wildest Christmas ride you’ve ever had. Tiny Tim’s Christmas Carol is onstage at The Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe St. Alexandria, VA., from Dec. 3 to 17. thelittletheatre.com.

Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run

Ice & Lights o ers a fun, outdoor family experience to see unique light displays, take family pictures or sel es with a variety of displays, and take a spin on the outdoor ice rink. Tickets are available for the Village or Village and Ice Skating daily through Jan. 1. $10 for Village only; $22 for Village and skating. The Winter Village at Cameron Run is at 4001 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria VA. novaparks. com/events/ice-lights.

The Puppet Company’s Nutcracker at Glen Echo

Through Jan. 1, join the Puppet Co. for their 34th annual Nutcracker. This timehonored seasonal celebration includes Tchaikovsky’s familiar story of Clara and her prince, with some Puppet Co. nursery rhyme spin. Nutcracker is on stage at Glen Echo, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD, Nov. 25 to Dec. 20, Thursdays, Fridays, Dec. 19 and 20, at 10 a.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. It is on stage Dec. 21 to Jan. 1 (except Christmas), weekdays and weekends, 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tickets are $15; under age two, no ticket required. Recommended for age four, up. thepuppetco.org.

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins

Hershel just wants to celebrate Hanukkah with the community, but the Queen and King of the Goblins have forbidden the lighting of the candles. Can Hershel save the day and lift the curse for this shtetl (village)? Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins is on stage at Glen Echo, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD, through Dec. 20, Thursdays and Fridays, Dec. 19 and 10, at 1 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, at 4 p.m. It is on stage Dec. 21 to Jan. 1, weekdays and weekends at 4 p.m. Tickets are

$15; under age two, no ticket required. Recommended for age ve, up. thepuppetco.org.

A Family Christmas (For the Young & Young at Heart)

On Saturday, Dec. 24, 11 a.m., bring the kids for an unforgettable holiday experience as the Choral Arts Chorus fills the concert hall with holiday classics just for them. Expect a visit from Santa, Frosty, and Rudolph! This one-hour concert is perfect for children ages five and up. Tickets are $20 to $45. kennedycenter.org.

Waterskiing Santa on the Potomac

Waterski Santa will be at Columbia Island Marina on Christmas Eve 2022 at 1 p.m. This is a di erent location than the last few

Pierre Bonnard’s Still Life with Dog (virtual) Sketchbook Club

This is one club where you don’t need a membership to join. National Gallery of Art teaching artists lead free, 30-minute sketches inspired by works of art from the National Gallery’s collection. Add new drawings to your sketchbook or just doodle along with them as they explore a di erent prompt each session. All you need are a pencil and paper. They encourage you to have colored pencils, crayons, markers, or paints as well, but these are optional. Monday, Dec. 19 and Thursday, Dec. 22, 5 to 5:30 p.m. Sketchbook Club is recommended for families with children of all ages. Registration is required at nga.gov/calendar/family-activities.

US Navy Band Holiday Concerts

US

Band Holiday Concerts at DAR Constitution Hall, 1776 D St. NW, are on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 3 and 8 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 18, 3 p.m. Santa appears!

Pierre Bonnard, Still Life with Dog, c. 1912, oil on canvas, National Gallery of Art, Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon

The Navy Band hosts thousands of people during its three annual holiday concerts. Photo: Chief Petty Of cer Adam Grimm.

years. Please come by and see him, Mrs. Claus, and his merry crew during and af ter the show. Columbia Island Marina is minutes from downtown off GW Park way on the Pentagon Lagoon. waterski ingsanta.com. u

Saturday Morning Live! at the National

Fun takes center stage at the Nation al Theatre for Saturday Morning Live. Kids are invited to the Helen Hayes Gal lery space on select Saturday mornings at 9:30 and 11 a.m. for wow-inspiring chil dren’s entertainment of all sorts, from in teractive performances, puppets, dance, and music. It’s free. On Saturday, Jan. 14, see The Uncle Devin Show by Devin Walker, an interactive musical experience for children. The show is an infectious blend of jazz, funk, and DC’s official mu sic, Go-Go. Saturday Morning at the Na tional shows are best enjoyed by kids age three to six, but anyone is welcome to join in on the fun. Tickets are free, but they re quest that you register in advance. Walkup tickets are subject to availability. Masks are optional, but highly recommended. The National Theatre is at 1321 Pennsyl vania Ave. NW. nationaltheatre.org/satur day-morning-live.

Devin Walker at the drums.