hillrag.com • December 2015
Est. 1981
THE
BISSEY TEAM
AT JOHN C. FORMANT REAL ESTATE, INC.
Residential & Commercial Real Estate D SOL
CAPITOL HILL
SHAW
518 9th St., SE $849,900
1717 New Jersey Ave, NW $879,500
Genie Hutinet 202-413-7661
IAL ERC M COM
CAPITOL HILL
508 H Street, NE 3rd Floor Office Space Stan Bissey 202-841-1433 www.BisseyTeam.com
CAPITOL HILL
676 4th Street, NE #205 $387,500
Genie Hutinet 202-413-7661
SED LEA
801 D Street, NE
724 E. Capitol St, NE
Music on the Hill’s New Digs!
1,850 sq. ft. of Prime Retail Space
Todd Bissey 202-841-7653
5-Star Premier agent
ON G SO N I COM
Stan Bissey 202-841-1433
CAPITOL HILL
CAPITOL HILL 10 7th St, NE
112 Kentucky Ave., SE
Pete Frias 202-744-8973 www.PeterFrias.com
Todd Bissey 202-841-7653 www.BisseyTeam.com
Pete Frias 202-744-8973 www.PeterFrias.com
119 5th St, NE
Todd Bissey 202-841-7653 www.BisseyTeam.com
AIL RET
CAPITOL HILL
IAL ERC M COM
CAPITOL HILL
804 H Street, NE 790 sq.ft. - $1,895 Stan Bissey 202-841-1433 www.BisseyTeam.com
CAPITOL HILL
1101 9th Street, NE #1 $748,500
Todd Bissey 202-841-7653 www.BisseyTeam.com
“WHERE WASHINGTON SHOPS FOR A NEW ADDRESS!”® 225 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20003
Tel: 202-544-3900 www.johncformant.com
Sales • Rentals • Commercial Leasing • Property Management • Investments
December 2015 H 3
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
“Get your roof ready for the winter season and have a prosperous New Year!”
R.THOMAS DANIEL ROOFING
YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD ROOFER www.rthomasdanielroofing.com UNDER YOUR ROOF IS YOUR MOST VALUABLE ASSET... YOUR HOME!
PROTECT YOUR HOME NOW! Uncover Hidden Future Costs. Warning Signs Could Mean Higher Costs If Not Corrected Today! • Roof is over 10 years old • Interior water stains • Visible leaks or cracks • Loose attic insulation • Open joints and seams on roof • Drains/gutters filled with debris
Our Services: • Inspections • Repairs • Roof coating • Roof replacement • Gutters and spouts • Skylights • Brick and chimney re-pointing
CALL NOW FOR YOUR
FREE INSPECTION!
202.569.1080 202.544.4430
tom@rthomasdanielroofing.com SERVING CAPITOL HILL HOMEOWNERS FOR MORE THAN 90 YEARS Owner Tom Daniel, outside the original location of the family roofing business at 310 Independence Ave., S.E.
PROUD TO BE A SPONSOR OF CAPITOL HILL COMMUNITY FOUNDATION’S LITERARY FEAST 4 H Hillrag.com
December 2015 H 5
6 H Hillrag.com
December 2015 H 7
8 H Hillrag.com
December 2015 H 9
Sharing Our Success! Capitol Hill’s Coldwell Banker Supports You! When we opened our doors here on the Hill nearly 35 years ago, we tied our destiny to an emerging neighborhood full of promise but fraught with risk. Indeed, we suffered through two disastrous market downturns and have reinvented ourselves several times. Through all of the ups and downs, this community has never failed to support us and we in turn have never lost faith in the future of Capitol Hill. To date, we have contributed nearly $1,000,000 to our community! • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Capitol Hill Cluster School Capitol Hill Community Foundation Capitol Hill Arts Workshop Capitol Hill Day School St. Peter School Barracks Row Main Street Capitol Hill Children’s Baseball League Capitol Hill Children’s Hockey League Brent Elementary Maury Elementary Capitol Hill Village Capitol Hill Group Ministry Eastern High School Capitol Hill Merchants And Professionals Capitol Hill Restoration Society Young Marines Of Capitol Hill St. Coletta’s of Greater Washington
In addition, our individual agents last year alone contributed $50,000+ and literally hundreds of hours to community organizations. While we are proud of what we have accomplished, we know that we couldn’t have done any of this without the support of friends and clients. You won’t see this office on TV. You won’t hear from us on the radio. You won’t even get much mail from us. But, you will see us when you see the growth in our schools. You will see us when you see the growth in our community building blocks. You will see us in the progress of our Capitol Hill neighborhood. We welcome the challenges of the future and we look forward to hearing from you soon.
202.547.3525 - Main Office INFORMATION DEEMED RELIABLE BUT NOT GUARANTEED
10 H Hillrag.com
Grant, Ryall & Andrew Wishing you the happiest of the
holiday season Thank you for your business, referrals & friendship which are the backbone of our success.
Grant Griffith, (202) 741-1685 | Ryall Smith, (202) 741-1781 | Andrew Glasow, (202) 741-1654 cbmove.com/grantryallandrew Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Don Denton, VP Broker | 605 Pennsylvania Ave SE, WDC 20003 - Main: 202.547. 3525
December 2015 H 11
What’s Inside?
19 holiday special 20
In every issue:
32
54
Calendar
92
Hill Rag Crossword
162
Classified Ads
168
Last Word
170
The Nose
Winter Calendar Jen DeMayo
32
Heard on the Hill
36
Busy as a Bee
38
Home for the Holidays
40
Holidays on the Hill
46
Garden Gifts
48
The Literary Hill
50
The Poetic Hill
52
Jazz Project Holiday Gifts
Meghan Markey Barbara Wells Jen DeMayo
Derek Thomas Karen Lyon Karen Lyon Jean-Keith Fagon
capitol streets 63
Bulletin Board
72
In Memoriam: Will Hill
74
In Memoriam: Mike Fry
76
The Numbers
78
Our River
Andrew Lightman Karen Lyon
Dec. 96
Claire Zippel
Bill Matuszeski William Rich
80
South by West
82
ANC 6A Report
84
ANC 6B Report
Jonathan Neeley
86
ANC 6C Report
Virginia Spatz
87
ANC 6D Report
Andrew Lightman
89
ANC 6E Report
Steve Holton
91
Eastern Market Report
Elizabeth Nelson
Peter J. Waldron
community life 93
E on DC
94
Margaret Missiaen
E. Ethelbert Miller
96
The Capitol Riverfront
98
H Street Life
102
Jonetta’s Take
104
When Is a Smart-Phone Not Clever?
Stephanie Deutsch Michael Stevens
Elise Bernard Jonnetta Rose Barras Maggie Hall
122
Also from Smithsonian American Art Museum: WONDER at the New Renwick Gallery. Nine leading contemporary artists—Jennifer Angus, Chakaia Booker, Gabriel Dawe, Tara Donovan, Patrick Dougherty, Janet Echelman, John Grade, Maya Lin, and Leo Villareal—are each taking over different galleries in the building, creating site-specific installations inspired by the Renwick. Pennsylvania Ave at 17th Street, NW. On exhibit until July 10, 2016
on the cover: Christmas Morning, 1947, Ernest W. Watson. color linoleum cut on paper 10 3/4 x 12 1/8 in. Smithsonian American Art Museum 8th and F Streets NW. 11:30 am-7 pm daily, closed Christmas. http://americanart.si.edu
real estate 107
The District Source
110
Changing Hands
Shaun Courtney Don Denton
arts and dining 119
Dining Notes
122
The Wine Girl: Champagne Tastes
Celeste McCall
124
At the Movies
126
Art and The City
Lilia Coffin
Mike Canning Jim Magner
health and fitness 129
Winterize Your Workout
132
The District Vet
Pattie Cinelli
Dan Teich, DVM
kids and family 135
Kids & Family Notebook
144
School Notes
Kathleen Donner
Susan Braun Johnson
homes and gardens 153
Choosing the Right Security for Your Christine Rushton
Home
156
The Hill Gardener: It’s About That
Thyme
158
Power Your Home with Wind!
160
Dear Garden Problem Lady
Chloe Sommers Catherine Plume Wendy Hill
Tinnitus Resolved Through Chiropractic Care A 60-ish man with tinnitus (ringing in the ears) came for chiropractic care. He had been to many other specialists and decided to try chiropractic since it works with the brain and nerves. One gentle adjustment of the Atlas vertebra improved his tinnitus by 50%. Three more adjustments over three weeks reduced it below 5%. Alignment of the Atlas will impact spinal cord tension patterns. For the better health and life experience of you and your family Dr. David Walls-Kaufman Capitol Hill Chiropractic Center 411 East Capitol St., SE | 202.544.6035
Read More About This Subject On www.capitolhillchiropractic.com Serving The Capitol Hill Community Since 1984
GUIDE TO CAPITOL HILL
YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
Capital Community News, Inc. • 224 7th Street, SE, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20003 202.543.8300 • www.capitalcommunitynews.com EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Melissa Ashabranner • melissaashabranner@hillrag.com PUBLISHER: Jean-Keith Fagon • fagon@hillrag.com Copyright © 2015 by Capital Community News. All Rights Reserved.
Editorial Staff
M������� E�����: Andrew Lightman • andrew@hillrag.com CFO � A�������� E�����: Maria Carolina Lopez • carolina@hillrag.com S����� N���� E�����: Susan Braun Johnson • schools@hillrag.com K��� � F����� E�����: Kathleen Donner • kathleendonner@gmail.com
Arts, Dining & Entertainment A��: D�����:
L���������: M�����: M����: T������: W��� G���:
Jim Magner • jjmagner@aol.com Celeste McCall • celeste@us.net Jonathan Bardzik • jonathan.bardzik@gmail.com Karen Lyon • klyon@folger.edu Mike Canning • mjcanning@verizon.net Jean-Keith Fagon • fagon@hillrag.com Stephen Monroe • steve@jazzavenues.com Barbara Wells • barchardwells@aol.com Jon Genderson • jon@cellar.com
Calendar & Bulletin Board
Beauty, Health & Fitness
Patricia Cinelli • fitmiss44@aol.com Jazelle Hunt • jazelle.hunt@gmail.com Candace Y.A. Montague • writeoncm@gmail.com
Kids & Family
Kathleen Donner • kathleendonner@gmail.com Susan Johnson • schools@hillrag.com
Homes & Gardens
Derek Thomas • derek@thomaslandscapes.com Catherine Plume • caplume@yahoo.com Cheryl Corson • cheryl@cherylcorson.com
Commentary
Ethelbert Miller • emiller698@aol.com Jonetta’s Take • jonetta@jonettarosebarras.com T�� N��� • thenose@hillrag.com T�� L��� W��� • editorial@hilllrag.com
Production/Graphic/Web Design
C������� E�����: Kathleen Donner • calendar@hillrag.com, bulletinboard@hillrag.com
A�� D�������: Jason Yen • jay@hillrag.com Graphic Design: Lee Kyungmin • lee@hillrag.com W�� M�����: Andrew Lightman • andrew@hillrag.com
General Assignment
Advertising & Sales
Elise Bernard • elise.bernard@gmail.com Ellen Boomer • emboomer@gmail.com Stephanie Deutsch • scd@his.com Michelle Phipps-Evans • invisiblecolours@yahoo.com Maggie Hall • whitby@aol.com Stephen Lilienthal - stephen_lilienthal@yahoo.com Pleasant Mann • pmann1995@gmail.com Meghan Markey • meghanmarkey@gmail.com John H. Muller • jmuller.washingtonsyndicate@gmail.com Jonathan Neeley • neeley87@gmail.com Will Rich • will.janks@gmail.com Heather Schoell • schoell@verizon.net Virginia Avniel Spatz • virginia@hillrag.com Michael G. Stevens • michael@capitolriverfront.org Peter J. Waldron • peter@hillrag.com Jazzy Wright • wright.jazzy@gmail.com
Real Estate
Don Denton • DDenton@cbmove.com
14 H Hillrag.com
F A G O N
MIDCITY
Account Executive: Kira Means, 202.543.8300 X16 • kira@hillrag.com Account Executive: Laura Vucci, 202.543.8300 X22 • laura@hillrag.com Account Executive & Classified Advertising: Maria Carolina Lopez, 202.543.8300 X12 • Carolina@hillrag.com
Distribution
M������: Andrew Lightman D�����������: MediaPoint, LLC I����������: distribution@hillrag.com
Deadlines & Contacts
A����������: sales@hillrag.com D������ A��: 15th of each month C��������� A��: 10th of each month E��������: 15th of each month; editorial@hilllrag.com B������� B���� � C�������: 15th of each month; calendar@hillrag.com, bulletinboard@hillrag.com
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.
DCRA FREE SEMINARS
FOR EXISTING AND ASPIRING DISTRICT BUSINESSES Senior Entrepreneurship Program
Money Smart for Small Business - Organizational Types & Tax Planning and Reporting
How to Open a Small Business by Navigating through DCRA’s Regulatory Process
Date: Thursday, December 3, 2016 Time: 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm Location: 1100 4th Street SW 4th Floor (Room E-4302) Washington, D.C. 20024
Date: Wednesday, December 9, 2015 Time: 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm Location: 1100 4th Street SW 2nd Floor (Room E-200) Washington, D.C. 20024
To Register: http://dcbiz.ecenterdirect.com/ ConferenceDetail.action?ID=41244
To Register: http://dcbiz.ecenterdirect.com/ ConferenceDetail.action?ID=41233
A Comprehensive Guide for Small Business Planning
Navigating Government Contracting with DCPTAC
Date: Wednesday, December 16, 2015 Time: 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm Location: 1100 4th Street SW 4th Floor (Room E-4302) Washington, D.C. 20024
Date: Thursday, December 17, 2015 Time: 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm Location: 1100 4th Street SW 4th Floor (Room E-4302) Washington, D.C. 20024
Money Smart for Small SmartStart Program Business - Recordkeeping Integrated Licensing and & Time Management Money Smart for Small Date: Thursday, December 17, 2015 Business Program
To Register: http://dcbiz.ecenterdirect.com/ ConferenceDetail.action?ID=41177
To Register: http://dcbiz.ecenterdirect.com/ ConferenceDetail.action?ID=41231
Date: Thursday, December 3, 2015 Time: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Location: Model Cities 1901 Evarts Street NE Washington, D.C. 20018 To Register: http://dcbiz.ecenterdirect.com/ ConferenceDetail.action?ID=41354
Time: 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm Location: 1100 4th Street SW 4th Floor (Room E-4302) Washington, D.C. 20024 To Register: http://dcbiz.ecenterdirect.com/ ConferenceDetail.action?ID=41245
The Regulatory Process of Starting a Business Date: Monday, December 14, 2015 Time: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm Location: Lamond-Riggs Neighborhood Library 5401 South Dakota Ave NE Washington, D.C. 20011 To Register: http://dcbiz.ecenterdirect.com/ ConferenceDetail.action?ID=41341
Date: Monday, December 21, 2015 Time: 9:00 am – 11:00 am Location: 1100 4th Street SW 2nd Floor (Room E-268) Washington, D.C. 20024 To Register: http://dcbiz.ecenterdirect.com/ ConferenceDetail.action?ID=41076
For further information : Jacqueline Noisette (202) 442-8170 jacqueline.noisette@dc.gov Claudia Herrera (202) 442-8055 claudia.herrera@dc.gov Joy Douglas (202) 442-8690 joy.douglas@dc.gov
December 2015 H 15
16 H Hillrag.com
SAVE! SAVE! SAVE! WINTER SPECIAL!
10% OFF
WINTER INSTALLATIONS, BOILERS, FURNACES & HEAT PUMPS *Exp.12/31/2015
DCSEU Rebates Available
Polar Bear HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING, INC.
Specializing in:
FAST SERVICE FAST INSTALLATION Serving Capitol Hill Since 2001
Equipment; Change Outs & Complete Ductwork Systems
• Residential & Light Commercial
WE SERVICE & INSTALL ALL MAKES & MODELS
• Highly Experienced Technicians
• Convenient Financing
• Low Prices
• Licensed, Bonded & Insured
• Roof Top Package Units
• Free Estimates On Replacements
202-333-1310
www.polarbearairconditioning.com “We recommend Polar Bear for HVAC all the time, you are one of the best and most respectful companies we have ever had doing work in our house”. – Tami, Capitol Hill
All Credit Cards Accepted December 2015 H 17
18 H Hillrag.com
December 2015 H 19
Photo: Kevin Koski
Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree Farms in Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia. Visit pickyourownchristmastree.org for farms and directions. Then follow prompts. US Capitol Christmas Tree. The tree is lit every evening from nightfall until 11 PM through January 1. Visit anytime. capitolchristmastree.com. “A Christmas Carol” at The Little Theatre of Alexandria. Through Dec. 19. The family-favorite classic by Charles Dickens returns to the Little Theatre of Alexandria. $15. The Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe St., Alexandria, VA. 703-683-0496. thelittletheatre.com. Ward 6 Discount for Folger Consort Christmas Performances. The Folger Shakespeare Library is offering Ward 6 residents discounted tickets for the Christmas performances of the Folger Consort at the Church of the Reformation, 212 East Capitol St. NE, Dec. 20 to 23. Use the promo code ìWARD6î for $25 tickets (regularly $40-$50) when ordering online or by calling 202544-7077. folger.edu. The Nutcracker at the Warner. Through Dec. 27. Set in Georgetown, with swirling snowflakes, cherry blossoms and historical characters, including George Washington as the heroic nutcracker, The Washington Ballet’s The Nutcracker has become a tradition for generations of family and friends to celebrate the holJim Jenkins/Smithsonian’s National Zoo
20 H Hillrag.com
Downtown Holiday Market. Through Dec. 23, noon to 8 PM, daily. More than 150 exhibitors and artisans (rotating on a weekly basis) selling an array of highquality gift items including fine art, crafts, jewelry, pottery, photography, clothing, tasty treats, and hot beverages. Market is at F St. NW, between 7th and 9th. downtownholidaymarket.com. idays. Warner Theater, 513 13th St. NW. 202-783-4000. warnertheatredc.com. Lights on the Bay at Sandy Point State Park. Through Jan. 1, 5 to 10 PM. $14 per car. Enjoy from your car. Sandy Point State Park, 1100 East College Pkwy., Annapolis, MD. visitannapolis.org.
Zoolights. Through Jan. 1, 5 to 9 PM nightly, except Dec. 24, 25 and 31. Don’t miss your chance to meander through the Zoo when it is covered with thousands of sparkling lights, attend special keeper talks, and enjoy live entertainment. Free. National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW. nationalzoo.si.edu. New in 2015 at Zoolights. Dec. 10 and 17, Date Nights. There is paid admission, adult drinks, photo opps, carousel rides--activities that are fun on a date. These nights are for ages over 21 only. nationalzoo.si.edu.
Deck the North Hall. Dec. 6, 11 AM to 2 PM, Holiday Celebration with cookie decoration, ornament making, gift wrapping, music by Flutasia; Dec. 13, noon to 2 PM, Holiday Music with The Bill Alfred Project; Dec. 20, noon to 2 PM, Holiday Music with Mark Johnson Ensemble. Eastern Market North Hall, 225 Seventh St., SE. easternmarket-dc.org. “Season’s Greenings” at the Botanic Garden. Open daily through Jan. 3, 10 AM to 5 PM. Botanic Garden invites you to remember that the best things in life are free--the fragrance of a freshly cut fir tree, the magic of holiday lights and sumptuous decorations, and the delight of a child discovering the make- believe world of model trains. The train show is “Pollination Station,” and will feature sculptures of pollinators like butterflies, bees, and bats, as well as flowers and plants--all made from plants. Free. 100 Maryland Ave. SW. 202-225-8333. usbg.gov.
December 2015 H 21
Coldwell Banker Capitol Hill Office Christmas Windows. Through end of January. Windows depict scenes with Santa, reindeer, moving trains, a Christmas tree with blowing snow. 605 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. coldwellbankerhomes.com. Gay Men’s Chorus “Rewrapped” at the Lincoln. Dec. 5, 6, 12 and 13. Not your grandmother’s carols! Your favorite holiday songs as you’ve never heard them before. Tickets are at GMCW.org. Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U St. NW. 202-328-6000. thelincolntheatre.org.
Aaron Serotsky from the Original New York Company. Photo: Carol Rosegg
Stars of David: Story to Song Holiday Special at Theater J. Dec. 22 to 27. A funny and captivating musical revue celebrating the lives of your favorite Jewish public figures. Theater J, 1529 16th St. NW. 800-494--8497. washingtondcjcc.org. Black Nativity at Anacostia Playhouse. Through Jan. 3. Langston Hughes chronicles and celebrates the birth of Jesus, while also celebrating the birth of Blackness. This classic story told through gospel, blues, funk, jazz, and dance asks you to look inward and find the wonder in life. $10-$35. Anacostia Playhouse, 2020 Shannon Pl. SE. 202-290-2328. theateralliance.com. Christmas on the Potomac at National Harbor. Through Jan. 3. More than two million twinkling lights, amazing nightly snowfall and dancing fountains. Back this year is ICE! with a new theme featuring Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town. Enjoy a live ice carving zone, a Gingerbread Decorating Corner, and the Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt and much more. 201 Waterfront St., National Harbor, MD. 301-965-4000. Christmas at Mount Vernon. Through Jan. 6, 9 AM to 4 PM. Holiday visitors will enjoy themed decorations, chocolate--making demonstrations, and 18th century dancing. Mount Vernon by Candlelight is on Dec. 20, 5 to 8 PM. George Washington’s Estate & Gardens, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway. $17/adult, $8/child, 5 and under free. 703-780-2000. mountvernon.org.
22 H Hillrag.com
Parcel Market at Canal Park. Dec. 5 and 6. This is a holiday market featuring a 10,000 square-foot ice rink, an interactive art installation, a large-scale retail tent and food area showcasing a curated list of talented local designers, artists, food artisans, and restaurants and small businesses, with live and local musical performances. Canal Park, 202 M St. SE. canalparkdc.org.
Christkindlmarkt at Heurich House Museum. Dec. 5 and 6, noon to 6 PM. Inspired by German Christmas markets, their outdoor holiday market will feature locally made goods from jewelers, letterpress artists, ceramicists, makers of housewares and more. The seasonally decorated historic home of the Heurich family will be open for self-guided tours. Heurich House Museum, 1307 New Hampshire Ave. NW. 202-429-1894. heurichhouse.org. National Museum of the American Indian Native Art Market. Dec. 5 and 6, 10 AM- to 5:30 PM. The NMAI Art Market offers one- of- a -kind, handmade, traditional and contemporary items directly from the artisans. More than 35 Native artists from North and South America will participate in this annual weekend market featuring a wide selection of items for purchase including handmade jewelry, beadwork, pottery, prints and sculpture. Free.
Fourth St. and Independence Ave. SW. 202--633-1000. nmai.si.edu. Del Ray Artisans Holiday Market. Dec. 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19 and 20. Market features handcrafted work from local artists; handmade ornaments to benefit Del Ray Artisans; plus a Bake Sale to benefit Alexandria Tutoring Consortium. Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave. TheDelRayArtisans.org. Dumbarton Concerts: A Celtic Christmas. Dec. 5 and 6, 4 PM; Dec. 12, 4 PM and 8 PM; Dec. 13, 4 PM. A holiday tradition for over 25 years, the Barnes and Hampton Celtic Consort performs traditional Celtic music alongside Christmas carols by candlelight. $17-$35. Dumbarton United Methodist Church, 3133 Dumbarton St. NW. dumbartonconcerts.org. US Army Band “Pershing’s Own” American Holiday Festival. Dec. 5, 3 PM and 8 PM; Dec. 6, 3 PM. Joy to the World! The annual kick-off concert for the Washington, DC, holiday season will be at DAR Constitution Hall. Free tickets online at usarmyband.com. If sold out, there are usually some empty
Photo: Courtesy of the U.S. Navy Band
Navy Band Holiday Concerts. Dec. 19, 7:30 PM and Dec. 20, 3 PM. This concert combines the musical forces of multiple ensembles from the US Navy Band for an entertaining family-friendly show. Santa appears. Free. Concerts are always “sold out” but there are standby seats and always some empty seats. DAR Constitution Hall, 1776 D St. NW. navyband.navy.mil.
December 2015 H 23
Noel (get it) at Water Skiing Santa sent this picture along to us.
Waterskiing Santa at Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Dec. 24, 1 PM (meet Santa and his crew at 1:30 PM). Best viewing is from Founders Park. Santa will meet kids for 30 minutes under the gazebo in front of Blackwall Hitch. Alexandria’s Waterfront between King and Oronoco Streets, Alexandria, VA. waterskiingsanta.com. seats on stand-by. usarmyband.com. National Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony. Dec. 6, 4 PM. Gates open at 3:15 PM. Event features musical performances and hot latkes and donuts. The menorah will be lit each night of Hanukkah. The Menorah is on the Ellipse, near the White House. Free tickets are required for reserved seats. Standing room is available to all. 202-332-5600. nationalmenorah.org. Logan Circle Holiday House Tour. Dec. 6, 1 to 5 PM. Visit some of Logan Circle’s most memorable and breathtaking interiors. Advance tickets, $30; day of, $35. Buy tickets at logancircle.org/house-tour. National Gallery of Art Holiday Concerts. Dec. 6, 3:30 PM. Violinist Mark O’Connor performs with a sixpiece ensemble in An Appalachian Christmas. Dec. 13, 3:30 PM. Trio Sefardi celebrates Hanukkah. Dec. 20, 3:30 PM. Eric Mintel Quartet performs music in recognition of the
24 H Hillrag.com
50th anniversary of A Charlie Brown Christmas. Jan. 3, 3:30 PM. The New York Opera Society rings in the New Year with singers and a pair of ballroom dancers in a Viennese-style New Year concert. Concerts in the West Building, West Garden Court. nga.gov. Capitol Hill Menorah Lighting. Dec. 6, 5 PM. Join the Capitol Hill BID and Hill Havurah at the NE corner of the Eastern Market Metro plaza for the lighting of the menorah dedicated to BID Past Board Chairman Paul Pascal. capitolhillbid. This Endris Night at the National Cathedral. Dec. 8, 8 PM. Cathedral and the Diderot Quartet join forces to present a program that dwells on the mystery of Christmas as told through the ages. Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW. 202--537--6200. nationalcathedral.org. Daughters of the American Revolution Christmas Open House. Dec. 9, 5:30- to 8 PM. Live holiday mu-
sic, tour 31 period rooms, cider, hot chocolate and cookies, Santa (bring a camera). Visitors are encouraged to bring new and lightly used children’s books to donate to their DAR Open House book drive. DAR Memorial Continental Hall, 17th and D Streets, NW. 202--572--0563. dar.org. Winternational at the Ronald Reagan Building. Dec. 9, 11 AM to 2 PM. They invite you and your family, friends and colleagues to experience the holiday traditions from a global perspective. Free and open to the public. Pennsylvania Ave. at 15th St. NW. itcdc.com. Step Afrika! Magical Musical Holiday Step Show 2015 at the Atlas. Dec. 10 to 22. DC’s internationally-known percussive dance company invites you to celebrate the holidays with clapping, stomping and all around fun for all ages featuring their furry friends from the Animal Kingdom, and a special dance party with DJ Frosty the Snowman. $15$39.50. The Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. 202-3997993. atlasarts.org. Trans-Siberian Orchestra “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve” Rock Opera. Dec. 10, 7:30 PM. The story follows the journey of a young runaway who, on Christmas Eve, breaks into an abandoned vaudeville theater seeking shelter from the cold, and the ghostly visions she experiences from that concert hall’s past. Verizon Center. Ticketmaster.com. Georgetown GLOW. Dec. 11 to 20. The Georgetown BID’s holiday celebration featuring public light-art installations, holiday windows, live music, merchant promotions and more. In its second year, Georgetown GLOW will expand from a weekend celebration to 10 days of cheer and wonder. Attendance to GLOW is free. georgetowndc.com.
December 2015 H 25
Howl to the Chief Pet Photos with Santa. Dec. 12, 10 AM to 4 PM. Just walk in and bring along your furry pal for a picture with Santa. Humans can be in the photo, also. Howl to the Chief, 733 8th St. SE. 202-544-8710. howltothechief. com. Celebrate Kwanzaa at Dance Place. Dec. 12, 8 PM and Dec 13, 4 PM. Kick off the holiday season with Dance Place as Coyaba Dance Theater hosts their annual Kwanzaa Celebration, displaying the excitement and vibrancy of the holiday with their work based around the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Dance Place, 3225 Eighth St. NE. 202-2691600. danceplace.org. U.S. Air Force Band Holiday Concerts. Dec. 12, 3 PM and 6 PM. Show features the Concert Band and the Singing Sergeants. Free. DAR Constitution Hall, 1776 D St. NW. usafband.af.mil The Joy of Christmas at National Cathedral. Dec. 12 and 13, 4 PM. A Washington tradition with carillon, Advent wreath procession, the great organ, and traditional carols led by the Cathedral Choral Society. $25$75. Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW. 202--537-6200. nationalcathedral.org. Capital City Symphony Annual Holiday Concert and Sing Along at the Atlas. Dec. 13, 4 PM and 7 PM. Presented with the Congressional Chorus, the American Youth Chorus and the Atlas Performing Arts Center. Free. capitalcitysymphony.org. Andrea Bocelli in Concert Holiday Tour. Dec. 13, 7:30 PM. Verizon Center. Tickets at andreabocelli.com. Choir of the Church of the Epiphany Christmas Concert. Dec. 15, 12:10 to 1 PM. Seasonal musical fare from the church’s premier musical ensemble. Admission is free, however, a $10 donation
26 H Hillrag.com
is suggested. 1317 G ST. NW. 202--347-2635. epiphanydc.org. Smithsonian Encore Chorale Free Holiday Concert. Dec. 17, 7:30 PM. Church of the Epiphany, 1317 G ST. NW. 202-347--2635. encorecreativity.org. A Folger Holiday. Dec. 18, 5 PM. Join Folger Theatre and Folger Consort for a celebration of the season. Explore the Folger exhibition Age of Lawyers, and do a little holiday shopping. All attendees receive food, drink, and a 10% discount on items purchased at the Folger Gift Shop. Free. Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol St. SE. folger.edu. Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon. Dec. 18 and 19, 5:30 to 9 PM. Join Mount Vernon for an evening of family-friendly fun and fireworks choreographed to holiday music. Take a stroll through the estate while being serenaded by local choirs, visit with re-enactors from the First Virginia Regiment in winter encampment, and learn 18thcentury dance moves from costumed guides in the Greenhouse. “George and Martha Washington” will also be on site to greet Mount Vernon’s holiday guests. Watch as colonial artisans demonstrate the 18th-century process of creating chocolate. Keep toasty by warming up by a bonfire, visiting the blacksmith shop, or enjoying some hot chocolate or cider. $30, adult; $20, youth. George Washington’s Estate & Gardens, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway. 703--780--2000. mountvernon.org. Bethlehem Prayer Service at the National Cathedral. Dec. 19, 10 AM. Join worshipers in the nave for the ninth annual joint simulcast Christmas service with the people of Bethlehem. Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW. 202--537--6200. nationalcathedral.org. Eggnog and Cheer: A Holiday SingAlong with Debra Tidwell at Hill Cen-
December 2015 H 27
DC Fashionista’s Best Kept Secret
The National Christmas Tree is illuminated on the Ellipse in Washington DC. The White House is visible in the background. Photo: Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson
On December 15th come celebrate the holidays and join us for
Sip, Shop and Bubbly. We will provide the bubbly, conversation, cheer and lots of fashions. 1000 H Street NE • (202) 398-1818 Rated One of the Best Wine Shops by Washingtonian Magazine July “Best & Worst” Issue Listed in the Wall Street journal as one of the most enjoyable places to shop for wines nationwide. “Best Website Award”, 2008 by the Wine Spectator’s Market Watch
Voted “Best Liquor Store” and “Best Wine Selection” an unprecedented FIVE years in a row by the City Paper
Our Mixed Case of the Month features hand selected wines from across the world that change according to the seasons and are priced up to 50% off the regular retail price. Purchase as many assorted cases as you like and get additional wines as the listed sale prices. This month’s case features seven reds, four delicious whites and a Sparkling Prosecco all at 49% OFF!
Regular Price: $349.88 | At Sale Prices: $251.88 | Mixed Case Club Price $179.99 Purchase as many mixed cases as you like. Additional wines are available at the listed SALE prices.
wine
reg.
2011 2012 2010 2011 2012 2011 NV 2013 2014 2012 2014 2011
Calstar Cellars Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast . Hindsight 20 20 Proprietary Red . . . . . Opolo Summit Creek Merlot . . . . . . . Broman Cabernet Sauvignon . . . . . . . Proulx Pinot Noir Yellow Label . . . . . . Le Cirque Rouge . . . . . . . . . . . . La Tordera Grej Spumante . . . . . . . . Chateau de Cordes Minervois Blanc . . . . Alfredo Roca Chenin Blanc - Chardonnay . . Calstar Cellars Chardonnay Sonoma Coast . Mardon Touraine Sauvignon Blanc . . . . Bailly Les Blanches Pouilly-Fumé . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . .
. $49.99 . $39.99 . $19.99 . $49.99 . $29.99 . $17.99 . $16.99 . $19.99 . $11.99 . $34.99 . $17.99 . $39.99
sale.
$29.99 $29.99 $14.99 $39.99 $19.99 $11.99 $11.99 $11.99 $9.99 $24.99 $13.99 $31.99
ter. Dec. 20, 5 PM. Come enjoy some delicious eggnog as you cheerfully sing along to favorites old and new, including “We Wish You A Merry Christmas,” “Santa Baby,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas“ and “All I Want For Christmas is You.” $15 in advance; $20, day of. Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. 202-549-4172. hillcenterdc.org. Kennedy Center Messiah Sing-Along. Dec. 23, 8 PM. Features the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra, a 200-voice choir, professional soloists, and a very enthusiastic audience in a glorious “sing-along” of Handel’s beloved masterpiece. Free. Tickets will be given away, two per person in line, in front of the Concert Hall beginning at 6 PM, day-of. kenPhoto: Courtesy of Wreaths Across America nedy-center.org.
T H I S M O N T H! “One of the Best Wine Stores in the Country is Right Here on Capitol Hill” SELECTION The country’s most complete range of spirits, beer & wine. Our old and rare wine list is the most extensive anywhere, and it’s in your neighborhood. PRICING We will not be undersold. Come see for yourself. SERVICE Second to none, with seven full time wine specialists to assist you. Come in and be treated like family!
View descriptions of the wines at www.cellar.com
300 Massachusetts Ave., NE • www.cellar.com 1-800-377-1461 • 202-543-9300 • fax: 202-546-6289 28 H Hillrag.com
National Christmas Tree (aka White House Christmas Tree). Tree is lit from nightfall until 11 p.m. Visit thenationaltree.org for nightly entertainment schedule.
Wreaths Across America at Arlington Cemetery. Dec. 12, 9:30 AM. Opening Ceremony is at 9:30 AM at McClellan Gate. Volunteers will receive a short briefing then move to the designated areas of the cemetery to participate in the laying of wreaths at headstones. There is no registration or sign up required to participate in the wreath laying. All you do is show up the morning of the ceremony. For more information, go to wreathsacrossamerica.org.
Christmas at Washington National Cathedral. Dec. 24, 6 PM, Carols by Candlelight; 10 PM, Festival Holy Eucharist (both services require free tickets but there is a stand-by line). Dec. 25, 11 AM, Festival Holy Eucharist; noon, Holy Eucharist; 3 PM, Christmas Day Service of Lessons and Carols. Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW. 202--537--6200. nationalcathedral.org. Celebration of Christmas at the National Shrine. Dec.
December 2015 H 29
• • • • • • •
A diverse product line of quality beverages from all over the world One of the largest and most unique wine selections on Capitol Hill A friendly and knowledgeable staff Located just minutes form Downtown, DC and Alexandria, VA 1 block south of Eastern Market Metro on the vibrant Barracks Row Owned by the Williams Family since 1978; established before 1919
The best weekly wine tastings on “The Hill”- Sat (3-6pm)
Folger Consort in 2009’s A Renaissance Christmas. Photo: Mig Dooley
Folger Consort’s The Season Bids Us. Dec. 18 to 23. The Italian violinist Giovanni Antonio Guido spent most of his life in France and published his Scherzi Armonici sopra le Quattro Stagioni dell’Anno (The Four Seasons) in the early 18th century in Versailles. It is not certain whether these delightful pieces for violins and bass preceded those of Vivaldi, but both composers included charming poems with each season. This program combines Guido’s engaging and pyrotechnical “seasons” with Christmas music for soprano and strings by Marc-Antoine Charpentier in a joyous celebration to ring in the holiday season. $40-$50. Concerts are across the street from the Folger at the Church of the Reformation. folger.edu.
Artisan Cuisine Providing Capitol Hill with the most elegant and professional in-home fine dining experience.
Chef Fee Starts at $49.99 pp for a Party of 8 or Larger.
simply by mentioning this ad
ChefNeilWilson@aol.com | 301.699.2225 ChefJLawrence@outlook.com | 202.549.7422
30 H Hillrag.com
24, Children’s Mass with Gospel Pageant, 5 PM; Musical Meditations on the Nativity, 10 PM; Solemn Vigil Mass, 10:30 PM. Dec. 25, Masses, 7:30 AM, 9 AM, 10:30 AM and 4:30 PM; Solemn Mass, noon; Spanish Mass, 2:30 PM. 400 Michigan Ave. NE. 202-526--8300. nationalshrine.com. Christmas Dinner For Those Who Are Alone or In Need. Dec. 25, 12:15 to -2 PM. Dining Room of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. This is a walk--in meal. Just
show up. To volunteer, call 202--526-8300. 400 Michigan Ave. NE. nationalshrine.com. Kwanzaa at the Anacostia Community Museum. Dec. 26, 11 AM to 1 PM, Bone Soup, a Kwanzaa Musical; Dec. 28, 10:30 AM to noon, Crazee Praise; Dec. 29, 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM, Kwanzaa Arts & Crafts Day. Celebrate Kwanzaa with arts, crafts, and music in the museum’s popular three-day event honoring this traditional African American holiday. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. 202-6334820. anacostia.si.edu. First Night Alexandria. Dec. 31, 7 PM to fireworks at midnight. This New Year’s Eve bash takes over Old Town Alexandria with more than 100 performances at 22 indoor venues, with live music, dancing, children’s face painting and games. Fireworks at midnight on the river. $15 before Dec. 17; $20, after. Kids under 12 and active military, free. firstnightalexandria.org. New Year’s Eve Swing Dance at Glen Echo. Dec. 31, 8 PM to 12:30 AM. Beginning swing lesson at 8 PM is followed by dancing from 9 PM to 12:30 AM. No partner necessary. Light refreshments served. $25. americanswing.org. u
December 2015 H 31
article and photos by Jen DeMayo
O
h, FedEx. Absolutely positively getting us our stuff. I appreciate the speed with which you manage to move goods. I really do. I only wish that it did not come at the expense of my car, which was smashed by a FedEx truck as it sat parked on D Street. The driver left his or her employee number and FedEx is fixing it, so it was no tremendous loss. In fact it was an excellent excuse to wander this wonderful neighborhood on foot as I gathered inspiration and information for this edition of Heard on the Hill.
Maketto To begin a day of wandering I needed to caffeinate properly. There is no shop closer to my front
Charles Keys sells menswear and accessories at Maketto.
door than Maketto at 1351 H St. NE. Maketto is many things. The brainchild of Toki Underground’s Erik Bruner-Yang, it was inspired by Asian markets. What has emerged is a gorgeous space housing a multitude of businesses. Vigilante runs the excellent coffee program. The pastry is supplied by Frenchie’s, which gained fame and fans originally at the H Street Farmer’s Market. The almond croissant – trust me. Bruner-Yang runs the kitchens, which turn out excellent Asian cuisine for lunch, dinner, and dim sum Sunday brunch. And then there is the retail element run by the local menswear brand, DURKL. Maketto is interesting for the holiday shopper because the retail it offers specializes in the
Artist Jodi Kostelik modeling her beettowel design.
most hard-to-buy-for people on my list: men. Men over 12, that is. I can handle people who still get a kick out of Legos, but after that I have no clue. Step inside the sleek space and try to quiet the panicky thoughts that you are too old and too unhip to shop here. It is not true. The staff is lovely and happy to help. On the first floor you will find cool kicks and boots, jewelry, and clothing. Employee Charles Keys says that people have already begun holiday shopping. Upstairs there are gorgeous books and toiletries. You may have heard that at Maketto you can buy fancy beard soap and other grooming products for the man in your life. Be he a flannel-clad lumbersexual, beanied hipster, or middle-aged dad sporting dad bod, a guy needs to deal with facial hair in some way.
Riverby Books Heading south I made my way to the newly reopened used bookstore Riverby Books (419 East Capitol St. SE) to chat with owner Paul Cymrot. The shelves are stocked with fun finds for readers of all kinds. Riverby will be organizing book bundles in random categories such as “Books You Should Have Read in High School.” The day I was there I found a shelf of books whose only unifying element
32 H Hillrag.com
was that the cover art featured a woman with her back to the viewer. I like a business with a sense of humor. Then Cymrot showed me some old and rare books. In the past they did not often put these kinds of books on the shelves, but he has decided to let shoppers see and touch some of these interesting finds. If you have a Harry Potter fan on your list, and I can’t imagine there is anyone left in the western hemisphere who does not, you can pick up a J.K. Rowling signed copy of “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” for $1,500. A signed copy of the second book in the series, “The Chamber of Secrets,” goes for slightly less at $1,250. I don’t love my kids that much, but you might. It is tremendous fun to walk through the store with Cymrot, since he knows the back story to so many of the items. There is a “Letters of Cicero” printed is 1577. It’s sitting on the shelf and you can carefully touch it for yourself. Near the front of the store is a shelf stocked with inexpensive paperback novels. Not all that interesting until you
Paul Cymrot, owner of Riverby Books
December 2015 H 33
learn that this collection of pulp fiction came from NASA engineer Jesco von Puttkamer. Not only did he work on the Apollo program, he also was buds with Gene Roddenberry and was a technical adviser on Star Trek. Neat.
Artist Lauri Menditto with her flag made from license plates.
Eastern Market Heading toward the Flea Market at Eastern Market I spy a display of art made out of license plates. My favorite is a tiny piece that says DISCO. Disco was always there on the old “Celebrate and DISCOver” DC plates, but it took artist Lauri Menditto to find it for us. For that alone we should salute her. She works with plates from all over and has repurposed them into flags and flowers and other things. Menditto is at the Flea Market each Sunday with her fun work. She is also on Etsy. Across from Peregine I run into my neighbor Mina Karimi and her art works, District Made. Mina’s work consists of images, photographs, and phrases on wood panels. The pieces run from the nearly pocket-sized to works several feet high. While the many DC-themed pieces initially attract the eye, I was struck by the small panel offering the advice, “Go Everywhere, Talk to Everyone, Eat Everything,” which has quickly become a personal mantra. There is also a small panel with a quote by Abe Lincoln attributing all his success to his “angel mother” that I think would make an excellent stocking stuffer. District Made is at the Flea Market both Saturday and Sunday. You can also find it on Etsy under the name Brooklyn Made Store.
Labyrinth If you are keeping track, my kids may be getting beard soap, old paperbacks owned by a Trekkie, and a mantra about Abe Lincoln’s mom. Best Christmas ever! Since I would like my children to visit me once in a while after they leave home, I head over to Labyrinth Games and Puzzles. We have been Labyrinth fans since the day it opened, and it is such fun to visit and see new products all the time. Scouting out gifts for the nieces and nephews, I found building kits that my budding DIYer will enjoy putting together, and a Star Wars Mad Libs for the one who already Artist Mina Karimi has his tickets to opening showcasing DC love. night of the newest Jedi flick. I hope you all can keep a secret.
Hill’s Kitchen No trip to the Eastern Market area is ever complete without a stop in Hill’s Kitchen to see what new goodies are on the shelves. When I started working there this past summer my mother said, “So I suppose we will all be getting presents from there this Christmas?” And I responded, “You
34 H Hillrag.com
already have been.” It’s getting hard to remember which sister I gave the garlic tool to and which one got the herb keeper. Luckily owner Leah Daniels keeps things fresh by bringing in new items. The newest items are pretty towels by local artist Jodi Kostelik, whose company is called The Neighborgoods. The towels are screen printed with adorable designs like the pickle themed one which boasts, “I’m kind of a big dill,” and a gorgeous black and white carrot design. I realize that makes me sound a little crazy, but it’s a really pretty towel. Each year it gets easier to find one-of-a-kind items for everyone on my list without ever leaving the Hill, thanks to local entrepreneurs and artists. In these days of easy, one-click shopping it is more important than ever to support the hardworking small-business people who enrich our neighborhood. Happy Shopping! Jen DeMayo has been a waitress, an actor, and a puppeteer. She worked for many years for the Atlas Performing Arts Center, which has resulted in her being a relentless H Street booster/streetcar apologist. She is the mom to two boys who attend DCPS (off the Hill). No matter what she may end up accomplishing in her life, she is sure that her obituary headline will say she was the founder of Moms on the Hill. Contact Jen at jendemayo@gmail.com. u
December 12 - 13 Holiday Sale!
20% off Treats, Coats, Sweaters, Beds, Bowls, Leashes and Collars & Toys
Pamper Your Pet Free Spa Facial with Every Full Grooming! Free Christmas Plush Toy with Every Purchase of $100 or more! Have Your Pet’s Photo Taken With Santa for Just $10! Sat. December 12 from 10 AM to 4 PM All Proceeds to Benefit Rural Dog Rescue
733 8th Street SE • 202-544-8710 www.HowlToTheChief.com December 2015 H 35
Community Fixture Juanita Britton and the BZB Holiday Gift and Art Show
by Meghan Markey
in area airports, such as Brooks Brothers, Spanx, CNBC Newstores, interacting with nearly 160 employees. She also owns the Anacostia Art Gallery and Boutique in SE, where she’s lived for 30 years. Britton demonstrated a knack for business at a very tender age. As a toddler, she was always working on a handful of projects, earning her the nickname “Busy Bee,” – as her grandmother said, she was always “busy as a bee.” At
“Hey! Admission is a smile!” A smiling, effusive Juanita “Busy Bee” Britton is sitting inside the doorway of the Shiloh Family Life Center in Shaw. The church is brimming with energy; people perusing hundreds of African artisan crafts and gifts. Britton has organized the BZB Holiday Gift and Art Show “Shop til Ya Drop” event for the past 25 years. The annual event A sampling of African crafts and gifts one can find at has grown from ten or twelve the BZB Holiday Gift and Art Show. vendors to upwards of 70 across two floors. age 10, Britton had set up a lemonade stand on the It all began when Britton took a trip to London a corner of her hometown of Detroit. While most in 1989, specifically Brixton, a neighborhood known children may dabble with such endeavors over a for its large Caribbean population. Britton took note summer weekend or two, by the time Britton was of the colorful and culturally rich artwork and crafts 13, she had six lemonade stands on different corners of the citizens there, and attended gift shows. She and essentially became a pre-teen franchise owner. thought a similar show would do well stateside, and And she didn’t stop there – in high school, she thus the seed was sown for the BZB Holiday Gift ran a social club that organized large scale concerts and Art Show. and other social events. In college, Britton set to work recruiting mershe ran a hairdressing salon out of her chants and artisans, travelling nationdorm room. Her grandfather bought wide and relying on word of mouth as the her an IBM Selectric typewriter. Britshopping extravaganza grew year by year. ton charged classmates $1 a page to Working with her mother and “adoptive” use it. children, Britton has nearly single-handShe graduated with degrees in edly produced the large event every year International Relations and Educaas a side hobby. tion from Western Michigan College When she’s not organizing the in Kalamazoo, and returned home to BZB Holiday Gift and Art Show, she opJuanita “Busy Bee” her high school following graduation Britton. erates a plethora of familiar retail stores
36 H Hillrag.com
Britton arranges a necklace for a customer.
to teach. After a year, she came to DC to get her master’s degree in public policy from Howard University. Incredibly driven and focused, but having never taken a business class, Britton credits her family for instilling an entrepreneurial spirit in her. “My father, grandfather, even my mother all had hobbies and other businesses aside from their main careers,” she says. She named her company “BZB International,” clearly referencing her childhood nickname. However, not only does Britton possess a great amount of business savvy, she possesses an intensely warm and caring personality – one that’s always on the move, saying hello to her friends, checking on all of the merchants and hopping from one vendor to the next to offer encouragement and make sure everything is running smoothly. It is clear that the BZB Holiday Gift and Art Show is more than just an annual shopping event. It’s a chance for the community to come together and celebrate African American culture, check in with friends, and share their passions and creativity. It’s a labor of love for Britton; and it shows. Merchants travel from all over the country to participate, and sell their wares amongst local DC artisans – some vendors have participated for over 15 years – it’s an eclectic mix, and ensures that patrons will find unique gifts for their loved ones. The 25th Annual BZB Holiday Gift and Art Show operates every Saturday until Christmas at the Shiloh Family Life Center at 1510 9th Street NW. Just don’t forget – Admission is a smile. u
Holy Comforter – Saint Cyprian Roman Catholic Church A Welcoming, Embracing and Joyful Faith Family ADVENT & CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE
257th U.S. Army Band Holiday Concert Monday, Dec. 7th – 7:00 pm – FREE (Bring a canned good for food pantry)
Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Tuesday, Dec. 8th – Mass at 7:00am, 10:00 am and 7:00 pm
Christmas Family Mass & Youth Pageant Thursday, Dec. 24th – 6:00 pm
Christmas Choral Praise Service Thursday, Dec. 24th – 11:00 pm
Reverend Monsignor Charles E. Pope Pastor
Midnight Mass
Thursday, Dec. 24th at Midnight
Mass on Christmas Day Friday, Dec. 25th – 10:00 am
Watch Night/New Year’s Eve Mass Thursday, Dec. 31st – 11:00pm
Solemnity of Mary/New Year’s Day Mass Friday, Jan. 1st – 10:00 am
Weekend & Daily Mass Schedule Sunday: 8:00am, 11:00am & 7:00pm Saturday: 8:00am & 4:30pm (vigil) Weekdays: 7:00am (chapel)
1357 East Capitol Street, SE Washington, DC 20003 www.hcscchurch.org • 202-546-1885 December 2015 H 37
D.C. Theaters Serve Family Fare by Barbara Wells
W
ashington is a hub of earnest, provocative, relevant theater—where even the classic American musical or Shakespearean comedy is infused with at least a thread of social commentary. But by December, even Washington’s theaters take a break from consciousness-raising to embrace the holiday spirit and indulge in some comfort food. It’s time to enjoy heartwarming fare for the whole family. Arena Stage kicks of the season with Oliver!, a sugar-coated treat that’s every bit as bright and entertaining as it was when its host of memorable songs debuted in 1960. Despite director Mol-
ly Smith’s sobering program notes linking the show to the plight of today’s homeless children, from the production’s first notes it’s clear we’re not diving too deeply into the gritty streets of urban America or even Victorian London. As ever, in this show good people thrive, bad people get their due and kids are just plain cute—even if their comfort and security are determined, more than anything else, by accidents of birth. Set designer Todd Rosenthal recreates life under the bridge where most of the play takes place, with green-tinged iron catwalks overhead and a floor peppered with sewer grates, all in shadowy lighting by Colin K. Bills. Here dwells Oliver Twist, a tiny, feisty orphan played by Jake Heston Miller. It’s perhaps unreasonable to expect a 9-year-old to dance like a pro
Kyle Coffman as Artful Dodger and the company of Oliver! at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater 10/30/15 – 1/3/16. Photo by Margot Schulman.
38 H Hillrag.com
Eleasha Gamble as Nancy in Oliver! at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater 10/30/15 – 1/3/16. Photo by Margot Schulman.
and express an abundance of sorrow, fear, rage and wit. But Miller has the role’s two essential qualities: unsaccharine charm and vocal pipes as clear and resonant as a flute. His first pitchperfect solo, “Where Is Love,” is worth the price of admission. But it’s Eleasha Gamble who steals the show. As Nancy, the fallen woman with a heart of gold, she first storms the stage in spirited renditions of “It’s a Fine Life” and “Oom-Pah-Pah,” and then transforms into a formidable torch singer in “As Long As He Needs Me.” Her performance deserves a standing ovation on the spot, and thankfully Gamble has a chance to reprise it before the show ends. In between, Oliver! is a showcase for delightful bits, starting with the comedic flirtation between the evil Mr. Bumble (Paul Vogt) and the Widow Corney (Rayanne Gonzales) in “I Shall Scream,” followed by the near-immediate dissolution of their romance in “Oliver.”
Both numbers lend not just humor but also full rein to Gonzales’ marvelous voice. As Mr. and Mrs. Sowerberry, the ever-cheeky Tom Story and menacing Dorea Schmidt are a hoot, and Jeff McCarthy is in fine form as Fagin, the leader of a pickpocket gang of kids. Most appealing of all is the charismatic Kyle Coffman as Artful Dodger, who rescues Oliver from the streets. His distinct style of singing and dancing—choreographed by Arena veteran Parker Esse—anchor memorable renditions of the show’s crowd-pleasing favorites: “Consider Yourself” and “I’d Do Anything.” After the show, you may not find yourself pondering weighty social issues, but everyone in the family will be humming a tune. Oliver!, at Arena Stage, through Jan. 3
A Christmas Carol There’s another seasonal dose of Dickens at Ford’s Theater, where Washington legend Ed Gero brings Scrooge to life in A Christmas Carol—for the seventh time. It’s a miraculous gift that Gero discovered his aptitude for embodying this role but keeping it fresh, and that now he returns to recreate it year after year. Adapted by Michael Wilson and directed by Michael Baron, this production is lavish, haunting and buoyant, with all the color and character Dickens deserves. A Christmas Carol, at Ford’s Theater, through Dec. 31
Black Nativity Theater Alliance reprises another holiday treasure with Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity, a Helen Hayes Award-winning production that begins with the Christmas story before tracing the history of African-American music, from gospel
to blues, jazz and funk. It’s a deeply moving and musically thrilling journey, featuring an ensemble cast of accomplished Washington theater veterans and promising newcomers. Black Nativity, at Anacostia Playhouse, Dec. 11 – Jan. 4
Step Afrika For home-grown festive music and dance, don’t miss Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show. This world-renowned step dance company presents its electrifying mix of stomps, claps and chants, set to holiday tunes with a sprinkling of snowflakes and visits by life-size polar bears and other furry friends. As always, audience members—and especially kids—are invited to make some noise throughout the show and join the cast on the dance floor at the end. Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show, at The Atlas Theater, Dec. 11 – Dec. 22
Give A Unique Gift This Season!
A Lump of Coal Adventure Theater adds a world premiere to our holiday roster, A Lump of Coal for Christmas. Written by Charles MacArthur and Regional Emmy Award recipient Norman Allen, directed by Helen Hayes Awardwinner Holly Twyford and featuring the acclaimed Erin Weaver, this comedy holds abundant promise. According to Adventure, it’s about a lump of coal who wants to be an artist: “Traditionally the dreaded stocking stuffer for children on the Naughty List, this Lump turns one child’s worst nightmare into a dream come true.” What’s not to love? A Lump of Coal for Christmas, at Adventure Theater through Dec. 31 Barbara Wells is a writer and editor for Reingold, a social marketing communications firm. She and her husband live on Capitol Hill. u
Since 1995 on Capitol Hill
Gifts and arts from every country along the Silk Road, including jewelry, clothing, antique furniture, musical instruments and more.
View Our Entire Selection On Our Web Site
www.wovenhistory.com
WE ALSO OFFER: • Cleaning • Repairing • Restoring • Appraising • Acquiring
311-315 7th St. SE • 202.543.1705 Holiday Hours: 7 Days a Week – 10:00am-6:00pm
December 2015 H 39
by Jen DeMayo
O
h, December! It brings out all the feelings, doesn’t it? Some people have been commuting to Christmas music since mid-October, while others mumble a mantra to tolerate the tinsel and rampant consumerism with as much grace as they can muster. I pass no judgment either way. We all travel different paths, and they need not be made of gingerbread. Full disclosure: I lean toward the gingerbread, though I don’t bust out the John Denver and the Muppets until after Thanksgiving. Someday my children will appreciate the Peace Carol as sung by puppets. Many local families, friends, and even workplace colleagues find ways to observe the winter holidays. Our family typically spends a quiet Christmas eve in Fairfax at my Finnish mother-in-law’s house, eating traditional foods in the glow of a tree lit with real candles. After the Great Unwrapping at our house the following morning, we hit I-95 and head to New Jersey for my Irish-Italian clan’s far louder and chaotic celebration which typically involves hummus from Brooklyn and some Jersey-style Italian food. God Bless America. Let us pause here to recognize those well-placed rest-stop Starbuckses, which have salvaged many a holiday road trip. After years on the Hill I have come to look forward to the local events and traditions we share. From small to elaborate, these are what make life here special.
2006 the concert moved to that larger space and attracted a larger audience. When the Congressional Chorus moved to the Atlas they joined in the show. In its original incarnation the sing along meant the audience were the only ones singing along with the symphony. Now there were many voices leading them. When the chorus added a youth program, the American Youth
Holiday Concert and Sing Along at the Atlas A personal favorite is a tradition I had a small part in maintaining for several years. The Atlas Performing Arts Center (1333 H St. NE) hosts its Annual Holiday Concert and Sing Along at the beginning of December. What began as a small concert in one of the lab theatres has exploded into a two-concert day which sells out within minutes. It was originally a holiday concert given by the Georgetown Symphony, an orchestra formed in 1967 that changed its name to the Capital City Symphony when it moved to the Atlas Performing Arts Center in 2005. The name change reflected the volunteer symphony’s expanded focus and scope. The orchestra brought the yearly holiday concert with it. In 2005 the musicians and the audience all fit inside one of the Atlas’ smaller lab theaters. After the Lang Theatre opened in
40 H Hillrag.com
Hill Havurah
Community Candle Lighting by Judy Berman
Chorus, the youngsters joined in the fun, often stealing the show. With each new addition the audience grew as well. A second show was added to allow more neighbors and fans to join in on the fun. They now offer a 4 p.m. and a 7 p.m., with the early show being slightly more kid-friendly and the later show being more adult. By adult I mean the audience is handed copies of the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah and attempts to muddle their way through all those “King of Kings!” or “Forever! And Ever!” Trust me when I say everyone is happy that rehearsed pros on stage are leading the way. Many original elements remain. Santa always makes a “surprise” visit when “Here Comes Santa Claus” is sung. One audience favorite comes from conductor and artistic director Victoria Gau’s family tradition, an aerobic rendition of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” The audience is divided in half, evens and odds. The evens stand for two turtle doves et cetera, while the odds get to really milk that “Five Golden Rings” moment like Merman. Completely goofy and utterly fun. Unless you are my teenagers, who now forsake such dorktastic spectacles. This concert has become a trea-
sured yearly event for many in the neighborhood. It sells out faster than T-Pain at NPR. The tickets have always been free, although a few years ago a $2 surcharge was added. The Atlas keeps a waiting list for those who didn’t snag tickets initially. If you would like to go, I suggest hanging around the box office before the concerts. Not everyone uses their tickets, leaving a few seats for those determined to share in the joy. This year the concerts will be held on Sunday, Dec. 13, at 4 and 7 p.m.
Hill Havurah Community Candle Lighting The Hill Havurah is a local, lay-led Jewish community serving folks from Capitol Hill and beyond. It is not a synagogue building, in fact it is not a building at all but a community. The Havurah holds its events in church spaces on the Hill. It began in the late 90s with services held in members’ homes and has grown to an organization which offers services, monthly Shabbat dinners, holiday events, Jewish preschool, and an education program called Yavneh which can take kids through their Bar or Bat Mitzvah. The Havurah community hosts a Community Candle Lighting to cel-
December 2015 H 41
Cookies at the Olson’s Photo George Olson
ebrate Hanukkah, the eight-day festival of light. This year Hanukkah begins on the evening of Dec. 6 and ends on the evening of the 14th. All are welcome to bring a menorah, and the group gathers to light candles, sing, and eat sweets. I have never attended the Community Candle Lighting but the pictures I have seen are lovely, filled with rows and rows of flicker-
ing candles. Judy Berman, who graciously gave me photos to use for this story, thinks the candle lighting is a special tradition. She said, “A single lit menorah is beautiful, a couple of dozen is just magical. I can’t remember when we first went, but it was at the church at 801 North Carolina Ave. in their beautiful sanctuary. It gives the ritual a different meaning when instead of doing it at home, with just your family, you do it with an entire community.” This year the Community Candle Lighting will be held on Saturday, Dec. 12, at 5 p.m. at the Church of the Reformation, 212 East Capitol St. NE.
CookieFest
J. Chocolatier
Small Batch Chocolates * Handmade on the Hill Contact Info
Please Visit Our Chocolate Shop:
jane@jchocolatier.com www.jchocolatier.com
Located Above Groovy DC
Facebook: J. Chocolatier Twitter: J. Chocolatier
42 H Hillrag.com
321 7th St. SE (2nd Floor) WDC 20003 OPEN EVERY WEEKEND
More cookies at the Olson’s Photo George Olson
The holiday season is always so busy, with school events, social commitments, and all the other things we must do or the children won’t have magical memories. (Reality check: I don’t recall anyone doing much to create magic beyond the usual 70s-era Santa. You probably don’t either. There was a creepy elf following our every move and yet somehow I feel warm and fuzzy about it. Chill.) What starts out as fun and whimsical on your Pinterest page often deteriorates and can suck all the joy out of what is presumably the most joyous time of the year. All obligation, no fun. There is one evite that I look forward
to each year, and that is the one announcing the annual cookie exchange at George and Lisa Olson’s house. A cookie exchange seems like it should be a burden because, OBLIGATION! You have to bake several dozen cookies to swap. However, for me this exchange has become a moment to pause and reconnect and catch up with old friends. The epic guest list is made up of lots of people, many of whom now have teenagers but whose connections reach back to when those teens were babies or in elementary school. In this city kids often end up in different directions for schools, and the people you once spent hours sitting on the grass with, as you watched them nap, are now shapes that pass by as we speed through activities, sports, and this thing called life. So we bake. And we drink coffee, eat George’s quiche while we catch up and learn about who is doing what and going where. As new arrivals join the party, the table fills with trays and trays of cookies. In recent years there has been a second table to hold the overflow. A glorious mountain of cookies. In addition to the cookie transactions, attendees bring donations to the DC Pajama Drive, which collects pajamas for children in foster care. Once we achieve a critical mass of attendees we begin to circle the table with our boxes and tins, choosing one of each until our receptacles are filled. Hostess Lisa Olson was getting ready to send out this year’s invitation when I reached out to her. Why does she keep hosting CookieFest year after year? “I love Christmas and the holiday season,” she replied, “and can’t think of a bet-
Trends Fade but Style is Eternal! Now offering Gift Cards, Greeting Cards & Gift Wrap Make your holiday special with a unique gift
Mention this ad and receive
25% OFF 225 Pennsylvania Ave, SE 202.491.4406 W W W. T H E B O U T I Q U E O N T H E H I L L . C O M
tutto Italiano, tutto il giorno | all Italian, all day
Buone Feste da Radici!
Holidays in Italian style... wine, food, gift baskets and bags, ceramics, stationery, and catering. Or, simply come in and enjoy the store and our special events and tastings. Auguri!
303 7th St SE
•
( 2 0 2 ) 7 5 8- 0 0 8 6
•
i n fo @ r a d ic i - m a rke t . c o m
•
w w w. r a d ic i - m a rke t . c o m December 2015 H 43
FF s O ent % cli 20new GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE FOR THE HOLIDAYS Facials • Massages • Waxing 749 8th St SE 202-543-6993 skinbeautybardc.com
ter way to get in the spirit than by getting together with friends I don’t get to see very often. It makes the holidays that much more special!” The craziest thing about the cookie exchange? I need to bake gluten-free cookies since one of my kids has celiac disease, yet the majority of the cookies are filled with delicious, delicious gluten. I collect a mountain of cookies that we end up not keeping in the house. Since keeping a pile of verboten cookies around is just mean, I typically package them to give them to the kids’ teachers and neighbors and others, and bake more celiacfriendly cookies for our own personal use. So the magic of the cookie exchange continues beyond the Olsons. The chocolate chips, pfeffernusse, and magic cookie bars all find a home and a belly. The joy of baking, connecting, and giving continues, and for me that is absolutely what the holidays on the Hill, and everywhere, are about. Jen DeMayo has been a waitress, an actor, and a puppeteer. She worked for many years for the Atlas Performing Arts Center, which has resulted in her being a relentless H Street booster/ streetcar apologist. Originally from the New York-New Jersey area, she is one of the many who whine endlessly about DC’s lack of good bagels and pizza. She is the mom to two boys who attend DC Public Schools (off the Hill). No matter what she may end up accomplishing in her life, she is sure that her obituary headline will say she was the founder of Moms on the Hill. Contact Jen at jendemayo@ gmail.com. u
44 H Hillrag.com
LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED
FREE YOGA IN DECEMBER RECEIVE A 20% BONUS ON $100 GIFT CARDS SENIOR STRETCHING & FLEXIBILITY CLASS 1 ON 1 TRAINING NEW MIXED MARTIAL ARTS BOOT CAMP CLASS! Holiday Gift Cards Available
• 1310 PENNSYLVANIA AVE. SE • • 202.629.4455 • JADEFITNESSDC.COM •
December 2015 H 45
Fiskars Garden Pruners by Derek Thomas
M
any of our perennial gardeners may be lacking that special gardening gift from their loved ones this year, so my holiday roundup is focusing on items that are must-haves for me to get through both the cold winter months and the gardening year to come. These are gifts that will be appreciated and enjoyed in and of themselves, not because the pressure of holiday giving has forced you into the purchase.
Amaryllis Bulbs An easy treat for the beginner gardener, this huge bulb is the ideal thing to break the winter blues even for the seasoned professional. The amaryllis comes fully loaded and ready to bloom. Just plant the bulb, with one-quarter of it out of the soil, in a good rich garden loam and in a few weeks you will have a special treat to beat back even the coldest of days. Keep the bulb indoors until past the danger of frost and then let it summer outdoors. Stop watering around Nov. 15 and let the bulb go dormant for two or three weeks, then enjoy it all over again. The bulb will last for years and become an heirloom plant to pass along to future generations.
The next time you happen to be wandering through the endless aisles of gardening paraphernalia in search of the perfect tool for pruning whatever may be growing in your garden, think orange and black. That is the color of Fiskars, a world leader in innovative cutting tools. Fiskars has been making exciting, innovative, ergonomically designed gardening tools for more than 350 years. I depend upon their consistent reliability and ruggedness daily in my trade. Their products always meet or exceed my needs. And every gardener on you list will smile when they pick up what is sure to become the go-to pruner in their garden.
Fiskars, the only pruning tools you will ever need.
Clivia Clivia shares features with the other members of the subfamily Amaryllidoideae. Individual flowers have three sepals and three petals, and the colors are orange and yellow with some hybrids available from time to time. The flower varies in shape from an open cup to a narrow hanging tube. The flowers are mainly in shades of yellow through orange to red, arranged in umbels (a flattened group of multi-flowers on a single stem). The plants like a cool temperature in the Amaryllis is a great heirloom plant to give to beginning and seasoned gardeners on your list.
46 H Hillrag.com
Clivia, an exotic and striking plant with deep green leaves and oating spikes of owers.
ten invitation to take a trip with you to the garden center. Your friend will have fond memories of the outing every time they care for the plant you bought together.
Orchids The orchid trade has become very accessible over the past decade. Gone are the days when the perfect orchid meant a trip out to Kensington Orchids for a stroll through their Planters like this terrarium will show those greenhouses. Many of on your gift list you care about all aspects the new hybrids now of their craft. reliably re-bloom if you provide them with winter months and will re-bloom for bright light and humid conditions. years to come. They do have a dorThe full-service garden centers in mant period, however. They will not our area have these magnificent lose their leaves during this time, plants and will even deliver them to merely requiring water about once your out-of-town friends and family. or twice a month during December An orchid is truly a gift of love and and January. shows the special gardeners on your holiday list you cared to add beauty Pots and Planters and grandeur to their lives. Pots. This may seem like an unlikePerhaps the most important ly gift, but I am always running out thing about the gardener on your to get just one more pot. Planters holiday list is taking the time to have become very specialized and think about how they garden, what some are even self-watering. When their passion is, what will bring joy picking the perfect planter for the to their lives in the year to come. Segardener in your life, think of how lect a gift that has a little bit of you and where it will be used and let the and a lot of them, and they will sure planter be an artful addition to the to enjoy it for years to come. garden or windowsill.
Garden Gift Cards Worried about what to get for the gardener who has it all? Give a gift card in a denomination that suits you and then take a field trip with your friend to shop for the perfect gift. Many full-service garden centers have gift cards, and they are not impersonal if you make it an outing. Give the gift card, with a handwrit-
Derek Thomas is principal of Thomas Landscapes. His garden designs have been featured on HGTV’s “Curb Appeal” and “Get It Sold.” Known as “The Garden Guy,” he can be seen on YouTube and Fox Five and reached at www.thomaslandscapes.com or 301-642-5182. For great garden tips, Thomas Landscapes can be found and friended at Facebook/Thomas Landscapes and followed on Twitter @ ThomasGardenGuy. u
ANTIQUES & INTERIORS
10 % -30 %
END OF YEAR
INVENTORY SALE
I ncludes all furnIture and upholstery
507 11TH ST SE WASHINGTON, DC 20003 (202) 546-5466 December 2015 H 47
Keeping It Local: Books for Holiday Giving This partial list of books reviewed here over the past year has something for everyone on your list—and your purchases help support local authors and publishers. Happy holidays!
Children and Young Adults: • •
by Karen Lyon The Joy of Cooking Jonathan Bardzik wants you to feel joy. Not the fleeting pleasure of “the flavorless strawberries that fill grocery stores in February,” but the true joy of gathering with friends and family around the dinner table. His new book, “Seasons to Taste: Farm-Fresh Joy for Kitchen & Table,” makes that an easy proposition. Filled with more than 300 pages of recipes, reminiscences, tips, and instructive asides, it’s a delight from its luxurious padded cover to its last luscious photograph. If you’ve been to Eastern Market on the weekend, you’ve seen Bardzik at his pop-up kitchen, cooking deli-
Eastern Market’s favorite chef reminisces and shares recipes in a joyous celebration of food, friends, and family.
48 H Hillrag.com
cious dishes based on fresh produce from the farmers across the way. His infectious enthusiasm is matched only by his culinary prowess—and his sense of adventure. “Give it a try,” he writes in the book. “It’s just cooking!” In “Seasons to Taste,” he encourages novice cooks to make stocks and soufflés, shares recipes for Perfect Mashed Potatoes and The Nerdiest Stir-Fry Ever, and offers such comfort-food concoctions as a Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup Omelet. As its title implies, the book follows the seasons, from the “layered flavors” of winter soups and stews to the first spring asparagus, and from summer’s sweet and salty oysters, to the pumpkins, pork roasts, and cider that herald fall. Whether it’s a cookbook that’s also a great read or a charming memoir with loads of terrific recipes, “Seasons to Taste” is one exuberant celebration of food, family, and friends. May you all find a copy wrapped up under your Christmas tree. Jonathan Bardzik began offering cooking demonstrations at Eastern Market in 2011 and has now made more than 150 appearances there and in other venues nationwide, as well as on videos and in local media. He is also the author of “Simple Summer: A Recipe for Cooking and Entertaining with Ease.” Connect with him at www. jonathanbardzik.com.
•
•
•
•
• • •
Green Kids Press publishes books with an environmental message (greenkidspress.com). ShoutMouse Press (shoutmousepress.org) released four new books by the local teen authors of Reach Incorporated (www.reachincorporated.org) in November. Purchases help support after-school literacy programs. Science, Naturally! specializes in books about science and math (www.sciencenaturally.com). Katy Kelly’s latest book about Capitol Hill kids is “Melonhead and the Later Gator Plan.” Gene Weingarten charms kids and grown-ups alike with his gentle story of “Me & Dog.” J.N. Childress makes her fiction debut with “The Briefcase of Juris P. Prudence.” Nick Newlin gives advice to budding actors in “The 30-Minute Shakespeare Anthology.” Anna Carolyn McCormally offers a corker of a young adult fantasy in “The Six Days.” Hannah Sternberg’s YA fantasy, “Bulfi nch,” features a time-traveling knight.
Cooks: • •
Author and part-time baker Samuel Fromartz goes “In Search of the Perfect Loaf.” Julie Castillo tells you how to “Eat Local for Less” in a Ruka Press publication.
Memoir and Inspiration: • • •
Shaaren Pine and Scott Magnuson share their story of addiction in “Torn Together.” M/R Johnson’s “Memoirs of an Addict” provides hope and advice to fellow addicts. Valerie Rind uses case histories to help readers avoid “Gold Diggers and Deadbeat Dads.”
•
Reporter Ruben Castaneda covers the DC crack epidemic—and his own addiction—in “S Street Rising.”
•
Mysteries: •
A murderer is loose in the Hart Building in Colleen J. Shogan’s
•
Who on your list wouldn’t look great in this handsome cap?
•
•
“Stabbing in the Senate.” Scott Sowers’s “cozy” foray into crime involves “Life and Death at the Dog Park.” Neely Tucker’s Capitol Hill reporter tracks down killers in “The Ways of the Dead” and “Murder, D.C.”
Shopping on the Hill •
•
•
Local history: •
•
•
•
Andrea Mays follows the fortunes of Shakespeare collector Henry Clay Folger in “The Millionaire and the Bard.” John DeFerrari focuses on the history of early DC transit in “Capital Streetcars.” Garrett Peck explores the local life of America’s great poet in “Walt Whitman in Washington, DC” Carol McCabe Booker tells the story of Alice Dunnigan, a pioneer of the national black press, in “Alone Atop the Hill.”
Poetry and Fiction: •
•
•
•
Sandra Beasley’s new book of poetry, “Count the Waves,” offers wit, wordplay, and wisdom. Christopher Chambers’s homage to 1950s pulp fiction features flying ace “Rocket Crockett.” Richard Tillotson pens a romcom worthy of the Bard in “What You Will on Capitol Hill.” Christopher Datta brings an intimate new perspective to the Civil War in “Fire and Dust.”
Politics and Technology: •
Chuck McCutcheon and David Mark help you decode
American political lingo in “Dog Whistles, Walk-Backs, and Washington Handshakes.” Irene S. Wu takes a scholarly look at the Internet as public square in “Forging Trust Communities.” Reporter Lawrence Knutson presents an illustrated history of US Presidents “Away from the White House.”
•
•
Riverby Books, 417 E Capitol St SE, 202-543-4342, open daily 10am to 6pm Capitol Hill Books, 657 C St SE, 202-544-1621, open Mon.Fri., 11:30am-6pm, Sat.-Sun, 9am-6pm Folger Shakespeare Library Shop, 201 E Capitol St. SE, 202-6750308, Tues.-Sat., noon-5pm Library of Congress Shop, ground floor of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 202-696-3895, Mon.-Sat., 9:30am-5pm Fairy Godmother Books and Toys, 319 7th St. SE, 202-547-5474
On the Hill in December The Folger Shakespeare Library presents the O.B. Hardison Poetry Emily Dickinson Birthday Tribute with Linda Gregerson, Dec. 7, 7:30pm. www.folger.edu or 202-544-7077 The Library of Congress presents readings by Matthew N. Green, author of “Underdog Politics: The Minority Party in the U.S. House of Representatives,” Dec. 2, noon; and poet Rachel Zucker, Dec. 4, noon. www.loc.gov The Smithsonian Associates presents “Reading the Great Books of Science,” Dec. 5, 9:30am; “Down the Rabbit Hole: Celebrating ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,’” Dec. 8, 6:45pm; and “Richard P. Feynman: Quoting a Genius,” with author Michelle Feynman and NPR’s Joe Palca, Dec. 14, 6:45pm. www. smithsonianassociates.org. u
December 2015 H 49
by Karen Lyon
J
udy Leaver frequently uses the view from her living room on Lincoln Park as her poetic muse. In this she has something in common with former US Poet Laureate Billy Collins. “I see from his poetry,” she writes, “that he spends a lot of time looking out the window, searching for the next knockout opening line, considering an ironic focus on his dog as subject, or dreaming up a wistful closing to startle his readers.” In addition to poetry Leaver also writes essays, short stories, articles, and a blog (“Literary Mileage”), and was selected to participate in a poetry workshop with Collins as part of the Key West Literary Seminar.
View from a Room Seven o’clock a.m. The twilight before daybreak is so fleeting – headlights string along East Capitol, like Christmas lights on the fence of my neighbor who holds out until Valentine’s day to stave off the chill of bare oak limbs frigid sidewalks, dead flowers Seven-forty a.m. The sun dazzles trees and dog walkers, highlights my asparagus fern, turns Ben’s silky gray coat into a silver aura and fires a glare on the computer screen that forces me to move across the room.
A romantic thriller set in Washington, D.C. A riveting, erotic, spine-tingling thriller with chilling imagery, graphic depictions, and remarkable insights into the sexual psychopath. AVAILABLE AT LULU.COM
Eight a.m. Sun lights up the foggy breath of the dog walkers, glints off the street sign, shines in my eyes and illuminates all the cat hair on the arm of the couch where Jerry sits. Eight-thirty a.m. A little toddler in pink scampers in the park with two fluffy white dogs. Suddenly an exuberant brown dog bolts from the park to chase a motorcycle. Cars round the corner at 13th to barrel down the street every morning, trying in vain to beat the light at the corner of 11th.
50 H Hillrag.com
If you would like to have your poem considered for publication, please send it to klyon@ literaryhillbookfest.org. (There is no remuneration.) u
LEIGH IS YOUR NEIGHBOR. IF SHE CAN DO IT, SO CAN YOU.
DUSTIN IS YOUR NEIGHBOR. IF HE CAN DO IT, SO CAN YOU.
11.7% BODY FAT LOST AND 52 LBS DOWN IN 8 MONTHS, AND STILL GOING
150 LBS. DOWN!
CAPITOL HILL is like a family– Fitness Together Capitol Hill to ensure your The team rallies around younot only with a great success. They provide you ional advice, but exercise program and nutritwith the moral they go above and beyond your goals. They support you need to reach have changed my life.
PERSONAL TRAINING FOR INDIVIDUALS & SMALL GROUPS
HOT FOR THE HOLIDAY SPECIAL!
100 pounds” it When I finally said, “I will lose ssible to do. But was scary and seemed impo rs at Fitness ToI found great personal traine after week, work gether Capitol Hill and week al after out after workout, food journ off. food journal, the weight came
TEXT “FREE WEEK” WITH NAME AND EMAIL TO 202-558-6486 OR CALL 202-558-6486 WITH NAME AND EMAIL OFFER EXPIRES DECEMBER 31
408 H Street NE | 4 blocks from Union Station | 202.558.6486
fitnesstogether.com/capitolhill
December 2015 H 51
Some Choices for all the Music Lovers in Your Life by Jean-Keith Fagon Chillin’ In Batumi ••• Beka & Logic Project, Exitus Entertainment eclectic collaboration of musicians making extensive use polyrhythms over fusion jazz. Full of passionate joy and endless dance rhythms, the folks heard here are DJ Logic from the Bronx, Jaleel Shaw on alto saxophone, James Hurt on electric piano, Justin Brown on drums, Lamont McCain on electric bass, Butterscotch on vocals, and Beka Gochiashvili, the young and upcoming jazz piano phenom from Tbilisi, Georgia. Highlights include “Chillin’ In Batumi,” “Summer In Georgia,” “Timon and Pumbaa,” and “Homage.” And now, pretty please, let’s keep this one under wraps for spring: “Let Go.” It’s a beauty, wow!
Traveler ••• Lawson Rollins Lawson Rollins, an award-winning guitarist and composer, is noted for his virtuoso fingerstyle technique and melodic compositional skills. His latest album, Traveler, is in his own words “a gypsy jazz amalgamation.” Traveler starts with the African-flavored title track “Traveler” and continues north to Spain (“Barcelona Express” and “Meeting in Madrid”), France (“Cafe Paris”), Germany (“Berlin Bossa”) and England (“Across the Moors”), and then over the Atlantic to Louisiana (“Beyond the Bayou”). Next, we head to California with “Marching West” and “Journey Home.” The album concludes with the modern, electronica-infused “Urban Trilogy” that evokes, according to Mr. Lawson, “times spent in New York, London, Tokyo and San Francisco.” Camardella added keyboards and piano to the earthy mix on “Traveler.”
52 H Hillrag.com
Souvenance •••• Anouar Brahem, ECM Although Tunisian oud-master Anouar Brahem’s latest album was shaped by the political events in Tunisia from 2010 to 2011, the music is more about the “immense fears, joys and hopes” which began in Tunisia and swept like wildfire through the region. Absorbed by daily news of popular uprisings, collapsing dictatorships, insurgencies and counter-insurgencies, Mr. Brahem wanted to attempt something new with his music. But Souvenance is not political album. It is an attempt repaint Tunisia in all its traditional glory and beauty with the coming of age of a new and peaceful future for its people. It is as if Mr. Brahem is standing on a mountain looking down on the dawning of a country awakening from its storm. Love, endurance, and courage will be needed for the rebuilding. And no other song says it more than “Youssef’s Song.” Truly a masterpiece. Other highlights include “Souvenace,” title track, “Tunis At Dawn,” and “Like A Dream.”
Freedom & Surrender ••• Lizz Wright Lizz Wright’s new pop album is about freedom from the bondage of unrequited love. Her voice is shaded and tinted with restrained emotions and inquisitive introspection. This is Ms. Wright languishing in her songs, reminiscent of a melting pot of vocalists like Bonnie Rait and Anita Baker. The title track “Surrender” is delivered with intense supplications as if she was seeking salvation of her soul. Other highlights include “Right Where You Are,” featur-
ing Gregory Porter, “To Love Somebody,” and “Blessed The Brave.”
In Motion ••• Manuel Valera and New Cuban Express, Criss Cross Jazz Cuban music has influenced the Argentinian tango, Ghanaian high-life, West African Afrobeat, and Spanish “nuevo flamenco,” but also the development of salsa and jazz. The latest album from Manuel Valera is a fitting example of what happens when jazz is mixed with Cuban music. Simply put, it’s fun. Notable are “Descargando,” “No Puedo Ser Feliz,” “Mirrors,” and “Para Emiliano.”
Game On ••• Kenyon Carter Jazz saxophonist Kenyon Carter’s new album is a 10-track collection of original songs featuring guitarist Chuck Loeb. The album offers the full “vocal” range of Mr. Carter’s horn over rhythmic grooves that swirl measures of straight-ahead jazz, R&B and adult pop into substantive soul-jazz collages. Standouts include the title track “Game On,” featuring Mr. Loeb, “Just A Smile, “Wine On Eight,” “In This Moment,” and the bump-and-grind “Jammin’ on Juniper,” a mid-tempo jazz-funk hot-stepper.
Good Thing ••• Maggie Herron, Producer Brian Bromberg Jazz vocalist and pianist Maggie Herron delivers a solid album with classic standards like “The Very
Thought of You,” “Baby Baby All the Time,” “Le Printemps est Arrive’,” and “Body and Soul.” Mellow and full of sultry invocations, the music offers comfort and meaningful connections to life’s memories. Appearing with Ms. Herron are Rick Braun (trumpet), Brian Bromberg (acoustic bass), Ramon Stagnaro (guitar), Dave Tull (drums), Paul Lindbergh (sax), and Lee Thornburg (trumpet).
Colored Glasses ••• Carol Duboc The jazz singer-songwriter’s stories on Colored Glasses are honest and revealing. Top of the list is “Hypnotic,” an urbane seducer about the intoxicating and blinding power of love. But love can and will hurt, sadly more often than not. Pe r f o r m ers include Jeff Lorber, Hubert Laws, Jimmy Haslip, Vinnie Colaiuta, and Eric Marienthal. Other highlights are “Walking in My Sleep” and the title track “Colored Glasses.” All CDs and DVDS reviewed in this article are heard through Bowers & Wilkens Nautilus 801 speakers and ASW 4000 subwoofer, and Rotel Preamp 1070, amplifier 1092 and CD player 1072. B&W speakers are now available at Magnolia, Best Buys (703.518.7951) and IQ Home Entertainment (703.218.9855). CDs are available for purchase through amazon.com For more information about this column, please email your questions to fagon@hillrag.com. u
“Oh, what fun it is to ride...” Save 20% on all Subrosa BMX bikes! Gift Cards, Kids’ Bikes, Clothing and Accessories! 719 8th Street, SE Washington, DC 20003 (202) 544-4234 • www.capitolhillbikes.com December 2015 H 53
DECEMBER CALENDAR Capital Accord Chorus performs at the U.S. Botanic Gardens on Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. Photo: Freyvogel Photography
An Evening at the Garden. Dec. 8, Samovar, Russian folk; Dec. 10, Lox & Vodka, Klezmer; Dec. 15, Capital Accord Chorus, choral; Dec. 17, The Capital Hearings; Dec. 22, 40 Thieves, Irish folk rock; Dec. 24, Tony Craddock Jr. and Cold Front, jazz; and Dec. 29, Project Natale, jazz. Music starts at 6 PM. The Garden is open 10 AM to 8 PM during this free concert series. US Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW. 202-225-8333. usbg.gov.
54 H Hillrag.com
SPECIAL EVENTS Artomatic 2015. Through Dec. 12. Artomatic returns for its signature free art event held this year in Hyattsville, MD. 1,000 artists and performers showcase their talents for a six-week free exhibition. 8100 Corporate Drive, Hyattsville, MD. Artomatic.org. Pearl Harbor Remembrance. Dec. 7 at 1:35 PM. Remember and honor all those who died when America’s naval base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii was attacked by the Imperial Japanese Navy. wwiimemorialfriends.org. Ward 6 Brickie Awards. Dec. 7 from 6 to 8 PM. Categories include: Neighbor Award, Community Organization Award, Business Award, Public Service Award and Civic Pride Award. Free event with food and beverages from local restaurants. Eastern Market’s North Hall, 225 Seventh St. SE. charlesallenward6.com.
CAPITOL HILL VILLAGE CORNER
A Gift for the Gift of a Long Life
A
Vigil for Victims of Gun Violence. Dec. 9 at 7 PM. The vigil marks the third anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy. It commemorates the 90,000 American victims of gun violence since December 2012. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 301 A St. SE. Free DIY Demos at Tanglewood. Dec. 9, 5:30 to 6:30 PM, Make Your Own Mercury Glass; Dec. 16 from 5:30 to 6:30 PM, Make Your Own “Blown Glass” Ornaments. Tanglewood Works Shop, 4641 Tanglewood Dr., Hyattsville, MD. tanglewoodworks.com/blog. Mormon Chapel Open House. Dec. 12 from 10 AM to 4 PM. Open House and free holiday festivities to celebrate opening of new Mormon meeting house on Capitol Hill. Holiday crafts, carol sing-alongs, refreshments, building tours, a scavenger hunt and food drive for Capital Area Food Bank. 522 Seventh St. SE.
MUSIC Music at Mr. Henry’s. Dec. 5, Tacha Coleman Parr; Dec. 10, Hollertown; Dec. 11, Kevin Cordt Quartet; Dec. 12, Mary Alouette & The Crew; Dec. 17, By & By; Dec. 18, Aaron L. Myers, II; Dec. 19, Barbara Papendorp. Capitol Hill Jazz Jam every Wednesday night. Shows run 8 to 11 p.m.; doors open at 6 p.m.; no cover; two item per person minimum. Henry’s Upstairs, 601 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. 202-546-8412. mrhenrysdc.com. Jazz Night in Southwest. Every Friday, 6 to 9 PM. Dec. 11, The Return of Benito Gonzalez; (Dec. 12, Thinking About Jazz--Billy Taylor: Ambassador of Jazz). Dec. 18, Phil Butts Big Band; Dec. 26, Wes Biles Trio Presents; Jan. 2, Jazz Masters featuring Ernie Douglas & Whit Williams; Jan. 9, The Kristine Key Experience; Jan. 16, 17th Jazz Night Anniversary Celebration. The cover is $5. Children are welcome and free under 16 years old. Reason-
s we approach the holidays . . . consider the gift of a long life and the value it brings to our community. How do we show our caring and gratitude for our elders in a meaningful way?
The Key to Your Community
While living a long life has many benefits, seniors need supports, information and programs to age on their own terms, in their own community. A gift of membership or a donation to Capitol Hill Village provides seniors in our community with services, resources, learning, and fun activities.
What does a gift of Capitol Hill Village membership include? 1. Social Activities—twenty different social groups including: film, fitness, food and fun! 2. Educational Programs—averaging weekly programs on wellness, finances, personal safety, current affairs and technology issues. 3. Civic Engagement—seniors making a difference in their community through volunteerism, activism and rabble rousing. 4. Volunteer services—Capitol Hill Village provides nearly 4000 volunteer hours a year with tasks from cleaning out gutters, to moving furniture to hooking up the new television and cable. 5. Care Service Coordination: CHV staff and trained volunteers serve as health advocates for frail community members ensuring their medical wellness, physical safety, social engagement and more
We’ve seen gifting go in a few directions. Parents buy themselves a membership as a gift to their children. It’s their way to say, “stop worrying about us—we are in a caring community.” Children are grateful to know their parents are connected. Other times children gift a membership to their parents as a way of telling them that they support their independence, but don’t want to spend their own weekends hooking up the DVR—Capitol Hill Village can do that. Finally, people make a donation to Capitol Hill Village on behalf of their own parents who don’t live in the area. Like myself, I wish that there was a village near my mother to lessen my worrying about her. I make the donation in her name, knowing that she would love CHV and knowing that my donation is helping my neighbors on Capitol Hill, in the same way that I hope my mom’s neighbors are helping her. – Molly Singer, Executive Director
Annual Membership Information $530 individual Join: www.capitolhillvillage.org/join $800 household
Donate: www.capitolhillvillage.org/donate
Mail or Stop By 725 8th St SE Washington DC, 20003 P: (202) 543 1778 Two years ago, our daughters gave us the gift of a membership. We tried to downplay it or make jokes– but really it was a fabulous gift that we would never have asked for but do appreciate. Capitol Hill Village is like having a good friend next door. They help you out, give you the information that you might not want to hear, but need to know. Juma and Anila Capitol Hill Village Members since 2013.
December 2015 H 55
This diagram shows how the alarm clock, gas can, propane tanks and pressure cooker pot were rigged to explode inside an SUV left in New York’s Times Square in 2010. Photos: Amy Joseph/Newseum; diagram: U.S. Department of Justice/ Kevin Lamarque/Courtesy Reuters; artifacts: Loan, Federal Bureau of Investigation.
OPEN ON CHRISTMAS DAY! Enjoy your Holiday Meal with us!
THE ONLY SALVADOREAN RESTAURANT ON THE HILL Henry Mendoza Welcomes You!
629 Penn. Ave. SE 202-546-9512 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK LUNCH: 11:30am-3pm DINNER: 5pm-11pm BRUNCH: Sat. & Sun. 11:30am-3pm
20% OFF the check *Excludes Home Delivery
mention this ad
laplazarestaurantdc.com 56 H Hillrag.com
Inside Today’s FBI at Newseum. Inside Today’s FBI: Fighting Crime in the Age of Terror features never-before-displayed evidence and artifacts from some of the FBI’s biggest cases. In the post-9/11 era, the bureau’s top priorities are terrorists, spies and cybercriminals, stalked with powerful new surveillance technologies. Newseum, 555 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. newseum.org. ably priced meals offered. 202≠-484-≠7700. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 400 I St. SW (Fourth and I, south side of intersection). westminsterdc.org. Blues Night in Southwest. Every Monday, 6 to 9 PM. Dec. 7, Ursula Ricks Project; Dec. 14, Little Royal Live!; Dec. 21, The Nighthawks; Dec. 28, Shirleta Settles & Friends; Jan. 4, Clarence Turner Blues Band; Jan. 11, Eddie Jones and the Young Bucks; Jan. 18, Vince Evans Blues Band; Jan. 25, Jacques & Margie Live!; Feb. 1, Avon Dews Blues Revue. The cover is $5. Children are welcome and free under 16 years old. Reasonably priced meals offered. 202≠-484-≠7700. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 400 I St. SW (Fourth and I, south side of intersection). westminsterdc.org.
Restaurant français on capitol hill Music at Ebenezers. Dec. 5, Davis Bradley Duo; Dec. 17, Von Strantz, Juliet Lloyd, Vilai Harrington, Luke Mitchen. Ebenezers Coffeehouse, 201 F St. NE. 202-558-6900. ebenezerscoffeehouse.com. Music at Rock and Roll Hotel. Dec. 6, Terror; Dec. 7, Rocket from the Tombs; Dec. 11, V.P.R. and Wanted Man; Dec. 12, DJs Rex Riot and Basscamp; Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve Blowout! Rock and Roll Hotel, 1353 H St. NE. 202-3887625. rockandrollhoteldc.com. Sunday Concerts at the Phillips. Dec. 6, Schumann Quartett; Dec. 13, Shai Wosner; Dec. 20, Escher Quartet; 4 PM. $30, $15 for members, students, and visitors 6 to 18; includes museum admission for the day of the concert. Advance reservations recommended. phillipscollection.org/ music.
NOW OFFERING
Happy Hour TUE - THU | 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm Half-price on selected wines, beers and cocktails. Featuring a special food menu!
BRUNCH | SAT - SUN LUNCH & DINNER | TUE - SUN MONTMARTREDC.COM / MONTMARTREDC 327 7TH ST. SE
202.544.1244
SORRY NO BRUNCH RESER VATIONS
Library of Congress Concerts. Dec. 11, 8 PM. Eric Ruske, horn, Jennifer Fraitschi, violin and Gloria Chien, Piano. Dec. 18, 7:30 PM, Borromeo String Quartet. These free concerts are in the Coolidge Auditorium located on the ground floor of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St. SE. loc.gov.
C L A S S IC F R E N C H C O R N E R LOBSTER BISQUE brandy, tomato, heavy cream
CASSOULET duck leg confit, toulouse sausage, garlic sausage, bacon-braised beans
L A M B N AVA R I N tender lamb shoulder stew, english peas, root vegetables
MONTMARTRE’S BOUILLABAISSE
variety of seafood, shellfish, shrimp, saffron broth, rouille crouton
BEEF BOURGUIGNON burgundy-style braised beef, potato puree, mushrooms, red wine sauce
COQ AU VIN
chicken, bacon, pearl onions, button mushrooms, red wine (All classics based on availability)
Executive Chef Brian Wilson
C o m e & S e e O u r N E W R e n o v at i o n !
Music at the Corner Store. Dec. 18 and 19, Vox Pulchra; Dec. 20, 20th Solstice Concert, Jennifer Cutting’s Ocean Quartet. $20 advance donation, $25 walk-in. Corner Store, 900 So. Carolina Ave. SE. 202-544-5807. cornerstorearts. Church of the Epiphany Weekly Concerts. Every Tuesday, 12:10 PM. Free but offering taken. 1317 G St. NW. 202-347-2635. epiphanydc.org
THEATER AND FILM
The Klunch’s Presents Elaine Mays’ George is Dead. Through Dec. 19. Carla’s holidays take an unexpected
RETRAIN YO U R BRAIN
Want to feel confident when speaking in public, presenting at work or socializing? Do you battle stage fright or want to go to the next level in your sport? EMDR is a well-researched treatment that is used to boost confidence and increase performance in any area of your life.
Call for a free 15 minute phone consultation 650.703.8686 Kathleen Grant, MA Certified Level-2 EMDR Practitioner
December 2015 H 57
{december events calendar}
CHAW’s Annual Winter Arts & Performance Festival. Dec. 12, 9:30 AM to 7 PM. Singing, dancing, theater, visual art, a digital museum, ceramics sale, and more. Performances, gallery openings, festive snacks, and local art sales with CHAW’s adult students and Youth Arts Program students performing and presenting their work. Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 Seventh St. SE. 202-547-6839. chaw.org.
Mosaic’s The Gospel of LovingKindness at the Atlas. Dec. 9 to Jan. 3. A hymn-and-hip-hoptinged elegy, updated for its Washington premiere, the play tells the story of Manny, a 17-year-old who sings for President Obama at the White House; and is shot to death three weeks later on the South Side of Chicago for his Air Jordan sneakers. $25-$50. The Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. 202-399-7993. atlasarts.org.
Photo: Courtesy of CHAW turn when her mother’s zillionairess former employer, Doreen, shows up in the dead of night to announce the sudden passing of her husband. But tensions mount and sympathies fade as Carla is reminded that Doreen could, quite possibly, be the most annoying asshole on Earth. DC Arts Center, 2438 18th St., NW. 202-462-7833. theklunch.com. Pericles at the Folger. Through Dec. 20. Pericles, Prince of Tyre, sets sail on an extraordinary journey through the decades and is blown from the coasts of Phoenicia to Greece and to Turkey. Chased by the wicked King of Antioch, Pericles finds his true love in Thaisa and loses her and their daughter Marina on the rough seas. Folger Theater, 201 E. Capitol St. SE. 202-544-7077. folger.edu. Sons of the Prophet at Theater J. Through Dec. 20. This dark comedy centers on Joseph, a young Lebanese-American man in Nazareth, Penn. After Joseph’s father dies in the wake of a freak accident involving a plastic deer decoy, he’s pretty sure lightning won’t strike twice. Theater J, 1529 16th St. NW. 800-494-8497. washingtondcjcc.org. Oliver at Arena. Through Jan. 3. Artistic Director Molly Smith blends the chaotic worlds of Victorian London with 2015 London to infuse a modern edge to the classic story about an innocent orphan living among double-dealing thieves and con men. arenastage.org.
58 H Hillrag.com
West Side Story at Signature. Dec. 8 to Jan. 24. The musical, a collaboration of music, dance and theater giants Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, Jerome Robbins and Arthur Laurents, is considered by some to be one of the greatest musicals of all time. Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Shirlington, VA. signaturetheatre.org
Kiss Me‚ Kate at Shakespeare. Through Jan. 3. It’s “another opening of another show” with Kiss Me, Kate, American musical theatre’s greatest tribute to the Bard. Sparks fly on and off stage between Fred Graham, the show’s director and star, and Lilli Vanessi, his leading lady—and ex-wife. Sidney Harman Hall, 610 F St. NW. shakespearetheatre.org. Bad Jews at Studio. Through Jan. 3. The night after their grandfather’s funeral, three cousins engage in a verbal battle royale over a family heirloom. Studio Theatre, 1501 14th St. NW. 202-332-3300. studiotheatre.org. Angelika Pop Up Movies at Union Market. Dec. 6 and 15, The Lady of the Camellias - Bolshoi Ballet; Dec. 20, The Nutcracker-Bolshoi Ballet. Angelika Pop Up at Union Market, 550 Penn St. NE. 571-512-3311. angelikafilmcenter.com/dc. Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind at Woolly. Dec. 7 to Jan. 3. The Chicago-based Neo-Futurists return to Woolly for the fifth time with their never-the-same-twice mini-play extravaganza inspired by Dada, surrealism, and the spontaneity of late-night sketch comedy. Audiences choose the order of the plays, so every performance is a unique experience. Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, 641 D St. NW. 202-393-3939. woollymammoth.net.
Classic Cinema Night at Northeast Library. Dec. 22, 7 PM. Come enjoy the Christmas classic It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) starring Jimmy Stewart and directed by Frank Capra. In this film set at Christmas, a man is prevented from committing suicide by an elderly angel, who takes him back through his life to see what good he has done and how the world would be if he had not been born. Northeast Library, 330 Seventh St. NE. 202-698-0058. dclibrary. org/northeast.
SPORTS AND FITNESS Washington Wizards Basketball. Dec. 6, 9, 19, 21, 23 and 28; Jan. 1, 3, 6 and 8. Verizon Center. nba.com/wizards Canal Park Ice Skating. Through mid-March. Mondays and Tuesdays, noon to 7 p.m.; Wednesdays to Fridays, noon to 9 p.m.; Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Adults are $9; children/seniors/ military are $8; and skate rental is $4. It’s open every day including all holidays but the hours vary. Canal Park is at 202 M St. SE. canalparkdc.org. National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Skating. Through Mar. 13. Open Mondays to Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Fridays, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sundays, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. $8.50 for
ATLAS WINTERFEST All the best holiday performances at the Atlas Performing Arts Center. Featuring Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show! 12/10 - 12/22 Join Step Afrika!, their furry friends from the Arctic, and DJ Frosty the Snowman for a fun night of jingle, jams, and joy! Fresh Holiday Takes Brad Linde Ensemble: A Post-Cool Yule 12/4 Fantastical Movement Sweet Spot Aerial Productions: Tis’ the Circus: A Holiday Party on High 12/4 - 12/6 Powerful Theater The Gospel of LovingKindness: Mosaic Theater Company of DC 12/9–1/3 Klecksography: Rorschach Theatre 12/19
facebook.com/atlasarts @atlaspacdc
Holiday Fun for All Snow Day: Arts on the Horizon 12/12–20 10th Annual Holiday Concert & Sing-Along 12/13
December 2015 H 59
Washington Capitals forward T.J. Oshie fights for the puck during the game against the Chicago Blackhawks on Oct. 15 at Verizon Center. Photo: Courtesy of Washington Capitals Photography
This Christmas, as our gift to you, The National Education Project, Inc. is honored to provide to you and your children in this issue of the Hill Rag a free copy of the Bill of Rights. This is part of the Project’s ongoing effort to provide a free copy of the Bill of Rights to every child in America, and to help bequeath to the next generation the basic rights that are the inheritance of every American. Called the “Refrigerator Door Bill of Rights,” children can sign their name, add their school picture (kids love that part!), and then post the Bill of Rights on the family refrigerator door (hence, the name), where it will serve as an enduring reminder to everyone in the home of the great document that for over 200 years has protected the rights and liberties of us all. And we cordially invite you and your family to come to our website (www.National-Education-Project.org) and join us for the “Third Annual, Live National Read-Along of the Bill of Rights over the Internet” at 8:30 p.m. EST, on Tuesday, December 15, 2015, the 224th anniversary of the Bill of Rights. You would be most welcome. Merry Christmas.
CFCNCA # 30578 Norman Manasa Director, The National Education Project, Inc. Director@National-Education-Project.org (Kindly note that The National Education Project, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, non-profit, non-political organization, and the Project does not recommend or encourage any particular interpretation of The Constitution of the United States or the Bill of Rights.)
60 H Hillrag.com
Washington Capitals Ice Hockey. Dec. 8, 16, 18, 26 and 30. Verizon Center. capitals.nhl.com. Washington Capitals Practice Schedule. Non-game day, 10:30 AM; game day, 10 AM; and day after game, 11 AM. All practices are at Kettler Capitals Iceplex, 627 No. Glebe Rd., Suite 800, Arlington, VA. They are free and open to the public. kettlercapitalsiceplex.com. adults; $7.50 for age 50 and over, age 12 and under, and students with a valid school ID for two hour session beginning on the hour. $3 for skate rental. Seventh Street and Constitution Avenue NW. 202216-9397. nga.gov.
for adults (13-64); $4 for seniors and children (5-12); $3, skate rental. Fort Dupont Ice Arena, 3779 Ely Pl. SE. 202584-5007. fdia.org.
Washington Harbour Ice Rink. Through mid-March. Mondays to Tuesdays, noon to 7 PM; Wednesdays to Thursdays, noon to 9 PM; Fridays, noon to 10 PM; Saturdays, 10 AM to 10 PM; Sundays, 10 AM to 7 PM. Skating is $9-$10. Skate rental is $5. Washington Harbour is at 3050 K St. NW. 202-706-7666. thewashingtonharbour.com.
Eastern Market. Daily except Mondays and important holidays. Weekdays, 7 AM to 7 PM; Saturdays, 7 AM to 5 PM; Sundays, 9 AM to 5 PM. Flea market and arts and crafts market open Saturdays and Sundays, 9 AM to 6 PM. 200 block of Seventh Street SE. 202-698-5253. easternmarketdc.com.
Public Skating at Fort Dupont Ice Arena. Fridays, noon to 2 PM and Saturdays 12:45 to 1:45 PM. Public Skate, $5
MARKETS
H Street NE Farmers Market. Saturdays, through Dec. 19, 9 AM to noon. Located at H and 13th Streets NE. freshfarmmarket.org.
Fresh Tuesdays at Eastern Market. Tuesdays, 3 to 7 PM. Farmers’ line of fresh produce. Eastern Market, 200 block of Seventh Street SE. 202-698-5253. easternmarketdc.com. Union Market. Tuesdays to Fridays, 11 AM to 8 PM; Saturdays and Sundays, 8 AM to 8 PM. Union Market is an artisanal, curated, year round food market featuring over 40 local vendors. 1309 Fifth St. NE. 301-652-7400. unionmarketdc.com.
CIVIC LIFE
Congresswoman Norton’s NW District Office. Open weekdays, 9 AM to 6 PM. 529 14th St. NW, suite 900. 202-783-5065. norton. house.gov. ANC 6A. Second Thursday, 7 PM. Meeting at Miner Elementary School, 601 15th St. NE. 202-4238868. anc6a.org. ANC 6B. Second Tuesday, 7 PM. Meeting at Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. 202-543-3344. anc6b.org. ANC 6C. Second Wednesday, 7 PM. Meeting at Heritage Foundation, 214 Mass. Ave. NE, first floor conference room. 202-547-7168. anc6c.org. ANC 6D. Second Monday, 7 PM. Meeting at 1100 Fourth St. SW, DCRA meeting room, Second Floor. 202-554-1795. anc6d.org. ANC 6E. First Tuesday, 6:30 PM. Meeting at Watha T. Daniel Library, 1630 Seventh St. NW. anc6e.org. Have a tidbit for the Calendar? Email calendar@hillrag.com u
The Vassar Haiti Project is coming to DC
Haitian Art & Handcraft Sale St. Mark’s Episcopal Church * Capitol Hill 301 A Street SE, Washington, DC 20003 haitiproject@vassar.edu Friday, Feb. 5 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm ( O P E N I N G Saturday, Feb. 6 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Sunday, Feb. 7 9:30 am - 2:00 pm
RECEPTION)
December 2015 H 61
62 H Hillrag.com
{capitol streets}
Bulletin Board Contemporary Approach Watercolors at Hill Center On Dec. 12, 12:30 to 3 p.m., join a class for a contemporary approach to painting with watercolors with Christine Vineyard. Students will learn how to use several different types of watercolor paints (tube, liquid and pencils) and approach them in a contemporary way. This class will give students the skills to create paintings on their own with a variety of materials; many of them with everyday household items. The class is designed as an introduction to watercolor painting and techniques and is great for people with little to no prior experience. The class will also include basic information on watercolor paints, papers, and brushes. $48 (All supplies included.). Register online at hillcenterdc.org.
NoMa’s First Park The NoMa Parks Foundation has acquired a parcel at Third and L Streets NE to develop into NoMa’s first, 8,000 square-foot park. The lot is the foundation’s first purchase. Its other projects include the NoMa Meander, a four block long pedestrian promenade unique in the District; the Underpass Art Parks to beautify that create delightful connections between the areas east and
west of the train tracks; and NoMa Green, a two acre space intended to serve as the “backyard” for the neighborhood. For more information, visit nomaparks.org.
First Futsal League Launched The Hill’s first 5v5 Futsal league (indoor soccer) for Men’s Open Age level will be launched by Futsal America on Jan. 7, 2016. The deadline
to register is Dec. 17. For more information, call 202-704-8429 or visit futsalamericafc.com.
Afternoon Freewrite Join the Northeast Neighborhood Library for an “Afternoon Freewrite.” Take the opportunity to let your thoughts and ideas flow freely... onto the page. The program is held Wednesdays from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in the conference room on the mezza-
December 2015 H 63
{capitol streets / bulletin board}
several hours. Registration is required at anacostiaws. org. Questions? Contact the Manager of Volunteer Programs Joanna Fisher at jfisher@anacostiaws.org or 301-699-6204 ext. 109.
Brent’s Christmas Tree Sale
Although riding from site to site is a warmer option than walking, DC temperatures in December can be unpredictable. So, be sure to dress in layers. Bike and Roll will have gloves for sale for a nominal charge. Photo: Courtesy of Bike and Roll DC
DC’s First Bike and Segway Christmas Tour Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 4 to 6:30 p.m., through Dec. 20, Bike and Roll DC offers Washington’s first-ever Christmas tour by bike and Segway, aptly named “Christmas on Wheels”. Tour highlights include the Botanical Gardens’ Deasons Greenings; a hot chocolate stop; the exquisite decorations at the Willard Hotel and the Capitol and National Christmas trees. The cost for the bike tour is $39 for adults and $34 for children 12 and under, and $64 for the Segway tour. There are a very limited number of spots available, so reservations are required. Visit www.bikeandrolldc.com and click the “RESERVE NOW” button. Select your preferred date for Christmas on Wheels, under “Guided Tours.” Christmas on Wheels runs on Dec. 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19 and 20. More spots may be opened based on demand. Reservations can also be made over the phone at 202-842-2453. nine level. Northeast Library is at 330 Seventh St. NE. 202-698-0058. dclibrary.org/northeast.
Birdwatching Tours at Bladensburg There is a Birdwatching Tour at Bladensburg Waterfront Park, 601 Annapolis Rd., Bladensburg, MD, on Dec. 19; and at Heritage Marsh, near RFK in lot #6 on Jan. 16. Both tours run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn about common birds that call the Anacostia River their home. Develop basic birdwatching techniques. No previous experience is necessary. Expect to be walking on uneven surfaces for
64 H Hillrag.com
The Brent Elementary School PTA’s Fifth annual Christmas Tree and Holiday Sale takes place on Dec. 5 and Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is held on the Brent Elementary School Playground, 301 North Carolina Ave. SE. Tree delivery within Capitol Hill available for $15. Place orders at brentstore. org/collections/christmas-trees-wreaths-andpoinsettias.
Join the DC Resident Snow Team
This winter there are new penalties and fines for those who don’t shovel their sidewalks within the first eight hours of daylight after a snowfall. Serve DC is recruiting 2,500 volunteers for the DC Resident Snow Team. The team will help seniors and residents with disabilities shovel snow this winter. In anticipation of severe weather, Serve DC is hosting numerous orientations to coordinate location assignments and shovel distribution. Register at 202-727-7925 or serve.dc.gov/page/dc-residentsnow-team.
MLK Library Processes Passport Apps The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW, now accepts new passport applications on behalf of the US Department of State. The Library Passport Acceptance Center will be open
Tuesdays through Thursdays from 3 to 7 p.m.; and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For a $25 fee, the Library will process applications for both passports and passport cards that allow travel from US to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. The fee for the application is payable to the US Department of State by check or money order. In addition to the Library’s $25 processing fee, Passport Acceptance Center staff can take passport photos for an additional $15 fee. Library fees are payable to the DC Treasurer by check or money order. To have an application processed, customers need to bring a completed passport application form DS-11, proof of US citizenship and photo identification. To learn more, visit dclibrary.org/passports.
Ward 6 Dems Holiday Reception On Dec. 14 celebrate with community, neighbors and your local elected friends at the W6D Hoiiday Reception. Donations will benefit Jan’s Tutoring House mentoring neighborhood children for over 20 years and the W6D Community Outreach Program for 2016. Chesapeake Room, 501 8th Street SE, 5:30-8 p.m.
Keep Unsheltered Residents Safe DC’s hypothermia season runs from Nov. 1 to Mar. 31. An alert indicates unhoused residents have a right to shelter because of dangerously low temperatures. When (1) the temperature is predicted to fall to 32 degrees or below; or (2) the when temperature is expected to be 40 degrees or below along with a 50% chance of rain or snow. Capitol Hill Group Ministry suggests everyone to keep the Shelter Hotline number, 1-800-535-7252, in their cell phone. Call whenever you see an unhoused person in need of help.
Meet the Mormons’ New Chapel Come to an Open House on Dec. 12, 2015 to celebrate the newly completed Meeting House on Capitol Hill. 10-4 p.m. Free holiday festivities. Refreshments, holiday crafts, building tours. Carol sing-a-longs from 11:30-12. 2:30-3). 522 7th St. SE www.mormon.org.
SW AARP Holiday Luncheon The Southwest Waterfront AARP Chapter #4751 invites members, guests and friends to its Holiday Luncheon on Dec. 16 from noon to 3 p.m.
at Ft. McNair Officers’ Club, Fourth and P Streets SW. The venue is wheelchair accessible. Onsite parking is available and photo ID required. Luncheon is $30 per person. For more information, call event chair Evelyn Dorsey at 202-488-9685.
Save The Date: Capitol Hill Village’s Gala, February 27 The annual Capitol Hill Village Gala is moving to a new venue at Union Market, NE. As with earlier Galas, the evening will resound with great sounds for dancing and listening, a selection of hors d’oeuvre and sweets, and an abundant selection of attractive auction items—all to benefit the community nonprofit launched in 2007. The Gala will include a silent and live auction including an eclectic assortment of events, experiences, special invitations, and more. The event serves as the major annual fundraiser to support Capitol Hill Village’s expanding programs, new service initiatives, and ongoing awareness-raising about longevity and living on Capitol Hill. The night calls for festive dress, with black-tie optional. Individual reservations will cost $125.00 with a range of donor and sponsors levels from $1,000 to $11,000. Parking is free and plentiful. Watch for updates in the next Hill Rag or go to www. capitolhillvillage.org
3500 Thanksgiving Meals Delivered This Thanksgiving, Food & Friends delivered 3,500 complete holiday dinners to children and adults in the DC region facing HIV/AIDS, cancer
INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING WITH US? Call Kira Means 202-400-3508
or kira@hillrag.com for more information on advertising.
December 2015 H 65
and other life-challenging illnesses. On the three days leading up to the holiday, staff and volunteers prepared 7,860 pounds of turkey, 1,050 pounds of roasted potatoes, 975 pounds of cornbread stuffing, and 5,240 dinner rolls. Each Thanksgiving delivery fed five people, giving clients the opportunity to host dinner for friends and family. For more information, visit foodandfriends.org.
DC Jazz Festival Dates
I-395 Tunnel Lane Closures
DC Health Link Offers Vision
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has closed a single northbound lane in the I-395 Mall tunnel from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m., temporarily altering traffic patterns with single-lane closures (left or right) during the overnight hours for the next six months. These closures are necessary allow the installation of the Emergency Communications Systems in the Mall tunnel. This multi-phase project is expected to be completed by spring 2016, weather permitting.
After 33 Great Years, We Are Closing Our Doors! Congressional Title went out of business on October 30, 2015. We would like to thank all of our many customers and realtor partners.
66 H Hillrag.com
DC Health Benefit Exchange Authority is now providing its customers access to individual vision insurance plans through a partnership with Vision Service Plan. With this option, DC Health Link becomes one of a few state-based marketplaces to offer customers stand-alone vision plans. Read more at dchealthlink.com/beta-2016.
Free CPR Training
The 2016 Cherry Blossom Festival will be held from Mar. 20 to Apr. 17. The festival signature events are: Pink Tie Party fundraiser, Mar. 18; Opening Ceremony, Mar. 26; Family Day, Mar. 26; Blossom Kite Festival, Apr. 2; Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival, Apr. 9; National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, Apr. 16; and Sakura Matsuri—Japanese Street Festival, Apr. 16. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.
Mayor Bowser has launched a “Hands on Hearts” initiative to train 5,000 people in hands-only CPR; and in the use of automated external defibrillators (AED) by September 2016. Hands-only CPR is a technique that involves chest compression without artificial respiration. Studies indicate that handsonly CPR performed immediately increases a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival. According to the American Heart Association, sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death that mostly affects people in their homes. For information on how to sign up, visit fems.dc.gov.
DC Health Link Open Enrollment
Ford’s Theatre Partners with N Street Village
Cherry Blossom Festival Dates
CAPITOL HILL
The 2016 DC Jazz Festival dates will take place from June 10 to 19. The festival includes a June 13 return to the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. The event’s outdoor showcase on the Capitol Riverfront at Yards Park returns for the third year. Also, returning in 2016 is Jazz at Hamilton Live. For more information, visit dcjazzfest.org.
DC Health Link open enrollment ends Jan. 31, 2016. Read more at dchealthlink.com. Call customer service at 855-532-5465, weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Ford’s Theatre Society is fund raising in support of N Street Village, the largest provider of supportive services and housing for homeless and low-income women in DC. Dur-
ing the curtain calls for performances of A Christmas Carol, the company will collect donations for the non-profit. Patrons also can make donations through the Ford’s Theatre Box Office. All donation checks should be made payable to “N Street Village.” A Christmas Carol plays at Ford’s Theatre through Dec. 31. Founded in 1973, N Street Village is a community of empowerment and recovery for homeless and low-income women and families in Washington, DC. For more information, visit nstreetvillage.org.
Madame Tussauds Charity Drive Madame Tussauds DC hosts a food and electronics drive. Through Dec. 31, guests are invited to donate and receive a discount on admission. Guests donating non-perishable food items receive $5 off their individual admission. Guests donating small electronics, such as used mp3 players, receive $10 off their individual admission. For more information, visit www2.madametussauds.com/washington-dc/en/ news/news/spread-a-little-holiday-cheer.
Take the Green DC Challenge Join with other concerned citizens of our planet to make the individual lifestyle changes that collectively have a massive and sustainable impact on the environment. Their web-based service is unique in its approach to supporting each individual’s commitment to upgrade their lifestyle to one that reflects their values. dc.goinggreentoday. com/dc.
December 2015 H 67
17 Y ears
on
C apitol H i ll !
Daycare & Boarding Lots of human love and attention A pack of canine playmates Skilled Professional Handlers Indoor & Outdoor Play Areas 816 L Street, SE. WDC
202-543-7805
dogmail@dog-ma.com / www.dog-ma.com
68 H Hillrag.com
Heather Schoell Capitol Hill Real Estate
Weekly Residential Street Sweeping Ends Residential street sweeping ended on Oct. 30. “No Parking/Street Cleaning” restrictions are lifted and motorists may park on posted, alternateside, daytime sweeping routes without moving their cars on street-cleaning days. All other parking restrictions remain in effect. Residential street sweeping will resume on Mar. 1, 2016, weather permitting.
Annual Cheap Art Sale The 2015 Cheap Art Sale will be held on Dec. 12 from 1 to 5 p.m. at La Casa, 3166 Mt. Pleasant St. NW. This year’s sale benefits An Open Book Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting literacy among disadvantaged children in the area. Most of the art will be priced at $50 or less, and half of the proceeds from the sale will be donated. Participating artists include Bekka Barker, Ian Delaney Dougherty, Nico Fertakis, Tina Pell, Carol Petrucci, Alexandra Silverthorne, Cait Sherwood, Stephanie Vermillion, and photographers from the Smithsonian’s open darkroom. Drawings, paintings, prints, photographs, jewelry, ceramics, and needlepoint will be available for purchase. More information at anopenbookfound.org.
UDC Community College Campus Expands On Oct. 26, Mayor Bowser participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new wing
INVEST IN YOUR HEALTH
202-321-0874 heathersdc@gmail.com
WITH ALL NATURAL HERBS THAT HELP!
Visit www.iasotea.com • Enter Rep ID: 3459511 Today
Iaso Tea NRG
Chaga Nutra Burst
EMU Oil Gano
Please call Monique Waldron 202-905-8612 for additional information.
WIDE SHOE OUTLET Men’s and Women’s sizes up to 15 EE Brands: Naturalizer • Soft Spots Ros Hommerson • Propet Walking Cradles • Easy Street Slingshots are Back
I donate $500 of every sale to the Capitol Hill Community Foundation (capitolhillcommunityfoundation.org), to strengthen the fabric of our neighborhood.
When you work with me, you make a difference! We appreciated how Heather takes the time to get to know us and our needs. She worked relentlessly to find the perfect home for our family. ~ Tara C. Working with Heather was a breeze. She always anticipated all the questions that I had, making the process a walk in the park. ~ Jean Patrick Guichard Heather’s knowledge of the Hill and passion for local schools was a tremendous asset in our search for a family home. ~ Brian C.
A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC.
Marlow Heights Shopping Center 4123 Branch Ave. Marlow Heights, MD
301-702 1401 www.simplywide.com
Free Gift With Ad
I appreciate your referrals! 216 7th Street, SE Eastern Market Office (C) 202-321-0874 (O) 202-608-1882 x175 heathersdc@gmail.com heatherschoell.penfedrealty.com @HeatherSchoell Heather Schoell Real Estate
December 2015 H 69
Thomas Landscapes Over 20 Years of Experience
REDEFINING BEAUTY ONE CLIENT AT A TIME!
THANK YOU Capitol Hill for your Support
of the University of the District of Columbia Community College’s (UDC-CC) Bertie Backus Campus at 5171 South Dakota Ave. NE. The campus expansion will allow for more than 1,100 additional students, 13 additional classrooms and labs, expanded course offerings, and a business incubator space. .
Season’s Greetings and Best Wishes for a Healthy and Prosperous New Year!
Full-Service Landscape Design & Maintenance • • • • •
Installation, arbors, retaining walls, walkways, lighting, water features Patios, roof top gardens, townhomes, single family homes Trees & shrubs, formal & informal gardens Custom Masonry, Fencing and Iron work Restoration and Enhancement
Winter Garden Special Coupon
15% OFF
All Masonry and Fencing Projects. New Clients EXP 12/31/2015
DEREK THOMAS / PRINCIPAL Certified Professional Horticulturist Member of the MD Nursery and Landscape Association Member of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers
301.642.5182 | WWW.THOMASLANDSCAPES.COM
Opera Unmasked at MLK Library Interested in opera but don’t know where to start? Intimidated by unfamiliar languages and confusing plots? Let them demystify the genre with an accessible opera event. Learn about the composers, music, and storytelling that make opera a moving experience. Each screening will be accompanied by a brief introductory lecture courtesy of the Maryland Opera Studio. Opera Unmasked is on Saturdays at 2 p.m., Dec. 5, Jan. 2; Feb. 6; Mar. 5, Apr. 2; and May 7. MLK Library, 901 G St. NW. 202-727-0321. dclibrary.org/mlk.
Be Safe Around Power Lines Remember that electricity is a powerful and potentially deadly force and take appropriate safety measures. Avoid power lines when carrying long or tall items, such as ladders, scaffolding and tree saws. Electricity can move through conductive materials such as water, metal, wood, aluminum, strings and plastics. Find additional safety information and tips at pepco.com. Have an item for the Bulletin Board, email bulletinboard@hillrag.com. u
70 H Hillrag.com
December 2015 H 71
{capitol streets / in memoriam}
The Man in the Orange Hat Neighborhood Activist Will Hill: 1939–2015
J
ust after my election to ANC 6B in November of 1992, I contacted Will Hill, a longstanding commissioner,” recalls Peter Waldron. Hill invited Waldron for a Sunday night Orange Hat patrol. On the first frigid night of December at the height of the crack epidemic, dressing warmly, Waldron drove over to meet Will at his home near Barney Circle in what is now called Hill East. “The idea was to visit five or six crack houses to remind their inhabitants that there were community members committed to a safer neighborhood,” recalls Waldron. Hill had been organizing patrols since the late eighties. “Despite my illusions that our group would consist of a dozen, there were only three of us--myself, Will, and one other interested resident. In Will’s left breast pocket nestled his beloved Chihuahua safe against the bitter temperatures. We began our rounds with Will carrying one of those old, clunky cell phones,” says Waldron. “We passed by several crack houses stopping at each one. At one point, someone came out on the porch of one of the dwellings. He glared pretty fiercely at us. I just followed Will’s example and glared back. It was tense,” Waldron remembers. “What if there had been a problem?” Waldron asked Hill as they moved on. “Would you have dialed up the First District with that phone so they could rescue us?” “Oh, this old phone doesn’t work,” answered Hill with a shrug. At the end of our walk, Hill let the dog down to run for a few steps. “I noticed a tom cat, three times the size of the Chihuahua, stalking it for dinner. It was the only crime we managed to prevent that evening,” recalled Waldron. On Nov. 24, 2015, Hill passed away. He is survived by nieces Jacqueline Trabue and Sheila Callahan; brother-in-law Ron Trabue; nephews, Larry and Leroy (Dee) Hill III; cousins, Eleanor Frye and
72 H Hillrag.com
by Andrew Lightman
Will Hill getting ready to fight crime in the neighborhood on one of his Orange Hat Patrols. Photo: Andrew Lightman
graduating from George Washington Carver Regional High School in 1958. At the age of 14, Hill got his first job at a jewelry store. After graduation, he worked as a bell hop at the Lord Culpeper Hotel for several years. In 1960, Hill moved to the “big city,” Washington, DC. Initially, he worked as a stock clerk in a sporting goods store, and a messenger at a bank. A religious man, Will joined the National City Christian Church, where he served as a deacon and a greeter. He attended the American Institute of Banking from1962 to 1963. Later, he studied at Chamberlain Vocational School from 1964 to 1967. In 1968, Will founded “Will’s Printing Company,” which he ran on H Street NE for 10 years. The experience led to employment with the Capitol Hill Hospital’s print shop. He worked there until its closing in 1991. He spent the next decade working at the United States Senate.
Capitol Hill
Patsy Turner, ‘adopted son’ Robert Ganey; many grandnephews and grandnieces; as well as by his two beloved Chihuahuas, Poquita and Portia.
Early Years Wilbert (Will) Lafayette Hill was born on June 9, 1939 in Culpeper, VA, to the late Leroy O. Hill, Sr., and Minnie Blanche Hill. He had a brother, the late Leroy O. Hill, Jr. They grew up on a farm near Culpeper. Hill attended public schools,
Hill lived at a home at the corner of 14th and G Streets SE for over 43 years. He furnished his home with antiques and paintings. He lived with his mother to whom he was a faithful caregiver. “Will loved the fact that people were friendly and looked out for each other,” recalls Patsy Turner. Neighbors asked him to hold a spare key, water plants, care for pets during their travels, or receive and hold delivered packages. Some referred to him as “The Mayor of Capitol Hill.” Hill’s home was a gathering place for neighbors, friends and family. On New Year’s Day, he
C O R N E R S T O R E D E C E M B E R 900 SOUTH CAROLINA AVE SE WASHINGTON DC 20003 2
held an annual reception. “Will had a caring and giving heart for people. He believed and always said that one of the most valued treasures in life was good health, that friendship was a treasure and that he wanted to do a good deed for someone every day,” says Turner. “One day, sometime in the early 1990s, Will asked if I’d been to the new store that had just opened over in Maryland called Price Club,” recalls neighbor Marci Hilt. “When I said I hadn’t yet been there, Will described in great detail all the things I could buy and said he’d take me next time he went. True to his word, he picked me up for my first trip there promising he’d buy me dinner. Of course, Will was referring to all the free food samples that we could get at the store! Will thought this was a great joke. It was so Will. I will truly miss this fun, wonderful man,” says Hilt.
Community Activist After retiring in 2004, Hill made serving his beloved Capitol Hill community his new vocation. He became president of the neighborhood’s 2881 Chapter of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) for three years. He served as the first African American president of the Capitol Hill Garden Club. He was a member of the Capitol Hill Restoration Society working on the Potomac Metro Zoning Subcommittee and the Corrections Treatment Facility Community Advisory Board. He served a term as President of the North East/ South East Council of Big Brothers. For 21 years, Hill represented Barney Circle on Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6B. At various times, he served as its Vice Chair and chaired its Public Safety Committee. Will was one of the leaders of the fight to prevent Boys Town from locating a facility in Hill East. “When we walked around the neighborhood to talk to the neighbors about our concerns about the Boys Town project, Will was greeted by everyone by name. He was treated like a visiting celebrity or politician and he was obviously respected by everyone we met,” recalls fellow activist Ellen Opper-Weiner. “Although a commendable organization, the experience at the Boys Town facility at 4801
Sargent Rd., NE did not indicate it was appropriate for an inner city location with a high crime rate. After several lawsuits, one in which they sued Will, Father Flanagan’s troops withdrew,” recalls neighbor Ed Copenhaver. “Today we have Jenkins Row, Harris Teeter, and other appropriate retail operations.” “Will was a tenacious advocate for his neighborhood,” says former ANC 6B Commissioner Ken Jarboe, who served many years with Hill. Yet it was in the arena of public safety that Hill made his most significant contributions to Capitol Hill. In the Eighties, Hill joined with neighbors to form the first Orange Hat patrols during the District’s crack epidemic. During the first experiments in community policing, he helped to organize Beat 31, now PSA 108. For three decades, he was a member of the First District’s Citizen Advisory Council serving three terms as its president.. “Will’s level of dedication and love of community was laudable. This commitment is rare to see. Will was the embodiment of service above self,” writes Neil Glick, a former ANC 6B commissioner who served with Hill. In 2001, the Capitol Hill Community Foundation recognized Hill’s contributions to the community by making him the recipient of its prestigious Capitol Hill Community Achievement Award. “Will Hill showed a commitment and love of his neighborhood that will be sorely missed. Will was a fighter for his community, but always had a smile for his neighbor. His approach and style to tackling tough issues and disagreements is one that we should all learn from. Our city, and especially Capitol Hill, will miss him dearly,” states Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen. “Will Hill was determined to remove crime from our lives. For more than fifteen treacherous years on Sunday evenings, rain or shine, in freezing or blazing temperatures, without fail, this gentle soul led the Orange Hat patrols. And, he prevailed. His efforts opened the gates to a safer community,” said Waldron. “He made a difference.” So when you are out enjoying our present day walkable-liveable Capitol Hill, take a moment to thank Will Hill, “The Man in the Orange Hat.” u
0
2
.
5
4
4
.
5
8
0
7
Wednesday December 9th at 7 PM Open Mic Storytellers You're invited to tell a true story within the very broad theme of "A Memorable Gift". Limit your tale to 7 minutes, and enjoy some stage time. Space limited to the first 10, with sign in at 6:45, day of the event.
$15 Donation includes refreshments
Saturday December 12th Gallery Opening 6 to 9 PM Collaged Paintings by Jan Kern Gallery Talk at 7:30. Show continues Dec. 13 - 24, and Jan. 4 - 9. Gallery hours are Thursday and Friday from noon until 5 pm, or by appointment. Kern’s collaged paintings are striking for their dramatic color interplay, strong design, and rich mix of global influences. JanKernArt.com
Friday December 18th & Saturday December 19th at 8 PM Holiday Concerts Vox Pulchra VOX PULCHRA was formed in 2008 by a group of 10 women who have sung together for years in the 100-voice auditioned community chorus, The Capitol Hill Chorale. The members of Vox Pulchra joined together for the sheer joy of performing beautiful music in a small ensemble.
TICKETS: $25 Donation with RSVP
Monday December 14th at 7 PM The Coil Project's First-Ever Public Writing Challenge Showcase! We've taken four playwrights and assigned each of them to write a ten-minute play. The catch? They're writing from a set of three restrictions assigned by our resident playwright (ie: she drew them out of a hat). A Western about knitting? An after-school special about gardening? Sure, why not? The catchier catch? This is the first time these plays are being seen or heard by anyone. You, the audience, will see it at the same time as our actors. You get to see how quickly we can think on our feet; we get to see if we can do this without laughing. Bring it on.
$10 Donation
Sunday December 20th at 5 PM Concert- Ocean Quartet SONG OF SOLSTICE A Celtic Winter Celebration “Nothing short of spellbinding…”- The Washington Post “Tis the gateway of the Year…Shortest day and darkest hour…” So come on out and celebrate the magic of the Winter Solstice in cozy fellowship on December 20th, when OCEAN Celtic Quartet returns to the Corner Store to celebrate Yuletide. ‘Tis the gateway of the year; Shortest day and darkest hour; Praises as our newborn Sun Journeys back to its full power, Raise the song of Solstice high, Through the wind and weather; Welcome Yule with frost and fire And sing we all together! TICKETS: $20 Advance Donation, $25 Walk-in
Live music links, updates, and all event details on the events page of
CORNERSTOREARTS.ORG Connecting neighbors through the arts since 2001 December 2015 H 73
{capitol streets / in memoriam}
Michael Fry, 1951–2015 Capitol Hill Loses a Friend by Karen Lyon
I
f you visited Mr. Henry’s at any point in the past three decades, chances are you met manager Michael Fry. With his fly-away sandy hair, button-down plaid shirts, and that habit of peering at you puckishly over the top of his glasses, he was always a welcome— and welcoming—sight. Michael died quietly of cancer at his home on November 25. He was 64. As his long-time friend Tom Faison said, “He wanted to die in as undramatic a fashion as he lived, in a humble and selfless way. Quietly doing for others, expecting nothing in return.” He leaves behind a brother, William Fry, a sister, Mary Patricia, both of Chevy Chase, Maryland, many nieces and nephews, a cat named Scooter, and a community of grieving friends. Mike had a huge family of regulars who came in to Mr. Henry’s just to trade jibes with him. He remembered everything about them— their kids’ names, their health problems, their birthdays—and he loved teasing them and making them feel special. Sometimes he did nice things for them that they never even knew about. He enjoyed doing genealogical research and, once he’d exhausted his own family tree, he would surprise friends with documents and photographs of long-lost relatives. He knew that Ed McManus collected antique spoon molds and Statue of Liberty models, and he would trawl the Internet looking for them. He just couldn’t do enough for people. “Michael has touched so many of our lives,” said Terry Michael, who had lunch at Mr. Henry’s every day. Tourists lucky enough to stumble across Mr. Henry’s also got a dose of Mike’s special touch. He would draw them out, provide them with sightseeing suggestions, and make them feel at home. There are people from all over the world who no doubt have a warm feeling about Washington, D.C., because of this guy in a little bar on Capitol Hill who seemed to care that they had a good time and that they left with a smile on their face. Michael grew up in Chevy Chase and, after a brief sojourn in Florida, settled in DC and went
74 H Hillrag.com
to work at Mr. Henry’s in 1980the late 70s. In summer of 2014, Alvin Ross retired and new management took over who had a different vision for Mr. Henry’s. andSo, after 35 years of faithful service, Michael was let go. In October, the cancer he had successfully battled the previous year returned. By November, he was in hospice care. A steady stream of friends visited him at his home, people who wanted to see him one last time and perhaps try to repay all the little kindnesses he’d extended to them over the years. Tom checked in several times a day. The kitchen staff from Mr. Henry’s made frequent stops. Ed delivered homemade ham biscuits. Ann Bradley and Caroline Shook brought his favorite egg salad sandwich and a folder of photos from trips he had taken with them to Paris and Venice. Michael meant a lot to many people and in
some ways, he epitomized the friendly “old” Capitol Hill before it became a changing neighborhood of new businesses and fresh young faces. But, as Tom notes, “Michael was incapable of holding a grudge.,” says Tom. “ Henry’s was, after all, the common denominator in most of his friendships, and to so many of those friends, Henry’s was just an excuse to stop by for a smile, a friendly jab, even a free beer now and then, compliments of Michael Fry.” A few days before he died, he was slipping in and out of consciousness when the phone rang. It was his friend Terry, calling to see how he was doing. The hospice worker wrangled the phone to Mike’s ear. Muddled with pain medication, he reverted to the greeting he’d known best for most of his life: “Mr. Henry’s Capitol Hill.” u
December 2015 H 75
{capitol streets / the numbers}
D
ealing with DC’s affordable housing crisis is like trying to run up a down escalator. While the city is making great strides to build new low-cost housing, powerful market forces are pushing up rents and home prices elsewhere, making it hard just to stay even. Each year it feels like we lose more than we gain. No wonder a growing number of DC residents see housing as the city’s top challenge, according to a new Washington Post poll, and a majority of black residents see development as bad for them. But the crisis isn’t just about a growing population and rising rents. To make matters worse, a lot of currently affordable housing could soon be lost. That includes buildings with federal subsidies where landlords want to get out and convert to luxury housing, like Museum Square in Chinatown. DC’s leaders were blindsided by the possibility that these residents, including a large share of the neighborhood’s remaining families of Chinese ancestry, would have to
76 H Hillrag.com
The Numbers
DC Can’t Afford to Lose the Low-Cost Housing It Has Left By Claire Zippel move out of the community where they’ve lived for years. But it should not be hard to see where development is coming. The District needs to be prepared to act quickly when affordable buildings are at risk, and make investments to keep them low-cost. Preserving what we have is far cheaper than trying to build new affordable housing in communities where the market has taken over. The District has a lot of resources to preserve affordable housing. It’s time to use them aggressively.
Why We Need to Preserve Affordable Housing DC’s housing costs are rising faster than incomes for almost everyone. The impacts are harshest on lowand moderate-income families, who
have watched as half of the city’s lowcost housing disappeared in the last decade. The lack of housing that residents can afford is holding the District back. When most of a family’s income goes to pay the rent, there’s less to spend on necessities like food and transportation. Unstable housing and financial stress affect how well kids do in school. High housing costs mean residents have less money to spend at local businesses, and that businesses have to rely on workers who live farther and farther from their jobs, Two trends could soon make DC’s affordable housing crunch much worse. First, much of the city’s low-cost housing has federal subsidies that keep rents low. But these subsidies don’t last forever – they expire unless the building owner de-
cides to renew them. When a subsidy expires, entire buildings of low-cost apartments can be lost. Situations like Museum Square will keep happening unless the city is aware ahead of time when a building is at risk, and is ready to intervene with solutions to keep the building affordable. Second, development that is happening across the District – much of it managed by the city in some way – will push housing prices up in surrounding neighborhoods. Development at McMillan Reservoir, Walter Reed, Union Market, and the 11th Street Bridge Park threaten to accelerate the loss of lowcost housing. A family displaced from an affordable apartment will have a lot of trouble finding another one, even if they get a voucher that helps pay the rent at another apartment when they leave, as sometimes happens. Those vouchers are not always easy to use, and in any case a family is uprooted from its community. Families could end up spending half or more of their
Additions & Basement Experts BUFFALO COMPANY, LLC www.buffalocompanyusa.com For all your Construction Needs ADDITIONS income on rent, or in the worst case end up living somewhere unsafe or become homeless.
Preserving Affordable Housing Is a Good Deal The best way to tackle DC’s affordable housing crisis is not to lose what we have. It’s simply cheaper to keep the affordable housing we have than to start over and rebuild what we’ve lost. Investments that keep existing affordable housing affordable can cost half what it takes to build new affordable housing, according to the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. In some cases the District has already helped pay to build the affordable housing that’s now at risk, so adding a bit more funds can keep our initial investment working. The city can get a lot of bang for its buck by preserving federally subsidized buildings like Museum Square. A bit of local money – for renovations or loans to financially struggling buildings when owners agree to renew the subsidy – can keep the federal housing dollars flowing.
DC’s Tools to Preserve Affordable Housing The District has great tools to preserve affordable housing, though there’s more to do. • Helping Tenants Own Their Buildings. Tenants get the first crack at purchasing their building when it’s put up for sale. Over 1,400 units of affordable housing have been preserved when tenants bought their buildings with financial and technical assistance from nonprofits and the city. However, not all tenants can or want to buy their building. • Building or Rehabbing Housing. DC’s Housing Production Trust Fund provides loans and grants for preserving and building new affordable housing. This year the city invested a record $100 million in the Trust Fund, which will support 1,000 affordable homes. But that’s not a lot to go around to both preserve at-risk affordable units and build new ones. • Stepping in to Buy Affordable Buildings. The District has the authority to offer to buy certain rental buildings – with belowaverage rents – when an owner is ready
to sell. The District’s option to purchase could be a great way to step in before affordable housing is lost, but we haven’t used it yet. Not once.
RENOVATIONS REMODELING
What DC Should Do Now to Preserve Affordable Housing Every day that the District fails to implement a strategy to preserve affordable housing, it risks getting further behind. So what will it take? First, DC housing agencies need a coordinated tracking system for affordable buildings at risk – like those with expiring federal subsidies – so the District can foresee crises like Museum Square and intervene early on. Second, the Bowser administration needs to finish writing rules, in progress for over five years, to allow the District to buy apartment buildings. We can’t afford to wait. In fast-growing neighborhoods like Columbia Heights the redevelopment potential of low-cost rental buildings will soon push sales prices above what the District can match. Third, our leaders need a plan to preserve affordable housing when a big redevelopment or revitalization project is coming, like Walter Reed, McMillan, or Union Market. The 11th Street Bridge project completed such a plan, aimed at ensuring that new development benefits, not displaces, longtime residents. Fourth, the city needs to continue investing in tools like the Housing Production Trust Fund to ensure resources to preserve and create the affordable housing. Finally, the District should require all the new affordable housing it helps develop to stay affordable – for the life of the building or permanently with the use of the land. Part of the reason we are in a mess today is that too many programs keep buildings affordable for too short a time, like 10 or 20 years. By working quickly and thinking ahead, we can stem the loss of low-cost housing and ensure DC remains an economically diverse and inclusive city.
KITCHENS INTERIORS Over 10 Years of Experience
REHAB
Craftsmanship Custom Made Cabinets & Furniture References Available
703-786-3863
202-758-3396 (fax) cemohome@yahoo.com licensed • insured Owned & Operated by a Capitol Hill Resident
Claire Zippel is a policy associate at the DC Fiscal Policy Institute (www.dcfpi.org). DCFPI promotes budget and policy solutions to reduce poverty and inequality in the District of Columbia and to increase opportunities for residents to build a better future. u
December 2015 H 77
{capitol streets / our river}
Charles Allen’s Vision Our River the Anacostia
A
nyone who was around when the Anacostia Waterfront Initiative Master Plan was developed in 2000 would surely be impressed with what has been accomplished in the past 15 years. The Yards Park, Canal Park, the new trails on the east side of the river, the baseball stadium, streams like Watts Branch restored and set into parklands – the list goes on. Like all such undertakings, some things are great, some are slow, and some never seem to go anywhere. To keep things on track there must be a vision and someone in charge of reminding everyone what it is, how their efforts fit into it, and, frankly, how it sometimes must change over time. The District produced a 132-page framework plan in 2003 that said, “Change along the Anacostia is necessary and inevitable; the opportunity is to shape it.” The plan set out the goal of “an Anacostia Corridor as the center of 21st-century Washington.” Lots of broad and overlapping goals were included, focusing on cleaning up and getting out on the river, and investing in housing and Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen on the Anacostia. Photo: Office of Charles Allen
78 H Hillrag.com
By Bill Matuszeski the economy in the areas adjacent. In 2007 the DC Council abolished the Anacostia Waterfront Corporation and the National Capitol Revitalization Corporation and assigned their duties to the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development. A 52-page, 10-year progress report issued in 2010 noted the projects completed or underway and called for better coordination, especially with federal agencies. That’s where things stood until this fall, when Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen called for hearings on a strategy for economic development along the river. Allen had observed that, while in most cases District support was evident on a project-by-project basis, there seemed to be little effort from the deputy mayor’s office to deal with questions such as, “What is the vision and how do you lead investment there consistent with the framework plan?” He noted as an example that “no one had been assigned to deal with the whole range of issues with community boathouses, and accommodation of powerboats, sailing craft and self-powered boats. This despite the fact that there were chang-
es occurring on the River,” such as the closing of the Buzzard Point boathouse by the National Park Service and the reconfiguration of the marinas at the nearby “Wharf” project to favor powerboats. The hearing, held on Oct. 26, was well-attended with 37 witnesses signed up. While many represented relatively narrow interests in the waterfront and adjacent areas, a few impressed Allen with their broad understanding of what was going on, and reinforced his desire to have the District play a stronger role in fitting the pieces together. The deputy mayor himself, Brian Kenner, was a witness and recognized the need to do more to integrate the work of his employees and connect the teams to those investing in the river. The issues and projects along the River are in constant change, but at any time a few are getting attention. For Allen, these currently include the future of Reservation 13, site of the old DC General Hospital and the DC Jail, the former used until recently as a major homeless shelter; and the conflicts over what should be done with the parking lots at RFK Stadium. Whatever becomes of Reservation 13, Allen believes the future needs to take into account that “it backs up to the Anacostia, which is more and more an asset to the neighborhood”. The issues at RFK are more complex. The Mayor hopes to build a new stadium for professional football; that means lots of parking for tailgate parties. The neighbors want to tear up the parking lots for more recreation space. And the environmental community wants something done to deal with the vast acreage of asphalt now draining directly into the River. Allen thinks that whether or not there is a new stadium the decision and the associated construction is likely to consume 10 years; ”meanwhile, we should remove the asphalt and expand the existing recreation areas; even if there is eventually a stadium, the parking lots can be permeable surfaces with rain gardens and other modern means to handle the runoff.” .Allen’s view of all this encompasses a range of other issues of significance not even on the
District’s radar screen. “Do you know about our fireboat?” he asks. “It is one we purchased from New York City when they declared it was at the end of its useful life in 1977, the year I was born.” It is still our only fireboat, and each year we have more and more boats on the river and the Washington Channel. It has just been repaired and is said to be good for five more years, but there is no plan to replace it. Even farther afield, Allen has learned that Maryland is making plans to replace the Harry Nice Bridge over the Potomac River, where US 301 crosses on its way to Richmond. Quite far away, but the decisions Maryland is making about boat clearances and other design factors could determine what will be able to appear on the Anacostia in the future. “Are we thinking about that?” Simply keeping track of all these issues is a major effort. Allen finds himself asking the deputy mayor, “How are you organized? We need a process; we need to put the staff to work in teams to deal with some of these issues. And we need to open up the process to the press and the public. Otherwise the pieces don’t fit and the opportunity to carry out a vision we have defined for the Anacostia is lost.” Makes sense to me. Bill Matuszeski writes monthly about the Anacostia River. He is the retired director of the Chesapeake Bay Program, DC vicechair of the Citizens Advisory Committee on the Anacostia River, and a member of the Mayor’s Leadership Council for a Cleaner Anacostia River. u
December 2015 H 79
{capitol streets / south by west}
South by West article and photos by William Rich ‘Build First’ Model at Greenleaf Gaining Steam The Near SE/SW Community Benefits Coordinating Council (CBCC), along with other neighborhood groups, has been working for months on how to implement a “build first” strategy for Greenleaf Gardens to avoid displacing residents from Southwest while the public housing complex is redeveloped over the next several years. In previous cases across the city where public housing complexes were redeveloped, current residents were given vouchers or moved to other areas of the city. Once the new housing was built, some of the residents who met eligibility standards were allowed to return. In the case of Capper Carrollsburg in the Navy Yard, which was redeveloped through the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Hope VI program, it’s been about a decade since the old buildings were demolished. Many former residents remain displaced, owing to the extended construction timelines of replacement housing and eligibility limitations. In contrast, a build first model allows vacant areas of a public housing complex or other parcels in the vicinity to be redeveloped first so residents can stay in the community during the process. Many believe build first is the only way to avoid permanent displacement, but it is typically difficult to implement since there usually isn’t enough land available or the political will to do it. Build first can be implemented at Greenleaf since there is sufficient
The DC Housing Authority is planning to redevelop Greenleaf Gardens into a mixed-income community.
80 H Hillrag.com
land available and also community activism. This is the first time public officials have put themselves on record in support of seeing it realized.
There’s Plenty of Land in Southwest Built more than 50 ears ago, Greenleaf stretches 15 acres across several city blocks on either side of M Street and includes 493 public housing units in 23 buildings. Most of the units are two-bedroom apartments, Unity’s clinic on I Street SW has been identified as a potential site and the mix ranges from one-bedto build a mixed-income seniors housing/health center complex. room up to six-bedroom units. One would be available to fully renovate the building of the components of Greenleaf is a seniors buildand allow dental services to return to the clinic, ing on Delaware Avenue and M Street. Displaceas well as offer the potential for additional servicment would be more of a hardship to this populaes. This proposal has been introduced and supporttion, so the focus of CBCC has been on finding one ed by the CBCC in order to avoid displacement or more sites for a mixed-income seniors building. of Greenleaf residents, including the seniors. As Unity’s Southwest Health Center at Delaware AveCBCC Vice Chair Fredrica Kramer said, “Having nue and I Street has been identified as a potential easy access – health services by elevator, to a greatly location for such a complex, combining health serexpanded clientele would be a mutual win for the vices and mixed-income seniors housing. While the housing authority, the community’s larger-than-citythree-story building is a historic landmark, there is average senior population, and the current primary the potential to build residential above and on land healthcare provider.” adjacent to the clinic. Unity leases the building from the District government and does not have the funds to mainPolitical Support tain the building. The elevator no longer works and Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6D would be expensive to repair, so Unity has decidin October voted unanimously in favor of the ed to do a minor ren“Resolution in Support of Avoiding the Displaceovation of the facility ment of Public Housing Residents During the Reby moving all servicdevelopment of Public Housing Buildings in the es to the first floor. As Southwest Neighborhood,” sponsored by 6D 03 a result, the health Commissioner Rachel Reilly Carroll. It supports center will lose dena build first model for Greenleaf’s redevelopment. tal services once renThe resolution urges the DC Housing Authority ovations are complet(DCHA), the DC Council, and the Office of the ed in 2016. If the site Mayor to form an interagency working group withis redeveloped as a in the next 30 days to evaluate the feasibility of exhealth center/mixedecuting a build first strategy using one or more of income, seniors housthe 21 publicly owned parcels in Southwest idening complex as a part tified during the Office of Planning’s recent Southof Greenleaf’s redewest Neighborhood Plan process. The ANC would velopment, funds like at least one commissioner to serve on the in-
Dave Lloyd & Associates 703-593-3204
www.davelloyd.net davidlloyd@realtor.com Enthusiastically serving clients on both sides of the river. Arlington N. $1,200,000
teragency working group, and to report on its progress and findings at least once a month to the Greenleaf Neighborhood Advisory Group until redevelopment commences. Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen has expressed strong support. Allen introduced a sense-of-the-Council resolution in October supporting a build first model for Greenleaf. The resolution states in part that “Greenleaf and the surrounding Southwest community share significant concerns regarding potential displacement of current Greenleaf public housing residents as part of the DCHA future redevelopment. The Office of Planning, as part of its extensive small area plan process, recognized these concerns and included recommendations in its Southwest Neighborhood Plan, which was approved by the Council of the District of Columbia on July 14, 2015.”
Greenleaf Redevelopment Plan A public meeting was held on Oct. 24 by DCHA, master planner Perkins Eastman, and consultant HR&A Advisors to discuss the redevelopment of Greenleaf. Over 100 people attended the meeting at Westminster Presbyterian Church, including many Greenleaf residents, other residents of the Southwest community, and public officials. Many of the attendees expressed their desire for DCHA to implement a build first model for Greenleaf. At the meeting five design principles were discussed that will be used in the redevelopment of Greenleaf: 1. Use a mix of tall and low buildings. 2. Create a well-defined public green space. 3. Use trees to beautify, help make place, and create a healthier living environment. 4. Connect the new Green-
leaf to other areas of the city. 5. All new construction must first and foremost be exemplary urban architecture. The October meeting was the first chance for the greater Southwest community to get involved in the redevelopment process, but Greenleaf residents have been engaged over the past year or so. According to the HR&A presentation, the redevelopment plan will be created over the next six to nine months with two additional community meetings planned in the interim. The final plan is expected to be completed sometime in mid-2016. After that an RFP will be released, which will take another six to nine months to receive responses, get community input, and select a winning developer. Then developer negotiations will take a year to 18 months to complete, but design and permitting can be done concurrently. After that construction can begin on the first phases, which can take two to three years to complete. Other phases will be completed depending on market conditions.
A Model for the District The redevelopment of Greenleaf as a mixed-income community should be possible without displacing current residents. Implementing a build first model, starting with a health center/ mixed-income, seniors housing complex at the Unity site, would be a winwin for the community – expanded health services in a modern facility and the opportunity for seniors of all income levels to “age in place” with easy access to medical care. This could serve as a model for the District, and perhaps the nation, as aging public housing complexes are razed in favor of mixed-income communities. William Rich is a blogger at “Southwest … The Little Quadrant That Could” (www.swtlqtc.com). u
Nicely remodeled and expanded 5 bedroom, 3 bath home in Country Club Estates offering 4,350 sqft. of space, a spectacular open concept kitchen, dining and family room addition,master with high-end bath ensuite, a to-die-for screened-in porch, extensive sun-deck, a finished attic loft media room and a two car garage too!
Arlington S. $869,900
Gorgeous 2002 built Craftsman inspired home offering 3,776 base sqft, 3 BR’S plus guest room, 3 full BA’S, Top Chef worthy island kitchen/family room, master w/sitting room, FP & spa bath, finished LL w/ “Super Bowl” party rec room & 2 car garage. Stellar locale just minutes from The Pentagon, Ft. Myer, Shirlington & 395.
Falls Church $815,000
Fabulous water views from this 5BR, 3 bath contemporary on a spectacular 12,820 sqft. lot in Lake Barcroft. Enjoy an open and airy floor plan, walls of glass, master with bath ensuite, a reconfigured granite kitchen opening to multiple patios, 2 FP’S, and just steps from the beach!
Arlington S. $749,900
Opportunity is banging! Extremely spacious three level brick home offering 7 bedrooms, 4 full baths, multiple separate entrances and very flexible floor plan. House is zoned R-27 and also includes the land parcel behind. Conveneint locale close to 395, The Pike and Shirlington Village.
Arlington N. $359,900
Shop, live and play-no car required. This 2 bedroom/ 1 bath condo in Georgetown Vista offers 749 sqft. of space, refinished hardwoods, fresh paint, updated bath, a lovely landscaped courtyard setting and spectacular views of Georgetown from your balcony. Two blocks from Rosslyn Metro.
Arlington S. $295,900
Updated & remodeled 2BR/1BA condo just around the corner from Shirlington Village and just steps to community pool. This unit offer hardwood floors, living room w/FP, new carpet in both BR’S, an in-unit W/D, and a balcony for outdoor enjoyment.
Arlington N. $149,900
Light & bright studio in the ultra convenient River Place co-op! Enjoy efficient living w/a myriad of amenities @ your fingertips. In the heart of Rosslyn just 1.5 blocks from Metro, easy stroll to Key Bridge, Iwo Jima, Freedom Park, bike trails & shopping, dining & entertainment.
Weichert, Realtors.
4701 Old Dominion Drive • Arlington, VA 22207
CALL, EMAIL OR TEXT WEICHERT REALTORS ARLINGTON OFFICE #1 AGENT TODAY December 2015 H 81
{capitol streets / anc news}
ANC 6A Report by Elizabeth Nelson
A
NC Chair Phil Toomajian called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. with Commissioners Matt Levy, Omar Mahmud, Patrick Malone, Calvin Ward, and Stephanie Zimny in attendance. Commissioners Sondra Phillips-Gilbert and Chris Ward were absent.
Report from Executive Office of the Mayor Seth Shapiro, the Ward 6 Liaison, reported that the mayor and DC councilmembers are considering additional legislation as part of the mayor’s safety plan (details at mayor.dc.gov/page/saferstronger). Ideas under consideration include financial incentives for individuals and businesses installing security cameras on private property, support for nonprofits providing services geared toward decreasing crime, and replacing police officers working at desk jobs with civilians to enable the officers to patrol the streets. A plan to increase police retention and decrease retirements is also under consideration. These proposals entail financial considerations yet to be determined.
Presentation by DPW Christopher Shorter, director of the Department of Public Works (DPW), attended with several members of his staff. He detailed the services that DPW provides, including solid waste management (trash collection, recycling, leaf collection) and parking enforcement. The agency is also responsible for enforcement of snow removal requirements and illegal dumping laws. The commissioners and many residents cited examples of problems with parking enforcement. Commissioner Mahmud said that pa-
82 H Hillrag.com
trols on H Street were generally effective, though residents of a private alley were often ticketed in error, but that enforcement was inadequate on the blocks just north and south. Zimny added that many cars with out-of-state tags are not being ticketed even though they have been parked for a long time. Shorter agreed to look into these issues. Ward reported a problem with frequent illegal dumping of household goods and furniture on a lot near his home. Shorter responded that, as troubling as that may be, the agency is more concerned with the larger problem of illegal dumping of construction materials. Residents can make reports by calling 311. Although the culprits are unlikely to be caught, DPW will remove the trash. Leaf collection is underway. Residents should rake leaves into the tree boxes for pickup. Bags are not needed, but if they are used it is important that they be paper not plastic, as the leaves are composted. There will be a second sweep in a few weeks, and DPW will distribute door-knockers to alert residents.
Alcohol Beverage Licensing Committee The owner of The Pursuit Wine Bar (1421 H Street NE) has applied for a change from a restaurant to a tavern license, saying that he has been unable to meet the minimum food sales requirement for a restaurant license. He said that he would commit to maintaining the same business model he currently has, which does include food sales. In the past the ANC has preferred that H Street businesses operate as restaurants rather than taverns to avoid an overconcentration of bars. Commissioners voted 4-0-2 to take no action in response to the request. The commissioners voted unanimously to protest the request by Ocopa (1324 H Street NE) for an entertainment endorsement. The protest will be withdrawn when Ocopa submits plans that satisfy concerns of the ANC 6A Alcohol Beverage Licensing Committee.
Transportation and Public Space Committee The commissioners voted unanimously to send a letter of support for the following elements of the Rappaport Company’s application to the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) Public Space Committee regarding their project at 901 H St. NE: • Close the curb cut at Ninth Street and replace it with a residential drop-off/pick-up zone. • Widen the curb cuts for the alley behind the property to conform with the alley’s increased width. • Use special pavers at the corner of Eighth and H streets. • Place cantilevered awnings that will not obstruct pedestrian traffic at the two residential entrances. • Include a cafe zone on the Eighth Street side of the property that will provide at least six feet of space between the bus shelter and the cafe and will also provide a buffer between the cafe and neighboring properties to the south. • Create a valet parking zone on the H Street side of the property. Approval was contingent on the presentation of an adequate security plan for controlling the property throughout demolition and construction. Rappa-
ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 6A PHIL TOOMAJIAN, CHAIR, PHILANC6A@GMAIL.COM Serving the Near Northeast, North Lincoln Park, Rosedale, and Stanton Park communities port has committed to complete fencing of the parcel along the property lines, including a locking gate. Neighbors had requested the installation of security cameras, which will not be provided at this time, though the decision will be revisited if problems arise. Landscaping plans have been posted on the homepage at www.anc6a.org. In a related matter the ANC voted unanimously to send a letter of support to DDOT for a proposal to move three parking spaces on the east side of the 700 block of 10th Street NE to the west side of the street (in place of current curb cuts) in order to accommodate truck turning, and strongly recommending that the spaces should remain as currently designated: two for residents and one metered. The commissioners gave unanimous support for a traffic-calming study on the 1200 and 1300 blocks of Constitution Avenue NE. DDOT will also be asked to assess the intersection at 13th Street, Tennessee Avenue, and Constitution Avenue NE. The intersection is confusing and dangerous. This is of particular concern as Maury Elementary is located there. The commissioners also considered a proposal from DDOT for new Lincoln Park bike lane plans with the exception of the contraflow lane on the 100 block of 11th Street NE. The ANC 6A Transportation and Public Space (T&PS) Committee recommended that DDOT examine alternatives. DDOT representatives attended the October T&PS Committee meeting where these concerns were first raised and have already agreed to the suggested modification. The ANC voted unanimously to support the plan.
Economic Development and Zoning Actions The ANC accepted the resignation of Dan Golden as co-chair of the ANC 6A Economic Development and Zoning (ED&Z) Committee and the nomination of Brad Greenfield as the new chair. The owners of 134 11th St. NE are seeking a special exception from the lot occupancy requirements to
construct a garage with a rooftop deck (BZA 19108) and have requested ANC support for their request to the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA). Many neighbors across the alley object to the rooftop deck component, believing that it will increase noise and decrease privacy, is inappropriate for the location, and sets an unfortunate precedent. The commissioners were divided, with Zimny, Malone, and Levy in support of the deck; Toomajian and Mahmud opposed, and Ward abstaining. The ANC will write a letter of support on condition that the parapet wall height is raised to 15 feet and a green roof is included in the design, setting the roof deck back at least seven feet from the alley and making that portion of the roof impassable. In a related matter the commissioners unanimously approved a letter to the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) supporting the design of the garage itself (HPA 15633), provided that additional detail is added to the brick facade above the garage door. The ANC voted unanimously to write a letter to HPRB in support of historic landmark status for the Lexington Apartments building at 1114 F St. NE (HLA 15-19).
Other Business Levy reported on a well-attended single-member-district meeting. Crime and rat-abatement were on the agenda as was the Department of Parks and Recreation’s draft plan to alter the landscaping in the triangle park bounded by 15th Street, Constitution Avenue, and North Carolina Avenue NE. Levy noted that his constituents favor modest improvements to the landscaping but are concerned that major changes would affect the use of the park and potentially damage the trees. Minutes from the meeting will be posted to the website. Toomajian described steps that residents can take to reduce their likelihood of being victims of crime. He recommended that pedestrians keep electronic devices out of sight, as cell phone snatching is one of the most common
ANC 6A generally meets the second Thursday of the month, at Miner Elementary School, 601 15th Street, NE.
www.anc6a.org Next ANC 6A meeting is 2nd Thursday, Dec. 10th 7 p.m, Miner E.S., 601 15th St. NE Alcohol Beverage Licensing Committee - Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2015 7pm at Sherwood Recreation Center • 640 10th St., NE Jay Williams - Co-Chair (906-0657) / Christopher Seagle - Co-Chair
Transportation & Public Space Committee - Monday, Dec. 21, 2015 7pm at Capitol Hill Towers Community Room • 900 G St., NE J. Omar Mahmud - Co-Chair (594-9848) / Todd Sloves - Co-Chair
Economic Development & Zoning Committee - Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015 7pm at Sherwood Recreation Center • 640 10th St., NE Andrew Hysell - Co-Chair / Brad Greenfield - Co-Chair
Community Outreach Committee - Monday, Dec. 28, 2015 NOW HELD EVERY 4TH MONDAY OF THE MONTH
7pm at Maury Elementary School • 1250 Constitution Ave., NE Multi-purpose Room (enter from 200 Block of 13 Street) Dana Wyckoff - Co-Chair (571-213-1630) / Raphael Marshall - Co-Chair
Please check the Community Calendar on the website for cancellations and changes of venue.
THE CAPITOL HILL RESTORATION SOCIETY
a wonderful WISHES YOU
HOLIDAY SEASON! Tax deductible contributions may be made online or sent to P.O. Box 15264 Washington, DC 20003-0264
Capitol Hill is a special place. We promote, preserve, and enhance the character of our historic neighborhoods.
Join Us Today at 202-543-0425 info@chrs.org; www.chrs.org; @CHRSDC December 2015 H 83
crimes. Residents should also keep doors and security gates locked even when they are in the home.
Announcements Naomi Mitchell of Councilmember Charles Allen’s office announced that the Brickie Awards will be held in the Eastern Market North Hall on Wednesday, Dec. 7. She encouraged residents to make nominations and to attend the event. ANC 6A meets on the second Thursday of every month (except August) at Miner Elementary School. The 6A committees meet at 7 p.m. on the following dates: Alcohol Beverage Licensing, third Tuesday of each month, Sherwood Recreation Center. Community Outreach, fourth Monday of each month, Maury Elementary School. Economic Development and Zoning, third Wednesday of each month, Sherwood Recreation Center. Transportation and Public Space, third Monday of every month, Capitol Hill Towers. Visit www.anc6a.org for calendar of events, agendas, and other information. u
ANC 6B Report by Jonathan Neeley Third and Pennsylvania Starbucks Will Soon Sell Wine and Beer ANC 6B voted to support the application of the Starbucks at Third Street and Pennsylvania Avenue SE for a liquor license so it can sell wine and beer, a move it plans to pair with new food offerings that appeal to the “singles market.” Reaching a settlement agreement took some effort on Starbucks’ part, as neighbors attending 6B’s ABC Committee meeting reported overflowing trash cans and rats at the restaurant; one said he had to spend
84 H Hillrag.com
$20,000 to rid his yard of rodents that came from Starbucks. When commissioners asked that Starbucks build an indoor trash storage facility, Starbucks’ lawyer said the store could not afford it, which Commissioner Diane Hoskins called “offensive” in a Hill Rag op-ed. “Starbucks can afford to do the right thing,” she wrote. “The question is, will they?” The ABC meeting ended without a recommendation on Starbucks’ application. The 6B regular meeting went better for Starbucks, with the store’s lawyer saying he had misspoken. While an indoor storage facility can’t go on the current building, 6B voted to support Starbucks’ application thanks to the restaurant’s agreeing to numerous trash storage measures. Among them are a daily trash pickup, weekly power washing, an agreement not to have trash picked up (or even taken out) before 7 a.m. or after 10 p.m., and “good faith” efforts to do even more if these measures don’t work – including looking into a way to make an indoor storage facility feasible. ANC 6B will keep an eye on Starbucks, and if all else fails it can contest the liquor license when it comes up for review in the spring (when every liquor license in the city is coming up for review).
Community Connections Is Adding Services Community Connections, a mentaland behavioral-health provider at 801 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, wants to start offering a half-time primary care facility in its building. Doing so would not require construction or renovation, just a certificate of need from the health department. ANC 6B wrote a letter to the health department with recommendations for its review of the application, saying that it sees the need for primary care at the site, but also voicing concern that Community Connections’ clients play a significant role in bringing crime to the surrounding area, from loitering and panhandling to sex acts and drug dealing. “Community Connections clearly draws to
this neighborhood some of the people who cause these problems but it is not the sole source,” the letter says. It also notes that Community Connections has helped to address the problem by finding housing for its homeless clients, and that its plan for primary care service includes stationing an officer in front of its building. The commissioners asked that a certificate of need be contingent on Community Connections offering only primary care at its 801 Pennsylvania building to the patients already receiving mental health and substance abuse treatment services there. “This will help to assure the community that this new service will not result in further growth at 801 Pennsylvania Avenue,” the letter concludes. The application process is lengthy, and a certificate is valid for three years with the option to file for a year-long extension.
Plans for a New Virginia Avenue The railroad company CSX has submitted renderings of what Virginia Avenue, between Second and 11th streets SE, will look like after CSX is finished rebuilding the tunnel that runs below it. The next step is to engineer construction plans for review by the Public Space Committee of the District Department of Transportation (DDOT). ANC 6B moved to support CSX’s plans, adding recommendations for separate bike and pedestrian crosswalks along the south side of Virginia Avenue from Second to Ninth streets and various measures for street safety like bigger curbs to slow cars down.
10 th
A Football Stadium at RFK Is a Bad Idea Building a new sports facility at RFK Stadium would not bring new jobs or spending to the area regardless of what any politician says, and whatever sports team that occupied a new stadium would probably squeeze District coffers for all it
Street Auto repAirS
Serving Capitol Hill for over 25 years
Experience - Talent - Results CALL OR STOP BY TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
MICHAEL ANTHONY
SALON
202.506.3609 H 661 C ST SE, 2ND FL. or book online:
www.MichaelAnthonySalonDC.com
Owner Kevin Ehrman and his dedicated staff will treat your car as they would their own. 518 10th St., NE (MD & 10th St., NE) Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m – 6 pm • 544-1110
December 2015 H 85
{capitol streets / anc news}
could after moving in. This was the major message of representatives from the DC Fiscal Policy Institute, a local think tank, who joined a late October meeting about the future of the RFK site. They also pointed out that investing in a stadium would mean not investing in education or infrastructure, and that the Navy Yard was already growing economically before Nationals Park came to the neighborhood, thanks largely to development near the Metro. As an example they cited the new DC United stadium going in at Buzzard Point. In that case DC is providing a subsidy of $150 million plus tax breaks for the team, with no agreement about who would cover cost overruns. All that, and DC United has not agreed to provide community benefits like affordable housing, rec centers, or plans for youth employment. A stadium, as well as parking and recreation, are allowable under terms of the District’s lease of the federal land on which RFK Stadium is built, which runs through 2039. Tearing down the current stadium and building a new one, however, would require an extensive environmental study as well as new financing terms.
Fall Crime Was up in Parts of 6B In an email to constituents, 6B Chair Kirsten Oldenburg outlined fall data for the Police Service Areas (PSAs) that cover 6B, which are 106, 107, and 108. The data was released after mid-November. PSA 106 saw 88 crimes reported in October, noticeably up from 42 in September and 44 in October 2014. There were 10 robberies and 6 burglaries as well as more thefts (many of those being electronics stolen from parked cars as well as bikes) than usual. At the end of the month the police department had closed three of the robbery cases with arrests. PSA 107 had 86 crimes reported, the same as September and just below the 91 reported in October 2014. PSA 108 had 60 reported crimes, slightly less than the 62 from September. ANC 6B’s next full meeting will be Tuesday, Dec. 8, at the Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. u
ANC 6C Report by Virginia Avniel Spatz
A
NC 6C’s November meeting focused on transportation and parking for bikes and autos, as well as commercial signage. All votes were unanimous and all but one vote followed committee rec-
86 H Hillrag.com
ommendations. There were no community comments. The quorum: Karen Wirt (6C02, chair), Scott Price (6C03), Mark Eckenwiler (6C04), and Tony Goodman (6C06); Daniele Schiffman (6C01) and Chris Miller (6C05) were absent.
Bikeshare ‘Core’ Expansion? Joe McCann, for the Transportation and Public Space Committee (TSP), reported on Bikeshare’s expansion plan. He commended the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) for moving beyond piecemeal actions with the 2016-18 plan. He summarized the vision, which identifies several bike stations already promised and then divides the city into three zones – high revenue (Mall and Georgetown), “core” and high ridership (downtown and surrounding), and accessible (remainder of the city) – for consideration of new stations. McCann’s letter to DDOT outlines concerns that core boundaries do not accommodate ANC 6C’s expected growth and identifies several bike stations, part of existing development plans within 6C, omitted from the list of promised stations. Commissioners applauded the letter and echoed its concerns with regard to core boundaries. Goodman noted that some 5,000 new apartments are already being constructed in the Union Market and Ivy City areas along with several new office buildings. Much discussion centered around Price’s amendment suggesting specific expansions to the core. The ANC approved TSP’s recommended letter, without specific boundaries.
‘Ridiculous’ DDOT Action? Goodman described problems with a push-forWALK traffic light at 10th Street and Maryland Avenue NE. This style is usually assigned to lowpedestrian traffic areas, and it is the only such light on that stretch of Maryland Avenue. Goodman called the light dangerous and in violation of DDOT’s own policies. A proposed letter requested that the button be removed and the traffic retimed, while reiterating a similar, previous request concerning a push-for-WALK light near the NoMa Metro Station. Price objected to the letter’s use of the terms “ridiculous” and “demeaning.” Goodman elaborated on why he chose the terms. Eckenwiler supported the language, arguing that it suited DDOT’s “needlessly privileging vehicles” over pedestrians. Wirt suggested a vote on substance, resolving language later. Price continued to object, however, saying that he and Goodman fundamentally disagree on appropriate ways to address the “action of any DC agency.” When Wirt called the question, the vote was unanimous to support a letter with language to be determined.
Signage Precedent? Commercial signage for Keller Williams Capital Properties, 519 C St. NE, resulted in the meeting’s longest discussion and the only opposition to a committee recommendation. TSP chair Mark Kazmierczak described committee negotiations resulting in support for a public space permit for a ground-mounted sign, angled so as not to be visible from Stanton Park. Price moved to oppose, citing concerns about precedence for commercial signage around the park. Other commissioners objected to sign placement and materials, as well as to previous signage erected without ANC approval. Eckenwiler raised an issue of parking on public space, insisting that it related to signage; the topic was not pursued. Joel Nelson, for Keller Williams, argued that “much larger and more visible signs” are allowed without public space permits. He reiterated a desire to work with the committee to “come to something that respects the historic district.” The ANC voted to oppose the permit.
Further Action ANC 6C created an ad hoc Outreach Committee to improve commission transparency and communication, through website, social media, and other means. ANC 6C will protest the liquor license application, using up to $5,000 in legal fees if necessary, for XO, 15 K St. NE, based on neighborhood noise and safety complaints over previous special event activity at the establishment. ANC 6C protests a sidewalk cafe application for 6th & H Bar & Grille, citing applicant’s failure to respond to the TSP committee, failure to post the application as required by law, and a settlement agreement prohibiting sidewalk use. Following a brief discussion of roof setback requirements and a close examination of loading and off-street parking, the ANC supported the Board of Zoning Adjustment application, with an attached memo addressing 6C concerns, for a mixed-used development at N and Patterson streets NE.
ANC 6C Also Supports the Following: • • • • • •
“Financial Exploitation of Vulnerable Adults Amendment of 2015” (B21-0326) Mayoral efforts to end homelessness and reduce shelter size Proposed regulations for residential parking permits Rear addition at 602 A St. NE Repaving of 400 and 600 F St. NE Repealing permits on non-conforming structure at 518 Sixth St. NE
•
Extension of hours for Sugar Factory at Union Station • Plans for Rock and Roll Marathon, March 12, 2016 Finally, the (non-voting) item on a planned unit development for 301 Florida Ave. NE was skipped due to time constraints. Discussion of public space matters for a Planned Parenthood warehouse conversion, 1200 block of Fourth Street NE, was postponed (again); a hearing is now set for January 2016. ANC 6C regularly meets on the second Wednesday of the month at the Heritage Foundation, 214 Massachusetts Ave. NE. The next meeting is on Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. u
ANC 6D Report by Andrew Lightman
A
t its meeting on Nov. 9, ANC 6D grappled with an extensive agenda. Commissioners Marjorie Lightman (6D01), Stacy Braverman Cloyd (6D02), Vice Chair Andy Litsky (6D04), Chair Roger Moffatt (6D05), Rhonda N. Hamilton (6D06), and Meredith Fascett (6D07) were present. Rachel Reilly Carroll (6D03) was absent.
DC United A representative from DC United reported that attendance at the team’s matches was up 20 percent over last season. There was a 55 percent increase in television ratings. The team is about to introduce a redesigned logo. The DC United Foundation, the representative informed the commissioners, has merged its programing with DC Scores (www.americascores.org/affiliates/dc), a local nonprofit that provides after-school programs in the DC Public and Public Charter schools. Going forward due to the partnership, after-school programming will be the same at Jefferson Junior High and Amidon Elementary Schools. DC United is moving aggressively with plans for the new stadium, the representative reported. Clark Construction has been selected as the builder and Populous as the architect. DC United will show designs at the commission’s December meeting. A groundbreaking is tentatively planned for September 2018. Commissioner Litsky expressed reservations
about the hazards involved in excavating so close to the Anacostia River during the new stadium’s construction. “The city basically has been blowing smoke at us,” said Litsky. He asked DC United to provide more details at the December briefing; and suggested the team execute a voluntary agreement addressing such matters with the community. Chair Moffatt and Commissioner Lightman requested a detailed transportation plan for stadium events. “Tell us how they’re going to get there,” stated Moffatt.
Restoration of Virginia Avenue Wins Approval The commissioners considered the revised plans presented by the DC Department of Transportation (DDOT) for the restoration of Virginia Avenue SE upon the completion of CSX’s tunnel project. New developments included: • completely separate bicycle and pedestrian paths • additional lighting for the green spaces planned for the 300, 400, and 500 blocks of Virginia Avenue • 20 additional street trees “People really like the plan,” stated Commissioner Braverman Cloyd. Other commissioners raised some concerns: • the plan should result in no net loss of parking; • the 300 block of Virginia Avenue should be placed under residential parking permits; • public water connections should be installed to care for the park’s plantings. Commissioner Lightman asked that the agency coordinate its plans with the DC Department of Parks and Recreation as well as the nonprofit organization redeveloping the 11th Street Bridge. The commissioners voted unanimously in favor of supporting the plan.
Riverside Baptist Church PUD After deferring, at a previous meeting, consideration of the planned unit development (PUD) proposed for the site of the Riverside Baptist Church at 680 I St. SW by P.N. Hoffman Inc. and the church, the commissioners again took up the matter. The petitioners requested ANC support for changing the existing R-5-B zoning to C-3-A to allow the construction of a new church and a nine-story apartment building with underground retail and ground-floor retail. Community benefits generated by the project include: • affordable housing, 2 percent of units at 50 percent of area median income (AMI), 6
WILLS • ESTATES • PROBATE DIVORCE • CHILD CUSTODY 1008 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20003
202-547-1777 noelkane@earthlink.net
www.hillrag.com
December 2015 H 87
{capitol streets / anc news}
percent at 80 percent of AMI, and 2 percent at 100 percent of AMI • reconfiguration and improvement of the intersection at Seventh and I streets including the addition of green space, improved traffic control, and wider sidewalks • incorporation of a public water feature • no residential parking permits for residents • residents to be consulted on selection of the tenant for the ground floor, slated to contain neighborhood-serving retail, a daycare facility, or an urgent care clinic • $25,000 set aside to attract either a daycare facility or to help fund an alternative community benefit • a rodent abatement program implemented by P.N. Hoffman Inc. In response to a request at the prior month’s meeting, Hoffman provided a preliminary construction traffic management plan to the commission. Noting that the enormous amount of construction occurring simultaneously in her single member district is “at its best disruptive and at its worst changing the character of the neighborhood,” Commissioner Lightman, who represents the area, endorsed the project, citing reconstruction of the intersection and sensitivity to the maintenance of green space. With Chair Moffatt abstaining, the remaining five commissioners voted to endorse the Riverside PUD.
1244 South Capitol Public Space The commissioners considered JBG Companies’ application to allow balconies and awnings of its 1244 South Capitol development to project into public space. The developer plans 290 apartments and 26,000 square feet of retail on the site. The commissioners raised some caveats about the development: • the design of sidewalk pavers be coordinated with neighboring properties to avoid lips or other changes in grade; • the bicycle racks be inverted and U-shaped to be child safe; • all construction vehicles should enter and exit the site from Van Street SE; • the construction traffic management plan be sensitive to stadium events; • given the proximity to nearby residences, afterhours construction be kept to a minimum and the commission be provided 24-hour notice; • only enclosed tree-watering devices be used to avoid breeding mosquitoes and attracting litter. The commissioners voted unanimously to draft a letter in support of JBG’s public space application that would incorporate their caveats.
88 H Hillrag.com
Landmark Application for Fish Market Buildings Hoffman-Madison Waterfront (HMW) has submitted an application to the District’s Historic Preservation Office nominating the Lunch Room and Oyster Shucking Shed at the Southwest Fish Market as historic landmarks. These two structures are the only remaining elements of the 1916 market. Representatives of HMW appeared before the commissioners to solicit support for the landmark application. They informed the commissioners that they plan to restore the structures according to the original plans and return both to their historic usage. The commissioners voted unanimously to support the nomination.
Capitol Riverfront Construction Updates The disruptive construction surrounding 909 Half St. and 82 I St. SE continues, reported Commissioner Fascett. In November there will be increased utility work on both Half and K streets, followed by electrical and sanitary work on New Jersey Avenue and I Street. Concrete work will be completed at 82 I St. by early January. The new section of I Street will open in mid-December. At DC Water’s Historic Pumping Station at 125 O St. SE, the agency secured an eight-week, 24-hour construction permit. Permission was granted due to the DC Clean Waters Project’s tight timeline. After being contacted by Commissioner Fascett, the construction team agreed to minimize night drilling and noise from banging buckets.
Florida Rock Bulkhead Replacement Architects Kelly Drewry and Davis Buckley, employed by Florida Rock Properties, described the deteriorating condition of the waterfront bulkheads protecting riverfront parcels at 25 and 79 Potomac Aves. Dock 79, a nine-story structure comprising 305 residences and 15,266 square foot of retail, is expected to open on the six-acre site in fall 2016. The developer proposes to restore the bulkheads, over the course of six months, with minimal demolition. After some discussion of the 6 a.m. construction start time, the commissioners unanimously endorsed the project.
1000 South Capitol The commissioners again took up the issue of the variances requested for a partial alley closing and for reduced roof setbacks at Lerner Enterprise’s planned residential building at 1000 South Capitol. The developer plans a 13-story structure with between 300 and 360 residential units. The variances had been extensively discussed
at the ANC’s October meeting. The commissioners requested that future residents be denied residential parking permits as a condition of its support, and that this be incorporated into the zoning order. Commissioners voted unanimously to send letters to the Board of Zoning Adjustment and the DC Surveyor in support of the Lerner project.
Fourth Street Bike Lanes At the urging of Vice Chair Litsky, the commission discussed DDOT’s plan for unprotected bike lanes on Fourth Street south of M Street. Given the history of accidents at the M and Fourth intersection and the volume of speeding commuters, the proposed unprotected bike lanes would be unsafe, stated Litsky. Traffic-calming measures are required and perhaps protected lanes, he added. Concerned over any opposition to DDOT’s plan, members of the audience questioned whether the commission was anti-bike. Litsky stated that he was an avid cyclist, but reiterated the importance of holding up what he believed to be a half-baked plan. The commissioners, with Commissioner Fascett abstaining, voted to send a letter to DDOT opposing the plan.
Other Matters The commissioners discussed the question of whether or not the new DC United Stadium should be excluded from supervision by the city’s Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration. It is not clear who will have jurisdiction over tailgating at soccer games at the new site, reported ABC Committee Chair Coralie Farlee. Farlee has asked the Metropolitan Police Department for a clarification. The matter was deferred until DC United’s presentation at the December meeting. In the absence of a signed voluntary agreement, commissioners voted unanimously to protest Bardo’s application for a liquor license at its proposed Florida Rock location. In the absence of any forensic accounting of the Portals’ original community benefits package, the commissioners voted unanimously to send a second letter to DDOT’s Committee on Public Space opposing any grant of curb cuts to the Portals. Starting in January 2016, Unity Healthcare will renovate its Southwest location at 850 Delaware Ave. SW, stated Vice President of Clinic Administration Tracy Harrison. The interior change will move all operations to the facility’s first floor. Dental services will be discontinued, with patients referred to the organization’s new Parkside and Brentwood Square facilities. Currently underutilized, the clinic welcomes all new patients. It can accommodate any health insurance plan and accepts most PPOs. The First District’s Halloween Party was a success with more than 100 kids participating, stated Police Service Area (PSA) 105 Lieutenant Crystal Bres-
low. In October, PSA 105 saw one sex offense, which was closed with an arrest. Along with PSA 106, there was an increase in robberies; a number involving juveniles in groups of three or four. The First District is allocating increased resources to stem these crimes. Ryan West from DDOT made a presentation on the agency’s State Rail Plan. The study examines heavy rail, both freight and passenger. It is a requirement if the District is to access grants from the US Department of Transportation. While the District’s rail lines form a linchpin of the East Coast’s transportation network, no largescale recommendations are contemplated due to land limitations. The study will address rail safety including the handling of hazmat materials. Looking beyond the Virginia Avenue Tunnel and Long Bridge projects, it will examine capacity at both Union and L’Enfant hubs as well as raising the notion of additional infill stations. For more information, visit www.dcrailplan.com. Another DDOT representative reported on the agency’s study of the traffic problems created by the extensive construction between South Capitol and New Jersey Avenue SE. With the new section of I Street SE not yet open, the agency wants to wait for traffic to normalize after its opening to study traffic-calming measures. Commissioners raised concerns about the lack of a crosswalk on the northern side of the South Capitol and I Street intersection. The new ballfields in Randall Field are bound to create an increase in foot traffic headed to the McDonalds on the eastern side of the intersection, resulting in safety issues, commissioners cautioned. Commissioner Braverman Cloyd abstaining, the commissioners voted in favor of a resolution moved by Commissioner Litsky opposing Pepco’s merger with Exelon. “The Public Service Commissioner,” the commissioners resolved, “should conduct comprehensive proceedings to ensure that the flaws in the proposed settlement agreement are fully identified and understood, including holding community hearings with participation by affect-
ed customers and groups.” Commissioner Braverman Cloyd abstaining, the commissioners voted to support a proposal of the Southwest BID, Hoffman-Madison Waterfront, and Citelum to illuminate the Francis Case Memorial Bridge. The plan, supported by the US Commission of Fine Arts, will outline the span with blue lights and softly light the structure’s arches. Commissioners approved the minutes of the October meeting unanimously. ANC 6D will next meet at 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 14, at 1100 Fourth St. SW, Second Floor. For more information visit www.anc6d.org. u
ANC 6E Report By Steve Holton The Passenger Gets ABRA Approval Tom Brown, who represents The Passenger bar and restaurant, was on hand to ask for support of an Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) license. The restaurant will be located at 1539 Seventh St. NW but originally opened in 2009 at 1021 Seventh St. NW. The establishment was closed down last year when the building was sold for redevelopment purposes. In addition to a tavern license, the restaurant operators are seeking an entertainment endorsement and a summer garden endorsement for the rooftop deck. Plans are in the works for a front patio, but representatives stated that plans are only to open the windows to the sidewalk, not for patrons to occupy the area. The establishment has operated for five years without any problems reported by ABRA. “The Passenger was previously located in my district and there was never a problem with them and it was honor to have them there,” said 6E04 Commissioner Rachelle Nigro. Brown also met with 6E02 Kevin Chapple, who represents the
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6C P.O. Box 77876 • Washington, D.C. 20013-7787 • www.anc6c.org • (202) 547-7168 ANC 6C generally meets the second Wednesday of each month. 214 Massachusetts Ave NE
ANC 6C COMMISSIONERS ANC 6C01 Daniele Schiffman Daniele.Schiffman@gmail.com
ANC 6C04 Mark Eckenwiler 6C04@anc.dc.gov
ANC 6C02 Karen Wirt (202) 547-7168 6C02@anc.dc.gov
ANC 6C05 Christopher Miller 6C05@anc.dc.gov
ANC 6C03 Scott Price (202) 577-6261 6C03@anc.dc.gov scott.price@anc.dc.gov
ANC 6C06 Tony Goodman (202) 271-8707 tonytgood@gmail.com
ANC 6C COMMITTEES Alcohol Beverage Licensing Committee First Monday, 7 pm Contact: (870) 821-0531 anc6c.abl.committee@gmail.com
Transportation and Public Space Committee First Thursday, 7 pm Contact: mark.kaz.anc@gmail.com
Grants Committee Last Thursday, 7 pm Contact: ducotesb1@gmail.com
Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development First Wednesday, 7 pm Contact: zoning@eckenwiler.org Twitter: @6C_PZE
Parks and Events Committee First Tuesday, 7 pm Contact: christinehealey100@gmail.com
December 2015 H 89
Thomas Jenkins & Company Certified Public Accountants Corporation, Partnership, Trust, Individual Income Tax & Financial Planning
202-547-9004
316 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Suite 402 Washington, DC 20003 www.tjcocpa.com
Law Offices Of
James m LOOts, Pc Serving the Capitol Hill Community Since 1984 General Litigation and Arbitration Franchising and Business Organizations Commercial Leasing and Development Labor and Employment Issues Contract and Licensing Matters
TOP “AV” RATED BY MARTINDALE-HUBBELL
634 G Street SE, Suite 200 | Washington DC 20003 (202) 536-5650 • Fax: (202) 315-3515 www.lootslaw.com 90 H Hillrag.com
district of the new location. “Brown met with us and was very cooperative, answered all the questions, and from what I’ve heard about him and by looking at his plans, I think the establishment will be an asset to the area,” said Chapple. ANC 6E moved to support the ABRA License with the agreement of a limited capacity on the rooftop after midnight on weekends and 10:30 p.m. during the week. The committee will give ABRA correspondence related to this agreement.
(mayor.dc.gov/homewarddc) explains that all eight wards would take responsibility for the homeless problem and participate in the project. Maduro also said that the short-term plan will identify locations where homeless shelters can be built. ANC 6E passed a motion to send a letter of support for Mayor Bowser’s effort to eliminate the city’s homeless problem with special attention to equitably distributing shelters everywhere in the city and not just selected wards.
DACHA Beer Garden Receives Committee Support
Starbucks Seeks Approval for ABRA License
Representatives of DACHA Beer Garden located at 1600-1602 Seventh St. NW appeared before the commission after months of negotiations to reach an agreement and fair compromise on balanced concerns raised by residents and the terms in which DACHA may operate. DACHA representatives noted that quite a bit of thought and discussion had gone into the agreement, and they hoped that the commission would support it. The principal provision of the agreement would allow only 250 patrons outdoors and a withdrawal of a proposal for a terrace or balcony that would overlook the beer garden. An agreement on additional measures was also reached to control sound generated by patrons, and some restriction was put in place for entertainment endorsements for the establishment. ANC 6E moved to support the settlement agreement contingent on security cameras being installed outside of the building.
Representatives of the Starbucks located at 815 O St. NW requested support for an ABRA license. Last year Starbucks started a new feature that would allow it to serve beer and wine between the hours of 2 p.m. and 11 p.m. along with a limited selection of fingerfoods or small plates. Samples of that menu were distributed to the committee at the meeting. The program has been very successful in its first eight states, and now Starbucks would like to introduce the concept to 11 new states plus the District of Columbia. Starbucks representatives pointed out that more food has been sold than beer and wine, and the program provides someone the option to have a drink without the pressure of being in a bar situation. Peak hours of sales are in the morning, but Starbucks wants to add a dimension to the afternoon and evening hours when people can come in and have the experience of feeling comfortable and at home. Of the 64 Starbucks shops located in DC, only nine have been selected for this new feature. There will be limited outdoor seating against the front window, and staff will be instructed to monitor patrons drinking alcohol outside. ANC 6E passed a motion to communicate support of the application to ABRA.
District Pledges to End Homelessness Frank Maduro of Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office discussed plans to eliminate the city’s homeless problem. Mayor Bowser wants homelessness in DC to become rare, and she is planning for all veterans to have a home by 2017 and the remainder of the homeless population to be housed by 2020. The plan calls for closing down the DC General Family Shelter on 1900 Massachusetts Ave. SE and moving people to affordable housing. The project has gathered over 10,000 signatures in support. ANC 6E05 Chair Marge Maceda shared concerns of where the shelters could potentially be placed throughout the city. “Mayor Bowser should address where she is going to place the shelters. I support ending homelessness but we should know the diversity of the locations,” said Maceda. Maduro responded by saying that Mayor Bowser’s plan
Next Meeting ANC 6E will meet again at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 1, at the Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Library, 1630 Seventh St. NW. Visit www.anc6e.orgto view the newsletter; follow on Twitter @ANC6E and on Facebook by searching ANC6E. u
{capitol streets / eastern market}
Eastern Market Report by Peter J. Waldron EMCAC Elections Fresh from its successful October pot luck dinner attended by over one hundred and twenty five members of the Capitol Hill community , the Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee ( EMCAC) met and quickly settled into familiar business. First, EMCAC’s annual elections. Properly noticed , the same slate of candidates as were elected in 2014 put their names forward. Current Chair Donna Scheeder turned the election over to long time EMCAC member Richard Layman and after a brief period of nominations, Scheeder as well as Chuck Burger (Vice Chair), Monte Edwards (Secretary) and Tom Kuchenburg (Treasurer) were elected by acclamation. Each will serve a one year term.
Market Manager’s Report Market Manager Barry Margeson reported that revenue for September was $62,068. This is down dramatically from August when revenues were more than $105,000. North Hall revenue was $12,082, down slightly from August’s $14,725. North Hall annual revenue fell short of the projected $300,000 at $247,422. What is surprising are the lackluster bookings for the Christmas holiday season with only two holiday parties scheduled as of mid-November. The meeting’s agenda returned to the previous month’s “dot” surveys. Dot surveys attempt to ask and answer the most basic questions about the Market. Among the most preliminary results are that most of the EM’s business takes place on Saturday and Sunday. 77% of respondents are weekly visitors to the Market. 36% buy fresh fruit, vegetables and cut flowers. The overwhelming number of shoppers are from Capitol Hill and 62% walk to shop at the Market. According to Margeson there were 213 respondents to the initial week’s tallying, producing between “three and four hundred responses.” Survey questions included: how often do you visit the Market, what products did you buy, how did you get to the Market, and where do
you live. It is the hope of EMCAC and Market management to identify specifically who its customers are and what they want in order to put forward a strategic plan for its future.
Leases Another month has gone by with more delay in addressing the long sought leases of the South Hall vendors. The manager’s report states as it has repeatedly that the “process regarding leases (is) being created.” Mike Bowers of Bower Fancy Dairy Products, reporting on a meeting of the Tenant’s Council, stated that not only do the South Hall merchants now have ageing refrigeration equipment in constant need of expensive repairs, but that they are unable to secure loans for these repairs because they lack leases. Access to the Eastern Market building was once again raised. Currently no merchants have keys to their business spaces although for more than a half of a century they were given keys, even when they were in the temporary space across 7th Street. Chair Scheeder compared it to renting an apartment where the tenants had to find the landlord each day to gain access. When asked what the reason was for this change by Scheeder, Margeson did not provide an answer. One proposal put forward is use of a magnetic keypad. Margeson, who manages the Market at the behest of the Department of General Services (DGS) outlined three access options at other public markets. Responding to complaints that DGS employees are often late, holding up merchants preparation for starting the day’s business, Margeson said that this has not been a “problem since August” and that he is monitoring this issue. Scheeder added that “both leases and the locks have been on EMCAC’s agenda for a long time.” The newly appointed head of DGS, Chris Weaver, is a Capitol Hill resident and in a gesture that indicates he takes the problems of the Market seriously, took in the pot luck dinner and spent considerable time with the attend-
ing community. Weaver is a retired Navy Rear Admiral who at one time was in charge of 70 naval bases.
Capital Improvements Report Monte Edwards, Chair of the Capital Improvements Committee, outlined his frustration at getting DGS to address critical issues of capital improvements and maintenance, reporting that he had reviewed five years of EMCAC minutes to sharpen the sense of outstanding maintenance, repair and capital improvements that remain unresolved. There remains unabated a serious safety issue as chunks of brownstone separate from the structure and pose a danger at the south end of the building nearby the Pottery Studio. Margeson has estimated that this project would cost over $300k. Edwards, referring to a “complicated budget process, ” also reported that there is no provision in the current DGS budget for funds earmarked for the Eastern Market. Scheeder has asked that funds be added to the current budget process as well as simple operating expenses that EMCACA members are paying out of their pocket. Edwards concurred, adding about these neglected maintenance issues and capital improvements “have been supported by EMCAC in the past.” The year-end, but still incomplete, financial information provided to EMCAC shows zero dollars spent on maintenance for the fiscal year. In addition Edwards pointed out that the Market needs an electric generator, a PA system for emergencies and money for replacement of dozens of area lights in the South Hall that are no longer working. Scheeder added that there need to be “cost estimates for these improvements.” EMCAC member Layman concluded this lengthy discussion : “When you ask for nothing you get nothing. When you ask for the world you aren’t going to get it but you get a lot more than nothing.” u
December 2015 H 91
“Reptile Round-up”
Crossword Author: Myles Mellor • www.themecrosswords.com • www.mylesmellorconcepts.com
by Myles Mellor and Sally York Across:
1. Fiddle with 7. Pulp 14. Drums out 20. Car, at times 21. Omission 22. Lucky charm 23. Buyer ___ 24. Aka Everglades Parkway 26. Inclined 28. Tall and thin physique 29. Shallow 32. Bumped off 33. Up to the task 37. 2006 horror film 41. Jones of the Stones 42. Stud site 43. Noted neurologist Harvey Williams 44. Rattle 46. Self starter? 47. Roth ___ 48. Cut off 49. A Beatle bride 50. Napping, so to speak 52. Animal pigment 55. Social parasites 58. Illinois birthplace of William Jennings Bryan 59. Believe 60. Neighbor of Wash. 61. ___ coffee 62. Government grant 64. Trimmed 66. Sub detector 69. Identify 70. What you used to be 71. ___ live one 74. Insincere secretion 77. Bad act 79. Memory loss patient 80. Krueger’s street 81. Furbys, once 82. Dissenting vote 83. Big bird 84. Publicity, slangily 85. Worldly 87. Bird beak part 88. Beats with a cane 90. Jurassic Park aka perhaps
92 H Hillrag.com
93. Japanese wrestling 94. Any day now 96. Cloudy 97. Teach by admonition 102. Some reality show winners 103. “The Twelve Days of Christmas” gifts 107. Catmint 111. ___ Epoch 112. Most desiccate 113. Peaceful 114. Uncouth 115. Comebacks 116. Rhythmic
Down:
1. Vatican vestment 2. Buck’s mate 3. Talking point? 4. Dissimilar 5. Unflappable 6. Tire parts 7. Bruised, perhaps 8. ___ right 9. Grant’s hubby 10. Java is in it 11. Communicate silently 12. ___ wet 13. Attract 14. Like some seals 15. Present time? 16. Neutron star 17. Building add-on 18. Florida county 19. Teen’s bedroom, often 25. Start for step or stop 27. Right-winger 29. Night noises 30. Body of mystical teachings 31. Faux ___ 34. Form of Sanskrit 35. Property owners 36. Get tangled up 37. Negligible 38. “Nonsense!” 39. Flax 40. Ever and ___ 41. Outdoor heaters
Look for this months answers at labyrinthgameshop.com
44. Dixie drink 45. Singer DiFranco 48. Arm or leg 51. Guarded 53. ___-Lorraine 54. Hang-up 55. Shelf 56. Hopeless case 57. War of 1812 battle site 59. Dove competitor 63. Adhere 64. Private eye 65. Discharged a debt 66. Gobbles 67. Imitation gold
68. Sarge, for one 70. Public utility 72. Lover of Dido, in myth 73. Absorbed, in a way 75. Kipling’s “Gunga ___” 76. Adult-to-be 77. Ruined 78. Not natural 81. Members of early 20th century art movement 85. Earnest 86. Relating to Mekong river dwellers 87. Held on to 89. Struma 90. ___ store
91. Like some humor 92. Cornea part 94. Rock debris 95. Loophole 98. Women with habits 99. Mine entrance 100. ___ list 101. Penultimate fairy tale word 103. See 64-Down 104. Romance 105. Mozart’s “L’___ del Cairo” 106. French 101 verb 108. Course setting, abbr. 109. Alloy material 110. Take steps
{community life}
E
on
Walking with the Cane
A
by E. Ethelbert Miller number of my friends are using canes these days. Quite a few have had knee and hip replacements. Like football running backs and basketball players, we have started to lose that quick first step. Suddenly it’s the last quarter or the end of the year. Will you be back next season? Before a new year begins I have a tendency to think about death. Who will die in 2016? It’s not moribund thinking but instead a nod and a wink at one’s own mortality. If you’re like me, you have a tendency to measure change and time by the death of celebrities. Each year I read the obit of a person who was once a card in my baseball collection, or a singer whose music I kept singing for days until I had memorized the lyrics to the song. Then there are the women I dated or wished I did, and one day I’m walking down the street, or on an escalator, or sitting in a cafe, and her face turns toward mine and everything is just a memory fading like evening sunlight. These are the dusk years; the years of downsizing and trying to hold a sliver of light in your hands. I remember many years ago moving into the Brightwood neighborhood. My children were young and excited about their new separate rooms, which replaced the shared bunk-bed in the small Adams Morgan apartment on Fuller Street. On our new street old people sat in front of their homes or slowly exited from cars and slowly climbed the steps to the porch. They would stop to catch their breath, then one day
their breath was gone. Today I’m the old man on the block. I’m still young enough, however, to rake the leaves and bag them. This soon will change, and it might be something I won’t miss. Lately when I walk into a cafe I become immediately aware of how much younger everyone is. When I was young the first thing I noticed was how I might be the only black person in a room. Well, I will be black until I die and this is something I embrace and celebrate. Maybe one day I’ll be one of those elderly deacons in front of a church. I’ll join those men who wear suits and ties and shoes that shine. My hair will be gray and my eyes will convey warmth and wisdom. I’ll greet people or say farewell. I will be around for weddings and available to give advice to young grooms and brides. Or maybe I’ll be sitting on a park bench, feeding birds and reminding passing women of their fathers. The ones that left and the ones that stayed. I know the poems in my head will rest a little longer. Right now I’m simply trying to keep the words coming. I may be running out of years but not ideas or things to do. Life is not long, and at times it’s damn too short. It is the beauty, however, we keep discovering. Life is a kiss on the cheek and maybe the lips. Life flirts with death every day. Romance is the faith we keep inside ourselves, knowing we are blessed with another day of living. E. Ethelbert Miller is a literary activist and the board chair of the Institute for Policy Studies. His “Collected Poems,” edited by Kirsten Porter, will be published in March 2016. u
December 2015 H 93
{community life}
Margaret Missiaen
Leaving the Hill, a Dedicated Volunteer Sets Her Sights on New Gardens to Tend article by Stephanie Deutsch, photos Andrew Lightman
W
hen Margaret Missiaen and her husband, Ed, move from Capitol Hill to San Francisco they will trade a house with a yard for a condo and the neighbors and friends of 35 years for proximity to their children and grandchildren. They will have bikes and buses instead of a car and a view from a building on Nob Hill that will look out not on the Bay or on the Golden Gate Bridge but on a vista Margaret very much appreciates. “Trees!” Five years ago, when Margaret was honored by the Capitol Hill Community Foundation with a Community Achievement Award, it was noted that she had turned the green thumb developed growing up in Indiana tending vegetables on a family farm into a calling. She found her special niche not just raising tomatoes and flowers in her back yard but, after her retirement from the federal government in 1996, becoming an expert pruner of street trees. As a volunteer with Trees for Capitol Hill
94 H Hillrag.com
and then as a certified “Citizen Forester,” Margaret pruned 400 trees each winter for almost 20 years. In December, when she moves away, she will miss our neighborhood trees – many of which owe their good health and elegant shape to her care -- almost as much as her many friends. Volunteering has been a theme of their lives for both Margaret and Ed who began their careers in the 1960s with service in the Peace Corps. Margaret spent two years in a desert village in Senegal where she learned the local Wolof language and ran a social center for girls, teaching them sewing and other skills. Ed was a volunteer in Colombia. They met back in the States when both were employed at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This work took them, with their two small sons, to Brazil where for four years Ed was the agricultural officer at the U.S. embassy. Returning to Washington, Margaret went back to the Agriculture Department to work part time and then later full time studying agricultural conditions in African countries. She volunteered at her children’s schools, became active at St. Peter’s Catholic Church which she calls it “an important anchor” in their lives (of course,
in addition to providing lunches for the homeless, she worked in the garden there). Margaret helped organize neighborhood work days to care for trees and plants in Marion
Park and when she found herself with a few free minutes she would go down the street and look after the garden at Friendship House (now The Maples condominiums in the 600 block of South Carolina Ave. SE). After they retired, she and Ed became volunteers with Trees for Capitol Hill and with Capitol Hill Village, the neighborhood non-profit that aims to support residents as they age. They are both “friendly visitors,” assisting elderly neighbors by changing light bulbs and doing minor home repairs in his case, in hers by helping with gardening. As they look to life in a new city, Margaret and Ed expect that what they have learned at Capitol Hill Village will help them to settle in. A similar “village” is part of life on Nob Hill and they hope to meet people by becoming volunteers there. They will miss having the Southeast library a block from their home but look forward to exploring San Francisco’s 40 public libraries and many museums (with monthly “free” days). A mere two mile bike ride away are two grandsons; several hours drive away, just over the state line in Oregon, Margaret and Ed have two granddaughters. While Margaret will miss having her own yard with growing things in it, she looks forward to helping her daughterin-law with her garden and to adjusting to California’s long growing season. Working outside, Margaret has found, is a good way to meet people and to get to know them. She is modest about her accomplishments here but does admit, “I can talk about gardens forever.” u
Scan QR Code
www.NickelDefense.net Ameer Flippin
Dollar T-Shirts December 2015 H 95
{community life / riverfront}
The Capitol Riverfront Hot Spots on Cold Days & Nights by Michael Stevens, AICP
H
appy holidays to all from the Capitol Riverfront Business Improvement District (BID)! Even though the weather sometimes does not indicate it, the holiday season is here, and we have just celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday. We begin the journey into winter, when all neighborhoods take on a new seasonal look, feel, and activity cycle. It is a time when we reflect on the year that has passed, as well as what the New Year will hold for us all. It has been a busy year in the Capitol Riverfront with numerous construction projects proceeding on pace for completion over the next two or three years. Our newest construction project is the Yards Marina, which Forest City Washington is building in front of Yards Park on the Anacostia River. With approximately 50 boat slips in multiple finger piers, the marina will span from the east end of the iconic pedestrian bridge in Yards Park to the border of the adjacent Washington Navy Yard. Half of the planned slips will be designated for transient use (less than 10 days) and the other half for long-term use on a seasonal contract basis. Each slip will have a utility pedestal with convenience electrical outlets and a water supply hookup. Walkway and dock surfaces will be floating concrete structures. The Yards Marina will also feature a water taxi dock, a paddler dock for kayakers and other human-powered watercraft, and an education dock for use with river-focused experiential instruction. Completion of the marina is expected by spring 2016, and it is never too early to start thinking about the summer and being on the water. Canal Park has also made the shift from the summer cycle to winter activities, with the grand opening of the ice rink having occurred on Saturday, Nov. 28. Bring the family and friends and significant others for a skate of the oval “8”
Canal Park Ice Rink
and then lunch or dinner in the neighborhood. The ice rink will have the following hours throughout the winter: Monday and Tuesday from 12:00 to 7:00 p.m.; Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 12:00 to 9:00 p.m.; Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Admission is $9 for adults and $8 for children, seniors, and military. Skate rental is $4. Weekly specials include: 2-for-1 Tuesdays (two admissions for the price of one); Thursday College Night, 6:00-9:00 p.m.; Friday Rock & Skate, 7:00-9:00 p.m.; and Saturday Cartoon Skate, 11:00 a.m.1:00 p.m. The ice rink will also feature special events throughout the season. You may have noticed that Park Tavern has closed and is undergoing renovations. Be on the lookout for a new restaurant concept that should be opening by the end of December. This holiday season, the Capitol Riverfront BID announces the return of PARCEL Market at Canal Park, located at 200 M Street, on Saturday, Dec. 5, and Sunday, Dec. 6, from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. PARCEL Market lights up Canal Park’s three blocks with holiday cheer among the 10,000 square-foot ice rink, cozy fire pits, interactive art installations, and a festive showcase of DC’s emerging talent in retail, food, art, and musical entertainment. This year the Capitol Riverfront will also feature a holiday tree in the southern block of Canal Park. The tree will be illuminated on Saturday, Dec. 5, at 6:00 p.m. to celebrate the season. The BID invites all Capitol Riverfront residents to the southern block of Canal Park on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. before the market begins to decorate the neighborhood’s first holiday tree as a community. Bring an ornament for the tree and a canned food item to donate to Capital Area Food Bank, and enjoy coffee, hot chocolate, and doughnuts with your neighbors. Each day this family-friendly market will be anchored by quality emerging labels and designers that span fashion, jewelry, and accessories; pet 2014 Parcel Market at Canal Park toys and apparel; home enhancements; hand-
96 H Hillrag.com
crafted artwork; and printmaking. The food lounge will warm shoppers with seasonal fare and beverages from local favorites Dirty South Deli, Ben’s Chili Bowl, Bluejacket Brewery, Ice Cream Jubilee, Agua 301, District Doughnut, and other local chefs and food entrepreneurs. This year welcomes a new partnership with the team at A Creative DC, featuring hands-on workshops throughout the weekend, such as Greeting Card Making with Typecase Industries, Sip n’ Paint with watercolor artist Marcella Kriebel, Holiday Wreath Making, and more! Come and make a weekend of winter activities in the Capitol Riverfront, starting with PARCEL Market and ice skating at Canal Park. You can have a holiday stay at the Courtyard by Marriott that overlooks Canal Park and has been in operation in the neighborhood since 2006. Located at 140 L St., it is an excellent opportunity for in-town lodging for you and relatives for the holidays, providing access to all of our activities and those along the National Mall and in downtown. December 31 will feature the return of the always popular Noon Year’s Eve Celebration at Yards Park, an annual family favorite that begins the celebration of the arrival of the new year. Activities include a moon bounce and other outdoor play inflatables, musical performers, food and beverage, a trackless train for rides in the park, and the ball drop. The event occurs from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., with the celebratory balloon drop in the big tent at noon. Come enjoy a winter’s day in Yards Park with your family and have lunch at one of the surrounding restaurants. For the adults, Bluejacket Brewery will be hosting a New Year’s Eve party on Dec. 31. Tickets are on sale online at www.Eventbrite.com. For the hot spots on a cold night Capitol Riverfront offers daily specials at local restaurants, so plan your activity and come visit for winter fun. Here
is food for thought: • Monday night is $10 pasta night at Osteria Morini. • Tuesday night is trivia night at Justin’s Café. • Wednesday night is Half Price Wine at Scarlet Oak. • Thursday night is happy hour from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Due South. • Friday night is Rock ‘n’ Skate night at the Canal Park Ice Rink. • Saturday is brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Big Stick with specials on mimosas and Bloody Marys. • Sunday is a tasting tour at Bluejacket Brewery. As the year winds down and we celebrate the holidays with family and friends while anticipating the beginning of the new year, it is a time for thanks and reflection. Thanks to all of you who continue to read this column and support the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood through your visits and patronage at our events. Thanks to the thousands of people who have chosen to call this neighborhood by the river your home or workplace; we appreciate the trust and confidence you have invested in us. Thanks to the businesses that have opened in the neighborhood and that provide a range of community retail services. Thanks to our Clean & Safe Team members who keep our public realm clean and trashfree seven days a week regardless of the weather … the Men in Blue are terrific! And many thanks to the team at the Capitol Riverfront BID and our BID board of directors as you invest so much passion and energy and time in the neighborhood to help achieve our vision. Best wishes to all for a wonderful, safe, and happy holiday season with your family and friends! Michael Stevens is president of the Capitol Riverfront BID (capitolriverfront.org). u
THOMAS DESIGN CONSULTANTS Boutique Renovations of Capitol Hill Spaces
redo • renew • refresh Kitchen and Bath Specialists
Call us before you start your project
301 . 642 . 5182
derek@ThomasDesignConsultants.com December 2015 H 97
{community life / h street life}
H Street Life
T
he holiday season can be a hectic time for many. If you need to get away from the hustle and bustle, the H Street Corridor NE offers many excellent opportunities for escape. Find your roadmap for diversion below.
Ten 01 Opens above Ben’s Chili Bowl The family behind Ben’s Chili Bowl (http://benschilibowl.com, 1001 H St. NE) brings us a new restaurant on their upper floor and rooftop. Ten 01 (http://www.ten01h.com, second floor of 1001 H St. NE) specializes in New American dishes highlighting seasonal ingredients. Think crispy pork belly with fall greens, cauliflower puree, pumpkin BBQ sauce, fried peanuts, and crispy garlic ($14); shrimp and half-smoke corndogs with shrimp sau-
The Capital City Symphony’s Annual Holiday Concert and Sing Along. Photo: Barrie Homer Eight23 Photography
98 H Hillrag.com
by Elise Bernard sage, half smoke, sweet onion batter, spicy ketchup, and herb mustard ($10.50); or jerked salmon with crispy skin, Osito’s jerk sauce, braised black beans, baby kale, and pepper jam ($13.50). Ten 01 also offers a selection of local and craft beers, as well as signature cocktails. It recently launched brunch service, which will run Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. though 4 p.m.
Krampusnacht on H Street Is a Beastly Good Time That mythical beast Krampus returns to H Street this year to spice up everyone’s holiday season and raise money for foster kids. Krampus is a legendary figure who descends once a year upon the towns of Alpine countries (and now our own H Street Corridor) to seek out ill-behaved children and spirit them away. The goat-like beast is easy to spot as
he parades down H Street with his horns and hairy body. Naughty boys and girls would do best to seek refuge upon hearing him jangling his chains or ringing his cowbells. This is Krampus’ fourth visit to the Corridor, and what began as an event geared primarily toward adults has expanded into a family-friendly celebration. Last year they had Krampus coloring pages and masks for kids. The fun starts at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5, at Gallery O on H (http://www.galleryoonh.com, 1354 H St. NE) with an all-ages reception complete with a fire show from Dance Afire Productions (http://danceafire.com) and a performance by the Foggy Bottom Morris Men (http://fbmm.org). Santa and a variety of people dressed as Krampus will be available for photo opportunities. There’s no cover for the event, but there is a suggested donation of $10. Almost all of the proceeds from the event go to Santa’s Cause DC (http://www.santascausedc.org), which buys holiday and birthday gifts, as well as school supplies, for the approximately 75 local foster kids of Family Matters of Greater Washington (http://www.familymattersdc.org). Following the reception there will be a procession of Santa and those dressed as Krampus down the eastern portion of H Street. Gallery O on H also hosts an after-party for celebrants age 21 and over that includes a DJ and cash bar. The after-party kicks off at 9 p.m. If you haven’t attended a past Krampusnacht on H Street, I cannot recommend it highly enough. It’s one of the annual events that really makes the H Street Corridor something special. Many, but not all,
the office of nishan halim, DMD
happy & safe wishes you & your family a
2015 Hilly Award Winner for
Krampusnacht on H Street is a night to remember.
participants dress in costume (audience costumes are highly encouraged as well). The sight of Krampus roaming the streets is not something I can adequately convey with words. It must be experienced to be fully appreciated. If you miss this year’s event, put it on your calendar for next year.
Capital City Symphony’s Annual Holiday Concert and Sing Along A favorite tradition on H Street is attending Capital City Symphony’s (http://www.capitalcitysymphony.org) Annual Holiday Concert and Sing Along at the Atlas Performing Arts Center (http://www.atlasarts.org, 1333 H St. NE). This event is a lot of fun for kids and adults of all ages. The Capital City Symphony performs holiday favorites with vocals sung by the Congressional Chorus (http://www.congressionalchorus.org) and the American Youth Chorus (http://www.congressionalchorus.org/ AYCCHAW). There’s even an audience sing along! The celebration continues post-performance with complimentary cookies and good cheer in the Atlas’ Kogod Lobby. The event is sold out, but if you don’t have tickets it’s definitely one to remember for next year. The concert isn’t the only thing going on at the Atlas during this special time of the year.
Atlas Winterfest at Atlas Performing Arts Center The Atlas Performing Arts Center (http:// www.atlasarts.org, 1333 H St. NE) presents an entire month of cold-weather and holidayoriented entertainment for the whole family. Among the events is internationally known percussive dance company Step Afrika!’s (http://www.stepafrika.org) “Magical Musical Holiday Step Show” (Dec. 10 through 22, tickets $15.00 to $39.50), which offers clapping, stomping, and all-around fun for audiences of all ages. You also won’t want to miss Mosaic Theater Company of DC’s (http:// www.mosaictheater.org) staging of “The Gospel of LovingKindness,” a hymn and hip-hoptinged elegy that tells the story of a young man tragically shot and killed on the South Side of Chicago only weeks after singing for President Obama at the White House. Tickets are $20 to $50, and the show runs from Dec. 9 through Jan. 3.
Catch the Santaland Diaries at Capital Fringe
Best Healthcare Provider 27 6th st, ne washington, dc 20002 202.543.2020 www.nishanhalimdmd.com
Creative Acts Learning Center LLC ACTING CLASS WHEN: 1/5/16-2/9/16 6:30-8PM COST: $160 SCREENWRITING, PLAY-WRITING, SPOKEN WORD WORKSHOPS WHEN: ONGOING TIME: VARIES | COST: VARIES CONTACT: WWW.CREATIVEACTSLEARNINGCENTER.COM 202.810.3816
Headlines
Salon
Capitol Hill
Hairstyling • Color • Facials Waxing • Massage 326 Mass. Ave. NE WDC 20002 202-546-5151 www.headlines-salon.com
Capital Fringe (https://www.capitalfringe. org, 1358 Florida Ave. NE) has a fun December planned with plenty of music events and shows for you to enjoy. In the production “Santaland Diaries,” director Joe Brack
December 2015 H 99
{community life / h street life}
and performer Matty Griffiths present an adaptation of David Sedaris’ humorous recounting of his time working as a Christmas elf in a department store. The show runs from Dec. 2 through 24. Tickets are $15 to $25.
Dim Sum at Maketto. Eater Names Maketto Restaurant of the Year The DC outpost of the food website Eater (http:// dc.eater.com) recently named Maketto (http:// maketto1351.com, 1351 H St. NE) Restaurant of the Year. If you’ve dined there recently this will come as no great surprise. If you haven’t been in a while, or at all, do yourself a favor and drop by. A Maketto is Eater DC’s Restaurant of the Year.
100 H Hillrag.com
little over a month ago they began serving a dim sum menu on Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Prices for individual items range from $4 to $20. No reservations are accepted for dim sum and all service is first come, first served. On the menu you’ll find items like a rice noodle crepe with shrimp and Chinese sausage, pan-seared leek bao, seasonal wok-fried vegetables, and Taiwanese fried chicken.
New Year’s Eve Blowout at Rock & Roll Hotel It’s not too early to start making New Year’s eve plans. Those looking to dance the night away in a festive yet casual setting would do well to con-
sider spending the evening at Rock & Roll Hotel (http://www.rockandrollhoteldc.com, 1353 H St. NE). They’ll have at least 10 DJs spinning on two floors. Tickets are $80 in advance or $100 the day of the event and are available on the venue’s website. The ticket price includes admission, open bar all night, and limited appetizers and hors d’oeuvres. Guests must be at least 21 years of age. There is no dress code for the party. Get your tickets early, as this event sells out each year. For more on what’s abuzz on and around H Street NE, you can visit my blog at http://frozentropics. blogspot.com. You can send me tips or questions at elise.bernard@gmail.com. u
December 2015 H 101
{community life / opinion}
Jonetta’s Take
The Mental Cost of Violence
I
sat next to her as audience members departed for the arts healing sessions during “The Gift,” a program presented by myself and Esther Productions, Inc., a nonprofit organization serving girls and women. She was reluctant to join a group, confessing a heavy heart. A day earlier, her cousin’s boyfriend had been killed; they were a close group. The 21 year-old, single-mother--call her Brenda--began crying. I put my arm around her. She sang a funeral dirge: She pointed to a name tattooed on her neck; that person also had been murdered in the District of Columbia; the person whose name was inked across the left side of her chest met a similar fate. Brenda is a walking obituary, her body a graphic narrative of the violence sweeping through urban centers. What happens to the soul, the mental health of people who witness unspeakable levels of violence? Do they lose hope? Do they become a new generation of violent perpetrators, attacking others or harming themselves? Self-harm or suicide is the third-leading cause of deaths among Americans between the ages of 10 and 24, according to the Centers for Disease Control. In the District, the 2012 Youth Risk Behavior Survey found that 14.7 percent of D.C. Public Schools students “came up with a plan to die by suicide,” said At-Large D.C. Council member David Grosso (I), chairman of the Committee on Education and Libraries. He added that “20.5 percent of high schoolaged Hispanic young women and 14.1 percent” of their black counterparts “had attempted suicide within the last year.”
102 H Hillrag.com
by Jonetta Rose Barras “We have to focus on trying to identify kids who are more susceptible to committing suicide,” continued Grosso, who believes legislation he introduced--Youth Suicide Prevention and School Climate Survey Act--is the answer. That bill would require the Office of the State Superintendent for Education (OSSE) to develop “a training curriculum on suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention to be administered by all school-based personnel.” OSSE also would be required to conduct climate surveys to help determine “if there are particular school environments that contribute to student stressors.” Ward 7 Council member Yvette Alexander (D), chair of the Committee on Health and Human Services, said she has doubts. She said the focus should be comprehensively on mental health. “The DCPS and the Department of Behavioral Health needs to put some things in place first.” Truth be told, Grosso is rearranging deck chairs. His bill duplicates The South Capitol Street Memorial Amendment Act and is a Band-Aid against a gapping wound. In 2012, the council, spurred by atLarge Council member David Catania (I), approved The South Capitol Street Memorial Amendment Act, following the murder of five youth under the age of 20. That law also mandated comprehensive mental health care--screening, assessment and actual services--in 50 percent of DCPS facilities and charters by the 2014-2015 school year, and all schools by 2016-2017. They’re not even close. Grosso said he’s trying to build “trauma-informed
schools.” Further, “just saying you have to have a certain number of [Full time employees] in a school is not enough.” He wants to train teachers and security guards. “These are people who are on the front line of this thing.” In ethnic and minority communities, youth typically are taught to hide their emotions, said Kimya N. Dennis, a sociology and criminal studies professor at Salem College and a national expert on suicide and self-harm among blacks and Hispanics. The absence of a positive relationship with mental health professionals or resources can also “cut people off from medical and mental health care and perpetuate the notion that time heals all wounds.” A school-based mental health program could counter misguided cultural pressures. Lawmakers seemed to understand that when they approved the South Capitol Street Act. Since then, however, they have acted like wimps. The executive hasn’t complied with the law and no one is raising holy hell. “I have asked about it during agency performance hearings,” said Grosso. “I am continually shining a light on these issues.” Michelle Lerner, a DCPS spokesperson, said via email, “The major requirements for DCPS in the South Capitol Street law revolved around truancy reporting, which are embedded in DCPS’ truancy protocol.” The DCPS also is required “to work with [the Department of Behavioral Health] to ensure teacher training to identify potential mental health challenges,” she added, which underscored the redundancy of Grosso’s legislation. Le-
rner said, DCPS has crisis intervention teams and is piloting a “grief and trauma intervention program” but only at 25 schools. Meanwhile, the Children’s Law Center concluded in its 2015 mental health report card that “8,000 children” in the city may be “overlooked by our current system of care.” Separately, a national study conducted by Jeffrey Bridge at the Research Institute at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio found that between 1993 and 2012, the suicide rate nationally among black children age five to 11 increased from 1.36 to 2.54 per one million children. How do children so young kill themselves? Many years ago, everyone was concerned about “suicide by cop,” said Dennis. Now, we may be witnessing “suicide by interpersonal violence,” which happens “when individuals provoke family members, friends, or strangers to make lethal responses to them. Some of these situations may amount to suicide.” Is the uptick in violence the beginning of a suicide epidemic? The council may need to answer that question before it requires some climate survey. At the very least, it should demand the executive comply with the South Capitol Street Act. That won’t necessarily benefit Brenda, but could help save thousands of other lives. Jonetta Rose Barras is a freelance writer. u
December 2015 H 103
{community life}
When Is a Smart-Phone Not Clever? When a Mobile User Is Mobile!
T
here’s no doubt that as a society we’re paralyzed by an epidemic of our own making. Actually “paralyzed” is not the right word, because the disease is all about movement. If ever two nouns, attached to phones, were misnomers it’s “mobile” and “smart.” There’s nothing smart about being mobile when using a cell. It’s hugely dangerous. The cyber-obsessed get hit by cars, walk into lampposts, trip over other people. Not to mention the muggings and street assaults – frequently at gun-point – that the absurd preoccupation inspires. As anyone who keeps up with the news knows, there’s been a rash of smartphone street crime on the Hill. And what difference has it made? Not one jot. At least not judging by the folks who carry on, aimlessly wandering the streets, day and night, eyes down, fingers twitching. And looking stupid! Of course these zombies don’t know how ridiculous they look. They’re too fixated on being part of the problem. On top of the crime stats, there’s a massive rise in the number of mobile users who suffer injury while on the move. The escalation is so alarming that it has forced the National Safety Council to address the problem. Stressing that it’s as dangerous as using a phone while driving, it says: “Pedestrians using cell phones are both impaired and too mentally distracted to fully focus on their surroundings.” Surprisingly the police have nothing to contribute on the subject. Lieutenant Sean Conboy of the Metropolitan Police Department told the Hill Rag, “We are declining to participate in this story.” Despite the lack of police concern, this far too common street activity has many in despair at the offenders who seem totally incapable of disconnecting themselves from the cyber-world. Their refusal to stop being glued to the screen is also rude. Other pedestrians are constantly forced to dodge out of the way or accidently bump into them when they stop abruptly because they find it difficult to read the screen, hit a key, or are so tak-
104 H Hillrag.com
by Maggie Hall en with an image it stops them dead in their tracks. So, here I am, in and around Eastern Market, accosting folk who are either racing along or moving at snail’s pace, in a zombie-like trance, as they commit cell sin. They’re all peering down into that ubiquitous device nestled in their hand. What stuff, while on the move, are they doing? My survey confirmed the most common lures are e-mailing, texting, tweeting, Facebooking, playing games, and catching up with the news. I got a lot of scowls when I asked, What are you doing on your phone? But others were happy to share their cyber-activity. Such as .... • Middle-aged guy moving at a fast clip, device in one hand, sandwich in the other. “I’m reading a book. I love it, can’t wait to finish it,” he mumbles as he munches and reads and walks. • A 20-something forcing people to swerve around him as he’s totally engrossed. “I’m chatting to some friends in Peregrine,” he admits. As Peregrine, the coffee shop, is 10 yards away, why isn’t he talking to them in person? “Well I’ve just left them ... and I’m sending them a photo I took.” Couldn’t it wait until he got home? A look of incredulity lights up his face. “Why would I?”
•
•
An older guy so clearly engrossed it takes a few seconds to get his attention. “I’m on Google Hang Out with my daughter who is traveling in South America.” Clearly embarrassed at being caught out doing what he hates others to do, he quickly adds, “But I’m done now.” A young woman on a Saturday morning, weaving through the farmers’ line throng,
furiously working her screen. “I’m looking up recipes. Friends are coming for dinner tonight. I’m no cook and I have no clue what to make.” It’s Sunday and there’s so much going on in the market area to grab attention and entertain. I get more than a few angry shakes of the head as the screen-obsessed take umbrage at my question. But one chap is charming. “I’m texting a friend.” And he has to do it while walking through the market? “Well, I’ve asked him if he wants to get lunch.” And does he? A quick glance at the incoming message and he tells me, “Yep.” A couple of years ago a very official looking street sign posted in Manhattan pinpointed the dangers of Facebooking while on the move. It was dubbed a prank sign, but nothing about it deserved such labeling. It rammed home a meaningful message: “Pay attention while walking. Your Facebook status update can wait.” It was the work of Jay Shells, a New York street artist. Most of the signs have disappeared, but Yale University has commissioned Shells to supply similar warning signs for all those allegedly smart students on the campus. We could do with some on Capitol Hill, though the folks they’d be aimed at would never see them. They’d be too submerged in their self-inflicted cellulitis –a nasty infection that now has a new definition. u
G G ROOFING
Keith Roofing
EXPERT WORKMANSHIP AT REASONABLE PRICES! Residential/Commercial • Over 40 years of Experience Chimney Repairs • Storm & Wind Damage Repair
• New or Re-Roofing • Tear-Off & Replacement • Flat Roof Specialist • Copper, Tin, Sheet Metal & Rolled • Seamless & Flat Roofs • Re-Sealing • Tar, Asphalt, Gravel, Hot Coats • Modified Bitumen Insurance Claims • Free Estimates • 24Hr. Service
Fully Insured • Licensed • Bonded “No Job Too Large or Small” Senior & Military Discounts Available!
202-486-7359
All Work Inspected by Owner...Deals Directly with Customers! All Work Fully Guaranteed
AWARDED BEST WASHINGTON, DC CONTRACTOR OF 2012 BY ANGIE’S LIST FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED • “50 YEARS EXPERIENCE”
Flat Roof Specialists Modified Bitumen • Skylights • Shingles • Slate
Chimney Repairs Roof Coatings • Gutters & Downspouts • Preventive Maintenance • Metal Roofs
•
•
•
•
10% OFF WITH THIS AD
202.425.1614 WWW.GANDGHOMEIMPROVEMENTS.NET
Licensed & Insured | All Work Managed & Inspected by Owners December 2015 H 105
106 H Hillrag.com
{real estate}
District Source
Hill East Poised for New Construction
OPaL’s latest design for Watkins Alley. Image: OPaL Development
By Shaun Courtney
M
uch of the work to transform Hill East into a denser neighborhood is happening behind the scenes. Developers are furiously working to refine plans and begin construction on hundreds of new residential units.
Watkins Alley OPaL Development Company’s proposal to bring 44 residences to 1309-1323 (rear) E St. and 516 (rear) 13th Street SE will soon have a planned unit development (PUD) hearing date before the DC Zoning Commission. The zoning commission made an initial review this summer, rais-
December 2015 H 107
Coming Soon... Top floor 2 BR 2 FB condo with private deck and expansive outdoor spaces:
229 14TH ST SE, #2 CAS Riegler’s proposal for 1401 Pennsylvania Ave. SE as of November 2015. Image: DC Zoning Records
DARE JOHNSON WENZLER Realtor, Compass
202.957.2947 660 Penn Ave SE 202.545.6900 Dare@RealEstateOnTheHill.com Check out my blog for a weekly Capitol Hill open house update.
RealEstateOnTheHill.com
5-Star Premier agent
ing concerns and questions about elements like transportation impacts, traffic and pedestrian flow within the project, and the overall architectural approach. Earlier this fall the team submitted new designs with a more industrial-style architecture which they say reflects the neighborhood’s context heritage. A range of unit types will include a carriage house in the alley, townhomes, flats, and lofts. As part of the public benefit package associated with filing for a PUD, OPaL is working with other nearby developers to include CAS Riegler and Insight Development on a proposal to improve the plaza at Potomac Avenue Metro.
Buchanan School Project Work to ready the former Buchanan School property, 1325 D St. SE, for its new existence as Buchanan Park, a townhouse and condo
108 H Hillrag.com
development, could begin as soon as mid-December. Demolition of two buildings on the north side of the property is pending permits, expected by late 2015 or early 2016. Construction of the first phase of the 32 proposed townhomes and the 41 one-level condo flats in the former school building could begin late in the second quarter or early in the third quarter of 2016. Sales on both the condos and townhomes could begin mid-2016 with the project slated to deliver by 2017. Developers are Insight Property Group with designs by SK+I Architecture.
Reservation 13/Hill East Development team Donatelli/Blue Skye Development will likely submit plans to the zoning commission for the first-phase redevelopment of Reservation 13 in Hill East. The project will bring 354 residential units, about 220 below-grade parking spaces, and 20,000
May the Joys of the Season lead the way to a Prosperous New Year. to 40,000 square feet of retail, split between two buildings designed by GTM Architects. Mayor Muriel Bowser included about $11 million in funding over three years for infrastructure improvements related to Reservation 13 in the 2016- FY 2021 capital improvement budget.
New York Pizza / 1401 Pennsylvania Ave. CAS Riegler is in the thick of the zoning commission review process for its proposed 174 apartment units and 22,000 square feet of ground floor retail at 1401 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. The developers recently submitted updated designs by project architects Antunovich and Associates that set back portions of the proposed
I Look Forward to serving Your Real Estate Needs in 2016.
78-foot-tall building so that it better relates to nearby two- and three-story townhouses while maximizing its presence on Pennsylvania Avenue. The project is across from the Potomac Avenue Metro. CAS Riegler is working with other nearby PUD proposals to develop a plan for improving the Metro plaza and beautifying the surrounding area. The first visible inklings of Hill East’s future should come in the form of dust and debris as demolition at the Buchanan School sets into motion the successive waves of development planned and in the pipeline.
Evelyn Branic, GRI
Shaun Courtney is a freelance reporter and real estate writer. Shaun has called DC home since 2002 and now lives in Kingman Park with her husband and son. u
B
velyn R
E
A
ranic L
T
Y
202.741.1674
www.cbmove.com/evelyn.branic
Licensed DC, MD & VA
Office: 605 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, WDC 20003 Phone: 202.547.3525
December 2015 H 109
{real estate / changing hands}
Changing Hands Changing hands is a list of most residential sales in the District of Columbia from the previous month. A feature of every issue, this list, based on the MRIS, is provided courtesy of Don Denton, manager of the Coldwell Banker office on Capitol Hill. The list includes address, sales price and number of bedrooms. NEIGHBORHOOD
CLOSE PRICE BR
FEE SIMPLE 16TH STREET HEIGHTS 1521 VARNUM ST NW 1608 LONGFELLOW ST NW 1403 CRITTENDEN ST NW 4312 14TH ST NW 1365 HAMILTON ST NW 1418 NICHOLSON ST NW 1218 DELAFIELD PL NW 1312 EMERSON ST NW 4611 ARKANSAS AVE NW
ADAMS MORGAN 2807 ONTARIO RD NW
$1,200,000 $1,015,000 $925,000 $880,000 $818,000 $810,900 $799,900 $741,000 $485,000
0 6 6 4 3 3 6 6 3
$1,500,000
5
AMERICAN UNIVERSITY PARK 4846 ALBEMARLE ST NW 4456 FARADAY PL NW 4426 DAVENPORT ST NW 4404 WINDOM PL NW 4200 RIVER RD NW 4619 WESTERN AVE NW
ANACOSTIA
1424 W ST SE 1413 18TH PL SE 1536 RIDGE PL SE 1705 W ST SE
BARRY FARMS 2224 HUNTER PL SE
BERKLEY
2159 DUNMORE LN NW 4708 FOXHALL CRES NW 1815 45TH ST NW 4809 V ST NW
BLOOMINGDALE 50 V ST NW 1527 1ST ST NW
BRENTWOOD
1022 BRYANT ST NE 1843 CAPITOL AVE NE
BRIGHTWOOD
1326 RITTENHOUSE ST NW 511 SHERIDAN ST NW 618 ASPEN ST NW 315 QUACKENBOS ST NW 5818 5TH ST NW 5802 7TH ST NW 817 SHERIDAN ST NW 625 TEWKESBURY PL NW
BROOKLAND
1327 NEWTON ST NE 1234 FRANKLIN ST NE 1412 OTIS ST NE 1217 HAMLIN ST NE 3912 17TH PL NE 1317 RITCHIE PL NE
110 H Hillrag.com
$1,625,000 $1,399,900 $1,199,900 $990,000 $950,000 $759,000
5 5 4 4 5 4
$190,000 $185,000 $185,000 $160,000
2 4 3 3
$253,000
5
$5,417,500 $1,910,000 $1,550,000 $1,275,000
6 4 5 4
$1,024,999 $780,000
5 6
$450,000 $260,000
3 3
$660,000 $499,000 $486,000 $467,500 $460,000 $455,000 $405,000 $270,000
3 3 4 3 3 4 3 3
$1,000,010 $843,500 $770,000 $701,000 $699,900 $695,000
5 4 4 3 4 3
1318 RANDOLPH ST NE 4116 12TH ST NE 3210 17TH ST NE 2025NORTH CAPITOL ST NE 22 HAMILTON ST NE 1511 LAWRENCE ST NE 1034 EVARTS ST NE 4953 6TH ST NE 4622 S. DAKOTA AVE NE 1005 URELL PL NE
CAPITOL HILL
107 5TH ST SE 226 11TH ST NE 545 11TH ST SE 1331 CONSTITUTION AVE NE 252 8TH ST SE 1017 EAST CAPITOL ST SE
$692,000 $654,000 $629,000 $582,000 $550,000 $550,000 $510,000 $499,000 $495,000 $399,900
3 5 3 4 4 3 5 3 4 4
$1,500,000 $1,350,000 $1,325,000 $1,280,000 $1,200,000 $1,091,300
4 4 4 4 4 3
720 7TH ST NE 625 4TH ST NE 1321 EAST CAPITOL ST SE 522 G ST SE 420 6TH ST NE 529 10TH ST SE 813 F ST NE 710 6TH ST SE 1007 CONSTITUTION AVE NE 425 16TH ST SE 1302 SOUTH CAROLINA AVE SE 1358 CAROLINA AVE NE 618 C ST SE 1237 E ST SE 651 8TH ST NE 624 7TH ST NE 1510 D ST SE 225 5TH ST SE
$1,050,000 $1,030,000 $1,000,000 $985,000 $975,000 $965,000 $935,000 $925,678 $900,000 $850,000 $815,000 $812,000 $799,000 $790,000 $785,000 $749,000 $747,000 $729,000
4 4 3 3 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 2
1713 INDEPENDENCE AVE SE 1518 PENNSYLVANIA AVE SE 425 12TH ST NE 1607 E CAPITOL ST SE 1373 CAROLINA AVE NE 1821 MASSACHUSETTS AVE SE 1632 G ST SE 1235 DUNCAN PL NE 229 10TH ST SE 1230 G ST SE 1619 C ST SE 558 OKLAHOMA AVE NE 1724 E ST NE 1521 INDEPENDENCE AVE SE 615 ORLEANS PL NE
$720,200 $707,000 $696,000 $690,000 $685,000 $680,000 $678,000 $649,000 $646,000 $618,000 $590,000 $560,000 $516,000 $470,000 $820,000
CHEVY CHASE 3808 HUNTINGTON ST NW 3907 JOCELYN ST NW 3707 MORRISON ST NW 3205 MORRISON ST NW 5221 42ND ST NW 6211 33RD ST NW 3932 GARRISON ST NW 3725 INGOMAR ST NW 6508 BARNABY ST NW 5336 43RD ST NW 6160 31ST ST NW 3260 VAN HAZEN ST NW 5432 39TH ST NW 3249 ARCADIA PL NW 3009 MCKINLEY ST NW 4105 LEGATION ST NW 3709 JENIFER ST NW 3604 LEGATION ST NW 3706 JOCELYN ST NW 5137 NEBRASKA AVE NW
$2,030,000 $1,850,000 $1,820,000 $1,400,000 $1,148,000 $1,049,000 $1,026,000 $1,026,000 $1,012,500 $985,000 $965,000 $950,885 $928,000 $860,000 $830,000 $806,011 $800,000 $799,900 $765,000 $715,000
3 3 2 3 3 3 2 2 2 3 2 3 2 2 3 5 5 7 6 4 4 5 5 3 3 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
CHILLUM 5508 KANSAS AVE NW 5617 1ST ST NE
$653,000 $525,000
CLEVELAND PARK 3542 PORTER ST NW 3610 QUEBEC ST NW 3011 34TH ST NW 3044 RODMAN ST NW 3506 36TH ST NW 3626 NORTON PL NW
$1,729,000 $1,545,000 $1,350,250 $1,100,000 $960,000 $775,000
COLONIAL VILLAGE 1615 HOLLY ST NW 8169 BEACH DR NW 1635 ROXANNA RD NW
$1,400,000 $1,087,400 $777,000
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 1321 TAYLOR ST NW 1224 IRVING ST NW 1537 MONROE ST NW 1320 RANDOLPH ST NW 2732 SHERMAN AVE NW 2605 11TH ST NW 3208 PARK PL NW 779 HARVARD ST NW 2809 11TH ST NW 637 OTIS PL NW 754 GRESHAM PL NW 717 QUEBEC PL NW
$965,000 $890,000 $845,000 $765,000 $703,000 $680,000 $649,000 $610,000 $605,000 $495,000 $403,000 $680,000
CONGRESS HEIGHTS 809 MALCOLM X AVE SE 266 NEWCOMB ST SE 3904 2ND ST SW
$275,000 $268,000 $237,000
4 4 4 4 5 4 4 3 6 4 4 5 4 4 4 4 4 4 2 4 3 3 6 3 3 3
December 2015 H 111
{real estate / changing hands}
3331 BROTHERS PL SE 424 MELLON ST SE 414 BRANDYWINE ST SE 627 ATLANTIC ST SE
$175,000 $165,000 $135,000 $106,550
CRESTWOOD 4226 18TH ST NW
$800,000
DEANWOOD 4539 EADS ST NE 4810 SHERIFF RD NE 5089 JUST ST NE 4510 LEE ST NE 150 35TH ST NE 310 63RD ST NE 560 48TH PL NE 5217 BANKS PL NE 5025-5031 SHERIFF RD NE 4956 JUST ST NE 726 50TH ST NE 5324 GAY ST NE 5812 FOOTE ST NE 4202 GAULT PL NE
$355,000 $310,000 $304,000 $300,000 $262,500 $237,000 $229,000 $225,000 $200,000 $189,555 $155,000 $124,900 $88,000 $70,000
3 3 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 2 2 2 3 3 2 3
DUPONT 1738 Q ST NW 2125 N ST NW 1738 CORCORAN ST NW 1802 CORCORAN ST NW 1728 Q ST NW
$1,900,000 $1,700,000 $1,620,000 $865,000 $2,028,000
ECKINGTON 30 SEATON PL NW 1717 LINCOLN RD NE 1719 LINCOLN RD NE 29 U ST NE 115 U ST NE
$905,000 $600,000 $600,000 $530,000 $495,000
FOREST HILLS 5025 LINNEAN AVE NW 3303 FESSENDEN ST NW 4926 30TH ST NW
$3,100,000 $2,850,000 $1,147,500
FORT DUPONT PARK 3915 R ST SE 1758 41ST PL SE 478 BURNS ST SE 1513 FORT DAVIS ST SE 4620 H ST SE 1316 44TH PL SE
$364,000 $335,900 $290,000 $270,000 $267,697 $175,000
FRIENDSHIP HEIGHTS 5315 42ND ST NW
$1,425,000
GEORGETOWN 1319 30TH ST NW 3410 N ST NW 3348 PROSPECT ST NW 2455 P ST NW 2807 Q ST NW 3014 O ST NW 3145 O ST NW 3420 P ST NW 3603 WINFIELD LN NW 1230 29TH ST NW 3207 CHERRY HILL LN NW
$5,100,000 $2,500,000 $2,500,000 $2,300,000 $2,300,000 $2,250,000 $1,960,000 $1,850,000 $1,535,000 $1,312,500 $564,000
GLOVER PARK 3921 BENTON ST NW 2304 38TH ST NW 3818 CALVERT ST NW 2117 OBSERVATORY PL NW 2213 39TH ST NW
112 H Hillrag.com
$877,000 $865,000 $849,000 $839,000 $834,500
5 5 4 3 4 4 6 6 3 3 7 6 5 4 3 3 2 3 2
H STREET CORRIDOR 1019 10TH ST NE
$995,000
HILL CREST 2911 W ST SE 2020 32ND PL SE 2522 33RD ST SE 3006 Q ST SE 2948 M ST SE 2833 Q ST SE 1534 25TH ST SE 2323 BRANCH AVE. SE
$550,000 $521,000 $457,500 $424,500 $297,500 $285,000 $250,000 $450,000
KALORAMA 1823 PHELPS PL NW 1848 BILTMORE ST NW 2126 LEROY PL NW 1975 BILTMORE ST NW 2543 WATERSIDE DR NW
$5,750,000 $2,149,000 $2,100,000 $1,450,000 $1,100,000
5517 MACARTHUR BLVD NW 2905 ARIZONA AVE NW
$1,275,000 $955,000
LEDROIT PARK 2103 1ST ST NW 2037 1ST ST NW 1938 2ND ST NW 1955 3RD ST NW 42 BRYANT ST NW 324 U ST NW 11 ADAMS ST NW
$1,400,000 $1,375,000 $1,250,000 $833,000 $760,000 $715,000 $680,000
LILY PONDS 1610 OLIVE ST NE 3340 AMES ST NE 221 33RD ST NE 208 33RD ST NE 1618 OLIVE ST NE 3435 CLAY ST NE
$275,900 $260,000 $235,000 $190,000 $165,000 $115,900
LOGAN CIRCLE 1316 R ST NW 1504 10TH ST NW
$1,435,000 $825,000
MARSHALL HEIGHTS 5046 CALL PL SE 69 47TH ST. SE 5050 BENNING RD SE
$355,000 $250,000 $190,000
6 4 9 4 4 4 3 4 4 3 1 3 3 3 3 3
4737 QUEENS CHAPEL TER NE 4805 QUEENS CHAPEL TER NE 4103 21ST ST NE 3725 18TH ST NE
$545,000 $480,000 $440,000 $355,987
MOUNT PLEASANT 3157 18TH ST NW 1622 HOBART ST NW 1858 INGLESIDE TER NW 1832 KENYON ST NW 1833 LAMONT ST NW 3157 ADAMS MILL RD NW 2006 KLINGLE RD NW 1800 IRVING ST NW 1749 HARVARD ST NW 1608 NEWTON ST NW 3214 18TH ST NW
$1,295,000 $1,249,000 $1,075,000 $1,049,000 $980,000 $919,000 $917,425 $890,000 $749,900 $727,500 $695,000
NAVY YARD 906 3RD PL SE 412 L ST SE
$1,115,000 $950,000
406 L ST SE 1014 7TH ST SE
$868,000 $599,000
NORTH CLEVELAND PARK 3 3 3 4 3 3 4 3 7 7 3 7 3
KENT
MICHIGAN PARK 5
4
4 5 6 4 5 3 5 5 3 3 4 2 2 3 2
3808 ALTON PL NW 3634 ALTON PL NW 3620 VEAZEY ST NW 3645 VAN NESS ST NW
$1,105,000 $981,000 $980,000 $935,000
OBSERVATORY CIRCLE 2914 38TH ST NW
$1,200,000
OLD CITY #1 1526 E ST SE 1445 CAPITOL ST SE 252 11TH ST SE 646 G ST NE 122 17TH ST NE 650 9TH ST NE 769 10TH ST SE 900 C ST NE 327 17TH ST NE 637 ORLEANS PL NE 141 13TH ST NE 619 10TH ST NE 1417 IVES PL SE 928 9TH ST NE 1615 POTOMAC AVE SE 1522 D ST NE 813 12TH ST NE 219 PARKER ST NE 1235 POTOMAC AVE SE 436 21ST ST NE
$1,100,000 $1,050,000 $980,000 $888,000 $836,500 $831,000 $750,000 $735,000 $730,000 $720,000 $710,000 $676,000 $672,000 $637,500 $560,000 $515,000 $505,000 $499,000 $496,000 $450,000
OLD CITY #2 1729 19TH ST NW 1445 SWANN ST NW 1503 Q ST NW 1513 CHURCH ST NW 1833 9TH ST NW 58 NEW YORK AVE NW 2209 12TH PL NW
$2,000,000 $1,750,000 $1,525,000 $1,075,000 $899,900 $730,000 $580,000
3 2 4 4 3 3 4 4 4 3 3 4 3 3 3 4 2 3 2 3 5 2 2 2 2 2 3 5 4 4 4 3 4 1
4 3
PALISADES
4 3 3
PETWORTH
4 3 3 3 8 4 5 3 6 4 4 3 2 3 2 4 3
5514 SHERIER PL NW 5310 DORSETT PL NW
4208 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE NW 4513 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE NW 611 FARRAGUT ST NW 526 DECATUR ST NW 607 LONGFELLOW ST NW 618 FARRAGUT ST NW 809 JEFFERSON ST NW 5307 3RD ST NW 423 DELAFIELD PL NW 5619 9TH ST NW 4930 ILLINOIS AVE NW 5125 5TH ST NW 609 JEFFERSON ST NW 4305 4TH ST NW 4922 4TH ST NW 215 FARRAGUT ST NW 1102 JEFFERSON ST NW 834 DELAFIELD PL NW 5210 5TH ST NW 619 GALLATIN ST NW 534 INGRAHAM ST NW
$960,000 $935,000 $900,000 $790,000 $675,000 $620,000 $610,000 $592,000 $535,000 $524,900 $480,000 $440,000 $430,000 $430,000 $425,000 $415,000 $410,000 $405,000 $399,999 $399,998 $340,000 $305,000 $300,000
RANDALL HEIGHTS 3030 STANTON W 2208 GOOD HOPE RD SE
$143,000 $290,000
4 3 4 4 3 3 4 4 4 3 2 4 3 3 3 3 4 3 3 3 2 3 3 2 3
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
FROM THE KRISTOF REALTY GROUP
1879 ALABAMA AVE SE 2009 TREMONT ST SE 3424 21ST ST SE 1915 ALABAMA AVE SE 1834 T PL SE
RIGGS PARK
700 OGLETHORPE ST NE 766 KENNEDY ST NE 5019 13TH ST NE 336 QUACKENBOS ST NE 5020 SARGENT RD NE 4937 11TH ST NE 5015 DAKOTA AVE NE 630 NICHOLSON ST NE 337 NICHOLSON ST NE 1122 DECATUR ST NE
SHEPHERD PARK 1103 FERN ST NW 1511 ROXANNA RD NW 7721 14TH ST NW 1330 FERNWAY RD NW 1133 KALMIA RD NW
SOUTHWEST WATERFRONT 69 Q ST SW
SPRING VALLEY
4845 LOUGHBORO RD NW 4253 FORDHAM RD NW 4732 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW
TAKOMA PARK 19 TUCKERMAN ST NE 6329 CAPITOL ST NE
TRINIDAD
1404 MORSE ST NE 1210 OWEN PL NE 1209 QUEEN ST NE 781 19TH ST NE 1817 L ST NE 762 19TH ST NE 802 20TH ST NE 1500 MONTELLO AVE NE 1948 BENNETT PL NE 1635 LANG PL NE
U STREET CORRIDOR 1317 V ST NW 2118 12TH ST NW 934 WESTMINSTER ST NW
WAKEFIELD
3711 ALBEMARLE ST NW
WESLEY HEIGHTS 2834 FOXHALL RD NW 4412 EDMUNDS ST NW 2918 GLOVER DR NW 4411 WESTOVER PL NW 4525 MACOMB ST NW
WOODLEY
2631 GARFIELD ST NW 2738 WOODLEY PL NW
WOODRIDGE
2007 FRANKLIN ST NE 3824 26TH ST NE 1717 FRANKLIN ST NE 2511 QUEENS CHAPEL RD NE
$280,000 $263,000 $250,000 $187,000 $185,000
3 3 2 2 2
$444,900 $439,000 $439,000 $430,000 $370,000 $350,000 $340,000 $335,000 $259,000 $457,000
4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4
$824,000 $780,000 $705,000 $660,000 $640,000
5 4 4 4 3
$599,000
3
$1,560,000 $1,170,000 $1,100,000
5 4 3
$425,000 $370,000
4 3
$710,000 $625,000 $525,000 $488,000 $399,555 $390,000 $375,000 $361,000 $310,000 $301,000
4 4 3 3 2 3 4 2 2 2
$945,000 $913,000 $1,240,000
3 3 4
$900,000
4
$1,790,000 $1,550,000 $1,264,500 $940,000 $795,000
6 6 4 3 4
$1,615,000 $1,119,000
6 2
$599,900 $525,711 $375,000 $369,000
4 4 3 4
BROOKLAND $399,900 Live in as-is or do it your way!
Hub Krack 202.550.2111
COMING SOON
Pam Kristof 202.253.2550
Licensed in DC, MD & VA
Perfect Capitol Hill Pied-a-terre $225,000 New blonde wood floors, walk in closet, 1 block to Union Station
RESIDENTIAL SALES AND LISTINGS COMMERCIAL LEASING AND SALES
HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Joan Carmichael Realtor 202.271.5198 joanvcarmichael@gmail.com Bridgette Cline Realtor 202.271.4196 bridgette.cline@c21nm.com for all you real estate needs 1000 Pennsylvania Ave., SE Wash., DC 20003 office #202-546-0055 December 2015 H 113
{real estate / changing hands}
1904 IRVING ST NE $321,110 4 3619 18TH ST NE $315,000 2 3122 NEWTON ST NE $315,000 3 2850 MYRTLE AVE NE $270,000 2
CONDO 14TH STREET CORRIDOR 1412 CHAPIN ST NW #1
$503,500
16TH STREET HEIGHTS 1322 MISSOURI AVE NW #301
$340,000
ADAMS MORGAN 1794 LANIER PL NW #208 1701 KALORAMA RD NW #213 2550 17TH ST NW #606 2434 ONTARIO RD NW #1 1700 KALORAMA RD NW #208
$756,400 $685,000 $539,900 $499,000 $475,000
BLOOMINGDALE 51 RANDOLPH PL NW #501
$275,000
BRIGHTWOOD 6425 14TH ST NW #305
$369,000
BROOKLAND 2615 4TH ST NE #202 401 EVARTS ST NE #403
$247,500 $225,000
CAPITOL HILL
Property Management
At Its Best
Over 80% of our condominium and coop associations have been with us for over 9 years. Compare our services and fees - high quality at a very fair cost. We will be happy to provide a quote and references. Switch to us now and we will wave first month’s fee.
141 12TH ST NE #4 128 18TH ST SE #4 1334 L ST SE #1334 1/2 1211 G ST SE #11 315 12TH ST NE #101 218 4TH ST SE #3 2013 E ST NE #1 420 16TH ST SE #206 649 C ST SE #304 233 KENTUCKY AVE SE #22 243 10TH ST SE #5 909 E ST SE #7 116 NORTH CAROLINA AVE SE #104 1211 G ST SE #1 1836 INDEPENDENCE AVE SE #1 1311 K ST SE #4 1619 CONSTITUTION AVE NE #1 612 14TH PL NE #1 1209 G ST SE #1
$599,000 $550,000 $547,000 $544,000 $529,900 $495,000 $420,000 $397,000 $396,000 $350,000 $349,000 $343,500 $339,000 $335,000 $325,000 $645,000 $577,000 $325,000 $275,000
2425 L ST NW #125 2425 L ST NW #401 1830 JEFFERSON PL NW #22 1230 23RD ST NW #712 2425 L ST NW #423 701 PENNSYLVANIA AVE NW #PH12 1314 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #106 777 7TH ST NW #904 1121 24TH ST NW #1 4301 MILITARY RD NW #710 4301 MILITARY RD NW #505 5431 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #1
$999,900 $885,103 $870,000 $631,125 $549,000 $450,000 $425,000 $407,500 $275,000
$2,400,000 $1,050,000 $326,000
CLEVELAND PARK Office: 202.547.2707 Fax: 202.547.1977 joeltruittmanagement.com
114 H Hillrag.com
2 2 2 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 3 1 1
CENTRAL
CHEVY CHASE
734 Seventh Street, SE
2
4301 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #A304 3026 WISCONSIN AVE NW #202 3930 LANGLEY CT NW #E641 3831 NEWARK ST NW #D448
$525,000 $472,500 $469,000 $425,000
2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 0 3 2 2 3 3 2 2
3600 38TH ST NW #E275 2711 ORDWAY ST NW #109 3605 38TH ST NW #101 3631 38TH ST NW #25 2902 PORTER ST NW #23 3028 WISCONSIN AVE NW #307 3010 WISCONSIN AVE NW #209 3100 WISCONSIN AVE NW #101 3217 WISCONSIN AVE NW #4D
$402,900 $375,500 $350,000 $345,000 $338,000 $289,000 $282,000 $215,000 $200,000
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 1454 BELMONT ST NW #3 1368 MERIDIAN PL NW #2 1319 EUCLID ST NW #2 2650 15TH ST NW #4 1217 PARK RD NW 732 GIRARD ST NW #2 1368 MERIDIAN PL NW #1 1512 PARK RD NW #2 1340 MONROE ST NW #301 1390 KENYON ST NW #706 3013 11TH ST NW #2 701 LAMONT ST NW #31 1419 SHEPHERD ST NW #1 929 FLORIDA AVE NW #3001 1316 HARVARD ST NW #2 1439 CHAPIN ST NW #304 3500 13TH ST NW #509 3205 GEORGIA AVE NW #103 2030 8TH ST NW #406 1390 KENYON ST NW #519 836 LAMONT ST NW #A 1514 NEWTON ST NW #304 1495 NEWTON ST NW #204 3900 14TH ST NW #614 1420 CLIFTON ST NW #407 3902 14TH ST NW #319 3534 10TH ST NW #250 3534 10TH ST NW #230 1451 PARK RD NW #309 710 KENYON ST NW #1
$1,175,000 $820,000 $725,000 $715,000 $675,000 $670,000 $670,000 $575,000 $565,000 $559,000 $549,900 $530,000 $511,572 $460,000 $452,000 $449,000 $439,000 $437,400 $404,900 $399,999 $399,000 $398,900 $350,000 $325,000 $317,000 $286,000 $282,000 $279,000 $189,000 $750,000
CONGRESS HEIGHTS 401 WOODCREST DR SE #401B 713 BRANDYWINE ST SE #103
$333,500 $59,001
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 3 3 2 3 2 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 0 4 4 2
DUPONT 1735 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE NW #202 1756 CORCORAN ST NW #3B 1901 19TH ST NW #401 1735 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE NW #2 1545 18TH ST NW #719 1734 R ST NW #PH 1734 R ST NW #3 2141 P ST NW #708 1625 S ST NW #1 2101 N ST NW #204 1 SCOTT CIR NW #708 1301 20TH ST NW #1013 1308 21ST ST NW #100
$765,000 $601,000 $556,175 $544,900 $338,000 $1,300,000 $1,095,000 $499,900 $495,000 $373,350 $369,000 $364,500 $334,000
ECKINGTON 29 Q ST NE #2 29 Q ST NE #1 2116 3RD ST NE #A 217 R ST NE #B
$715,000 $675,000 $620,000 $590,000
FOGGY BOTTOM 1010 25TH ST NW #103 2515 K ST NW #609 922 24TH ST NW #202 2141 I ST NW #810 522 21ST ST NW #910
$371,000 $305,000 $235,000 $215,000 $205,000
2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 4 3 3 3 1 1 0 0 0
FOREST HILLS
3883 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #407 4007 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #403 2718 ORDWAY ST NW #6 2939 VAN NESS ST NW #1041 2939 VAN NESS ST NW #542
FORT DUPONT PARK 512 RIDGE RD SE #105
FORT LINCOLN
3450 SUMMIT CT NE #3450
GARFIELD
3100 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #223
GEORGETOWN
3150 SOUTH ST NW #2E 1632 30TH ST NW #9 2500 Q ST NW #625
GLOVER PARK
3921 FULTON ST NW #8 3918 W ST NW #7 4114 DAVIS PL NW #102 2325 42ND ST NW #305
HILL CREST
3001 NELSON PL SE #2 1501 27TH ST SE #303 3711 ALABAMA AVE SE #101 2057 38TH ST SE #102
KALORAMA
2301 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #3B 1840 VERNON ST NW #406 2201 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #8 2012 KALORAMA RD NW #1 2022 COLUMBIA RD NW #412 1819 BELMONT RD NW #3 1907 KALORAMA PL NW #16 2032 BELMONT RD NW #516 1833 CALIFORNIA ST NW #303 1856 MINTWOOD PL NW #4 1842 CALIFORNIA ST NW #20B 2311 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #B5 1954 COLUMBIA RD NW #106
LEDROIT PARK
442 OAKDALE PL NW #2 149 T ST NW #2 149 T ST NW #1 42 W ST NW #1 521 FLORIDA AVE NW #1 25 U ST NW #2
LOGAN CIRCLE
1210 R ST NW #208 1445 CHURCH ST NW #13 1102 R ST NW #5 1300 13TH ST NW #703 2125 14TH ST NW #410 1133 14TH ST NW #402 1115 12TH ST NW #604 1440 N ST NW #715 2125 14TH ST NW #414 1444 CHURCH ST NW #604 27 LOGAN CIR NW #1 1300 13TH ST NW #806 1133 14TH ST NW #PH8 1515 15TH ST NW #202 1317 RHODE ISLAND AVE NW #104 1822 15TH ST NW #306
1211 13TH ST NW #807 $399,950 $369,000 $362,500 $269,000 $230,000
1 1 1 1 1
$34,000
1
$199,999
2
$349,000
1
$3,450,000 $610,000 $385,000
3 2 1
$729,000 $700,000 $460,000 $314,000
2 2 2 1
$109,000 $96,000 $68,000 $63,000
2 1 2 1
$1,360,000 $849,000 $725,000 $599,000 $585,000 $570,000 $525,000 $399,999 $367,000 $355,000 $330,000 $265,000 $198,000
2 3 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 0
$759,123 $749,000 $675,000 $620,000 $549,000 $875,000
3 3 3 3 2 3
$890,000 $675,000 $585,000 $550,000 $515,000 $472,000 $325,000 $244,900 $372,700 $1,015,000 $877,850 $730,000 $715,000 $517,000 $480,000 $268,000
2 1 2 2 1 1 1 0 0 2 3 2 2 1 2 0
MARSHALL HEIGHTS 4724 BENNING RD SE #304 5106 F ST SE #12 5005 D ST SE #202
MOUNT PLEASANT 3365 18TH ST NW #C 3220 17TH ST NW #104 3324 18TH ST NW #6 1654 EUCLID ST NW #305 2412 17TH ST NW #204 1801 CALVERT ST NW #G9 2922 18TH ST NW #4 1654 EUCLID ST NW #P11-H
$652,000
2
$69,900 $55,000 $51,000
2 2 2
$735,000 $579,000 $540,000 $539,000 $495,000 $365,000 $324,900 $30,000
3 2 2 2 2 1 1 0
MOUNT VERNON TRIANGLE 1124 10TH ST NW #3B 475 K ST NW #615 460 NEW YORK AVE NW #901 440 L ST NW #806 460 NEW YORK AVE NW #1004 1234 4TH ST NW #1
NAVY YARD
1025 1ST ST SE #705
NORTH CLEVELAND PARK 4444 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #205
OBSERVATORY CIRCLE 2801 NEW MEXICO AVE NW #409 3921 FULTON ST NW #3 3901 CATHEDRAL AVE NW #12
OLD CITY #1
215 17TH ST SE #1 2012 D ST NE #4 401 13TH ST NE #205 301 G ST NE #25 106 TENNESSEE AVE NE #2 1025 1ST ST SE #1107 1036 6TH ST NE #102 326 14TH PL NE #4 315 18TH PL NE #5 326 14TH PL NE #1 308 18TH PL NE #4 1367 K ST SE #101
OLD CITY #2
1425 RHODE ISLAND AVE NW #30 1413 P ST NW #501 475 K ST NW #1215 2100 11TH ST NW #406 2119 11TH ST NW #3 437 NEW YORK AVE NW #Y1 1801 16TH ST NW #701 1117 10TH ST NW #1011 440 RHODE ISLAND AVE NW #401 1444 CHURCH ST NW #108 475 K ST NW #905 475 K ST NW #717 2125 14TH ST NW #205W 475 K ST NW #1011 811 4TH ST NW #906 811 4TH ST NW #916 1390 V ST NW #PH 510 1420 N ST NW #806 1413 T ST NW #301 555 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #902 2120 VERMONT AVE NW #10 1 SCOTT CIR NW #519
Want to buy or sell you home on the Hill? Let me help you put together a game plan for success! As a long-time Hill denizen, I know where to find the best value if you’re looking, or get the best value if you’re showing.
Ann Robertson
Your “House on the Hill” agent 202-986-3132 ann@wasingerco.com DC Broker Mega Realty (703) 642-6342 Licensed agent in DC and Virginia
$812,500 $870,000 $479,000 $437,900 $524,000 $712,500
2 3 1 1 1 2
$641,500
2
Search listings at cbmove.com/steve.hagedorn
$440,000
2
Licensed in DC & MD
$750,000 $479,000 $283,000
2 2 1
$598,000 $515,000 $470,000 $415,000 $389,900 $377,500 $330,000 $305,000 $299,900 $289,900 $280,000 $236,000
2 2 1 1 2 0 2 1 1 1 2 1
$1,240,000 $1,200,000 $930,000 $690,000 $649,900 $637,000 $599,500 $599,000 $599,000 $580,000 $530,000 $525,000 $450,000 $450,000 $432,500 $427,500 $412,000 $324,000 $320,000 $300,000 $295,000 $287,500
2 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 1
Steve Hagedorn Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Direct: Cell: Office: Fax: Email:
202-741-1707 202-841-1380 202-547-3525 202-547-8462 shagedorn@cbmove.com
JOHNSON LAW GROUP Services to individuals and businesses since 1985... Wills, Estates and Trusts • Commercial and Business Law Property Transactions and Disputes • Government Contracting • General Civil Litigation
www.jlgi.com
202-544-1515
Capitol Hill • 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20003
INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING WITH US? Call Laura Vucci 202-400-3510
or laura@hillrag.com for more information on advertising.
December 2015 H 115
To All Our Past & Future Clients, Neighbors & Fellow Associates, Happy Holidays! Thanks for making 2015 a great year! Linda Pettie, Michael Tubbs and Mark Edwards
Let our Expertise and Proven Success work for you! www.pettietubbs.com
1420 N ST NW #211 1718 P ST NW #301 66 NEW YORK AVE NW #102
$240,000 $239,000 $215,000
0 0 2
PALISADES 4491 MACARTHUR BLVD NW #304
$251,050
PARK VIEW 703 NEWTON PL NW #3 703 NEWTON PL NW #5
$439,900 $429,000
PENN QUARTER 915 E ST NW #501
$365,000
PETWORTH 1325 TAYLOR ST NW #1
$649,900
RANDLE HEIGHTS 2850 HARTFORD ST SE #104 1907 GOOD HOPE RD SE #4
$60,000 $27,000
RLA (SW)
202-741-1770 / 202-741-1786 / 202-390-8083
1259 4TH ST SW #7 1101 3RD ST SW #813 350 G ST SW #N401 1101 3RD ST SW #701 350 G ST SW #N111 350 G ST SW #N616 800 4TH ST SW #N518 1101 3RD ST SW #402 700 7TH ST SW #132
$735,000 $542,000 $515,000 $362,000 $360,000 $350,000 $336,500 $302,000 $208,500
1 2 2 1
$1,100,000 $899,555
SHERIDAN STATION 2608 STANTON RD SE 2610 SHERIDAN RD SE #2
$439,900 $288,900
SW WATERFRONT 800 4TH ST SW #S503 800 4TH ST SW #S509 702 3RD ST SW #122
$235,000 $328,000 $540,000 $265,000 $72,000
U STREET CORRIDOR
Looking to Buy or Sell on the Hill? I want to be Your Agent!
Let s get together to review the market and design a winning strategy!
Dee Dee Branand At
home on the Hill
605 Pennsylvania Avenue, S.E., Washington, D.C. 20003 Office: 202 547-3525 Cell: 202 369-7902 Email: dbranand@cbmove.com Web: www.deedeebranand.com
116 H Hillrag.com
2120 VERMONT AVE NW #215 2120 VERMONT AVE NW #313 2331 15TH ST NW #306 2331 15TH ST NW #305 929 FLORIDA AVE NW #PH 8004 2120 VERMONT AVE NW #410
$570,000 $455,000 $629,000 $505,000 $493,000 $599,000
VAN NESS 4600 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #417
$220,000
WESLEY HEIGHTS 3101 NEW MEXICO AVE NW #816 3101 NEW MEXICO AVE NW #248 4201 CATHEDRAL AVE NW #302E 4201 CATHEDRAL AVE NW #712-E 4200 CATHEDRAL AVE NW #509 4201 CATHEDRAL AVE NW #112E
$639,000 $475,000 $367,000 $219,900 $215,000 $187,500
WEST END 2311 M ST NW #705
$465,000
WOODLEY PARK
2725 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #401 $560,000 2
COOP ADAMS MORGAN 2801 ADAMS MILL RD NW #308/310 3025 ONTARIO RD NW #406 2707 ADAMS MILL RD NW #204 1669 COLUMBIA RD NW #402
$450,000 $445,000 $335,000 $179,000
2 2 1 0
2 0
CLEVELAND PARK
4 3 2 1 1 1 1 0 1
DUPONT
2 2 3 3
3900 WATSON PL NW #A-6E
0 1 2 1 1
1701 16TH ST NW #516 1701 16TH ST NW #738 1725 17TH ST NW #516
0 2 1 2 1 1 1 2
$395,000 $389,000 $385,900
FOGGY BOTTOM 730 24TH ST NW #917 730 24TH ST NW #717 730 24TH ST NW #312 730 24TH ST NW #50
$238,000 $208,000 $203,000 $24,000
FOREST HILLS 3001 VEAZEY TER NW #1330 3001 VEAZEY TER NW #1207 3001 VEAZEY TER NW #529
$529,356 $465,000 $300,000
HILL CREST
$60,000
KALORAMA 2100 19TH ST NW #803
$435,000
MOUNT PLEASANT 1661 CRESCENT PL NW #505 1801 CLYDESDALE PL NW #411 1669 COLUMBIA RD NW #302
$985,000 $149,000 $138,000
NORTH CLEVELAND PARK 3000 TILDEN ST NW #404-I
2 1 2 1 1 2
$490,000
3601 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #517/517A $453,000 3024 PORTER ST NW #301 $285,000
28012803 ERIE ST SE #A117
TRINIDAD 1234 SIMMS PL NE #B
1 1
CATHEDRAL HEIGHTS
TAKOMA 304 ASPEN ST NW #204
$417,000 $375,000
4
SHAW 1225 10TH ST NW #3 1225 10TH ST NW #2
1318 22ND ST NW #205 2311 M ST NW #804
$375,000
OBSERVATORY CIRCLE 3900 CATHEDRAL AVE NW #104A 4101 CATHEDRAL AVE NW #1207 4000 CATHEDRAL AVE NW #119B
$685,000 $345,000 $290,000
OLD CITY #2 1701 16TH ST NW #726 1725 17TH ST NW #411
$379,000 $246,500
RLA (SW) 1301 DELAWARE AVE SW #N406 1301 DELAWARE AVE SW #N512 1301 DELAWARE AVE SW #N523
$307,000 $279,900 $186,450
WATERFRONT 550 N ST SW #S-601 490 M ST SW #W-406 490 M ST SW #W-207 u
$1,175,000 $335,000 $325,000
2 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 2 1 2 2 3 0 0 1 2 1 1 1 0 2 2 1 3 1 1
It’s EASY to Find
the HillRag!
You can find The HillRag at these Fine Establishments: 909 7-Eleven Arena Stage Atlas Theater Atlas Vet Banana Cafe Bank of America Bliss Cafe Bullfrog Bagels Buzz Bakery – Blue Jacket CACO BISTRO Caper Carrolsburg Apartments Capital One Bank Capitol Hill Arts Workshop Capitol Hill Bikes Capitol Hill Hotel - Front Desk Capitol Park Plaza – 101 Capitol Park Plaza – 103 Capitol Park Plaza – 201 Capitol South Metro – Box 1 Capitol Tower – 301 Capitol Yards Carrollsburg Condominiums CCN Office - Hill Rag Office Coldwell Banker Capitol Hill Congressional Cemetery Congressional Cleaners Corner Market Cornercopia Cupboard Curbside Cup Cake CVS – H ST CVS CVS – 12th ST CVS – Benning RD CVS – Navy Yard Eastern Market take inside Ebenezers Coffee Eliot-Hine Middle School First District MPD Flats 130 Apartments Frager’s Garden Center Fragers Hardware Fragers Paint Game Stop Giant H Street Coffee House/Café H Street Organic Market Harbor Square Harris Teeter Harris Teeter Harris Teeter Harry’s Liquor Howl to the Chief Jacob’s Coffee JO Wilson Elementary School Kenny’s BBQ Lincoln Park Cleaners Lustre Cleaners Meridian at Gallery Place Meridian at Mt. Vernon Metro Cleaners MLK Library Morton’s Pharmacy Mr. Henry’s National Capital Bank Neighbors Cleaners New York Avenue Metro New York Pizza Next to Mail Box & Liquor Store NOMA CVS Northeast Neighborhood Library NW1 Library P&C Market Park (NAM) Market Peace Baptist Church PenFed Realty Petco Unleashed Port City Java
909 New Jersey AVE SE 1101 S. Capitol ST SW 1101 6th St SW 1333 H ST NE 1326 H St. NE 500 8th st SE 961 H ST NE 201 Massachusetts AVE NE 1341 H Street, NE 300 Tingey Street, SE 320 Mass Ave, NE 900 5th ST SE 336 Pennsylvania AVE SE 545 7th ST SE 719 8th Street, SE 200 C Street, SE 101 G Street, SW 103 G Street, SW 201 Eye ST SW 355 1st ST SE 301 G ST SW 70 I ST SE 1250 M ST SW 224 7th ST SE 605 Pennsylvania AVE SE 1801 E ST SE 1000 New Jersey AVE SE 401 E. Capitol ST SE 1003 3rd ST SE 1504 E Capitol St NE 257 15th St SE 645 H St. NE 1100 4th St. SW 500 12th ST SE 1518 Benning RD NE 1100 New Jersey AVE SE 225 7th ST SE 201 F ST NE 1830 Constitution Avenue 101 M ST SW 130 M Street, NE 1230 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 1323 E Street, SE 1129 Pennsylvania Avenue 1391 Pennsylvania AVE SE 300 H ST 1359 H ST NE 806 H Street, NE 500 N ST SW 1201 First St. NE 1350 Pennsylvania AVE SE 401 M St. SE New Jersey & I Street, SE 733 8th Street, SE 401 8th ST NE 600 K ST NE 732 Maryland AVE NE 1305 E. Capitol ST NE 311 Pennsylvania AVE SE 450 Massachusetts Ave NW 901 4 Street, NW 307 5th ST NE 901 G ST NW 724 E Capitol st NE 601 Pennsylvania AVE SE 316 Pennsylvania AVE SE 1023 E ST SE New York Avenue, NE 1401 Pennsylvania AVE SE 15th & D Streets, NE 12th Street Northeast 330 7th Street, NE 135 New York Ave NW 1023 E. Capitol ST SE 1804 D ST NE 718 18th ST NE 216 7th Street, SE 1200 First St. NE 701 N. Carolina
Pound coffee Prego Cafe Providence Hospital Results Gym – Capitol Hill River Park I River Park II Riverside Condominiums Roland’s Rosedale Library Rosedale Recreation Center Safeway Safeway – Benning Road Safeway – Capitol Hill Safeway – CityVista Schneider’s Liquor Senate Square Sherwood Recreation Center Sidamo Coffee Sizzling Express – Penn AVE St. Mark’s Church St. Peter’s Church SunTrust Bank Super Care Pharmacy SW Library SW Library The Axiom The Hill Center The Townhomes of Capitol Hill The View The View 2 The Wilson Building Tiber Island Town Square Towers Trilogy NoMa Tynan Coffee Velocity Vida Fitness Wag Time Too Washington Fine Properties Washington Sports Club Waterfront Tower Waterside Fitness Weisfeld’s Market Westminster Presbyterian Wisdom
621 Pennsylvania ave SE 210 7th ST SE 1150 Varnum St NE 315 G ST SE 1301 Delaware AVE SW 1311 Delaware AVE SW 1425 4th Street, SW 333 Pennsylvania AVE SE 1701 Gales Street, NE 1701 Gales Street, NE 1100 4th st SW 1601 Maryland AVE NE 415 14th ST SE 1045 5th ST NW 300 Massachusetts AVE NE 201 Eye ST NE 640 10th Street, NE 417 H ST NE 600 Pennsylvania AVE SE 118 3rd ST SE 313 2nd ST SE 965 L’Enfant Plaza SW 1019 H ST NE 403 7th ST SE 900 Wesley PL SW 100 I ST SE 921 Pennsylvania Ave SE 750 6th Street, S.E. 1100 6th ST SW 1000 6th St. SW 1350 Pennsylvania Ave. NW 429 N ST SW 700 7th Ave. SW 151 Q Street, NE 1275 First St. SE First & L St. SE 1212 4th Street, SE 900 M Street, SE 2624 P Street, NW 214 D ST SE 1101 3rd ST SW 901 6th St SW 501 4th ST SE 400 I ST SW 1432 Pennsylvania AVE SE
The HillRag is Also Available in Boxes at These Locations: 595 3rd ST NE 300 I ST NE 301 4th St NE 500 6th ST NE 239 Massachusetts AVE NE 1300 Constitution Ave, NE 516 A ST NE 530 H ST NE 1359 H St NE 538 3rd St NE. 331 Constitution AVE NE 400 E. Capitol NE 724 E Capitol st NE 1504 E Capitol St NE 1450 Maryland Ave 1800 D ST NE 220 I Street, NE 300 I Street, NE 4th & E. Capitol 301 E. Capitol ST SE 421 E.Capitol, SE 501 East Capitol ST SE 8th & East Capitol ST, SE 1332 D ST NE 3rd & H Street, NE 4th & H Street, NE 5th & H Street, NE
303 7th ST SE 660 7th St SE 1027 Independence AVE SE 701 N. Carolina 201 Pennsylvania ave SE 237 Pennsylvania AVE SE 600 Pennsylvania AVE SE 661 Pennsylvania Ave SE 801 Pennsylvania AVE SE 1391 Pennsylvania AVE SE 1400 Pennsylvania AVE SE 11th & C Street, SE 400 1st ST SE 501 4th ST SE 413 7th St SE 11th & North Carolina SE 254 11th St SE 192 19th ST SE 193 19th ST SE 219 D St SE 300 M ST SE 1200 New Jersey ave SE 600 4th street SW 600 6th st SW 3rd ST & G ST SW 4th & I Street, SW 4th & M Street, SW
Questions about Distribution? Email distribution@hillrag.com or call 202-400-3512 December 2015 H 117
118 H Hillrag.com
{arts & dining}
s g e t n i o n N Di cCall
M by Celeste
T
here’s something fishy near Union Market. No, we’re not talking about snakeheads or oysters. This Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, Masseria, tucked away behind Union Market, will present owner/chef Nick Stefanelli’s family tradition: Festa dei Sette Pesci--the Feast of the Seven Fishes. Originating in Southern Italy, this culinary custom commemorates Vigilia di Natale—the midnight birth of Jesus. Consuming seafood (no meat) on Christmas Eve dates from medieval Roman Catholic laws of abstinence. Why seven? One theory points to the Church’s seven sacraments. Stefanelli, 35, grew up in Beltsville—often visiting the Eastern Shore--and his Italian grandparents introduced him to fresh fish, olive oil, capers, and spices. Some of these ingredients appear on Masseria’s mainly Southern Italian menu including arincini (fried rice balls); sauteed calamari with cherry peppers and radicchio; pennoni (tubular pasta with anchovies, pine nuts and raisins); rabbit braised with cabbage and pancetta. The grand finale: pastry chef Jemil Gadea’s fried pasta with figs and pistachio gelato; the presentation resembles a Jackson Pollock painting. Masseria’s wine list covers a wide range of prices, including pleasant Sicilian vintages by-the-glass. Perched at the marble topped bar, we observed Stefanelli overseeing his busy but calmly efficient kitchen team. Masseria, ensconced in a former warehouse, is handsomely appointed with a glass enclosed wine rack, exposed brick accents, “distressed” wood and cement. In spite of these industrial hard edges, Masseria’s noise level is moderate. Stefanelli took a circuitous route to the restaurant business. After a broken foot derailed his dreams of playing pro baseball, he turned to men’s fashion. While working for a tailor, he traveled to Puglia, a region of southern Italy where his grandfather was born. (His grandmother came from Sicily.) He was enchanted by Puglia’s “masserias,” centuries-old agricultural estates. Back in the States, Stefanelli graduated in 2001 from L’Académie de Cuisine in Gaithersburg. He worked for
Masseria ownerchef Nick Stefanelli calmly oversees his kitchen
December 2015 H 119
Sidamo Coffee and Tea Single Origin Coffee Freshly Roasted on Site! Organic & Specialty Coffees from Around the World 25 Types of Loose Teas Bagels, Salads, Sandwiches & Desserts • Catering Ethiopian Coffee Ritual Sundays @ 2pm
Lincoln Park Kitchen presents lamb chops in a single-serving cast-iron skillet Photo by Celeste McCall
202-548-0081 Mon.-Fri. 7-7 Sat. 8-6, Sun. 8-5 sidamocoffeeandtea.com FREE 417 H Street, NE
1025 FIRST ST SE 202.652.1009 IN THE VELOCITY CONDO BUILDING
“OFFICIAL NATIONALS BAR OF 106.7”
VISIT US FOR OUR PROGRESSIVE HAPPY HOUR FROM 4-8PM. SATURDAY: 50¢ WINGS FOR COLLEGE FOOTBALL - EAT IN ONLY
120 H Hillrag.com
colored walls; the wine bar is tucked in the back. Sipping a smooth Malbec, we dove into owner/chef Howsoon H.O. Cham’s crawfish hushpuppies--five crunchy spheres nestled in a wire basket, waiting to be slathered with maple-cinnamon butter. I could not resist rosemary-scented lamb chops. Escorted by dainty asparagus, beans and tiny carrots with the green stems still attached, the two plump chops arrived— medium rare as requested— in a single-serving cast-iron skillet. Peter chose rockfish—moist inside with a crisp exterior-paired with chanterelles and bok choy. For dessert, we shared the generous peach cobbler, topped with granola and vanilla ice cream and dribbled with maple toffee sauce. Service was excellent; our tab came to $92 before tip. Open six days a week (dinner only plus Sunday brunch, closed Monday), Lincoln Park Kitchen is at 106 13th St. SE. Call 202-5067013 or visit www.lincolnparkdc.com.
Roberto Donna’s (now defunct) Galileo, Fabio Trabocchi’s Maestro, and Thomas Keller’s French Laundry (Napa Valley). After a stint at Trabocchi’s Fiamma in New York, he returned to Washington to help Ashok Bajaj develop the menu for Bibiana (downtown). Last August, Nick opened Masseria. For Masseria’s Festa dei Sette Pesci Dec. 24, chef Stefanelli has not finalized his menu, waiting to see what’s available. But a sure bet is baccala—salt cod cooked with potatoes and onions. Also likely to appear is fritto misto--fried calamari, oysters, and calamari spritzed with lemon. He’s also pretty sure to Market Watch Tired of leftover turkey during the holidays? have capatinone, eel farmed raised in the RapStop by Pinoy Kitchens, the nifty Filipino ahannock, seared with onions and a splash of vinegar. Rounding out the dinner is a traditional Neapolitan Delizia al Limone— Pinoy Kitchens dishes up tasty lemon-custard-filled cake. Philippine cuisine weekends at Masseria’s Festa dei Sette Pesci will Eastern Market be served from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. The fivecourse repast is $95 per person before tax, tip and drinks. Masseria will also observe New Year’s Eve with two dinner seatings (call for details). Masseria is located at 1340 Fourth St. NE. Reservations are a must; call 202-608-1330 or www.Masseria-dc.com
New at Lincoln Park We finally visited Lincoln Park Kitchen & Wine Bar, situated just east of the park. Open since late October, the newcomer dispenses mainly American fare with Italian flourishes. On a Friday night, the place was hopping, and we were glad we had reservations. Colorful paintings adorn cream-
a taste of
Old Havana!
Banana Cafe & Piano Bar Rum by Gum
Bart Vandaele celebrates Belga Cafe’s 11th anniversary with a festive cake Photo: Celeste McCall
food stand at Eastern Market. On Saturday and Sunday, Helen and Patrick’s outdoor enterprise dispenses chicken skewers, fried rice, pancit (stir-fried noodles), and lumpia. We’ve sampled the last two. Pancit is cellophane noodles tossed with shredded chicken and vegetables. Filled with shredded turkey, lumpia are similar to spring rolls. Both dishes were tasty, generous and inexpensive, costing a total of $12. Pinoy also delivers. Call 240-532-4436 or visit www.PinoyKitchens.com.
Holiday Dining As always, La Plaza, 629 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, will continue its tradition of serving dinner on Christmas and New Year’s Day. From 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., the Tex/Mex Salvadoran restaurant will retain its regular menu, plus holiday specials. For reservations call 202-546-9512.
Chocolate-Italian Style Now that’s there’s a nip in the air, Pitango Gelato, 660 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, is serving lots of affogato— Italian-style hot chocolate crowned with a scoop of gelato in various seasonal flavors. A good-size cup is $4.95. Pitango, with sister shops all over town, is open daily; call 202701-6222.
Here’s something stronger to ward off December chill: Later this winter, the Union Market neighborhood will welcome a rum distillery: Cotton & Reed, at 1330 Fifth St. NE. Co-founded by former NASA consultants Reed Walker and Jordan Cotton, the distillery will launch its enterprise with a signature white rum made with cane sugar and molasses from a Louisiana farm co-op. The distillery will also house a tasting room and bar featuring cocktails poured by Lukas B. Smith.
Changes Curbside Café, the cozy neighborhood breakfast and lunch spot at 257 15th St. SE, has closed. Moving into that spot sometime in January is Pretzel Bakery, currently at 340 15th St. SE. For updates call 202-450-6067.
Brunch All Weekend Saturdays & Sundays
10 AM TO 3 PM REGULAR MENU ALSO AVAILABLE
Where Every Customer is Family! Serving the Finest Cuban, Puerto Rican and Latin Cuisine. 202-543-5906 500 8th Street, SE www.bananacafedc.com
No MoreLines? By now you’ve probably heard that Rose’s Luxury now accepts limited reservations for groups of 6 to 8. Coming soon next door: Pineapple and Pearls. For updates call 202580-8889 or www.rosesluxury.com.
Pigging Out That was a fun pig roast this fall at Barracks Row’s Belga Cafe. Held on the popular Belgian restaurant’s rooftop bar, Betsy, the lively event celebrated Belga’s 11th anniversary. At least four Pennsylvania-bred porkers made the ultimate sacrifice for the Sunday supper, which also included mac-and-cheese, potato salad, red cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and, naturally, birthday cake. Betsy, by the way, is the name of executive chef/owner Bart Vandaele’s pet hen, who has several feathered siblings at the chef’s Alexandria home. Belga Café/Betsy is located at 514 Eighth St. SE; call 202-544-0100 or www. belgacafe.com. ◆
INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING WITH US? Call Kira Means 202-400-3508
or kira@hillrag.com for more information on advertising.
December 2015 H 121
{arts and dining / wine girl}
Champagne Tastes Veuve Cliquot at the Sofitel by Lilia Coffin
T
he Sofitel DC in Lafayette Square houses two excellent restaurants, boasts a world-class spa, and produces honey from beehives kept on the roof. On a recent crisp fall evening, the French-owned institution upped the class quotient yet another notch as it hosted the Veuve Cliquot winemaker, the lovely Delphine Laborde, and paired four of the Champagne powerhouse’s ebullient releases with four delectable complementary courses. The guests had assembled simply because of their love for Veuve Cliquot, and the diverse backgrounds of the crowd led to lively conversation all evening, with pauses only to eat and drink.
Delphine was an incredible host, with a direct knowledge of the step-by-step transformation from vineyard to the bottles before us. Her youth only made her experience and expertise more impressive, and she was a genial and generous teacher, answering all of our questions and responding to our comments throughout the meal. The meal was innovative, unexpected, and delicious. Each course was an excellent pair to the respective style of Veuve Cliquot presented. The first course started with the flagship Veuve Cliquot Yellow Label, with just a trace of lees and clean, bright fruit, paired with oyster gratinee, four local oysters stewed in a light cream sauce, topped with a thin layer of cheese and baked, presented on the
Delphine Laborde presides over a Veuve Cliquot Wine Tasting Dinner held at the Sofitel DC on Oct. 7.
(Foreground) All four champagnes and the Guanaja chocolate mousse bar and raspberry glace dessert. (Background) Delphine Laborde and guest discuss their oenophilia over dessert.
122 H Hillrag.com
the wine girl
half shell. The tinge of ocean salt, the smokiness of the cheese, and the creamy wine sauce all proved perfect complements. The next course, a mushroom fricassee, was a creamy mushroom mousse topped with scallions and paired with a poached egg. The earthy, savory umami notes of the mushroom, egg yolk, and scallions brought out the cherry and floral notes and acidity in the Veuve Cliquot Rose Vintage 2004, as well as bringing the taste of lees to the fore. The main dish, a rabbit loin wrapped in prosciutto, placed on top of a savory pancetta cake, with aged parmesan arancini and bite-sized rabbit kidneys on the side, was an excellent pair with the oak-aged, lees-y, full-bodied La Grande Dame Blanc Vintage 2004, allowing the champagne to express all of its delicate fruit, floral, and even herbal notes. The delicate gaminess of the rabbit, the prosciutto’s smoked salt, and the sharp tinge of parmesan, all strong flavors, matched the bold body of the excellent vintage, one of only a few years to be released. Look out for the 2006, a vintage Delphine had a hand in at every step, to be released next year. For dessert, the sweetness of the Veuve Cliquot Demi Sec was paired with the sweetness of raspberry glace scooped over a Guanaja dark chocolate mousse bar. While delicious, Delphine was quick to note, the intensity of the dark choc-
Rabbit loin wrapped in prosciutto and sage over a pancetta cake, paired with Veuve Cliquot’s La Grande Dame Blanc Vintage 2004.
olate was slightly too sweet for the Demi Sec. She suggested poached pears, or the raspberry glace alone, as a better accent to the Demi Sec’s balancing acidity. As it was, the chocolate mousse with chocolate shell, though this Wine Girl’s favorite dish, overpowered the sweetness of the wine just enough to put the spotlight on the Demi Sec’s greenapple-tart acidity. As I left the Sofitel that night, with a full, happy belly, a head full
of excellent Veuve Cliquot champagnes, and a Sofitel goody bag with the aforementioned honey inside, I thanked Delphine for her excellent and important work, and wished her a safe flight home to the small town outside Paris where she bottles sunshine for our benefit. The Wine Girl, and all of the Veuve Cliquot wines mentioned (the holidays are coming!), can be found at Schneider’s of Capitol Hill. ◆
The evening’s menu.
December 2015 H 123
{arts and dining / at the movies}
At The Movies
Two Oscar Contenders: A Boston Newspaper Drama and an Irish-American’s Education by Mike Canning Spotlight Tom McCarthy is hardly a name filmmaker, but in a dozen years he has written and directed three stellar films (“The Station Agent,” “The Visitor,” and “Win-Win”), and now he has just launched (opened November 13) probably his best effort, the superb “Spotlight,” an impeccably crafted scenario about the Boston Globe unearthing one of the stories of the century, the scandal of sexual assaults by Catholic priests in the Boston Diocese. McCarthy, a yeoman actor himself for over 25 years, infuses his films with believable dialogue and local detail and peoples it with full-bodied characters limned through marvelous actors. “Spotlight” will definitely have a spotlight on it as we approach awards season (running a 127 tense minutes, the film is rated “R” for sexual language). The story begins in July 2001, when the new editor of the Globe, outsider Marty Baron (Liev Schreiber), a Jew from Florida, lunches with Walter “Robby” Robinson (Michael Keaton) the leader of (Left to right) Rachel McAdams, Mark Ruffalo, Brian d’Arcy, Michael Keaton and John Slattery in “Spotlight.” Photo Credit: Kerry Hayes; Distributor: Open Road Films.
124 H Hillrag.com
the paper’s investigative team—called “Spotlight”— to discuss a possible new coverage for the independent team. A recent article on clerical child abuse becomes the trigger and Robinson, along with the amped-up reporter Mike Rezendes (Mark Ruffalo), the earnest writer Sacha Pfeiffer (Rachel McAdams), and the reserved researcher Matty Carroll (Brian d’Arcy James), take up the challenge. The rest of the film chronicles the group’s relentless and immensely detailed pursuit of their bleak story, piece by relentless piece. A handful of sexual abuse cases rises to a Baker’s dozen, then, as the team uncovers records of priestly transfers and runs down long-time survivors, the focus of the story morphs from the ghastly revelations about priestly conduct into a thoroughgoing condemnation of a Catholic diocese which has, under the leadership of the corrupt Cardinal Law (Len Cariou), buried the whole problem through its use of political and social power. Their search leads the reporters, mainly lapsed Catholics, to those who help round out the story, like sym-
pathetic lawyer Mitchell Garabedian (Stanley Tucci), and those who provide pushback from threatened institutions, like lawyers Eric Macleish (Billy Crudup), representing victims, and Jim Sullivan (Jamie Sheridan), representing the Diocese. To this critic, “Spotlight” inevitably begs comparison with that paragon of all films on investigative journalism, “All the President’s Men” (1976). Though the investigation it treats may not have the singular portent of that classic Watergate film, the issue is just as serious, and the current film’s sure focus on and resolute presentation of realistic, shoeleather journalism bares comparison to that earlier epic. “Spotlight’s” script is splendid in building its case, gingerly matching suspenseful exchanges with purposeful exposition. It may seem unlikely that dogged archive searches, hurried phone calls, furious note-taking, and endless office visits would make for compelling cinema, but in “Spotlight” they do. And though it deals with the most repugnant of themes, the film avoids the lurid wallow in them that commercial TV typically indulges. A fine example of its tact with purpose is in a fine crosscutting section between two reporters and two now-grown victims, both of whom bare their souls for the first time. In this double whammy, Sasha questions a crushed gay man, Joe (Michael Cyril Creighton), who gingerly unveils the ruin of his life, while, contrastingly, Mike quizzes a tough Southie guy named Patrick (Jimmy LeBlanc) who spits out a hard, profane condemnation of his faith. This point-counterpoint crystalizes the human cost of priestly abuse. The cast of “Spotlight” is a dream, one of the best acting ensembles assembled in recent years, and while that cast will certainly merit end-of-year acing accolades, picking out any one individual as “best actor” would be fruitless, because the collective is so superb. All of the above actors mentioned turn in estimable performances, as does—to add one more—a testy John Slattery as Ben Bradlee Jr., deputy editor of the Globe at the time. McCarthy deserves full marks for both guiding
Mr. Henry’ Restaurant Christmas Eve Menu @ Henry’s Upstairs Smoked Salon & Endive Salad Roasted Pear & Bleu Salad Tomato Soup, Whipped Basil Cream Saoirse Ronan and Emory Cohen star in “Brooklyn.” Photo by Kerry Brown. ©2015 20th Century Fox Film Corporation; all rights reserved.
his charges and crafting their lines to maximum effect. He is assisted immeasurably in his cinematographer, Masanobu Takayanagi, who eschews facile close ups and hand held gyrations and favors a balanced tableau of his actors in mid shot under subdued color tones; his composer, Howard Shore, who graces the film with an unobtrusive, murmuring piano score; and his production designer, Stephen H. Carter, whose workmanlike settings (many done in a Toronto studio) perfectly match their inhabitants. Catch this one before the deadline.
Brooklyn Here’s a film for those sundry filmgoers who lament “They don’t make ‘em like they used to.” “Brooklyn,” a coming-of-age-cum love story, is a throwback--in the best way. Tracing a formative year in the young life of an Irish colleen, the film bathes the early 1950’s in a warm glow and makes a star out of Saoirse (pronounced SEERshuh) Ronan (now in cinemas, the film is rated “PG-13 and runs 111 mins.) “Brooklyn,” directed by John Crowley, has a simple plot, finely crafted by screenwriter Nick Hornby from a prize-winning novel by Colm Toibin. In 1952, Eilis Lacey (Ronan), youngest daughter of a widow from Wexford, has a chance for work in America through the interventions of a family friend living in Brooklyn, Father Flood (Jim Broadbent). After initial shyness, she adjusts well to a shop girl’s job at a department store, takes up bookkeeping classes,
and learns local mores around the table at the boarding house of Mrs. Kehoe (Julie Walters). Though totally surrounded by other Irish immigrants, she also finds romance with an upright Italian plumber Tony (Emory Cohen), and they dream of a home on Long Island. After learning of the sudden death of her devoted older sister Rose (Fiona Glascott), Eilis returns home for the burial, during which time she is gently courted by a local chap, Jim Farrell (Domhnall Gleason). Jim is just as decent as Tony, well off, and admired by Mrs. Lacey (Jane Brennan). Thus Eilis’s dilemma, to settle back in her beloved Ireland or to take a chance on Tony and life in the New World. Simple the tale may be, but its working out is exquisite, both in tenderness and style. Locations in the real Wexford are coated in green and straw shades, while the Brooklyn settings (shot both in the city and in Montreal) are cast in lovely nostalgic browns, rusts, and oranges. Everything glows. “Brooklyn” will fondly remind veteran moviegoers of post war studio films of first love starring the likes of Jennifer Jones or Maureen O’Hara. Young Ronan is the current equivalent of these stars: at 21, she has matured strikingly after having made a notable debut in “Atonement” eight years ago. The rest of the cast is stellar, all amiable folk making both the Olde Sod and Brooklyn appear warm and attractive. The two young swains are unassuming and charming, each an appropriate catch for Eilis. Jim Broadbent handles his avuncular padre role with ease, while Julie Walters is a stitch as the gossipy landlady who aims to cement good behavior in her young lady residents.
Roast Goose Steak au Poivre Crab Cakes Pork Tenderloin Chocolate Torte Tiramisu Blackberry Cream Cake $36/pp Reservations Recommended
Ny’s Eve Live Music Dial 251 with Steve Washington From 8 Pm: Jazz FOR RESERVATIONS www.MRHENRYSDC.com Or 202-546-8412 6TH & PENN SE, WASH DC
New Year’s Eve Menu Roasted Beet Salad Oysters Half Shell Wild Mushroom Soup BBQ Shrimp Smoked Salmon & Snow Pea Salad Lamb Shank Duck Breast Pork Tenderloin Surf & Turf Tuna Steak Roast Venison Chocolate Torte Tiramisu Blackberry Cream Cake 1st Seating: $48.5/pp 2nd Seating: $66.5/pp
Hill resident Mike Canning has written on movies for the Hill Rag since 1993 and is a member of the Washington Area Film Critics Association. He is the author of “Hollywood on the Potomac: How the Movies View Washington, DC.” His reviews and writings on film can be found online at www. mikesflix.com. ◆
December 2015 H 125
{arts and dining / art and the city}
A
by Jim Magner
nimals. Dogs, birds, horses, cats… They often show up in a Tom Greaves painting, but like the painting itself, they exist in that shadowy realm between civilization and wild— between best friend and the kind of animal presence that has you looking over your shoulder once in a while. It’s the same with his people. Most of his work occupies that same dreamlike territory between comfortable and mysteriously threatening—like life itself. And like life, they are multilayered with meanings and interpretations. He often begins with a photomontage—a collection of images, some photographs, some drawn. They can overlap, or come together in unexpected and startling ways. He doesn’t always know what they mean; they ask questions but there is no right answer. From that montage he begins the painting, usually in acrylic. They sometimes morph into multi-media as LookLook, acrylic on linen 32”x 44” “Photoconstructions.” Not only do you see the ordinary in unexpected—extraordinary—ways, the conjoined imJim Magner’s Thoughts on Art ages, photographs and drawings project a new range of ideas. Tom Greaves [See: Artist Profile] has two goals as But like the paintings, his artistry ultimately dominates—color, an artist. He wants to be respected by other artists, composition, and his provocative use of line as a cryptic mesand he wants his art to make a contribution to the sage combine in the finished artwork. world—to the condition of life…maybe offset in Originally from Canton, Ohio, Tom graduated with a some small incremental way the evil threatens to degree in design from the Art Institute of Pittsburg. He worked in a design studio for consume the foundations of civilization. years before committing to painting professionally. He believes it is through that timeThere are hundreds of artists in the Capitol less tradition that he can make a contribution—maybe not earthshaking changes, but Hill community and thousands in the expanded “modest, small increments” in making life a little more joyous. DC area who share those goals. While Tom conYou can view his work on Saturdays at the historic Eastern Market, 7th St. SE on sciously explores the DMZ of nature—that squigCapitol Hill and at www.tomgreavesart.com gly interface of good and evil—most artists weigh
Firelane, acrylic on linen 32”x 44”, by Tom Greaves
126 H Hillrag.com
artandthecity
Artist Portrait: Tom Greaves
in on the pretty/happy side of the equation. There are a few who dare to take on the dark side—confront evil eyeball-to-eyeball—but all fight to keep the brightness of creativity in our lives. In all its forms, it is art that makes us human. And it is art that connects and collectively reaches for the ideal: the best that our incredible minds can accomplish. It is not surprising that those who want to conquer and control the world around them begin by destroying art. Art is the enemy of ignorance, hatred and subject compliance. So now, as a new wave of fear and danger spreads in all directions, even threatening us, we can reach for the light and support the artists, the ones who are compelled to create while others destroy—this holiday season more than ever. I’m listing some of the places on Capitol Hill where you can find and buy art to own, and to give: Eastern Market, Capitol Hill Art League, The Hill Center, the Corner Store, and at art galleries all over the area. [See: At the Galleries]. Have a great holiday season and a happy new year.
N E W O N B A R R AC K S R OW !
T A F A ZIA tau & Res Grill
rant
INDIAN & PA K I STA N I CUISINE Grill BBQ Entrée Specials Chicken Tikka Lamb Chops Sheik Kebabs Butter Chicken Samosas
like frozen moments in time. Carol Reed’s predominantly black and white compositions reach for your intellect as well as your eye. They are a search for logic among apparent truths and reclusive impressions. Kasse Andrews-Weller’s ceramic “paintings” are playful, but seriously capture the sense of a place and time. www.hillcenterdc.org.
Gusty, acrylic on linen 32”x 44”, by Tom Greaves
At the Galleries: Jan Kern: The Corner Store 900 South Carolina Ave., SE Dec 12–Jan 9. Opening: Sat., Dec. 12, 6–9 Jan Kern paints the symbols, ideas and structures of life. Her collaged paintings vibrate with pure geometrically aligned color contrasts and patterns, and connect with cultures around the world, both modern and ancient…an expedition through time…with a personal perspective and heartbeat. www.jankernart.com.
Hill Center Galleries-Old Naval Hospital 921 Penn. Ave. SE –Jan. 2 The Hill Center reaches for the holidays with a seven-artist show: M. Alexander Gray captures the fine arts tradition of printmaking—woodcuts, relief engraving and copper engraving—with keenly observed images of places with historical references, and scenes from personal experiences. Barbara Brennan’s seemingly straightforward paintings of familiar places and things take you to another depth through color complexities. Noah Williams gathers stuff we all toss away—bottle caps, nails, car parts, etc., and makes art—sculptures. His masks are powerful and imaginative. Gwendolyn Aqui-Brooks brings you into a world of wonder and wondrous color. Stories are told with fantasy and mystery. Paula Cleggett’s striking oils are strong on graphic composition and intense coloration—
Adult Student Exhibit Capitol Hill Art League 545 7th St. SE Dec. 9–Jan 5. Opening: Sat, Dec. 12, 5–7.
$9.99 Lunch Special
3 meat items, 1 lentil, 1 vegetable, 1 nan, rice
www.ziaafatgrillrestaurant.com 1102 8th Street, SE WDC 20003 Carry Out Available – 202.546.0000
You have a few days to pick up great little presents for holiday gifts at the CHAL annual Small Works show, juried from its artist members. If you miss that, the Adult Student exhibit opens on Sat. Dec. 12, 5-7. You’ll find a very wide range of subjects and styles at both shows. www. caphillartleague.org, or www.chaw.org.
Dana Ellen: P Street Gallerie 3235 P St. NW –Dec 4 The title of the exhibit is “Speciesism.” The question is: Why do we cherish some animals and eat others? Dana loves to make us uncomfortable with challenges to our often-unquestioned social mores and manners. Her paintings, in her famous in-your-face-style, make the answers a little more difficult to swallow. www. danaellyn.com
LAS PLACITAS IS STAYING! We are relocating to
1100 8th St. SE Thank you for your support and patronage during the last 24 years
Jay Peterzell: Foundry Gallery 2118 - 8th St. NW Dec 2 - Jan 3. Opening: Sat., Dec. 5th, 5–8 pm Jay Peterzell came back from Italy intent on painting in a way that retains his recent approaches and techniques, but captures the psychological density from classical sources of Renaissance art. This series of paintings and drawings is his second solo exhibit in Washington. www.jaypeterzell.com. www.foundrygallery.org A Capitol Hill artist and writer, Jim can be reached at Artandthecity05@aol.com. Jim’s award-winning book, “A Haunting Beauty” can be acquired through www.ahauntingbeauty.com ◆
STAY TUNED FOR OUR GRAND OPENING!
24 Years ol Hill! on Capit The FinesT salvadorian & Mexican cuisine
December 2015 H 127
Voted as both the Best Place to get Ripped and the Best Gym that Doesn’t Intimidate You — a testament to our unique ability to create an open and welcoming environment that both inspires our members and encourages them to push toward their goals.
214 D St. SE balancegym.com
128 H Hillrag.com
{health & fitness}
Winterize Your Workout Experts Talk about Running in the Cold by Pattie Cinelli
I
f you like to exercise outdoors, winter is probably not your favorite season. It’s dark early, it’s cold, and it can be snowy, icy, or freezing rain. However, after talking to Chris Farley and Kathy Dalby, owners of Pacers Running, at their newest location in Yards Park, I have again become intrigued with the sport and have started jogging short distances in the mornings with my dog. With the proper preparation and equipment, running outdoors in the winter can be pleasant, fun, safe, and effective.
Pacers Running President Chris Farley and CEO Kathy Dalby Photo Joy Asico
“I believe that everyone is a runner,” said Farley, who started running at age 12. “It can help anyone feel better about themselves.” He said even someone who hasn’t gotten off the couch in years can go out and walk/jog safely. “We have enough good equipment as well as fitness and medical experts available who can assist along the way.”
How to Start
Shoes displayed on fixtures salvaged from old naval ships, designed by Jim Devault of Carbon Industrial. Photo Joy Asico
You don’t have to be a certain age or have a certain type of body to run. “Set a goal,” said Farley. “It can be a 15-minute walk/jog, then a 15-minute walk/jog back. Or you can run five minutes and walk five minutes or measure from telephone poll to telephone poll. Just be consistent. It doesn’t matter whether it’s two, three, or four times a week.” Farley also suggested you measure your progress. “Time yourself so you can see improvement. A stop watch doesn’t lie. You will see improvement physically, mentally, and emotionally if you are consistent.” Ideally it’s good to find a friend, partner, or
December 2015 H 129
{health and fitness}
strengthen, bones, and because you are outside you are getting a healthy dose of Vitamin D.
Proper Clothes and Shoes The key to staying comfortable and dry while running outside in winter is wearing the correct clothes. “Layer, but not with bulky or restrictive clothing,” said Farley. “We have so much new technology for clothing to keep you warm and dry with thermal regulating material.” He strongly advised never to wear cotton in winter. “Wool is a great insulator and moisture barrier.” He showed me a lightweight wool cap, socks, and thin yet warm shirts he sells that could be used not only for running but also for walking or any outdoor activity in winter.
Safety
The new Pacers Navy Yard. Photo: Joy Asico
group to help be accountable. Pacers Running has groups that run in the mornings at 5:30 on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and in the evenings at 7:00 on Tuesday and Thursday. “We do fun things with the community,” explained Dalby, co-owner of Pacers Running. Last month they partnered with Shake Shack. The Tuesday evening running group ran to Shake Shack, had a burger, and ran back. Warm up actively in the warmth before going outside to run. Farley recommended getting your heart rate elevated by moving your lower extremities, and to avoid static stretching until the cool-down. He also recommended starting at a slow pace, even walking, and building up. For the cool-down, slow your pace to get your breath and heart rate down gradually – about three minutes. Stretch inside.
your heart) work harder in the cold to stay warm. When you work harder you release more endorphins, which can create a feeling of euphoria. Because you are working harder in the winter, you burn more calories. You also build a tolerance for the cold. Running, an impact sport, helps
Common sense goes a long way when running outside in winter. Dalby recommended running with just one earphone in order to stay aware of the environment. She also advised staying in tune with your health. If you don’t feel well, turn around instead of “pushing through.” Go home. She also suggested carrying an ID and letting someone know when you expect to return. Reflectivity is vital when running in the dark. “Lots of clothes now have it built in or you can get it added to your gear. We even have shoes that
Benefits For some, winter running can be addictive. Runners love breathing the cold, crisp air; others love being the first to make footprints in the newly fallen snow. “It makes you feel alive!” said one runner. Running can also make you feel happy. The psychological and physiological benefits of running are real. Your muscles (including
130 H Hillrag.com
Guest trying on shoe. Photo: Joy Asico
Tracy&Company a unique salon
walk-ins welcome
202.546.4887 428 8th Street SE hair are reflective.” It’s important to stay hydrated. In cold weather you may not sweat as much but you are still losing fluids. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink. Even if you’ve never run in your life, the advantages of the sport may inspire you to give it try. “You can run anywhere and at any time,” said Farley. “It’s inexpensive. You can run by yourself or in a group. We have great trails and parks in DC for running, and you’ll be in good company. Just take a look at all the people out there having fun.” Hot coffee, festive costumes, photos with Santa, and post-race festivities at Shake Shack will be part of the 5K run hosted by Pacers Running. The Jingle All the Way 5K Race starts at Freedom Plaza on Dec. 6 at 9 a.m. Cost is $40.Register at www. pacers.com. Pacers Running is at 300 Tingey Street SE. It houses a “Run Lab” – a personalized gait analysis via an in-store treadmill and one-on-one fittings for footwear, apparel, and accessories. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro they have a training program designed for you. For more information log onto www.runpacers.com or call 202-554-1216. Pattie Cinelli is a holistic personal trainer who assists clients in feeling better, getting fit, and functioning optimally in everyday life. She has been writing her health/fitness column for more than 20 years. You can contact her at: fitness@pattiecinelli.com. ◆
facials
nails
like us on Facebook!
waxing
makeup
Claire P. Cargill, DDS Capitol Hill family Dentist
We offer complete Dental Care for adults and children. Eastern Market Metro Stop 1009 E Street, SE • Washington, DC
202-547-2491
clairecargilldds@verizon.net Free parking • Handicapped Accessible • Major Insurance Plan Accepted
RETRAIN YO U R BRAIN
Want to feel confident when speaking in public, presenting at work or socializing? Do you battle stage fright or want to go to the next level in your sport? EMDR is a well-researched treatment that is used to boost confidence and increase performance in any area of your life.
Call for a free 15 minute phone consultation 650.703.8686 Kathleen Grant, MA Certified Level-2 EMDR Practitioner
east side yoga
yoga, massage, & more escape to a one-of-a-kind retreat without leaving the neighborhood
on THE
Hill
Sharon L. Bernier RN, PhD Psychotherapy Individuals & Couples
202-544-6465
518 10th St. NE, 2nd Floor www.EastSideYogaDC.com December 2015 H 131
The District Vet
D
By Dan Teich, DVM
uring the holiday season we ask ourselves what we can do for others. Help a homeless pet, but don’t limit yourself to December: help year-round. Nationwide nearly eight million pets enter a shelter each year and half never leave. It’s heartbreaking, but you are not powerless. You can give a second chance to a dog or cat. Here’s how you can help. Prevent your pet from becoming lost. First, simple planning can help get your pet home in case of a mishap or accident. Always walk your dog on a leash, especially in the city. Do not let your cats outside. Pets can get spooked and become lost very quickly. While many find their way home, some do not and are found by animal control and other caring people. Make returning your pet home easy. All dogs and cats should have an identification tag with your name and phone number and an active microchip. A lost pet with a tag or chip is easily returned home. District Vet uses the HomeAgain chip and can readily administer one to your pet. Spay and neuter your cats and dogs. Many kittens and puppies end up in shelters. People may not want to spay or neuter their pets, thinking that it will alter their pet’s personality or character. This is not the case. Instead, failure to spay and neuter results in unplanned pregnancies. Plan for the unexpected. If you were suddenly unable to care for your pets, where would they go? Discuss an emergency plan with friends and family, your veterinarian, or a rescue group. Adopt a homeless dog or cat. The best way to help a homeless pet is to bring it home. There are many wonderful pets in shelters and rescues that would give anything to call you mom or dad and sleep on your couch. Here in DC we have the Washington Humane Society, Washington Animal Rescue League, City Dogs Rescue, Alley Cat Allies, and others. A furry friend is waiting for you! Foster. For various understandable reasons, not ev-
132 H Hillrag.com
eryone can welcome pets into their home long-term. An excellent short-term solution? Foster a pet! Many rescue organizations need foster homes to care for animals until they are adopted. “Foster parents help us learn more about a dog’s behavior, training level, and personality so that we can match them with the right forever home,” says Amy McLean, executive director of City Dogs Rescue. Many rescues, including City Dogs, provide supplies and medical care for the animals being cared for by their foster families. It’s a great way to provide a happy home to an animal in need without a long-term commitment, and in return “you get lots of love, tail wags, and kisses,” says McLean. Contribute funds and needed supplies. Another easy way to help is to open your checkbook or log into PayPal and make a tax-deductible donation. “The adoption fee rarely covers costs of veterinary care, supplies, and training resources necessary to keep the animal healthy, safe, and happy,” says McLean. Before you purchase or drop off supplies, be sure to contact an organization to find out what they need and use. Volunteer your time. City Dogs relies on volunteers to staff adoption events, perform home checks, transport dogs, counsel families, and more. Washington Humane Society has volunteers socialize and walk dogs at the shelters, providing them with love and attention. If you can give a few hours to a rescue or shelter, they will find a way for you to help. Be a social media friend. Share posts from your favorite rescue or shelter on your social media feeds. The more people who see that loving pets need a home, the less inclined they are to purchase one and the more likely they are to adopt one in need. Post away. Many dogs and cats need your help. Happy holidays from all of us at District Veterinary Hospital. Dan Teich, DVM, is at District Veterinary Hospital, 3748 10th St. NE, Washington, DC 20017; 202-827-1230 and desk@ districtvet.com. ◆
A Holistic Approach to Fitness Partner with Pattie Cinelli to: • Learn how to lose weight without dieting • Find an exercise program you enjoy and that works • Learn techniques to release stress
Allen A. Flood, M.D. DERMATOLOGY • • • • •
DISEASES OF THE SKIN, HAIR AND NAILS SKIN CANCER SCREENING NARROW BAND UVB PHOTOTHERAPY -Psoriasis -Vitiligo BOTOX JUVEDERM FILLERS
• • • • • •
HAIR REMOVAL HAIR RESTORATION SPIDER VEINS SPIDER VEINS LEG VEINS LEG VEINS SKIN REJUVENATION SKIN REJUVENATION HYPERPIGMENTATION
LASER TREATMENTS
650 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. Suite 420 Washington, DC 20003 (202) 547-9090 (O) • (202) 547-9092 (F)
Choose a single, partner or group session in your home, office, Results the Gym or Lavender Retreat Pattie has 30 years in the fitness business. Her knowledge and experience will help you achieve your goals
Schedule a wellness consultation to learn your options
202.544.0177
fitness@pattiecinelli.com December 2015 H 133
134 H Hillrag.com
{kids & family}
N O T E B O O K by Kathleen Donner Wegmans Wonderplace “Wegmans Wonderplace” will open at the American History Museum (First Floor, West Wing) on Dec. 9 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wonderplace is the first gallery on the National Mall designed for children ages 0 to 6. This 1,700-square-foot center, located in the museum’s Innovation Wing, provides the youngest historians with age-appropriate activities and experiences. Opening day festivities include a meet-n-greet with “Walkaround Elmo” from Sesame Street, music and dancing with Coach, Williebob, and Boogie Bennie of the ever popular band Rocknoceros, cooking demos for kids and adults, face painting, balloon art and more. The Wonderplace gallery will feature more than 100 objects and six sections each with play-based interdisciplinary experiences, combining artifact displays with fun hands-on activities to engage young children and their families. Curious kids will be able to “cook” in a kitchen inspired by Julia Child’s; plant and harvest pretend vegetables and run the farm stand; find owls hiding in a miniature replica of the Smithsonian’s Castle building; and captain a tugboat based on a model in the museum’s collection. Family-friendly amenities include family bathrooms with diaper-changing stations, stroller parking and a quiet nook in the rear where parents can feed and take care of infants. The museum will operate extended holiday hours Dec. 26 through 30, staying open until 7:30 p.m. National Museum of American History, Constitution Ave. between 12th and 14th Streets, NW. americanhistory.si.edu.
Brent’s Christmas Tree Sale Brent Elementary School PTA announces its fifth annual Christmas Tree and Holiday Sale, which will take place on Saturday Dec. 5 and Sunday, Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the Brent Elementary School playground; 301 North Carolina Ave. SE. Tree delivery within Capitol Hill is available for $15. Place orders at brentstore.org/collections/christmas-trees-wreaths-and-poinsettias.
Snow Day at the Atlas
Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. - Jennifer Eckels, first time NORAD Tracks Santa volunteer, takes calls at the NORAD Tracks Santa Operations Center. Photo: US Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher
NORAD Tracks Santa For more than 50 years, NORAD has tracked Santa’s flight. The tradition began in 1955 after a Colorado Springs-based Sears Roebuck & Co. advertisement misprinted the telephone number for children to call Santa. Instead of reaching Santa, the phone number put kids through to the CONAD Commander-in-Chief’s operations “hotline.” The Director of Operations at the time, Colonel Harry Shoup, had his staff check the radar for indications of Santa making his way south from the North Pole. Children who called were given updates on his location, and a tradition was born. Since that time, NORAD men, women, family and friends have volunteered their time to personally respond to phone calls and emails from children all around the world. In addition, they now track Santa using the internet. Millions of people who want to know Santa’s whereabouts now visit the NORAD Tracks Santa website. Finally, media from all over the world rely on NORAD as a trusted source to provide updates on Santa’s journey. For the updates and the phone number, published December 1, visit noradsanta.org.
One cold December morning, a young girl named Skip wakes up to find the entire neighborhood covered in a thick, dazzling blanket of white snow. A playful (if not a little mischievous) winter elf takes her on an adventure--showing her just how magical snow can be. Join Skip as she experiences all the excitement, joy, and wonder of her very first snow day. This nonverbal production features live music and lots of wintertime fun, just in time for the holiday season. Snow Day, best suited for children ages 2 to 6, is at the Atlas, Dec. 12 to 20. $9. Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. atlasarts.org.
Pinocchio! at CHAW This new adaptation for young audiences follows a marionette’s wild adventures in becoming a real boy. Five actors bring Carlo Collodi’s classic tale to life is a
flurry of masks, music and merriment! Originally penned as a serial in 1881, Le avventure di Pinocchio was the birth of a rascally wooden character who would grow to be a time-honored favorite. Written in the tradition of the wily servants of Commedia dell’Arte, Pinocchio is always getting himself in and out of scrapes, running into colorful characters, and trying his best even at his worst. Bring the whole family as they combine Faction’s bold theatricality with this fantastical story of foxes, fairies, high-strung puppet-masters and underwater beasts. Pinocchio! is at the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 Seventh St. SE, Fridays at 6:30 p.m.; and Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., through Dec. 19. Tickets are $20, adults; $15, students, seniors, and military; and $10, children under 12. Purchase at brownpapertickets.com/event/2267073 or 1-800-838-3006 or at the door. factionoffools.org
December 2015 H 135
{kids and family / notebook}
family-friendly show features favorite songs such as “Ease on Down the Road” and “Home.” Appropriate for all ages. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at door. A Family Pack of 4 tickets is $30. The production is in the Stuart-Hobson Middle School Auditorium, 410 E St. NE, Dec. 11, 6 p.m., Dec. 12, 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.; and Dec. 14, 10:30 a.m. capitolhillclusterschool.org.
VRE’s Lifesaver Santa Trains
Photo: Newseum/Maria Bryk
Newseum’s”Yes, Virginia” Family Day On Dec. 12, Newseum will host its 17th “Yes, Virginia” Family Day. Inspired by Francis P. Church’s 1897 New York Sun’s famous editorial proclamation, “Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus!” Newseum will celebrate the magic of the season with festivities throughout the day. Join Fox News Channel’s Bret Baier and Virginia O’Hanlon’s 8-year-old great-great-granddaughter, Mehren O’Hanlon Blair, for a reading of the famous letter. Enjoy a magical appearance by the Macy’s Santa Claus, who will read “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” and pose for photos. There will be holiday crafts, train rides, cookie decorating, screenings of the animated film “Yes, Virginia,” music by the Figgy Puddings Holiday Carolers from the Washington National Opera, a special “Be a TV Reporter” experience from the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and more. Visitors 18 and younger will receive free admission to Newseum if they bring a letter for Santa to put in the Macy’s Santa Mail letterbox. Macy’s will donate $1 to MakeA-Wish for every letter collected. Newseum is at 555 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. newseum.org.
Find a Santa on The Hill
‘Tis the Circus! Holiday Party
On Dec. 12, there will be a Santa at Frager’s Garden Center, 1230 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. On this same day, Dec. 12, the Barracks Row Santa arrives by fire truck at the corner of Eighth and G Streets, SE. at 1 p.m., stays until 3 p.m., and expects an unwrapped gift for a needy child. Also, on Dec. 12, you can bring your furry pals to Howl to the Chief, 733 Eighth St. SE, where they have a Santa from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All three Santas will stand for pictures. On Dec. 13, 4 to 8 p.m., at Courtyard Marriott, 140 L St. SE, celebrate the holidays with Santa, Olaf, Sven, and more. Each family will receive a picture with Santa when they arrive, and then can head upstairs to hang out with Santa’s friends, enjoy jumpers, activities, cookies, hot cocoa, and more! This is a free event you won’t want to miss, and each family will bring home two 5x7 copies of their picture with Santa.
The holidays can be a circus--quite literally, at this holiday party! As the guests arrive, one couple’s living room is transformed as acrobats, aerialists, jugglers and other performers dazzle with spectacular routines celebrating the magic of the holiday season. Fun for the whole family--prepare to be delighted, amazed and inspired. Performances on Dec. 5 and 6 at 4 p.m. Tickets are $15 to $25. sweetspotdc.org.
136 H Hillrag.com
Children’s Storytelling Workshop Dec. 9, 6:30 p.m., Corner Store will have a Children’s Storytelling Workshop with Vera Oyé Yaa-Anna. Corner Store, 900 South Carolina Ave. SE. 202544-5807. cornerstorearts.
Stuart-Hobson Presents “The Wiz” Stuart-Hobson Middle School students will perform “The Wiz.” This upbeat musical tells the story of Dorothy’s adventures in the land of Oz. This
Every year just before Christmas, Santa and Mrs. Claus board VRE trains to promote rail safety and Operation Lifesaver’s “Look, Listen and Live” campaign. There will be plenty of Santa’s helpers joining in handing out candy canes and coloring books, along with high school choral groups and other festivity-makers. The event, taking place on Saturday, Dec. 12, uses the opportunity to remind people of the importance of rail safety. Santa Trains also work in conjunction with the Marine Corps Toys for Tots. So on Dec. 12, their Fredericksburg, Manassas, Burke Centre, and Woodbridge stations will be drop off sites for the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Campaign. Tickets for the Santa Trains are on sale now. Tickets are $5-$6, with net proceeds benefiting Operation Lifesaver. Read more at vre.org/ seasonal/santa-trains.
Mothers of Preschoolers Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) DC Navy Yard is a group of moms who support each other. As a member, you join a community of moms who are going through the same things. MOPS mission is to surround you with the love, knowledge, hope and encouragement that you need to become a good mother. They meet on the first Tuesday of every month, 7:30 to 9 p.m., at 140 L St. SE.
Mad Science Winter Break Camps Mad Science, a leading science enrichment provider for elementary school children, delivers unique, hands-on science experiences. Students in grades 1 to 6 discover how things move. They take apart pellets to see what an owl cannot digest and join a team of camper engineers and build bridges, domes, cubes, and pyramids. Student scientists assemble and control pulleys, levers, catapults, and simple machines and make their own sidewalk chalk, crystal gardens, and chromatography-dyed t-shirt. Each day is a different topic. Choose one day, a few days, or all the days. Mad Science Winter Break Camps
December 2015 H 137
A group of birders during last year’s Christmas Bird Count. Photo: Camilla Cerea/Audubon Ready to satisfy all your pup’s needs for a healthy, fulfilled life, Anytime K9 is DC’s fastest growing pet services company! Whether looking for dog walking, pet-sitting, basic training, or more advanced training solutions, Anytime K9 has knowledgeable, well-trained staff willing to go the extra mile for you and your best friend. ABC-certified trainers offer private lessons for all temperaments, classes for all ages, and even agility training for the dog with boundless energy! Midday dog walkers cover the city, and with the use of the latest technology, give you real time updates on your dog’s walk status.
202.236.0783 • 202.288.4579 www.anytimek9.com 900 M Street SE • 1232 9th Street NW Sign Up Now! And Remember Anytime is a Good Time.
Join the Christmas Bird Count A family holiday tradition for many, the annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is a long-standing program of the National Audubon Society. During this early-winter bird census, thousands of volunteers go out over a 24 hour period on one calendar day to count birds. To participate, you need to join an existing CBC circle by contacting the compiler in advance of the count day. All Christmas Bird Counts are conducted between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5, inclusive dates, each season. Read more and sign up at audubon.org/content/join-christmas-bird-count. are offered Dec. 21 to 24 and Dec. 28 to 31, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. $70 a day. Register online at hillcenterdc.org.
Board Game Bonanza On the last Wednesday of every month at 4 p.m., children ages 6 to 12 and their families are encouraged to come to the library and play fun classic games such as Scrabble, Monopoly, Connect Four, Sorry, and more. Northeast Library is at 330 7th St. NE. 202-698-0058. dclibrary.org/northeast.
Marmalade by Claire Parsons Company What is marmalade? Can it be cherry, figs, mint, upside down, together or inside out? Marmalade is a delicious, sensory performance about meeting, mixing and blending. Mira and Viktor taste and feel in poetic movements and circus actions in an exquisite and visual experience which the audience is invited to join in. Perfect for ages 2 to 6. From Jan. 21 to 24, there are Thursday and Friday, performances at 10 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Saturday performances at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 a.m. Sunday Performances at 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 a.m. Tickets are $9. Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. atlasarts.org.
An American Family in WW II On Saturday, Dec. 26, noon to 5 p.m., author Sandra O’Connell signs copies of “An Ameri-
138 H Hillrag.com
can Family in World War II,” which uses the correspondence between Ralph Lee Minker JR., a U.S. Army Airman in 1943, and his parents and two teenage sisters to tell the riveting story of life in America during World War II. National Museum of American History (Mall Store, Second Floor), Constitution Ave. between 12th and 14th Streets NW. americanhistory.si.edu.
Presidential History Challenge The White House Historical Association and the Washington Nationals have created a shortfilm competition for 11th graders from Washington, DC public schools and public charter schools. This program will examine the Constitutional powers of the president, focus on decision-making in the White House and consider how executive decisions throughout history were influenced by and impacted the diverse constituencies that make up the American citizenry. Students have the opportunity to create a storyboard for a 50-second video examining a major White House decision made by one of the Racing Presidents. Five winners will have their storyboards professionally filmed and edited for broadcast during a game at Nationals Park in 2016. Historical resources that can help students create their storyboards can be found online at whitehousehistory.org/nationals/meet-thepresidents. All storyboards are due by Dec. 15, 2015. More information about the contest can be found online at whitehousehistory.org/nationals.
“Saturday Morning at the National” Free Performances for Children On Saturdays at 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. there are free live performances for children in the National Theatre Helen Hayes Gallery. Tickets are required and distributed first come, first seated. Tickets are distributed 1/2 hour prior to performance. One ticket per person in line. The National Theatre is at 1321 Pennsylvania Ave., NW. 202-783-3372. Here’s the remaining 2015 line-up: Dec. 5, Virginia Ballet Company & School, The Nutcracker Selections; Dec. 12, Dicken’s Tale. Read more at thenationaldc.org.
Washington Capitals in Schools The Washington Capitals’ Hockey Scholar is an online course that brings science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) concepts to life through the game of hockey. The course combines cutting-edge instructional design with scientific method-based games to build student’s confidence, mastery and excitement around critical STEM topics. This initiative aligns to fifth- through seventhgrade math and science standards and is now available to all Caps in School teachers in conjunction with the 2015-16 school year. The Caps in School curriculum also incorporates the sport of hockey and the Washington Capitals into lesson plans for first through fourth grade students. Visit capsinschool.monumentalnetwork.com. In conjunction with Hockey Scholar, the Washington Capitals are creating the Monumental Sports & Entertainment Teacher Advisory Committee, which will be comprised of sports-minded
REGISTER NOW
Master Erica Gutman 7th Degree Black Belt
MEMBER: WORLD TAE KWON DO FEDERATION
222 8TH St. NE • 620 G St. SE mastergutman@gmail.com 202.546.6275
December 2015 H 139
educators and leaders with the goal of establishing a hockeybased curriculum for the Caps in School program. The committee members will review current education plans and guide future curriculum development. To apply for the Monumental Sports & Entertainment Teacher Advisory Committee, complete the application at washcaps.formstack.com/forms/mse_teacher_ advisory_committee_caps.
Step Afrika! Family Fun Pack Step Afrika! is back, Dec. 10 to Dec. 22, to delight audiences young and old with their magical musical holiday step show. Audiences are invited to make music with DC’s internationally-known stepping company and their furry friends from the Animal Kingdom in this annual holiday tradition. Come ready to bring in the festive season with a bang featuring the electrifying artists from Step Afrika! and special guest DJ Frosty the Snowman. Tickets are $15-$39.50. The Family Fun Pack is $100 and includes four tickets, one snack and one drink each; two patrons must be 16 and under. Step Afrika! Magical Musical Holiday Step is at the Atlas performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. 202-399-7993. atlasarts.org.
DC Student-Athlete Advisory Council The District of Columbia State Athletic Association announced the inaugural members of its Student-Athlete Advisory Council. These six students, representing public schools, public charter schools and private schools, are Nicole Maria Chapman, Georgetown Day
140 H Hillrag.com
Friends Community School Progressive Quaker Education Kindergarten - Grade 8 Experience the Joy of an Extraordinary Education! School; Tytilayo Green, Wilson Senior High School; Favor Ogu, Cardozo Education Campus; Chima Osuagwu, Benjamin Banneker Academic High School; Will Thomas, Gonzaga College High School; and Ned Yarsky, Washington Latin Public Charter School. The council will be charged with serving as a voice for the city’s high school student-athletes and contributing suggestions for improvements. The members also will help with postgame ceremonies at championship events. To learn more, visit dcsaasports.org.
and performance group Crazee Praise give a high-energy, interactive performance based on the seven guiding Kwanzaa principles. This performance will be at the Fort Stanton Recreation Center located one block from the museum. On Tuesday, Dec. 29, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., families participate in multiple arts and crafts activities using a variety of art materials in the museum’s multi-purpose room. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu.
Akeelah and the Bee
On Dec. 19, 2 p.m., children of all ages come to the Cathedral to participate in this annual pageant celebrating the Nativity. Children dressed as shepherds, angels, and animals help tell the story of the Messiah’s birth. On the day of the event, families arrive in costume for a 1:30 p.m. brief rehearsal prior to the pageant. The pageant begins at 2 p.m. and lasts approximately one hour. Halos are available for herald angels in need of a little costume assistance. Bring family, friends, and cameras for this lively telling of the true meaning of Christmas. Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW. nationalcathedral.org.
Based on the beloved film, Akeelah and the Bee tells the story of an independent 11-year-old from the Chicago projects whose razor-sharp mind keeps her one step ahead of the game in the neighborhood … but is it enough to get her to the top? Akeelah must turn to family, friends and a few unlikely mentors if she’s going to survive the final round of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Playwright Cheryl L. West and director Charles RandolphWright bring this spirited adaptation to life this holiday season. Johannah Easley as Akeelah in Children’s Theatre Company’s Akeelah and the Bee at are Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater through Dec. 27. Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW. 202488-3300. arenastage.org.
Family Kwanzaa Celebration On Dec. 26, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., bring the entire family for Day One of the museum’s annual three-day Kwanzaa celebration. This year, Culture Kingdom Kids presents the original play Bone Soup. This energetic and interactive introduction to Kwanzaa includes dancers, singers, music, colorful costumes, and lively characters. On Monday, Dec. 28, 10:30 to noon, members of the multi-talented mime
Christmas Pageant at National Cathedral
Holiday Opera: Hansel and Gretel
OPEN HOUSES
9:00 a.m. sharp - 11:00 a.m.
Saturday, January 9 Thursday, January 14 Application Deadline: Jan. 15
5901 Westchester Park Drive, College Park, MD 20740 Tel: 301.441.2100 www.friendscommunityschool.org Only 15-20 minutes up the Baltimore-Washington Parkway!
CHECK OUT OUR NEW LOCATION! 801 D St, NE
Your source for holiday gifts that sing
musiconthehilldc.com (202) 733-3158
Complete with a cackling witch, enchanted fairies, dancing animals, and an oversized gingerbread oven, the timeless Grimm brothers’ fairy tale returns for the holidays in WNO’s whimsical and neon-colored production from Dec. 12 to Dec. 20. $45$59. kennedy-center.org
Seacrest Studios Opens Children’s National Health System, in partnership with the Ryan Seacrest Foundation (RSF), has opened a new state-of-the-art, 920 square-foot multimedia broadcast studio, named
December 2015 H 141
Seacrest Studios. The studio is located inside the Main Atrium at the Sheikh Zayed Campus for Advanced Children’s Medicine. Seacrest Studios broadcast entertainment programming throughout the hospital allowing patients who are unable to leave their rooms the opportunity to virtually interact with what is happening in the studio. The studio will feature fun, interactive, and educational programs geared towards kids of all ages. For more information, visit www.facebook. com/ryanseacrestfoundation/.
Koshland Science for Teens
H y p e r L o c a l | hīpər connotes information oriented around a well defined community with its primary focus directed toward the concerns of its residents. synonym:
HillRag.com
Daily online. Monthly in print.
142 H Hillrag.com
. lōk(ə)l |
The Koshland Science Museum, 525 E St. NW, facilitates inquiry-based, structured experiences for high school students and offers self-guided or facilitated visits for other groups. Additional educational activities are also offered for groups, teachers, and school district coordinators. Group admission rates are $5 for adults and $3 for students and active military. Chaperones, teachers, and tour operators will receive one free admission per every ten visitors. The Koshland Science Museum waives admission for fifth to 12th grade classes from the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Read more at koshland-science-museum.org.
Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play! In this vaudevillian romp of a musical based on Mo Willems’s children’s books, Elephant Gerald and Piggie sing and dance their way through plenty of pachydermal peril and swiney suspense, backed by nutty backup singers The Squirrelles. For ages three, up. Elephant & Pig-
OPEN HOUSES: December 16 5pm-7pm Come tour the school and meet the staff!
gie’s We Are in a Play! through Jan. 3. $20. kennedy-center.org.
“Oliver” Family Pack “Oliver” is at Arena Stage through Jan. 2. With the Family Fun Pack, purchase four seats for only $125. Your group must include a minimum of two patrons between ages five to 17 per Fun Pack; cannot be combined with any other offer or applied to previously purchased tickets; limit two Fun Packs per household. All standard fees apply. Must be purchased by phone or in person. arenastage.org.
The Choral Arts Society Family Christmas Concert A holiday treat for even the littlest fan, this one-hour, highly participatory concert delights with songs of Santa, Frosty the Snowman, and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, filling every soul with joy. Perfect for children ages five and older. This concert is on Sunday, Dec. 13, 2 p.m. in the Concert Hall. Tickets are $15 to $45. kennedy-center.org.
Matilda the Musical Based on the beloved novel by Roald Dahl, Matilda The Musical is the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. Recommended for ages six and up. Dec. 15 through Jan. 10; Tuesdays through Fridays, 7 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Wednesday, Jan. 6, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Sunday, Jan 10, 1 p.m. kennedy-center.org.
EdFest 2015 EdFEST is DC’s citywide public school fair designed to help families find the best fit for their child. EdFEST kicks off the 2016-17 Common Lottery which opens Dec. 14. EdFEST will be held on Dec. 12
from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the DC Armory, 2001 East Capitol St. SE. Explore more than 180 DCPS and public charter schools. Find out about schools’ programs and services, including schools’ curriculum, special education and services for English language learners. Learn more about My School DC, the common lottery for DCPS and public charter schools. Explore educational and community programs from city agencies. Participants include DC Department of Health, DC Department of Parks and Recreation, DC Public Library, and more. For more information, visit MySchoolDC.org or call the My School DC Hotline at 202-888-6336.
First Night Alexandria Start the day at 2 p.m. at the Torpedo Factory Art Center and pick up a First Night Alexandria Fun Hunt clue sheet before setting off on a scavenger hunt adventure around Old Town. Not into scavenger hunts? Partake in interactive art activities in the Torpedo Factory’s great hall and The Art League Gallery or explore Alexandria’s past in the Alexandria Archeology Museum. If your pet has a talent, you’ll want to check out the main hall’s north end where the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria will be conducting a pet competition! At the Jefferson Houston School, enjoy model sailboat making, carnival games, ThinkFun games, a moon bounce and other carnival games from 2 to 10 p.m. At 7 p.m., return to the Durant Arts Center for a free shuttle to the George Washington Masonic Memorial, for face painting, nail art, balloon sculptures by friendly clowns, music and dancing. At midnight, see the fireworks over the river. $20 for adults and kids, 12 and under are free. firstnightalexandria.org. Have a tidbit for the Kids & Family Notebook? Email bullentionboard@hillrag. com u
National Collegiate Prep PCHS The ONLY IBO World High School East of the River
Accepting 9th & 10th grade students
National Prep Offers: College Preparatory and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB) Study Abroad with Service Learning Projects 9th, 10th and 11th Grade Honors Classes World Language Studies Small Classroom Sizes Marching Band Football Basketball STEM programs Calling all students interested in International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement classes!
Call and enroll your child today!
202.832.7737
Come tour the campus, meet faculty and administration and learn about our exciting and competitive programs.
www.nationalprepdc.org
4600 Livingston Road SE • Washington, DC 20032 December 2015 H 143
{kids and family / school notes}
School Notes
Amidon-Bowen Family Fun Day
by Susan Braun Johnson
Amidon-Bowen Elementary Family Fun Day Amidon-Bowen held its 2015 Family Fun Day Event on Halloween at the school. Events included Wii dancing, imagination foam blocks, basketball, tennis and games on the playground. Thanks to the new flat screen televisions in the cafeteria a Wii System was installed for the event. It proved to be a huge hit as kids danced up a storm. The adults joined in and had a mini dance contest! A costume parade, starting in the cafeteria, worked its way around the school to three “candy stations” where all the kids received Halloween treats. A cookout by the Amidon PTA followed. Over 120 people attended the event. The Amidon PTA, Near Southeast Community Partners, Edgewood Brookland Collaborative, Principal Miller, teachers, staff and volunteers all worked together to make Family Fun Day a huge success. Amidon-Bowen is located at 401 Fourth St., SW. For more information, visit profiles.dcps.dc.gov/amidon. Bruce DarConte, Near Southeast Community Partners. u
Brent Elementary Christmas Tree Sale The Brent Elementary School PTA will hold its Fifth Annual Christmas Tree and Holiday Sale on Dec. 4 from 4 to 7p.m., Dec. 5 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the Brent Elementary School playground located at 301 N. Carolina Ave. SE. Trees, wreaths, and garland are from an award-winning, family-
owned nursery in the mountains of North Carolina 100 percent of the proceeds benefit the Brent PTA, which augments academic and extracurricular offerings, expands field trip opportunities, and makes improvements to the school grounds. Please visit www.brentelementary.org for more information or to place your order.
Open House Brent Elementary welcomes interested families to its open houses. Meet Brent Principal Peter Young, teachers and par-
Peter Young, Brent’s principal, and two students working Brent’s Christmas tree and Holiday Sale.
ents. Hear more about Brent’s unique museum program. Families will also receive a tour of the school. The next few open houses will be held on Dec 7, from 9 to10:30 a.m.; Jan 11, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. and Feb 1 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Please RSVP to Denise Diggs at denise.diggs@dc.gov. Children are welcome. Brent Elementary is located at 301 North Carolina Ave SE. Visit www.brentelementary.org for more info. Denise Diggs. u
Maury Elementary Astronomy Night at the White House: Vanessa Ford, Maury’s Think Tank Facilitator/STEM Coordinator, was invited to attend the Second Annual White House Astronomy Night on Oct 10. She joined President Obama, Bill Nye, the Mythbusters and families from around the country in this special opportunity to “look up.” One of the astronomers gave Ms. Ford a telescope to bring back to Maury. It will be put to good use at Maury’s own Astronomy Night. The event will be open to the public; check for date and other details on the calendar at mauryelementary.com.
144 H Hillrag.com
525 SCHOOL ST SW WA S H I N G T O N D C , 2 0 0 2 4
Washington Global Public Charter School is a tuition-free middle school (6th, 7th and 8th) open to all students in Washington, DC. We offer a robust international and research-based academic program to develop globally competitive students who are ready for college and careers. Our program includes projectbased learning, small learning communities and classes, technology instruction, arts, and foreign language classes in Spanish and Chinese. We strive for all of our students to be healthy and active through our nutrition, physical education, and athletic programs. We also serve as a community school that promotes local engagement and service-learning for our students.
WHAT MAKES WASHINGTON GLOBAL UNIQUE: • Chromebooks for Each Student • College Preparatory International Curriculum • Intensive Foreign Language Courses (including intensive classes for bilingual students)
• Free Before and After Care • Free Extracurricular Activities • Competitive Sports • Free Tutoring • Comprehensive Special Education Support
Come Join Us at Our Open House for 2016-2017 Enrollment! December 16,2015 | 6-7 pm RSVP with Yezica Diaz at ydiaz@washingtonglobal.org or call 202-796-2415
December 2015 H 145
{kids and family / school notes}
Power to the People Fourth and fifth-grade students in Lauren Bomba’s art classes are creating individualized Protest Art pieces, advocating for social changes that are important to them. Topics include homelessness, inequality in the justice system, animal rights, vegetarianism, and gun control. The students have a choice of communication media to advocate for their opinions. Some have found that traditional protest posters are the most effective way to express their message to a wide audience. Others are creating street art stencils using x-acto knives and spray paint in the style of the world-famous and anonymous street artist, Banksy. A few have developed powerful performance pieces in the form of dance, site-specific installations, and hard-hitting raps that they hope to broadcast over social media and in live performances throughout their community. The program, “Becoming”, is an extension of a Districtwide Cornerstones initiative to provide rigorous learning opportunities for all DCPS students Maury Elementary is at 1250 Constitution Ave., NE. Visit www.mauryelementary.com. Elizabeth Nelson. u
Payne Elementary Seven-Year-Old Botanists After reading, writing and researching all about
plants, Payne Elementary’s second-graders visited the United States Botanic Gardens (USBG). Located in nearby Southwest, the USBG is one of the oldest botanic gardens in North America. It features “living treasures of the plant world” like leaves, seeds, beautiful flowers and exotic fruits of plants as their artifacts. Students were delighted to find a variety of plants up close that they had studied. Jacore Braxton witnessed pollination. “I saw a bee move pollen from flower to flower,” he wrote in his journal. It was “exciting to see that actually happen in real life!” he said asked about that experience. Payne students were captivated by the sights, smells, sounds and textures all around them at the USBG. The unique plant species with odd shaped parts left the second-graders in amazement! They learned about sarracenia, a threatened species of flowering pitcher plant whose leaves actually trap insects. The highlight of the trip in the students’ opinion was seeing a bug go into a pitcher plant but not coming out. Who knows, after this experience, the USBG may soon have a few more botanists on staff! Payne Elementary School is located at 1445 C St, SE. Follow the school on Facebook: PayneES, Twitter: @PayneDCPS and @PrincipalPayne; Instagram: PayneDCPS. Second Grade Teacher, Dionne Thompson. u
J.O. Wilson Elementary J.O Gets Grant to Become Community School J.O. Wilson Elementary has become a Community School with a grant from the Office of the State Superintendent of Education. The $175,000 grant, which can be renewed annually for three years, allows J.O. Wilson to better connect its students and families to community services provided by Communities in Schools of the Nation’s Capital. As part of the program, a new site coordinator, Emily Peltzman, has joined J.O. Wilson full time. Mayor Muriel Bowser and Chancellor Kaya Henderson announced the new partnership at a press conference in the school library. Prior to the press conference, the President of J.O. Wilson’s Student Government Association met with the Mayor and the Chancellor to discuss her vision for the school.
Celebrating Thanksgiving J.O. Wilson celebrated Thanksgiving by donating food to make Thanksgiving baskets for families in need. This is an annual tradition at the school. Early childhood classes also held their annual Thanksgiving feast. In addition to discussing gratitude and the importance of saying “thank you,” teachers and students approached Thanksgiving as a day of family, friends, and food.
Literacy Night Payne students visit the United States Botanic Gardens.
Literacy is always front of mind at J.O. The annual Literacy Night was held on Nov 19. Families and students played literacy games and participated in a book swap before enjoying cookies and hot cocoa and stories from Miss Cassie from the Northeast Branch of the DC Public Library.
Summer Camp Fair J.O. Wilson is gearing up for the 2016 J.O. Wilson Camp and Summer Programs Fair! The fair will be held at J.O. Wilson on Jan. 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. There will be raffles of free camp weeks to those in attendance. Meet with camp directors and staff to enjoy free family-friendly entertainment. Camps for ages three & up will be in attendance representing STEM, the arts, sports, overnight and outdoor adventures. If you’re a camp provider enjoy discounted registration until Dec 15. Visit www.jowilsondc. org/pta and click on the camp fair link to join more than 30 camps scheduled to attend.
146 H Hillrag.com
J.O. Wilson Elementary School is located at 660 K St. NE. Visit www. jowilsondc.org to learn more. Librarian Kate Sweeney. u
Miner Elementary Partnering with the Folger Through DCPS Adopt-A-School program, Miner will be partnering with The Folger Shakespeare Library for four events and one library book drive during the 201516 school year. The first initiative launched in November, is “Shakespeare Steps Out,” an in-school curriculum and theater productionbased program being delivered in Miner’s fourth-grade classrooms.
Kennedy Center Comes to Miner Through Miner’s long-time partnership with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, a national award-winning puppeteer team gave a show to all Miner students. The allschool assembly featured songs, puppets, dancing, culture, interactive elements, Spanish-language – bringing the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month to a fantastic finish.
Fall Gardening Members of the Miner PTO, students, and community volunteers all came together on Nov 1 to weed and prep the Miner Elementary vegetable garden for winter and to plant shade trees near the Early Childhood playground. More than 25 people and a dozen students were on hand to dig, cut, plant, sow, and clean.
1 and fire safety! The whole school celebrated Spirit Week, culminating with the annual Fall Festival featuring costumes, jump house, hay play, face painting and more! Finally, the Miner Elementary PTO closes out its fall fundraising drive 2015 on Dec. 5! Donate today at www.minerelementary.org.
Open Houses Visit Miner during the DCPS common lottery open house period. Open houses are scheduled for Dec. 8, Jan 14, and Feb. 18 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. For more information, visit www.myschooldc.org. Miner is located at 601 15th St NE. Visit www.minerelementary.org to learn more. Holly Harper. u
Van Ness Elementary School Van Ness plans several open houses in the coming months. These events are tailored to provide prospective families the opportunity to learn more about Van Ness ES curriculum and school culture. The next few open houses are on: Dec 10 from 9 to10 a.m.; Feb 18 from 9 to 10 a.m. and from 6 to 7 p.m. For further information regarding the open houses, please contact Tara Cheston at Tara.Cheston@ dc.gov; or on Twitter| @EliotHine; and Facebook: FB Eliot-Hine. Van Ness Elementary School is located at 1150 5th Street, SE. Tara Cheston. u
Fun, Field Trips and Fundraising!
Capitol Hill Cluster School
Check out @MinerElementary on Twitter for the latest in-school news. The fifth-grade classrooms went camping on a two-night trip, our PK classes visited the National Arboretum, the Ladder 13 truck stopped by for all to learn about 9-1-
The Cluster held its Fifth Annual Family Game Night on Nov. 5. Families and friends enjoyed board games, puzzles and catered dinner courtesy of the PTA. 21 games were also raffled off.
Across The Cluster
December 2015 H 147
{kids and family / school notes}
The Cluster’s Local School Advisory Team (LSAT) has kicked off its monthly meetings. However, it still needs a community representative. The LSAT focuses on priorities and goals, organization of the school, curriculum and budget decisions, school needs and trends, school culture, and family engagement. The National Association of Black Storytellers visited the Cluster on Nov. 12 and 13. Students watched presentations celebrating Africancentered traditions from around the world. The Capitol Hill Cluster School’s website is www.capitolhillclusterschool.org and features weekly updates for all three campuses. u
Watkins Elementary School
Watkins students have been making strides in art this year with drawings, line variations, faces, and printmaking. In FoodPrints, Watkins students have been learning about decomposers and crosspollination. Students have also been enjoyChildren’s book author and Capitol Hill native Katy Kelly signs books and chats Peabody Early Childhood School ing new healthy foods with students at the School within School Specials Night in November. Peabody celebrated Principal Appreciation Month such as kale quesadilin October with a potluck at the park for Assistant las, kalettes, and butternut squash soup. physical education, music, and science—invited Principal Katrel Angry. Students and staff also celWATCH D.O.G.S.® at Watkins is underparents into their classrooms. The new elemenebrated Friendship Day through songs and activway with over 45 dads signed up. Top dogs intary art atelierista, Ms. Erika, helped students and ities. They captured video of the day. In art, Peaclude Mustaafa Dozier, James Poindexter, Guy their parents create a “positive thought” artwork. body students have been working with coffee Riddick, Mosi Thomlinson, Walt Winston, and In the foreign language class, Madame Greif read filters, print, collages, and pumpkin patches. Russell Zung. a spooky French story and helped kids create their Peabody kindergartners received a special visit Watkins is located at 420 12th St. SE. u own epouvantails (scarecrows). Music teacher Mr. from the Kennedy Center in October during which James led kids and parents in Freeze Dance and three musicians performed. Students learned about Stuart-Hobson Middle School other favorite musical games. Physical Education tempo, dynamics, and various musical genres. PeaStuart-Hobson held perfect attendance and awards teacher Mr. Chapman gave a lesson in juggling body has also been working to build strong commuassemblies in November along with a Harvest Hop scarves. And in science with Mr. Palm, kids and nity relationships with students and staff through Dance for students. The Panthers football team their parents experimented with gravity and used school-wide morning meetings on “Rock the Red” won their homecoming game. They are ranked different instruments to crack eggs. day, which is held on the first Friday of each month. #1 in their division. This earned them a trip to the The highlight of Specials Night for many first Peabody also held its first Open House in NoCity Title game. Stuart-Hobson also held its first through fourth-graders was an appearance by chilvember and another is planned for January. Open House of the year in November and will host dren’s author and Capitol Hill native Katy Kelly. Peabody is located at 425 C St. NE. u another in February. Leading up to the night, students read and discussed On Dec 11 at 6 p.m. Kelly’s books. At the event, she read from her popuPeabody build community relationships with students and staff on and Dec. 12 at 2 p.m. and 6 lar Melonhead series, signed books, and answered “Rock the Red” day. Nov. 6. Photo: Capitol Hill Cluster School. p.m., the Cluster will present many, many questions from eager readers. a winter musical—The Wiz School within School is located at 920 F St, at Stuart-Hobson. The show NE. Visit www.schoolwithinschool.org for more is open to all and tickets are information. available in the main offices Hannah Schardt. u at each Cluster campus. Stuart-Hobson is loEliot-Hine School cated at 410 E St. NE. u The Brilliant Club
School within School On Nov. 4, School within School hosted Specials Night. Teachers of several “specials”— art, French,
148 H Hillrag.com
Eighth-grade students participants in school’s The Brilliant Club (thebrilliantclub.org) are exposed to higher learning courtesy of Companies for Causes. This successful British program pairs young PhDs and kids to inculcate critical thinking and accomplish research. The program allows students to experience the university setting.
The kickoff for Elliot-Hine students took place at the University of Maryland. They were introduced to campus life and to The Brilliant Club. They heard about scholarship opportunities, learned how financial aid works, and voiced their questions and concerns about entering a university. The Brilliant Club meets weekly by grade level. Each grade has a different research topic. Eighth grade will incorporate their experience into their IB service project research. The Brilliant Club fits perfectly into the general College Awareness Week at EliotHine. During this program, the school-wide topic of conversation is higher education. Students bring home universal college applications while teachers share their university experience throughout the week.
Councilmember Charles Allen Attends PTO Councilmember Charles Allen attended the November Eliot-Hine PTO meeting. He helped conduct a discussion of building improvements; and ideas for strengthening the feeder pattern on the east side of Capitol Hill. All roads lead to Eastern, but Maury, Miner, Payne and Tyler (in part) first merge at EliotHine. Eliot-Hine is also under consideration as Watkins’ swing space during that school’s yearlong renovation. Attend the next PTO meeting to learn more.
Upcoming Events On Dec. 8 there are Eliot-Hine Open Houses from 9:30 to10:30 a.m. and from 6 to 7p.m. On Dec. 9, a PTO Meeting will be at 6 p.m. Dec. 9 is also Buddy Day, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. On Jan. 12, Buddy Day is from 9 to11:30 a.m. Eliot-Hine Middle School is located at 1830 Constitution Ave. NE. Eliot Hine parent, Heather Schoell. u
Capitol Hill Montessori at Logan Open Houses Adults come on down and join other prospective parents at the open house on Dec 14, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Observe chemistry, kids working with combining and the periodic table, math from order of operations to rates/ratios, and reports/research on topics like the solar sys-
tem, matter, the Gold Rush, the Oregon Trail, Greek mythology, and more! Capitol Hill Montessori is located at 215 G. St. NE. For more information, visit www. capitolhillmontessorischool.org./enrollment/.
Capitol Hill Day School Early Childhood Students Give Rocks and Bread Their Due At Capitol Hill Day School (CHDS), the study of rocks is in full swing. Early Childhood students are brainstorming field trips, forming committees and making lots of home-school connections. What is a rock? How do rocks form? How do rocks change? How do living things use rocks? These questions focus the attention of their class. In January, Early Childhood students will explore “Bread Around the World,” a CHDS curriculum developed over many decades. The study will kick off with a visit to one student’s family restaurant, Ankara, to learn about Turkish breads.
Seventh Graders Learn About Sustainability The CHDS Seventh-Grade Service Sustainability Group are exploring composting, upcycling for Washington Humane Society (making dog and cat toys from scrap materials), upcycling snack food pouches, recycling (CHDS-wide twice monthly), school garden plant-a-row for the hungry and recycling with DC Diaper Bank. Each of these projects connects to both the seventh grade’s curricular focus on environmental science and sustainability; and school-wide explorations of waste reduction, recycling, life cycles, and healthy communities. Faculty and students employed math, poetry and literature, art, empathy and more skills in these explorations.
November Open House The November open house for applicants to grades five to seven was well-attended. Families asked great questions about the CHDS transition process for older students, the role of the CHDS High School Advisor, the modern language program and athletics. The school’s final open house is on Dec. 8 at 9 a.m. Learn more at www.chds.org, or email
December 2015 H 149
{kids and family / school notes}
event raises funds to furnish thousands of homeless and hungry families and single adults in the District with much-needed food, clothing and healthcare.
Winter Open House The St. Peter School Winter Open House was held on Dec 4 from 9 to10:30 a.m. Prospective families toured the school and met with faculty and parents. Interested in learning more about the school? Please contact Mrs. Deirdre Schmutz at dschmutz@ stpeterschooldc.org. St. Peter School is located at 422 Third St, SE. Visit www. stpeterschooldc.org for more. Sally Aman. u
Friends Community School Student Wins Poetry Award
CHDS EC Students drawing, measuring, and identifying rocks. Photo: Katie Wakana.
admissions@chds.org. Capitol Hill Day School is located at 210 South Carolina Ave. SE. Jane Angarola. u
St. Peter School
ticipants will collect the filled bags, bring them to St. Peter School, and sort the food for donation to the McKenna Center at Gonzaga College High School. Thank you in advance, Capitol Hill neighbors, for donating to the Greg Gannon Food Drive!
Canning for Good! For the last 28 years, more than 500 St. Peter School student and parent volunteers have spent the first Saturday in December collecting neighborhood donations of canned and nonperishable food items for distribution to the Washington-area poor, homeless and needy. This year, they are bundling grocery bags – 20 for each St. Peter School family, faculty, and staff. The goal is filling 4,000 bags. On Dec12, par-
Grandparents Day
St. Peter School grandparents joined their “grands” for the school’s second annual Grandparents Day! Grandparents arrived on campus the day before Thanksgiving break to attend the school Mass. This was followed by morning refreshments and classroom visits. Those unable to attend the celebration sent letters and pictures to their grandchildren. A bulletin board was dedicated to grandparents no longer Student Families preparing care packages for sister school in Haiti. living. A very special way to kick off the holiday season!
Team Turkey Trot For the fifth year, St. Peter School fielded a team of runners and walkers for the annual Turkey Trot for Hunger to benefit SOME (So Others Might Eat). Members of the St. Peter’s community gathered on Thanksgiving morning for the 5k run and family walk. The
150 H Hillrag.com
Joya Breinholt, a sixth-grade student at Friends Community School (FCS) and a Capitol Hill resident, won her division of The America Library of Poetry’s 2015 Student Poetry Contest. She received the award for her poem “Illustrated City Flower,” inspired by the flowering Japanese maple tree in the backyard of her home near Eastern Market. Remembering how she felt in her backyard when she wrote the poem, she said, “It was just a really peaceful spot.” Joya is a lacrosse player and aspiring novelist who enjoys writing though she usually writes prose. Her poem, which will be published in a book of student poetry called Eloquence, is reprinted below: Illustrated City Flower The fringed leaves Of the Japanese maple tree Are familiar to the little girl Her auburn brown eyes Are captured by An explosion of pink gypsy blossoms The ticking of the clock Is as audible as Old airplane parts Rusting and rusting Over centuries and centuries In the illusion of the sun Joya Breinholt, a Capitol Hill resident and student at Friends Community School won an award for her poem, “Illustrated City Flower,” from The America Library of Poetry
Open Houses Friends will host admissions open houses at the school from 9 to11 a.m. on the following dates: Dec 4, Jan 9 and Jan 14. More information about the school and the admissions process is available by contacting Connie Belfiore, Director of Admissions and Outreach, at connie@friendscommunityschool.org or 301-441-2100 x129. Friends Community School is located at 5901 Westchester Park Drive, College Park, MD. Log on to www.friendscommunityschool.org for more information. Eric Rosenthal.
BASIS DC BASIS DC PARCC Results Lead City According to the results of citywide standardized testing, BASIS DC students rank first in the city in math. They are also first in English language arts and literacy among charter schools and open enrollment schools. The Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) annually assesses D.C. high school students for college and career readiness on a scale of 1 to 5. A score of 4 designates a student as college and career ready by the PARCC consortium. One-hundred percent of BASIS DC high school students who took the test scored a four or above in math and 100 percent of the high school test takers scored three or above in English. A score of three indicates the student is ready for college. Despite educating less than one percent of PARCC charter school math test takers, BASIS DC accounted for 56 percent of charter high school students scoring a five on the PARCC math exams. “The hard work of our students and staff that led to these astounding results is undeniable,” said Head of School Tim Eyerman. “We are incredibly proud of our students and look forward to continued excellence.” BASIS DC is in its fourth year of operation, educating students in grades five through 11. The school will expand to serve grades five through 12 with its first class graduating class in 2017. BASIS DC is located at 410 8th St N.W. Visit www.basisdc.org for more.
ship’s Chamberlain campus, earned the title of Friendship’s “Teacher of the Year” at a competitive awards ceremony last month. Teachers are nominated by each of Friendship’s multiple campuses with judges, including the D.C. Association of Chartered Public Schools’ Executive Director, Dr. Ramona Edelin, deciding the winner. Friendship’s Chamberlain campus is located at 1345 Potomac Ave., SE. For more information, visit friendshipschools.org.
tober 2015 and May 2016. Field trips to local architecture and construction firms also are part of the mentoring program. Collegiate Academy is located at 4095 Minnesota Ave NE, Washington, DC 20019. Tech Prep Academy is at 705 Martin Luther King Avenue SE.
Barnaby Towns. u
Washington Global Public Charter School (Washington Global), a new middle school located in Southwest has partnered with Serve Your City, a nonprofit organization that offers innovative enrichment opportunities for DC youth, to provide students with a comprehensive crew (rowing), tennis, and swimming programs after school multiple days a week. Tyriq, a seventh-grade member of Washington Global’s crew team, stated that, “the crew team is my favorite sport. It teaches us how to work together and gets everyone on the same rhythm.” Washington Global PCS is located at 525 School St. SW www.washingtonglobal.org. Contact Elizabeth Torres at: eltorres@washingtonglobal.org.
New Mentoring at Friendship High Schools In an exciting new partnership, the ACE—Architecture, Construction and Engineering—Mentor Program of America is to provide mentoring opportunities for students from Friendship’s Collegiate Academy and Technology Preparatory Academy. The mentors are from architecture, construction and engineering firms in the DC metro area as well as volunteers with such expertise. ACE is the construction industry’s fastest-growing mentorship program, serving over 8,000 students with over $14 million provided in scholarship funds. Extended learning activities between students and mentors are held after school for between one and a half and two hours between Oc-
Washington Global Students Row with Serve Your City
Have a tidbit for School Notes? Email Editor Sue Johnson at dcjohnsongypsies@yahoo.com. u
Washington Global PCS provides extra-curricular activities to DC Youth. Photo: Serve Your City.
BASIS DC parent Kirsten Mitchell. u
Friendship Chamberlain’s The Teacher of the Year Jocelyn Reed, a third-grade teacher from Friend-
December 2015 H 151
152 H Hillrag.com
{home & garden}
Choosing the Right Security for Your Home by Christine Rushton
D
ark winter hours and the approaching holidays come as a reminder to consider updating or adding security features to our homes. Metropolitan Police recorded 387 thefts, robberies and burglaries in the First District during October—about a 14 percent increase compared to the same month last year. Keeping in communication with neighbors and the lieutenants in charge of the eight First District Police Service Areas can help. Following neighborhood listservs and attending meetings keep residents informed on whether crimes are being committed in your neighborhood. But investing in quality security measures and preventative behavior can slow or stop an intruder from breaking in. MPD Capt. Kimberlee Williams advises people to take a few minutes before leaving the house each day to check the window and door locks. When you are away from the house for a few days or on vacation, leave a light on in the house, put outside lights on timers and ask a neighbor to pick up any mail. If the house seems occupied, thieves are less likely to approach. Tucking valuable items like laptops, game consoles, Christmas presents, and other electronics away from windows can also deter someone from attempting to steal easily accessible and portable items. Overall, Williams said residents should pay attenNick Kaplanis, general manager of Frager’s Hardware, helps residents on Capitol Hill select tion to any suspicious people walking near them, their outside lighting and basic alarms for their homes. Photo: Christine Rushton car or their home in the dark hours. Consider the buddy system if you are out at night, and above all be alert to your surroundings and do not walk and talk on your the back or basement doors. curity storm door. A deadbolt bracing cell phone. Cell phones are a tempting target for thieves. “Usually you see the door has been against a steel frame and door has less kicked in,” Knaani said. “Reinforce the chance of breaking through than when Security Doors door because a lot of doors are made out pushed against a wood frame. Deadbolts and handle locks can slow a thief, but people should of wood. And even if the door is steel, the Knaani said a quality, custom secuconsider investing in steel doors and frames for solid protection, frame is likely wood.” rity door can range between $1,500 and said Shay Knaani, owner of Keyed In, LLC (www.keyedinllc. He suggests replacing both doors $2,000. Stores sell cheaper options, but com). A lot of DC break-ins happen during the day and often at and frames with steel options like a sethose doors may not withstand a break.
December 2015 H 153
{home and garden}
“From our experience you get what you pay for,” he said. “We see the break-ins with the cheaper doors, and unfortunately, by the time we get into the picture, it’s too late.” Next, consider the placement of any windows by the entrance. If a window sits on the door or within a few feet of the entry, a thief can break the glass, reach in the house and unlock the bolt, he said. Bars may help in this case.
Safety Tips • • • • •
Report suspicious behavior. Don’t leave house keys in your car. Keep valuables and gifts out of visibility near the window. Monitor police reports, neighborhood listservs and community meetings. Every house and neighborhood is different — consider a free consultation from a locksmith or security professional.
Bars and Locks John Myers, a senior technician for District Lock (districtlock. com), said depending where their house is located, residents should consider installing bars on windows, especially windows at the rear of the house. Crime maps available on the MPD website show where thefts, burglaries and other incidents occurred in any select time period.
The data show reports by district, street or PSA. A basic search for October showed a strong concentration of thefts in the Eastern Market, Stadium Armory and H Street regions of Capitol Hill. “If you’re really close to the Capitol you don’t need security bars,” Myers said. “Closer to RFK, you need security bars.” For locks, people can consider
a high-grade dead bolt, but Myers said he agrees with Knaani — the bolt is only as strong as the door and frame. An inexpensive lock won’t stop a thief. A quality, reasonably priced option is a Schlage deadbolt, he said. Different models cost between $50 and $100. Myers said some customers ask about electronic keypad locks or Bluetooth remote unlocking systems. While they provide convenience in the case a resident forgets a key, he said he doesn’t trust the technology. Relying on a battery that can die or a phone that a thief can take and access adds unnecessary variables to a home’s safety, he said. Some technologies stop the homeowner from actively participating and understanding their security. Myers said he thinks manual locks keep the process simple and easy to manage.
Shay Knaani, owner of Keyed In, LLC, offers customers in the DC area consultations on their home security. Photo courtesy Shay Knaani
154 H Hillrag.com
John Myers, a senior technician for District Lock, recommends and installs locks that will secure Capitol Hill homes. Photo courtesy John Myers
Outside Lighting and Security Cameras Most homes come with outside lighting, but residents should research the quality of their lights. Nick Kaplanis, general manager of Frager’s Hardware (www.fragersdc.com) on the 1300 block of E Street SE, said security lights need to detect motion in the appropriate range depending on the size of a yard. “Lighting is my number one choice for security,” Kaplanis said. “It’s relatively easy to install, too.” When a potential intruder approaches the house, motion-activated lights turn on. This can startle the person and deter them from entering, or in the late hours of the night neighbors can see the lights turn on and know something suspicious may have happened, he said. LED motion lights offer the longest and brightest option for security, Kaplanis said. Depending on yard size, someone may need a 180-degree or 90-degree range of motion. Most brands work well, but a customer can come into the store for guidance. He recommends people bring a photo of their yard to help
Standard Cleaning Services Over15 years Serving Capitol Hill
pick the best product. “The resident just has to make sure outside lights are operational, weatherproof and use correct wiring,” he said. Frager’s doesn’t offer security cameras, but Kaplanis said some people can benefit from installing the devices to capture potential thieves on video. The footage may not stop someone from entering the home, but can prevent them from stealing again.
$20 OFF First Cleaning 50% OFF cleaning after 6 visits* *New Customers
Daily * Weekly * Biweekly * Monthly Quality Professional Cleaning Affordable Rates Pet and Family Friendly Residential & Commercial Locally Owned
Alarms Professional security alarms provided by companies like ADT and Frontpoint can alert neighbors and police to an intrusion. But police respond to alarms in an average of seven to 15 minutes, Knaani said. “Police, that’s not their priority, burglary in a house,” he said. “Most robbers know they have that time to go in and pick up the laptop or small things that are valuable.” If the resident is in the house, the alarm can alert them to potential danger. But investing in secure locks, doors, lights, and bars that can actually prevent an intrusion is more important, Knaani said. Myers agreed. He said locked gates and security doors provide better protection. “I’m not a fan of alarms because they just alert the police,” Myers said. “They don’t stop the robbery. Criminals aren’t scared of alarms.” Kaplanis suggested using battery-operated window and door alarms for basic coverage. But if residents want reliable protection they need to invest in quality. u
References Upon Request Bonded and Insured
I
703-719-9850 703-447-9254 standardcleaningservicesinc.com aviera3939@aol.com
my Hill Rag Published Daily Online & Monthly in Print Capitol Hill’s News Source Since 1976!
W W W. H I L L R A G . C O M December 2015 H 155
{home and garden /hill gardener}
The Hill Gardener
Basil clippings begin to grow healthy roots in the hydroponic system.
It’s About That Thyme: Hydro-Grow Your Herbs and Veggies This Winter by Chloe Sommers
W
inter is coming, but plunging temperatures don’t mean you have to give up on gardening. The art and science of hydroponic gardening not only brings this enjoyable hobby indoors, it can keep you eating healthy and save money on your grocery bill. Tucked away in an alley off Upshur Street is Capital City Hydroponics. The boutique shop caters to the local community and specializes in a unique gardening method. “We understand that there are a lot of novice gardeners out there and we give extra attention to them,” says owner Michael Bayard. What makes this indoor, water-based technique so appealing to urban gardeners is that you can work with the space you have available. Whether on a shelf in your kitchen or in a tent in your closet, Bayard promises a successful grow. Hydroponic gardening doesn’t involve soil. The plants literally grow in water. The method involves investing in solutions that add nutrients to the water such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium. Some plants prefer different growth mediums, like pebbles above the trough of water. “Their success is our success as we try to grow our business,” says Bayard.
Chris Hauser, an avid gardener, is the manager at Capital City Hydroponics. Hauser describes hydroponic growing as “the high-tech way of gardening.” Wanting to hydro-grow is a passion for some, economical for others. Pros to hydro-growing include: grow more in less space; have total control of the nutrients; and bring your plants indoors so you can have a garden all year. One major drawback for some is that the recommended plant food compounds are synthetic, not organic. The thick consistency of the organic plant food is not recommended by Capital City Hydroponics because it doesn’t mix as well with the water.
Leafy Greens vs. Flowering Plants Hydroponic systems rely heavily on correct lighting. Hauser advises to start your growing journey with salad greens, because leafy greens don’t need fancy, electricity-guzzling lightbulbs; fluorescent bulbs will do. The boutique shop sells grow lights for leafy greens in the $100-$244 price range. For budding or blooming plants like flowers, tomatoes, or peppers, you’ll need a ventilation system and pricier HID (high-intensity discharge) lights. HID lighting can consume about 1,000 watts of power. If you have the lights running daily on
an 18-hour cycle, electricity alone could cost about $100 a month.That’s a one-time investment of about $500 on ventilation and a recurring annual expense of about $1,200 on lighting.
Cannabis in the District
District voters approved a measure this year that allows residents to grow up to six cannabis plants, with three mature budding plants at once, per person. According to DC.gov, up to one ounce of the product may be transferred to another person if they are age 21 or older and no money, goods or services are exchanged. When it comes to answering customers’ cannabis questions, Bayard says it’s a tricky situation. “In the past we would frown upon talk of growing anything not approved under city laws,” he says, adding that since the District legalized growing cannabis, some of the officers looking to prosecute such activities are now inquiring about growing the (Left) Upshur Street with Petworth’s iconic mural. Take a right after Petworth Citizen and the red brick alley leads you to plant themselves. Capital City Hydroponics (right).
156 H Hillrag.com
Capital City Hydroponics shop manager Chris Hauser holds up some of the liquid nutrients hydroponic gardeners must add to the water in their grow system. He also displays his favorite brand of organic soil. If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, good old soil works too.
Bayard adds that his business has seen a spike in sales since cannabis laws changed at the end of February. If you choose to grow, make sure you know the law. If you are a renter, you should make sure your gardening is approved by the property owner.
The Hydroponic Gardener Needs More Tools Hauser says that the hydroponic gardener needs time and patience. “You’re testing the water every day,” he says. “The maintenance
One DC household grows cannabis, a budding plant, using the hydroponic gardening method. This photo was taken at a private residence.
is time consuming but very rewarding if you love to garden.” Here is a shopping list you’ll need to get started: PH meter and TDS combo pack = $199 Buffering solution to adjust PH levels= $15 Air stone = $12-$15 Pump = $10 Tubing – 19 cents/foot Fluorescent lights = $100-244 (leafy green plants) HID lights = $350-1,200 (budding plants) HID ventilation, ducking, fans, and filters = $500 (budding plants) Tray = $10 Starter cubes = $12 Solution nutrition = $11.50 You may need to supplement sunlight with a fluorescent light. This may be your best bet if you’re looking to grow kitchen-friendly garden herbs like mint, basil, or thyme. “It’s a DIY kind of project. That’s why it’s hard to really have a starter kit,” says Hauser, “but with a little knowledge of the space you have and what kinds of greens you want to grow, you should be all set.” It’s all about how much you’re comfortable spending on electricity and the environmental impact of each method. Bayard says he plans on opening another location in Northeast in the new year.
INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING WITH US? Call Laura Vucci 202-400-3510
or laura@hillrag.com for more information on advertising.
SUBURBAN
WELDING COMPANY® www.suburbanweldingcompany.com See What an Experienced Ironwork Company Can Do on Our Newly Expanded Website!
• 24 Hour, Seven Day Service • Free Estimates • Over 40 Years of Experience
703.765.9344
Capital City Hydroponics is located at 821 Upshur St. NW, Washington, DC 20001, 202-758-2572. u
December 2015 H 157
{home and garden}
Power Your Home with Wind!
S
tories about renewable energy are all over the news these days, and solar panels are popping up on buildings everywhere including the White House, the Eiffel Tower, the Taj Mahal, and the Vatican. Wind energy production is also growing, and the United States is now the second largest producer of wind energy in the world, behind China. As the technology for renewable energy becomes more available, the cost is dropping substantially. DC Mayor Muriel Bowser announced in June a 20-year agreement that will supply 35 percent of the District government’s electricity with wind power, a deal projected to save taxpayers $45 million over the next 20 years. But did you know that you, as a DC homeowner or renter, can also jump on this renewable energy bandwagon? “If you pay an electricity bill every month, whether as a renter or homeowner, you can choose to support wind power,” notes Michelle Moore, CEO of Groundswell, a nonprofit that makes clean energy programs accessible to communities – including DC. “Switching to wind energy is easy. It involves no new equipment, there are no turbines to be installed on your roof, and there are no additional fees. And once you’ve switched to wind energy, you’ll still receive electricity to your home 24/7 regardless of whether the wind is blowing or not.” How does “switching to wind energy” actually work and what does it really mean? Almost all of the wind energy produced in the United States is generated from large wind turbines. From the turbines the electricity flows into the US electricity grid, which includes a mix of electricity generated from solar power, hydro power, wind, and fossil fuels. By “switching to wind energy” you’re supporting wind energy production. There is no change in the way electricity is delivered to your home. While the actual electricity arriving to your home may or may not be generated by wind, by switch-
158 H Hillrag.com
by Catherine Plume ing to wind you’ll be supporting the wind energy industry and divesting your personal electricity use from fossil fuels. And by supporting wind energy you’ll also be reducing your personal carbon footprint by as much as 25 percent. You can sign up for wind energy through the Groundswell website at http://groundswell.org/ clean-energy/residential-wind/. Groundswell negotiates with energy suppliers on behalf of the public and helps ensure that you get a competitive price for wind energy. They also support residential solar power and commercial clean energy programs. While switching to wind has long been an environmentally sound option, it’s becoming an economically viable option as well. According to the Wind Energy Foundation, the price of USgenerated wind power has dropped by more than 90 percent since 1980. Increasingly the cost of wind energy to consumers is competitive with the cost of energy derived from fossil fuels. According to Groundswell, the cost of switching to wind for the average DC household will cost less than $6 per month. There are other good reasons to switch. Wind energy produced in the United States is a domestic energy source and reduces the country’s overall dependence on foreign oil. According to the US Department of Energy, wind energy is supporting some 73,000 US jobs through development, siting, manufacturing, transportation, and other associated industries and could support as many as 600,000 jobs by 2050. Meanwhile the environmental rationale for switching to wind energy remains. Groundswell notes, “Right now, over 90 percent of the electricity powering homes in the mid-Atlantic region comes from nonrenewable sources such as coal power plants. By switching to wind, a consumer can offset about 15,000 lbs of greenhouse gases, equivalent to taking two cars off the road every year.”
While wind energy is good for your carbon footprint, many environmentalists have voiced concern about bird mortality from wind turbines. The wind energy industry is researching how and why birds are impacted by turbines and looking for ways to reduce mortality as the industry grows. Wind energy does result in bird mortality, but fossil fuel, hydroelectric, and nuclear energy production also have negative impacts on wildlife. Wind energy production is soaring. In the DOE’s latest 2014 Wind Technologies Market Report, the United States now has enough installed wind energy capacity to power over 17.5 million homes. Wind power meets almost 5 percent of the nation’s electricity demand. Unfortunately renewable energy makes up no more than 5 percent of Pepco’s energy mix. With the price of wind energy dropping and glaciers retreating at unprecedented rates, isn’t it time we all did something to help save the world? Consider signing up for wind energy today. Catherine Plume is a lifelong environmentalist, a writer, and a blogger for the DC Recycler: www.DCRecycler.blogspot.com; Twitter @DC_Recycler. u
December 2015 H 159
G G ROOFING
Pipes freezing? Is your home cold in winter & hot in summer? 90% of DC Homes are under-insulated!
AWARDED BEST WASHINGTON, DC CONTRACTOR OF 2012 BY ANGIE’S LIST FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED • “50 YEARS EXPERIENCE”
Flat Roof Specialists • Modified Bitumen • Skylights • Shingles • Slate •
Chimney Repairs • Roof Coatings • Gutters & Downspouts • Preventive Maintenance • Metal Roofs •
10% OFF WITH THIS AD Air Sealing
202.425.1614
Radiant Foil Barrier
Licensed & Insured All Work Managed & Inspected by Owners
Experienced Residential Insulation Contractor
Blown-in Insulation Spray Foam Insulation Batt & Roll Insulation Sound Barrier Insulation 5-STAR YELP RATED LICENSED. BONDED. INSURED.
LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED.
CALL FOR FREE CONSULTATION (202) 341-6015
WWW.MAXINSULATION.US
Keith Roofing
EXPERT WORKMANSHIP AT REASONABLE PRICES! Residential/Commercial • Over 40 years of Experience Chimney Repairs • Storm & Wind Damage Repair
• New or Re-Roofing • Tear-Off & Replacement • Flat Roof Specialist • Copper, Tin, Sheet Metal & Rolled • Seamless & Flat Roofs • Re-Sealing • Tar, Asphalt, Gravel, Hot Coats • Modified Bitumen Insurance Claims • Free Estimates • 24Hr. Service
Fully Insured • Licensed • Bonded “No Job Too Large or Small” Senior & Military Discounts Available!
202-486-7359
All Work Inspected by Owner...Deals Directly with Customers! All Work Fully Guaranteed 160 H Hillrag.com
WWW.GANDGHOMEIMPROVEMENTS.NET |
The Capitol Hill Garden Club presents
Dear Garden Problem Lady, by Wendy Blair Our two azalea bushes seem unhappy. Normally evergreen, each has some yellowing leaves. What’s wrong? Normally azaleas need little fertilizing. One guess is an iron deficiency, a condition called chlorosis, usually – but not always – caused by soil that is too alkaline. Azaleas need a fairly acidic soil. Do test your soil to make certain. (You can quickly do this by mail at the U. Mass. Testing lab in Amherst: soiltest@umass.edu.) Because your azaleas need to harden off and become dormant at this time of year, it would be unwise to add fertilizer now. But you can top dress now with a few inches of compost and mulch. Then in early spring, following directions, apply Hollytone and perhaps some Irontone – sparingly. Too much fertilizer can destroy azalea’s shallow roots. Work instead to make sure your soil is light and airy, filled with organic materials, and never compacted. We love our banana tree, but how can it survive the coming winter here in its sunny spot in the garden? With care, banana trees survive well in zones 8 through 11. Some varieties can make it here in zone 7, with extra care. Before the first frost, cut back stems and leaves to about 8 inches above ground. Cover with a good foot of mulch. Wait, when you see new growth in spring, until all danger of frost is over before uncovering.
When should I move a Royal Fern? Shrubs have grown up and I can’t see it any more. Dig yours up when shoots appear next spring, and plant in a shady place with the crowns just at soil level. Osmunda regalis, Royal Fern, needs highly acid (pH 5.3 to 5.5) wet soil. Use lots of humus and sphagnum peat moss, and keep well watered all season long. My camellias have suffered catastrophic winter damage – and death in one case. Is there a way I can protect them this winter? Protect them with a strong barrier against desiccating winter winds and discombobulatingly unseasonable winter sun. Try wrapping them loosely in burlap or some breathable plastic foam, or make a baffle with poles and burlap. A row of protective evergreen trees also works. What is “Plumbago”? Plumbago comes in many sizes. Ceratostigma plumbaginoides is a ground cover 6 to 10 inches high that blooms from midsummer to late fall, tolerates some shade, and is beloved for its intensely blue flowers. Use around spring and summer bulbs as they die back, in rock gardens or in the front of a border. At the next public meeting of the Capitol Hill Garden Club on Tuesday, January 12, 2016 at 7 p.m., selected members will discuss problems and solutions in their own gardens. Please visit capitolhillgardenclub.org. Meetings are free and open to all.
Coming in January!
Beauty, Health & Fitness Issue
GYMS FITNESS STUDIOS PERSONAL TRAINING NUTRITION BEAUTY SALON SPA YOGA AND MORE!
just in time for New Year’s fitness resolutions!
To Advertise Call a Sales Rep at 202.543.8300 Carolina x12 Kira x16 Andrew x19 Laura x22 Publication Date: Jan. 2 Capital Community News, Inc. | Hill Rag | Midcity DC | East of the River | Fagon Community Guides
MIDCITY
FA G O N C O M M U N I T Y G U I D E
734 7th St. SE o: 202.547.2707 f: 202.547.1977
Winter is HERE Seal Out the Cold
WINDOWS:
restored or replaced: our woodworking shop/craftsmen do the work or install replacements by major makers: Pella, Weathershield, Kolbe, Marvin, etc. And we do the painting.
DOORS:
restored or replaced or custom made in our shop - see our chart of old-style doors we make or duplicate your door. Replace thresholds, weather stripping & paint or finish.
Feeling beset by gardening problems? Send them to the Problem Lady c/o dearproblemlady@gmail. com.Your problems might prove instructive to others, and help them feel superior to you. Complete anonymity is assured. u
Construction:
additions, porches, patios, garages, basements, additional floors and more.
joeltruittbuilders.com
A design and Build Firm.
Quality Since 1972 December 2015 H 161
Classifieds home services
other services
pet services
air & heating
appliances repair
Basement eXcavation
miscellaneous a clean house... a clean mind...
A Cleaning Service, Inc. Cares about the environment in which you live
““Let Us Serve You In The
C
• Complete residential cleaning, including laundry & ironing • Eco Friendly Clean • Customized services to fit your needs • Pet Friendly • Commercial & janitorial special rates
Way!”
ALL MAKES & MODELS SERVICE & INSTALLATION • Refrigerator • Washers/Dryers • Dishwashers • Wall Ovens • Ranges
ST
• Garbage Disposals • Icemakers • Freezers • AC Repair
Call us for your free estimate
703.892.8648 www.acleaningserviceinc.com
carpet cleaning
satisfaction guaranteed serving DC, MD & VA since 1985 licensed, bonded & insured
woven history
We wash carpets in the traditional manner- by hand, using no chemicals or machinery. No preheated room for drying. We dry in the sun and the wind. Free pick up an delivery for Capitol Hill Residents. Call 202-543-1705. More info at info@wovenhistory.com or www.wovenhistory.com. Located at 311-315 7th St, SE. Your neighborhood carpet store on Capitol Hill since 1995
MIDCITY MID
FA G O N C O M M U N I T Y G U I D E
FREE SERVICE CALL WITH REPAIR!
SAME DAY SERVICE No Extra Charge Weekends, Evenings & Holidays
703.961.1800 703.961.1900 contact CAROLINA at 202.400.3503 carolina@hillrag.com
WWW.ADVANCEAPPLIANCESREPAIR.COM COMPLETEFIX@OUTLOOK.COM
Get details at superguarantee.com
Let Us Chase Out the Dust Bunnies
Licensed, Bonded & Insured
P L E A S E R E C Y C L E T H I S PA P E R 162 H Hillrag.com
cleaning services
202.399.3090 www.maidpro.com/capitolhill 1100 H Street, NE • 2nd Fl YOUR LOCAL CLEANERS
2
o
FR
d...
nc.
nt
electrician
Residential Repairs & Remodeling
S E RV I C E S , L LC . E X E M P L A R Y S E RV I C E , Q UA L I T Y P R I C I N G
Cleaning and Landscaping
nieceescleaning.com 443.599.3467 S TANDARD C LEANING S ERVICE I NC . Commercial & Residential
STRUCTURE SPECIALISTS Restoration & Historical Preservation Carpentry Windows & Doors
Roofing & Guttering
All types of Carpentry & Flooring
Brick & Stone Re-pointing
NO JOB IS TOO SMALL!
Plumbing & Electric Service
Cabinets & Moulding
Plaster & Drywall
Wood & Engineered Floors
Painting & Decorative Finishes
202.965.1600
Interior and Exterior Home Renovations | Kitchens | Bathroom | Basement | Deck | Painting | Drywall and Plaster | Concrete | Stone | Tile | Masonry
240.224.5659
design & renderings
www.jfmeyer.com
Free Estimates • Insured
• References
Do you Need a Blue Print?
facebook.com/pages/ JF-Meyer-Construction-Co-Inc/127977000616632
ELECTRICWORK ELECTRICWORKS Rapid Response & Expertise
s
te
om
Rapid Response & Expertise
Ana Julia Viera
New Work • Rewirin New Work • Rewiring Lighting Design •Lighting Repairs Design • Rep
703.719.9850 • 703.447.9254 Days
Dharma Graphics ELECTRICWORKS
Free Estimates • Bonded & Insured References Upon Request
drawing blueprints (plans) and Rapid illustrations of buildings
15% Discount New Customers
301-254-0153
electricworks1@aol.com 301-254-0153 New Work • Rewiring electricworks1@aol.com Lighting Design • Repairs
www.aiadesigner.com nospys@gmail.com
contractors
Residential & Commercial
Residential & Commer Licensed & Insured Response & Expertise Licensed & Insured
215-939-3642
Residential & Commercial
doors & windows
Licensed & Insured
301-254-0153 301-254-0153
Over 10 years of Experience on Capitol Hill
OLDE TO
Windows Craft, Inc.
BETTER YET
E D D I E
CUSTOM CARPENTRY & RENOVATIONS
ROOFING
CONSTRUCTION
SHINGLE & FLAT
Specializing in • Doors, Windows & Siding • Basements, Garages & All Type of Additions • Kitchens, Bathrooms & Family Rooms
Call Gerold Washington
202.352.1839 oldtby@gmail.com
www.oldetobetteryet.com
LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED F R E E E S T I M AT E S | O V E R 3 0 Y E A R S E X P E R I E N C E
electricworks1@aol.com electricworks1@aol.com
· · · · · ·
Kitchen & Bath Remodel Interior & Exterior Painting Carpentry · Molding Floors · Hardwood Plumbing · Doors & Windows Brick Pointing · Patios
Licensed & Insured Free Estimates 202-247-0104 15% off all jobs over $1000
Specializing in HistoricWindows & Doors
202.288.6660 info@windowscraft.com
Licensed, Insured and Bonded License # 69006200
Floors
Residential Floors Dedicated to Perfection • Sanding and Refinishing • Installation • Repairs • Cleaning & Waxing
7 days a week - Free Estimates Reasonable Rates Residential & Commercial
(301) 990-7775 Family owned and operated 3 Generations of Experience December 2015 H 163
iron work
Suburban Welding Company
moving
®
Thomas Landscapes DEREK THOMAS / PRINCIPAL
Welding & Ornamental Iron Work
Heritage Wood Floors, Inc. Installation • Sanding • Refinishing • Hardwood Mouldings Free Estimates • MHIC #120190
301-855-3006 888-227-2882
handyman
• Repairs of Original Cast Iron Staircases • Window bars and door security gates • Handrailings & Stair Railings • Fences, Sidewalk Gates, Tree Box Fences • DC code approved bedroom window security bars • Excavating, back hoe services and tree stump grinding • Certified welding
24-hours, 7-day service Free estimates
703-765-9344
www.suburbanweldingcompany.com
2 w
Over 20 Years of Experience REDEFINING BEAUTY ONE CLIENT AT A TIME!
Full-Service Landscape Design & Maintenance • Installation, arbors, retaining walls, walkways, lighting, water features • Patios, roof top gardens, townhomes, single family homes • Trees & shrubs, formal & informal gardens • Custom Masonry, Fencing and Iron work • Restoration and Enhancement
Peach Moving Services When Trust Matters Most Residential, Office & Commercial
301.642.5182
WWW.THOMASLANDSCAPES.COM
WWW.FCIMPROVEMENTS.COM
Little Peach in Training
ADDITIONS, KITCHENS, BATH AND INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING EXPERT
Short Term Notice Moves Local & Up to 300 mile Radius Expert Packing & Unpacking Temporary Storage by the Day Hourly Rates
NO JOB TOO SMALL! • 12 YEARS EXPERIENCE
Craftsmanship and Expertise
Renovations and Remodeling including Plumbing & Electrical
kitchen
Michael Pietsch (aka Peach) Capitol Hill Resident
202.368.7492
www.peachmoving.com
HANDYMAN EXPRESS
jkhuynh@cox.net
painting
• Painting • Plumbing • Drain Service • Kitchen Disposal • Carpentry • Ceiling Fan • Electrical • Caulking • General Repairs
masonry
No job is too small!
Reasonable Rates • Free Estimates
Call Ty • 703.615.7122 Jim's Handyman Service, LLC Too busy to do it yourself?
Installation of Electrical Fixtures and Appliances • Window Treatments & Furniture Assembling • Fix Plumbing & Change Locks • Hang Pictures & Repair Cabinets • Painting
202-370-7902 www.jimzinn.com • Free estimates • No job is too small Affordable rates • Licensed, insured and bonded
164 H Hillrag.com
Historic Renovation & Artisan Stonework
Award-Winning Mason with over 30 years of experience
landscaping REGINALD’S LANDSCAPING
Specializing in perennial gardens, landscape design, yard maintenance, seasonal contracts-free estimates for major cleanups, spring/fall cleanups, mulching, pruning, trimming, weeding, debris removal, leaf removal, light hauling, planting and more. Pressure washing, decks patios. Emergency Service Available. Call today! 240-604-5390.
SPECIALIZING IN: Custom Masonry • Stone • Brick Work Point Up • Restoration • Patio & Water Gardens
Call Tom for a Free Estimate
202-544-4484
www.michaligamasonry.com FORMER HEAD MASON OF THE ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL FROM 1989 - 1996.
Reasonable Prices : Hill Resident Licensed • Bonded • Insured
L
Serving Maryland, DC & Virginia since 1974
Interior & Exterior Custom Painting Restoration & Historical Preservation Residential & Commercial
202.965.1600 www.jfmeyer.com
pest control
REAL
FLK Termite, Pest &
PLUMBERS
Rodent Control More than just killing bugs, we take care of your home • Babies, children, pets, no worries, customized treatments • Latest environmentally sound methods and products • One time, monthly, bimonthly, quarterly, yearly LICENSED & INSURED
Free Estimates Insured • References
Free Estimates
301.273.5740 301.576.3286
®
Plumbing Air Conditioning Heating Service Repair Replacement
301.567.2001
WWW.FLKPESTCONTROL.COM
WE STOP LEAKS! • Roof Repairs • Roof Coatings • Rubber • Metal • Slate
• Tiles • Chimneys • Gutters • Waterproofing • Roof Certifications
We Do Everything!
BOYD CONSTRUCTION INC.
75 years in service
LIC. BONDED. INS
BBB
Member
202-223-ROOF (7663)
www.realplumbers.net
plumBing
es
FLAT ROOF SPECIALIST
PLUMBING
rooFing / gutters
SERVICES SERVICE • REPAIR • REPLACEMENT REMODELING
ng
SPECIALIZING IN WATER HEATERS Plumbing-Heating Toilets, Disposals, Faucets Tub/Shower Valves Drain Snake Sump Pumps Sewers & Drains Water Lines/Pipe Work
ch)
2
om
We are a family-owned business with three generations of expertise in Capitol Hill.
• New tin, copper & membrane roof systems • Inspections & repairs • Roof painting • Gutters, spouts & skylights
Recommended roofer of Capitol Hill Village and Dupont Circle Village Licensed-Insured-Bonded
318-4270
helmets.plumbing@gmail.com LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED
Just Say I Need A Plumber®
Dial A Plumber, LLC® SUPPORT YOUR NEIGHBORS AND LOCAL BUSINESSES!
• Licensed Gas Fitter • Water Heater • Boiler Work • Serving DC • References John • Drain Service • Furness Repair & Replacement
Licensed Bonded Insured
L U M M E R
• For All Your Roofing & Gutter Needs • Chimney Repair
• Inside Ceiling Repair & Painting
• Patching - Coating - Waterproofing • Roof Certifications
• All Other Home Improvement Needs
• 24 Hours Emergency Service • Insulation
• Critter Trapping & Damage Repair
(202) 210-2179 www.LMACKAYROOFINGDC.com
Kenny
202-251-1479 DC P
Flat RooF SpecialiStS 40 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE REASONABLE RATES
(301)
T NMEN R E V GO 202-569-1080 IOR tom@rthomasdanielroofing.com & SEN UNTS www.rthomasdanielroofing.com DISCO
Call now for a FREE ROOF INSPECTION
MacKay Roofing
’
S
L
I C E N S E
LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED
#707
December 2015 H 165
WOOD &
ALL TYPES OF ROOFING REPAIRS
WHITACRE
other services chiropractic
ROOFING CONTRACTORS
Living on & serving the Hill since 1986
30 years on the Hill Slate – Tile – Copper Specializing in all Flat Roof Systems and Leaks
Star Roofing Company Specializing in Residential & Commercial Flat Roof Systems
Chiropractor
FREE ESTIMATES • Work Guaranteed
202-543-6383
411 East Capitol St., SE
RELIABLE
JEFFREY WOOD cell
Laundry
All work done by owner • Free Estimates Insured • Licensed • Bonded
301.674.1991
www.wood-whitacre.com
Dr. David Walls-Kaufman
All are welcome to Dr. Walls-Kaufman's free Saturday morning Tai Chi class at 8 am in Lincoln Park
202-544-6035
Storage
Because Optimal Health is Impossible Without Optimal Posture!
G G ROOFING
LO
music Lessons
W
Internet/Computers
AWARDED BEST WASHINGTON, DC CONTRACTOR OF 2012 BY ANGIE’S LIST FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED • “50 YEARS EXPERIENCE”
Flat Roof Specialists • Modified Bitumen • Skylights • Shingles • Slate •
A
Chimney Repairs • Roof Coatings • Gutters & Downspouts • Preventive Maintenance • Metal Roofs •
Shoes
10% OFF WITH THIS AD
Eastern Market Eastern Market Shoe Repair Shoe Repair • Shoes • Boots
202.425.1614 WWW.GANDGHOMEIMPROVEMENTS.NET
Licensed & Insured | All Work Managed & Inspected by Owners
Keith Roofing
welding
Suburban Welding Company
EXPERT WORKMANSHIP AT REASONABLE PRICES!
®
Welding & Ornamental Iron Work
Residential/Commercial Over 40 years in Business Chimney Repairs Storm & Wind Damage Repair
• New or Re-Roofing • Tear-Off & Replacement • Flat Roof Specialist • Copper, Tin, Sheet Metal & Rolled • Seamless & Flat Roofs • Re-Sealing • Tar, Asphalt, Gravel, Hot Coats • Modified Bitumen • Ask about our gutter specials
• • • • •
Repairs of Original Cast Iron Staircases Window bars and door security gates Handrailings & Stair Railings Fences, Sidewalk Gates, Tree Box Fences DC code approved bedroom window security bars • Excavating, back hoe services and tree stump grinding • Certified welding
24-hours, 7-day service Free estimates
202-486-7359 All Work Inspected by Owner...Deals Directly with Customers! All Work Fully Guaranteed
166 H Hillrag.com
1
202-543-5632 202-543-5632
RADIO/MEDIA
8
d
M
703-765-9344
www.suburbanweldingcompany.com
Insurance Claims • Free Estimates • 24Hr. Service
Fully Insured • Licensed • Bonded “No Job Too Large or Small” Senior & Military Discounts Available!
• Shoes • Boots •• Purses • Shoes•• •Luggage Boots Purses Luggage • Purses • Luggage 645 645 Penn Penn Ave., Ave., SE SE upstairs 645 Penn Ave., upstairs SE M-F 8:30-7 Sat 9-6 9-6 upstairs M-F 8:30-7 •• Sat M-F 8:30-7 • Sat 9-6 202-543-5632
P C
In M o
P L E A S E R E CYC L E TH I S PA P E R
(
M
w
t t
yoga
LOOK AND FEEL BETTER WITH HOT YOGA!
New Students Only $22 For 7 Days Of Unlimited Yoga!
WE HAVE: • 37+ classes per week • 90-minute Bikram method classes as well as 60 minute express classes • Children’s non-heated Hatha Yoga on Sundays • Fitness assessments including body composition (with RJL Quantum IV) • Discounted classes at 9:30am (M,W,F) and (M,T,W,Th,F) for all. Military, senior, and fulltime academic student discounts with valid ID for all of our classes ALL LEVELS WELCOME! No reservations required!
www.hotyogacapitolhill.com 410 H ST. NE | 202-547-1208 info@bikramyogacapitolhill.com
pet services
Get the Most for Your Advertising Dollars.
MAKE YOUR BUSINESS SUCCESSFUL! pet adoption
CAPITAL CATS
Adoption Event at Howl to the Chief
Sundays Noon to 3 PM 733 8th Street, S.E.
a five-minute walk from Eastern Market Metro.
17 Y ears
on
C apitol H i ll !
Daycare & Boarding Lots of human love and attention A pack of canine playmates Skilled Professional Handlers Indoor & Outdoor Play Areas 816 L Street, SE. WDC
Visit our Web site to view pictures and their engaging personalities at www.capitalcats.petfinder.com or www.homealone.petfinder.com Capital Cats is a non-profit cat rescue organization on the Hill that has many wonderful, personable cats and kittens available for adoption to good homes.
202-543-7805
dogmail@dog-ma.com / www.dog-ma.com
zoolatry (zoo-ahl’-uh-tree) the worship of animals – especially a pet
Mid-Day Dog Walking Service Pet sitting – Medications Administered Crate Training Insured – Bonded Member of National Association of Professional Petsitters
(202) 547-WALK (9255) Meet Our Walkers Online at
www.zoolatry.com
miscellaneous help oFFered admin assistant- tech support
Home-based part-time freelancer with over twelve years experience as an Administrative Assistant/Customer Service Rep and Tech Support seeking a PT job. Strong interpersonal skills and problem solving abilities resulting in quick and effective solutions/crisis management. Excellent written and oral skills which include answering phones, resolving customer’s issues either by phone, emails and/or correspondence. Expertise in managing the daily operations of a business and tech support. Strong organization skills and attention to detail. Competent in Mathematics, computer applications and analyzing data to extrapolate a practical useful solutions. Flexible, team oriented. You can contact me by email at jgould311@ yahoo.com or by phone at 202-547-0556.
contact CAROLINA at
202.400.3503 carolina@hillrag.com BOX CLASSIFIEDS (QUARTERLY)
2”x 2” 2.5” 3” 4” 5” 7”
$150 $180 $225 $300 $360 $400
• Ad design free of charge with one revision. • Rates are per publication.
LINE CLASSIFIEDS (MONTHLY) $25 for the first 15 words, 25¢ for each additional word. Bold heading (25 characters max) is free.
Capital Community News, Inc.
Hill Rag | Midcity DC | East of the River | Fagon Community Guides *Prepayment by check or credit card is required.
December 2015 H 167
{the last word}
Will Hill heading out on Orange Hat Patrol. Photo: Andrew Lightman
Will Hill Was One of a Kind Will was one-of-a-kind. We met in 1995 while we were both working on Eastern Market issues. We both belonged to the “Concerned Citizens For Eastern Market” (“CCEM”), when we were attempting to help resolve the contentious issues at the market. Will was a Commissioner on ANC 6B. Our group began the process of drafting legislation for Eastern Market which was ultimately used as the basis for the current Eastern Market legislation. Will, who was very active and led the First District CAC (Citizens Advisory Council) for many years, engaged many others in this very important work. Will started a monthly newsletter to keep his neighbors informed about the meetings of Beat 31, and its successor PSA 107. These newsletters continued for at least 15 years. Will hand-delivered them to hundreds of nearby households when he could not find enough volunteers to help him. He also formed an Orange Hat group to assist in keeping his neighborhood safe. Every year Will and his Mom opened their home to the neighbors for a New Year’s Day party where neighbors could and did show off their culinary skills. This annual event was a very special way for the neighbors to keep in touch and to get to know each other better. We all looked forward to attending every year. Will was indefatigable in his activities for the benefit of the Hill East neighborhood. But how I knew him best was through our efforts to stop Boys Town. When the property where the Harris Teeter is housed was sold to Boys Town, Will decided that the project was not good for the neighborhood nor for the children that would come to live in the then drug-infested and dangerous neighborhood at 14th Street & Pennsylvania & Potomac Avenues, SE. He called me one hot summer’s day and said he needed
168 H Hillrag.com
my help to stop this project, and I agreed to join him and others in what turned out to be a five-year effort. When we walked around the neighborhood to talk to the neighbors about our concerns about the Boys Town project, Will was greeted by everyone by name. He was treated like a visiting celebrity or politician and he was obviously respected by everyone we met. Then Boys Town sued us in a SLAPP suit in an effort to keep us from opposing its project and to keep us quiet. When that happened, Will asked me whether or not he would need to sell his house to pay his legal bills. It never occurred to him not to fight back and stand up for his First Amendment rights. Fortunately, that wasn’t necessary since both the ACLU and the Center for Individual Rights (CIR) stepped up and represented us and our organization, the Southeast Citizens For Smart Development (SCSD), at no cost to us. As most of you know, the neighborhood won, which was a true David vs. Goliath victory. That never would have happened if it hadn’t been for Will stepping up and opposing the project. Most of all, I will always remember Will’s quiet and steadfast determination to serve his Capitol Hill community, and that he had so many friends of different backgrounds, ages, religions, and races. There are no others like him and I will miss his kindness, and soft spoken nature, but most of all I will miss his caring and unbending sense of justice for his community. Ellen Opper-Weiner, opperweiner@aol.com
Remembering Will Hill Will was born and raised on a farm in Culpeper, Va., where his love of animals was cultivated. The family moved to Washington and Will got into the printing business. Eventually, he had his own printing company located on H Street,NE. After getting worn out running his own business, he went to work for the Capital Hill Hospital as a printer. When that closed, Will went to work at the U.S. Senate until he retired. He is probably best known for his tireless work as ANC Commissioner in ward 6B for 35 years. He ran the PSA 108 organization and its predecessor organizations, producing and delivering the monthly newsletter. He was on the board of the MPD 1D Citizens Advisory Council. For years, he led an Orange Hat Patrol in the neighborhood. Every New Year’s Day, his mother, Minnie, and he hosted a notable potluck dinner for all the neighbors and local politicians until it got too big for them to handle.
One of Will’s notable accomplishments was the halting of the building of multiple homes for some of Father Flanagan’s wayward boys and girls. Although commendable, the experience at the Boys Town facility at 4801 Sargent Rd., NE did not indicate it was appropriate for an inner city location with a high crime rate. After several lawsuits, one in which they sued Will, Father Flanagan’s troops withdrew. Today we have Jenkins Row, Harris Teeter, and other appropriate retail operations. At home, his love for animals showed. Will always had a long haired Chihuahua. He was often seen with his dog tucked in his jacket when he was out and about. They were the best dressed dogs in town and even wore a small orange hat when Will was on neighborhood patrols. In his later years, he took in a small dachshund that needed a good home and was company for all. Ed Copenhaver, copenhav@gmail.com
The Always Generous Will Hill Charlotte and I join all those mourning Will Hill’s passage. The ten years we’ve spent away from Capitol Hill and Washington have not dimmed memories of collaborating with Will on Eastern Market, the Boys and Girls Town project (remember that?) and on projects and programs affecting the Potomac Avenue Metro Stop area that Will spent so much time, effort, and love beautifying, protecting and improving. Will’s caring for his mother, and for chihuahua Rosita who accompanied him almost everywhere, loom large in our thoughts. Always generous in attitude, speech, and demeanor, Will set an example for us all. Brian & Charlotte Furness, brfurness@aol.com
Crime Fighter Will Hill In addition to taking a bite out of crime in his immediate Barney Circle/Hill east neighborhood, Will extended that service on behalf of the entire MPD First District by serving as a member of the 1D Citizensí Advisory Council (CAC) for more than 3 decades. During his tenure, Will was elected to multiple terms as the CACís Vice Chair and headed-up the organization as its Chairman for 3 terms. As a 1D CAC Officer, Will also frequently represented the First District at the citywide CAC meetings convened monthly by the Chief of Police. Will was always quick with a smile, a joke, and was never without his checkbook when contributions were needed to fund 1D CAC community activities
and events for the children or to honor our 1D Police Officers at the annual awards banquets. The Capitol Hill and entire MPD First District communities have lost a true champion of public safety. Will, we thank you a lifetime of service and friendship, and weíll miss you terribly. Nancy Rosen, Past Chair, MPD 1D CAC
The Death of Mike Fry and the fate of Mr. Henry’s Mike Fry is dead. He died the day before Thanksgiving, and so did the old Mr. Henry’s that so many long-time Capitol Hill residents knew and loved. It was the renowned watering hole for Washington Star reporters, the launch pad for Roberta Flack and the quiet retreat for the movers and shakers of local and national politics. It morphed its way through the changing times of the nation’s capital, through the riots of the 70s, the Reagan years, the Bush administrations, Clinton’s impeachment and 9/11. During 9/11, then part owner Alvin Ross actually put in a 9-inch TV at the bar to follow the breaking news. The black and white TV was short-lived. Mr. Henry’s never went the sports bar route; you might even have to participate in a conversation now and then. Your neighbors at the bar might be of various persuasions, always demanding a little adjustment to your ideology. And through it all, there was Mike Fry grinning at the end of the bar or behind it. Like Rudi Appl, another Capitol Hill legend and former Henry’s bartender, Mike was a part of the architectural fabric of Mr. Henry’s. The first owner, Henry Jaffe, won the bar in a poker game and decided to decorate it in an English pub venue. The walls are awash with prints and paintings of semi-naked Victorian ladies, and the windows are of old stained glass. Many of the benches are church pews. It was a dark comfortable place that offered comfort food like meatloaf and fried chicken. Upstairs on Tuesday was kids’ night. Hill denizens have watched great local places with real character such as the Hawk ‘n’ Dove fall prey to becoming a sterile perch for the millennials. Too many old good houses are bought up on the Hill only to be gutted and made new. Henry’s had the historic character and it is a shame to see it go asunder. That said, Mike over time became my friend. Granted, he could at times be a big pain in the ass. But if you were a regular, he wanted to get to know you better, and if you were a stranger, he wanted to help you. I knew the restaurant as both a patron as
well as a short-term employee. Mike taught me how to wait tables. After 35 years, Mike’s days were numbered; he didn’t fit in with the new owners. He was fired on a Saturday last March for serving a free beer to an old-old patron and friend. He was holding out to reach Social Security eligibility. He was not given that opportunity. He was “let go.” Is this a vendetta? I didn’t intend it as such but I do think that Mike didn’t get a fair break. Maybe Mike didn’t fit in because he was old or cantankerous or both, or perhaps he knew more about the place than the new owners. But one thing is sure: in my opinion, when Rudi died, Alvin Ross retired, and Mike died, Mr. Henry’s lost its soul. Ed McManus edwmcmanus@hotmail.com
Goodbye Walter Street Dear Beloved Walter Street, It has been a wonderful five years, and I can only echo the sentiments of many residents previous when I note the unique kindness and community here. It is that community that has defined the first years of my daughter’s life, the welcoming of my mother as her care taker, and our whole of Washington experience so far. Between the Chili Cook Offs, watermelon-soaked Fourth of Julys, poignant Christmases, manic Halloweens, the opportunity to see the area from the water (thank you David!), the planned 3rd Thursdays and impromptu happy hours, the summer replanting project (thank you a million times Skinners), the packages safely stowed and delivered after work, the walkways mysteriously shoveled, the fact that when Amelia was learning to walk I lagged behind her enough to see one of our amazing neighbors sprint (yes sprint) out of his house to make sure she was not unaccompanied... between and because of all of this and more, there is no replacement for Walter Street. A few months ago we discovered we were going to have a second little girl. A few weeks ago we surprised even ourselves by being the chosen bidders on a house a few blocks from here. I’m writing not only to say goodbye, but because I’ve been thinking about this precious community. This year I understand we have had something like a 25% increase in crime on Capitol Hill--not insubstantial. Many people we know have had some incident. I will always remember Scott picking a disoriented and beaten neighbor off the ground just around dinner time as my one-year old marveled at
the pretty police lights. And that is not the anomalous incident I would want it to be. A few weeks ago after another incident, a very understandably traumatized community member wrote something I will have to place in context of trauma: If you see young black males that you do not recognize as one of our neighbors, then call the police immediately. The chances are very good they are up to no good. A Walter St. neighbor then sent out one of the kindest and gentlest reflections on what that meant for her family, that if her brother visited she would not want a neighbor to call the police. I would do the honor of our street a disservice if I did not say I deeply hope we do better than that. If we allow ourselves to define an “other” based on race and fear, we have lost the battle and will cease to be the community and even individuals we are. I have lived in places where all Americans or all women by themselves were by definition up to no good, where I was followed and reprimanded for being those things. From both that personal experience and the sense of common humanity, I say it is not a world we should trade for. A wholesale categorization of any people as up-to-no-good allows thought and behavior that takes us to a foreboding place of our own-making. As already said, this is not to say we should not be aware of surroundings, turn on lights, not listen to our iPods as we walk, especially at night. But we cannot support a statement like this and retain the power of our community. In my five years here, Walter Street has been something that people don’t believe possible in a city. It’s its own small town. In this time of Thanksgiving, I paraphrase that famous pilgrim John Winthrop and claim Walter Street as a Beacon on the Hill. But unlike the Puritans of old, our greatest strength has always, always derived from our unique, or at least uniquely prominent, compunction to include, to build community and invite others to be part of it. There is a power in that far beyond walls and alarms. A transformative power that prevents violence even as it protects from it. I will miss you all dearly and I will continue to look to Walter Street to replicate some semblance of what we have already just a few blocks from here. Please visit any time and always. Warmly, Nealin Parker (Alex, Amelia and The Littlest One) nealinparker@gmail.com u
December 2015 H 169
{the nose}
THE NOSE
It’s Too Darn Hot!
L
by Anonymous
ast month The Nose revealed a cunning plan to revive the fortunes of the ethically challenged giants of the political hankypanky, Michael “Piece of a Piece” Brown and Harry “The Golfer” Thomas. After prosecutors removed Brown and Thomas, voters elected earnest practitioners of campaign ethics such as Charles “Mr. Rogers” Allen, David “I Did Inhale” Grosso, Kenyan “Mr. Clean” McDuffie, Brianne “Whole Foods” Nadeau and Elissa “Miss Prius” Silverman. Frankly, this has turned council hearings into a complete snooze fest. Far better to watch the pyrotechnical Republican debates curled up on the couch in the company of one’s redbone hound and three fingers of Elmer T. Lee, than to haunt the halls of the Wilson Building. Scandal, one must remember Dear Readers, is the mother’s milk of journalism. When the politically wounded bleed, they lead. Yet, despite their propensity to purloin the proceeds of our esteemed municipality or shakedown its contractors, at least Brown and Thomas acknowledged the gains of their nefarious enterprises were illicit. They routed them through dodgy non-profits or hid them in coffee cups. The Green Team learned from their example. They have chosen to conduct their business in the full light of day. Their chosen vehicle is the political action committee (PAC) whose contributions are publicly accounted. Meet FreshPac organized by Ben Soto, treasurer of every Muriel Bowser campaign. Take the example of Fort Myers Construction, the holder of $41,500,000 in public contracts to pave the city’s streets. In the past, a cub reporter would have had to wade through arcane filings correlating the addresses of innovatively titled limited liability corporations to figure out the extent of its political contributions. Not so with their donation $20,000 donation to FreshPac, easily found through a quick search on the Office of Campaign Finance website. What about Republic Properties, owners of the Portals? Despite welshing on its community benefits agreement with Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6D, the company still made the Deputy Mayor for Economic Development’s list of final three bidders for the city’s parcel at Waterfront Station. Did this have anything to do with their $20,000 contribution to FreshPac? Only the Shadow knows, boys and girls. In point of fact, FreshPac largest donors, according to WAMU’s Patrick Madden, collectively hold more than $70 million in city contracts. By revealing the real green behind the Green Team, FreshPac proved a major boon to The Nose’s profession.
170 H Hillrag.com
Sadly, for The Nose and his colleagues, this free meal has ended. Unwilling to take the heat generated by the editorial board of the Washington ComPost, the Green Team pulled the plug on FreshPac. In recognition of his tremendous effort to ‘green’ the dais, here is a song for FreshPac organizer, Ben Soto cribbed from the current Shakespeare Production of Kiss Me Kate: It’s too darn hot It’s too darn hot I’d like to coo with my Mayor tonight And pitch a deal to my Mayor tonight I’d like to coo with my Mayor tonight And pitch a deal to my Mayor tonight But brother, can’t put the bite on my Mayor tonight ‘Cause it’s too darn hot I’d like to sup with my Mayor tonight Pony up to my Mayor tonight I’d like to sup with my Mayor tonight Pony up to my Mayor tonight But I ain’t buttering up my Mayor tonight ‘Cause it’s too darn hot It’s too darn hot It’s too darn hot According to the Washington ComPost, ev’ry average developer you know Avoids pitching his proposals to the Mayor Unless the political temperature is low Cause when the thermometer goes ‘way up And the media is sizzling hot The chances for a deal close are not ‘Cause it’s too, too, too darn hot It’s too darn hot It’s too darn hot! Can’t take the heat? Get out of the kitchen. Have a tip for The Nose? Email thenose@hillrag.com. u