hillrag.com • December 2017
Sales · Rentals · Commercial Leasing Property Management · Investments
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1218 28TH STREET NW
222 G STREET NE
Nantucket Holdings Renovation 4BR 3.5BA · $1,224,500 Genie Hutinet · 202.413.7661
743 10TH STREET NE
3 level, 3 bedroom 2 bath home w/family room, open kitchen,beautifully landscaped yard & /architectural awarded garage $999,500 Genie Hutinet · 202.413.7661
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401 13TH STREET NE
“Where Washington shops for a new address! ™”
Three bedroom three bath three level Federal style townhouse steps to M Street with enormous rear patio. · $1,295,000 Pete Frias · 202.744.8973
One bedroom condo with balcony, extra storage and parking Pete Frias · 202.744.8973
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3209 WARDER STREET NW 3 bedroom plus den w/rear deck and garage · $839,000 Pete Frias · 202.744.8973
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225 Pennsylvania Ave SE Washington, DC 20003 202.544.3900 www.johncformant.com
726 GALLATIN STREET NW Nantucket Holdings Renovation 4 BR 3.5BA · $779,500 Genie Hutinet · 202.413.7661
116 3RD STREET NE
Huge fixer upper, fabulous location! $1,395,000 Pete Frias · 202.744.8973
December 2017 H 3
SOLD 702 MD Ave, NE 4BR/3.5BA Meticulously restored. $1,800,000 Represented the buyer.
FOR SALE 1127 C St, NE 6BR/3.5BA New Construction. $2,195,000
SOLD 520 6th St, SE 3BR/2.5BA 5% over list price. $1,256,000
TODD BISSEY
STAN BISSEY
todd.bissey@compass.com
stan.bissey@compass.com
2 02 . 841.76 53
2 02 .841 .1 4 3 3
6 6 0 P E N N S Y LVA N I A AV E , S E | 2 0 2 . 5 4 5 . 6 9 0 0 Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. Compass is licensed as Compass Real Estate in DC and as Compass in Virginia and Maryland.
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In this issue... 29
83
December 2017
29
Hill Holiday 2017 SPECIAL
30
Holiday Events by Kathleen Donner
40
Capitol Hill Holiday Shopping! by Rindy O’Brien
54
A Few of My Favorite Things: the Capitol Hill Flea Market by Karen Cohen
16
Calendar
capitol streets Hill Holiday 2017 SPECIAL
95
‘A War of Ideas’: Remembering Reconstruction in Washington, DC by Chris M. Asch & George D. Musgrove
111
63
Bulletin Board by Kathleen Donner
72
ANC 6A Report by Elizabeth Nelson
74
ANC 6B Report by Elizabeth O’Gorek
76
ANC 6C Report by Elizabeth O’Gorek
78
ANC 6D Report by Andrew Lightman
80
ANC 6E Report by Steve Holton
community life 120
Hill Rag Crossword
83
‘A War of Ideas’: Remembering Reconstruction in Washington, DC by Chris Myers Asch and George Derek Musgrove
86
H Street Life by Elise Bernard
real estate 89
Changing Hands by Don Denton
arts and dining Dining Notes by Celeste McCall
Scar Tissue Release Treatment by Pattie Cinelli
95
Dining Notes by Celeste McCall
98
At the Movies by Mike Canning
100
Capitol Roots by Charles Walston
102
Art and The City by Jim Magner
104
The Wine Girl by Elyse Genderson
106
Literary Hill by Karen Lyon
108
Poetic Hill by Karen Lyon
health and fitness 111
Scar Tissue Release Treatment by Pattie Cinelli
116
The District Vet: Cool Pet Facts by Libby Torchia, DVM
kids and family 119
Kids & Family Notebook by Kathleen Donner
124
School Notes by Susan Braun Johnson
homes and gardens 131
Remember Snow-mageddon by Tom Daniel
134
DC’s PaintCare Program Turns 1! by Catherine Plume
135
Dear Garden Problem Lady by Wendy Blair
136 Classifieds 142 The Last Word and Shot
on the cover: Saul Kovner, Tompkins Park, N.Y. City (DETAIL), 1934, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum acquisition. Saul Kovner’s Tompkins Park, N.Y. City was painted in 1934, under the patronage of the Public Works of Art Project (PWAP), a New Deal program created by the federal government to offer work and financial support to America’s artists during the Great Depression. At the Smithsonian American Art Museum. americanart.si.edu
Next Issue: January 6th
Capital Community News, Inc. 224 7th Street, SE, Suite 300. Washington, DC 20003 202.543.8300 • www.capitalcommunitynews.com • www.hillrag.com EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Melissa Ashabranner • melissaashabranner@hillrag.com
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Editorial Staff
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Arts, Dining & Entertainment A��:
D�����: L���������: M�����: M����: T������: W��� G���:
Jim Magner • jjmagner@aol.com Phil Hutinet • phutinet@yahoo.com Celeste McCall • celeste@us.net 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 Elyse Genderson • elyse@cellar.com
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Beauty, Health & Fitness
Patricia Cinelli • fitmiss44@aol.com Candace Y.A. Montague • writeoncm@gmail.com Stacy Peterson • stacy@accelerationsports.net
Real Estate
Don Denton • DDenton@cbmove.com Heather Schoell • heathersdo@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 Rindy 0’Brien • rindyobrien@gmail.com
Commentary
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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.
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DECEMBER CALENDAR Les MisĂŠrables at the National Dec. 20 to Jan. 7. Set against the backdrop of 19th Century France, Les MisĂŠrables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption. The play is a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. thenationaldc.org. Gavin Lee and company in MASTER OF THE HOUSE Photo: Matthew Murphy
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MUSIC Music at Pearl Street Warehouse. Dec. 3, Patterson Hood; Dec. 7, Hayley Jane and the Primates; Dec. 8, Danny Barnes Trio; Dec. 9, Chopteeth; Dec. 14, Roosevelt Collier Trio; Dec. 15, Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble; Dec. 16, Holidelic; Dec. 22, Revelator Hill; Dec. 23, Miss Tess & the Talkbacks; Dec. 29, King Soul; Jan. 5, Bakithi Kumalo; Jan. 6, Jacob Joliff Band. Pearl Street Warehouse, 33 Pearl St. SW. pearlstreetwarehouse.com. Music at Rock and Roll Hotel. Dec. 6, Jay Brannan; Dec. 8, Foreign Air & Shaed; Dec. 9, The World Is a Beautiful place & I Am No Longer Afraid to Die; Dec. 12, Converge; Dec. 15, Schmalls Fest; Dec. 16, The Virginia Southpaws; Dec. 21, FV, Walkney & Rent Party; Dec. 29, Ruse de Guerre; Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve Blowout; Jan. 6, Dream Syndicate. Rock and Roll Hotel, 1353 H St. NE. 202-3887625. rockandrollhoteldc.com. Music at The Anthem. Dec. 5, The National; Dec. 9, Fantasia Christmas After Midnight; Dec. 15, Lil Uzi Vert; Dec. 16, O.A. R.; Dec. 17, A Pentatonix Christmas Tour; Dec. 29, Soja; Dec. 31, Thievery Corporation; Jan 10, The Killers. The Anthem, 901 Wharf St. SW. theanthemdc.com. Notes from the Crypt. Dec. 3, 4 PM and Dec. 17, 6 PM ($25). Chamber music in the chapel at Historic Congressional Cemetery, 1801 E St. SE. congressionalcemetery.org. Blues Night in Southwest. Mondays, 6 to 9 PM. Dec. 4, Introducing Carly Harvey; Dec. 11, The Nighthawks;
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JAKE ANDERSON
{december events calendar}
Photo: Kyle Gustafson/Swin Bike Run Photography
Bringing People Together Recent Sales
$1,400,000
$1,350,000
405 Seward Sq SE
133 13th St NE
2018 Fresh Start 5K – Jan. 1; 8 AM, registration; 9 AM, run. This free fun run and walk at Anacostia Park, 1900 Anacostia Drive SE, is a wonderful way to start the new year. Enjoy morning refreshments, a free t-shirt, fun fellowship with neighbors and more with Mayor Bowser. Register at 2018freshstart5k.splashthat.com. Dec. 18, Shirleta Settles & Friends; Dec. 26, Vince Evans Blues Band. $5 cover. Children are free under 16 years old. Reasonably priced meals offered. 202484-7700. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 400 I St. SW. westminsterdc.org.
$1,335,000
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513 E. Capitol St SE
123 5th St NE
Please Call
202-669-7842
$1,075,000
for a free consultation meeting with absolutely no strings attached.
622 Constitution Ave NE L IC E N SE D I N D C, M D, A N D VA C OL DWE LL B A N K E R R E S I D E N TI A L B R O K E RAG E
6 05 PE NNSYLVANI A AVE, S E OF F ICE : 2 02 -547-3523 D IRE CT: 2 02 -669-7842 18 H Hillrag.com
Church of the Epiphany Weekly Concerts. Tuesdays, 12:10 PM. Dec. 5, Washington Bach Consort; Dec. 12, Jeremy Lyons, guitar, & Lisa Perry, soprano; Dec. 19, The Choir of the Church of the Epiphany & the AYPO
Brass Ensemble with Jeremy Filsell, director, & Christopher Betts, organ. 1317 G St. NW. epiphanydc.org. Concerts at the Miracle Theater. Dec. 7, Kris Allen “Somethin’ About Christmas” Tour; Dec. 8, Julie Byrne. Miracle Theater, 535 Eighth St. SE. themiracletheatre.com. Music at Mr. Henry’s. Thursday Night Bluegrass: Dec. 7, Only Lonesome; Dec. 14, Hollertown; Dec.
Tamayo: The New York Years, at the Smithsonian American Art Museum – to March 18, 2018.
See America through the expressive artworks of Mexican artist Rufino Tamayo in SAAM’s new exhibition Tamayo: The New York Years. This exhibition reveals how Tamayo forged a new path in the modern art of the Americas and contributed to New York’s dynamic cultural scene. The exhibit brings together 41 of his finest artworks – from his urban-themed paintings depicting the modern sights of the city to the dreamlike canvases that show an artist eager to propel Mexican art in new directions.
Rufino Tamayo, Carnival [Carnaval], 1936, gouache on paper, 15 x 22 in. Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase through the Luisita L. and Franz H. Denghausen Endowment © Tamayo Heirs/Mexico/ Licensed by VAGA, New York, NY. Photo by Greg Page/Page One Studio
21, By & By; Dec. 28, Justin Trawick. Friday Night Jazz: Dec. 8, The Kevin Cordt Quartet; Dec. 15, Elijah Jamal Balbed; Dec. 22, Frank McComb; Dec. 29, Anthony Compton. Saturday Night Ladies of Jazz: Dec. 2, Nina Casey; Dec. 9, Renee Tannenbaum; Dec. 16, Julia Nixon; Dec. 23, Frank McComb; Dec. 30, Candice Bostwick. Capitol Hill Jazz Jam every Wednesday. Shows run 8 to 11 PM.; doors open at 6 PM; no cover; two items per person minimum. Henry’s Upstairs, 601 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. 202-546-8412. mrhenrysdc.com. Music in Wartime-A Pearl Harbor Day Commemoration at the National Cathedral. Dec. 7, 7:30 PM. This program, including film clips of the Pearl Harbor, the Siege of Leningrad, and FDR’s declaration of war on Japan, juxtaposes three musical responses to World War II. “Music in Wartime: A Pearl Harbor Day Commemoration” marks the debut of the Cathedral’s ensemble-in-residence, the PostClassical Ensemble. cathedral.org. Jazz Night in Southwest. Fridays, 6 to 9 PM. Dec. 8, U Street Jazz Collective; Dec. 15, Tribute to Joe Williams; Dec. 22, Eric Byrd Trio; Dec. 29, Fred Foss’ Alto Summit. $5 cover. Children are free under 16 years old. Reasonably priced meals offered. 202-484-7700. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 400 I St. SW. westminsterdc.org. Handel’s Messiah with DC Strings. Dec. 8, 7 PM. Get in the holiday spirit with Handel’s masterpiece, Messiah. Performed with stylistic authenticity, the DC Strings Choir and orchestra are joined by an outstanding team of soloists. $18. hillcenterdc.org. Groupmuse Concert House Parties. Attend a concert for a $3 registration fee and a $10+ per person donation to the musician(s). Concerts are BYOB (Bring Your Own
SIGN UP FOR GROUP CLASSES FOR ADULT BEGINNERS IN GUITAR, UKULELE, MANDOLIN OR BANJO. INSTRUMENT RENTALS AVAILABLE.
801 D St, NE
(202) 733-3158 m usiconthehilldc.com December 2017 H 19
Beverage) and welcome all ages. Read more and sign up to host or attend at Groupmuse.com. Concerts added continuously.
THEATER AND FILM Solas Nua’s Misterman by Enda Walsh. Through Dec. 9. Written for a solo performer, this is a study of one man’s descent into religious mania in small-town Ireland. Dance Loft 4618 14th St. NW. solasnua.org. Mosaic: Draw the Circle at the Atlas. Through Dec. 14. Gender transition can be a test for any household. When Mashuq Mushtaq Deen comes out to his conservative Muslim family, traditional values and Western ideals collide in a hilarious and moving immigration journey unlike any other. atlasarts.org. Twelfth Night at Shakespeare. Through Dec. 20. Stranded on the coast of Illyria, the quick-witted Viola assumes the disguise of a page boy for Duke Orsino and finds herself at the center of an explosive love triangle in which identity, passion and gender all threaten to come undone. Sidney Harman Hall, 610 F St. NW. shakespearetheatre.org. Mosaic Theater: The Real Americans at the Atlas. Through Dec. 22. Inspired by 100 days travelling in a van through small-town America, actor/journalist Dan Hoyle enacts a multi-character encounter with the people at ground zero of our country’s growing economic inequality and polarized politics. atlasarts.org. The Pajama Game at Arena. Through Dec. 24. The Sleep-Tite Pajama Factory is a tiptop model of efficiency. So, why are things getting so steamy? It could have something to do with how hard new superintendent Sid Sorokin has fallen for Babe
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What better way to spend the holidays, than with the DC’s awardwinning Commedia dell’Arte company? Watch them put their trademark spin on everyone’s favorite classics.
Faction of Fools Presents, Foolish Fairytales at CHAW – Dec. 8 to 23. Four actors bring an entire fairytale
world to life in a physical flurry of bears, pigs, witches, slippers and more. CHAW, 545 Seventh St. SE. Tickets at 1-800-838-3006 or factionoffools.org.
Williams, the trouble-making head of the union grievance committee. Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW. arenastage.org. Nina Simone: Four Women at Arena. Through Dec. 24. Velvet-throated songstress Nina Simone hypnotized audiences with her signature renditions of standards from the American songbook. Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW. arenastage.org. The Second City presents Nothing to Lose (but our chains) at Woolly. Through Dec. 31. Felonious Munk returns to Woolly Mammoth to headline a new show from the creators of last year’s runaway hit, “Black Side of the Moon.” This time, he’s put his own life story on the line. Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, 641 D St. NW. woollymammoth.net. The Last Night of Ballyhoo at Theater J. Through Dec. 31. The year is 1939 and Atlanta’s posh German Jews are preparing for Ballyhoo, their annual lavish country club ball. The Freitag family hopes that the party of the year will be the chance for their daughters to meet their future husbands. However, when their uncle brings home his new employee, a handsome Eastern European bachelor from
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Brooklyn, everyone must confront their own prejudices, desires, and beliefs. Theater J, 1529 16th St. NW. washingtondcjcc.org. Curve of Departure at Studio. Through Jan. 7. The night before a funeral, family members gather in a single hotel room in New Mexico, shuffling sleeping arrangements, dealing with absent family members and preparing for their uncertain futures. Studio Theatre, 1501 14th St. NW. studiotheatre.org. Crazy for You at Signature. Through Jan. 14. Danny Gardner and Ashley Spencer star as Bobby Child and Polly Baker. Bobby Child, a musical-loving banker sent to foreclose on a small-town theatre decides to revive it instead with the magic of the Follies, some slapstick comedy and a whole lot of charm. Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Shirlington, VA. signature-theatre.org. Mosaic Theater: Queens Girl in Africa. Jan. 4 to Feb. 4. Mosaic’s first commission brings the world premiere sequel to Caleen Sinnette Jennings’ ‘sweet-spirited solo show’ which the New York Times described as one of the breakout hits of DC’s first
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Photo: Ryan Brookshire
Washington Improv Theater’s “Citizens’ Watch.” – Dec. 2, 3, 9, 17, 21 and 29. Citizens’ Watch is a tense murder
mystery based on the British television series, Broadchurch. $15 to $20. Source, 1835 14th St. NW. witdc.org. Women’s Voices Theatre Festival in 2015. The Atlas, 1333 H St. NE. atlasarts.org. Miracle Theater. Movies shown Fridays, 4 PM, 7 PM, and 10 PM; Saturdays, 8 PM and 10:30 PM; Sundays, 4 PM and 7 PM. Movies before 6 PM are $6. Movies 6 PM and after are $8; $6 for children, students, military and seniors. Advance schedule not possible here. Sign up for what’s playing at themiracletheatre.com. Miracle Theater, 535 Eighth St. SE.
DANCE Dissonance Dance Theatre at Dance Place. Dec. 9 and 10. Inspired by the musical sounds of the ancient Silk Road trade routes and Gary Chapman’s five “love languages,” Habibi traces the communication of love between friends, lovers and family. The sounds of the east fuse with dance of the west. Dance Place, 3225 Eighth St. NE. danceplace.org.
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Hip Hop, Dance Hall and Salsa at Joe’s Movement Emporium. Hip Hop Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m.; Dance Hall, Tuesdays, 8L30 p.m.; Salsa, Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Ten Class Pass: adults, $110; seniors, $80. Joe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Rd., Mount Rainier, MD. joesmoveme
SPORTS & FITNESS Washington Capitals Ice Hockey. Dec. 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 28, and 30. Capital One Arena. capitals.nhl.com. Canal Park Ice Skating. Sundays, 10 AM to 10 PM; Mondays to Thursdays, noon to 10 PM; Fridays, noon to 11 PM; and Saturdays, 10 AM to 11 PM. Special hours on holidays. Skate fees are adults, $9; kids and seniors, $8; skate rental, $5. 200 M St. SE. canalparkiceskating.com. National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink. Through March 11, daily except Christmas and New Year’s Day,
weather permitting. Open Mondays through Thursdays, 10 AM to 9 PM; Fridays, 10 AM to 11 PM, Saturdays, 11 AM to 11 PM; and Sundays, 11 AM to 9 PM. Skating fees for a two-hour session are $9, adults; $8, seniors, students with ID and children 12 and under. Skate rental, $3.50. nga.gov. Fort Dupont Ice Arena Public Skating. Public ice skating 1 to 3 PM on Dec. 2, 9, 16 and 23; noon to 2 PM on Dec. 8 and 5; 2:30 to 4:30 PM on Dec. 3, 10 and 17; 3:30 to 5:30 PM and 6 to 8 PM on Dec. 23. $5 for adults; $4, 12 and under and seniors 60 and over; $3 for skate rental. Fort Dupont Ice Arena is at 3779 Ely Pl. SE. fdia.org. Wharf Ice Rink. Open every day mid December through late February, depending on weather. Monday and Tuesday, noon to 7 PM; Wednesday and Thursday, noon to 9 PM; Friday, noon to 11 PM; Saturday, 11 AM to 11 PM; Sunday, 11 AM to 7 PM. (Live DJ, Fridays, 8 to 10 PM.) Adult admission, $10 with $2 discount to active military, seniors; $8 for children 12 years and younger. Skate rental is $6. Wharf Ice Rink is on Transit Pier, across from The Anthem, 960 Wharf St. SW. wharfdc. com/wharf-ice-rink.
MARKETS AND SALES Hill Center Galleries Holiday Reception & Gift Sale. Dec. 10, 3 to 5 PM. Featured are the six artists who have solo shows at Hill Center Galleries including Joanathan Bessaci, Rachel Bohlander, Karin Edgett, Michael Ford, Judith Peck and Scott Warren. In addition, several additional artists will be on site with their artisan goods, including Gordon Ritchie: Birdhouses, Sandy Hassan: Purses, Dan Finnegan: Pottery, and Carol Press: Handmade Chenille Scarves. hillcenterdc. org.
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new CLASSES begin January
2018
Adult Classes & Youth Arts Program
Registration opens November 27
capitol hill
arts workshop
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CHAW.ORG th 545 7 Street SE
202.547.6839
What Do These 4 Hill Homes Have in Common?
H Street NE FRESHFARM Market. Saturdays through Dec. 16, 9 AM to 12:30 PM. 800 13th St. NE. freshfarm.org. Southwest Library Holiday Book Sale. Dec. 2, 10 AM to 3 PM; Dec. 3, 1:30 to 4 PM. All proceeds benefit programs and supplies for the Southwest Library. Most books are $1 or less. Southwest Neighborhood Library, 900 Wesley Pl. SW. dclibrary.org/southwest. Friends of SE Library Book Sale. Dec. 9, 10 AM to 3 PM. Most books are $1. Southeast Neighborhood Library, 403 Seventh St. SE. dclibrary.org/southeast. Eastern Market. Daily except Mondays and important holidays. Weekdays, 7 AM to 7 PM; Saturdays, 7 AM to 6 PM; Sundays, 9 AM to 5 PM. Flea market and arts and crafts market open weekends, 9 AM to 6 PM. Eastern Market is Washington’s last continually operated “old world” market. 200 and 300 blocks of Seventh St. SE. 202-698-5253. easternmarket-dc.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.
They were all listed or sold by the JLC team in the winter - 1 during a snow storm with multiple offers! Winter is coming and Spring is just around the corner! If you are thinking about selling, needing more space or less space, call Jackie, Libby, and Crystal for a comprehensive consultation.
Jackie Sink
202.352.5793 jackie.sink@compass.com
Libby Clarke
202.841.1812 libby.clarke@compass.com
Crystal Crittenden
202.246.0931 crystal.crittenden@compass.com SEE OUR REVIEWS ON ZILLOW Compass is a licensed real estate brokerage that abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Compass is licensed as Compass Real Estate in DC and as Compass in Virginia and Maryland. 660 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20003 | 202.545.6900
Union Market. Tuesdays to Fridays, 11 AM to 8 PM; Saturdays and Sundays, 8 AM to 8 PM. Union Market is an artisanal, curated, food market featuring over 40 local vendors. 1309 Fifth St. NE. 301-652-7400. unionmarketdc.com. Have an item for the Calendar? Email the info to calendar@hillrag.com. u
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G R AN D
O PE NIN G
DEC. 4 – 11 OPEN 5PM – 10PM DAILY Out of the quaint neighborhood of Barracks Row, comes Steve Yoon and his highly talented team of chefs that bring back the Art of Sushi to its minimalist roots. Plates are adorned with thick cut slices of fresh fish that is flown in daily, and rice that is prepared with the utmost care. Come join Sushi Hachi on its journey to bring you a premier dining experience through creative ways you’ve yet to see in the District!
SPECIAL PROMOTION
35% OFF DINNER MENU
GET A CHANCE TO WIN $50 AND $100 GIFT CARDS! Five guests will receive $50 gift cards each and one lucky winner will win a $100 gift card towards Sushi Hachi. Minimum spend required for entry for prize drawing. Offer cannot be combined with other promotional deals. Limited to one promotional discount per table.
Reservations and other inquiries: email info@sushihachidc.com
Connect with us on social media! 28 H Hillrag.com
@sushihachi
/sushihachidc
@sushihachidc
The
Presents
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EVENTS
H O L I D AY
Photo: Courtesy of the Folger Consort
Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree Farms in Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia. Visit pickyourownchristmastree.org for farms and directions. Then follow the prompts. White House Christmas Tree Lighting. The National Christmas Tree was lit on Nov. 30. Visit anytime throughout the holiday season. thenationaltree.org. “A Christmas Carol” at The Little Theatre of Alexandria. Through Dec. 16. The family-favorite classic by Charles Dickens, equipped with special effects, Victorian carols and Tiny Tim returns to the Little The-
atre of Alexandria. $17. The Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe St., Alexandria, VA. 703-683-0496. thelittletheatre.com. Downtown Holiday Market. Through Dec. 23, noon to 8 PM, daily. More than 150 exhibitors and artisans selling an array of highquality gift items including fine art, crafts, jewelry, pottery, photography, clothing, tasty treats, and hot beverages. Market at F St. NW, between Seventh and Ninth. downtownholidaymarket.com. The Washington Ballet's The Nutcracker. Through Dec. 24 at the
Photo: Courtesy of the Smithsonian National Zoo
Warner Theatre. Set in Georgetown and replete 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 holidays. warner. theatre-dc.com. Festival of Lights at the Mormon Temple. Through Dec. 31, 5 to 11 PM. A different performing artist or group is showcased each night, including bell ensembles, choirs and orchestras. Each performance is presented at least twice nightly. Concert tickets are handed out at the Visitors' Center 60 minutes before each performance. 9900 Stoneybrook Dr., Kensington, MD. dctemplelights.lds.org. Lights on the Bay at Sandy Point State Park. Through Jan. 1, 5 PM to 10 PM. $15 per car. The event features more than 60 animated
Zoolights
Lo How a Rose E'er Blooming Seasonal Early Music of Germany
Dec. 15 to 23. Folger Consort celebrates the season with evocative Advent. Enjoy holiday music from Germany from the medieval majesty of the 15th-century Glogauer Liederbuch to the flower of the 17th Century German Baroque. $50. Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol St. SE. folger.edu.
Community Sing: Lo How a Rose E'er Blooming at the Folger
Dec. 17, 1 PM. Folger Consort musicians lead audience members in learning holiday songs from the medieval to the baroque. Enjoy singing and visiting the Folger during this festive holiday time. Suitable for all ages and skill levels. Free. Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol St. SE. folger.edu.
Through Jan. 1, 5 to 9 PM nightly, except Dec. 24, 25 and 31. Don’t miss a 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.
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and stationary displays, including traditional Marylandthemed favorites, holiday and children’s displays. Enjoy from your car. Sandy Point State Park, 1100 East College Pkwy., Annapolis, MD. visitannapolis.org. Gaylord National’s Christmas on the Potomac. Through Jan. 1, 2018. Experience Christmas On the Potomac, a magical wonderland with lavish décor, twinkling holiday lights and indoor snowfall. ICE! returns with a new theme, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Plus enjoy Gingerbread Decorating, Build-A-Bear Workshop, a new ice skating experience and an all new live entertainment show, “JOY A Holiday Spectacular.” 201 Waterfront St., National Harbor, MD Season's Greenings at the Botanic Garden. Through Jan. 1, 2018, daily, 10 AM to 5 PM. Remember that the best things in life are free: the fragrance of a freshly cut fir tree, the magic of holiday lights, sumptuous decorations, and the delight of a child discovering the make believe world of model trains. Free. 100 Maryland Ave. SW. usbg.gov. 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. George Washington's Estate & Gardens, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway. $20, adult; $10, children (6 to 11); 5 and under, free. George Washington's Estate & Gardens, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Alexandria, VA. mountvernon.org.
sion. Patrons with tickets are seated on a firstcome, first-served basis one hour prior to show time. No tickets required 15 minutes prior to start time. DAR Constitution Hall, 1776 D St. NW. usarmyband.com. Del Ray Artisans Holiday Market. Dec. 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16 and 17. Market features handcrafted work from local artists; handmade ornaments to benefit Del Ray Artisans. A Bake Sale benefits the Alexandria Tutoring Consortium. Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA. TheDelRayArtisans.org.
A Christmas Carol at Ford's
Through Dec. 31. Join the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future as they lead the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey of transformation and redemption. Ford's Theatre, 511 10th St. NW. fords.org. Craig Wallace returns to play Ebenezer Scrooge in the 2017 Ford’s Theatre production of “A Christmas Carol.” Photo: Scott Suchman
Christkindlmarkt at Heurich House Museum. Dec. 3, 11 AM to 5 PM. The museum honors the Heurich family’s German heritage by recreating a traditional German public Christmas market in its garden. $10 for adults; $2 for children ages 2 to 12. Heurich House Museum, 1307 New Hampshire Ave. NW. heurichchristmas.org.
Messiah-G.F. Handel at the National Cathedral. Dec. 3, 4 PM. There is no better way to start the Holiday season than to experience Handel’s Messiah in the unique setting of Washington National Cathedral. $25 to $95. cathedral.org.
Mount Vernon by Candlelight. Dec. 8, 9 and 17; 5 to 8 PM. Join the estate for a candlelit character-guided tour and learn more about holiday traditions in 18th Century Virginia. Timed tickets are $24 for adults and $16 for children 11, under. George Washington's Estate & Gardens, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Alexandria, VA. mountvernon.org.
National Museum of the American Indian Native Art Market. Dec. 3, 10 AM to 5:30 PM. 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. nmai.si.edu.
US Army Band American Holiday Festival. Dec. 3 at 8 PM; and Dec. 3, 3 PM, also. Visit usarmyband.com to order free tickets via Eventbrite. All seating is general admis-
Annual Logan Circle Holiday House Tour. Dec. 3, 1 to 5 PM. This self-guided tour will take participants through ten exciting interiors, feature in-house musicians and street carolers. Don’t miss the always-warming Wassail Reception hosted at Studio Theatre. $30; $35, day of. logancircle.org/house-tour.
by songs from The Merry Widow, The Vagabond King and more! Enjoy a glamorous world of romance, where even broken hearts beat in waltz time. GALA Hispanic Theatre, 3333 14th St. NW. inseries.org. Live Entertainment at the White House Christmas Tree. Dec. 6 to 21 (except Dec. 11 and 18), 5 to 8 PM, Tuesdays through Fridays; 1 to 8 PM, Saturdays and Sundays. Musical entertainment features performances by choirs, bands and dancers. thenationaltree.org.
The Diaries at Drafthouse Comedy Theater
Dec. 7 to 23. Broadway actor Cameron Folmar stars as a gay, out-of-work writer who lands a job as a Macy’s elf — and spills the beans behind the scenes. $20. Drafthouse Comedy Theater, 1100 13th St. NW. drafthousecomedy.com. Cameron Folmar as Crumpet the Elf in The SantaLand Diaries by David Sedaris at Drafthouse Comedy Theater. Photo: Donald Kemp
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Daughters of the American Revolution Christmas Open House. Dec. 6, 5:30 to 8 PM. Live holiday music, tour 31 period rooms, cider, hot chocolate, cookies and Santa. DAR Headquarters, 17th and D Streets NW. dar.org. The In Series: An Operetta Holiday. Dec. 6 to 10. Enticed
Photo: Andrew Lightman
Holiday Follies at Signature. Dec. 5 to 16. Come out of the cold, grab a hot toddy from Ali’s Bar and slip in for a fun evening of favorite seasonal tunes blended with humor and a generous helping of holiday cheer. Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington, VA. sigtheatre.org. SantaLand
US Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting
Dec. 6, 5 PM. The 2017 tree is from the Kootenai National Forest, Montana. No tickets needed. capitolchristmastree.org.
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Audubon Christmas Bird Count
Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon
Dec. 14 to Jan. 5. Since the Christmas Bird count began over a century ago, it has relied on the dedication and commitment of volunteers. The local count will occur on one day between those dates. Read how to participate at audubon.org/ conservation/join-christmas-bird-count.
Dec. 15 and 16, 5:30 to 9 PM. Join Mount Vernon for an evening of family-friendly fun and fireworks choreographed to holiday music, with fireworks beginning around 9 PM. Event also features local choirs, re-enactors from the First Virginia Regiment in winter encampment, and 18th-century dance lessons. George Washington's Estate & Gardens, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Alexandria, VA. mountvernon.org.
Tufted Titmouse. Photo: Michele Black/Audubon Photography Awards
Caroling in the Rotunda at the National Gallery of Art. Dec. 9, 10, 16 and 17, 1:30 and 2:30 PM. nga.gov. National Harbor Elf Run 5k. Dec. 9. Come And Run With The Elves! Join Santa and the Reindeer and run a 5k at National Harbor. Registration includes entry into the race, Souvenir Elf Hat, snacks and drinks at the Christmas Village. visitprincegeorgescounty.com. The Christmas Revels. Dec. 9 to 17. A French-Canadian celebration of the winter solstice. Lisner Auditorium at GW University. revelsdc.org. Gay Men's Chorus The Holiday Show. Dec. 9, 16 and 17. The holiday extravaganza returns with fabulous treats and festive seasonal favorites. Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U St. NW. gmcw.org. US Air Force Band Spirit of the Season. Dec. 9, 3 and 8 PM; Dec. 10, 3 PM. Enjoy classic and modern holiday music and a surprise visit from the North Pole. Free tickets available at usafband.af.mil. DAR
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Photo: Courtesy of George Washington's Mount Vernon
Civil War Christmas in Camp Open House
Dec. 9, noon to 4 PM. Holiday event interprets how Christmas was observed during the Civil War. $2 per person; $5 for families. Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site, 4301 W. Braddock Rd. Alexandria, VA. alexandriava.gov/FortWard. Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site Constitution Hall, 1776 D St NW. usafband.af.mil. Holiday Cheers: A Night of Live Music, Champagne & Fun for Grown-Ups at the Atlas. Dec. 9, 8:30 PM. Warm up the holidays by joining us for an elegant yet lively night of cherished holiday music performed by Capital City Symphony and Congressional Chorus. Your ticket includes concert admission, two cham-
pagne vouchers and treats. atlasarts.org. Capital City Symphony Annual Community Carol Sing Concert. Dec. 10, 4:30 PM and 7 PM. Capital City Symphony, Congressional Chorus, and American Youth Chorus perform a variety of holiday favorites in this perennially loved performance. There will be complimentary cookies and good cheer in the lobby. $12 to $20. Atlas Performing Arts Center. capitalcitysymphony.org.
Thomas Circle Singers "The Wonder of Christmas". Dec. 10, 4 PM. St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 4900 Connecticut Ave. NW. thomascirclesingers.org. Morgan State University Choir Annual Christmas Concert. Dec. 10, 4 PM. $10 to $25. Murphy Fine Arts Center, 2201 Argonne Dr., Baltimore, MD. msuchoir.org. Annapolis Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade. Dec. 10, 6 to 8 PM. Magic happens on the water of the Annapolis Harbor as boats suddenly appear out of the winter night illuminated with thousands of colored lights and crewed by jolly revelers. visitannapolis.org. National Menorah Lighting. Dec. 12, 4 PM. Free dreidels, latkes, donuts and menorah kits. Ceremony is on the Ellipse, south of the White House. Free tickets required at nationalmenorah.org.
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First Night of Hanukkah Celebration at The Wharf. Dec. 12, 5 to 8 PM. Watch the lighting of the menorah. Enjoy complimentary cookies, s’mores, and live music. Plus, kids can get creative at a special crafts station. Sutton Square. wharfdc.com.
Irish Carol follows one evening in the life of David, a wealthy pub owner who has distanced himself from others and lost touch with his own humanity in the interest of material success. Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church St. NW. keegantheatre.com.
THEPIANOGUYS CHRISTMAS TOGETHER at the National. Dec. 13 to 16. THEPIANOGUYS comes to the National Theatre this December for a special holiday residency. National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. thenationaldc.org.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra "The Ghosts of Christmas Eve”. Dec. 14, 7:30 PM. Capital One Arena. trans-siberian.com.
SING! An Irish Christmas at the Kennedy Center. Dec. 13, 8 PM. Keith and Kristyn Getty bring their touring Irish Christmas show back to the Kennedy Center in a program built around their Christmas church music catalog and their love for historic carols. kennedy-center.org. A Candlelight Christmas presented by The Washington Chorus. Dec. 10, 2 and 5 PM; Dec. 16, 4 PM; and Dec. 21 and 22, 7 PM. Featuring brass, organ, sing-alongs, and the magnificent Candlelight Processional, A Candlelight Christmas includes favorites such as The Dream Isaiah Saw, Hallelujah Chorus and more. $18 to $72. kennedy-center.org. An Irish Carol at Keegan Theatre. Dec. 14 to 31. The story, an homage to Dickens’ classic, is told as only the Irish can. An
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NSO's Handel's Messiah. Dec. 14 to 17. Join the NSO, gifted singers, and a heavenly chorus for this holiday tradition. Experience the hope, redemption and grace of Handel's cherished Messiah in the festively decorated Concert Hall. kennedy-center.org. Step Afrika! Magical Musical Holiday Step Show at the Atlas. Dec. 15 to 30. Celebrate the holidays with clapping, and stomping for all ages featuring their furry friends from the Animal Kingdom. Join a special dance party with DJ Frosty the Snowman. $18 to $45. The Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. atlasarts.org. Jazz Hip Hop Nutcracker. Dec. 15 to 17. This winter, Jazz Hip Hop Nutcracker, the stage production produced by Momentum Dance Theatre, returns to deliver a one of a kind, artistic experience through captivating dance and theater. Woodrow Wilson High School, 3950 Chesapeake St. NW. momentumdancetheatre.com.
Holiday Ordeal at Sixth and I
Holiday Ordeal at Sixth and I. Dec. 9, 8 PM. Both a solo artist and a featured vocalist with Pink Martini, Storm Large is a force of nature on stage, lending her commanding voice and bawdy humor to jazz standards, hard rock and everything in between. $40. Mature audiences. washingtonperformingarts.org. Storm Large
Nog Fest at The Wharf. Dec. 16, 1 to 4 PM. Enjoy a mug of a favorite seasonal drink or sample other tasty winter beverages at The Wharf’s Waterfront Beer & Wine Garden. Fun activities for all ages, along with games and prizes. Wharf Street, District Pier. wharfdc.com. Sweet Spot Aerial Productions: A Circus Carol at the Atlas. Dec. 16 and 17. It’s holiday pageant time at W.T. Dickens High School! Chaos reigns supreme throughout the school halls as teachers, administrators and students try to get it together in time for their annual holiday production. The Atlas, 1333 H St. NE. atlasarts.org. Navy Band Holiday Concerts. Dec. 16, 3 PM and 8 PM and Dec. 17, 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. Tickets are online and there are stand-by seats. DAR Constitution Hall, 1776 D St. NW. navyband. navy.mil/holiday_concert. Celebrate Kwanzaa at Dance Place. Dec. 16, 8 to 10 PM and Dec. 17, 4 to 6 PM. Join them this holiday season for Dance Place’s annual Kwanzaa Celebration. Gather family and friends to join Coyaba Academy, Coyaba Dance Theater and special guests to celebrate the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Dance Place, 3225 Eighth St. NE. 202-2691600. danceplace.org.
Wreaths Across America at Arlington Cemetery. Dec. 16, 9:30 AM. Opening Ceremony is at McClellan Gate at the intersection of McClellan and Eisenhower Drives. After a short briefing, volunteers participate in the laying of wreaths at headstones. To volunteer and for more information, go to wreathsacrossamerica.org. Cathedral Choral Society: Joy of Christmas. Dec. 16, 2 PM and 7 PM; Dec. 17, 4 PM. A well-loved Washington, DC holiday tradition, this concert includes Christmas favorites and a festive carol sing-along. The program will feature a newly commissioned carol by popular British composer Paul Mealor. Tickets are $25, up. Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW. nationalcathedral.org. Christmas on the Hill. Dec. 17, 3:30 PM. Free. All are welcome. Faith Tabernacle United Holy Church, 300 A St. NE. Christmas with Choral Arts at the Kennedy Center. Dec. 17 to 24. The Choral Arts Society of Washington celebrates the joys of the season in a delightful program of popular holiday standards and seasonal Christmas classics. kennedy-center.org. Atlas Presents: A Bohemian Christmas. Dec. 18, 7:30 PM. Celebrate the Holidays in style with 17-piece Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra performing jazz classics, original arrangements of beloved carols and a recitation of ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas. $28 to $32. The Atlas, 1333 H St. NE. atlasarts.org. Choir of the Church of the Epiphany Christmas Concert. Dec. 19, 12:10 PM. Enjoy their annual selection of contemporary music for Christmas in a concert of season readings and music. Church of the Epiphany, 1317 G St. NW. epiphanydc.org. NSO Pops: Handel's Messiah: A Soulful Celebration. Dec. 20, 8 PM. Handel's Messiah: A Soulful Celebration is a 25th anniversary concert celebration of the acclaimed album that reinterpreted Handel’s oratorio Messiah. kennedy-center.org. Southwest Chamber Players "Merry Christmas" Concert. Dec. 20, 7 PM. All are invited to the new Saint Augustine’s Church, 555 Water St. SW. Come and sing as well as listen. Free but donations accepted. southwestchamberplayers.org. Christmas Caroling at The Wharf. Dec. 23, 7 to 8 PM. Enjoy the sounds of the season — featuring the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington — and join in as we sing
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Waterskiing Santa on the Potomac
Dec. 24, 1 PM (pre-show at 12:45 PM). It will be along the Old Town Alexandria waterfront, from Waterfront Park to Founders Park. Santa's helpers come out early to ensure it's safe for Santa (considering the Grinch or Jack Frost may be around). Ho Ho Ho... waterskiingsanta.com. Photo: Nick Eckert
holiday songs to spread the Christmas spirit all along the waterfront. Enjoy s’mores at The Wharf fire pit and visit our lighted Christmas Tree. Wharf Street, District Square, District Pier. wharfdc.com. Kennedy Center Messiah Sing-Along. Dec. 23, 6 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 4:30 PM, day-of. kennedy-center.org. Christmas at Washington National Cathedral. Dec. 23 and Dec. 24, 6 PM, Service of Christmas Lessons and Carols; Dec. 24, 10 PM, Christmas Eve Holy Eucharist; Dec. 25, 11:15 AM, Christmas Day Holy Eucharist; Dec. 25, 1:30 PM, Christmas Day Organ Recital. Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW. nationalcathedral.org. Celebration of Christmas at the National Shrine. Dec. 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. 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 202526-8300. 400 Michigan Ave. NE. nationalshrine.com. Kennedy Center Christmas Day Jazz Jam. Dec. 25, 6 PM. The Christmas Day Jazz Jam is a Millennium Stage tradition. Free. Kennedy Center. kennedycenter.org Kwanzaa Celebration at Anacostia Community Museum. Dec. 26, 11 AM to 1 PM. Kwanzaa Celebration
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with Nana Malaya Rucker, The Dancing Diplomat & Nubian; Dec. 27, 11 AM to 12:30 PM. Kwanzaa Celebration with Melvin Deal African Heritage Dancers and Drummers; and Dec. 28, 10 AM to 2:30 PM. Kwanzaa Celebration with Arts & Crafts. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia. si.edu. Salute to Vienna New Year's Concert at Strathmore. Dec. 30, 3 PM. Celebrate the ageless beauty of Viennese music with Washington's 17th annual New Year's Concert. Strauss waltzes and sweeping melodies from operettas are performed by hand-picked European singers and full orchestra. Beautifully costumed dancers present romantic vignettes. $49 to $125. strathmore.org. First Night Alexandria. Dec. 31, 10 AM to just after midnight. This annual 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 just before midnight on the river. $20 before Dec. 10; $30, after. Kids under 12 and active military, free. firstnightalexandria.org. Annapolis New Year's Eve Celebration. Dec. 31, 8 PM to midnight. Free. Party at Annapolis City Dock with a DJ from 8 to 9 PM and Radio City Band from 9 PM to midnight fireworks. Annapolis, MD. visitannapolis.org. Fiesta de los Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day) at GALA. Jan. 7, 11:30 AM and 2 PM. GALA’s traditional Three Kings celebration features the Magi, live animals, local performers, a walk through the neighborhood, and gifts for every child. Free for the entire family. Tickets will be distributed at the GALA Box Office at 10 a.m. for the 11:30 a.m. show, and at noon for the 2 p.m. show. No tickets reserved by phone. Maximum six tickets per person in line. galatheatre.org. u
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Capitol Hill Holiday Shopping! The only gift guide you'll need And you don't even have to leave your neighborhood Article and Photos by Rindy O’Brien the while sipping on wine and eating yummy treats. And, for the procrastinators (you know who you are), these local shops will be open on Christmas Eve bailing you out one more time. This year, having shopped our way around Capitol Hill and H Street, we’re making your shop local adventures easier than ever.
Dawn Price Baby has a great selection of baby togs, including an onsie celebrating DC.
ave you ever thought about making your holiday season one where you never have to sit in traffic jams or say a special prayer that your online package is going to really arrive on time? This holiday season we challenge you to shop local and discover a holiday season of joy. Capitol Hill has some unique and fantastic shops all within walking distance of one another. There are even special shopping nights where you can hop from store to store and let the amazing shop owners solve your holiday gift-giving puzzles. Imagine, finding perfect gifts for everyone on your list, and then having them wrapped in shiny bows all
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November 25 and wraps up the season of joy on December 31. The Holly Days has it’s own website, www.thehollydays.com. Shoppers can see a map of Eastern Market and click on a Holly Wreath and be transported into one of many Hill stores to find out hours of operation, and much more. Radici, an Italian market whose name means Roots, is located on the corner of 7th Street and C Street at Eastern Market. Bridget Thibodeau SasHoliday Shopping Events so, co-owner, will host an authentic Italian market CHAMPS, Capitol Hill’s Chamber of Commerce, on December 10 bringing ten very special Italian kicks off the season with a Holiday Sip and Shop vendors to the neighborhood for a day of holiday night, December 4th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. 15 difcheer. Vendors will be outside on the patio. And, ferent shops, including some special pop up stores, on December 23, Santa Claus will arrive and spend are coming together to give you a night you will want the day in the shop. Party to star on your calendar. givers can easily order part If you have a tiny one or Radici’s entire catering on your list, you may esmenu throughout the seapecially want to check out son, but orders must be sent Dawn Price Baby, where in by Sunday, December shoppers will receive 20% 17 for Christmas delivery. off purchases during the If you own a holiSip and Shop. Dawn Price day sweater-- you know, shop is located at 325 7th the sweater with a blinkStreet, SE. In addition to ing Rudolph on it-- wear it the shops participating, a to Music on the Hill and number of local businesses they will give you 10% off are sponsoring the event. all products in the store, For more information see even their sale items. Muthe CHAMPs website, sic on the Hill is at 801 D www.Capitolhill.org. Street, NE. Besides the best Madeleine Odendahl, selection of guitars, manprogram manager for Eastdolins and ukuleles in the ern Market Main Street, DC area, Lindy Campbell, says her organization beLuis, staff at Italian shop, Radici, invites you shop owner, says they have gins the holiday season on to the December 10th special Italian market.
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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.
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.
Special Christmas Holiday Mixed Case! 7 Reds, 1 Champagne, 4 Whites
Retail: $330.88 | Sale: $251.88 | Special Club Price: $198.99 40% off Retail! Purchase as many mixed cases as you like. Additional wines are available at the listed SALE prices. wine
reg.
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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
Dennis loves helping customers get ready for the holidays at Groovy DC.
Putting a hometown puzzle of Capitol Hill together could be a great gift for Hill youngsters available at Groovy DC
a really great collection of handmade stock stuffers with a musical theme.
Bringing the Best to Capitol Hill
One of the great things about shopping locally is that a lot of the hard work of gift giving has already been done for you. Last summer, when you were enjoying the pool, Hill shop owners were spending day after day reviewing and ordering items to bring to you this holiday season. As Dennis of Groovy DC says, “we really spend a great deal of timefinding the best things for our shoppers, so you don’t have to sort through to find great gifts.” Groovy DC, at 321 7th Street SE, is stocked full of holiday cards, wrapping papers, and Christmas décor items. For example, there are aromatic candles like Red Current and Christmas sage. Dennis says that the European party crackers are becoming more popular for Hill families, and Groovy DC has five different kinds ranging from $20 to $27. If you are looking for small hostess and friend gifts, this store has you covered on that front as well. Next door to Groovy, Roberta Blanchard, owner of Fairy God-
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mother, a children’s book and toy store, puts her 33 years of knowledge to work for you. Roberta says that the classic toys like Legos, Brio, and puzzles are always a good gift for children. She also can help match books with the child’s age and interests. Roberta also has brought a very special line of stuffed animals made in Germany
Roberta Blanchard, owner of Fairy Godmother, has 33 years of bringing children’s toys and books to Hill kids.
Holy Comforter – Saint Cyprian Roman Catholic Church A welcoming, embracing and joyful faith family Feast of the Immaculate Conception Friday, Dec. 8th – Mass at 7:00 am, 10:00 am and 7:00 pm
257th Army Band Holiday Concert Mon., Dec. 11th – 7:00 pm – FREE
Christmas Family Mass & Youth Pageant
Sunday, Dec. 24th – 6:00 pm
Christmas Choral Praise Service Sunday, Dec. 24th – 11:00 pm
Midnight Mass
Sunday, Dec. 24th at Midnight
Mass on Christmas Day
Monday, Dec. 25th – 10:00 am
The Main Sanctuary of the Church is open every day for prayer from 8 am until 8 pm.
Watch Night/ New Year’s Eve Mass
Sunday, Dec. 31st – 11:00 pm
Solemnity of Mary/ New Year’s Day Mass
Monday, Jan. 1st – 10:00 am
Weekend & Daily Mass Schedule
Reverend Monsignor | Charles E. Pope, Pastor
Sunday: 8:00 am, 11:00 am & 7:00 pm Saturday: 8:00 am & 4:30 pm (vigil) Weekdays: 7:00 am (chapel)
1357 East Capitol Street, SE Washington, DC 20003 www.hcscchurch.org 202-546-1885 December 2017 H 43
Hill’s Kitchen collects jams, seasoning, and other wonderful items from local producers, like Woodberry Kitchens.
“High quality design and preservation framing are our top priorities” Serving Capitol Hill since 1984 Custom designed mats • Wide selection • Work done on premises 513 11TH ST. SE (EASTERN MARKET METRO)
202.544.7577 www.newmangallery.com ROTAT I N G E X H I B I TS O F LO C A L A RT I S TS 44 H Hillrag.com
to the Hill this season. The detail and softness of the baby owl and lamb will make them instant friends for your little ones. When we stopped by Hill’s Kitchen at 713 D St. SE, owner Leah Daniels was busy sharing her knowledge about nonstick pans with a customer who had come to do some in-store research before deciding what to put on his Christmas list. Leah was able to show him different kinds of pans at an array of prices and educate him on the pros and cons of each one. “When you go online to do this research, often there is a very limited description and a rating system,” says Leah, “and that really doesn’t give you all the answers.” Leah only chooses items that she can stand behind, giving shoppers solid confidence in their gifts. In addition to kitchen gear, the store has increased its cocktail and bar offerings, including some local bitters, shrubs, and cocktails syrups. If you are a fan of Baltimore’s Woodberry Kitchen, there is a great selection of jams and sauces from this local gourmet restaurant. Soda stream
Dash through the rain with this DC-centric umbrella found at Hill’s Kitchen, along with all kitchen things.
machines are always a fun gift. Leah is sure that the new multicooker that can steam, brown, sauté, make rice and yogurt, and is also a pressure cooker will be the wow gift of the season. Hill’s Kitchen will be open until 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve. DCanter at 545 8th Street SE is a wine boutique that specializes in artisanal wines from independent producers, along with craft beers. Michael and Michelle Warner have filled this sunlit space with the best of the
DCanter is a boutique wine shop on 8th Street that highlights organic grown wines to choose from, along with wine classes.
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son family has been involved in the spirit business on the Hill since 1915. Elise Genderson says they love to help a customer figure out the perfect gift for family or friends. “I suggest if you are buying Schneider’s offers a wide variety of vines and spirits for the holiday, including a special package of Jameson whiskey. for someone and you don’t know their spebest and have developed a loyal cuscific taste, stick with the more widely tomer following. Michael says that known wines from California ‘s Napa their wine tasting classes make a great Valley, Russian River or France’s Cabgift. He reports, “the classes are limiternet Bordeaux. And a Highland ed to 16 people and are conducted in Scotch is always a good gift.” a way that makes everyone comfortLaurie Gillman, owner of East able, whether you are new to wine or City Books, is relative new to the a pro.” Gift cards for classes or merretail scene, but she has calculatchandise make it easy for you. ed that collectively her staff has over 200 years of expertise in books. The bookstore is downstairs at 645 PennAsk the Hill sylvania Avenue, SE. It is amazing Experts how much space this bookstore has, Sometimes we can be shy about adand it has become a second home to mitting how little we know about many, including young children and things that we assume everyone else family dogs. “I think we have a great knows. For instance, shouldn’t we all know about different wines or know what the latest cool whiskey is? One of the truly great things about shopping on the Hill is that the shop owners are happy to share their experience and expertise. Over at Schneider’s at 300 Massachusetts Avenue, NE, they have eight folks with high levels of industry certifications just in their wine department. The Gender-
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Laurie Gillman, owner of East City Books, is all smiles with the holiday season just around the corner. East City Books has something for everyone.
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variety of gifts whether you are looking for a book, t-shirts, posters, coffee mugs, art supplies, or one of the hot insider DC gifts: Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg objects,” Laurie says. Tell the staff who you are shopping for, and they are going to be able to give you a variety of unusual and highly contemporary gifts to choose from. Labyrinth located next to East City Books really can solve all your gift puzzles. The store is full of puzzles, toys, and board games from Monopoly to Magic cards. A mom-owned game store, staff are incredibly knowledgeable about the latest trends. Had enough shopping? Just stop in and take an hour of play.
out special edition books that you can only find here, like an early edition of a guide to the National Parks or a first edition of The Cat in the Hat Comes Back. Need a complete set of Harry Potter books, this bookstore has it. Maybe gifting some really jazzy recordings on vinyl would make you the coolest aunt ever. Staff is happy to point you in the right direction or make specific recommendations. Mehmet Yalcin, proprietor of Woven History, at 311 7th Street, SE, also specializes in one of kind exotic gifts that he has collected from all over the world. Walking into the shop immediately stimulates your senses with wonderful aromas of Middle Eastern incenses, bright colors, and a staff that will spend quality time with you. While rugs are their specialty, the store is also filled with clothes, jewelry, sculpture, and other interesting items. Best part of the visit-- Mehmet can transport you to another world with his poetry and stories. Chat’s Liquor store is a place that you know your granddad would feel totally at home in. Marcus Pickett, manager, says a good way to get to know about wines and spirits is to attend their weekly tastings on Friday night from 6 to 9 p.m. for spirits, and Saturday afternoons from 3 to 6 for wine. He would be delighted to help you gather all the ingredients for the trendiest cocktails this season. Clothes Encounters is another shop where you can only find only one of a kind fashion. A women’s consignment store located at 207 7th Street, SE has been offering designer pieces for reasonable prices since 1979.
One of a Kind
Located Above Groovy DC 321 7th St. SE (2nd Floor) WDC 20003 Open daily 12/15 – 12/24 for holiday shopping
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Another bookstore on the Hill, Riverby Books, can conjure up some shopping magic to complete your gift list. Riverby Books is located at 417 East Capitol Street, SE. There are over 15,000 carefully selected used books tucked into every available space in the old townhouse. Lori Grisham, manager of Riverby Books, is happy to point
TOP: Woven History is like walking through a mid-Eastern market place; colorful boxes are just some of the great gifts. RIGHT: Woven History owner Mehet Yacin shows one of the camel toys often seen outside his shop.
Making it Personal
H Street corridor may be known for its nightlife, but tucked in between the restaurants and bars, is The Daily Rider. Soon to move to its expanded headquarters at the Apollo Building, 600 H Street, SE, this is a useful bicycle and essential accessories shop. If you are shopping for bikes for the youngest to the oldest person on your list, Loren Copsey, co-owner of The Daily Rider, can guide you. “The smallest bike, known as a balanced bike, is an excellent way to get tots on a bike by letting them learn how to balance before starting to pedal,” says Loren. The Striders are quite popular with the tot set on the Hill. “Buying a gift certificate,” Loren suggests “ may be
TAE KWON DO Loren Copsey of Daily Rider on H Street has great advice for finding a bike that works for your family.
NEW STUDENTS BEING ACCEPTED NOW
New class at 6th & I St.NE | Classes Starting Monthly Mastergutman@gmail.com December 2017 H 49
Forecast manager, Amalia Jones, has gathered lovely holiday accessories to dress up your home for the holidays.
MUSIC ON THE HILL’S
HOLIDAY SALE
Tis the season to be musical with starter packs for novice players, deep discounts on step-up instruments.
801 D St, NE
musiconthehilldc.com | (202) 733-3158 50 H Hillrag.com
the best way to give a bike, since it really is important to fit the bike to the rider.” Besides the bigger ticket item of a bike, the shop has cool messenger bags and other stocking stuffers for your cycling friends. New or experienced cyclists can also turn to City Bikes and its sleek new bike store on 8th Street. The store’s expert staff can guide you in buying a new bike. The Forecast has been dressing Capitol Hill gals for decades and has a loyal customer base that knows they will look just perfect for all the holiday gatherings in their new fashion. “Our customers know that we can find just the right look for them,” says Debbie Danielson, owner. For over 40 years, the store, located across from Eastern Market at 218 7th St. SE, has gathered lovely objects that make the perfect hostess gift, or a special holiday décor item that magically transforms your house. One of the most interesting items for your urban friends is a roller bag that would be perfect for grocery shopping at the market. Special gift-wrapping makes the store popular with those of us that are all thumbs.
Suddenly the market roller bag has become a fashion statement at Forecast.
Hometown Goodness
Local shops also provide very special merchandise that celebrates Capitol Hill or DC and can make a great gift to display your neighborhood pride. Why not show off your runner’s body in a Summit to Soul T-shirt or tank top with Hill Runner embossed on the sleeve? And wouldn’t every Mom and Dad be thrilled with an onesie for his or her baby that celebrates the DC flag? Puzzles and maps of Capitol Hill are also great gift ideas with a local touch. Almost every merchant has one or two special hometown
Give A Unique Gift This Season!
Since 1995 on Capitol Hill
items to choose from. Summit to Soul at 727 8th Street SE is the go to store for women’s running and yoga apparel. The shop will be participating in a number of the local pop up events around town as well as being available six days a week to help you pick a sporty top, pants, or accessory for your favorite athlete. There are also a number of frame shops on Capitol Hill that can help you take one of your favorite photographs or child’s paintings and turn them into works of art. The Capitol Hill Frame and Photo at 725 8th street is offering a 45 % discount for framing if you mention the Hill Rag and give a week’s production time. With over 50 frames in stock, storeowner, Nadin Jan, can also provide a onehour service. Frame of Mine has framed over 11,000 pieces of art in its 35year history on Capitol Hill. The staff has tremendous talent in
Madeline Mooney models some of vibrant and fun running gear found at Summit to Soul.
Gifts and arts from every country along the Silk Road, including jewelry, clothing, antique furniture, musical instruments and more.
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Free Gift With Ad December 2017 H 51
Dogs are welcome at Riverby Books. Lori Grisham greets a frequent shopper.
Wagtime II located in the Navy Yard has rooms of toys, bones, sweaters, and almost anything else doggy in its shop. It has a large section of kitty related toys, collars, and even books on how to cook for your cat. Non-pet owners may even want to walk over and get a Presidential Parody Small
helping each customer find the right frame or box for their antique maps, photographs, and objects. To get it back in time to be under your Christmas tree, work needs to be in the store by early December. The frame shop is at 545 8th Street, SE. A few blocks east of Frame of Mine, Newman’s Gallery, a long time local frame shop at 513 11th Street, SE, is also a good bet for framing your special artwork for the holidays. The frame shop has been providing frames for Smithsonian exhibitions to children’s portraits since 1984.
Meows and Woof Woof's
Judging from the 200 dog portraits hanging in East City Books special entry gallery, we cannot leave out our four legged friends this holiday season.
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The Presidential Parody dog and cat toy series features Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. May be great for even humans.
Howl to the Chief has gathered the best-stuffed toys for our 4-legged friends.
Dog Toy of Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton. Wagtime II has a huge selection of balls, stuffed toys, and rawhide bones that should satisfy every kind of dog on the Hill. Howl to the Chief is one of the Hill’s most civic-minded merchants. In addition to having been voted Best Pet Shop in DC year after year, the store offers adoption events every weekend from 12 to 3 pm. The store is found at 733 8th Street SE. Kitty owners are raving about the new hemp cat toys and a soft stuffed lamb toy surely will make some small dog very happy. Cute dogthemed pillows are the perfect gift for your favorite dog mom or dad. By shopping locally, not only are you making the season of gifting easy on yourself, but also you are giving back to our local businesses whose philanthropic support of our community is incredible throughout the year. Let’s make this holiday season the best ever by shopping near home. Rindy O’Brien is a long time resident of Capitol Hill. She can be reached at rindyobrien@gmail.com and will definitely be seeing you at our local shops. u
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A Few of My Favorite Things the Capitol Hill Flea Market Article and Photographs by Karen Cohen
E
very Saturday and Sunday thouern Market craft vendors this sands of locals and visitors, many year. A daily wearer of bowties, with their kids and dogs in tow, he decided to make them, buymill about Capitol Hill’s flea maring a sewing machine and masket on 7th St. SE between North tering every step. Morris recyCarolina and Pennsylvania Ave cles fine quality men’s neckties SE, outside Eastern Market, and repurposes these into elesearching for that special somegant and dressy bowties using thing to take home. Artisans of eight different shapes.The baall kinds, vendors of goods from twing shape, for example, looks far-off lands, food purveyors and like a long rectangle strip with Two jaw dropping necklaces by more, offer their wares. Over 75 flat ends when untied. designer, Enise. tables under canopied tents ofLadies of all ages line up fer a plethora of sights, smells at jewelry designer, Enise’s taand tastes. This is Capitol Hill’s ble to buy bracelets, necklaces in 2018 look for saoutdoor shopping/meeting/eatand earrings, delicate, sparkling and often oputeen and silk in her ing place. Peruse, ponder, and lent. Combining semiprecious stones, pearls, 18k new designs. plunge right in. gold and silver into one of a kind combinations, For the “dapper What could be more special Enise, a Hill resident, has been creating jewelry Mildred Baldwin offers her handcraftgentleman”, there ed bags sewn with love! than a custom made bow tie for the as art since 1999. She explains, “Each piece of are handcrafted, man in your life? Stitched by majewelry is as individual as the woman who wears eye-catching bowties chine and finished by hand, Camit.” If you want to find elegant accessory pieces from designer, Keneron Mackail selects whimsical fabrics to create for everyday wear or special occasions, stop by neth Morris of Legendary Bowties, new to Easther colorful collection of ties. Fuland see Enise. ly adjustable, tie it once and pop it Another magnet for the feoff and on without ever having to male shoppers is Mildred Baldretie it again. A freelance graphic win’s Fine Arts and Crafts designer, she stumbled upon bow booth. One of a kind, handcraftties when she made a super hero ed bags, pouches, backpacks, and bow tie for her boyfriend. Mackkeychains are crafted and sewn ail loved the process of sewing and from natural mud cloths, Italbranched out to designing her own ian leather, Kuba cloth from the fabrics. Her company, Cambo3 Congo and embellished with aufeatures “handmade hassle-free thentic beads, gems, stones and quirky bow ties”. Mackail can cusshells. Baldwin fell in love with Cameron Mackail stitching up a Cambo3 Absolutely legendary bowties by cretom design ties for weddings, gradfabric and sewing as young girl bow tie on a Saturday morning. ator and maker Kenneth Morris. uation gifts, corporate events and and worked in a leather shop in
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DC Proud bibs and t-shirts for baby are available from Yinibini Baby.
North Carolina making handbags, belts and hats. All one of a kind pieces, Baldwin signs and dates her “art objects” and guarantees the highest level of craftsmanship. Anything related to babies solicits oohs and ahhs but Yinibini Baby clothing also deserves applause for being voted first place by Washington City Paper in 2016 and second place in 2017 as the Best of DC for handmade children’s products. The creator and seamstress, Sonyini draws animals and screen prints owlets, koala bears, and foxes on baby tshirts, bandanas and bibs. Her inspiration comes from her childhood memories of Guyana, South Africa (homeplace to her mom, aunts and uncles). She uses US grown organic cot-
30,000 HILL RESIDENTS COULD BE SEEING YOUR AD RIGHT NOW! To advertise, contact Kira 202.400.3508 or Kira.Hillrag@gmail.com
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Crochet queen and nonstop knitter, Sola Ope of Scarvelous.
Thomas Landscapes Over 20 Years of Experience
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ton fabrics, cotton blends and non-toxic, water based permanent inks which are safe for babies. Her most popular item is a two-piece gift set, called Welcome to Washington, featuring the DC stars and stripes on a onesie and bib. Sola Ope of Scarvelous crochets rapidly without looking at her hands. She makes all the wool hats and scarves herself and has been at it since she was five. Growing up in England, knitting was taught to kindergarten children, both boys and girls! Sola made her first
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Painter, Joseph Harrison Snyder with his Capitol painting on a chilly morning at the flea market.
pair of socks at the age of six. Making sweaters for co-workers a few years ago led her to knitting and crocheting full time to earn her living and then she branched out into sewing vinyl lined, washable and wipeable small travel bags and zippered clutches in a myriad of colors and patterns including authentic wax print fabrics from Nigeria. She sells at Eastern Market weekends and it is guaranteed, you will find her crochet needle in hand! All things DC is his specialty, Joseph Harrison Snyder is a full time artist who sells his paintings every weekend at
HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Joan Carmichael Realtor 202.271.5198 joanvcarmichael@gmail.com Bridgette Cline Realtor 202.271.4196 bridgette.cline@c21nm.com FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS 1000 Pennsylvania Ave., SE Wash., DC 20003 office # 202-546-0055 December 2017 H 57
pany is Wunder Around; her art form is glass, both mouth blown and hot sculpted. Colorful vases with textured glass on the exteriors make up a series that she calls Threads Collection. Two new glass shapes just in time for holiday presents are glass hearts that fit in your palm (“to spread a bit of love”, she says), and little glass rabbits, called Wonder BunBeth Hess of Wunder Around holds up nies. Hess has set up at Eastern her mouth-blown heart vase. Market on Sundays for the past eight years, blows glass every minute of her spare time and Eastern Market. Sites such as the also teaches ongoing, six week classCapitol, the Marine Barracks, the es in glassblowing at DC Glassworks Hill Center and the Eastern Market are his frequent subjects. In addition, he will paint your home upon request, in fact, 90% of commissioned sales are from Capitol Hill residents. His house portraits are filled with personal, intricate details such as prized front yard flowers, or that special tree with fall colored leaves and maybe even the owners’ dog(s) sitting on the front steps waiting to meet and The Blue Ridge Cutting Board Comgreet! Selling since 2002 and pany has the stars and stripes, sun and the moon cutting boards. using acrylic paint, Snyder also sells social commentary paintings which are worth a second in Hyattsville, MD. look if you like satire. With colors of every hue un“Exploring and celebrating furling in all directions, Susan wonder in everyday life” is crafter in Johnson Amidon mixes acrylic chief Beth Hess’s motto. Her compaints for psychedelic abstract fantasies. A jewelry maker who has sold at Eastern Market for many years, she took up painting and then wanted to make functional items that are unique, handmade and beautiful. Hand-painted wall hooks, key chains, wine stoppers and jewelry are some of the unique and giftable accessories that she creates along with large scale Colorful, hand painted wall hooks by Susan Johnson Amidon. wall paintings and miniature
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Simply kooky light ďŹ xtures of Simply Lofty Creations.
paintings for hanging. All one of a kind, pick out your favorite colors! Donna and Keith Ellingsworth have sold their handmade cutting boards for seventeen years and both work full time on designing wood cutting boards, cheese boards, and more. The Blue Ridge Cutting Board Company uses locally harvested wood to craft their boards at their studio in Stuarts Draft, VA. Live edge wood side tables are new this season and DC boards branded with the recognizable three stars and two stripes are take home gifts for the Hill folks and/or their visitors. Stocking stuffers made of wood are resting stands for tablet, readers and smart phone charging stations. Custom boards can be ordered
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for gifting with names, initials, or logos with skin products that not only smell good but the hardwood of your choice in walnut, cherfeel great are a must for the cold winter ry, maple, ash, elm and oak. months ahead. Brighten up your world with the SimHow many people do you know from ply Lofty Creations of Brian Van Fleet. Georgia (not Atlanta, Georgia) but the Fleet designs lighting fixtures of every kind: country where Caucasus Mountain villagtable lamps, chandeliers and hanging penes and Black Sea beaches meet? Academidants with a definite and humorous twist. cally trained painter, Pridon Goisashvili Repurposing barn wood beams, metal pipes, has been at the Eastern Market flea market and mixing cement Saturday and Sunamong other materidays for years and als, he electrifies obhas lived in the US jects, adds his cusfor 16 years. An arttom, dimmable bulbs ist since he was a (3000 burning hours), toddler, he paints and infuses his wild in both acrylic and imagination. These watercolors. DC are decorative lights and Capitol Hill that you won’t see are his favorite subanywhere else! Fleet jects and best sellis grooving full time ers; he works full making these whimsitime at his craft. Surrounded by his Capitol Hill paintings, cal home decor items His colors are brilcome and meet artist Pridon Goisashvili. and is selling at Eastliant with the speern Market every cial glow of light weekend. He specialfound here on the izes in custom orders Hill. Pridon has for homes/designers many Internationand commercial sites. al customers who Mango, cococome and visit him nut, vanilla, frankinwhen in town; he cense and sandalwood loves Eastern Marfragrance the air surket and the people rounding Bami Prodand that love shows ucts. Bernadette Mayo in his artwork. created body butters Find these comprised of whipped vendors, more local Vintage Vinyl includes the Beatles, Deep shea butters and essenartists and crafters Purple and Dion records. tial oils for her own dry along with farmers, skin and then offered food vendors and these for others to enjoy. She is a member of more from 7 am – 6 pm on Saturdays and 9 the Handcrafted Soap Makers Guild since am – 5 pm on Sundays at the Eastern Market 2002 and offers samples you can try on your Flea Market on 7th Street SE between North hands. Feel the silky smoothness of these Carolina Ave SE and Pennsylvania Ave SE, beautifully luxurious and moisturizing body one block north of the Eastern Market Metro butters that erase all signs of dry skin.TheraStop on the Blue and Orange Lines. peutic and health promoting recipes such as Karen Cohen is a “Jersey Girl” and photojournaloatmeal, goat milk and honey soap or green ist living in Capitol Hill. An avid gardener, pet tea and chai soap, for instance, are also nourlover, activist and volunteer, she promotes art ishing cleansers. An array of shampoos, bath in the DC Metro area. Contact: kcohenphoto@ salts, body scrubs, lotions and more healthy gmail.com u
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Bulletin Board City Winery Washington DC to Open in Ivy City Next Year
Interior of Chicago’s City Winery
City Winery Washington DC will add a working winery and live music to the robust community of neighborhood businesses in DC’s Ivy City neighborhood. Operating as a world-class concert venue, award-winning urban winery, restaurant, and private event space, City Winery Washington DC promises to be the new go-to destination for residents any night of the week. The 40,000-square foot space will feature a 175-seat restaurant and private dining room for groups of 45 to 75, a 320seat performance venue that will offer tableside dining and beverage service and a rooftop. The cornerstone of City Winery is a ground level working winery separated from the performance space by glass walls and visible to restaurant and concert patrons. Equipped with a state-of-the-art Meyer Sound system, City Winery will present approximately 300 shows per year and feature a roster of the most respected names in pop, rock, jazz, blues and world music. Comedians and spoken word artists will also make the play bill. citywinery.com/washingtondc.
Hill Center Holiday Reception & Gift Sale Dec. 10 From 3 to 5 p.m. Featured are the six artists who have solo shows at Hill Center Galleries including Joanathan Bessaci, Rachel Bohlander, Karin Edgett, Michael Ford, Judith Peck and Scott Warren. In addition, several additional artists will be on site with their artisan goods, including Gordon Ritchie: Birdhouses, Sandy Hassan: Purses, Dan Finnegan: Pottery, and Carol Press: Handmade Chenille Scarves. hillcenterdc.org.
Fish Fry at Calvary Episcopal Church On Dec. 8, noon to 6 p.m., Calvary Episcopal Church, 820 Sixth St. NE, is having a fish fry to benefit church programs. All are welcome.
Museum of the Bible Opens The Museum of the Bible, 400 Fourth St. SW, is open daily, except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. There is no charge for admission; donations accepted. Timed tickets are necessary for entry. museumofthebible.org.
Comment on Plans for Penn and Potomac SE Avenues The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) in conjunction with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), National Park Service (NPS) and the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC), has released for public comment the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Pennsylvania and Potomac Avenues SE
Intersection Improvement Project. The EA was prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and in compliance with all applicable environmental laws and executive orders for the reconstruction of the intersection of Pennsylvania and Potomac Avenues with 14th Street SE. The complete EA is available online at anacostiawaterfront.org/Penn-Potomac and for public review at DDOT, 55 M St. SE, 4th Floor; Anacostia Library, 1800 Good Hope Rd. SE; and Southeast Library, 403 Seventh St. SE. Any question on the project can be submitted to DDOT via email at ddot.awi@dc.gov; the project website at anacostiawaterfront.org/PennPotomac/); post mail: Mr. Ravindra Ganvir, P.E., Deputy Chief Engineer, District Department of Transportation, Infrastructure Project Manage-
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Baby Sitting and Safety Forty local tweens and teens met on Nov. 11 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church for an intense four-hour BLAST course, “Babysitter Lessons and Safety Training.” The kids learned and practiced how to market themselves for a job and how to select age-appropriate games and activities. The training was sponsored by Girl Scout Troop 2830. Photo: Jill Cashen
ment Division, 55 M St. SE, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20003; or 202-671-4689.
SW AARP 25th Anniversary Holiday Luncheon Dec. 20 The Southwest Waterfront AARP 25th Anniversary Holiday Luncheon is on Dec. 20, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Washington Navy Yard Catering & Conference Center, 1454 Parsons Ave. SE, building 211, Commodore/Anacostia Room. The facility is wheelchair accessible and there is onsite parking. Lunch is $35. Contact Betty Jean Tolbert Jones, President, Southwest Waterfront AARP Chapter at 202-554-0901 or bettyjeantolbertjones@yahoo.com.
Masonry Care Seminar, Jan 20 GL Barnhart Construction and W.S. Jenks & Sons are hosting a discussion on historic home masonry care and maintenance at 910 Bladensburg Rd. NE on January 20th 2018 at 11 a.m. The vast majority of the homes and buildings in our nationís capitol were built over 100 years ago from historic masonry. The mortar of our brick buildings is in most cases well beyond its useful
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life, and as the brick and stone facades have aged the historic mortar has deteriorated significantly. These masonry and brick walls can be maintained and repaired. In most cases brick tuckpointing is required. However, the majority of masons in the US work on new construction only and do not understand the critical differences in historic masonry restoration. Learn what makes tuckpointing right from wrong and learn about how our historic buildings were built. Download the flier and more information at https://www.glbarnhart.com/community.
Old/Used Blanket and Towel Drive Make the holidays warm and bright for the dogs and cats at the Humane Rescue Alliance with your donation of old/used blankets and towels. The independent dog walkers of Capitol Hill are gathering donations to take to the NY Ave Shelter this holiday season. If you have any blankets or towels you are replacing, they will gladly pick them up from you and then drop them off at the shelter. All donations must be made by Dec. 21. For pickup information, contact indiehillpets@gmail.com.
Perform at 2018 Fringe Festival Due to construction on the Logan Fringe Art Space, the 2018 Capital Fringe Festival, July 7 to 29, will relocate to SW DC and celebrate with Arena Stage’s Mead Center for American Theater, Blind Whino and Westminster Church. In a partnership with the SW BID, Capital Fringe will erect two 80-seat performance tents on Fourth St. SW. Through their Writing Refreshed program, they are seeking scripts that explore an old story in a new, surprising or inventive way. The selected scripts will be fully developed and presented in repertory, receiving five-seven performances during the Fringe Festival at Arena Stage. Fringe will program Fringe-Run-Venues and Find-Your-Own Venues with productions on a first come, first served, basis as they have done for the past decade. Read more at capitalfringe.org.
How to Fringe The Capital Fringe Festival runs from July 7 to 29, 2018. Visit at the Logan Fringe Arts Space, 1358 Florida Ave. NE, on Sunday, Dec. 10 at 3 p.m., to learn about the process of applying and taking part in the Fringe Festival. Fringe staff will be available
Make Central Union Mission #85786 your Combined Federal Campaign beneficiary because no one should live hungry and homeless.
With rehab for homeless men, employment programs for men and women, summer camp for children and fellowship for seniors, Central Union Mission helps everyone in need who comes to its doors.
Visit www.missiondc.org to learn more about us.
Humberto and Epiphaney were both Army veterans, but their young family was living in their car!
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to go over the timeline, participation requirements and answer questions. Those interested in attending, email Lee Cromwell, Festival Producer, at lee@capitalfringe.org to RSVP.
Leaf Collection Season Starts
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Through Jan. 12, the DC Department of Public Works (DPW) will collect and compost nearly 8,000 tons of leaves throughout the District. This is a free service for all DC residents. To help prepare for leaf collections, residents are asked to rake their leaves and place them by the curb or tree box on the Sunday before their scheduled collection week. DPW will collect leaves in residential neighborhoods at least twice through Jan. 12. Residents can find the leaf collection schedule for each ward at leaf.dcgis.dc.gov.
Lane Closures on Monroe Street Bridge As part of an ongoing reconstruction project, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has shifted the traffic pattern on the Monroe Street NE Bridge between Seventh NE and Tenth Streets NE. This phase of work will include bridge demolition and is expected to last approximately nine months. Westbound lanes will be continuously closed. Traffic will be shifted to the eastbound lanes with a single lane in each direction. The sidewalk on the north side of the bridge will be closed. All pedestrian traffic will be directed to the south side. Bicyclists will use the full lane to travel through the construction zone, sharing with mo-
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torists during this phase. DDOT encourages all motorists to stay alert and obey construction signage when traveling through this area. For more information, visit monroestreetbridge.org.
Kitchen Table Talks Join the African American Women’s Resource Center for Kitchen Table Talks on Dec. 9, 30 and Jan. 6; 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 840 First St. NE (third floor). Kitchen Table Talks is formed because the African American Women’s Resource Center believes that there is a need to gain from the knowledge and strategies of women who were engaged in organizing social justice movements in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. They do this by having talks with women of color who participated in the civil rights, women’s rights and LGBT rights movements. Kitchen Table Talks come from the African American tradition of sitting around the kitchen table sharing important and often life-saving information in a manner that everyone can understand. aawrc.org.
2018 Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment The Affordable Care Act provides individuals, families, and small businesses in the DC with affordable options for quality health insurance. DC Health Link is the District’s online health insurance marketplace which allows visitors to shop, compare, and enroll in coverage that fits their needs and budgets. Open Enrollment for individuals and families ends Jan. 31, 2018. There are 26 private
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health insurance options from CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield and Kaiser Permanente for individuals and families. Eligible District residents can enroll in a health insurance plan online through DCHealthLink.com or by calling 855-532-LINK (5465). Eligible residents who enroll on or before Dec. 15 will have their benefits effective Jan. 1, 2018. After that, plan selections made by the 15th of each month during Open Enrollment will be effective on the first day of the following month. Small businesses, as well as individuals and families eligible for Medicaid can enroll through DCHealthLink. com at any point.
DC Picked as a Top Age-Friendly City Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) has accepted an award from the World Health Organization and AARP for the release of the District’s five-year Age-Friendly DC Progress Report. Age-Friendly DC, which is led by the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services, is a coordinated and comprehensive initiative to ensure DC residents of all ages are active, connected, healthy and engaged. AgeFriendly DC has helped seniors with home modifications and security camera installations through the Safe at Home program; recognized 43 local businesses as Age-Friendly Businesses; launched the Alternative Pathways to Employment Program to refresh the job skills of 50+ year old residents; placed program graduates into the workforce; and, provided “SeniorSafe” training to financial securities industry professionals on how to spot and report financial exploitation of older residents.
FY2018 LGBTQ Community Grant Awards The Mayor’s Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (LGBTQ) Affairs has awarded a combined $75,000 in grant funding to six community-based organizations that serve LGBTQ homeless youth and families in DC. The grants are intended to strengthen the organizational capacity, support leadership development, and ensure sustainability among nonprofits serving LGBTQ youth and young adults in DC. Grants were made in amounts between $10,000 and $15,000. The awardees are: Anacostia Coordinating Council will provide peer mentoring and coaching, linking youth with supportive services to transition out of homelessness. Metro DC Community Center Inc.
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will help eliminate barriers that LGBTQ youth face to achieve gainful employment through job readiness training. The Wanda Alston Foundation will provide mental health and wellness services to clients who are facing homelessness. Total Family Care Coalition will provide youth peer support to encourage family reconciliation to homeless LGBTQ youth and young adults through family/natural support. Us Helping Us, People Into Living, Inc. will implement their TransDimensional Youth Mentor Program. Young Playwrights’ Theater, Inc. will provide an environment that pursues social justice through performing arts.
New Life-Saving Technologies Mayor Bowser has announced two pieces of technology that will increase access to lifesaving interventions during a cardiac emergency. The PulsePoint app and Atrus Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Link photo: Andrew Lightman software. PulsePoint is a public-facing smartphone app that will alert users when a cardiac emergency is happening near them. cus at travis.marcus@dc.gov. For full details on the When a cardiac arrest incident is placed into the panels application process, visit dcarts.dc.gov/page/ District’s 911 computer-aided dispatch (CAD) sysfy18-call-grants-panelists. tem, an alert will automatically be sent to any person within 0.25 miles of the cardiac emergency who has DC Commission on the Arts and registered for notifications with PulsePoint. These Humanities Grants alerts will include the victim’s location as well as the Guidelines and applications are available for the nature of the emergency. AED Link is new software DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities that makes it possible for 911 call takers at the Office (CAH) FY18 Curatorial Grant Program. They proof Unified Communications to tell callers the locavide support to qualified individual curators in the tion of all registered AEDs near a victim. visual arts for exhibition proposals intended for presentation in CAH’s 200 I Street Galleries, Lobby DCCAH Call for Panelists! Gallery, which is a District-owned exhibition space The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities located at 200 I St. SE. Visit dcarts.dc.gov/page/get(CAH) is seeking advisory review panelists for the ting-started to learn more and submit an applicaFY18 season to perform evaluation and rating of aption. Early submissions are highly encouraged. Subplications, provide comments and score applicants mission deadline is Friday, Dec. 15, 4 p.m. to recommend recipients of CAH awards. Panelists must demonstrate expertise through involvement Snow Season Dry Run in one or more sectors of the creative economy in On Oct. 27, the Bowser Administration kicked off the District for a minimum of two years. Individuthe District’s 2017-2018 snow season with a snow als with arts and humanities backgrounds make the dry run practice session and citywide exercise. Durstrongest candidates. CAH supports panel diversiing the event, City Administrator Rashad Young and ty in all forms: age. To apply, email the completed leaders of the DC Snow Team highlighted the adnomination form and resume with home address dition of new equipment that will expand the arclearly stated at the top to Coordinator Travis Mar-
December 2017 H 69
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ANC 6A Report
Jennifer Smith, Director, DC Department of Forensic Sciences •
by Elizabeth Nelson
A
NC 6A Chair Phil Toomajian called the meeting to order at Miner Elementary, 601 15th St. NE, with Commissioners Calvin Ward, Sondra Phillps-Gilbert, Marie-Claire Brown, Mike Soderman, Patrick Malone, Stephanie Zimny, and Amber Gove in attendance The meeting opened with a moment of silence for Dana Wyckoff, a community activist who passed away recently. She was the co-founder and Chair of the Friends of Rosedale Library, the Chair of ANC 6A’s Community Outreach Committee, an Executive Board Member for the Federation of Friends of the DC Public Library, and a staunch advocate for the Rosedale and Kingman Park neighborhoods. She was instrumental in the redevelopment of the Rosedale Recreation Center and creation of the Rosedale Library. Both Ward and Toomajian spoke of her dedication to the people of ANC 6A – in Ward’s words “she was an angel at heart.” Followed by these community presentations:
•
Sean Moore, District Department of Transportation (DDOT) •
•
Micah Feigelson, Community Solar Associate, IP Sun Power Felgelson outlined the services provided by the company he represents and answered questions from the commissioners and attendees regarding the benefits of solar power for District residents.
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The Department of Forensic Sciences is now an independent agency with three components: crime lab, which processes finger prints, firearms and digital evidence; crime scene sciences, a function formerly performed by the police but now mainly by civilians; and a public health lab that handles diseases such as zika and rabies. Internships are available to both high school and college age students, generally those in STEM programs. Smith reported that the District is one of the few jurisdictions without a backlog on rape kits. Sexual assault cases must be processed within ninety days but most are done within forty-five.
Moore presented information on the plans for Benning Road Bridge improvements. Details at benningproject.com. There is a public awareness campaign aimed at reducing problems on H Street NE with drivers opening their car doors into oncoming street cars or bicycles. Drivers are encouraged to get in the habit of opening the door with their right hands (rather than left) so they are in a better position to see what’s coming behind them.
Community Outreach actions •
In a 7-1 vote (Phillips-Gilbert opposed), ANC 6A approved a grant of $1,000 to the East-
ern Senior High School (1700 East Capitol St. NE) PTO in support of the school band - the Blue and White Marching Machine. The money will pay for uniforms and equipment that DCPS does not provide. The band’s needs are ongoing; they practice year-round so equipment wears out quickly. They also participate in many local, national and international events requiring that uniforms be in good condition. The PTO had asked for additional funds, which the ANC did not feel it could afford so early in the grant cycle. Brown and an audience member each made pledges to offset the difference. Donations to support this important community resource can be made, by check, to Eastern PTO with “Band” in the memo. Send to: Eastern PTO , c/o Caprice Casson,1700 E. Capitol St., Washington, DC 20003.
ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 6A PHIL TOOMAJIAN, CHAIR, PHILANC6A@GMAIL.COM Serving the Near Northeast, North Lincoln Park, Rosedale, and H Street communities ANC 6A generally meets the second Thursday of the month, at Miner Elementary School, 601 15th Street, NE.
www.anc6a.org •
•
The Commissioners voted unanimously to send a letter to Mayor Bowser requesting improvements to the Miner Elementary School outdoor campus. The playground has experienced continuing vandalism, including a fire that destroyed much of the equipment. The school is working hard to balance community access to the space with the need to protect it from damage. The letter asks for both improved facilities and assistance with security concerns. The ANC 6A Community Outreach Committee will not meet in December. Beginning in January 2018, they will meet at Eastern Senior High School.
Alcohol Beverage Licensing Actions •
The commissioners voted, unanimously, to take no action on a request from On the Rocks (1242 H St. NE, formerly Da Luft) for a change to their settlement agreement. The current agreement does not allow use of the third and fourth floors – a condition management wants changed. These floors were constructed without proper permits by a previous owner who did not obtain a certificate of occupancy (C of O). The space can’t legally be used without a valid C of O. There is a long history of problems at this address and purported violations of regulations by the new owners, in advance of their acquiring a license. • The commissioners also voted, unanimously, to take no action with regard to the renewal of licenses for the following establishments: 1101 Convenience Mart’s license (1101 H Street NE) China house (1601 Benning Rd. NE) DC Supermarket (539 8th St. NE) The Cupboard (1504 East Capitol St. NE) Economy Market (1804 D St. NE) J & K Market (234 15th St. NE) There was some discussion of problems associated with J & K Market. There are two settlement agreements – one with ANC 6A and the other with the neighbors, the second being more restrictive. At the ABL Committee meeting, neighbors alleged that the business is in violation of their agreement but the evidence presented was insufficient to build a strong case for opposition to renewal. Two audience members spoke in support of the store saying that the problems at the site were the fault of the clientele, not the owners. Gove, the commissioner for that Single Member District (SMD), will work with police, as have past commissioners, to reduce crime at that location. The neighbors have been advised to document any future violations so that a protest can be sustained, if necessary.
Next ANC 6A meeting is Thursday Dec 14th., 7pm Miner E.S 601 15th St NE. Alcohol Beverage Licensing Committee - Tuesday, Dec 19th 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 18th 7pm at Capitol Hill Towers Community Room 900 G St., NE J. Omar Mahmud - Co-Chair / Todd Sloves - Co-Chair
Economic Development & Zoning Committee - Wednesday, Dec 20th 7pm at Sherwood Recreation Center 640 10th St., NE Brad Greenfield - Chair (Brad.greenfield@gmail.com 202 262-9365)
Community Outreach Committee will not be meeting in December 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
Economic Development and Zoning actions ANC 6A voted unanimously to send a letter to the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) in support of plans to redevelop the church at 1015 D St. NE into two residences. Each unit will be 2,300 sq. ft. and have one off-street parking space. The developer presented drawings that showed the façade largely unchanged although the profile will be altered by the addition of dormers on the east side of the building. The stained glass windows in the front will be repaired. There will not be any changes to the “foot print”. Small additions at the rear of the property will be removed to make space for a single multi-story addition.
Reports & Announcements Chris Laskowski from CM Charles Allen’s office was in attendance and ex-
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 2017 H 73
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tended an invitation to the annual Brickie Awards, Wednesday, December 6 on the SW Wharf. Visit charlesallenward6.com for details. Gove issued a reminder that Maury ES (1250 Constitution Ave. NE) students and staff will relocate to trailers on the Eliot-Hine MS campus over the winter break so that a renovation project can begin. This will be more extensive than many other recent school renovations as the entire east building will be razed and a new, three-story structure will take its place. The historic west building will remain. Demolition will begin early in 2018. More information is available at mauryelementary. com/mod/. Gove also reported the following pedestrian safety improvements: Raised crosswalks will be built on Constitution Avenue at 12th Place and Warren Street NE. Curb extensions will be built at the intersections of15th St & North Carolina Ave. NE and 14th St. & C St. NE. Phillips-Gilbert reported that are maintenance problems with the grounds of Monument Academy. Also, motorists are having difficulty negotiating the roundabout at 17th and E Streets NE. Zimny noted continuing problems with illegal dumping. She has a good working relationship with the Department of Public Works (DPW) and encourages ANC 6A residents to notify her by email (stephaniezimnyANC6A@gmail.com) if they see this activity. ANC 6A meets on the second Thursday of every month (except August), usually at Miner Elementary School. The 6A committees meet at 7 p.m. on the following schedule: Alcohol Beverage and Licensing, third Tuesday of each month, Sherwood Recreation Center, 640 10th St. NE. Community Outreach, fourth Monday of each month, will not meet in December. New venue: Eastern SHS, 1700 East Capitol St. NE. Economic Development and Zoning, third Wednesday of each month, Sherwood Recreation Center, 640 10th St. NE. Transportation and Public Space, third Monday of every month, Capitol Hill Towers, 900 G St. NE. Visit www.anc6a.org for calendar of events, changes of date/venue, agendas and other information. u
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ANC 6B Report
ing hearings I’ve ever been in.” “The answers that we got from DCRA I just thought were downright… horrible.” She said one Bloomingdale couple had called DCRA after a contractor doing work on a neighboring house caused structural damage to their By Liz O’Gorek home. Silverman said the couple reported that DCRA had not responded, which she deemed he quorum: Jennifer Samolyk “simply unacceptable.” (6B01), Diane Hoskins (6B02), Kirst“You have my guarantee that I’ll be working en Oldenburg (6B04), Steve Hagewith Director [Melinda] Bolling and DCRA to imdorn (6B05), Nick Burger (6B06, prove that,” she said, noting that District taxpayers treasurer), Chander Jayaraman expect their government to protect them in such (6B08, Chair), Daniel Ridge (6B09, secretary) and a situation and, in that case, they did not get it. Denise Krepp (6B10). Silverman described how the woman from The November meeting of Advisory NeighBloomingdale, a young mother, was on the verge borhood Commission (ANC) 6B was dominated of tears as she testified about her house. She said by two matters: a presentation by Councilmemduring the hearing she told Director Bolling that ber Elissa Silverman (I-At Large) and the considshe should have gone over to the couple, identified eration of two proposals submitted in response to herself, apologized, acknowledged that something a District Request for Proposals (RFP) for the site had gone wrong and offered to address it. of the Eastern Boys and Girls Club. She said she felt that DCRA had gotten numb to complaints, and that the lack of compassion was Presentation by Councilmember Elissa shocking and unacceptable to her. Silverman (I-At Large) Commissioner Denise Krepp Councilmember Silverman said (6B10) asked the Councilmember she has been concentrating her when she would ask for DCRA Diwork on three areas: affordable rector Bolling’s resignation. housing, jobs and accountabili“I’m really close,” Silverman ty for District spending of taxpayresponded. “I gotta’ tell you, today er dollars. was just… I told you I was disheartSilverman serves on the Mayened. It was just shocking to me.” or’s Housing Preservation Strike On the topic of jobs, SilverForce. She said that housing is a man said that unemployment is a key issue in the District for low- and concern in some parts of the Dismiddle-income residents. She said trict, adding that she is Chair of the the city needs to be able to accomLabor and Workforce Development modate a variety of needs. Committee. She said that the DisElissa Silverman (I-At The District, Silverman said, Large) speaks at the Nov. trict needed to take advantage of “needs to make sure that being a 14th meeting of Advisory the investments it is making in maslumlord is not a viable business Neighborhood Commisjor development projects to ensure sion (ANC) 6B. model in this city. Right now it is.” that jobs go to District residents. She has introduced legislation preShe said that employers have told her that venting the granting of business licenses to landDistrict residents are often unprepared for such lords with multiple violations. employment and that many lack ‘soft skills,’ such The Councilmember said that earlier Tuesas punctuality and workplace conflict resolution. day she had attended a Department of ConsumSilverman added that part of the problem is er and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) hearing on vathat the District lacks a workforce development cant properties and illegal construction, which she structure, including a vibrant community college said was an issue her office was very involved with. system that works with employers. In that way, she With regard to the hearing, she remarked, “I have said, DC is failing both potential employees and to tell you, today was one of the most dishearten-
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the employers. She added that she also serves on the Workforce Investment Council, members of which participated in the city’s Amazon bid. The council said the biggest concern that Amazon had was workforce development, expressing concern over limited access to good tech employees in the District. The other two committees Silverman sits on are the Government Operations Committee and the Finance and Revenue Committee. Describing herself as the person who says no, Silverman said that she strives to hold District projects to budget, referencing the planned Washington Wizards practice facility for which the District has earmarked $65 million, and her ‘no’ vote for the Duke Ellington School for the Arts request for an additional $5 million to complete renovations that were already over-budget.
Boys and Girls Club Proposals During the Tuesday ANC 6B meeting, the commission voted in favor of a motion put forward by the Planning and Zoning Committee to support a proposal for a senior co-housing development at the site of the former Boys and Girls Club (261 17th St. SE). Representatives from two developers, Century Associates and Morningstar Community Developers, were on hand to present their proposals. The two developers had presented to the Hill East Task Force as well as the Planning and Zoning Committee of ANC 6B in the previous week. The ANC motion supported the proposal from Century Associates, saying senior co-housing was more compatible with the goals of the Comprehensive Plan. The motion also requested that the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED),
which will determine the winning proposal, work with the developers for more clarity on how community space will work and be managed. It also asked that DMPED put additional emphasis on affordable housing in the RFP and land disposition process, including senior affordable housing under the Century Associates proposal. The motion also suggested that if the Century Associates proposal is selected, DMPED should work with the developer to ensure the implementation of a robust plan that will engage existing low-income Capitol Hill residents and work with Capitol Hill Village to promote access to affordable units. The motion came after presentations from both developers. Century Associates founder Joel Kelty presented plans for 29 units in a dedicated senior housing condominium. 30% of the units would be affordable housing, offered at 50% and 80% Area Mean Income (AMI). Unit size ranges from one to three bedrooms. There would be about a dozen below-grade parking spaces accessed by a mechanical lift, and about 1850 square feet of community space, the end use of which would be determined by the community. Century Associates has a relationship with Capitol Hill Village. Members of Capitol Hill Village and supporters of the senior co-housing concept for the site attended the meeting wearing buttons. At the meeting, the developer presented detailed floor plans but was less specific about the precise costs of units because they varied by unit size. A two-bedroom affordable unit sells for $113,000 at 50% AMI, and a two-bedroom at 80% AMI for $213,000. Market price units average about $514,000. When pressed by Commissioner Denise Krepp (6B10), Kelty said that his firm had focused on the pro-
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6C P.O. Box 77876 • Washington, D.C. 20013-7787 www.anc6c.org • (202) 547-7168 ANC 6C meets the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 pm, 214 Massachusetts Avenue N.E., except August, when there is no meeting.
ANC 6C COMMISSIONERS ANC 6C01 Christine Healey 6C01@anc.dc.gov
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 Heather Edelman heatheraedelman @gmail.com
ANC 6C COMMITTEES Alcoholic Beverage Licensing First Monday, 7 pm Contact: anc6c.abl.committee@gmail.com
Transportation and Public Space First Thursday, 7 pm Contact: mark.kaz.anc@gmail.com
Grants Last Thursday, 7 pm Contact: torylord@gmail.com
Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development First Wednesday, 6:30 pm Contact: 6C04@anc.dc.gov Twitter: @6C_PZE
Parks and Events First Tuesday, 7 pm Contact: ptahtakran@gmail.com
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CIVIC LIFE CALENDAR
D
DOT Public Space Committee Meeting. Dec. 14, 9 AM. The Public Space Committee meets monthly to review and render decisions on a variety of types of permit applications for the use and occupancy of the public right of way that do not fall within the regular permitting process such as sidewalk cafes; over-height retaining walls; over-height fences; and security bollards. Meeting at 1100 Fourth St. SW, 2nd Floor, Hearing Room. ddot.dc.gov/page/public-spacecommittee-meetings. Councilmember Allen’s Community Office Hours. Fridays, 8 to 9:30 AM. Dec. 8 at Waterfront Safeway, Fourth St. SW. Dec. 15 at The Pretzel Bakery, 257 15th St. SE. charlesallenward6.com. Congresswoman Norton’s NW District Office. Open weekdays, 9 AM to 5:30 PM. 90 K St. NE. 202-408-9041. norton. house.gov. ANC 6A. Second Thursday, 7 PM. Meeting at Miner Elementary School, 601 15th St. NE. anc6a.org. ANC 6B. Second Tuesday, 7 PM. Meeting at Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. anc6b.org. ANC 6C. Second Wednesday, 7 PM. Meeting at Heritage Foundation, 214 Mass. Ave. NE, first floor conference room. anc6c.org. ANC 6D. Second Monday, 7 PM. Meeting at 1100 Fourth St. SW, 2nd floor. anc6d.org. ABC Committee, ANC6D. Dec. 21, 6:45 PM. Alcohol license applications, renewals, enforcement, and other issues. Meeting at Southwest Library, 901 Wesley Pl. SW. To be added to e-mail list for agenda and notifications contact Coralie Farlee, Chair, ABC Committee at 202-554-4407 or cfarlee@mindspring.com. ANC 6E. First Tuesday, 6:30 PM. Meeting at Watha T. Daniel Library. anc6e.org.
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vision of affordable housing. “The market rate units at the end of the day will be sold for whatever the market will bear, and we take all the risk on that,” he added, noting that it was extremely early in the process. He clarified that the average price, including the affordable units, was $545,000. Commissioner Jennifer Samolyk (6B01) said that the average for the market rate units would therefore be closer to $800,000. Casey Klein of Morningstar Community Development presented his team’s plan. It calls for 31 housing units and 3000 square feet of community space, with about a dozen below-grade parking spaces. Klein said Morningstar is prepared to increase the affordable component of the development from 30% to 40% affordable housing. Morningstar spoke to questions of unit pricing and size immediately, saying that the market units ranged in price from $382,625.07 up to a large threebedroom for $741,762.26. The AMI units range from $110,997.41 for a smaller unit to a large two-bedroom priced at $248,342.77. Of the 31 units, eight are one bedroom units from 600 – 775 ft2, 12 are one bedrooms plus den, 818 - 915 ft2, nine are two-bedrooms 800 to 1150 ft2 and two three bedrooms of 1200 ft2. In response to community feedback about the programming of community space, Klein said that Morningstar had reached out to non-profit partners. He said the team was prepared to fund the start-up costs for a community café up to $155,000. The café would occupy the smaller space rent-free in perpetuity and would, in concert with building management, take responsibility for programming the adjoining community meeting space. In response to a question from Commissioner Samolyk, Klein said that his understanding of Fair Housing legislation was that while they were open to working with a community partner to ensure senior occupancy, a certain number of units could not legally be reserved for a demographic restricted by age within a development not designated as senior housing. Community discussion asked about the preservation of the Wall of Fame within the building. Both developers said they intended to preserve the wall, featuring signatures and comments of famous visitors to the Boys and Girls Club and would do so in a publically accessible place if possible. Others voiced concern about the price of units, saying that many would not be able to afford to purchase the market units even after the sale of a townhouse, especially after paying taxes on capital gains. Nonetheless, while the ANC acknowledged the
efforts of both developers to respond to community input and concerns, the motion to support a proposal for Senior Housing was supported by the ANC by a vote of 6-0 with three abstentions. Commissioner Kirsten Oldenburg (6B04) noted that she wished the motion had focused more on the aspects of the proposals that the ANC wished to endorse rather than the names of developers, an opinion that was seconded by Chair Chander Jayaraman (6B08). The next meeting of Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6B will take place at 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 12th at the Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital (921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE). u
ANC 6C Report by Elizabeth O’Gorek
T
he quorum: Christine Healey (6C01), Karen Wirt Chair (6C02), Scott Price (6C03), Mark Eckenwiler (6C04), Chris Miller (6C05), Heather Edelman (6C06). The November meeting of Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6C was largely concerned with business of the Transportation and Public Space (TPS) Committee. The committee had supported recommendations made by the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) relative to a K Street NE Traffic Safety Study and a NoMa Bicycle Study. Both studies are in progress and have been previously discussed in the September and October meetings of ANC 6C, and were discussed together as one during the November ANC as they focus on the same stretch of K Street NE. The NoMa Bicycle Study looks for ways to improve bicycle connection in the area while the K Street NE Traffic Study looks for ways to improve road safety in the area. The solutions offered in the DDOT design proposal focus on the portion of K Street NE from First to Eighth Streets NE, the edge of ANC 6C. The proposed road design would include bicycle lanes from Sixth Street westward to North Capitol and beyond. The design would vary from block to block. West of First Street, the design calls for standard bicy-
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cle lanes in the direction of traffic on each side of the street. On the 100 block, which travels under an underpass, DDOT proposed a two-way cycle track. There are currently four car lanes in this stretch; under the DDOT proposal, the southern eastbound lane would become the cycling track. The other three lanes would be unaffected. On the 200-500 blocks of K Street, bicycle lanes in the direction of traffic would be installed on each side of the street. These installations would require the removal of parking lanes (south side 200-300, north side 400, both sides of 500) as dictated by the presence of bus lanes and the insertion of a left turn lane at Fifth Street. Traffic calming is the focus of K Street study. As part of the redesign, all parking on the remainder of K Street would no longer be subject to morning and afternoon rush hour restrictions. From Second to Sixth streets there would therefore be bike lanes and one or no lanes of parking. East of Sixth Street, parking would remain the same with minor adjustments for left turn lanes. There would be no additional bike lanes. The DDOT proposal discussed alternative locations for bike lanes. K Street was preferred over I Street because it connects west of the train tracks, whereas I Street does not. Data was presented showing that most cyclists are currently using the Metropolitan Branch Trail, the First Street cycle track and K and I streets. The committee reminded those assembled that the proposal is only a concept. The overall feeling of the committee was that traffic calming was a priority. The TPS Committee sup-
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{capitol streets}
ported a motion to recommend that the DDOT concept be supported as laid out, but with four additional recommendations to DDOT: 1. Investigate the possibility of a two-way cyclist path between First and Sixth Streets NE 2. Look specifically at the impact of street parking on the Hayes Senior Wellness Center (500 K St. NE) 3. Implement resident-only parking on K Street NE 4. Investigate the need, possibility and impact of the possible consolidation of bus stops along K Street NE. More than twenty area residents were present to voice their opinions on the bike and traffic study. They pointed to the impact of proposed changes – in particular the loss of parking and related access to homes on or near K Street NE for families, seniors and those with less mobility. Many said that insufficient study and data collection had been undertaken to approve the concept at this point. Many residents said they felt that the convenience and safety of cyclists passing through their community was being prioritized over access to their homes by car and over resident safety. One pointed out that while a car had recently struck an adult with children at Sixth and K Streets NE, a pedestrian had also recently been attacked in the early morning hours at Second and K Streets NE. The resident argued that compelling residents to walk great distances between their homes and cars puts them in danger. Former ANC 6C TPS Committee Chair and area resident Joe McCann said that road safety was more important than parking, noting that he had seen two or three cars flipped over in his time in the area. He noted the changes were necessary to make the street safe for everyone. Audience members asked if DDOT had studied the possible impact of proposed changes for residents, or if they knew how many families living in the area would be impacted by possible changes. DDOT Project Manager Darren Buck said that he could not say that type of study had been performed, although he said the agency had done its best to quantify impacts of the proposal. Buck acknowledged that DDOT and the Project Team still had work to do, including determining where to place turn lanes, what side of the street would retain parking and what would become of a disabled parking spot on the 400 block of K Street NE.
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He noted that the project was still in the design phase, and that bicycle lanes had been included in the District Master Plan for the area. “Our job is to serve the traveling public of DC as safely as possible,” Buck said, noting that the origin point of travellers is less important than their safety as they move through the District. Buck responded to a resident of the area who identified as a cyclist and had suggested that the lanes on I Street NE would serve all the goals of the project, with a one-block deviation from a straight line near Second Street. Buck said that route does not address the population expected to be cycling from the North down West Virginia Ave or along New York Avenue and the Union Market Corridor down Sixth Street in the future. Buck said the next step for the project was to produce a second design concept based on the additional information accumulated in public meetings and in data collection. Commissioner Mark Eckenwiler (6C04) pointed out that, for the past 70 years, city infrastructure had been built with automobiles in mind and said that he would support DDOT’s recommendations in order to move the pendulum in the opposite direction. Commissioner Heather Edelman (6C06) said that she had considered all the comments and information she had received and that process had caused her much stress and concern. After much thought, she would support the recommendation. Commissioner Karen Wirt (6C02) supported the recommendations but asked for more study to be done in light of the concerns expressed. For Commissioner Chris Miller (6C05), in whose Single Member District the project focuses, the community feeling motivated him to withhold support. “I do believe there is more than one way of looking at safety,” he said. The Commission supported the motion by a vote of 5 to 1, with the proviso that this was support for the concept and that there were details that needed to be worked out before implementation. Some area residents left the meeting expressing passionate displeasure with the vote. Commissioner Scott Price (6C03) encouraged DDOT to find a way to approach residents with an explanation for the plans and the potential consequences. The next meeting of ANC 6C will be held at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, December 14th at the Heritage Foundation (214 Massachusetts Ave. NE). Note that this is a different day due to room occupancy requirements. u
ANC 6D Report by Andrew Lightman
A
dvisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6D met on Nov. 13. Commissioners Gail Fast (6D01), Andy Litsky (6D04, chair), Roger Moffatt (6D05), Ronald Collins (6D03), Rhonda N. Hamilton (6D06), and Meredith Fascett (6D07) were on the dais. Commissioner Cara Shockley (6D02) was absent.
The Mayor Brings Good News Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) briefed the commission on her administrative achievements. She was joined by the directors of the DC Department of Transportation, Department of Parks and Recreation, Department of Energy & Environment, Department of General Services, Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) and Department of Public Works, as well as the chief of staff for the Department of Health and the executive director of the DC Housing Authority (DHA). The mayor began by pointing out that she has steered the city to three balanced budgets and three “safe summers.” Her budget priorities, she stated, include affordable housing, education, public safety and defending the city against the depredations of the Republican Congress and Trump administration. The mayor claimed credit for the doubling of the Housing Production Trust Fund to $100 million, with 8,000 housing units in the pipeline and another 10,000 to be produced in the next four years. “Steady progress is being made in our schools,” the mayor said. “Every population of children is improving.” The city’s 10-year effort to reform DC Public Schools (DCPS) has resulted in a 75-percent high school graduation rate in 2017. DCPS enrollment is outpacing that of public charters, she said. The mayor touted her appointment of Peter Newsham as chief of the DC Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Her tenure has seen a significant reduction in violent crime and her administration is committed to balance robust enforcement with providing opportunities to dissuade people
from criminality. The mayor concluded with remarks on the challenges presented by the Republican Congress and Trump administration. “Acting strategically, our position is to make sure that we preserve what we believe in,” she stated. The mayor took questions from the commissioners and members of the audience. Asked by Commissioner Fascett about the timing of the appointment of a full-time director to the Capper Recreation Center, the mayor promised to consider a private-public partnership. Fascett also noted the wait list for pre-K at Van Ness Elementary and asked about DCPC’s plans to cope with the explosive growth of the neighborhoods below I-695. The new Comprehensive Plan, the mayor replied, would help better predict where additional seats will be needed. A member of the audience asked about DCPS’s plan for addressing the achievement gap. The gap tracks income disparities, the mayor pointed out. The place to start, she argued, is with family income. A combination of an increased minimum wage with wraparound supports is the best strategy, she stated. Her administration is also committed to equalizing opportunities in DCPS schools across the District, the so-called Alice Deal for Everyone. All middle schools should offer the same programs and afterschool activities. Commissioner Hamilton asked about the city’s plans for the Greenleaf Gardens public housing complex, which is a DHA property. The “build first approach,” supported by the commission and neighborhood, requires the identification of an initial build site. The mayor cited the challenge of moving public facilities, such as the Motor Vehicle Inspection Station, owing to public opposition about establishing such facilities in other neighborhoods. Greenleaf residents are concerned, Commissioner Collins explained, about a secret DHA plan for the complex’s redevelopment that would displace them. The DHA director stated that he had initiated a 90-day review of all the agency’s projects. Once the study is concluded, he stated, development will proceed along the lines of the existing plan. He pledged to reconvene the neighborhood advisory committee for the project. Collins also raised concerns about the food trucks on E Street SW near the NASA
building, based on complaints from neighboring brick-and-mortar businesses. The director of DCRA stated that her agency is framing new regulations for food trucks that will address such concerns. Hamilton complained about the impact of the constant dust created by construction of the soccer stadium and asked for the appointment of a community health advocate to monitor the situation. “We will hold contractors to the rules concerning construction dust,” the mayor replied, pointing out that the stadium is scheduled to open in spring 2018. Fascett asked what the city planned to do about the impact of vibrations generated by CSX rail traffic on the townhouses in Capitol Quarter. The city is setting up a new regulatory body for rail safety, the mayor stated.
Digital Signage The developers of the Bullpen, 25 M St. SE, presented modified plans for digital signage. While eliminating one blade sign, the proposal calls for two displays on Half Street and the corner of Half and Via streets SE. Praising the building as very interesting, Fascett critiqued the sign placement. “There are ways to make digital signs not horrendous,” Fascett observed. She thought the two signs are poorly integrated into the structure’s design, detracting from its impact, as well as being too bright. Furthermore, she stated, the signs serve no compelling public benefit. Commissioner Fast chided the developer for making no effort to work things out with the ANC as directed by the Zoning Commission. The developer stated that they had reached out to Commissioner Shockley but had received no response. The commission voted unanimously to oppose the digital signs.
Other Matters MPD First Division Commander Morgan Kane briefed the commission. “We are doing amazingly well,” she stated, pointing out that crime was down 30 percent across the board. The only exception, she said, is theft from automobiles. Representatives of DC Water briefed the commission on the planned rehabilitation of the 42-inch brick-concrete sewer that runs down New Jersey Avenue and Second Street to Tingey Street SW. The two-year project, beginning in
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summer 2018, will repair 72,000 feet of pipe, without the need to excavate any street. The commission considered the renewal of the Class B liquor license of the Southwest Safeway at 1100 Fourth St. SW, as well as an amended voluntary agreement that tightens the rules on liquor tastings. Chair Litsky raised the issue of the store’s continual violations of the existing agreement that requires the segregation of wine and beer in certain locations within the establishment. Fast pointed out that competitor Harris Teeter conducts itself similarly and that punishing Safeway would be unfair in her opinion. The commission’s ABC Subcommittee had supported the renewal, with Chair Coralee Farlee abstaining, as is her standard practice. The commission voted unanimously to support the renewal and voluntary agreement along with a written request that the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration inspect the store to ensure adherence to the terms of the agreement. The commission voted to support the renewal of the Class B liquor license for the 7-Eleven at 1101 South Capitol St., with Fast abstaining. No accompanying voluntary agreement was offered for approval due to the property’s imminent redevelopment. The commission took no action on a Class B license for Officina, 1120 Maine Ave. SW, owing to concerns about the impact of the establishment’s summer gardens on pedestrian circulation. On the ABC Subcommittee’s recommendation, the commission took no action on the renewal of Class B licenses for Simply Smiles (333 E St. SW), Harris Teeter (401 M St. SE) or Cornercopia (1000 Third St. SE). The commission chose to table the submission of comments on the design of the new Southwest Public Library scheduled to open in fall 2020. Citing an 8,000-square-foot reduction in retail space, the commission unanimously opposed the modification of consequence at 1900 Half St. SW, an apartment building on Buzzard Point. The commission authorized Commissioner Moffatt to testify on its behalf at the Board of Zoning Adjustment hearing on the matter. The commission voted unanimously to: • Write expressing its concerns about reforms for the Board of Ethics and Government Accountability proposing a comprehensive ethics code that defines commissioners as government employees. • Oppose the extension of the ban of lobbying
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and conflict of interest rules to advisory neighborhood commissioners. Support Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen’s legislation banning buses at the new Waterfront Park. Support the 2018 Rock’n’Roll Marathon on March 10, 2018. Support the Police Week 5k race. Support a renewal of the Class B license of Friendly Food Market, 1399 Half St. SW and a modification to its current voluntary agreement. Support an amendment to the voluntary agreement with Requin, 100 District Square, increasing the total number of seats in its summer garden from 40 to 100. Support a stipulated liquor agreement for the Capital Yacht Club, 800 Wharf St. SW. Oppose the renewal of Verizon’s contract allowing the placement of a temporary cellular tower in the Randall ballfields. Support plans for the activation of the Randall School site in advance of construction. Support a slight change to the signage at Riverfront Phase II. Oppose the development at 100 K St. SE and authorize Commissioner Fascett to testify on the commission’s behalf and write any additional comments on the project.
The next ANC 6D meeting will be held on Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. at 1100 Fourth St. SW. Visit www.anc6d.org/ for more information. u
ANC 6E Report by Steve Holton
C
ommissioners Alex Padro (Chair, 6E01), Anthony Brown (Secretary, 6E02), Frank Wiggins (Vice Chair, 6E03), David Jaffe (6E04), and Alex Marriott (Treasurer, 6E05) made up the quorum to conduct official business at the Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6E November meeting.
Mayor Bowser Pays the ANC 6E Meeting A Visit Mayor Muriel Bowser was on hand at the meeting to take questions from the commission and the audience and address several topics that affect the District. MPD: Many of the men and women in blue that serve the District joined MPD in the 1990’s and are now eligible to retire which could potentially leave a gap in the workforce. Mayor Bowser said that MPD is up 84 officers from last year and the upswing is the product of recruiting officers and offering new incentives. Education: Probably the biggest investment from the city has been made to the public school system according to Mayor Bowser. Through legislation and a three year budget process, teachers are getting a raise and new schools are expected to be constructed. Rodent Control: With the last few winters being on the mild side, district residents have seen a growth in the rat population due to the lack of harsh weather. This has made it easy for them to survive and increase into a large and alarming number. It has also been suggested that restaurant growth has encouraged the rat population to increase as well. District officials are identifying best practices from other cities and are employing techniques to get the number under control. There are several pilot programs underway that are introducing new trash compactors to businesses that will hide the smell of food and thus not attract rats. Trash and Recycling Pick Up: Due to an ever-growing population, trash crews are having to work much harder and longer to take care of what District residents discard and recycle. Routes are running longer and crews are working up to 9 p.m. to remove waste. Mayor Bowser noted that she is aware of the complaints that have been lodged into the 311 call center from residents who have said that their trash is not being picked up. Some of the calls have taken place before the time frame that the trash service needs to get to them but for those who are really missing their trash service, the corrective and necessary actions are being taken to ensure that this doesn’t become a pattern. Affordable Childcare: Mayor Bowser said that regulations related to childcare have made it hard for for-profit businesses to run them, which
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The owner of a two-story row home located at 915 French St. NW asked for support before submitting a request to the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) to add an additional floor to their home. The applicant said that the addition will be 350 square-feet and it will not be visible from anywhere on French Street. The room will also have access to a rooftop deck. The commission voted to support the request and will communicate it to HPRB.
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A member of Douglas Development spoke to the commission and requested support for a Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) special exception to operate a bar in the penthouse portion of a 235 key hotel to be located at 601 K St. NW once constructed. The operate to midnight Monday through Thursday and to 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. The Douglas Development representative said that construction should start in the later part of next year and approximately 18 months is expected to complete it. The commission voted support the request contingent upon the hours of op-
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eration not expanding past the times that are currently set in place. The commission also supported a separate request for a curb cut and will communicate it to the District Department of Transportation.
E ST
has created a shortage of spaces. On Oct. 31, a pilot program was initiated to help solve the program. Three public locations were identified to add space for affordable childcare. The locations include the Department of Human Resources, Francis Stevens School, and the University of the District of Columbia. The new spaces should be up and running next year and it is expected that 1,100 news spots should be made available over the next five years. Statehood: One member from audience proposed that rather than DC try to become its own state, it should undergo the process of retrocession and merge with Maryland. Mayor Bowser responded and said that the District shouldn’t have a different set of circumstances as other states and we should pursue statehood. She also noted that if we became part of Maryland, their politics would dominate and that would not be a good thing for the District. She also believes that momentum on this issue has picked up and we are getting closer to making statehood a reality. Sanctuary City Status: Another audience member asked Mayor Bowser where things stand in regards to the District being a sanctuary city. She assured the commission and the audience that the District is indeed a sanctuary city and MPD officials and hospitals do not ask immigrants for their status. “We want them to live here comfortably and have encouraged them to sign up for healthcare,” said Mayor Bowser. She also noted that the District is in a good spot with the federal system.
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Giant Foods – 1400 Seventh St. NW. Wal-Mart – 99 H St. NW. Andy’s Carryout – 209 New York Ave. NW. Safeway – 490 L St. NW. Commissioner Marriott asked the Safeway representative to look at ways to alleviate the long lines and check-out times as well as keeping the loading docks clean. He also said that he would like to facilitate a meeting between Safeway, MPD, and the Department of Health to help with people who are homeless and have mental disorders that loiter around the store. ANC 6E will meet again at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 5 at the Shaw/Watha T. Daniel Library located at 1630 Seventh St. NW. Steve Holton can be contacted at ssholton@gmail.com u
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“Duos, In A Way” by Myles Mellor Across:
1. Sing 4. Club 8. Stirring state 15. Four-poster, e.g. 18. Like the first ever 21. Sweet wine 22. Serving of corn 23. Spanish duo 25. Exist 26. 6 mo. of the Jewish calendar 27. Mature gracefully 28. Offspring 30. Source of much tea from Asia 35. River to the Missouri 39. Outward flow 40. On hold 44. Persia, now 45. Bank profit source 49. Lawyers’ org. 50. Capably 51. Airplane flap 53. Is obliged 54. Fjord country, briefly 55. Oscar-winning Hitchcock film 57. Germ free 59. Asian hostess 62. Hubbub 63. Muslim pilgrimage 65. Bias 66. Endless times 68. Not stingy 72. Type of truck 73. English duo 78. Before Homeland Security 79. Hit the spot 80. Farm building 81. People person 83. Southern soldier 84. Byron’s over 87. The way we word 91. Surveyor’s instrument 93. ____ riche 96. Street of Nightmares 97. Potential heir 98. More brashly presumptuous 101. Become beneficial 103. Multitude 104. Dances like Miley 106. Type of berry 107. Readers, e.g.
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Crossword Author: Myles Mellor • www.themecrosswords.com • www.mylesmellorconcepts.com
109. Tee off 110. Twilled cloth 112. Pushed forward 113. Jewel 116. Country lodging 118. Indian dish made with stewed legumes 122. Power serve, perhaps 123. French duo 133. Service station offering 134. Widow of a Tsar 135. Courteous chap 136. USNA grad. 137. Completely round 138. Scapegoat 139. University conferral
Down:
1. Hick 2. Detail-oriented, to say the least 3. Shortened preposition 4. Return envelope, abbr. 5. Web browser entry 6. Words of accord 7. Storage unit 8. Memory-challenged one 9. “Cool!” 10. Tolkien beast 11. Olympics chant 12. Blue 13. Woodcutter Baba 14. Slothful person 15. Hunk 16. Merit 17. Liquid sediment 19. Reputation 20. Civil aviation controllers 24. Past 29. It’s a wrap in Japan 31. Springs area 32. Singers 33. It’s just for openers 34. Singer ___ Moore 36. Opera song 37. Rodeo female 38. Compass heading 39. Group of poems 40. Twinge 41. Orchestral instrument 42. Indian silk dress 43. Like Easter eggs 46. Jot into record
Look for this months answers at labyrinthgameshop.com 47. Rope factory employee 48. Schismatic group 52. Eastern potentates 56. Winter ailments 58. Igneous rock beneath the earth’s surface 60. Had a hunch 61. Coal carrier 63. Chicken creator 64. Geometry line 67. Trapper 69. UN currency agcy. 70. Marshy stream 71. Times to play or relax 73. Hide 74. Surfing? 75. Took the cake? 76. Quill point
77. Canny 81. Assign roles 82. Causes to go broke 85. No good deed 86. Kidney secretion 88. Pop quiz 89. Aweather’s opposite 90. Dec. holiday 92. Writing surface 93. Within view 94. One of a kind 95. Car 99. Donde __? 100. Bump off 102. Poetic preposition 105. Duran Duran song 108. Throw off 111. Objective
113. To soak leather 114. Desktop folder, e.g. 115. Feast of Lights observers 117. Peck at 119. Sailcloth fiber 120. Far East nurse 121. Make a loan 124. It was sacred to Isis 125. “Well done!” 126. Fury 127. Elton John, for one 128. Literary olio 129. Kan. neighbor 130. African antelope 131. Baseball’s Master Melvin 132. The greatest! (abbr.)
{community life}
‘A War of Ideas’
Remembering Reconstruction in Washington, DC
A
by Chris Myers Asch and George Derek Musgrove
mericans are fixated on the Civil War – its postwar Reconstruction. battles, soldiers, monuments and legacies. The issue also touched an emotional chord. InThe war’s 150th anniversary has come and diana Representative George Julian argued that black gone, but the books, documentaries and men should be granted the right to vote, not just “as a news articles continue apace. matter of justice to them” but also “as a matter of retribWhat came after the war, however, gets remarkutive justice to the slaveholders and rebels.” In DC, a ably little attention. The National Park Service has yet city then run by white Democrats with southern symto open its first site on Reconstruction, and few pundits, pathies, Congress had “the power to punish by ballot, politicians or filmmakers seem to notice the era’s sesquiand there will be a beautiful poetic justice in the exercentennial milestones. Yet the battles of Reconstruction, cise of this power.” even more than those of the Civil War, resonate to this Republicans made the DC suffrage bill a top priorday as Americans fought over fundamental ideas about ity – it was H.R. 1, the first piece of legislation that the race, equality, federalism and the meaning of freedom. House considered when the 39th Congress convened in Reconstruction was a time of revolutionary change, December 1865. As with emancipation, Radicals hoped with the very creation of modern American citizenship to use Washington as a testing ground for black men’s through the 14th Amendment, the founding of Southsuffrage, which they planned to implement across the ern public schools and colleges and the establishment South. The bill “completes Emancipation by Enfranof the post-emancipation black community – some four chisement” and would “set an example to the whole "Significant Election Scene in Washington, June 3, 1867." Image: Library of Congress million souls entering the realm of legal personhood. country,” Sen. Sumner said. “It becomes a pillar of fire Perhaps no change had more impact (then or now) to illumine the footsteps of millions.” than black voting, which led to an unprecedented, if short-lived, flowering of Most white Washingtonians reacted with alarm bordering on hysteria. In a interracial democracy. And that revolution began 150 years ago in the District late 1865 referendum, only 35 voters in Washington City supported black sufof Columbia, which became (in the words of one critic) “an experimental garfrage, while 6,591 opposed the idea; in Georgetown, the vote was 712-1 against. den for radical plants.” “This District has been experimented upon in various forms of legislation, odiThough many outsiders describe the District today as a rarefied reserve for ous to the citizens,” and now Radicals sought “to force negro equality upon the government insiders, set off from and alien to the rest of the country, the Disunwilling people of the District of Columbia,” wrote the editors of the city’s most trict’s unique governance structure makes it, in fact, an exaggerated expression prominent newspaper, the National Intelligencer. of American democracy. Subject to the whims of its congressional overseers, the Despite such opposition, the House passed the black men’s suffrage bill in city is uniquely susceptible to national political currents. January 1866, and the Senate followed in December. President Andrew JohnBy the end of the war in 1865, those currents flowed toward black political son promptly vetoed it, but Congress overrode the veto on January 8, 1867. The empowerment as the war itself, and the crucial role that black soldiers played bill went into immediate effect. What had been unthinkable a half decade bein helping to win it, catalyzed supporters of black suffrage. Just as it had been fore had become the law of the nation’s capital and soon would become the three years earlier with emancipation, Washington became the focal point of a law of the land. national effort to win the vote for black men. Black Washingtonians organized political clubs and joined the interracial Black Washingtonians led the charge. Local church leaders organized the Central Republican Association to mobilize and register new black voters. To United Franchise League to coordinate a suffrage campaign, and black profesthe chagrin of white conservatives, the black elite – educated, prosperous, nasionals spearheaded the First Ward Civil Rights Association, which organized tive to the city – joined forces with formerly enslaved people in supporting the boycotts of businesses that opposed suffrage. John F. Cook Jr., a leading black Republican Party. Their organizing efforts were remarkably successful. Despite educator, helped get 2,500 signatures on an 1865 petition calling on Congress being only 30 percent of the population, by election time black men were nearto support black men’s access to the franchise. ly 50 percent of registered voters. The petition found a receptive audience among Radical Republicans as Black men in Georgetown had the first chance to flex their political well as a growing number of moderate Republicans. While some Radicals such muscle. In February 1867 they ousted incumbent Mayor Henry Addison, as Charles Sumner and Thaddeus Stevens genuinely believed in black politiwho had complained about “nigger voting” and had long been a scourge of cal equality, strategically minded Republicans recognized that black voting was the black community. key to maintaining political power and implementing the Republican vision of Washington City’s black voters got their turn that June. Starting at 2 a.m.
December 2017 H 83
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on Election Day, black buglers marched through the streets reminding folks to vote. Black Washingtonians came out in force, and their votes wrought significant change. Republicans, who had played only a marginal role in local politics before 1867, won a majority of seats on both the Board of Aldermen and the Common Council. The next year, black voters helped elect white abolitionist Sayles Bowen to the mayor’s office, along with the city’s first black elected officials: Alderman John F. Cook Jr. and Councilman Carter A. Stewart. A new political day had dawned. In the years ahead, DC’s black voters raised to power a biracial government that provided jobs to a burgeoning black middle class, implemented massive public works projects, gave black men the right to serve on juries and supported the expansion of the nation’s best black public school system. They also passed anti-discrimination legislation that later provided the legal foundation for DC’s post-World War II civil rights movement. It was “quite a revolution,” the Evening Star conceded. Perhaps no one embodied the promise of the new era more than George Hatton. Born enslaved in Prince George’s County, Hatton gained his freedom in April 1862 and a year later was among the first black men to sign up for military service with the US Colored Troops. A stocky five feet six, Hatton had a powerful voice, a winsome speaking style and a distinctive limp after suffering a gunshot wound to his knee at the Battle of Petersburg. He returned to Washington in 1864 ready to assert his rights as a combat veteran and full citizen. He joined the Republican Party and waded into political battles over suffrage, integrated schools and labor rights. Within five years, the 27-year-old former slave was elected to the city’s Common Council. Yet for all the accomplishments of the immediate postwar period, biracial democracy in the District was still a fledgling endeavor vulnerable to changes in economic conditions, national politics and powerful personalities. A counterrevolution percolated below the surface of DC politics as white supremacists organized in opposition to Radical rule, clashed with their Republican opponents and challenged the basic premise of self-government. Led by businessman Alexander Shepherd, who rejected all democracy, biracial or other-
“But this war will not consent to be viewed simply as a physical contest … It was not a fight between rapacious birds and ferocious beasts, a mere display of brute courage and endurance, but it was a war between men of thought, as well as of action, and in dead earnest for something beyond the battlefield.” – Frederick Douglass wise, white conservatives convinced Congress in 1871 to establish a “territorial” government that limited voter influence and consolidated power in a Board of Public Works run by Shepherd himself. When the profligate board ran afoul of the city’s congressional overseers, Congress, newly swelled with Democrats intent on overturning Reconstruction, rendered a swift and painful judgment in June 1874. It stripped all District men, white and black, of the right to vote and imposed a presidentially appointed board of three commissioners to manage the city. District voters would not cast another meaningful ballot for nearly a century. Congress’s two-step retreat from democracy in the District – first by limiting voter influence in the territorial government, then abolishing elected offices altogether – was a precursor to the national Republican retreat from Reconstruction across the South. Three years after Congress passed the DC disfranchisement bill, legislators gathered at the Wormley House at the corner of 15th and H streets NW to broker the deal that ended Reconstruction. Within a generation, bills limiting voting rights had passed every Southern state legislature. The Republican Party, no longer interested in defending its civil rights agenda, instead followed Alexander Shepherd’s model of promoting economic development for the benefit of white elites. In Washington this meant downplaying or ignoring the interests of the black community and focusing on economic growth to build a grand capital “worthy of the name.” Develop-
Dedication, Energy & Enthusiasm,
ment had triumphed over democracy – and not for the last time. To justify their actions, the advocates of disfranchisement created a fantastical story of Reconstruction. “The taxpayers were completely swamped” by newly arrived former slaves, wrote the Evening Star, and scheming “Murder Bay politicians” – shorthand for Radical Republicans – took advantage of them and plundered city coffers. This dubious interpretation quickly hardened into incontrovertible truth among white Washingtonians, even though the infamous territorial legislature had only two black members and white appointees on the Board of Public Works had committed the worst abuses. Today Americans are less inclined to defame Reconstruction than they are to ignore it. Anxious to avoid the thorny issues of race, power and equality that were at the heart of that grand experiment in biracial democracy – issues that divide us to this day – we focus instead on the mechanics of the war itself. Speaking at the 1877 Dedication Day ceremonies in New York, as the last federal troops left the South, DC resident and elder statesman Frederick Douglass bemoaned Americans’ growing tendency to focus on the battlefield “bravery and skill” of the soldiers. Instead, he insisted, we must see the late war as a “war of ideas, a battle of principles,” principles embodied in the Reconstruction governments. The great orator, who had dedicated his life to the freedom of his race and the enlargement of American democracy, then boarded a train to return to his home in the voteless capital of the United States. From “Chocolate City: A History of Race and Democracy in the Nation’s Capital.” Copyright © 2017 by Chris Myers Asch and George Derek Musgrove. Used by permission of the University of North Carolina Press, www.uncpress.org. u
Working for You
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you make a difference!
705 North Carolina Ave. SE (C) 202-321-0874 (O) 202-608-1882 x111-175 heathersdc@gmail.com heatherschoell.penfedrealty.com @HeatherSchoell
Heather Schoell Real Estate
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Have You Liked Us Yet? The Most Up-to-Date Capitol Hill News! December 2017 H 85
{community life}
H Street Life
W
hile it’s true the nights are getting longer, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. H Street NE has many opportunities to explore and enjoy those longer nights, as well as the more compacted days.
by Elise Bernard The Darkside Bar Welcomes Fans of Star Wars & Cocktails
Dr. Chris Miller & Dr. Matt Antkowiak snap a selfie at the AtlasVet construction site. Photo: Matt Antkowiak
Winterfest Comes to Wunder Garten A new celebration of our coldest season is headed to NoMa this month with Winterfest (http://www.winterfestwg.com) starting Dec. 1 and running though Dec. 17. During Winterfest, Wunder Garten (1101 First St. NE, http://wundergartendc.com) will transform into a winter wonderland, complete with twinkling lights and decorations galore. A main draw of Winterfest will undoubtedly be a makers market featuring District artists and vendors selling locally made art and goods such as clothing, greeting cards, accessories, special ingredients for your home bar, and more. It’s a great opportunity to cross a few items off your Christmas list. You’ll want to visit the market more than once as the vendors and artists will rotate over the course of the festival. Winterfest is more than just a fun place to shop. Grab a seat by the fire and linger while you sip a spiked hot chocolate, mulled wine, warm cocktail, or one of Wunder Garten’s winter brews. Perhaps you’d care to roast a marshmallow or two for your s’more? If you desire something more substantial, Timber Pizza will bring their mobile wood-fired oven along, and Holy Crêpes and CaliBurger will also make appearances. The combination of drink, fire, good food, and festive spirits calls for a healthy dose of live music, and Winterfest will provide plenty of that. The centerpiece of Winterfest will be an interactive installation by local artist Hernan Gigena (http://hernangigena.com). Always dog-friendly, Wunder Garten also invites you to bring your furry friends for photos with Santa. You’ll even be able to snag a Christmas tree. Their tree lot will stock mostly Frasier firs from four to ten feet tall, and there will be staff on hand to help you bundle and tie your trees to make sure you and your tree make it home safely.
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The hours for the Makers Market are Thursdays from 4 P.M. to 8 P.M., and Fridays through Sundays from noon to 8 P.M. Overall hours for Wunder Garten will be Monday through Thursday from 4 P.M. to 10 P.M., Friday and Saturday 12 P.M. to midnight, and Sunday 12 P.M. to 10 P.M. Winterfest is a collaborative effort of Wunder Garten, NoMa BID (https://www.nomabid. org), and People Make Place (http://www.peoplemakeplace.org).
AtlasVet Expanding to Serve More Local Pets AtlasVet (1326 H St. NE, http:// atlasvetdc.com) is growing. The veterinary hospital begun by Capitol Hill residents Dr. Matt Antkowiak and Dr. Chris Miller in 2012 will be expanding into adjacent building space at 1334 H St. NE. While the additional space will allow them to better serve their four-legged patients, it may mean some construction, and accompanying dust and noise, in the short-term. However, they are hopeful that the construction will be out of the way before the new year begins.
Just in time for the release of The Last Jedi, a new Star Wars-inspired pop-up, The Darkside Bar (http://www.thedarksidebar.com) is coming to the 2nd floor of 816 H St. NE (above Mythology http://www.mythology-lore.com). Sip one of the Darkside’s custom cocktails: the Red Force, Blue Force, Imperial, Dark Side, Galaxy, and Mindtrick. Sample the changing menu of small and shared plates, including Tentacles on Sticks (soy BBQ glazed octopus skewers) and Bantha Fodder (vegan sushi egg rolls). Attend nightly events including games of chance, dj nights, trivia, alien speed dating, and an “Intergalactic Burlesque” show. Guests are also welcome, although not required, to engage in a little cosplay and come dressed as their favorite Star Wars hero or villain. Reservations are $33 a person in advance, and that includes two drinks. Walk-ins are accepted, but that raises the price of admission with two drinks to $40 a person. This winter will see similar pop-ups operating in Los Angeles and New York. The H St. NE pop-up will be open Wednesdays through Sundays, through New Year’s Eve.
Annual Holiday Concert Sing-Along: a Local Tradition The Capital City Symphony (http://www.capitalcitysymphony.org), Congressional Chorus,
The Capital City Symphony’s Annual Holiday Concert & Sing-Along is Dec. 10. Photo: Nelson Rietzke Photography
ty for things hoppy and fermented you might do well to consider CBC’s Beer of Month Club. It’s available in either full sampler of 12 small bottles (9.3 – 12oz) and three large bottles (12.7oz – 25.4oz), or half sampler of six small bottles and two large bottles. Those are priced at $57.95 and $32.95 a month. Either way, the staff selects the bottles, but you can tell them if you prefer to avoid certain styles altogether. It’s a great way to expand your beer horizons. Republic Restoratives. Photo: Elise Bernard
and American Youth Chorus (http:// www.congressionalchorus.org) will delight audiences with a variety of holiday favorites at the Atlas Performing Arts Center (1333 H St. NE, http://www.atlasarts.org) for the 12th Annual Holiday Concert and SingAlong. There will be two hour-long performances on Sunday, Dec. 10 at 4:30 and 7:00 PM. Tickets to either performance are $20 for adults, and $12 for children. This family-friendly performance is truly fun for folks of all ages. Put on your favorite Christmas sweater and get ready to join in on the audience participation renditions of well-known holiday classics such as “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Spread the holiday cheer with complimentary post-concert cookies in the lobby.
Craft Beer Cellar has the Perfect Gift for the Beer Geek in Your Life It’s too late to snag one of Craft Beer Cellar’s (301 H St. NE, https:// dc.craftbeercellar.com) advent calendars of brews this year, but if someone you know has an affini-
A Local Apple Brandy to Chase Away a Cold Evening’s Chill
Ivy City Distiller Republic Restoratives (1369 New York Ave. NE, http:// republicrestoratives.com) recently released Chapmans Apple Brandy, and it might be just the thing as the temperature begins to dip. Chapmans takes its name from Johnny “Appleseed” Chapman, a nod to apple brandy’s deep historic roots in America. Apple brandy is the original American spirit, with its production in the colonies dating back to the 17th century. American apple brandy making declined in later years, sustaining a powerful blow from the temperance movement and Prohibition. But the past decade has seen a renewed interest in rediscovering the romance of apple brandies. Republic Restoratives’ contribution is a handsome addition to any fitting cocktail, or a fine choice for sipping on its own. You’ll want to pick up a bottle soon, as they only produced 266 cases. For more on what’s abuzz on, and arounlog at http://frozentropics. blogspot.com. You can send me tips or questions at elise.bernard@gmail. com. u
December 2017 H 87
COLDWELL BANKER
RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE Your Strong Local Brokerage With Deep National & International Roots
TODD LITCHFIELD Todd and his wife Rachel Abrecht, a Hill Native, brought their two young children to Capitol Hill several years ago to be closer to family and enjoy all that the DC area has to offer. The entire family has quickly made the Hill their home. Todd comes from a family of residential and commercial builders and feels right at home in the real estate business. Having grown up around and in homes in all phases of construction, Todd brings a keen eye to the quality of materials and finishes of a home. This unparalleled experience gives sellers and buyers an edge in a competitive marketplace. Volunteering has been a hallmark of the Litchfield family as both Todd & Rachel were volunteer firefighters in Connecticut for a combined 22 years of service. Todd continues his civic mindedness by volunteering time to support both the Capitol Hill Cluster School’s Renovators House Tour and the Capitol Hill Village’s House & Garden Tour. In addition, Todd serves on the Vestry of Christ Church Washington Parish as their Junior Warden. As a graduate of Penn State University with a degree in Organizational Leadership, Todd’s educational background serves to compliment his diverse work experiences to make a complete package dedicated to serving all of your real estate needs. Todd is a consummate professional and skilled REALTOR® proudly helping many achieve home ownership for the first time. For a list of previous sales and client reviews, please visit www.toddlitchfield.com
TODD LITCHFIELD Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage 605 Pennsylvania Ave SE Cell: (202) 600-1110 | Office:(202) 547-3525 www.ToddLitchfield.com Todd.Litchfield@cbmove.com 88 H Hillrag.com
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Capitol Hill Office 605 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20003 202.547.3525 I N F O R M AT I O N D E E M E D R E L I A B L E B U T N O T G UA R A N T E E D
{real estate}
Changing Hands Changing Hands is a list of most residential sales on Capitol Hill and nearby neighborhoods 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 PRICE BR FEE SIMPLE ANACOSTIA 2247 MOUNT VIEW PL SE 1350 VALLEY PL SE 1415 HOWARD RD SE 1410 22ND ST SE 1627 U ST SE 1616 W ST SE 1633 U ST SE 1510 19TH ST SE 1631 U ST SE 1623 RIDGE PL SE
$665,000 $482,000 $424,000 $397,000 $365,000 $290,000 $285,000 $257,000 $250,000 $217,560
BLOOMINGDALE 1927 2ND ST NW 70 SEATON PL NW 38 ADAMS ST NW 50 RANDOLPH PL NW 51 V ST NW
$965,000 $920,000 $910,000 $860,000 $815,000
CAPITOL HILL 820 C ST SE 656 EAST CAPITOL ST NE 410 E ST SE 118 4TH ST SE 716 11TH ST SE 17 7TH ST SE 714 NORTH CAROLINA AVE SE 634 SOUTH CAROLINA AVE SE 155 E ST SE 622 CONSTITUTION AVE NE 807 D ST NE 1616 POTOMAC AVE SE 403 CONSTITUTION AVE NE 102 15TH ST NE 229 8TH ST SE 724 G ST NE 1724 MASSACHUSETTS AVE SE 1116 I ST SE 647 E ST SE 923 E ST SE 632 ELLIOTT ST NE 149 E ST SE 214 16TH ST SE 537 6TH ST SE 1220 C ST SE 509 14TH ST NE 417 KENTUCKY AVE SE 1509 C ST SE 1019 15TH ST SE 326 14TH ST NE
$2,150,000 $1,925,000 $1,850,000 $1,780,000 $1,410,000 $1,387,000 $1,380,000 $1,350,000 $1,325,000 $1,075,000 $1,017,500 $968,000 $926,000 $917,500 $881,229 $851,555 $845,000 $835,000 $817,500 $816,000 $800,000 $790,000 $765,000 $750,000 $730,000 $719,500 $710,000 $670,000 $649,000 $599,500
4 3 3 3 3 5 3 3 3 2 4 6 4 2 4 4 5 4 4 6 4 3 3 5 3 3 4 3 4 2 3 3 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 2 3 2
December 2017 H 89
OPEN HOUSES
SUNDAY, DEC. 3
RD
1-3PM
Hub is a pleasure to work with, thoroughly explains all your options, is exceptionally responsive and knowledgeable, and makes the whole process as straight forward and stress-free as possible. Andrea, Repeat buyer
24 18TH ST SE 1621 GALES ST NE
CARVER LANGSTON 1822 H ST NE
DEANWOOD
LET THE SUN SHINE IN Extra big, extra wide, extra bright. Renovated corner TH, marvelous moldings, walls of windows, fun fireplace, four stories including finished lower level, garage and off street parking. 330 Tennessee Ave NE. Call Pam @ 202-253-2550
ALEXANDRIA • FIRST OPEN HOUSE Roomy rambler. Three beautiful bedrooms plus lovely living room/dining room, cool kitchen with granite countertops and SS appliances, light and bright sunroom with walls of windows and a full bath on main level. Downstairs there is a fourth bedroom, second full bath and remarkable rec room with fun fireplace. Fenced, flat backyard, off-street parking. 7319 Fairchild Dr. Call Hub @ 202-550-2111
Hub Krack 202.550.2111
Licensed in DC, MD & VA
NEW LISTING • COLUMBIA HEIGHTS Large 5BR, 3BA Victorian grande dame. 4 levels, updated kitchen with marble countertops and stainless steel appliances. Call Hub @ 202-550-2111
Pam Kristof 202.253.2550
RESIDENTIAL SALES AND LISTINGS COMMERCIAL LEASING AND SALES
www.hubkrack.com
The Grant, Ryall & Andrew Group
5136 LEE ST NE 428 60TH ST NE 905 47TH PL NE 96 54TH ST SE 5715 CLAY ST NE 3948 CLAY PL NE 4209 HAYES ST NE 5650 A ST SE 827 52ND ST NE 324 EASTERN AVE NE 337 54TH ST NE 5092 JAY ST NE 5029 AMES ST NE 4411 HAYES ST NE 204 56TH PL NE 18 53RD ST SE 828 DIVISION AVE NE 4986 JUST ST NE 1 54TH ST SE 502 60TH ST NE 4214 GAULT PL NE 5320 JAMES PL NE 529 45TH ST NE 823 46TH ST NE 5514 CLAY PL NE 319 60TH ST NE
ECKINGTON
61 QUINCY PL NW 14 T ST NE 32 T ST NW 67 RANDOLPH PL NW 324 TODD PL NE
FORT DUPONT PARK 720 RIDGE RD SE 1833 41ST PL SE 4224 MASSACHUSETTS AVE SE 324 BURBANK ST SE 4338 H ST SE 1620 FORT DAVIS PL SE 4322 GORMAN TER SE 1607 FORT DAVIS ST SE 4657 H ST SE 4028 ELY PL SE 3357 DUBOIS PL SE 1540 42ND ST SE
FORT LINCOLN
3298 THEODORE R HAGANS DR NE 3620 FORT LINCOLN DR NE
Partner with our full-service real estate team…there’s no substitute for success the first time around!
Steve Hagedorn Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Capitol Hill Office
605 Pennsylvania Avenue SE Washington DC 20003
Grant Griffith, Ryall Smith, Andrew Glasow, Fred Saddler
Team Line: 202.741.1654 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Don Denton, VP Broker 605 Pennsylvania Ave SE, WDC 20003 - Main: 202.547. 3525
90 H Hillrag.com
Office: 202-547-3525
202-841-1380
shagedorn@cbmove.com
HILL CREST
2115 36TH PL SE 3635 HIGHWOOD DR SE 3210 W ST SE 3746 SOUTHERN AVE SE 3601 CAMDEN ST SE 1724 30TH ST SE 1003 30TH ST SE 3208 G ST SE
HILL EAST
22 16TH ST SE 1844 POTOMAC AVE SE
$985,000 $625,000
4 3
$353,000
2
$438,500 $412,000 $399,900 $399,800 $393,900 $375,000 $359,700 $355,000 $331,500 $309,000 $299,900 $290,000 $287,000 $274,400 $270,000 $265,000 $252,000 $245,000 $216,300 $196,900 $196,500 $190,000 $180,000 $145,000 $137,000 $125,000
6 4 3 3 3 4 3 3 2 2 4 3 2 3 3 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 2 2
$899,900 $850,000 $732,500 $600,000 $555,000
5 6 3 4 3
$360,000 $349,500 $339,500 $336,000 $325,000 $314,000 $306,000 $291,000 $215,000 $211,000 $200,000 $165,000
3 3 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
$550,000 $490,000
3 2
$645,000 $515,000 $472,500 $465,000 $460,000 $440,000 $280,000 $27,800
4 3 3 2 4 3 3 5
$701,000 $545,000
3 3
‘TIS ALWAYS THE SEASON TO ACHIEVE THE BEST RESULTS FOR OUR CLIENTS!
KINGMAN PARK 2030 E ST NE
$514,000
LANGDON PARK 2410 20TH ST NE
$730,000
LEDROIT PARK 61 BRYANT ST NW 419 U ST NW 153 ADAMS ST NW 1811 4TH ST NW 67 ADAMS ST NW 1850 2ND ST NW 1808 4TH ST NW 439 ELM ST NW 409 FLORIDA AVE NW
$1,500,000 $1,075,000 $925,000 $836,500 $831,750 $828,000 $799,000 $602,000 $460,000
OLD CITY #1 813 MARYLAND AVE NE 651 MARYLAND AVE NE 406 13TH ST NE 1612 CAPITOL ST NE 710 5TH ST NE 1371 E ST SE 712 C ST NE 1207 6TH ST NE 324 15TH ST NE 25 16TH ST SE 1222 HALF ST SW 523 16TH ST NE 1356 EMERALD ST NE 37 17TH ST SE 1411 D ST NE 1339 SOUTH CAROLINA AVE SE 922 10TH ST NE 1714 INDEPENDENCE AVE SE 1623 CONSTITUTION AVE NE 212 KENTUCKY AVE SE 625 8TH ST NE 1168 ABBEY PL NE 117 17TH ST SE 511 17TH ST SE 105 19TH ST SE 810 12TH ST NE 1520 CONSTITUTION AVE NE
$1,550,000 $1,375,000 $1,322,000 $990,000 $956,720 $889,000 $865,000 $850,000 $825,000 $819,000 $760,000 $755,000 $745,000 $739,000 $730,000 $707,500 $685,000 $660,000 $657,500 $635,000 $627,900 $600,000 $580,000 $571,000 $570,000 $550,000 $500,000
OLD CITY #2 1613 RIGGS PL NW 938 WESTMINSTER ST NW 1443 W ST NW 2122 12TH ST NW 1639 4TH ST NW 16151/2 6TH ST NW 513 S ST NW 1639 V ST NW 921 W ST NW 139 P ST NW 1224 KIRBY ST NW
$1,525,000 $1,525,000 $1,145,000 $935,000 $915,000 $830,258 $750,000 $727,500 $705,000 $700,000 $440,000
RANDLE HEIGHTS 2715 HARTFORD ST SE 1851 TUBMAN RD SE 2021 ALABAMA AVE SE 3227 15TH PL SE 1951 ALABAMA AVE SE 1925 VALLEY TER SE
$397,000 $345,000 $322,000 $315,000 $308,500 $222,000
RLA (SW) 815 G ST SW
$993,000
2
$1,415,000 $550,000
Gorgeous conversion of this classic Hill Home by the builders of Teabow Residential. Restored and expanded to house two spacious and stylish condo homes. Each of the 3BR/2.5BA units is nearly 2,000 SF of refined stylish finishes incorporating super smart space utilization. Both units feature main floors with open kitchen, dining and living areas. Modern top notch kitchens alongside exposed brick feature walls delivering modern comfort and preserving historic charm. All this in a brand new worry free full renovation with brand new walls, wiring, plumbing, HVAC and roof.
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G IN ! M N CO OO S
1737 Massachusetts Ave SE 2000 SF 4 BR/3.5 BA $929,000
The European craftsmen of Quest Homebuilders have done it again! Completely renovated from the inside out, with smart new floor plan, new roof, plumbing, electrical, windows, kitchen, and baths. Delivered with an unparalleled eye for finish detail. Located a short walk from the Stadium-Armory Metro escalators, and very close to Lincoln Park and Eastern Market, this house offers the perfect package for convenient city living! Plus patio, deep yard and parking! E BL A IL W! A AV NO
312 14th Place NE $625,000 3BR/1.5BA
336 15th Street NE Unit 1 1840 SF 3 BR/2.5 BA $875,000 E BL A IL W! A AV NO
This recently renovated semi-detached Federal flat front boasts easy flowing open spaces indoors & out. Light and bright rooms, abundant windows, and wood floors throughout. Conveniently located near Eastern Market, Union Station, and the thriving H Street Corridor - countless restaurants and shops are just a short walk away.
Unit 2 1900 SF 3 BR/2.5 BA $925,000 1529 E Street SE Unit A (Upper) 2535 SF 3 BR/3.5 BA $1,150,000
Another masterpiece from devoted neighbors C&S Builders! 1529 E Street is a testament to the firm’s commitment to excellence, and attention to detail. From the impressive neo-Federal façade to the expansive rear patio, every aspect of this project has been thoughtfully. This housesized condo unit has 3 luxurious bedrooms and 3.5 well-appointed bathrooms. Every surface & every system is brand new and worry free for years to come. All appliances and mechanical systems were chosen to exceed your needs and expectations – never a corner cut. Come see why smart buyers seek out Connell & Schmidt.
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YOUR HOME HERE
We are working RIGHT NOW to prepare our great new listings to start off the New Year. If you are considering a sale anytime in 2018, NOW IS THE TIME to have us visit for a free consultation on the steps to success!
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SHAW 900 FRENCH ST NW 1545 4TH ST NW
G IN ! M N CO OO S
joel@joelnelsongroup.com 202.243.7707
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TRINIDAD 1271 OATES ST NE 1044 BLADENSBURG RD NE 1335 CHILDRESS ST NE 1908 M ST NE 1702 MONTELLO AVE NE 1205 ORREN ST NE 1623 11TH PL NE
$905,000 $900,000 $694,000 $692,000 $600,000 $525,000 $305,000
4 1 4 8 3 3 3
WOODRIDGE
3400 22ND ST NE $879,000 5 2228 OTIS ST NE $799,000 4 2813 26TH ST NE $645,000 4 3116 CHANNING ST NE $600,000 5 2205 DOUGLAS ST NE $370,000 3 2610 EVARTS ST NE $279,900 4
CONDO ANACOSTIA 1262 TALBERT ST SE #A
$255,000
BARRY FARMS 2500 SAYLES PL SE #7
$464,000
BLOOMINGDALE 74 ADAMS ST NW #2 207 R ST NW #6 15 R ST NE #A
$755,000 $489,000 $775,000
BRENTWOOD 1333 ADAMS ST NE #1
$260,000
CAPITOL HILL 629 CONSTITUTION AVE NE #305 1818 C ST SE #2 410 11TH ST NE #17 141 12TH ST NE #12 1315 INDEPENDENCE AVE SE #7 222 4TH ST SE #3 1323 K ST SE #204 410 11TH ST NE #19 116 6TH ST NE #201 1341 EAST CAPITOL ST SE #306 115 D ST SE #103 1455 A ST NE #D 644 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NE #501 644 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NE #407 116 NORTH CAROLINA AVE SE #401 414 SEWARD SQ SE #303
$725,000 $655,000 $605,000 $580,500 $580,000 $570,000 $570,000 $566,500 $549,000 $487,500 $399,900 $393,500 $365,000 $364,000 $350,000 $225,000
3 3 2 3 3 2 2 2 3 2 1 2 2 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 0
CENTRAL 2425 L ST NW #340 920 I ST NW #1109 631 D ST NW #132 1010 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #603 1133 14TH ST NW #1010 675 E ST NW #350 616 E ST NW #920 400 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #605 400 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #917 400 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #705 1280 21ST ST NW #606 1301 20TH ST NW #203 1260 21ST ST NW #1014 1280 21ST ST NW #P23
$1,790,000 $1,100,000 $675,000 $579,000 $500,500 $499,000 $490,000 $460,000 $440,000 $435,000 $410,000 $333,000 $287,000 $54,000
DEANWOOD 4610 KANE PL NE #101
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$114,000
2 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 2
ECKINGTON 1912 3RD ST NE #2 1927 3RD ST NE #401 314 V ST NE #204
$650,000 $266,703 $200,000
FORT DUPONT PARK 3421 MINNESOTA AVE SE #2
$120,000
H STREET CORRIDOR 1409 G ST NE #21
$555,000
HILL CREST 2143 SUITLAND TER SE #201 3927 PENNSYLVANIA AVE SE #101
$80,000 $60,000
LEDROIT PARK 144 BRYANT NW #2 144 BRYANT ST NW #1 5 RHODE ISLAND AVE NW #201 2035 2ND ST NW #GL03
$799,000 $720,000 $351,191 $349,000
NAVY YARD 1025 1ST ST SE #916
$695,900
OLD CITY #1 1112 8TH ST NE #2 1391 PENNSYLVANIA AVE SE #237 1018 13TH ST SE #2 901 D ST NE #1 1443 CAPITOL ST SE #2 1412 A ST SE #2 1350 MARYLAND AVE NE #406 901 D ST NE #6 36 15TH ST NE #36 412 19TH ST NE #204
$740,000 $635,000 $519,000 $499,000 $479,000 $410,000 $399,999 $375,000 $369,000 $280,000
OLD CITY #2 1801 16TH ST NW #605 2100 11TH ST NW #PH1 2024 16TH ST NW #3 1316 S ST NW #B 1426 RHODE ISLAND AVE NW #B 936 N ST NW #3 910 M ST NW #316 1728 U ST NW #03 811 4TH ST NW #517 1130 5TH ST NW #B 1715 15TH ST NW #18 1728 U ST NW #01 301 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #401 1117 10TH ST NW #711 1210 R ST NW #215 475 K ST NW #612 555 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #1015 2001 12TH ST NW #314 1441 RHODE ISLAND AVE NW #506 1001 L ST NW #807 811 4TH ST NW #902 555 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #415 1300 N ST NW #816 2120 VERMONT AVE NW #405 1313 VERMONT AVE NW #12 2024 16TH ST NW #A 2024 16TH ST NW #B 1711 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #624 437 M ST NW #6 1727 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #609 1822 15TH ST NW #B7
$1,749,000 $1,320,000 $1,200,000 $975,000 $965,000 $699,000 $691,222 $680,000 $650,000 $610,000 $600,000 $600,000 $585,000 $575,000 $569,000 $548,000 $546,500 $500,000 $485,000 $470,000 $455,000 $450,000 $442,000 $437,000 $405,000 $374,000 $374,000 $259,500 $259,000 $225,000 $210,000
PENN QUARTER 701 PENNSYLVANIA AVE NW #1217 616 E ST NW #312 400 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #911
$1,600,000 $875,000 $775,000
2 1 1
631 D ST NW #526 616 E ST NW #410 675 E ST NW #240
RANDLE HEIGHTS 1613 GAINESVILLE ST SE #T
1 2 2 1 3 3 2 1 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 1 2
$581,000 $420,000 $390,000 $82,400
RLA (SW) 108 G ST SW #105 292 M ST SW #292 800 4TH ST SW #N621 300 M ST SW #N401 800 4TH ST SW #N509 700 7TH ST SW #515 800 4TH ST SW #S416 1250 4TH ST SW #W508 300 M ST SW #N208 300 M ST SW #N106
$675,000 $605,000 $505,000 $389,900 $349,900 $320,000 $317,000 $300,000 $255,000 $330,000
2 0 1 2 3 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1
SHAW 447 RIDGE ST NW #2 1910 8TH ST NW #1
$767,000 $605,000
SW WATERFRONT 355 I ST SW #319 1425 4TH ST SW #A104
$385,000 $415,000
2 2 1 2
TRINIDAD
1627 HOLBROOK ST NE #4 $390,000 2 1627 HOLBROOK ST NE #2 $354,000 2 1149 OWEN PL NE #5 $340,091 2 1149 OWEN PL NE #3 $322,900 2 1149 OWEN PL NE #2 $304,000 2 1149 OWEN PL NE #4 $298,900 2 1125 MORSE ST NE #3 $715,000 2
COOP CENTRAL 1300 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #503
$224,000
NAVY YARD 1000 NEW JERSEY AVE SE #911 1000 NEW JERSEY AVE SE #1204
$554,000 $375,000
OLD CITY #1 1000 NEW JERSEY AVE SE #716
$324,900
OLD CITY #2 1725 17TH ST NW #106 1514 17TH ST NW #614
$440,000 $380,000
RLA (SW) 560 N ST SW #N903 1311 DELAWARE AVE SW #S237 1311 DELAWARE AVE SW #S529 1311 DELAWARE AVE SW #S546
$360,000 $297,500 $220,000 $215,000
WATERFRONT 560 N ST SW #N204 1245 4TH ST SW #E-805 490 M ST SW #W-701 560 N ST SW #N706 u
$599,900 $375,000 $370,000 $229,000
0 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 0
EVELYN
EBBRANIC
REALTOR ®
Evelyn’s Fall S E ACollection S O N ’ S G REvelyn’s E E T I N G S Fall Collection Evelyn’s Fall Collection CONTRACT
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Evelyn Branic, Realtor Waterfront Townhome-1257 Carrollsburg Pl SW 202-741-1674 Hyattsville-2018 Sheridan St 202-741-1674 Amazing 3BR, 1.5BA end-unit townhome with parking. 4BR, 2.5BA Colonial with updated kitchen, master suite Ebranic.cbintouch.com Evelyn Branic, Realtor Walk to Navy Yard metro. DC10046510 $869,000 & garage. Near Metro . PG10090012 $398,800 Ebranic.cbintouch.com Bloomingdale Beauty—1835 1st St NW Ebranic@cbmove.com 202-741-1674 Ebranic@cbmove.com Two BR suites + 1BR in-law unit. Zoned MU-4. Ebranic.cbintouch.com MRIS DC10024403 $869,000 Ebranic@cbmove.com Evelyn Branic, Realtor
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605 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, 202-741-1674
Washington, DC 20003 Capitol Hill/Old City Ebranic.cbintouch.com #1-1704 D St NE Hyattsville-2018 Sheridan St 202-547-3525 Ebranic@cbmove.com 5BA end-unit townhome with parking. 4BR, 2.5BA Colonial with updated kitchen,Three master suite 605 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Estate Sale. level TH w/rear addi& garage. Near Metro . PG10090012 $398,800 ard metro. DC10046510 $869,000 tion, 3BR, 1.5bA, bsmt & OSP. $499,000 Bloomingdale Beauty—1835 1st St NW Washington, DC 20003 Two BR suites + 1BR in-law unit. Zoned MU-4. Estate Sale. Three level TH w/rear addiMRIS DC10024403 $869,000 202-547-3525 tion, 3BR, 1.5bA, bsmt & OSP. $499,000 605 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Evelyn Branic,®Realtor
wnhome-1257 Carrollsburg Pl SW
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EVELYN BRANIC REALTOR
Capitol Hill/Old City #1-1704 D St NE
Evelyn Branic, Realtor 202-744-5419 202-741-1674 Ebranic.cbintouch.com Ebranic@cbmove.com
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Estate Sale. Three level TH w/rear addition, 3BR, 1.5bA, bsmt & OSP. $499,000
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COMING SOON! Evelyn Branic, Realtor
COMING SOON
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Amazing 3BR, 1.5BA end-unit townhome Bloomingdale Beauty—1835 1st St NW with parking. Walk to Navy Yard metro. DC10046510 $799,000 $869,000 Two BR suites + 1BR in-law unit. Zoned MU-4. MRIS DC10024403 $869,000
Hyattsville-2018 Sheridan St
605 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003 202-547-3525
Washington, DC 20003 202-547-3525
605 Pennsylvania Ave. SE Washington, DC 20003 605 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003 202-547-3525
605 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003 202-547-3525
Real Estate
Management Serving condos, HOA + co-ops plus owners of apartments, rental property including individual condo units. We also offer concierge service (for when you are traveling and want someone to mind your property) and handle Airbnb rental logistics. Full service property management offering monthly/quarterly reports, budgeting, funds management & special accounts, delinquent notice & collections, building inspections, project & maintenance bidding, project planning, contract monitoring, renting/leasing & tenant screening, and more. Se habla espanol.
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Office: 202.547.2707 Fax: 202.547.1977 joeltruittmanagement.com
Quality Since 1972 December 2017 H 93
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Dining Notes article and photos by Celeste McCall
C
ongrats to Ambar, which OpenTable recently proclaimed Best eral years ago. “The Value in Washington’s Diners' Choice awards. (Each month, style here allows me OpenTable analyzes 400,000 new diner reviews and sorts the to be creative, to exresults by category.) press myself.” Located on Barracks Row, Ambar (which means “barn”) Manager Dimshowcases Balkan flavors with a “modern twist.” The menu is created by coritrije Popdimitrovsporate chefs Bojan Bocvarov and Ivan Zivkovic. The term Balkan--old Turkki, who shuttles beish for “chain of mountains”-- refers to tween Barracks Row south central European countries inand Clarendon, says, cluding Serbia, Bosnia, Croatia, Bul“We keep prices down garia and Greece. since we serve so many Proprietor Ivan Iricanin. arrived customers—about 150 on Capitol Hill in a round-about way. per day during the Born in Trstenok, Serbia, he came to the week, 100 more on United States in 2000 through a work weekends.” For unlimPork-stuffed sour cabbage is Ambar’s number one seller. study program. A year later he returned ited small plates, pricto Serbia and opened Forum Bar, while es start at $35 per person (excluding tax and gratuity). The Balkan Experienceundertaking marketing jobs. Eventual-unlimited small plates and drinks--are $49 per person. These options must be Beet Tzatziki is an unusual and ly, he returned to the States. In 2009 he ordered for the entire table. Ala carte items range from $6 to $13. popular small plate at Ambar on hooked up with Richard Sandoval and At a recent dinner, our group of four ordered “small plates” from the regular Barracks Row. chef /owner Kaz Okochi to open Masa ala carte menu: beet tzatziki, Balkan kebabs (cylinders of ground beef and veal); 14 in Logan Circle. Two years later they added El Centro D.F. nearby. “drunken” mussels (rakia, garlic, capers, lemon); grilled lamb kebabs and stuffed In January 2013, Iricanin tapped the cuisine of his homeland to unveil Amsour cabbage. That last dish is Ambar’s top seller, and I can see why. Stuffed with bar. A second Ambar followed two years later in Clarendon (Arlington). This chunks of pork, the generous, pungent dish is delicious. past March, Iricanin launched Street Guys Hospitality, which owns and operBesides wine and beer, the bar dispenses innovative cocktails including ates nine concepts: Barracks Row Ambar, Ambar in Clarendon, Ambar Belgrade, the Sarajevo Old Fashioned with plum rakia and bourbon; pomegranate Coland several other restaurants in Serbia. lins with vodka, plus other concoctions. Speaking of rakia: Ambar’s menu deIricanin discovered chef Bojan Bocvarov during a culinary research trip votes a full page to myriad flavors of the potent fruit brandy. Ordered separateback home. In Belgrade, he stumly, cocktails are $9 to $13. bled upon a restaurant whose name Sensibly priced at $8 per glass, translates to “Little Factory of Tastes.” the house red and white wine is more There, Bocvarov was dividing his than drinkable. Tagged at just $2 dolmenu between “traditional” and lars more, Bulgarian Cabernet Sau“imaginative.” The latter creations vignon is smooth and mellow. Open were modern, lighter twists on clasdaily for lunch and dinner, Ambar sic Serbian fare. Iricanin was imis at 523 Eighth St. SE, near Eastpressed. Bocvarov soon followed Irern Market Metro (Blue/Orange/Silicanin to the States. ver lines). Warning: At night, decibel Sous chef Ivan Zivkovic grew level is high. For more information, up in the Serbian capital, Belgrade, call 202-813-3039 or visit www.amwhere his first job was in a seafood barrestaurant.com. restaurant. “This is where I really Jerk duck prosciutto is a standout on Kith and Kin’s meat and recognized my passion for the culiAfrica on the Wharf cheese tasting plate. nary arts,” he told the Hill Rag sevKwame Onwuachi is back. In Oc-
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are tagged in the mid-teens. Likewise: wines-by-the glass. Lunch for two, including a skimpy glass of wine and an ice tea, came to $97 before tip. Service was excellent. Located at 801 Wharf St. SW, Kith and Kin is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Call 202-8788600 or visitwww.kithandkindc.com.
New Asian
What’s under the dome Our Kith and Kin server is about to unveil a meat and cheese tasting.
tober, he unveiled Kith and Kin in the District Wharf. The successor to his short-lived Shaw Bijou, Kwame’s 96-seat Afro-Caribbean restaurant is ensconced in the Wharf’s stylish InterContinental Hotel. Décor is muted with shades of beige and grey. Placemats look woven, perhaps a nod to Africa? Bar stools are comfy, with padded seats and backs. A towering wine wall—holding nearly 400 bottles— looms between the main dining area and a private party space. Artist Emily Eisenhart’s enormous black and white abstract mural, featuring chefs’ quotes, dominates a back wall. The moniker Kith and Kin refers to Onwuachi’s multi-ethnic ancestry, as he draws on his Caribbean, Creole, and African cultural roots. He was born in the Bronx 27 years ago. Besides spending a few years in Nigeria with his grandfather, he also lived in New Orleans with other family members. At a recent lunch, warm coco bread arrived for nibbling. In contrast to so many oversized restaurant plates, Kith and Kin’s portions are miniscule. A $29 “meat and cheese” tasting was a black plate dabbed with smoked chicken pate and quince jam, a swirl of delicious jerk duck prosciutto, and two kinds of cheese. Lacy, paper thin pumpernickel slices accompanied the dish. Presentation was dramatic; our server whisked a pearshaped dome from the plate with a flourish, releas-
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Barracks Row has a new Asian eatery, Torai, at 751 Eighth St. SE. where Café Kimchi used to be. Owned by Weon Kim, Torai serves mainly sushi, plus a few Korean At Kith and Kin, torched mackerel is accompanied by goldendishes and Hawaiian poke bowls. hued jollof rice. The brightly spiffed up space is mainly carryout, with a small counter and tables for eating in. Torai also caters. Closed Monday; call 202-525-2053.
Feliz Navidad As always, La Plaza, 629 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, will be open on Christmas Day, Dec. 25 for lunch and dinner. Besides the usual Tex-Mex/Salvadoran menu, the kitchen will offer such holiday specials as deep-fried turkey. Call 202-546-9512.
Lincoln Park Newcomer
A towering, 400-bottle wine wall separates dining areas at Kith and Kin.
ing a cloud of aromatic smoke. We shared an entrée: A pair of “torched” mackerel pieces were accompanied by tonguetingling, golden-hued jollof rice and what resembled miniature tomatoes. We did not get to heartier dishes like oxtail stew and curried goat. The dessert menu looked tempting: “puff puff,” fried dough with sorghum and cashew granola, chocolate rum cake and sorbets. Next time. Cocktails—including “gin and reggae” (made from Jamaican rum, Plymouth gin and mango tea),
Just off Lincoln Park, Wine and Butter has opened on the corner formerly occupied by P&C. New proprietor Atilla Suzer has added a handsome marble and brass-trimmed counter/espresso bar and tables. He’s also expanded the wine and beer selection, adding more groceries including fresh bread and pastries, cheeses (including housemade pimento cheese), eggs, pastas, sauces, olive oil, sausages and even fresh fruit. Located at 1023 East Capitol SE (next to Surroundings), Wine and Butter is open daily. No phone number yet.
Closed We were sad to hear that Liberty Tree, the New England-themed restaurant specializing in artisan beer and Casino pizza (clams, bacon and spinach), has served its last meal at 1016 H St. NE. Proprietor Scott Hamilton has considered moving popular menu items (hopefully that dynamite pizza!) to sister restaurant: Hamilton’s Bar & Grill, 233 Second St. NW. u
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At The Movies
Three New Movies: One Story of Revenge, Two Others of Redemption by Mike Canning Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
switchback story. I referenced McDormand as one link to “Fargo,” but her performance is exThree Billboards” feels like witnessing a new Coen tremely different. Hardly the lovable Marge Brothers film, most particularly “Fargo.” It has the Gunderson, McDormand here is a tightsmall-town Midwest vibe, the same sudden shifts lipped yet profane vengeance seeker, ready from goofy to ghastly in a nanosecond, a favorite to put down anyone who questions her moCoen actress in a formidable performance-- even the tives. Her search for answers is obsessive, same sound track composer, Carter Burwell (rated clouding out everything else. Her stance is “R,” this film runs 115mins. and is now in theaters), adamantine, and puzzling, too, since the Mildred Hayes (Francis McDormand) lost her film only offers one brief scene (the movie’s daughter months ago in a horrendous rape-murlone flashback) with her and her daughter, der, and she decides to pressure the police to find and it is a very sour one. Still, she is riveting. the murderer by commissioning three chiding billRockwell, as the maladroit Dixon, boards on an abandoned road. The pressure is on Left to right: Bryan Cranston as “Sal,” Steve Carrell as “Doc,” appears as a crass stereotype, but his charChief William Willoughby (Woody Harrelson) to and Laurence Fishburne as “Mueller” in “Last Flag Flying.” acter gradually gains dimension and symsolve the crime, but he—a decent family man—has Photo: Wilson Webb; courtesy Lionsgate Films pathy. Harrelson, normally coarse and his own problems with a terminal cancer diagnosis. wooden, also reveals a richer nature as His staff seems mainly inept, especially deputy Dixto what’s next. It may turn you off occasionally, but the film proceeds. There are other feaon (Sam Rockwell) a casual racist and lay about, and “Ebbing” remains decidedly watchable. tured players who add welcome elements of calm the community finds Mildred’s obsession unseemand reason (Mildred’s son played by Lucas Hedgly. Nevertheless, she persists. Last Flag Flying es), goofball romanticism (Peter Dinklage), reasA shocking death changes the dynamics of Mil“The Last Detail” was a great film of the 1970’s that suring competence (Clarke Peters), and charming dred’s cause, and events escalate. A remark Dixon told of two Navy signalmen shepherding a young ditz (Malaya Rivera Drew), among others. Whatoverhears promises a solution to the murder, and ansailor to the brig. It was based on the first novel of ever the weirdness of plot, these players ground tagonists Mildred and Dixon join forces. The endDarryl Ponicsan. Many years later, in 2005, Ponicthe film. ing is not neat but is consistent with this cunning, san wrote a kind of sequel, “Last Flag Flying,” again Martin McDonagh befeaturing three servicemen on a quest. Now, direccame a world-famous playtor Richard Linklater (“Boyhood”) has teamed with wright in his 20’s, with Ponicsan (co-writing the script) for the film of “Last provocative Irish dramas Flag Flying,” wherein three Vietnam War vets repackaged as the Leenane unite to honor the son of one of them who has died and Aran Island trilogies. He in the Iraq War (now in theaters, the film is rated then gravitated to film, and “R” and runs 124 mins.). “Ebbing” is his third feature. Ex-seaman Larry “Doc” Shepherd (Steve CarFrom the offhand humor rell), the grieving father, brings the threesome toof “In Bruges,” he moved gether by looking up old Marine buddy Sal Nealon to darker territory in “Sev(Bryan Cranston), running a cheesy bar in North en Psychopaths” and exhibCarolina. They, in turn, find Richard Mueller (Lawits an even more complicatrence Fishburne), once a tough Marine who has beed palette in his latest film. come a minister with a congregation in Virginia. What he excels at is keeping Acceding to Doc’s wishes, the three set out to up the momentum of the storeceive the young Shepherd’s remains at Arlington ry, keeping it finely balanced Cemetery. Oops! The body is not consigned to between silly and shocking, Sam Rockwell (left) and Frances McDormand face off in “Three Billboards Arlington, but Dover AFB, where Doc’s contestand keeping you guessing as Outside Ebbing, Missouri.” Photo courtesy of Fox Searchlight Pictures
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Thank You & Farewell
ing of an officious colonel’s orders leads them to rent their own vehicle and drive the casket to Doc’s home in Portsmouth, NH. Joining them, at the Corps’ insistence, is Lance Corporal Charlie Washington (J. Quinton Johnson), a friend of the deceased, to keep protocols intact. Thus, a road trip ensues as the old timers reminiscence, bond, and recall a terrible incident from their war. Doc is a self-effacing man, with a reticence that contrasts utterly with the wise-ass Sal, a drunk on the lookout for a chick or a hustle. Mueller has found the Lord and given up sinful ways—almost. Offering a sweetand-sour tour of these differing personalities, the film traces their traits in both humorous and tart set pieces, some more effective than others. There are comic elements that the actors pull off well, such as one when these 50-somethings get picked up as elderly “terrorists” with a U-Haul when Mueller’s name gets mangled into “Mullah.” There are touching scenes, too, as when the three look up the mother (Cicely Tyson) of a lost soldier. There are lapses in logic and tone. Sal, though amusing, dominates the movie with a logorrhea of cracks without break. Also, is it believable that the introverted Shepherd would travel hundreds of miles to seek out a “buddy” he has not communicated with for 30 years and ask him to participate in his son’s burial? Finally, a finale that turns on Nealon and Mueller sporting full Marine dress blues is a sweet image but wholly unbelievable. Yes, a flag that flies mostly spiritedly, but one with rips.
The Divine Order “The Divine Order” addresses lateblooming women’s rights issues in the West: the lack of suffrage among Swiss women as late as 1971. The story is told through Nora, housewife and mother, who lives with her de-
cent husband, their two sons, and her father-in-law in a small village, where there is little awareness of worldwide civil rights movements. “Equality of the sexes is a sin against nature,” intones one character. Nora is a modest woman who “would like to do something different,” like taking up a part time job, but she cannot work without her husband’s permission. Her frustration runs up against a couple of activists advocating for women’s franchise in a national referendum. Articulate and liked by all, she joins a sturdy but beleaguered band of females who take on their town—and the menfolk— to lead a local campaign for the vote, an issue that will be put before only male voters. The film has a touch of a modern-day “Lysistrata,” with the lady activists separating themselves into a makeshift dormitory away from their spouses. A redemptive ending challenges “The Divine Order.” The film, written and directed by Petra Volpe, benefits greatly from a fine lead performance by Marie Leuenberger, brilliantly playing an unassertive person who blossoms into a convinced advocate. She not only discovers her own activist skills but also awakens to her sexual self and “personhood,” aided by a bouncy feminist lecturer from outside (it is to be noted that this is an understated, subtle comedy, but some sexual elements are rather blunt and definitely “R”). The film was a major winner at the 2017 Swiss Film Prizes (the film, opening December 1, runs 96 minutes, is unrated, and is in Swiss German with English subtitles). 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. u
After 25 wonderful years of great memories and good times at Banana Cafe and Piano Bar, it is time to say farewell. We want to thank our friends, family and entire the Capitol Hill community for the many years of support. Please stop by so we can say goodbye. Our last day of operation will be December, 16, 2017. We will miss all of you...
Banana Café
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Capitol Roots by Charles Walston Justin Trawick Endures and Evolves
As a writer, Trawick isn’t stingy with his lyrics. “I’ve always been wordy, for better or worse” he said. His stories are plainspoken tales of love and life. “All the Places I’ve Been,” inspired by his grandmother, is a chronicle of the life of our nation in the 20th century. A live recording of the song was released a few years ago, but Trawick is excited about the new studio version. “This is the first record I’ve put out that really sounds like what I sound like live,” he said. “I’m excited to have a product that really represents me.” Just don’t expect his live performances to match the record exactly. Trawick played in jazz groups in college and still loves to improvise. “We make up songs at shows basically on the spot, or play existing songs different,” he said. “I think it’s a fun way of being a musician.” Justin Trawick will www.justintrawick.com/ preview songs from www.mrhenrysdc.com/
Justin Trawick has worked as a musician for a decade, and one song on his new CD is titled “Ten Long Years.” It’s not all about his career, but these words could apply: “There comes a time when you’ve gotta move on, the chapter’s over and the train is long gone, I wanta write a new story now.” While Trawick has become a familiar face on stages around the DC region, the six songs on his new EP “The Riverwash” represent a new direction. His previous records were with solo projects or with a full electric band; his new group, The Common Good, features acoustic guitar, bass, mando-
his upcoming CD at Mr. Henry’s on Dec. 28. Photo: Lauren LeMunyan
Patterson Hood Patterson Hood didn’t set out to make political statements when he cofounded the Drive By Truckers more than 20 years ago, but he has become increasingly outspoken about the state of our nation. In advance of his solo shows at Pearl Street Warehouse on Dec. 2 and 3, we asked him a few questions. Q: How are your intentions for your solo work different from what you do with the DBT, or similar? Hood: You could say they’re the polar opposite ends of what I do music-wise. The solo shows are more intimate, quieter (although probably still a little on the loud end of solo acoustic music). More storyPatterson Hood of the Drive By Truckers performs solo at Pearl Street Warehouse on Dec. 2 and 3. Photo: Andy Tennille
lin and fiddle. Trawick will preview the new EP at Mr. Henry’s on Dec. 28, with an official release show in January at Pearl Street Warehouse. As Trawick’s sound has evolved, he has kept his focus on the songs. From the time he started playing saxophone in sixth grade, “I was never very interested in practicing the notes on the page. I was making up stuff in my head.” When he picked up his dad’s guitar at age 13, he started writing songs. Trawick also started a collective of songwriters, We Are the 9, that will perform at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage on Dec. 21. The lineup of the group changes but always includes nine writers who perform their own material.
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telling and banter. Spookier and swampier. Q: In your recent article about Tom Petty for The Bitter Southerner (website) you say you hate the term “Southern rock band.” Please explain. Hood: It’s an archaic and limiting term. It puts us in a box that I don’t want to be stuck inside of. It conjures images of Skynyrd and rebel flags and right-wing politics (which in all fairness wasn’t part of the equation during Skynyrd’s heyday and VanZant’s and Duane’s lives). I’m certainly proud of the Southern roots in our music, but most of the music I’ve loved came from Southern bands that were never considered part of that scene (Tom Petty, R.E.M., Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, Carl Perkins, Doug Sahm). Q: Do you think you can influence the attitudes of people who like your music, as far as their views on race or other subjects? Hood: I have no idea. Probably not, but I don’t know. That’s not in any way part of the picture for me. I write what I feel. I always hope that people respond positively to that but it’s really out of my control. All I can do is write what I feel and perform it to the best of my abilities. Q: Will you have other any musicians playing with you at Pearl Street? Hood: No. All by my lonesome. Drive By Truckers, “The Perilous Night”: https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=Luoe6ok_TE https://www.pearlstreetwarehouse.com/ u
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Artist Portrait: Scott Warren
Athens Agora I, oil on canvas, by Scott Warren
essentials of the landscape that he carried in his memory. It’s there, in the paint. The first stroke of color will be followed by others until he discovers the meanings and magic in the scene he first recorded in a photograph. The pictures rearrange themselves, taking liberty to become a new reality. They escape into art. It’s not an interpretation so much as a transformation into forms, colors and lines that continue to move and vibrate and declare their independence.
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S c o t t earned a BFA from Utah State University in 1980 with a major in photography, but took classes in art and art history as well. He has been a professional photographer since 1983 and has traveled the world for the Smithsonian Magazine and publications like National Geographic Kids. But his career included a discovery of art
Big Sur II, oil on canvas, by Scott Warren
museums around the globe and that exposure has infused itself into his work. With Scott Warren, paintings need meaning, and meaning comes from within the paint. This is not magazine art. There are no famous scenes or people. He “uses ambiguity to editorialize the information.” The information is in the use of color and its variations. The information creates realities. The realities create meaning. You can see his work this month at the Hill Center. (See, at the galleries.) www. scottwarren.com.
Jim Magner’s Thoughts on Art Every inhabitant of a living place has its own life—its own reality. From trees to lakes,
artandthecity
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here are a mu ltitu d e of realities in any one place—it’s not just about how it looks. Scott Warren knows that. As a photographer, he can get very good pictures of the actual location in minutes. But the question is, what’s really going on? For Scott, the painter, it’s the feeling of the place that counts. The sense of it—the human emotions that draw from the sights, atmosphere, and ultimately the physical sensation of being a part of the transformation—changing from one reality to another, endlessly. In the studio, the painting releases the
by Jim Magner
mountains, people…even human structures are constantly changing and becoming something a little different. The earth moves and light slides and plays games with solid forms. Brightness intensifies or dims. Colors are wavelength fantasies that stimulate cone cells, and can lead to questionable assumptions of genuineness. Components age while you look at them. Cellular structures are altered by the elements. The chemistry of nature is free to deconstruct and reconstruct—to appear in ever-evolving facades. A photograph can be the ultimate con…it can trick you into thinking it embodies the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Professional photographers like Scott Warren (see Artist Profile) know better. These days, everyone is a photographer. You have a pocket instrument that can capture light rays crisply and images precisely. So…that digital image has to be the way it is, right? Yet, you keep taking pictures until you get one you like. How many selfies are deleted? Why? Because reality is ultimately what you want it to be. We all carry a vision around in our heads and the neurons get together and discuss how many variations are possible. Many of you, a few artists included, ultimately reject variants and accept only one
expresses her interest in social justice issues based on photographs taken in DC and while traveling. She utilizes “found” materials like newspapers and recycled artwork. Karen Edgett is a long-time resident of Capitol Hill and creative director of an advertising agency. In “Truth,” she seeks the truths—“what is not yet known”— imbedded in a painting. Michael Ford is a filmmaker who recorded everyday community life in Mississippi in his documentary “Homeplace” in 1975. His exhibit “Homeplace,” features photographs taken between 1970 and 2010. Vase With Flowers, oil on canvas, by Scott Warren Judith Peck is an “allegorical figurative artist” who paints haunting metaphors set of visual facts. But most artists (painters, poand ever-questioning realities, embedded with ets, writers, etc.) grow and thrive in the uncer“gessoed plaster shards.” She features an inditainty of the apparent. They revel in it. They vidual model to “travel life’s broken path.” www. know it’s all in their heads…and hands. hillcenterdc.org Scott Warren views his photographs as launching pads for paintings—to unleash the Gregory Ferrand memories of a place—of a moment—and Adah Rose Gallery lead you into possibilities of not just realities, 3766 Howard Ave but the very idea of reality. The possibilities Kensington, MD are unlimited. –Jan 6. Opening Recep: Sat, Nov. 18, 6-8 Gregory Ferrand paints intrigue. “It IS You (and At the Galleries me too)” is about alienation—the barriers we Single Artist Exhibitions construct to keep ourselves in, or keep others Hill Center out. It is also about painting. He focuses on light 921 Pennsylvania. Ave. SE and color to get a feeling of the “ebb and flow” –Dec. 30 of the human dynamic through the composiThe Hill center fall show is actually a collection tion—it has to be natural. Gregory Ferrand has of solo shows—six in all. There is a good variety a “need,” visually and psychologically, to find of styles and media: Oil painting, photography, common ground. And you will. monoprints and collage. Scott Warren (See: Artist Profile) travels the world professionally, visiting all the great museums and bringing the meanings of those exposures into his own paintings—“an important part of who I am.” “Worldviews,” is a composite collection of those experiences. French artist Jonathan Bessaci, in “Maps,” selectively cuts maps and rearranges the pieces into portraits and figurative works. He integrates rivers, highways, lakes, parks and even oceans into elements of the images. He builds multiple levels, with a piece of glass between each to create a sense of depth. Rachael Bohlander is a Washington DC lawyer and artist. In “Art of Empowerment,” she
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Capitol Hill Art League 545 7th St. SE Dec. 9 – Jan. 3 Holiday Sale—Dec. 9, 5-8 This is the big holiday show and the chance to pick up gifts for those special people on the list. Member artists will be offering the perfect answer, usually smaller works, that can be taken off the wall immediately. The show itself will continue through the month. www.chaw.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 u
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{arts and dining}
Holiday Gifting Made Easy Your Complete Libations Guide
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ach December we find ourselves in the same predicament, deciding how much to spend, determining what to give, and carving out the time to get our shopping done. The Schneider’s team has compiled the ultimate holiday beverage guide to help temper this very problem. From your scotch connoisseur boss, to millennial hipsters searching for quirky craft beer, to loyal Robert Parker followers who admire top-scoring showpiece bottles, I’ve put together a list that has something for everyone’s tastes. We’ve selected these libations from our shop to help you simplify your gift list. Here are the teams recommends:
Rick Genderson, Proprietor Ainneamh Speyside 18-Year-Old Single Malt $79.99 Pronounced an-yoov, this lovely lightcolored whisky was aged for 18 years in refill hogshead casks. The straw color is the perfect example of what natural aging with no color additives looks like. Don’t be fooled by the artificial color added to many other whiskeys – a dark color is not indicative of quality! Bright notes of apple, toffee, and savory smoke appear on the nose. The palate is incredibly smooth with hints of burnt orange peel, and caramel. Any scotch lover will appreciate this sophisticated bottle. Czars Gold Russian Vodka (1 Liter) $19.99 A gift fit for a king—or czar! A delightfully clean, fresh, and fragrant vodka with just a hint of black pepper, triple distilled form grain. The refined and soft taste is the perfect gift for Russian vodka connoisseurs. It gives vodka lov-
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ers the opportunity to taste the same delicious vodka the czars once did.
Joe Prebble, General Manager 2013 Domaine du Pégau “Cuvée Reservée Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France $69.99 A fantastically refined gift for the wine collector on your list. A beautiful example of southern Rhône, 2013 Pégau is comprised of 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 6% Mourvèdre and the rest are other permitted grapes. It has more depth and richness than most, as well as classic Pégau notes of ripe black cherries, peppery herbs, and cigar box. A wonderful pairing for your favorite winter comfort foods.
by Elyse Genderson Richard Bobrow, Spirits Director Jameson Trilogy $49.99 This is THE gift for fans of Irish Whiskey. The trilogy collection combines three of Jameson’s best whiskies: Jameson Caskmates, Jameson Black Barrel, and Jameson Irish Whiskey. Each style is triple distilled and expresses the classically smooth and slightly sweet Irish whiskey character. The diverse expressions range from balanced notes of citrus and barley to heavily charred oak, vanilla, toffee, almond, and caramel.
Fransac Extra 25 Year Old Cognac $64.99 Treat someone special this year. Nothing warms a chilly December evening quite like a fine Cognac. This 100% Grand Champagne Cognac is amazingly delicate, subtle, and oh so smooth. Weighty flavors of walnuts and tobacco are perfectly balanced.
Jefferson Wood Experiment $99.99 Bourbon lovers rejoice! This is a gift set for the whisky nerd in your life. They’ll get to comparatively taste five expressions of Jefferson’s aged in experimental wood casks. The team took four-year-old bourbon whiskey and aged it in one of 13 different cask types, from new wine barrels, to toasted hogshead barrels, to standard charred bourbon barrels with a variety of staves. This collection stands on it’s own as the most diverse and exciting array of youthful bourbon expressions.
Terry Brown, Wine Director
Tristan Walton, Beer Director
2015 Weinbach Riesling Schlossberg L’Inedit, Alsace, France $69.99 Weinbach Riesling offers mouthwatering, bracing acidity. Round and complex, with aromas and flavors of peach, nectarine, honeysuckle, and petrol, this is a very special dry Riesling.
Peak Organic Winter IPA (six pack) $11.99 A bright, easy drinking New England style IPA offering a lighter perspective on winter beers. This hoppy brew is infused with a blend of Calypso, Azacca, Simcoe, and Citra hops. The effortless gift for craft beer enthusiasts.
2009 Andrew Rich Croft Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon $45.99 An earthy and savory treat for the winelover in your life. Notes of black cherry, sandalwood on the nose, with Bing cherry, mushrooms, and cinnamon on the palate. The long luxurious finish makes this a sophisticated Pinot Noir for novices and aficionados alike.
the wine girl
Johnny Lopez, Wine Specialist 2007 La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904, Rioja, Spain $65.99 This 100% Tempranillo encompasses purity and balance. Classic style, velvety, drinking fabulously right now. An ideal gift for lovers of Spanish wine.
Elyse Genderson, Wine Specialist 2012 Trivium Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California $99.99 Trivium’s 15 row vineyard block is named “Les Ivrettes” in French meaning, “Tipsy Girls.” They produce only one wine from one place, creating a terroir-driven super star. Bold, ripe black cherry, plum and blackberry notes with tobacco leaf and earth. Elegant with a long, persistent finish. 2011 Ferragu Valpolicella Superiore, Verona, Italy $49.99 This is an outstanding example of Valpolicella. It is deep, rich, super concentrated, and offers floral aromas with hints of sweet blackberry jam, prune, cinnamon, anise, and clove. Extremely velvety and supple, this is the perfect wine for a woman who loves decadence. Visit Elyse Genderson at Schneider’s of Capitol Hill to discover wines you love. u
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LITERARY HILL
A Compendium of Readers, Writers, Books, & Events
The Gift of Reading Local writers have been busy this year. Make your friends and family the beneficiaries of their hard work by giving books this holiday season. And don’t forget to buy a few for yourself!
Eastern Market chef Jonathan Bardzik’s trio of cookbooks offer recipes for every season (and seasoning!).
Cooking with Jonathan Jonathan Bardzik’s cookbooks offer much more than recipes. Filled with warm anecdotes, suggestions for entertaining, beautiful photography, and kitchen tips, they make for delightful browsing. They’re so attractive that it would almost be a shame to get them spattered with sauce—except, of course, that they make you want to cook what’s on every page. Bardzik is a big fan of seasonal ingredients fresh from the farmer’s market and he provides clear but flexible steps to help you make the most of them. His recipes and stories reflect his philosophy, as well as his infectious joy at preparing delicious food for friends and family. The luxurious “Seasons to Taste,” the tasty “Simple Summer,” and the new stocking-stuffer sized “Vinaigrettes” would be welcome additions to any cook’s kitchen bookshelf.
Capital Kids Bill Gourgey gets teenagers. From a homeless tech prodigy fleeing an abusive home in “Capitol Kid” to a preternaturally talented young artist escaping foster care in “Attic Ward,” he masterfully portrays the lives of kids living on the edge.
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by Karen Lyon
classical soprano. “I’m performing the opera of my own life,” she writes, and her inspirational struggle and triumph are worthy of a libretto. “What Now, Lieutenant?” concerns a battle of a different sort. Four-Star General Richard “Butch” Neal relates his experiences over a 35-year career in the Marine Corps, including a pivotal moment in Vietnam that defined his sense of service. He went Bill Gourgey’s new Cap City Kids Novel, “Court Kasie,” completes on to become a spokesman a trifecta of young-adult suspense reading. for General Schwartzkopf In his latest book, “Court Kasie,” the issue is during Desert Storm and immigration. Kasie is a young student at Eastern retired as Assistant Commandant of the Marine High School whose parents were rousted in the Corps Barracks here on Capitol Hill. middle of the night by “the Iceman” and deported Louise Farmer Smith, author of two acthem to Mexico. She eluded capture, but knows it’s claimed collections of short stories (“One Hunonly a matter of time before immigration catches dred Years of Marriage” and “Cadillac, Oklahoup with her as well. Meanwhile, she hasn’t heard ma”) made her first foray into nonfiction this year from her parents in three weeks. “I don’t know if with “The Woman Without a Voice.” Using jourI’ll ever see my parents again,” she muses, “but I nals, historical documents and photographs, she do know that I don’t want to share their fate bereturns to her roots in Oklahoma and Nebraska, excause that would mean that the Iceman—and evploring the lives of her own pioneer ancestors and erything he represents—will have won. And that’s those of the many voiceless women who ventured just not acceptable to me.” into unknown territory to help settle our country. Gourgey’s Cap City Kids novels provide not only adventure and suspense, but also a firm sense of social conscience. His bright, resourceful characters are frequently forced to battle injustices not of their making and an establishment stacked against them. Young adult readers will enjoy the well-plotted stories while learning a little about the world and about people whose lives may be different from theirs.
Lives Well Lived Personal stories with universal resonance always make for welcome reading. In “The Encore,” Charity Tillemann-Dick writes of her resilience in the face of a devastating diagnosis, surviving two lung transplants to continue her career as a
New books published by local authors this year explore the lives of a classical soprano, a retired Marine Corps general, and a family of pioneer women.
WHODUNIT?
Colleen Shogan’s Washington Whodunit series features a Capitol Hill staffer and sleuth extraordinaire.
With the recent addition of “Calamity at the Continental Club,” Colleen Shogan has hit a triple play in her Washington Whodunit series. Her intrepid Hill staffer Kit Marshall has a penchant for stumbling across dead bodies and a knack for finding their killers. In “Stabbing in the Senate,” it’s her senator boss who’s the victim— and Kit herself is the chief suspect. She’s working for a representative in “Homicide in the House” when she discovers the corpse of the Speaker of the House on the floor of the Capitol rotunda. Suspicion falls on her boss, who is found standing over the body. The latest adventure finds Kit enmeshed in the doings of the Mayflower Society at an elite DC club, where all fingers point to her future father-in-law as the murderer of an obnoxious multimedia tycoon. Once again, it’s up to Kit to ferret out the truth. Filled with loads of insider dope about the workings of DC, and featuring a recurring cast of endearing characters (including a goofy dog named Clarence), Shogan’s smart and entertaining whodunits are just the ticket for the mystery lover on your list.
A DC Story
Nick Mann’s prequel, “Wounded,” rounds out the story of a group of DC friends he began in “Forgetful”
Nick Mann’s latest novel goes back in time to fill in the background to his earlier book, “Forgetful,” which found Dr. Benjamin Parks, a professor at a historic black DC university, fearing that he was losing his memory. In “Wounded,” Mann reveals the back story of Ben and his two lifelong friends who grew up together in the Michigan Park neighborhood, following them through the trials of military service, failed marriages, urban renewal, and alcoholism. Together, the two books provide a compelling and eyeopening picture of the experience of growing up black in the nation’s capital, and they speak volumes about the importance of friendship and the possibilities of redemption.
On the Hill in December East City Bookshop presents readings by Pamela Ehrenberg (“Queen of the Hanukkah Dosas”), Dec. 3, 3 p.m., and Richard McGregor (“Asia’s Reckoning: China, Japan, and the Fate of US Power in the Pacific Century”), Dec. 7, 6:30 p.m. www.eastcitybookshop.com. Folger Shakespeare Library hosts the PEN/Faulkner Fiction PEN/Malamud Celebration, honoring Jhumpa Lahiri, Dec. 8, 8 p.m.; and O.B. Hardison Poetry’s Emily Dickinson Birthday Tribute with Sandra Gilbert, Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m. Tickets and information at 202-544-7077 or www.folger.edu. The Hill Center and the PEN/Faulkner Foundation co-host a screening of “Soul of a People: Writing America’s Story,” a documentary about the WPA’s Writers’ Project (1935-1942), Dec. 12, 7 p.m. Free but register at www.hillcenterdc.org or 202-549-4172. Smithsonian Associates continues its “American Novels of the ‘20s” series with “Plum Bun” by Jessie Redmon Fauset, Dec. 18, 6:45 p.m., and its “Tea With a Bookseller” series with Brennan Baker from The Potter’s House, Dec. 3, 4:00 p.m.; and offers a day-long seminar, “Write the Stories of Your Ancestors,” with Hill author and genealogist John Coletta, Dec. 2, 9:30 a.m.-4:15 p.m, and “Dickens Without the Humbug,” a reading with author Daniel Stashower and actor Scott Sedar, Dec. 5, 6:45 p.m. www.smithsonianassociates.org. u
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THE POETIC HILL by Karen Lyon
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long-time lover of reading and writing, DC area native Jordi Rozenman has been a high school English teacher and is now a college counselor for high school students at a DC school. She has a B.A. from Goucher College, studied at the Sorbonne in Paris, and earned her teaching license at George Mason University. Jordi has been a selected poetry reader for the DC literary reading series, The Inner Loop, and was a featured reader at the Poets’ Corner@Tunnicliff’s open-mic event in May.
Books and Gold I read books like medicine What would Atticus do And if you’re looking for wisdom undistilled Aslan the Lion, and Dumbledore. Of course. And I take my metaphors literally So the center, then, is calm This calm the absolute A byproduct of wisdom, clearly, Or the seed, or both And you could almost Get it from Jane Eyre, Almost. That is the result, perhaps, Of existing as your own rock. What would they say Now if they could see us Not much, They would not say much, and How is it That in our love we can Appropriate them to use Against each other
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Even There should be Some physical barrier Preventing such a grave Misreading of purity Which hurts In a way that pins and twists But go back To them and go back deeper And you’ve got the devil and that Bible; Shakespeare. He knew. Keep mining, and mining and mining And then clear it out and hold it in your heart And out in your hand because The common ground is only calm And writing a story is building And poetry is excavation If you would like to have your poem considered for publication, please send it to klyon@literaryhillbookfest. org. (There is no remuneration.) u
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{health & fitness}
Scar Tissue Release Treatment
Restore Range of Motion, Relieve Pain and Discomfort
F
by Pattie Cinelli
our and a half years ago Hanaa Rifaey delivered her first child by Cesarean section. The tightness and discomfort from the surgical scar bothered Hanaa for years. She felt it often when putting on slacks. She also experienced discomfort from the scar between contractions when delivering her second baby. Every time her son climbed into her lap she felt pain from the scar and had to reposition him. “I thought this was something I just had to live with. It never occurred to me that this Frances Reed, co-owner and senior massage therapist at Freed Bodyworks. Photo: Tyler Grigsby
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Gentle Techniques Lead to Great Results A patient with severe spinal pain and headaches came in. A gentle chiropractic treatment was too much for her, and she had a bad reaction. Her husband said, “Don’t go back to him!” She knew I had done a much gentler techniques for her in the past. We did that technique. Huge success. Every person, and sometimes every incident, is different. 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
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Frances Reed massages the scar of a client who had surgery for herniated discs Photo: Jessica VonDyke
could be remedied.” When she mentioned the scar to her massage therapist, Frances Reed, massage therapist and co-owner of Freed Bodyworks, Rifaey discovered she didn’t have to live with the pain any longer. After two sessions of scar tissue release treatment her C-section scar is significantly flatter and is no longer painful. “It’s made a huge difference. I felt it immediately after our first session. I don’t need to move my son off that part of my belly anymore.” “Scar tissue causes restriction. Then the body adapts to the restriction. It becomes a chain reaction,” says Reed. “Physical restriction can affect posture and breath, it can create anxiety and lead to bigger problems.”
One of Reed’s clients, a woman in her 50s, was experiencing hip pain. After ruling out obvious structural hip issues, Reed asked her if she had had a C-section. Her client laughed, and said, ‘Yes, many years ago. What does that have to do with anything?” Once Reed released the scar tissue from the C-section, the client’s hip pain disappeared.
Who Can Benefit? Scar tissue release treatment is not just for women who have had C-sections. Scar tissue is a type of fascia or connective tissue which covers our entire body from the top of our head to the tip of our toes. Scar tissue is different from other fascia because it is quickly formed to repair an area of the body that is
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damaged from surgery or injury. “It doesn’t have nerves, it doesn’t have elasticity and is not like regular fascia,” said Reed. “It never goes away unless something can break it up.” Anyone who has had surgery, an injury, a muscle tear or a sprain where tendons are torn can get relief from discomfort, restore range of motion, free up movement and feel better from Scar Tissue Release Treatment. Walter Fritz, physical therapist and specialist in fascia release said he treats clients for back, neck, and foot pain, headaches, nerve entrapment issues, and pain and dysfunction associated with scar
tissue. Fascia release specialist Steve Jurch agrees. “Using fascial therapy on clients suffering from scar tissue dysfunction pains can help create a more functional scar.” Reed, who recently completed a workshop specializing in scar release treatment for oncological patients, said this treatment can also help improve movement for older individuals who have joint restrictions that cause pain. Keloid scars which are thick and are the result of excessive growth of fibrous tissue can also be worked through the Scar Tissue Release Treatment. “Because keloid scarring has a different im-
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mune system response than regular scars, internal scarring can be broken up, but the raised part of the scar won’t change,” said Reed.
The Technique Scar Tissue Release Treatment is very gentle. “The therapist slowly works the scar with small motions that moves the scar back and forth until the tissue releases,” explains Rifaey. “It’s not painful at all.” According to Reed one or two 30-60 minute sessions can alleviate most of the trauma caused by a straightforward surgical scars. If someone has had knee replacement that was preceded by years of arthritis or injury which creates more complex scarring, it can be a longer process to release the scar tissue. “The next thing Frances is going to tackle is my shoulder injury that I got in high school from playing tennis,” said Rifaey. “My shoulder doesn’t move correctly. I don’t have full mobility.” She encourages anyone with any form of scars that are bothering them to try the treatment. “It’s going to change your life.” For more information email: frances@freedbodyworks.com or call: 202-3219715. Pattie Cinelli is a professional writer who has been writing her column for more than 25 years. She is also holistic fitness consultant who trains clients in homes, offices and Sport & Health and teaches yoga and Pilates. She writes her columns about the leading edge of health and fitness thought and practice. Email Pattie with questions or comments to:fitness@pattiecinelli.com. u
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{health and fitness}
Cool Pet Facts The District Vet by Libby Torchia, DVM
H
ello, readers! Just a quick line to introduce myself, a new member of the District Veterinary Hospital team, Capitol Hill neighborhood and the Hill Rag. I am one of the veterinarians here at District Veterinary HospitalEastern Market, along with Dr. Dan Teich. Originally from Ohio, I attended Ohio State University for my doctorate of veterinary medicine. My husband and I moved to DC this summer with our dog Mira and two cats, Ivy and Rumple. I look forward to meeting you!
Some Help for the Holidays Ah, the holidays. The crisp weather, the seasonal festivities, the awkward work and family gatherings. Are you prepared for the inevitable fumbling that accompanies questions such as, “I see you have not started a family”? If not, fear not. We here at District Veterinary Hospital are to the rescue. Smooth over any unwelcome question with this bevy of interesting facts about dogs and cats. Trust us, no one will notice.
Cool Words to Drop into Conversation 1. Borborygmous (bor-bor-ig-muss) is the gurgly sound made by the gastrointestinal tract as it goes about its routine. As in, “Why Aunt Martha, how kind of you to mention the delay in my dissertation. As you can tell from my pronounced borborygmous, I need to go immediately to the appetizer table. Farewell!” 2. Polydactyl (polly-dac-till) means having extra toes, as is common among cats and great Pyrenees dogs. Try it when asked about the condition of your house. “You know, if only I was polydactyl like my dear cat Persimmon, I feel that I could get a better handle on cleaning.” 3. Sphenopalatine ganglioneuralgia (s-feeno-pala-teen gang-glio-nur-al-gee-a) is an ice cream headache. We are not sure if dogs experience these, but we sure do. Use the phrase with flourish for a dramatic exit. Throw your hand across
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your head (ideally after eating something cold) and yell, “Alas! What wretched sphenopalatine ganglioneuralgia! Away, I must, away!” No one will question you. We swear.
Dog Jokes That Will Make You Immensely Popular
Cat Facts Relevant to Nearly Any Situation
1. H ow did the dog stop the discussion? He pressed the paws button. Tell this joke when asked to comment on politics, money or religion. Repeat several times as needed to drop an appropriately large hint.
1. A group of cats is called a clowder. A group of kittens is called a kindling. Try this when asked about your timeline for having children: “It takes a clowder to raise a kindling, truly. And Joe and I, we are real fire starters for soup.”
2. Why wasn’t the dog a smooth talker? All he could say was “Rough, rough.” This is best reserved for instances of sticking one’s foot in one’s mouth. We find it is best received when followed by a small tail wag.
2. Cats have whiskers on the back of their front legs. Best deployed on the co-worker whose personal bubble is lacking in size and who, amazingly, is always right behind you when you turn around. As in, “You know Berrybea, my cat? She has these amazing whiskers on the back of her legs that let her know when something is too close to her, even when she can’t see it. Sometimes I really envy Berrybea.” Pair this with a big step away.
3. What do you call a dog that licks an electrical socket? Sparky.
3. Cats have free-floating clavicles (collarbones), which allow them to squeeze their shoulders through any space that their head can fit. Consider this when the ice cream headache trick does not work. It is best paired with a demonstration. Just be careful to choose a first-floor exit route with a soft landing.
Dog jokes can make excellent cues to one’s partner that the time to escape a certain conversation, party or individual is nigh, especially when said joke is deployed during a particularly awkward silence. So there you have it: a practically failproof arsenal of facts, jokes and new vocab to push your holiday party game to the top. Best wishes in your holiday adventures from the team at District Veterinary Hospital. May the cool animal facts be with you. Libby Torchia, DVM, is at District Veterinary Hospital, 240 Seventh St. SE; 202-888-1230 and desk@districtvet.com. u
Your friend is cool. His Vet should be, too.
240 7TH ST. SE, WDC 20003
202-888-2090 • districtvet.com
NOW
OPEN
and ready to see your furry friends at Eastern Market and Brookland! District Vet is an independent, locally owned veterinary hospital focused on the needs of you and your pet. We believe that no two pets are the same and that each deserves individualized love and attention. It’s our philosophy. It’s just who we are.
Be a part of our community. December 2017 H 117
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N O T E B O O K by Kathleen Donner
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“Snow Day” at the Atlas One cold December morning, a young girl named Skip wakes up to find the entire neighborhood covered in a thick, white blanket of white snow. It is her very first snow day. Skip meets a playful and mischievous winter elf, who shows her how magical snow can be! This nonverbal production, Dec. 17 to 30, features live music and lots of wintertime fun, just in time for the holiday season. This Theatre for the Very Young production is best for ages 2 to 6. $12. All patrons age one and above must have a ticket. The Atlas, 1333 H St. NE. atlasarts.org.
Capital City Symphony Carol Concert On Dec. 10, 4:30 and 7 p.m., Capital City Symphony, Congressional Chorus, and American Youth Chorus perform a variety of holiday favorites in this perennially loved performance. There will be complimentary cookies and good cheer in the lobby. $12 to $20. Atlas Performing Arts Center. capitalcitysymphony.org.
Season’s Greenings at the Botanic Garden Season’s Greenings is open every day, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., through Jan. 1, 2018. Remember that the best things in life are free. Enjoy the fragrance of a freshly cut fir tree, the magic of holiday lights, the beauty of sumptuous decorations and the delight of a child discovering the make-believe world of model trains. Free. 100 Maryland Ave. SW. usbg.gov.
A Circus Carol at the Atlas It’s holiday pageant time at W.T. Dickens High School! Chaos reigns supreme throughout the school halls as teachers, administrators and students try to get it together in time for their annual holiday production. Watch as the circus atmosphere comes to life in “A Circus Carol,” as incredible aerial performances dazzle and bring their characters together to rise literally above the holiday madness. A Circus Carol plays on Dec. 16, 1 and 6 p.m. and Dec. 17, 6 p.m., at the Atlas, 1333 H St. NE. atlasarts.org.
Mad Science Winter Break Have the kids spend their time off school at Hill Center with some Mad Scientists! Mad Science delivers unique, hands-on science experiences for children that are as entertaining as they are educational. The four-day camp, for grades one to five, is from Dec. 26 to 29, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. $260. hillcenterdc.org.
Step Afrika!’s Family Fun Pack Family Thursdays at the Capitol On December Thursdays at 11 a.m., make a journal to honor the historic event when women staged the 1913 Parade in Washington DC that paved the way for the passage of the 19th Amendment. Meet at the entrance to Exhibition Hall. The program is 30 minutes. visitthecapitol.gov.
Duke Ellington’s Family Holiday On Dec. 9 at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. and Dec. 10 at 1:30 p.m., come groove along with the Duke’s jazz piano. Take the kids on an interactive journey through Duke Ellington’s DC and discover how a local hero championed African-American musicians, influenced the Harlem Renaissance, shaped the cultural history of DC and became an international star. General admission for this In Series production is $25; seniors and young professionals, $23; kids and students, $15. This production is at GALA Theatre, 3333 14th St. NW. inseries.org.
Seasons of Light On Dec. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 14, 18, 19, 20 and 21; 10:15 and 11:30 a.m. (also a 1 p.m. show on Dec. 7, 12 and 19); enjoy “Seasons of Light,” an annual celebration of seasonal holidays from around the world. The history and customs of Diwali (Devali), Chanukah, Las Posadas,
From Dec. 15 to 30, celebrate the holidays with clapping, stomping and all-around fun featuring their furry friends from the Animal Kingdom, and a special dance party with DJ Frosty the Snowman. Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show is suited to adults and kids ages 4, up. Join them in the lobby 30 minutes before show time to decorate a musical instrument to make music with Step Afrika! Attending as a family? Get four tickets for $100 with their Family Fun Pack (includes two adult tickets and two tickets for children 16 and under). Regular ticket prices are $18 to $45. The Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. atlasarts.org. Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show’s contemporary, interactive step performance has become a beloved, festive tradition at the Atlas. Audiences can take part in a pre-show instrument making workshops and a post-show dance party.
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Clay H ill S ta
es bl LESSONS • TRAINING • SHOWS • LEASES BEGINNER - ADVANCED LEVELS Courtesy of Keegan Theatre
Convenient, family oriented and friendly farm environment just 15 minutes from the city! Clay Hill Stables (….Since 1964) Springdale, Maryland
Clayhill1@Comcast.net | (301) 773-0444
How to Catch a Leprechaun Based on the familiar Irish folktale, “How to Catch a Leprechaun” follows the comical adventures of the wistful minstrel Riley O’Really, who really wants to catch a leprechaun. He’s got everything he needs for his trap: a pair of sharp eyes, a good Irish folk song in his heart and, most importantly, an irresistible pitcher of green lemonade. The wee leprechaun who Riley catches seems more than willing to give up his pot of gold. But, it is his offer a leprechaun trick or a leprechaun treat? Tickets are $15. Performances are at the Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church St. NW, at 11 a.m., on Dec. 16, 17, 23, 26, 30 and 31. keegantheatre.com. Ramadan, Sankta Lucia Day, Kwanzaa, Christmas, and the First Nations’ tradition of the Winter Solstice make for an amazing interactive event that bridges communities and cultures. Back for its 19th season, this signature Discovery Theater show sells out early, so get tickets now. For ages 5 to 10. These shows are at the Smithsonian Ripley Center, 1100 Jefferson Dr. SW. Tickets are $6 per child, $3 for under two and $8 for adults. discoverytheater.org.
NW. Tickets may be reserved one week prior to the performance. The reservation system closes at 10 a.m. on the Friday before the performance but walk-ins are welcome if there is room. Register and get more information at thenationaldc.org. Here’s the remaining 2017 lineup: Dec. 9, Traveling Lantern--A Christmas Carol; and Dec. 16, Bright Star Theatre: Holiday Songs--Music Around the World.
Saturday Mornings at The National
On Dec. 16, 1 p.m., the young and the young at heart will revel in the joy of the season as holiday favorites ring throughout the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. Bring the kids for an unforgettable holiday experience as Maestro Scott Tucker and the Choral Arts Chorus lead a whirlwind tour of favorite sing-alongs and Christmas classics that will have the family singing all the way home. Expect visits from Santa, Frosty, and Rudolph!
Visit the National Theatre on select Saturday mornings for free programs that engage and inspire young minds. Saturday programming is best suited for children 4 to 10. Siblings and friends of other ages are always welcome. Performances take place Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. in the Helen Hayes Gallery. The National Theatre is at 1321 Pennsylvania Ave.
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The Choral Arts Family Christmas
Some schools give you a DESK, we give you a CITY.
Friends Community School
Quaker Progressive Education Kindergarten - Grade 8
Experience the Joy of an Extraordinary Education!
Open Houses 2018 Personalized
(Average class size of 8)
+
Deeper Learning (2 academic subjects per 10-week term)
= Lifelong, Self-Directed Learners Priority application deadline:
JANUARY 31, 2018
INFO SESSIONS EVERY THURSDAY AT 9AM RSVP: http://info.blythtempleton.org/hill17
Parents are invited to attend. All begin at 9 am (sharp) - 11 am.
Saturday, January 6 Thursday, January 11 Application Deadline: Jan. 12 (Reg.) 5901 Westchester Park Drive, College Park, MD 20740 Tel: 301.441.2100 www.friendscommunityschool.org Only 15-20 minutes away! Many families from The Hill! December 2017 H 121
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cheer. On stage at the Kennedy Center, Dec. 19 to 31, it is most enjoyed by ages 3, up. All patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket. kennedy-center.org. Stay after the 1:30 p.m. performance on Dec. 22 for a free Kids’ Chat. Following the performance, young audience members can ask questions and hear engaging stories in an upclose-and-personal talk with some of the artists.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever at Anacostia Playhouse
Santa Visits the Hill On Dec. 9, 10 a.m. to noon. Santa will be at Frager’s Garden Center, 1323 E St. SE. Please bring your own camera. Enjoy hot cider. On Dec. 16, Christmas on Barracks Row starts with a “pajama” showing at 11 a.m. of Polar Express at Miracle Theater, 535 Eighth St. SE. Then Santa, along with elves, trains and hot chocolate, is inside Taoti Creative, 530 Eighth St. SE, from 1 to 5 p.m. He will be standing for pictures. He expects a new, unwrapped toy for “Toys for Tots”. As a special bonus this year, the Capitol Hill Chorale sings carols up and down Eighth Street all afternoon. barracksrow.org. Santa meets with kids on Barracks Row last year. Remember to bring your camera. Photo: Courtesy of Barracks Row Main Street
This one-hour concert is perfect for children ages 5, up. $20 to $45. kennedy-center.org.
Mr. Popper’s Penguins In the small town of Stillwater, painter and decorator Mr. Popper is a pleasant, practical, predictable person who periodically pines for polar adventures. But when a peculiar package on the Poppers’ porch produces a penguin, chaos waddles into their lives. Soon, the Poppers open their home and hearts to not one, not two, but a bunch of boisterous blackand-white birds! With catchy songs and penguin puppets aplenty, this fresh and funny musical adaptation of Richard and Florence Atwater’s popular book will leave the audience chirping with
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play pre-show workshop, and a free A Mini-Summer Nightís Dream on Dec. 10 and 16 at 11 a.m. Read more at shakespearetheatre.org/education/familyand-community/family-week-series.
The Nutcracker A Washington tradition for 26 years, “The Nutcracker” is the story of Clara-Marie’s favorite toy, and their adventures together in the Land of the Sugerplum Fairy. Music from Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet blends with marionettes and costume characters to create this unique production. On stage at Glen Echo, through Dec. 31. This show is recommended for ages 5, up. Running time is 45 minutes. Tickets are $12. thepuppetco.org.
Beth Bradley’s church’s Christmas pageant is predictable every year: the angel choir wears too much lipstick, the shepherds are all in their father’s bathrobes, and the minister’s son is permanently cast Have an item for the Kids and Family Notebook? Email in the role of Joseph. But when authoritative pagit to bulletinboard@hillrag.com. u eant director Mrs. Armstrong breaks her leg, it is up to Beth’s inexperienced mother Grace to step in. The timing couldn’t be worse, as the rambunctious Herdman children, a rough and tough group of siblings, descend upon the pageant, lured by the promise of free dessert at Sunday school. They are determined to win all the lead roles for themselves. Beth and her community watch in surprise as the same old Christmas story is rejuvenated by the creativity, energy, and unexpected sincerity of a misunderstood young family. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever will run at the Anacostia Playhouse, 2020 Shannon Pl. SE, from Dec. 9 to 23, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 Courtesy of the Washington Nationals Baseball Club p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. $20 to $40. PWYC will be available at door 30 minutes prior to curtain. anacosWashington Nationals Winterfest tiaplayhouse.com. The Washington Nationals 2017 Winterfest is Dec. 16 and 17, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Washington Convention Center, 801 Mt. Vernon Pl. NW. Attend A Family-Friendly clinics with Nationals players and coaches. Watch Celebration of Twelfth Night a Home Run Derby featuring the Nationals masNow a cherished tradition, Shakepeare Thecots. Make a snow fort. Participate in the steal home ater’s Family Week: A Family-Friendly Celechallenge and take batting practice. Hear a winter bration of Twelfth Night, provides free and or baseball-themed story read by a Nationals playlow-cost programming so that every famier. Participate in the Kids Press Conferences. Sign ly member may learn, explore and build a up for 2018 season Jr. Nats Kids Club memberships. love for theatre. From Dec. 10 to 17, STC Ride down a giant slide reminiscent of a sledding will celebrate the themes, story and artists hill; and “Video Pitch,” where fans can give virtual in TWELFTH NIGHT through the workbatters their best pitch. Tickets start at $25 for kids; shops, performances, backstage tours, and $35 for adults. nationals.com/winterfest. events. Family Week also includes $40 tickets, a musical theater sing-along, playing the
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School Notes Brent Elementary Annual Brent PTA Holiday Tree and Greenery Sale On December 1-3 the 7th Annual Brent Elementary PTA Holiday Tree and Greenery sale will be back!!! Buy a gorgeous tree, wreath, greenery, and get in the holiday spirit all while supporting the school. The website is up now, and Brent PTA is taking orders at brentholidaysale.com. Items will include: Fraser fir Christmas trees (delivered within 2-3 days of being cut); Wreaths (boxwood, Fraser fir); Garland (boxwood, cedar, white pine); Poinsettias, (red, white, pink); Winterberry and a variety of beautiful Hanukkah items. Home delivery of your tree (Capitol Hill only) is available for $20 (pre-orders get delivery for $15!). New this year is a special “white glove service” where Brent PTO will even set up your tree in a stand for $40. Lastly don’t miss Jolly St. Nick himself making a guest appearance and available for pictures! Brent Elementary is located at 301 North Carolina Ave SE. Visit www.brentelementary.org for more information. u
Capitol Hill Cluster School The Cluster School Gives Thanks The parents and students of Watkins Elementary had a lot to be grateful for this Thanksgiving, as the school completed settling into the newly renovated home that opened on August 20 after a fourteen-month renovation.
Watkins fifth-graders make tri-cornered hats during a field trip to Dumbarton House.
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The Cluster community also expresses its gratitude to the many Cluster parents who sustained this effort through The Capitol Hill Cluster the years through their enercommunity expressed its gratgy and resolve. Among the itude for the support of Maymany parents who helped or Bowser; Councilman Grosmake this transformation a reso; Councilman Cheh; former ality were current and former Councilman Catania; and Cluster PTA leaders includANC Representatives Kirsting Caryn Ernst, Vince Moren Oldenberg and Nick Burgris, Beth Bacon, Lisa Miller, er throughout the three years Todd Hettenbach and Beth of the project, as well as the Students dressed up for Hayden, current and forproject’s greatest champion, Storybook Character Day mer members of the Watkins on the Watkins field. Councilman Charles Allen. Working Group, including The Cluster community Samah Norquist, Lona Valexpresses its thanks to School moro, Nakisha Winston, JenImprovement Team parent representatives Kevin nifer Thorpe-Lewis, Jennifer Schafer-Soderman, White, Joe McNamara, Lindsay Miller, and Carl and Rachel Harriott, the Foodprints and Outdoor McFadgion for the hundreds of hours they all put Team including Jenn Mampara, Jane Hellewell, in since the process began in 2014 to make this new and Garden Expert Barbara Percival. home a reality, as well as the fantastic SIT teacher The Cluster community is grateful to the representatives - Claire (Reintgen) Smullen, Currie scores of Cluster parents who made calls, wrote letRenwick and Christine Kurtz. ters and sent emails to the Council and the MayThe Cluster community is grateful to former or’s office. Parents attended countless meetings and Watkins Administration leaders Vanessa Drumm, roundtables on budget forums and school modernAnthony Lawson, and Dawn Clemens for spearization plus provided critical written and in-person heading the initial renovation process, and to curtestimony to three Council committees: Committee rent Watkins Administration leaders Elena Bell, Ashon Education; Committee on Transportation and ley Croft, and Nikeysha Jackson for making the plan the Environment; and, Committee on Government a reality and guiding the school through a full year in Oversight. The Cluster community is also grateful the swing space, and to the Eliot-Hine community to all of the families that attended the DGS/DCPS for hosting the school during this transition. community meetings and asked tough questions to ensure the success of this project. The Cluster community extends a special thank you to those that went the extra step throughout the process: Valerie Jablow, Bernetta Reece, Simon Epstein, Sara McLean, Laura Marks, Lisa Raymond, Monica Warren-Jones, and Anne Corbett. Finally, the Cluster community thanks the neighbors of Watkins Elementary for putting up with 14 months of dust, construction equipment and noise. The final result was certainly worth the effort, and the students, teachers, parents and Administration are truly grateful to be at home at the new Watkins Elementary!
by Susan Braun Johnson
Cluster students play games with representatives from Labyrinth at the annual Cluster Family Game Night
The Capitol Hill Cluster School’s website is www.capitolhillclusterschool.org. Peabody is located at 425 C St. NE. Watkins Elementary School is located at 420 12th St. SE. Stuart-Hobson is located at 410 E St. NE. - Sean O’Brien. u
Maury Elementary Maury Loves Literacy Reading is a big deal at Maury – celebrated each fall with two very special events, Storybook Character Day and Family Literacy Night. Storybook Character Day, delightful in its simplicity, takes place on the school day closest to Halloween. Students may wear a costume depicting a character in a favorite book – but they must bring the book with them. The fun concludes with a parade around the block. A lot of creativity went into the costumes, many of which were homemade. In addition to the expected Harry Potter people, princesses, pirates, ghouls, superheroes and Greek gods, there was a tornado, a cup of coffee with donut, a gumball machine, a smattering of “founding fathers”, someone’s pet dog dressed as a lion and another as a dinosaur. Family Literacy Night is an entire evening of book-related fun with multiple stations throughout the school. Students made paper bag puppets to look like their favorite characters, played Book Title Charades and enjoyed a sight-word scavenger hunt – with prizes for all who completed their lists. There were activities based on two favorite authors
Storybook Character Day at Maury ES
– Shel Silverstein and Mo Willems. Students made leaves for the school Giving Tree to recognize something they contribute to the Maury Community and used photographs and markers to create pages in the style of Mo Willems. The younger kids sorted magnetic letters and the older kids made their own books. Best of all, refreshments were served – milk and cookies, of course. Maury Elementary is located at 1250 Constitution Ave., NE. Call them at 202-698-3838 or visit mauryelementary.com for more information. - Elizabeth Nelson. u
Miner Elementary PTO Holiday Greenery Sale The Miner PTO is hosting its 2nd annual Holiday Greenery Sale on December 1st from 5-8 p.m. and December 2 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Neighbors are invited and encouraged to purchase their tree, wreath, garland, tree stand and yummy baked goods to support the PTO.
Move!Play!Grow! Sponsors Praise! The Miner Elementary PTO recently completed its Move!Play!Grow! (M!P!G!) fundraising campaign and would like to thank the many generous supporters from the Capitol Hill business community. This was the first time Miner’s PTO reached out to the business community for support and the response was incredible!! The Principal’s List sponsors include the Chris Hardgrave Group; Tom Faison Real Estate in DC; Fulcrum Properties Group; Trent & Co, LLC; and John Smith & Peter Grimm of the SMITH TEAM Realtors. The Scholar sponsors include Allied Title & Escrow; City Chic Real Estate; The Rob & Brent Group; Phil Guire & Jeanne Harrison; Peter Principe - DC Properties Group; and Congressional Capital LLC. The Move!Play!Grow!
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campaign set a high bar to make real, positive and lasting impacts on Miner students’ lives both in and out of school, but none of it would be possible without the generous support of these amazing sponsors! On behalf of the PTO and all Miner families, THANK YOU!! Miner will continue to lavish thanks and praise on these sponsors throughout the year as the PTO embarks on new and exciting efforts to support the students.
Book-O-Ween & Oktoberfest celebrations Miner students had an amazing Halloween at school. The day kicked off with “Book-O-Ween” for the ECE classes, where students dressed as their favorite literary characters and then were able to paint their own pumpkins. The entire school then participated in a costume parade around the block, showing off their awesome costumes and Miner Bear pride to our neighbors. The day’s festivities ended with our annual tradition: Oktoberfest! All Miner students were able to enjoy a petting zoo, bounce house, face painting, hay jump, pumpkin roll, and other fun games and activities. Miner Elementary is located at 601 15th ST, NE. Reach the PTO at minerPTO@gmail.com or www.minerelementary.org/parent-teacher-organization.html. u
School Within School Super Math Solvers Is Back Maurice Tome, SWS’s Instructional Coach, has restarted his popular Wednesday morning math program for third, fourth and fifth-graders. Now in its second year, through Super Math Solvers (in which parents are also welcome to join) students explore thought-provoking and intriguing math problems in a joyful, creative way. The program reinforces growth mindset mathematics, having fun while
Super Math Solvers at SWS: What do the following shapes and designs all have in common? What do you notice about them?
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learning, and doing math in a visualbased way.
Friends of SWS is Looking for New Board Members The Friends of SWS Board of Directors is recruiting new board members. In addition to parents, the board is also seeking community members who do not have children enrolled in the school. Friends of SWS is tasked with fundraising (to support school needs not fulfilled by DCPS) as well as providing oversight and guidance on spending to the principal.
Literacy Night at SWS On October 25 SWS teachers from all Eliot-Hine eighth-graders whip up some fresh salsa in health class. Photo: F. Ramirez. grade levels held workshops about how children develop reading and writing tance of healthy meals and an active lifestyle and skills, and how parents can support this at home. provides them with a sense of independence and Fourth and fifth-grade teachers discussed strateself-reliance, and a path to be their best selves. gies for engaging upper-elementary students to read and write at home, first through third-grade Eliot-Hine’s New Look on C Street! teachers explored the importance of choosing Have you noticed the fantastic Eliot-Hine eagle books with the right level of complexity, and premural on the C Street side of Eliot-Hine? Thank k and kindergarten teachers looked at how emeryou to E-H parent Kristina Vidal for applying for gent writing empowers kids to express their ideas. School Within School is located at 920 F St NE. Call a Dept. of Public Works mural program to enliven them at 202-727-7377 or learn more at www.schoolthis side of the building. Check it out! withinschool.org. - By Carolyn Banfalvi. u
Eliot-Hine Middle School Healthy Minds and Bodies Eliot-Hine has a strict junk food policy. Principal Young, a former track star originally from health-conscious California, intends to cultivate healthy minds and bodies for her students. If any junk food comes in the building and is not in an actual lunch box/bag, the junk food will be thrown away. The reason for the lunch box/bag is so the staff knows that the food came from home, and was not purchased on the way to school without parents’ knowledge and permission. In November, eighth-graders got a chance to test their cooking skills with healthy recipes during their “What’s Cooking” cornerstone project for their health education class with Ms. Kemp. Students prepared healthy recipes such as fresh salsa and black bean hummus that can easily be recreated at home with family. Students also learned about different cultures associated with the food they made, as well as food safety. Ms. Kemp believes in creating a learning experience that also teaches students the impor-
Upcoming Open Houses Principal Young heard families when they asked for open houses that were germane to their school populations, so to that end, here are dates specific to Eliot-Hine feeders. Note that all are welcome to attend on any date. Eliot-Hine will also be at EdFest, which is Dec. 9 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at DC Armory located at 2001 East Capitol St. SE. Admission and parking are free. Miner ES: Dec. 19 at 10 a.m. Maury ES: Jan. 23 at 10 a.m. Payne ES: Feb. 6 at 10 a.m. SWS ES: Feb. 27 at 10 a.m. All Schools: Feb. 17 at 4:30 p.m. Eliot-Hine IB Middle School is located at 1830 Constitution Ave. NE. For more information, call 202939-5380 or go to www.eliothinemiddleschool.org, on Twitter at @EliotHine, and on Facebook it’s Eliot-Hine. DCPS’ Eliot-Hine blog is at dcpsplanning.wordpress. com/category/eliot-hine. - Heather Schoell. u
Eastern High School Eastern Offers Free Books for All! The “Give the Gift of Books” event is at Eastern
Now on th
e Hill
“Books to the Big Screen” Club where students receive a copy of a popular young adult literary novel. The club meets monthly to discuss the novel and view the film based on the book. It’s highly encouraged that students and parents, not only from Eastern, but the surrounding community take advantage of these opportunities. Also, Mrs. Dodsworth sponsors a group of Eastern students who are members of the Young Readers’ Center Teen Board at the Library of Congress. Please contact Mrs. Dodsworth at ellen.dodsworth@dc.gov for further information. Happy holidays from Eastern! “Give the Gift of Books” at Eastern’s book giveaway party! Photo: E. Dodsworth.
Senior High School’s library on Dec. 8 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Nat King Cole croons “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire.” as the backdrop to Eastern students busily helping Mrs. Dodsworth, Eastern’s librarian, restock the library tables with brand new books, making sure the displays are inviting to the holiday shoppers. Those intended holiday shoppers are Eastern students and their family members, faculty and staff, as well as students and family members from Eastern’s feeder schools, all perusing through books for all ages, all free of charge. The books have been donated from a myriad of sources and underwritten by a generous grant from the Capitol Hill Community Foundation (thank you!). Mrs. Dodsworth works all year stockpiling books for this holiday event. In addition, Eastern students volunteer to gift wrap the books and ensure that treats stay replenished and hot cocoa keeps flowing. This year they will be joined by the “Mighty Greens,” Eastern’s student-run garden club selling their wares for great stocking stuffer gifts like handcrafted lip balms and herb seasonings. Other library events are monthly lunchtime author visits and the
Thank You, ANC6A!
The Alliance Française of Washington DC has landed in Capitol Hill at the Hill Center (two blocks from the Eastern Market Metro Station) Native French speaking teachers will lead our most popular children’s classes: Our 1-hour “Pitchouns” class for the 3 to 5 y.o, is a fun language discovery with arts, songs, dance, games and stories
Our 1.5 hour “Gamins & Gamines” class for the 5 to 6 y.o. stimulate your child’s intellectual, motor and artistic skills while they learn a new language
Please visit www.francedc.org Contact us at children@francedc.org or call 202.234.7911
Eastern’s Blue and White Marching Machine applied for an ANC6A grant and was awarded it in part at the Nov. ANC meeting at Miner Elementary. The portion that was not funded was quickly made up in pledges and passionate support for this asset to the Capitol Hill community. Thank you to ANC6A and supporters! If you would like to help Eastern’s band keep up with expenses necessary to perform and compete, please send checks to Eastern PTO with “Band” in the memo to the address below (yes, it is NE with a SE zip code!). Thank you for your support! Eastern Senior High School is located at 1700 East Capitol St, NE. To learn more call 202-698-4500, log onto easternhighschooldc.org, or follow @ EasternHS and FB easternhighschool. - Heather Schoell. u
Capitol Hill Cooperative Nursery School Hilloween’s Ultimate Hill Date Night Raffle As it does every year, CHCNS ran a booth at Hilloween and brought its touch of fun to the event: face painting, popcorn, and water to rinse the sweet teeth. The parents also put together
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{kids and family}
nate with each group identifying the appropriate audience, and advocating for ways students can strengthen the community. Visit Capitol Hill Day School to learn more about its child-centered, hands-on curriculum, and its focus on social justice education and activism. Contact admissions@chds.org to schedule a tour, or attend an Admissions Open House on December 8, from 9-10:30 a.m. Capitol Hill Day School is located at 210 South Carolina Ave. SE. Call 202-386-9919 or visit www.chds.org to learn more. Facebook @CapitolHillDaySchool; Twitter @ explorewithCHDS. - Sara Driscoll and Jane Angarola. u
Capitol Hill Cooperative Nursey School kids enjoy Hilloween!
quite a fiery raffle: at stake, a dinner for two at Rose’s Luxury (with no line standing!) and an Urban Sitter gift card to make sure the kids are taken care of as well. The winning ticket was drawn on Halloween day — who said kids were the only ones to get treats?
Open House-Dec 6 If you missed CHCNS’ November open houses, it is not too late to catch up! Come see the kids in action on December 6, at 10 a.m. CHCNS is located in a sunny classroom within the Capitol Hill United Methodist Church at 421 Seward Square, SE. Reach them at info@chcns.us or www. chcns.us. Stephane Ramet. u
Capitol Hill Day School CHDS Children as Change Makers Capitol Hill Day School sixth-graders are helping prepare for the school’s 50th anniversary in 20182019 by using their understanding of community to create videos that tell the story of the CHDS community. Students are conducting interviews; collecting images, words, and music; and researching school archival documents to help tell this story. Working in seven groups, students are responsible for researching and creating a video on their assigned topic: Community and Relationship Building; School History; Diversity; Mission and Philosophy; Daily Experience; Physical Spaces and Traditions. Students are also asking questions about how they can improve the CHDS community in each of these areas. The project will culmi-
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St. Peter’s School ‘Tis the Season for Giving This year will be St. Peter School’s third year participating in the Greg Gannon Food Drive which allows school families to partner with local residents to give back to the less fortunate on Capitol Hill. Families will collect canned and other non-perishable good from around the community and then provide those donations to the Father McKenna Center, a food bank at Gonzaga College High School. Please consider giving generously.
Alumni & Former Students As St. Peter School gears up for a big 150th Anniversary Celebration on April 21 the school is trying to connect with as many alumni and former students as possible. Please encourage friends and friends of friends to register via the school website www.stpeterschool.org.
This Christmas! On December 14, the students, teachers, parents
Capitol Hill Day School pairs older and younger classes, which get together regularly. Here a sixth-grader reads to his younger buddy.
and friends will discover how fun it will be as they carol through the night at St. Peter Church during the annual Christmas Concert. The talented angels of St. Peter School will offer very special renditions of traditional holiday songs that won’t leave a dry eye among those blessed to witness this spectacle. St. Peter School is located at 422 Third St. Call them at 202-544-1618 Or email: info@stpeterschooldc.org. - Tony Militello. u
Blyth-Templeton Academy Exploration of the Anacostia River What do environmental justice, passive trash traps, bald eagles and a sunny two-hour boat ride on the Anacostia River have to do with English 11? Ask any one of the ten participants who took part in this Blyth-Templeton Academy sponsored class excursion and you’ll get a different answer. The English 11 class boarded the Anacostia riverkeeper boat at the Navy Yard Diamond Teague Pier and headed for the War College where they were introduced to the passive trash trap that keeps track of all the storm water sewage that has entered the river in the past five years. They then made a nautical about face and headed up the Anacostia. While the glorious, free and fun feeling of speeding down the river- a magic combination of wind, sun and water- might remain the most memorable take-away for some students, others say they remember best the peaceful beauty of the calm and quiet wilderness areas. Still others will connect the reports of environmental injustice with the racism rampant at the time of Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. The raft may have been a momentary haven of peace and liberty from society’s problems in 1835 while floating down the Mississippi; the freedom and peace of the twohour boat ride made the class aware of the of the injustices and societal problems faced by certain communities on the Anacostia’s banks, as well as the need to protect and clean up our nation’s rivers and wilderness areas. The glimpse of the bald eagle did remind at least one student of the long and tortuous, beautiful yet treacherous path of our American Odyssey -which is also another name for English 11 at Blyth-Templeton Academy. Blyth-Templeton Academy is located at 921 Pennsylvania Ave, SE in Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital. Contact them at info@blythtempleton. org, go visit www.blythtempleton.org or call at 202-847-0079. - Clover Afokpa. u
5 2 5 S C H O O L S T S W | WA S H I N G T O N D C , 2 0 0 2 4
Richard Wright Public Charter School
Come Join Us at Our Open House for 2018-2019 Enrollment!
December 12th 5:30–6:30 PM
A Month for Family The month of November is nationally recognized as the month to celebrate literacy and all things that expand reading skills. Richard Wright Public Charter School celebrates literacy by making and wearing green ribbons throughout the month and having an annual literacy night. This year’s literacy night was held on November 8. Students and their parents were invited to participate in an evening of games and information. The night began with music from the RWPCS choir and remarks from CEO, and Founder, Dr. Marco Clark. The bulk of the festivities consisted of designated classrooms for individual games like kahoot and jeopardy. November at Richard Wright is a month about family. Richard Wright Public Charter School for Journalism and Media Arts is located at 770 M St SE. - Tiara Stith, Student, Class of 2018. u
Two Rivers Public Charter School Two Rivers Earns Tier 1 PCSB Rating Across Network The entire Two Rivers Network has been rated as Tier 1 schools by the DC Public Charter School Board (PCSB)! The 4th St. campus earned the rating for the sixth consecutive year, and Two Rivers at Young earned Tier 1 in its first year of evaluation. With the 4th St. campus achieving Tier 1 for the sixth straight year, Two Rivers celebrates maintaining a rare status of excellence. It is one of only eight DC Public Charter Schools in the entire city to have earned a Tier 1 rating for all years since the PCSB began the rating process. Both Two Rivers campuses have now achieved the gold standard of evaluation in all years scored by the PCSB. The rating was announced as part of the PCSB’s release of the 2017
RSVP to Lynell Gray and Janelle Jeter at enrollment@washingtonglobal.org or call 202-796-2415
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 project-based learning, small learning communities and classes, technology instruction, service-learning, global citizenship, and foreign language classes in Spanish. We strive for all of our students to be healthy and active through our nutrition, physical education, and athletic programs.
WHAT MAKES WASHINGTON GLOBAL UNIQUE: Two Rivers 4th St. (ES) From left to right Ms. Rossana assistant principal, Marcus, fourth-grader, Rahsaan, third-grader, Ms. Caroline principal.
• Technology-rich Environment • College Preparatory • International Curriculum • Intensive Foreign Language Courses • Free Before and After Care • Free Extracurricular Activities
• Competitive Sports, Including Rowing & Swimming • Free Tutoring • Comprehensive Special Education Support • Honors Classes • Service-learning • International Travel Opportunities
results of its annual School Quality Reports. The reports are used by PCSB to assess, monitor, and evaluate every public charter school in the District. Tier 1, the highest ranking possible, reflects fulfillment of the highest standards. Components of the tiering evaluation include performance on the PARCC assessment and a host of other measures, metrics, and indicators which evaluate student progress and achievement as well as overall school environment. Two Rivers’ Chief Academic Officer Maggie Bello shared, “We are proud of our commitment to combining rigorous academics with projectbased learning that focuses upon the whole child. Congratulations to our students, staff, families, and community members!” Two Rivers Public Charter School has three schools located at 1227 4th St NE (elementary school); 1234 4th St NE (middle school); and 820 26th St NE (elementary school). Follow us @ TwoRiversPCS on Twitter and Facebook. Questions? Call 202-546-4477, email info@tworiverspcs.org, or visit www. tworiverspcs.org. - Serena Simpson. u Have an item for School Notes? Email schools@hillrag.com. u
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{home & garden}
Remember
Snow mageddon? by Tom Daniel
I
f you were here at the time, you know what I am talking about. Remember the impact on your roof and gutters? Or maybe you recently relocated to DC from warmer climes and are stumped when your neighbor brings it up. For both veterans of DC winter weather and relative newcomers, let me set the table. Snowmageddon, Snowpocalypse, Snowzilla are portmanteaus (linguistic blends of words) of the word snow with either Armageddon, Apocalypse or Godzilla respectively. You can look
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Pipes freezing? Is your home cold in winter & hot in summer? 90% of DC Homes are under-insulated!
it up, it is straight out of Wikipedia. While it is said Snowmageddon was first coined in 2007 in Minneapolis, The Washington Post takes local ownership of the term before, during and after the infamous blizzard of February 5-6. 2010. There you have it: a DC winter history lesson. Winter 2018 is not far off, of course, and “Wintry chill, wet and white” is the local forecast. I am cold just thinking about it. This means it is time to make sure your roof system is prepared so you can avoid the nightmare scenario faced by homeowners in the winter of 2010. What am I talking about? Winter events bring a significant potential for major external and internal damage, and homeowners should be legitimately concerned that their roofs are not ready for what may lie ahead. Ice, snow and wind can bring all kinds of home and roof damage that include: • Leaky ceilings and windows caused by gaps and cracks in roofs, flashing, skylights and windows • Flooded basements from gutter and spout overflow created by ice dams • Falling tree branches from wind and ice, causing punctured roofs and broken skylights • Wall caps (parapets) and flashing blown off And the list goes on. With this sampling of what can happen, what are you going to do about it? I call it Winter Roof Prep 101. •
•
If it hasn’t already been done, get your gutters and spouts cleaned out and unclogged. Water will travel, and if gutters or spouts are clogged it will go places you don’t want it to go. Have your entire roof system checked to see if repairs may be needed. This includes the roof, flashing, chimneys (flashing, caps, loose mortar) skylights, hatch tops, vent pipes, ducts, wiring that penetrates the roof. Get those gaps and cracks taken care of.
•
Check the windows and doors for gaps, which may allow water inside especially if snow or ice have accumulated around the edges. Caulk or weather-stripping may be the solution.
•
Consider having trees pruned if they extend over the roof. Leaves can fall into the gutter and branches can penetrate the roof and cause leaks.
Before we finish this roofing-prep section, have you heard the term ice dam? Or maybe you have heard the term Ice, damn! That is a term used by roofers. Either way, it was prevalent in Snowmageddon of 2010 and many other DC winters. Ice dams are continuous chunks of ice that form along the edges of the roof. While frozen they don’t cause much trouble. But during the warmer parts of a winter day, water melting off the roof pools behind the ice then seeps back under the roof. Water can work its way five or even 10 feet back under the roof into the soffits and worst of all onto your ceilings and into your house. At night the water will refreeze and the same process will continue over and over. If you see water stains or sagging ceilings, you know you have a problem. Do you know what often causes it? Clogged gutters or spouts, which prevent the water from properly draining off the roof. Get your roof checked out now before it is too late to avoid this type of damage. Tom Daniel is owner and general manager of R. Thomas Daniel Roofing LLC and is the third generation of the family to provide roofing services to Capitol Hill homeowners. Tom was born on Capitol Hill and supports numerous community organizations. For help with your roofing needs he can be reached at 202-569-1080, 202-544-4430 or tom@rthomasdanielroofing.com. u
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{home and garden}
DC’s PaintCare Program Turns 1!
N
article & photos by Catherine Plume
ovember marks the one-year anniversary of PaintCare Inc’s operations in DC Why is this such a milestone? Imagine a swimming pool that’s 25 feet long, 15 feet wide, and 10 feet deep filled with paint. That’s how much paint DC residents have recycled and diverted away from the landfill since the program’s debut in the District last year. That’s more than 28,000 gallons of paint! The DC Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) knew they needed to find a way to divert paint from the waste stream in order for the District to meet its 2032 goal of diverting 80 percent of waste away from landfills over 2014 levels. They’ve been pleasantly surprised by the overwhelmingly positive response they’ve received
Recycling Paint is quick and easy in the District thanks to DOEE’s partnership with PaintCare.
Ida Arabshahi, District of Colombia PaintCare Program Manager smiles during a successful paint drop-off day at the DC Armory.
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from the public about the PaintCare program. DOEE Director Tommy Wells notes, “We’re very pleased that in just the first year of our PaintCare partnership, we’ve been able to divert such a significant amount of paint away from the landfill. This program provides residents and businesses with the resources they need to take actions that are helping the District meet our citywide waste diversion goals.” And, DC’s enthusiasm about the program is real. At a recent DOEE and PaintCare paint drop-off event at the DC Armory on Saturday, November 18, more than 220 cars circulated through the parking lot to drop off unwanted paint in just a four-hour period. A semi-trailer was more than half full of paint that would be recycled. So, what exactly happens to this paint once it’s dropped off? According to DOEE, more than 77 percent of paint collected in the
District is recycled. Unwanted paint is packed into larger containers at the drop-off sites. The paint is then transported to a facility where it is sorted by type. Per PaintCare, most of the better latex paint (paint that is not rusty, molding or spoiled) is sent to recycling companies and reprocessed into new paint in standard pre-tinted colors. Meanwhile, most of the oilbased paint is taken to cement plants where it is blended into a fuel and burned to recover the energy value. Some latex paint is used to make other products or used for biodegradation projects at landfills. Less than 5 percent of the paint ends up in landfills. Overall about 1-2 percent of the paint received is in excellent condition and given away “as is” or donated to groups such as Habitat for Humanity for sale in their stores. In addition to the large-scale drop-off events, PaintCare has partnered with eight
DC businesses to serve as permanent drop-off locations across the District. Those locations are listed at https://www.paintcare.org/drop-off-locations/#/find-adrop-off-site. Residents can also take their unwanted paint to the Department of Public Works Fort Totten Transfer Station on Saturdays, any time between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Per the PaintCare website, drop off sites have limits on how much paint they can accept, but they all take at least five gallons of paint per visit and some sites take more. DC businesses that generate less than 220 pounds of hazardous waste per month can participate in the program as well and recycle both water and oil-based paint - with some restrictions on quantities – every month. It’s always best to call the site before bringing your paint to ask if they have enough space to accept the amount of paint you would like to recycle. For residents and businesses with large amounts of unwanted paint (200+ gallons), PaintCare offers a free large volume pickup service. This service is only available to households or businesses with at least 200 gallons of paint. Additional information is available at https://www.paintcare.org/pickup/. There are limits to what the PaintCare program will accept. House paint and primers, stains, sealers, and clear coatings (e.g., shellac and varnish) are all acceptable, no matter how old they are. The program does not accept aerosols (spray cans), solvents, and products intended for industrial or non-architectural use. Paint must be in its original container and the container must have a label and a secured lid. Leaking or cans without lids are also not acceptable. PaintCare Inc is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization representing paint manufacturers (paint producers) that implements paint stewardship programs in U.S. states and jurisdictions that pass paint stewardship laws. Eight U.S. States and DC operate PaintCare programs. In DC, PaintCare has partnered with the DC Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) to implement the District’s paint recycling program. So, the next time you come up with a usable batch of paint you no longer need, keep that label intact and drop it off at a PaintCare drop off. Someone can make good use of it – and keep it out of the landfill! Catherine Plume is a lifelong environmentalist, a writer, and blogger for the DC Recycler: www.DCRecycler. blogspot.com; Twitter: @DC_Recycler. She is also a Board Member of the DC Chapter of the Sierra Club and Green America, however, her perspectives are her own and do not necessarily represent the positions of either organization. u
The Capitol Hill Garden Club presents
Dear Garden Problem Lady, by Wendy Blair My husband thinks oak leaves decompose too slowly to use them as leaf mulch. Do you agree? Yes. Oak leaves would work if combined with other leaves. All leaves must be chopped up before being used as mulch. Most of us don’t have lawn mowers with which to chop leaves. It may be easier (and still fairly inexpensive) to buy a local product called Leafgro. It is made of already-composted leaves. Is it harmful to recycle swimming pool water to use in a garden? Not at all. Apparently once pool water has sat in full sun for a day or two, the sun’s ultraviolet rays will have rendered the chlorine inactive. For the safety of swimmers, chlorine must be continually cycled into pool water. Turn off the pool pump and wait a few sunny days before using pool water in the garden. What is mildew? It is a type of mold, pale gray or white in color, covering the surfaces of plant leaves of peonies, zinnias, monarda and roses. You see it as the season wears on. Sometimes called “powdery mildew” it is a grayish white, and usually does not kill a plant. Remove the whitened leaves if you can. Mildew can live through the winter. At the end of the season remove and destroy all mildewed foliage. Also avoid dense plantings that lack air cir-
culation. Mildew thrives on humid air -hard to avoid in DC. What are Nematodes? This summer skunks and raccoons dug up our socalled lawn in the country. My garden helper said the only thing to stop them was nematodes. Maybe. Nematodes are microscopic insects, not visible to the naked eye. Nematodes eat grubs. Grubs are those round, one-inch white worms – some people call them cutworms – that feed on grass roots, go deeper in winter, and then turn into beetles in the spring. In slightly less urban places than DC you see hungry animals digging them up to eat. This digging greatly harms lawns and gardens. Nematodes can be purchased and “watered into” an area that animals have dug up. From one point of view, the animals were doing you a favor, eating grubs that would turn into beetles. But they can wreck a lawn. Enter the nematode solution, which may or may not kill the grubs (you won’t know for a year) and thus stop animals from digging for them. While nematodes are expensive, and a whole lot of work to apply, they could save your lawn or garden. The next public meeting of the Capitol Hill Garden Club occurs January 8, 2018 at the NE Public Library, corner of Maryland Ave. NE & 7th St. NE. Meetings start at 7 pm and are free and open to all. Membership details: capitolhillgardenclub.org. u
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{the last word}
the last word Trusted Caregiver and Crook In the annals of crime and the big city, a $2000 fraud does not get much attention and is not worth a prosecutor’s time. But in the “Case of the Fraudulent Friend,” DC Justice took the case to alert people with home health aides about the dangers of theft, and betrayals of trust. The responding officer was indignant and the prosecutor empathetic, but it was Detective Michael J. Milochik of the Metropolitan Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division, Financial and Cyber Crimes Unit, who persisted. The story is a simple one. I moved to Washington in August 2016 to be close to my son. In order to get settled and to be independent, I did a number of things in advance. I joined Capitol Hill Village and I contacted a service to provide a home health-aide for four hours a day to assist with errands, housework, and travel. From the very first day the aide was a delight, full of enthusiasm and clearly interested. We talked about our lives, each of us offering the other a new perspective on the city. Her preferred mode of transportation was the bus, and with her guidance we travelled the city. With plenty of time to talk, in no time we were friends. My affection for her was great enough that when I discovered, after a few weeks, cash was disappearing, I was reluctant to pin it on her. I did alert the service that there might be a problem, though they informed me nothing jumped out from her record. Ultimately about $400 disappeared in just a few weeks. Then my son discovered I was removing cash from convenience store ATMs using my credit card. Of course I wasn’t, but that is what my credit card bill said. All in I had lost over $1600. Immediately we called the home-aide provider, and then the police. The officer who arrived was unexpectedly angry because of the thief’s betrayal of the vulnerable. But the police report did not seem to spur any action. My son called the police department and was transferred to the Financial Crimes division. He reached Detective Michael J. Milochik and explained the case. Although $5,000 dollars is generally the amount at which the prosecutor will entertain taking on a case, Detective Milochik said he would look into it to see if he could stop the aide from having the opportunity again with a fu-
the last shot A kiss goodbye from the Obamas. Photo: Karen Cohen
142 H Hillrag.com
ture client. In this case, Detective Michael J. Milochik quickly discovered the aide had a record of misdemeanors and felonies in Maryland, highlighting the necessity of thorough background checks. But the case also needed evidence that the aide was responsible for the theft. Most of the money had been withdrawn from my account at local convenience stores where anyone with access to my card might have used it and video was only kept a few days. But one day we travelled uptown for a doctor’s appointment, and records show a withdrawal at the exact same time nearby the appointment. After hours of inspecting video tapes from the national chain convenience stores where my credit card was used to withdraw cash, I was able to identify her in many of the tapes at the time of the thefts. The nail in the coffin was hammered in when Detective Milochek inspected 10 years of my previous withdrawal records both from DC and my previous home. Never before had I made a cash withdrawal from an ATM, until my aide entered the scene. This strong circumstantial evidence encouraged Stephanie Miller of the US Attorney’s Office to make an exception for this small dollar case, in order to prosecute elder abuse and fraud and to limit the opportunity my aide would have to harm someone else. We did not hear anything for weeks. Then we found out my aide had said she took some cash but said I had requested the cash from the ATMs. Ms. Miller continued to pursue the case and eventually, the DC prosecutor and my aide’s lawyer agreed to have my aide plead guilty in return for a lessened sentence. Less than two months later she was sentenced to a six month suspended sentence and probation. Based on this sentence, however, the home care company is able to move forward to having her banned from serving the elderly in the future. After the sentencing, my aide told me she was sorry. I am writing this to publicly thank Detective Milochik and Ms. Miller for their effort on my behalf and their perseverance on behalf of DC’s vulnerable elderly. But I am also telling my story to encourage others to pursue and prosecute their own cases and to tell their stories. Only in this way can we stop perpetrators from victimizing us. Jean Pelletiere jcpelletiere@icloud.com u