hillrag.com . MARCH 2018
Sales · Rentals · Commercial Leasing Property Management · Investments
Est
1981
19 EVARTS STREET NE
Bright Nantucket Holdings Renovaton 4BR 3.5BA Genie Hutinet · 202.413.7661
41 QUINCY STREET NE
Modern Nantucket Holdings Renovation 4BR 3.5BA Genie Hutinet · 202.413.7661
“Where Washington shops for a new address! ™”
13201 SHERWOOD FOREST DRIVE SILVER SPRING, MD 5BR 3.5BA · $659,000 Pete Frias · 202.744.8973
CO SOMIN ON G
601 A STREET NE #5 2BR 1BA corner unit Genie Hutinet · 202.413.7661
CO SOMIN ON G
608 ROXBORO STREET NW Renovated 2BR 2.5BA Pete Frias · 202.744.8973
SO
LD
225 Pennsylvania Ave SE Washington, DC 20003 202.544.3900 www.johncformant.com
3412 35TH STREET SE Charming 3BR 3BA home with large 2 level addition Genie Hutinet · 202.413.7661
6 EAST HAMILTON STREET SILVER SPRING, MD 3BR 3BA $565,000 Pete Frias · 202.744.8973
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COMING SOON 1415 E. Capitol St, SE 4BR/3.5BA New Renovation w/ Connected 1BR Rental Unit, Deep Yard & Parking.
SOLD 308 E. Capitol St, NE #8 2BR/1BA $555,902 Sold Off Market.
UNDER CONTRACT 101 7th St, SE #5 1BR/1BA Top Floor & 11 Windows. $448,500 Multiple Offers.
TODD BISSEY
STAN BISSEY
todd.bissey@compass.com
stan.bissey@compass.com
2 02 . 841.7653
2 02 .8 41 .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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Located in the historic Barracks Row neighborhood, Sushi Hachi, founded by highly talented Chef, Steve Yoon, offers a premier dining experience like never before in DC. Dishes are plated with thick cut slices of fresh fish that is flown in daily, and rice that is prepared with the highest care. Sushi Hachi takes on the art of traditional sushi with an innovative drive.
OPEN 5PM – 10PM DAILY
Reservations and other inquiries: email info@sushihachidc.com or visit our Yelp page! 202-640-1881 | 735 8th St. SE WDC 20003 Connect with us on social media!
@sushihachi
/sushihachidc
@sushihachidc MARCH 2018 H 7
Deirdre Jo Fricke Realtor | Proud Member of the Babbington Team 6 0 0 P E N N S Y LVA N I A AV E N U E S E S U I T E 3 0 0 O: 202.545.6900
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M: 202.549.2727
DEIRDRE@BABBINGTONINC.COM
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H: 415.307.2727
W W W. B A B B I N GTO N T E A M . C O M
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.
SOLD
1239 4th St, NW 2 Bedroom / 2 Bath
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UNDER CONTRACT
SOLD
754 Lamont St, NW #2 $799,000
2 Bedroom / 2.5 Bath
$667,000
611 D St, SE #4C 2 Bedroom / 2 Bath
MARCH 2018 H 9
IN THIS ISSUE March 2018
34
66
33 SPRING HOMES & GARDENS SPECIAL 34 Trees for Capitol Hill: With Over 1000 Trees Planted These Volunteers Keep The Hill Green by Rindy O’Brien 38 A Breakout Year for Clean Decisions by Elizabeth O’Gorek 42 Could Punxsutawney Phil Be Right? by Tom Daniel 46 Solar Energy Creates (Local) Jobs! by Catherine Plume 52 Food Stuff in the Classroom by Catherine Plume
56 Dear Garden Problem Lady by Wendy Blair
Trees for Capitol Hill: With Over 1000 Trees Planted These Volunteers Keep The Hill Green
New This Issue:The Capitol Beat by Elizabeth O’Gorek
by Rindy O’Brien
87
Lovin’ Spoonfuls: Citizens Thank Police with Soup and Song by Carol Anderson
122
Cupid’s Sting: A Program To Stamp Out Violence Against Women Launches In DC by Pattie Cinelli
14
WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON
18
CALENDAR
capitol streets 59
Bulletin Board by Kathleen Donner
62
New Discoveries at the Shotgun House Archaeology Project: Dick Wolf Memorial Lecture by Monte Edwards
66
The Capitol Beat by Elizabeth O’Gorek
70
Don’t Tread on DC: Don’t Bring Your Guns to Town by Josh Burch
72
Police Say No Parked Cars Along Marathon Routes by Elizabeth O’Gorek
74
HPRB Approves Ebenezer Church Parking by Elizabeth O’Gorek
76
South by West by William Rich
78
ANC 6A Report by Elizabeth Nelson
80
ANC 6B Report by Elizabeth O’Gorek
81
ANC 6C Report by Elizabeth O’Gorek
83
ANC 6D Report by Andrew Lightman
84
ANC 6E Report by Steve Holton
85
Eastern Market Report by Peter J. Waldron
community life 86
Hill Rag Crossword
87
Lovin’ Spoonfuls: Citizens Thank Police with Soup and Song by Carol Anderson
90
A Year of Building Bridges: Capitol Hill Refugee Ministry Celebrates Work Done and to Come by Elizabeth O’Gorek
92
The Greater DC Diaper Bank by Elizabeth O’Gorek
94
Our River: The Springs Return to Springhouse Run by Bill Matuszeski
real estate 97
Capitol Hill Alley Dwellings by Nina Tristani
100
Changing Hands by Don Denton
arts and dining 105
John Brown’s Raid: You Are There. What Now? by Barbara Wells
108
Capitol Roots by Charles Walston
110
Capitol Hill Chorale: Where There’s Harmony on Capitol Hill by Michael Doan
112
Art and The City by Jim Magner
114
At the Movies by Mike Canning
116
Literary Hill by Karen Lyon
118
Poetic Hill by Karen Lyon
health and fitness 121
District Veterinary Hospital at Eastern Market by Elizabeth O’Gorek
122
Cupid’s Sting: A Program To Stamp Out Violence Against Women Launches In DC by Pattie Cinelli
kids and family 125
Kids & Family Notebook by Kathleen Donner
128
School Notes by Susan Braun Johnson
136 CLASSIFIEDS 142
THE LAST WORD
on the cover: May Flowers, Teresa Jarzynski. 24x36, oil on canvas. At Foundry Gallery. Teresa Jarzynski, Foundry Gallery member, is a DC native and graduate of the Duke Ellington School of Arts. After receiving her BFA from Scuola Lorenzo de Medici in Florence, Italy she moved back to hr hometown of Bethesda, MD. where during the month of March you can see more of her portraits (and other work) at Gallery B @ 7700 Wisconsin Ave. Bethesda, MD 20814 At Foundry: From February 28 through April 1, Foundry Gallery presents an exhibit called Memory featuring the work of their members. The opening reception is Sat., March 3 from 5-8 pm. All are welcome. Foundry is located at 2118 8th St., NW, in the Atlantic Plumbing Building in North End Shaw. www. foundrygallery.org for more info.
Next Issue: April 7
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MARCH 2018 H 13
W A S H I N G T O N 1 NATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
Each year, the National Cherry Blossom Festival commemorates the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to the city of Washington, DC. The gift and annual celebration honor the lasting friendship between the United States and Japan and the continued close relationship between the two countries. This year the festival is from March 20 to April 15. Here are some of the highlights: (1) the Kite Festival at the Washington Monument on March 31; (2) Petalpalooza Festival at the Wharf with fireworks on April 7; (3) the Parade on Constitution Avenue on April 14; (4) the Anacostia River Festival on April 15; and (5) free daily performances at the Tidal Basin from March 24 to April 8. There’s lots more. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org. The Blossom Kite Festival is on Saturday, March 31, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., on the grounds of the Washington Monument near 17th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW.
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1 2 NO SPECTATORS: THE ART OF BURNING MAN
Artworks from the legendary desert event known as Burning Man will activate the streets and parks of Washington, DC’s central business district for the first time through a collaboration between the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Renwick Gallery and the Golden Triangle Business Improvement District. No Spectators: Beyond the Renwick presents six public art installations by noted Burning Man artists. The project is an outdoor extension of the Renwick Gallery’s building-wide exhibition No Spectators: The Art of Burning Man, which will feature large-scale, immersive artworks that are the hallmark of the annual celebration in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert, an influential phenomenon in contemporary art and a cultural movement. The exhibition will be on view from March 30 through January 21, 2019, with the outdoor portion on display through December. burningman.org. Marco Cochrane, Truth is Beauty, 2013, stainless steel rod, stainless steel mesh. Photo: Trey Ratcliff, StuckInCustoms.com
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4 3 PICTURES OF THE YEAR AT NEWSEUM
Pictures of the Year: 75 Years of the World’s Best Photography is a groundbreaking photography show featuring seven decades of award-winning images from the archives of Pictures of the Year International (POYi), one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious photojournalism competitions. These images depict the people and events that have defined our times, capturing war and peace, disaster and triumph, and the social and cultural shifts that have shaped the past 75 years. The pictures were selected from POYi’s archive of more than 40,000 photos, tracing the evolution of photojournalism from World War II to today. Pictures of the Year is on display April 6 to Jan. 20, 2019 at Newseum, 555 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. newseum.org. Photo taken July 9, 2016. Lone activist Leshia Evans stands her ground while offering her hands for arrest as riot police charge toward her. Photo: Courtesy of Newseum
4 EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE AT CONGRESSIONAL CEMETERY
On Easter Sunday morning, all are welcome (dogs too) to join a beautiful, sunrise Easter service at Historic Congressional Cemetery, 1801 E St. SE, officiated by Christ Church (Episcopal). Please come dressed for the weather to this outdoor service near the Congressional Cemetery Chapel. This simple, 30-minute service includes readings, reflection, and communion. Street parking is available in the neighborhood and there are a limited number of parking spaces near the Chapel. In the event of inclement weather, the service is moved into the chapel. Christ Church, 620 G St. SE, will also have two identical services of communion with brass and full choir at 9 and 11 a.m. on Easter Sunday. A festive reception with an egg hunt will follow each service. washingtonparish.org. left to right The Rev. Serena Sides; The Rev. Cara Spaccarelli; Jenifer Gamber. Photo: Courtesy of Christ Church
5 SHAMROCKFEST
ShamrockFest 2018 takes place on Saturday, March 17, noon to 8 p.m., at the RFK Stadium Festival Grounds. A Main Event ticket includes entrance to ShamrockFest, access to all festival activities and performances. Various ticket levels entitle you to “bottomless beers,” souvenirs, VIP stage viewing and group pricing. The music is Celtic and alternative rock. The festival also features Irish dancing, party and carnival games, Irish vendors, multiple stages, a DJ party tent, bag pipers and “extreme activities.” ShamrockFest bills itself as America’s largest St. Paddy’s Day celebration. shamrockfest.com. Photo: Danilo Lewis for ShamrockFest
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calendar M A R C H CALENDAR Nationals Baseball. March 27, Nats vs. Twins (training), 4:05 p.m. at Nationals Park; April 5, Nat’s vs. Mets (home opener with free t-shirts), 1:05 p.m. at Nat’s Park. Other April home games are, daily April 7 through 15 and 27 through 30. On Jackie Robinson Day, April 15 (Nat’s vs. Colorado Rockies, 1:35 p.m.), the Nationals celebrate the contributions of African Americans to the game of baseball and the community during the team’s annual Black Heritage Day. Watch this paper’s Calendar SPORTS AND FITNESS section and KIDS AND FAMILY section for giveaways, fireworks, $1 hot dogs, etc. throughout the season. mlb.com/nationals.
Courtesy of the Washington Nationals
ST. PATRICKS DAY St. Pat’s Run. March 4, 8:15 AM. The Start and Finish lines are on 15th Street NW, directly next to the Washington Monument. runpacers.com. The Irish Tenors at the National. March 10, 8 PM. The renowned trio The Irish Tenors kick off DC’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities a week early as they celebrate all things Irish with this special concert featuring a full orchestra. The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. thenationaldc.org. Ireland on The Wharf. March 10, 2 to 6 PM. Celebrate the beauty and tradition of the Emerald Isle with bagpipers, a beer garden, Irish dancers, live music and plenty of family-friendly activities.
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Sip a pint of Guinness in honor of St. Patrick’s Day at Kirwan’s Irish Pub. District Pier/ Seventh Street Park. wharfdc.com.
& Ohio Canal path. Benefits the Semper Fi Fund. Register at bishopseventregistrations.com.
Washington, DC 47th Annual St. Patrick’s Parade. March 11, noon. Constitution Avenue from Seventh to 17th Streets NW. dcstpatsparade.com.
EASTER
ShamrockFest. March 17, noon to 8 PM. ShamrockFest is America’s largest St. Paddy’s Day celebration features Celtic and alternative rock. RFK Stadium. shamrockfest.com. St. Patty’s Recovery Run 5k & Half. March 18, 9 AM. Come out after St. Patrick’s Day and enjoy this scenic, flat half-marathon and 5k in the heart of Georgetown. Both events run on the Chesapeake
Easter at the National Cathedral. March 30, Solemn Liturgy of Good Friday, noon. Good Friday Evening Service, 7 PM. Great Vigil of Easter on March 31, 8 PM. Easter Day Festive Holy Eucharist, 8 and 11:15 AM. Easter Day Organ Recital, 2 PM. Easter Day Festival Choral Evensong, 4 PM. fnationalcathedral.org. Easter at the National Shrine. Good Friday, Stations of the Cross, noon; Choral Prelude, 2:30 PM; Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion, 3 PM. Easter
Mass at 7:30 AM, 9 AM, 10:30 AM, noon and 4:30 PM, Spanish Mass at 2:30 PM. National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 400 Michigan Ave. NE. nationalshrine.com. Easter Sunrise Service at Lincoln Memorial (celebrating 40 years). April 1, 6:30 AM. Thousands gather annually at the Lincoln Memorial to celebrate Easter. capitalchurch.org. Easter Sunrise Service at Arlington Cemetery. April 1, 6:15 to 7 AM. The Easter Sunrise Service at the Arlington National Cemetery Amphitheater will begin with a musical prelude. Parking is free until 8:30 AM. arlingtoncemetery.mil.
SPECIAL EVENTS Orchid Spectrum at the Botanic Garden. Through April 28. Found on every continent except Antarctica, orchids showcase a wide spectrum of diversity in color, shape, size, habitat, scent and many other aspects. Visit the US Botanic Garden Conservatory (USBG) to explore thousands of amazing orchid blooms arranged in captivating displays and appreciate many unique, rarely seen orchids from the USBG’s and Smithsonian Gardens’ extensive plant collections. usbg.gov. We the Women Celebration. March 9, 7 PM. Speakeasies, specialty cocktails and tasting stations from women-owned and led businesses including Drink Company, Columbia Room, Denizens Brewing Co., Chaia and Lyon Distilling Company. Light hors d’oeurves, Historic suffragist documents on view, Live jazz and swing music. Dance lessons including the “Charleston” by GottaSwing and more. $199. Proceeds support programming of the National Archives and the Rightfully Hers exhibition celebrating the 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote.
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. march calendar .
National Archives Foundation, 700 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. archivesfoundation.org. USBG Production Facility Open House. March 10, 10 AM, 10:30 AM, 11 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 1 PM and 1:30 PM. The site includes 85,000 square feet under glass, divided into 34 greenhouse bays and 17 environmental zones. In addition to foliage and nursery crops, see the USBG collection not currently on display, including orchids, medicinal plants, carnivorous plants and rare endangered species. $10. Registration required. usbg.gov.
Petalpalooza at The Wharf. April 7, 3 to 10 PM. Fireworks at 8:30 PM. Enjoy live music, art, games and water activities for the whole family. All culminating in a grand fireworks finale. The Wharf, 1100 Maine Ave. SW. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.
Cherry Blossom Pink Tie Party. March 15. Celebrate the blossoms in style and experience an evening filled with delicious bites and cocktails from local restaurants, a silent auction, music and dancing. $225. Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. 501auctions.com. Abraham Lincoln Symposium at Ford’s. March 17. The Abraham Lincoln Institute and Ford’s Theatre Society present a free day long symposium focused on the life, career and legacy of President Abraham Lincoln. Free and open to the public. Full schedule at fords.org/visit/special-tours-events/ abraham-lincoln-institutesymposium. Maryland Psychic Fair. April 22, 9 AM to 5 PM. Many of the best psychics, mediums, healers, and readers of all types, along with related arts and crafts vendors from Maryland and the surrounding areas. 1506 Defense Highway, Gambrills, MD. maryland-psychic-fair.eventbrite.com. Tidal Basin Welcome Area Performance Stage. March 24 to April 8, daily noon to 6 PM. 1501 Maine Avenue, SW. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org. Blossom Kite Festival. March 31, 10 AM to 4:30 PM. The Blossom Kite Festival showcases the creativity of kite makers and skill of fliers through a variety of competitions and demonstrations, Rokkaku Battles and the Hot Tricks Showdown. On the grounds of the Washington Monument near 17th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.
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MUSIC Music at Pearl Street Warehouse. March 3, No Second Troy; March 9, Bumpin Uglies; March 10, Cry Matthews; March 11, Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble; March 13, FY5; March 14, An Evening With Sherman Ewing & Very Special Guest John Jo Hermann; March 16, An Evening With Kristin Hersh, Grant Lee Phillips; March 21, The Fabulous Thunderbirds featuring Kim Wilson; March 22, Marty O’Reilly and The Old Soul Orchestra; March 23, The Revelers; March 24, Kyle Craft; March 30, Blair Crimmins and the Hookers; April 3, Jen Hartswick & Nick Cassarino; April 5, Forlorn Strangers; April 8, Dwight “Black Cat” Carrier and the Zydeco Ro Doggs; April 11, Della Mae. Pearl Street Warehouse, 33 Pearl St. SW. pearlstreetwarehouse.com. Music at The Anthem. March 3, Little Big Town; March 10, Dropkick Murphys; March 15, MGMT; March 18, Judas Priest: Firepower 2018; March 24, Glen Hansard; April 6, Blossom Bash; April 9, All Black Extravaganza, featuring Monica; April 8, Lorde. The Anthem, 901 Wharf St. SW. theanthemdc.com.
Music at Rock and Roll Hotel. March 3, Crooks and Crows; March 6, Mr. Pickles Thrashtacular; March 7, Lola Marsh; March 8, Jonathan Wilson; March 9, Alex Cameron; March 10, Ezra Furman; March 13, Skinny Lister; March 15, The 9 Songwriter Series; March 16, Forces; March 17, The Captivators; March 20, Earthless; Courtesy of the National Cherry Blossom Festival March 21, The Wedding Present; March 22, Agent Orange; March 23, Marlon Williams; March 24, Palm; March 30, Beastie Boys vs. Outkast; March 31, Lionize; National Cherry Blossom Festival PaApril 3, Superorganism; April 4, Screaming Females; rade. April 14, 10 AM to noon. Grandstand seatApril 7, Sorority Noise; April 11, Kings Kaleidoscope; ing $20, up. Parade route is Constitution Avenue, April 12, Frenship; April 13, Titus Andronicus; April Seventh to 17th Street NW. nationalcherryblos14, Lucy Dacus. Rock and Roll Hotel, 1353 H St. NE. somfestival.org. rockandrollhoteldc.com. Fashion for Paws 12th Annual Runway Chiarina Chamber Players in Concert. March Show. May 5, 7 PM to midnight. This is a major 4, 7:30 PM, and April 28, 4 PM, St. Mark’s, 301 A fundraising event for Humane Rescue Alliance. St. SE. $15 online at chiarina.org; $20 at the door; Television personality and celebrity stylist Carson $10 students. Read more at chiarina.org. Kressley will bring his love of dogs, eye for fashion and endless energy to the Fashion for Paws Washington Bach Consort at St. Peters. March stage. Omni Shoreham Hotel, 2500 Calvert St. 5, April 2 and 30, 12:10 PM. The Washington Bach NW. fashionforpaws.com.
Consort will begin their new Capitol Cantata Series at St. Peter’s. The series will continue the Bach Consort’s mission of introducing and making accessible the music of Bach to audiences who may not have prior familiarity with his work or with classical music in general. Free. St. Peter’s, 313 Second St. SE. bachconsort.org. Blue Monday Blues in Southwest. Every Monday, 6 to 9 PM. March 5, Robert Penn Blues Band; March 12, Ursula Ricks Project; March 19, Charlie Sayles & the Blues Disciple; March 26, Clarence Turner Blues Band. $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. Church of the Epiphany Weekly Concerts. Tuesdays, 12:10 PM. March 6, Washington Bach Consort, Richard Giarusso, conductor; March 13, Rob Patterson, clarinet, & Chen Tzu-yi, piano; March 20, Liana Paniyeva, piano; March 27, Videntes: The Epiphany Schola Cantorum with their viola consort led by Amy Domingues, viola da gamba; April 4, Washington Bach Consort; April 10, Timothy Travers-Brown, countertenor, & Jeremy Fisell, piano. 1317 G St. NW. epiphanydc.org. Concerts at the Miracle Theater. March 8, Adrianne Lenker & Nick Hakim; March 16, Nosleep Podcast; April 7, David Wilcox & Carrie Newcomer. Miracle Theater, 535 Eighth St. SE. themiracletheatre.com. Music at Mr. Henry’s. Thursday Night Bluegrass: March 8, Roof Beams; March 15, Bluegrass Double Header w/ By & By and Moose Jaw; March 22, Justin Trawick; March 29, Only Lonesome. Friday Night Jazz: March 9, The Kevin Cordt Quartet; March 16, Herb Scott; March 23, Aaron L. Myers, II; March 30, Rhythmic Accents. Saturday Night Ladies of Jazz: March 3, Maija Rejman; March 10, Tara Hofmann; March 17, Julia Nixon; March 24, Jeff Wein-
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2018 DICK WOLF LECTURE NEW DISCOVERIES AT T H E S H O T G U N H O U S E ARCHAEOLOGY PROJECT P R E S E N T E D B Y C H R I S T I N E A M E S , M . A . , R PA 2018 WINNER OF THE DICK WOLF PRIZE F R I D AY , M A R C H 2 3 , 2 0 1 8 , 7 P. M . , H I L L C E N T E R , 9 2 1 P E N N S Y L VA N I A AV E . , S E Christine’s lecture focuses on a trash midden (pit) buried in the backyard of 1229 E St, SE, discovered during these archaeological investigations. After learning the Shotgun House was home to a few colorful residents, Christine was curious about the contents of the trash pit - if they could be associated with these former occupants, the possible events that led to their disposal, and, more broadly, what insights they offer into the daily lives and households of these occupants. Christine’s lecture will also describe the processing of artifacts, detailing the work that is undertaken in the lab once the fieldwork is completed.
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traub; March 31, Rob Patrick. 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. 202-5468412. mrhenrysdc.com. Jazz Night in Southwest. Every Friday, 6 to 9 PM. March 9, Antonio Parker & Friends; March 16, Leigh Pilzer & the Washington Women in Jazz Festival All-Stars; March 23, Celebrating Reuben Brown: A Joyful Jam; March 30, Howard University Jazz Ensemble. $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. Music at Hill Center. March 9, ilusha; March 14, Washington Women in Jazz Featuring Shana Tucker; April 3, Eva Salina and Peter Stan; April 4, Hope Udobi, pianist. Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. hillcenterdc.org. Dead Men’s Hollow Farewell Concerts. March 24, 7 to 8 PM and 8:30 to 9:30 PM. Beloved local band Dead Men’s Hollow returns to the Chapel for two final shows before the award-winning Americana/ bluegrass group ends its 17-year run. All tickets $20, plus a small service fee. Historic Congressional Cemetery, 1801 E St. SE. congressionalcemetery.org. Let It Be: A Celebration of the Music of the Beatles. April 14, 8 PM. While the first half of the theatrical performance is comprised of favorites from the Beatles career, the all new second half imagines a world in which the Beatles re-united. The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. thenationaldc.org.
THEATER / FILM The Great Society at Arena. Through March 11. Robert Schen-
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kkan’s second half of the epic drama about President Lyndon Baines Johnson, makes its DC debut at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater. Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW. arenastage.org. Mom Baby God at CHAW. Through March 10. It’s 2020 and the anti-abortion movement has a new sense of urgency. Teens 4 Life is live on Instagram from the Students for Life of America Conference, and right-wing teenagers are vying for popularity while preparing for political battle. Tickets at taffetypunk. com. Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 Seventh St. SE. chaw.org. The Raid at Anacostia Playhouse. Through March 18. Idris Goodwin’s The Raid is a fabulation of a debate between two American icons: White abolitionist John Brown and Black abolitionist and social reformer Frederick Douglass. On the eve of Brown’s raid on the federal armory in Harpers Ferry, these men argue the merits of violence and pacifism, order and chaos and possibility of a nation free of the scourge of slavery. Anacostia Playhouse, 2020 Shannon Pl. SE. theateralliance.com. Becoming Dr. Ruth at Theater J. Through March 18. She’s America’s favorite sex therapist! But before she became Dr. Ruth, Karola Siegel had to flee Germany in the Kindertransport, become a sniper in Jerusalem and survive as a single mother in America. Theater J, 1529 16th St. NW. washingtondcjcc.org. Avant Bard’s The Gospel at Colonus. Through March 25. The Gospel at Colonus transforms Sophocles’ timeless tale of the last days of Oedipus into a parable for our times. Its message of redemption is sorely needed. Gunston Arts Center, Theatre Two, 2700 So. Lang St., Arlington, VA. avantbard.org.
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Hold These Truths at Arena. Through April 8. Jeanne Sakata’s
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Come Home for Easter!
Holy Comforter – Saint Cyprian Roman Catholic Church A welcoming, embracing and joyful faith family
Palm Sunday – March 25th
Mass at 8:00 am, 11:00 am & 7:00 pm (Saturday Vigil Mass at 4:30 pm on 3/24)
Holy Thursday – March 29th Mass of the Lord’s Supper – 7:00 pm
Good Friday – March 30th
• Neighborhood Stations of the Cross at 12 noon (meet in Church)
• Choral Stations of the Cross at 3:00 pm w/HCSC Music Ministry
The Main Sanctuary of the Church is open every day for prayer from 8 am until 8 pm.
• Celebration of the Lord’s Passion - 7:00 pm
Holy Saturday – March 31st Easter Vigil Mass – 8:00 pm
Reverend Monsignor | Charles E. Pope, Pastor
202.546.1885
1357 East Capitol Street, SE Washington, DC 20003
www.hcscchurch.org
Easter Sunday – April 1st
Mass at 8:00 am, 11:00 am & 7:00 pm
Weekend & Daily Mass Schedule
Sunday: 8:00 am, 11:00 am & 7:00 pm Saturday: 8:00 am & 4:30 pm (vigil) Weekdays: 7:00 am (chapel)
MARCH 2018 H 25
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Happenstance Theater’s Cabaret Noir. March 30 to April 15. This series of dark, comic vignettes reveals Femmes Fatales and fedoras, trench coats and torch songs, intrigue, suspense and shadows. The Meyer Performance Theater at Joe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Rd., Mt. Rainier, MD. joesmovement.org.
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Featuring the six players of Happenstance Theater in a virtuosic display of physical comedy, object manipulation, period music played on multiple instruments and characters costumed in vintage clothing. Photo: Courtesy of Happenstance Theater
one-man drama tells the true story of Gordon Hirabayashi, the son of Japanese immigrants who defied an unjust court order when America placed its own citizens in internment camps during World War II. Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW. arenastage.org.
at Fringe. March 8, 8 PM. V-DAY DC A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and a Prayer is an impactful collection of stories that are a rousing call to action against violence towards women. Capital Fringe, 1358 Florida Ave. NE. capitalfringe.org.
Silence Is Violence: Whose Earth Is This? March 5, 7 PM. An artistic investigation into gentrification’s impact on DC communities. Josephine Butler Parks Center, 2437 15th St. NW. yptdc.org.
Chicago at Keegan. March 10 to April 7. In roaring twenties Chicago, Roxie Hart murders a faithless lover and convinces her hapless husband Amos to take the rap. Amos finds out he’s been duped and turns on Roxie. Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church St. NW. keegantheatre.com.
What’s Up Wednesday at Fringe. March 7, 8 PM. Hosted by Trinidad neighbor, Trish Crowe with Co-hosts and performers, JuJu Gordon and Kareemi Wambuii. Celebrate International Women’s Day and Black History Month. Capital Fringe, 1358 Florida Ave. NE. capitalfringe.org. V-DAY DC A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and a Prayer 2018
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Environmental Film Festival. March 15 to 25. Since 1993 their mission has been to celebrate Earth and inspire understanding and stewardship of the environment through the power of film. dceff.org. Fresh Theatre Company’s Feminine Folklore: Anything in be-
tween. March 16 to 18. This theatre series tells the stories of the taboos, assumptions, and stories of a range of Black women exploring life, love and relationships at various crossroads in their lives. $20. Anacostia Arts Center, 1231 Good Hope Rd. SE. anacostiaartscenter.com. Translations at Studio. March 21 to April 22. It is 1833, and change is coming to rural County Donegal: While a hodgepodge group gather at an Irish-language hedge school to study classics of Greek and Latin literature, British army engineers arrive to map the country, draw new borders and translate local place names into the King’s English. Studio Theatre, 1501 14th St. NW. studiotheatre.org. Guillotine Theatre presents Lysistrata in Jerusalem. March 22, 6:30 PM. Jean R. Freedman has updated Aristophanes’ classic comedy in which women from warring city-states band together and refuse to have sex with their men until a peace treaty is signed. Free. Lysistrata in Jerusalem is presented as part of the eleventh annual SWAN (Support Women Artists Now) Day. Busboys and Poets, 235 Carroll St. NW. georgetowntheatre.org. That Part is True at Fringe. March 16 to 18. As a blizzard approaches, members of a DC activists’ collective are planning something big. Once snowed in together, they discover that one of their dearest friends/lovers/accomplices isn’t who they thought, and a great unraveling begins. Capital Fringe, 1358 Florida Ave. NE. capitalfringe.org. Rorschach Theatre’s 410[Gone]. March 23 to April 15. The Chinese Goddess of Mercy and the Monkey King think they control the Land of the Dead until their newest arrival, a Chinese-American boy, defies the system. Atlas Lab Theatre II, 1333 H St. NE. atlasarts.org.
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Mosaic Theater’s Paper Dolls. March 29 to April 22. This vibrant and thought-provoking musical illuminates the world of five Filipino guest workers in Tel Aviv who care for elderly Orthodox men by day and headline a drag show by night! The Atlas Lang Theatre, 1333 H St. NE. atlasarts.org. Two Trains Running at Arena. March 30 to April 29. It’s 1969 and the Civil Rights Movement is sending tremors through Pittsburgh’s Hill District. At the center of the community is Memphis Lee’s diner, slated to be demolished, a casualty of the city’s renovation project. Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW. arenastage.org. Roz and Ray at Theater J. April 3 to 29. A gripping medical drama about a doctor at the onset of the AIDS crisis in the 1980s. Dr. Roz Kagan offers a new miracle drug to save Ray Leon’s hemophiliac twins. Theater J, 1529 16th St. NW. washingtondcjcc.org.
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John at Signature. April 3 to 29. The Flick playwright Annie Baker’s latest hit blends the hyper-real with the supernatural in a transfixing work. Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Shirlington, VA. signature-theatre.org. Underground Railroad Game at Woolly. April 4 to 29. At Hanover Middle School, two teachers get shockingly down and dirty with a lesson about race, sex and power. Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, 641 D St. NW. woollymammoth.net. Bethesda Film Fest. April 6 and 7. Film topics cover family, art, race, community and technology. Tickets available at bethesda.org for $10. Remaining tickets will be sold at the door. Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, MD
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F A G O N
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UrbanArias: Florida at the Atlas. April 7 to 14. Based in part on
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The Winter’s Tale at the Folger. March 14 to April 22. Peace in the exotic kingdoms of Sicilia and Bohemia is ruptured by jealousy. Convinced of his wife’s unfaithfulness, with his friend Polixenes, Leontes plots murder, subjects Hermione, who is great with child, to public ridicule, and then casts out his baby daughter. Folger Shakespeare Theatre, 201 East Capitol St. SE. folger.edu.
BOOK TALKS Robin Lloyd - Harbor of Spies: A Novel of Historic Havana & Ambassador Vicki Huddleston - Our Woman in Havana: A Diplomat’s Chronicle of America’s Long Struggle with Castro’s Cuba. March 5, 7 PM. Politics
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and Prose at The Wharf, 70 District Square SW. politics-prose.com.
Ines Nassara will star as Dorothy in the Ford’s Theatre production of “The Wiz,” directed by Kent Gash. Photo: Scott Suchman
Penelope Bagieu - Brazen: Revel Ladies Who Rocked the World. March 8, 6:30 PM. East City Bookshop, 645 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. eastcitybookshop.com.
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Roseann Lake - Leftover in China: The Women Shaping the World’s Next Superpower. March 12, 7 PM. Politics and Prose at The Wharf, 70 District Square SW. politics-prose.com. Mallory Ortberg - The Merry Spinster: Tales of Everyday Horror. March 20, 7 PM. Politics and Prose at The Wharf, 70 District Square SW. politics-prose.com.
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Sarah B. Snyder - From Selma to Moscow: How Human Rights Activists Transformed US Foreign Policy. March 28, 7 PM. Politics and Prose at The Wharf, 70 District Square SW. politics-prose.com. Mikkel Rosengaard - The Invention of Ana. March 29, 6:30 PM. East City Bookshop, 645 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. eastcitybookshop.com.
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Ira Shapiro - Broken: Can the Senate Save Itself and the Country? April 2, 7 PM. Politics and Prose at The Wharf, 70 District Square SW. politics-prose.com.
SPORTS / FITNESS United Airlines Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon. March 10. Find the course at runrocknroll.com/dc/the-races/course. Race for Equal Justice 5k/10k. March 17 8 AM. This is GW Law School’s Equal Justice Foundation annual 5k/10k. East Potomac Park in Washington DC. active.com/washington-dc. Anacostia Park Run: Weekly Free 5k Timed Run. Saturdays, 9 AM. Anacostia Park, 1900 Anacostia Dr. SE. Registration required before first run. Beginners welcome. Grab a post parkrun coffee in a local café. parkrun.us/ anacostia. National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink. Through March 11, daily except
The Wiz at Ford’s. March 9 to May 12. Ease on down the road with Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Tinman and Lion on their quest to meet The Wiz. In this adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s magical novel, Dorothy is whisked away by a tornado to the fanciful land of Oz. For ages 8 and older. Ford’s Theatre, 511 10th St. NW. fords.org. 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; 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 indoor ice skating; March 3, 1 to 3 PM; March 4, 12 and 14, 2:30 to 4:30 PM; March 9, noon to 2 PM; March 10, 4 to 6 PM; March 11, 5 to 7 PM; and March 16, 12:30 to 2:30 PM. Afterward the ice rink closes for the season. $5 for adults; $4, 12 and under and seniors 60 and over; $3 for skate rental. Fort Dupont Ice Arena, 3779 Ely Pl. SE. fdia.org.
MARKETS / SALES Friends of SE Library Book Sale. March 10, 10 AM to 3 PM. Most books are $1. Southeast Neighborhood Library, 403 Seventh St. SE. dclibrary.org/southeast. Community Forklift Seed Swap. March 17, 11 AM to 2 PM. There will be two separate 30 \-minute talks on starting plants from seed, at 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM, followed by a full audience show and share. Then the open seed swap. 4671 Tanglewood Dr., Edmonston, MD. communityforklift.org. Annual Forklift Garden Party. March 24. Every spring, Community Forklift offers up a ton of landscaping and garden supplies, host gardening demos, experts, vendors; local bands and a food truck. There are also prizes for well-dressed people and pets. 4671 Tanglewood Dr., Edmonston, MD. communityforklift.org. 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. 200 and 300 blocks of Seventh St. SE. easternmarketdc.org. Fresh Tuesdays at Eastern Market. Tuesdays, 3 to 7 PM. Farmers’ line of fresh produce. Eastern Market, 200 block of Seventh Street SE. easternmarketdc.com. Union Market. Tuesdays to Fridays, 11 AM to 8 PM; Saturdays and Sundays, 8 AM to 8 PM. Union Market is an artisanal, curated, food market featuring over 40 local vendors. 1309 Fifth St. NE. unionmarketdc.com. Have an item for the Calendar? Email it to calendar@hillrag. com. u
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photo and design: Jason Yen
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photo and design: Jason Yen
HOMES&GARDENS
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Trees for Capitol Hill
With Over 1000 Trees Planted These Volunteers Keep The Hill Green
S
oon the trees will start to bud that lovely light green as the trees wake up from the cold winter. The flowering ones will begin their annual show. For one non-profit organization dedicated to trees, Trees for Capitol Hill (TFCH), it is a time for the big reveal. Having planted their trees in early November, there is no way to know what the future holds for the slim trees until the winter winds are gone.
Renewing the Canopy It may be a surprise to newcomers to Washington that the city is called the City of Trees. Going back to DC’s very early days, George Washington and his city planner, Pierre L’Enfant, made sure that the city had a balance of nature and build-
Friends plant a Memorial Tree in honor of Gloria Junge
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by Rindy O’Brien ings. By 1870, Boss Shepherd planted 60,000 trees as part of his public works projects. DC is still considered to have more green space than any other national capitol in the world. Early on, DC streets were zoned to be planted with certain kinds of trees. East Capitol was planted in American Elms; other streets may have had oaks or maples. It made a beautiful framing of the street because of the trees uniformity. But, it proved to be a death sentence to many of the trees. Suddenly, one tree after another were gone as disease spread. By the 1950’s approximately 50 percent of the city’s trees were gone. By 2011 it was estimated that the tree canopy had hit rock bottom at 35 percent. Founded in 1991, TFCH has planted more than a 1,000 trees in public spaces on Capitol Hill. It has pruned and cared for another 5,000 or more trees. The group is funded by generous grants from the Capitol Hill Community Foundation, National Capitol bank, and individual donors. Along with organizing the yearly planting, the all volunteer organization researches new species of street trees and connects volunteers to other tree efforts whether they are being conducted by the Urban Forestry Administration, the DC agency responsible for trees, or groups like Casey Trees that provide excellent education and training classes. TFCH’s online newsletters are a full of tips on watering, pruning, and tree selection.
Picking your Tree Starting in early summer, the core group of volunteers, including the President, Beth Purcell, Secretary, Mark Grace, and Vice President and Treasurer, Elizabeth Nelson begin to survey and field calls from Hill residents interested in securing a tree for their tree box, favorite park, or school space. Elizabeth Nelson says that the group works with the
Neighbors and Trees for Capitol Hill volunteers planting on the 1400 block of North Carolina Ave NE
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Memorial Trees
Memorial trees are a fairly new program with TFCH. Family and friends are finding that planting a tree to remember a member of their family is very meaningful. Often the family will invite others to join them for the tree planting, with a few special prayers and thoughts given at that time. Contact TFCH if you are interested in honoring one of your loved ones in this manner. www. Treesforcapitolhill.org Urban Forestry Administree canopy. The “Friends tration to coordinate their and Family” program suplist with the city’s efforts, ports residents who would and to secure any permits like to add a tree to their needed to do the plantings. own yard. Homeowners For the homeowner, are asked to pay the cost they are asked to dig the of the tree at the discounthole for the tree, have water ed price, and a pro-rated ready for the planting, and share of the delivery cost. adopt the tree for watering TFCH helps secure the and care for two to three appropriate permits and years as the tree gets rootguides the homeowner in ed. “It sometimes takes a the final selection of the number of strong voluntree. It is not easy to get a teers to get the holes dug,” good young tree from the Trees for Capitol Hill officers, Elizabeth reports Elizabeth, “and nursery to your home front Nelson, Mark Grace, and Beth Purcell. that is why we hope some yard; so being a part of the of the new Hill residents will volunteer to help November planting day is an extra bonus. us.” It takes a village. Memorial trees are also a fairly new proHomeowners also get a chance to consult gram with TFCH. Family and friends are findand work with TFCH to choose the approing that planting a tree to remember a member priate tree for their space. “The current reguof their family is very meaningful. Similar to lation is to plant native trees,” Elizabeth says. the Friends and Family program, the memo“There certainly are a lot of trees on that list to rial tree is purchased at a discount. Often the chose from, and we look at what already exists family will invite others to join them for the on the block and try and find a tree that fits in.” tree planting, with a few special prayers and The trees are purchased with a community disthoughts given at that time. Last year, a memocount from Merrifield Garden Center. rial tree was planted in the 1300 block of North Merrifield Garden Center has worked Carolina Avenue, NE in memory Gloria Junge. with TPCH since the beginning. Merrifield A lover of nature, trees, and the wildlife that inemployees, many certified arborists and master habited them, the tree is the perfect way to celgardeners are able to guide the Hill volunteers ebrate Gloria’s legacy. in selecting strong, stable, and suitable species for the Hill environment. The location has a lot to do Volunteering for the Future with the type of tree that can be planted, and MerThe organization is reaching its twenty-sevrifield has years of experience in monitoring difenth anniversary, and hopes that new resiferent growing conditions, as well as keeping up dents will become friends of the organization with some of the new disease resistance species. and volunteer to adopt a tree on their block “We have been so lucky,” Elizabeth says, “to have to water, prune, or be part of the November developed a very special relationship with Merribrigade that plants between eight and twenty field, and it is always a highlight of the year to see trees in early November. You, too, can wait with their big red truck arriving on Capitol Hill with great anticipation of spring and for Mother Naour trees ready to plant.” ture to reveal the success of your planting. In-
New Programs The mission of the organization has been to plant and care for trees in public spaces on the Hill, but TFCH has added a new program to continue its success in expanding the
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formation is easy to find on the website, www. Treesforcapitolhill.org Rindy OBrien is returning as the Hill Gardener. Her interest in all things green keeps her busy exploring the Hill gardens and beyond. Rindy can be reached at rindyobrien@gmail.com u
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A Breakout Year for Clean Decisions
Hill Company Wins Honors, Expands In 2018 by Elizabeth O’Gorek
L
ocal businessman Will Avila could not believe it when he heard that his business, Clean Decisions, had been selected as a participant in Unlocked Futures. The company, started in 2014, employs returning citizens to provide cleaning, event and landscaping services and has a sister not-for-profit called Changing Perceptions which provides support and community to those making the transition from incarceration. The Unlocked Futures program is an 18-month business accelerator backed by musician John Legend who selected eight entrepreneurs affected by the prison system. Each winner received a $50,000 operational grant and a spot in the 18-month training and mentorship program.
“I still was in shock,” Avila said of the moment he received a call inviting him to meet with John Legend, whose Free America campaign collaborated with New Prophet and Bank of America to create Unlocked Futures. “I don’t know how that happened.”
I Knew in My Heart... I’d Die in Prison Raised in Brightwood, Avila said that he only saw one way through life growing up. In his youth Avila saw his brother and cousin enter the system, the latter serving a life sentence. “I already had instilled in me that I was going to be incarcerated,” he said. Lacking family support, he said that at the age of 14, “I knew in my Charlie Curtis, Graham McLaughlin and Will Avila pose as they clean a commercial kitchen with Clean Decisions
heart that going down the streets, I’d die in prison.” Avila was incarcerated as an adult at the age 16. After eleven years in and out of the federal prison system Avila emerged determined to stay out. He said it only took four days to run out of money, and finding work was difficult. He applied for 22 jobs and was rejected for all of them before deciding to act on his plan to start his own business and employ himself. At a poetry reading during a year of homelessness that followed his release, Avila met Graham McLaughlin. McLaughlin helped him get together the start-up funds to found Clean Decisions in October 2014. Avila founded the not-for-profit Changing Perceptions a year later.
Clean Decisions The business employs 15 returning citizens to provide cleaning, event and landscaping services. They have cleaned industrial kitchens for businesses throughout the District, done work at events for Events DC, staffed two Clean Teams and are responsible for erecting and dismantling the pedestrian barricades every weekend for the Georgetown BID. In 2015, Rob Cronin joined the team to develop the landscaping arm of the company. A 25year resident of Capitol Hill, Cronin said that the company is able to provide personalized services and attention to the smaller yards of the neighborhood. The not-for-profit arm, Changing Perceptions, provides support and training to returning citizens, including access to therapy and mediation services, community support and events such as pancake breakfasts and guest speakers. In partnership with the Department of Small and Local Business Development, the program has incubated eleven new businesses and provided jobs to 43 individuals, in addition to training in transitional skills and the promotion of entrepreneurial efforts.
‘We Know How to Hustle’ The Unlocked Futures Progra helps start-up companies in two ways. First, it provides an 18-month executive coaching program, which includes training on how to run a business. Rob Cronin said that the training program
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newprofit.org and Free America with John Legend back you up,” he said. “It’s amazing.”
Carlos Tyler has been with Clean Decisions for almost two years, currently as the company’s Administrative Assistant.” I really don’t know what path or track I’d be on had I not had this relationship. So in short, it was everything.”
A ‘Breakout Year’
2018 is a ‘breakout year’ for Clean Decisions, said Cronin. “So much of what Clean Decisions has been doing has been based on hustle, and now it’s poised to become a stable business,” Cronin said, pointing to returning customers and crew and new, solid contracts. Clean Decision was awarded a contract last December through the Launch Pad Initiative with the District Department of General Services (DGS). The company competed against six other business to win the contract for comprehensive green cleaning and related comprehensive maintenance for Barry Farm Recreation Center (1230 Sumhelps fill in some critical gaps for the company. “We ner Rd. SE), where DGS spokeswoman Joia know how to do good, quality work and get good Nuri said Clean Decisions provides “the highest jobs. That doesn’t mean we know how to do a W2 quality of janitorial services.” or a W9 [form] or manage QuickBooks or all of the “In the beginning, we experienced some miadministrative back end that’s necessary.” nor challenges,” added DGS Building Services SuThe other part of the program is an operationpervisor, Ronny Lowe. “After I provided clearer al grant from Bank of America. The funds are dedinstruction on the work process, Clean Decisions’ icated to building business operations as the comwork is so good Barry Farms Recreation Center is pany sees fit. “The $50K really helps,” Avila said, one of the cleanest buildings in the District.” but adds that the program has given him and the Cronin said that the DGS contract is one company a boost in confidence. piece of Clean Decisions’ move to becoming a “Just having Bank of America back you up, long-term stable employer for returning District citizens. “[W]hen people are not just getting paid by the hour, but can be hired based After eleven years on salary,” Cronin said, “that’s when you’re in the system, Will Avila started his making a difference in creating jobs and opown company and portunity for people that don’t have a lot of a sister not-forprofit to spread a alternatives.” message to returning citizens: “You can make a clean decision today and change the way people perceive you.”
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‘It Was Pretty Much Everything’ Avila emphasizes the mission of both his company and the sister not-for-profit, measuring the company’s success not just by the growth in business but in the impact on people’s lives. Carlos Tyler is an example of both. Hiring Tyler as an administrative assistant was part of Clean Decision’s move into the next phase. Tyler was a juvenile when he was first placed in the system at 16. Released at 18,
he was out for a total of two weeks before he was re-arrested, landing in prison for another six years. Tyler was assigned to do an apprenticeship following his release that included on-the-job training with Clean Decisions. “From there, the relationship was solid,” Tyler said. He went on to do many jobs with the company and has now been affiliated with the organization for nearly two years. As part of the clean-up team for a ‘Drink the District’ event, Tyler was paired with a quiet, unassuming man. As they worked, Tyler’s partner asked him questions about his future, including where he saw himself in five years. “I remember thinking to myself, I wonder what the heck this dude was locked up for? What could he possibly have done?” It was only later that evening that Tyler learned that the man was Graham McLaughlin, who had helped Avila found the company. The two built a relationship and Tyler was offered a position as a navigator, or mentor, with Changing Perceptions. He went on to an apprenticeship with the Council for Youth Justice, learning software programs like QuickBooks before he started looking for administrative work. McLaughlin suggested Tyler for the administrative opportunity with Clean Decisions. He says the effect of the organization and the communities it has built on his life has been “pretty much everything,” emphasizing the last word. “For me to transition from prison into society and be immediately welcomed by this group with acknowledgment of all that I’ve been through –it was basically a lifeline.” “I really don’t know what path or track I’d be on had I not had this relationship. So in short, it was everything. Yep.” Avila is grateful to the Hill community for their support and for spreading the message of hope for the future. He said the message is “you can make a clean decision today and change the way people perceive you.” “Do the right thing. Choose the positive path.” Learn more about Clean Decisions or get a job estimate at cleandecisions.com by calling 202903-4332 or emailing info@cleandecisions.com Follow the company and their sister not-for-profit Changing Perceptions on Twitter @cleandecisions @ChangingDC u
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Could Punxsutawney Phil Be Right? by Tom Daniel
O
n Ground Hog Day 2018, Phil, from Punxsutawney, Pa., emerged from his home on Gobbler’s Knob and saw his shadow, thus predicting six more weeks of winter-like weather. While it’s not what most of us were hoping to hear (except for all you ski bums), time flies when you’re having fun! Spring will be here before you know it. Don’t forget to add a roofing checkup to your spring to-do list. Any roofing problems lingering as a result of winter are best addressed as soon as the weather heats up. Because of the warmer spring weather, it is also an ideal time for repairs, if any are needed. While the winter of 2018 has not been a record-breaker by any means, we have had enough
Lost tiles on slate turret
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rain, ice and wind to cause a fair share of concern about roofs and gutters. It’s normal to have heavier amounts of rain in spring, and previous winter damage can lead to leaks and other problems when spring storms hit. Detecting problems and getting them resolved quickly is important. Your home’s roof provides the primary defense against the elements. For that reason, it makes sense to keep it in good condition and performing as it should. Even if damage isn’t immediately affecting your home and the inside of your living space, there can be hidden damages that can sneak up later. So, what should you do to assess possible winter damage to roof and gutters? For starters, check the attic and ceilings for leaks and water stains. Inspect attic insulation
Pooling water damges the roof. Falling Gutters
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have skylights and chimneys checked, as glass can crack and chimneys may need repointing. These checkup items, once completed and taken care, of should give you peace of mind and time for your other spring checkup chores. Of course, as a roofing contractor who makes his living doing roof work, you will expect the following note of caution from me. Only roofing professionals should climb onto a roof. It’s what we do every day. We know how to Dangerous chimney do a roofing analysis and what to look for. is definitely a warning sign to have the metMany roofers offer a al thoroughly checked. Extensive rusting can free roof checkup and written analysis. Avoid cause the metal to degrade and allow water to the risk and give one a call! enter your home. For slate and shingle roofs, loose nails Tom Daniel is owner and general manager of R. and broken shingles or slate tiles may be signs Thomas Daniel Roofing LLC and is the third generation of the family to provide roofing services that the roof has been compromised and is to Capitol Hill homeowners. Tom was born on susceptible to leaking. Capitol Hill and supports numerous community If you had ice dams, they may have organizations. For help with your roofing needs weighed down gutters or downspouts and he can be reached at 202-569-1080, 202-544pulled them off the fascia so they drain the 4430 or tom@rthomasdanielroofing.com. u water poorly. Leaves and other debris in the gutTime for new slate turret ter or spout can cause big problems when heavy spring rains arrive. It may not seem like a big deal, but this could be your biggest problem source. High winds can cause branches to fall and puncture the roof. Or the winds may have caused wall caps to blow off or become dislodged. Punctures need to be repaired and wall caps need to be secured. Don’t forget to
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Solar Energy Creates (Local) Jobs!
W
e all know that solar energy is good for the environment and good for your pocketbook. Even a small solar array on a DC rowhouse roof can significantly reduce electricity costs. But, did you know that solar energy is also creating jobs for District residents? In 2017, Washington, DC, increased its solar energy workforce by 10 percent and now ranks sixth in the number of solar jobs per capita in the US. GRID Alternatives Mid-Atlantic is working to ensure that residents are a part of this growing workforce through the Solar Works
by Catherine Plume DC program, a three-year, low-income solar-installation and jobtraining initiative spearheaded by the District’s Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) and the Department of Employment Services (DOES). GRID Alternatives was founded in California in 2001 and now works across the nation and internationally to make solar photovoltaic (PV) technology practical and accessible for low-income communities that need the savings and jobs. GRID Alternatives Mid-Atlantic launched in 2014 and is implementing the first year of the Solar Works DC program, providing job training
GRID Alternatives solar job-training program focuses on hands-on experience. Photo: GRID Alternatives Mid-Atlantic
Mayor Bowser helps Ward 5 resident Amy McKelvin celebrate the installation of a solar array on her home thanks to the combined efforts of GRID Mid-Atlantic and Solar Works DC.
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to participating District residents in the solar and renewable industries. The program is rigorous and thorough. Trainees who complete GRID’s Installation Basics Training (IBT) program gain skills and earn certificates. They also attend customer outreach and construction workshops, receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10 certifications and take the North American Board of Certified Energy Prac-
titioners Photovoltaic (NABCEP PV) associate credential exam. The hands-on training includes installing solar arrays on qualified low-income single-family homes. To date, 35 lower-income homes have been outfitted with solar array installations at no cost, with some 60 to 100 installations planned per year over the next three years of the program. Amy McKelvin, a Ward 5 solar array recipient, says, “I’m very proud and happy that I was able
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to get solar through the Solar Works DC program. I’m really feeling comfortable about it, because I will get a discount on my electric bill. I am very happy that I was able to get that.” This past fall, 22 District residents participated in the 12week GRID Alternatives program. Two months later, nine of them are employed in the renewable energy/solar field. A second training program will be launched this spring, and a six-week prorated job-training program will be offered this summer to residents ages 1824 through the Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program. Nicole Steele, executive director of GRID Alternatives Mid-Atlantic, is proud of this program. “Connecting individuals to well-paying solar jobs is a key part of GRID’s mission. Seeing our trainees learn the basics of solar installation, develop their skills on the job site and transition into the rapidly growing DC solar industry after graduation speaks to the success of handson job training and the Solar Works DC program.” Perhaps more importantly, the trainees, now professional solar installers, rave about the program. Reginald Chandler graduated from DC’s Eastern High School in 2015. A Ward 5 resident, he completed the GRID Alternatives Solar Works DC training program this past fall and is currently serving with GRID as an AmeriCorps Fellow. “My favorite thing about Solar Works DC was the job training. I had no direction be-
Reginald “Reggie” Chandler is a DC resident and proud graduate of the GRID Alternatives Solar Works DC job-training program. Photo: GRID Alternatives Mid-Atlantic
fore with my career or training, I was delivering pizza.” Solar Works DC is part of the District’s Renewable Portfolio Standard [RPS] Expansion Amendment Act of 2016, which aims to increase access to clean energy and create a long-term pipeline for green jobs. Over the course of the three-year program, Solar Works DC intends to train more than 200 residents and install solar systems on up to 300 low-income single-family homes in the District. DOEE Director Tommy Wells is a huge fan of Solar Works DC, noting, “The mayor has often said that what’s good for the environment is good for the economy. Solar Works DC proves that to be the case by helping out-of-work or underemployed DC residents get trained for
the fastest growing industry in the country – solar power. Our goal is to provide at least five percent of the city’s energy needs from renewable solar power locally generated. This is a win for everyone involved including our future generations.” Know of someone who should take advantage of this program either as a trainee or a homeowner? If so, contact GRID Alternatives Mid-Atlantic at 202-602-0191. Catherine Plume is a lifelong environmentalist, a writer and a blogger for the DC Recycler: www.DCRecycler. blogspot.com; Twitter: @DC_Recycler. She is a board member and conservation chair of the DC Chapter of the Sierra Club, but the perspectives expressed here are her own and do not necessarily represent the positions of that organization. u
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This Old House
Was your Capitol Hill townhouse feeling a little drafty this winter? Michael ‘Max’ Grove of Max Insulation, a Hill-based business that has racked up nearly a hundred five-star reviews, is here to help. He and Catherine Plume have teamed up to write ‘A Primer on Whole Home Performance: Max’s Guide to Making an Old House Comfortable,’ a resource that provides simple DIY solutions to making your historic home energy and climate efficient. To request a copy, go to www.maxinsulation.us. u
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Food Stuff in the Classroom by Catherine Plume
I
want more broccoli!” That’s certainly not a common childhood refrain, but it’s one I was amused to hear during a recent visit to Capitol Hill’s School Within School (SWS) @ Goding. Thanks to the FoodPrints program, students are learning how to grow, prepare and eat nutritious and organic produce – even broccoli. FoodPrints is a program of FRESHFARM, a DC-based nonprofit organization that promotes sustainable agriculture and improves food access and equity in the mid-Atlantic region. Staffed by certified teachers, nutritionists, chefs and local food experts, FoodPrints aims to improve the health and academic outcomes of children and their families in partnership with DC schools. FoodPrints began in 2012 and now serves some 4,300 students in schools across the District. The FoodPrints “classroom” at SWS includes a stove, cabinets, a dishwasher, a washer/dryer unit and a worm compost bin. All 310 SWS students participate in the program – pre-K3 through fifth grade, including medically fragile students. Every class goes on a monthly “in-school field trip,” which includes gardening, cooking, eating and an academic lesson. The garden is a classroom at Capitol Hill’s School Within School @ Goding. Photo: Ezra Gregg (www.ezragregg.com)
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Presentation is everything. Margi Finneran puts the finishing touches on food that the students have prepared. Photo: C. Plume
Margi Finneran is the FoodPrints instructor at SWS. One look at her in her FoodPrints kitchen tells you that she has found her dream job. “After my daughter was born, I became more interested in healthy cooking. I also realized how happy we both were working in the garden. I wished all kids could benefit from this experience. I began working at SWS [then located at Peabody Elementary] in 2010 as a classroom assistant. When SWS moved to the Goding location, I was offered the FoodPrints lead teacher position.” Finneran comes to FoodPrints with some impressive credentials. A graduate of the culinary school at Johnson & Wales in Providence, R.I., she worked as a pastry chef at the White House for 17 years and at the US ambassador’s residence in London. While Finneran is used to preparing food for some elite audiences with delicate taste buds, even she’s been surprised by students’ enthusiasm for the
program and their willingness to try new foods. “One of my favorite memories is when I first made lentil shepherd’s pie with rutabaga, cabbage and carrots and lentils in place of traditional lamb or beef. Frankly, I wasn’t sure the students would like it, but it was a hit. I had parents telling me that they had to go purchase the ingredients right after school so they could make it at home that night!” Lentil shepherd’s pie is just one of the recipes DC Public Schools is using in its pilot program, “FoodPrints Days,” a partnership with FRESHFARM to serve FoodPrints recipes in the cafeteria at lunch on Wednesdays at SWS, LudlowTaylor, Tyler and Francis-Stevens elementary schools. Eating good food is just a small part of the FoodPrints program. During each field trip, students participate in an age-appropriate seasonal lesson about gardening, health/nutrition or environmental topics. They get their hands dirty in the school garden by planting, weeding, watering and eventually harvesting their crops. They then prepare these crops, supplemented with produce from FRESHFARM markets, according to recipes – chopping, measuring and mixing food into delicious (and beautiful) concoctions. At the end of each FoodPrints session, students and teachers eat the meal together, using reusable plates, cutlery and napkins. Everyone helps with the cleanup, with leftover food scraps added to the compost, which is eventually applied to the garden beds.
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Additions & Basement Experts BUFFALO COMPANY, LLC www.buffalocompanyusa.com For all your Construction Needs ADDITIONS As Finneran notes, “FoodPrints provides so many practical applications of reading, science and math. Students get excited when they see these connections for themselves. People live such hectic lives these days. Many families just don’t make or have time for a sitdown meal. I love seeing how the school community of both families and staff comes together in the FoodPrints kitchen. I know many of my fellow FoodPrints teachers at other schools feel this way, too.” But, as with any nonprofit organization, secure and ongoing funding is a challenge. While SWS is fortunate to have strong parent support and fundraising for the program, yearto-year funding for FoodPrints is always a challenge, especially as the program seeks to expand into more schools. Yet, it provides life skills in food cultivation, preparation and nutritious eating. As Finneran notes, “Food is medicine, and the best medicine is fresh food. If children don’t know about or have access to healthy food, how can they be ready to learn?” Are you ready for some broccoli? All family-friendly FoodPrints recipes are available at www.freshfarm.org/ foodprints-recipes. Bon appetit! Catherine Plume is a lifelong environmentalist, a writer and a blogger for the DC Recycler: www. DCRecycler.blogspot.com; Twitter: @DC_Recycler. She is a board member and conservation chair of the DC Chapter of the Sierra Club, but the perspectives expressed here are her own and do not necessarily represent the positions of that organization. u
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by Wendy Blair When will the cherry trees by the Tidal Basin be best this year, do you think? The National Park Service says there is a wide window, from March 20 to April 15 every year, for the cherry trees to perform their wonders. We have had some extremely cold weeks. Then came unusually warm weeks. From March 1 on, cold weather will mean later; warm weather will mean earlier – no one knows more. High winds, sleet and snow can ruin everything – but the blossoms almost always manage to triumph in the vicinity of April 1, give or take! Our flowering quince has failed to flower this year. Can you suggest why? Two ideas occur. First, quince blooms on new growth. Therefore, it is important, while the shrub is dormant during winter, to prune away leggy and overgrown branches to encourage little new shoots. These new shoots are the ones that produce the blooms. Second, quince dislikes alkaline soil. Try testing your soil. To boost acidity, add sphagnum peat, aluminum sulfate or composted leaves. Is it true that columbines love a shady garden? If yes, can you
suggest some attractive columbines to plant? Yes, columbines love light shade and give a delicate touch among denser plants. Aquilegia by its correct, Latin horticultural name, thrives from April on, in lovely pastels and a brilliant red as in the Aquilegia canadensis; Aquilegia vulgaris is a stunning violet blue – elegant, by no means vulgar.
The Capitol Hill Garden Club will feature “Hot New Tried and True Perennials” on Tuesday, March 13, at the Northeast Public Library, corner of Maryland Avenue and Seventh Street NE. Meetings start with refreshments at 6:45 p.m. and are free and open to all. Membership details: www.capitolhillgardenclub.org. u
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HomeSaver Restore Assistance Program DCHFA now offers a Restore Assistance Program. – A one-time payment, up to $60,000, to “catch-up” on delinquent property related expenses. Applicants must have suffered a qualified financial hardship due to unemployment or underemployment, own a home in the District and be able to sustain future payments going forward. Visit www.DCHFA.org for full qualification guidelines and information on how to apply to any of DCHFA’s homeownership programs.
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BULLETIN BOARD National Portrait Gallery Unveils Portraits of the Obamas The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery has unveiled its commissioned portraits of former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama by artists Kehinde Wiley and Amy Sherald, respectively. Before the Obamas departure from office, the couple selected Wiley and Sherald to paint their likenesses for the Portrait Gallery’s collection. This is the first time that African American artists have been commissioned for the National Portrait Gallery’s official portraits of a President or First Lady. The National Portrait Gallery is part of the Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture at Eighth and F Streets NW. npg.si.edu. RIGHT: Kehinde Wiley’s portrait of President Obama BELOW: Amy Sherald’s portrait of Michelle Obama
Sunday Afternoon in Kim’s Garden Please join us in Kim’s Garden at the corner of 8th Street SE and Independence and on Sunday March 4, between 2 and 4 pm. Garden Founders will be on hand to thank neighbors and patrons, answer questions and outline future plans.
Free Tax Help Through April 18, meet with a qualified AARP
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National Native American Veterans Memorial Finalists Announced The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian has announced the five finalists for the design of the National Native American Veterans Memorial. They are: James Dinh; Daniel SaSuWeh Jones (Ponca) and Enoch Kelly Haney (Seminole); Harvey Pratt (Cheyenne /Arapaho); Stefanie Rocknak; and Leroy Transfield (Maori: Ngai Tahu/Ngati Toa). The museum received 413 registrations from five continents, North and South America, Africa, Asia and Europe. nmai.si.edu. Ceremony announcing the 2018 Veterans Memorial project. Photo: Lisa Austin/Smithsonian
centerdc.org or call 202-549-4172. Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the event. Overbeck lectures are supported by the Capitol Hill Community Foundation.
Taste of the Hill Gala Taste of the Hill, on April 20, is an elegant evening featuring great food and wine and fabulous auction items such as vacations stays, artwork and dining gift certificates. Enjoy tasting menus from a variety of local restaurants along with thoughtful wine parings. This annual fundraiser organized by the Brent Elementary parents supports professional development for teachers, music education, museum and field studies program, enrichment classes, art and science supplies. Donate auction items. Become an event sponsor and/or buy tickets at 501auctions.com/brentgala.
NPS Issues RFP for James Creek Marina
tax aide at Southwest Neighborhood Library, 900 Wesley Pl. SW, Mondays and Wednesdays at 2 p.m. For more information, visit dclibrary. org/incometax.
CHAL Open Call to Artists The Capitol Hill Art League (CHAL) invites artists to express in art form “What OUR WORLD Means.” Artists, 18 or older DC residents, are eligible to enter. The deadline for digital entries is March 10 at midnight. The exhibition dates are April 18 to June 2. Up to three entries may be submitted for a non-refundable fee of $30. Up to two additional entries may be submitted at $5 each. Artists submitting three-dimensional work may provide two images of each piece. To enter, go to client.smarterentry.com/chal and follow the instructions.
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Discover Capitol Hill’s Historic Alleys Capitol Hill has a rich collection of historic alleys and alley buildings that have long been valued by Capitol Hill residents. In the 1930s Capitol Hill residents began to renovate run-down alley dwellings, despite a law calling for their demolition. That law was eventually reversed, leading to the preservation of many historic alley structures. On March 15, 7:30 p.m., at Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, architectural historian Kim Williams will trace the history of Capitol Hill’s alleys through successive waves of changing uses, demographics, demolition, preservation and new development. Williams is a preservation planner for DC’s Historic Preservation Office, Office of Planning. Admission is free, but reservations are required. To register, go to hill-
The NPS has issued a request for proposals (RFP) for the provision of guest services at historic James Creek Marina located on the Anacostia River on Buzzard Point. These services will include wet slip rentals, fuel service, marine sanitation, parking lot operations and retail vending sales. Additional services may include non-motorized vessel rental, trail storage and quick food service. A prospectus can be downloaded at nps.gov/commercialservices/ prospectuses.htm. Proposals must be received by the chief of commercial services Chad Tinney at the NPS National Capital Region Office no later than 4 p.m. on April 13, 2018.
DC: the Greenest City On Wednesday, March 14, 6:30 p.m., the Capitol Hill Restoration Society presents the first in a three-part series: Jay Wilson, Green Building Program Analyst with the District’s Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) and Steve Callcott, Deputy Preservation Officer with the DC Office of Planning (OP), will tell us how Washington is on the path to becoming one the greenest cities in the world. NE Library, 330 7th Street, NE (downstairs meeting room)
Tuesday Trivia Atlas Brew Works, 2052 West Virginia Ave. NE, offers Trivia every Tuesday nights at 7:30 p.m. with Christian Hunt. Prizes include money off the bar tab, growler fills and occasional tickets to shows at 9:30 Club. They also serve pizza from Eat Pizza and tacos from Tamales Pachuca. atlasbrewworks.com.
Southwest AARP Annual Business Meeting The Southwest Waterfront AARP Chapter 4751 will hold its 25th Anniversary Year, annual Luncheon Business Meeting on March 21, noon, at River Park -South Common Room, 1311 Delaware Ave. SW. The speaker is Dr. Regina Harrison, Professor Emerita in Latin American Literatures and Comparative Literatures at the University of Maryland on Ruins and Rare Species: The Ecology of Tourism in Peru, Tropical Forest Villages, Ecuador and the Galรกpagos Islands. Lunch is $5. For more information, contact Chapter President, Betty Jean Tolbert Jones at bettyjeantolbertjones@yahoo.com or 202-554-0901.
Tenants Rights Workshops As Washington, DC rapidly changes it is important that tenants know their rights, learn how to protect their homes, and access new opportunities. Staff from Housing Counseling Services will be discussing tenant rights and responsibili(continued on pg. 63)
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New Discoveries at the Shotgun House Archaeology Project Dick Wolf Memorial Lecture, March 23, 2018 by Monte Edwards he Dick Wolf Stephen Hansen: ArchiMemorial Lectectural historian and forture is an annumer professional archaeolal event sponogist, author of A History sored by the of Dupont Circle and KalCapitol Hill REstoration Soorama Triangle, and presciety to showcase excellence ident of the Committee of in research and writing on 100. Formerly worked with urban planning and historic the Cultural Resources Dipreservation in the District vision, US Park Service and of Columbia by a student or is now principal at Preserintern. The winner presents a vation Matters, LLC. lecture on his or her research and receives a $1,000 prize. Emma Seabright: ArchiThe winner of the 2018 Dick tect, designer of the new Wolf Memorial Lecture comresidences built around petition is Christine Ames, the reconstructed Shotgun who worked on the ShotHouse, on the project team gun House Archaeology for the Capitol Courts deProject in Capitol Hill as a velopment; a 117 apartCapital City Fellow with the ment, mixed-use building Christine Ames, Winner 2018 Dick Wolf Prize at the Shotgun House site. DC Government from 2016 located on the lot adjacent Photo: Ruth Trocolli to 2017. to the archeological site. Ame’s lecture focuses on a trash midden (pit) buried in the backyard of 1229 E St, SE, disAmes is a Registered Professional Archaeologist, having received her covered during these archaeological investigations. After learning the Master’s in Archaeological Heritage Management from Boston UniShotgun House was home to a few colorful residents, Ames was curiversity and her Bachelor’s in Anthropology from Syracuse Universious about the contents of the trash pit -- if the objects could be associty. She continues to be involved in the Shotgun House Archaeology ated with these former occupants, the possible events that led to their Project as a contractor with GroundworkDC, working with the DC disposal, and, more broadly, what insights they offer into the daily lives Historic Preservation Office. She was born in Washington, DC and and households of these occupants. Her lecture will also describe the currently resides in Capitol Hill. She is extremely happy to be able processing of artifacts, detailing the work that is undertaken in the lab to help preserve the history of the area in which she grew up, for fuonce the fieldwork is completed. Following the lecture, a panel of three ture generations. special guests will discuss the major points of her lecture: The lecture will be presented on Friday, March 23, 2018 at 7 pm, at the Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave SE. The event is free Bob Sonderman: Archeologist, former member of the Historic Presand open to the public. For more information contact CHRS at 202 ervation Review Board, active resident of Capitol Hill who now serves 543-0425 or email to caphrs@aol.com. chrs.org/2018-dick-wolf-meas Curator/Director, Museum Resource Center, National Park Service morial-lecture/ u
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EXTENSIVE KNOWLEDGE OF CAPITOL HILL & BEYOND (continued from pg. 61) ties, the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act, how to improve building conditions, rent control at SE Public Library, 403 Seventh St. SE, on Mar. 19 and 29 at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call 202-667-7608.
2018 District Sustainability Awards The Department of Energy and Environment has opened polls for the 2018 People’s Choice category of the annual District Sustainability Awards which honors DC businesses or organizations for outstanding achievement in sustainability. The public is invited to vote online until March 16. The District Sustainability Awards will be held April 18 at Eastern Market North Hall. The nominees for People’s Choice are: City Wildlife; Willard InterContinental Washington, DC; The DC Dentist; American Society of Landscape Architects; and Georgetown University. Vote at w.sustainabledc. org/in-dc/districtawards/peopleschoiceaward.
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Ground Broken on New Douglass Bridge On Feb. 13, Mayor Bowser broke ground on construction of the new Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge. The work is part of the South Capitol Street Corridor Project, the largest public infrastructure project in the history of the District Department of Transportation (DDOT). The new bridge will be built approxi-
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The DCCAH in partnership with the DC Department of Public Works (DPW) invites submissions from artists and graphic designers for the Designed to Recycle public art project. This joint agency project funds artistic works that transform standard recycling trucks into mobile public art by adhering an artistically designed vinyl (digitally printed) to the truck’s exterior. It is the goal of the agencies to outfit fifteen trucks in this cycle. Deadline is March 23, 4 p.m. For information, contact Ron Humbertson, Art Collections Registrar at ron.humbertson@dc.gov or 202-724-5613.
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Public Art. Deadline to apply is April 6, at 4 p.m. For more information, contact Keona Pearson, public art coordinator, at keona.pearson@dc.gov or 202-724-5613.
Use of Force by DC Police Report The Office of Police Complaints (OPC), has released a report to Mayor Bowser, the Council of the District of Columbia and Metropolitan Police Department Chief Newsham regarding the use of force by MPD officers. OPC reviewed and analyzed data beginning from Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 on all types of force incidents involving MPD officers, divisions and officer ranks. OPC found there were 2,224 total reported uses of force by 1,074 MPD officers in 991 districts. The number of reported use of force incidents increased by 36 percent over the previous fiscal year and the Fifth and Seventh Districts together (Wards 5, 7 and 8) accounted for 38 percent of all reported use of force incidents. The agency also found that since FY13, Black community members were the subjects of 89 to 93 percent of reported uses of force. Additionally, males were the subjects of 80 to 90 percent reported uses of force, while females made up less than 20 percent of reported cases per year. To view the full report, visit policecomplaints.dc.gov. Have an item for the Bulletin Board? Email it to bulletinboard@hillrag.com. u
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by Elizabeth O’Gorek
THECAPITOL BEAT RFP ISSUED FOR EASTERN MARKET METRO PLAZA
Eastern Market Plaza [Conceptual site plan for Eastern Market Metro Plaza, showing numbered parcels. The DGS design will build on this concept, formulated by Barracks Row Main Street in summer 2013 after public input. Parcel 1 is expected to be the first focus. Courtesy: easternmarketmetropark.org/Barracks Row Main Street]
‘Small, Interim Playground’ to be Installed in ‘Plastic Park’ This Summer
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nthony DeLorenzo, Urban Planning Project Manager for the Department of General Services (DGS), announced that the plans for the Eastern Market Metro Plaza will be implemented over the next few months. A Request for Proposals (RFP) is expected to be issued in March, awarded in April and comment on the design process should begin in May. DeLorenzo said the RFP process would build on the public input process that was begun in summer 2013 by Barracks Row Main Street. The plan calls for a one-year design phase, followed by one year of construction and delivery in early 2020. Brent Cisco of the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) said that the installation of playground equipment in the northeast quadrant was expected to take place this summer in Parcel 1 of the plaza near what some refer to as ‘plastic park’. The installation would use funds provided by the construction agreement with Stanton-EastBanc made prior to the start of work on the Hine Project. A spokesperson for DPR said that the agency was “working with a small, local developer to install a small, interim playground in the park and we are aiming for completion by this summer.” Barrack’s Row Main Street Executive Director Martin Smith said the plans called for the purchase of one or two of the more significant playground pieces for summer installation in an interim playground. The pieces will then be removed and reinstalled in the permanent playground once the plaza is complete. Smith said, “Barracks Row Main Street will continue serving an active leadership role in this project. We are having conversations about ongoing programming for the space and working on maintenance for the space when the project is finished.” The warm days in late February, Smith said, have reminded all agencies and parties concerned of the urgency of the project. The plaza has a budget of $4.5 million over three years but DeLorenzo said he expected additional revenue streams will be pursued. u
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LOAF COFFEE OPENS IN FORMER MIA’S COFFEEHOUSE LOCATION
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hey only signed the lease a few days earlier, but Chris Pitorri and Keagon Foster were eager to open Loaf Coffee Shop, located at the former location of Mia’s Coffeehouse (101 15th St. NE), as soon as they could. “We came across the shop, we fell in love and decided to inquire,” said Pitorri from behind the counter, where he and Foster were making coffees and plans. “And we lucked out —it was available.”
The shop opened the morning of Saturday Jan. 27, and neighbors streamed inthroughout the weekend as Pitorri and Foster helmed the coffee machines.. The regular staff of baristas was expected to begin work as early as that Monday. Loaf Coffee started selling their coffees online, but quickly decided that they wanted to expand to the intimate experience of a shop.. “We just wanted to get our here and start meeting people in the neighborhood,” said Pittori of the opening, coming the day after Mia’s made their formal closing announcement. The shop will be open Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., serving coffee, tea and pastries from Shilla Bakery in Northern Virginia. “We’re really excited about that,” Loaf: [Keagon Foster and Chris Pitorri are the owners of Loaf Coffee. The two have opened the coffee company’s first said Pitorri, “because shop at 101 15th St. NE at the former site of Mia’s Coffeetheir stuff is amazing.” house, which closed last week.]
Waterside Fitness & Swim The hours will remain consistent until spring or summer, when they expect to finish a remodeling job that will see the seating expanded to the second level room in the current shop, with benches around the walls. The patio area will be landscaped, with paving stones and planter boxes, and the interior painted with some columns removed. By the spring, Pitorri and Foster hope to have the remodel complete, and to expand the hours and service to lunch and dinner. Pitorri said that Loaf Coffee will apply for permits for a sidewalk café, which was presented before the Transportation and Public Space Committee of ANC 6A at their Feb. 26th meeting. “This neighborhood!” exclaims Foster as he prepares coffee. “All day you’ve all been coming in and just spreading the love. It’s amazing, and we appreciate it.” Loaf Coffee Shop is located at 101 15th St. NE; hours are M-F 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sat and Sun from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The shop will have its Grand Opening celebration Saturday, March 24. Those interested in employment or more information can contact Pitorri and Foster by email at info@LoafCoffee.com u
14TH STREET SAFEWAY TO CLOSE MARCH 10TH Foulger-Pratt redevelopment expected to take two years
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he Safeway store at 415 14th St SE is expected to close March 10th, said Safeway’s Eastern Division Director of Government Affairs Stephanie Ridoré. “We have been making plans for a new and exciting Capitol Hill Store to replace the current location,” she said in an email. “We are moving forward with the plans and making arrangements to begin the project which is expected to last approximately two years.”
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Safeway: [The Safeway at 415 14 St. SE will close Mar. 10th to make way for a 402,012 sq ft building by developer Foulger-Pratt. View along 14th St. SE, showing entrance to parking. Image: Application for Large-Tract Review (LTR), District Office of Planning]
Real estate development firm Foulger-Pratt has plans to redevelop the site, to be called ‘Beckert’s Park,’ into a 402,012 square foot mixed-use building. It will include a 60,000 square foot Safeway store (an increase of 10,000 square feet), 325
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units of housing in five stories and 8,000 square feet of additional retail including a Starbucks above below-grade parking. The marquee entrance will be placed at the corner of 14th & D Streets SE. Detailed plans, including elevations, maps and artist’s renderings, are publicly
available through the Office of Planning. Safeway will be running sales leading up to the closure, including a 30% sale on some items that has already begun. Ridoré said the HR team will be working with each affected associate and the labor unions to try to find another location for each af-
fected associate from this store to transfer to that is consistent with the company’s labor agreements. The pharmacy closed Tuesday, February 27th. All prescriptions were to be transferred to the pharmacy in the nearest Safeway, located in Hechinger Mall (1601 Maryland Ave NE). u
NAVY SEEKS INPUT ON REUSE OF BARRACKS BUILDING
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he Department of the Navy, U.S. Marine Corps held a public workshop Feb. 21st to generate ideas for potential reuse options for Building 20 or the Building 20 site at Marine Barracks Washington (MBW).
racks and especially at the BEQ Complex. It will help meet requirements for adequate space and mission support functions, space configurations and Department of Defense quality of life standards. It will also better address department life safety, sustainability, energy-efficiency and anti-terrorism and force protection requirements. Now that a preferred location for the replacement BEQ Complex has been selected, the Marine Corps held the public workBlding 20: Site E, located south of the I-695 Highway at the corner of shop to solicit inL and Seventh Streets SE, has been selected as the site of the new Bachelor Enlisted Quarters (BEQ) Complex. Now, the Department of the put on the potential Navy seeks input on future use of Building 20, located at the corner of I reuse options for and Tenth Streets SE, or for the building site. Image: Department of the Navy, U.S. Marine Corps] Building 20 or for the Building 20 site. The Record of Decision for the EnvironMeeting attendees were provided backmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Multiple ground on the project and objectives, broke Projects in Support of MBW announced the out into focus groups to discuss options. Memselection of Alternative 5 Site – E, located at bers of the public were invited to participate the corner of L and Seventh Streets SE south in the workshop to help the Marine Corps adof the I 695 Highway, as the preferred location dress the future of Building 20 or the Buildfor the replacement Bachelor Enlisted Quar- ing 20 site. ters (BEQ) Complex. In addition to the public workshop, an The project will address existing and an- online survey was set up to obtain communiticipated facility deficiencies at the Marine Bar- ty input. u
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FALL CONSTRUCTION EXPECTED ON POTOMAC TRIANGLE PARKS
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lans for the Potomac Triangle Parks are expected to move forward this spring, Commissioner Aimee Grace announced at the Feb. 13 meeting of Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6B. There are two parks planned. The first is Reservation 253, the triangle park Triangle Park, Reservation 253 (12th at the intersection of 12th St Potomac St SE/K St SE/Potomac Ave SE), Final Concept SE/K St SE/Potomac Ave SE, Design Drawing. The park contains some more which is under the control of costly elements, such as a splash park, that will require additional funding. Image: Courtesy DPR DPR. Reservation 254, the triangle park at the intersecof planning, community discussion tion of 13th St SE/I St SE/Potomac and feedback, the project is now nearAve SE, is under the control of the ing reality. District Department of TransportaGrace credits community advotion (DDOT). cacy and the work of CouncilmemAdvisory Neighborhood Comber Charles Allen (Ward 6-D) for the missioner Aimee Grace (ANC 6B07) $500,000 that has been earmarked for has worked for a year and a half on the project in the District Council’s concepts for a new triangle park in Fiscal Year 2018 budget. She notSoutheast, together with the Departed that additional funds may yet be ment of Parks and Recreation (DPR), sought for more expensive elements representatives from Potomac Garsuch as a splash pool. dens, Hopkins Apartments and memPlanning will begin this spring, bers of the community. After months when DGS is expected to hire a company to create construction drawings and initiate the permit process. Construction is expected to begin in late summer or early fall of this year. Commissioner Grace announced her resignation last December, and submitted her official letter of resignation Feb. 20th. She will keep her home in the neighborhood and says she plans Potomac Triangle Park, Reservation 254 (13th St SE/I St SE/Potomac Ave SE), Final Concept to ensure the parks project Drawing. Image Courtesy DPR moves forward. u
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Don’t Tread on DC
DON’T BRING YOUR GUNS TO TOWN by Josh Burch ome Watkins, Aaron Teeter, Roland Brooks, Robert Plight, DeAnthony Henson, Robert Arthur and Jermaine Bowens. These are the names of friends, students and neighbors of mine who have been shot and killed in the District of Columbia. They were victims, all of them, of a culture that perpetuates violence, where the process of pulling a trigger is more empowering to some than starting a conversation or seeking help. I will never get my friends back; more importantly, nor will their families. As I write this I am also thinking of the families in Parkland, Virginia Tech, Orlando, Las Vegas, Sandy Hook and so many other mass shootings. As individual and mass shootings continue, members of Congress remain beholden to the National Rifle Association (NRA) and do nothing about this uniquely American scourge of violence. We must change our culture and we must change our gun laws as part of that process. I do not know all of the answers on how to stop the slaughter. I do know that guns are too readily accessible both legally and illegally. We are a gun culture, and that is a horrible illness. The lawful, easy access to guns feeds the illegal supply of them as well. We have tried through our elected officials to limit the number of guns in the District, but with firearms readily accessible across the border in Virginia and in too many states, we cannot stop the flow into DC. The District has lost court rulings about its gun laws and has made adjustments to comply with them. (We have lost court rulings before federal judges who were confirmed by the US Senate, a body where we have no representation.) The courts are not the greatest threat to DC gun laws: it’s Congress and people like Rep.
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Tom Garrett and Sen. Marco Rubio, who are the sponsors of bills aimed at gutting DC gun laws. As we approach the 2018 election we should be seeking to make sure Rep. Tom Garrett and those who enable his dangerous behavior (looking at you, Rep. Barbara Comstock) lose where it counts, at the ballot box. Americans for Self-Rule is a political action committee (PAC) set up to defend the District’s right to selfgovernance against congressional intrusions, and they will be working to defeat Rep. Garrett. Please consider working with them, the Indivisible Groups in Virginia’s 5th and 10th Congressional Districts or our own DC for Democracy. They are focusing on the power of the ballot to bring about meaningful change. If we want a more just, equitable and safe District and nation to live in, we need to be more active in ensuring that people who respect the District’s right to home rule and pursuit of statehood win elections. The statehood movement needs to start demonstrating electoral strength to build alliances among supporters and create fear within our opponents. Though we have no vote in Congress, we can still be active in the electoral process to make sure that true allies of home rule and statehood win elections and that opponents lose. Gun laws are not perfect. They do not stop hate. They do not stop all violence. They can, however, help prevent the easy access that puts weapons in the hands of those who use them to kill. Our national gun laws foster and sustain an
immoral system that values gun ownership over public safety. It is long past time to end our culture of violence, and this year should be transformative in that process for the people of DC and the nation. Between now and November, we must begin building a coalition to prevent gun violence and support DC statehood. We must use the power of the ballot to make sure that we end our culture of violence, end our irrational gun policies and end the careers of those who care more about the NRA’s money than about the thousands of victims of gun violence. We must radically change our culture of violence and reject the policymakers who enable it. Josh Burch is a member of Neighbors United for DC Statehood (www.the51st.org), a group of residents who believe that community organizing and strategic congressional outreach are the foundation and driving force behind the DC statehood movement. He can be found at josh@unitedforstatehood.com or followed at @JBurchDC. u
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POLICE SAY NO PARKED CARS ALONG MARATHON ROUTES New Security Rules Impact Hill Residents p to 26 miles of District streets will have to be cleared of parked cars the night of March 9 for the 10th Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon, including a significant chunk of Capitol Hill. Residents with cars parked on either side of streets along the route of the marathon must find somewhere else to park by the evening before the event, as part of the city’s new ‘Clean Route Initiative.’ The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) will enforce the initiative on behalf of The Mayor’s Special Events Task Group (MSETG), which is the group within The Homeland Security Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA) responsible for overseeing special events. The event sponsor will post ‘no parking’ signs along the entire parade route. All parked cars along the entire race route will be ticketed and towed the evening before the race. Race organizers will pay the cost of towing offending cars. Vehicle owners will be is-
The committee recommended that the Mayor’s office work to minimize impact to residents, including by identifying alternative parking locations for residents to use during the event. It also asked the Mayor’s office to ensure MPD adhere to regulations regarding the adoption and publication of the policy so that the public could understand the policy and offer comment, which it has not yet been able to do.
Vehicles as Weapons
The enforcement comes after an increase in the use of vehicles as weapons. On Oct. 31, 2017, a man drove a pick-up truck down a Manhattan bicycle path, killing eight people and injuring 11. Officials called it an act of domestic terrorism. That incident came only five months after one person was killed when a driver drove into pedestrians milling through Times Square. The Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon course includes a total of about 26 miles of “This new policy doesn’t seem grounded in any streets throughout the Disbeginning in northwest credible risk to the Capitol Hill Classic or other lo- trict, Washington, through Capical runs that do nothing but raise funds for neigh- tol Hill and Anacostia, ending near Robert F. Kenneborhood schools and community causes.” (RFK) Stadium. 25,000 – Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen dy people are expected to participate in the run, elements of which begin as earsued summonses. ly as 7:30 a.m. and conclude at 12:30 p.m. Road Diane Romo-Thomas, director of Commuclosures throughout the District begin at 2 a.m. the nity Relations for The Greater Washington Sports day of the race, and all roads are expected to be reAlliance, raised the enforcement of the initiative at opened by 3 p.m. this week’s meetings of Advisory Neighborhood The MPD issued this statement: The MetroCommission (ANC) 6A and 6C. politan Police Department is responsible for enAccording to ANC 6C Parks and Events suring the safety of everyone who attends special Chair Joe McCann, MPD informed his commitevents held in the city. With the advent of vehitee that the initiative had not yet been written into cle attacks that we have seen in the United States the Mayor’s Special Task Group guide for special and around the world there is a necessity to impleevents. The Hill Rag has confirmed this. It had so ment parking restrictions which include removing far only been applied to the Cupid’s Undies Run all vehicles along special event routes, particularon Feb. 10, a much smaller event than the maraly during races and parades. We understand that thon scheduled for March 10, McCann stated.
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by Elizabeth O’Gorek
this measure can be inconvenient for some residents and visitors, but we are convinced it is the best practice for protecting citizens from being injured or killed. The goal is to ensure the safety and security of special event participants, spectators, residents, and visitors in Washington, DC.
ANCs Oppose Initiative ANC 6A and ANC 6C both came out in opposition to the enforcement of the ‘Clean Routes Initiative.’ Commissioners expressed doubt about its efficacy, noting that the enforcement of the policy would have a significant impact on smaller, community-based events. One such event, the Capitol Hill Classic, is scheduled for May 20. The event is a major annual fundraiser for the Capitol Hill Cluster School, a group of three District Public Schools including Peabody Primary Campus, Watkins Elementary and Stuart-Hobson Middle Schools. The race is run entirely within the Capitol Hill neighborhood and is expected to draw 3,500 participants. That event, which includes a fun run, 3K course and 10K course, would require cars to be removed along both sides of the street for approximately 33 residential blocks, said race Chair Jason Levine at the Feb. 15th meeting of ANC 6C. Race organizers are obligated to remove vehicles left along the course before the start of the event, Levine added. He said that the costs of doing so for the Capitol Hill Classic would be about $10,000 –which he felt was a tremendous amount of money to ask from the public-school fundraiser. Levine said such costs are prohibitive to small, local organizations. The Capitol Hill Classic is now in its 38th year, but Levine said this obligation could prevent the event from getting to a 40th anniversary. Allen: ‘Threat to Viability’ of Events Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen (D), chair of the Council’s Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety, expressed concern about
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the impact of the initiative on communitybased events. “This new policy doesn’t seem grounded in any credible risk to the Capitol Hill Classic or other local runs that do nothing but raise funds for neighborhood schools and community causes,” Allen stated. “Rather, it poses a serious threat to the viability of these events and their ability to gain ANC and community support.” “I have asked the Chief of Police to reconsider the agency’s position and look to address security concerns in other ways,” Allen added. Levine noted that a representative from the Executive Office of the Mayor (EOM) had offered to help mitigate the $10,000 cost, which he appreciated. Terms had not yet been finalized, he stated. The EOM had suggested providing placards to exempt residents and churches from the restrictions. It was unclear what form these, or the enforce-
ment of these, would take, Levine added. At the ANC meeting, Levine stated that the initiative itself was not useful as a security measure. “I find this entire endeavor of ‘Clean Routes’ to be questionable at best.” Levine clarified that this was his personal opinion rather than that of the schools or the event. Levine pointed out that there were far more pedestrians on downtown sidewalks parallel to traffic during rush hour than would be attending the school fundraising event. ANC Commissioner Mark Eckenwiler (6C-04) agreed, questioning if provision will also be made to block active intersecting roads where they meet the marathon route, for instance by using large dump trucks to prevent vehicular access. Eckenwiler said that if such action is not taken “they’re locking the window and leaving the front door open,” calling the initiative without the closure of these literal gaps ‘security theater’. u
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HPRB APPROVES EBENEZER CHURCH PARKING Flouting Law Requiring ANC 6B Review, by Elizabeth O’Gorek Curb Cut is also Approved n Feb. 22, the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) approved a revised application by Ebenezer Methodist Church, 400 D St. SE, for an interior parking lot and a new curb cut. The Board did so in the absence of any consideration of the revised proposal by ANC 6B, which by statute must be accorded “great weight” in any such decisions. Both the commission and the Capitol Hill Restoration Society (CHRS) had taken a position against the church’s earlier proposal. ANC 6B had heard a presentation by Ebenezer Methodist Church and its partner Evergreen Urban on their proposed parking arrangements for ‘Ebenezer Flats’ at its Jan. 9 meeting. These involved both a curb cut and the construction of an electrical parking lift in the rear of five new townhouses. The ANC voted to oppose (4-2-2) the lift structure due to the impact on adjacent green space and the opposition of neighbors. Rather than waiting for the commission to consider the church’s revised parking plans, HPRB voted (6-01) to approve the revised application. The new proposal dropped the idea of a mechanical parking structure entirely. Instead, the church requested a curb cut to allow access to 16 at-grade parking spots.
The Hearing At the HPRB hearing, Board Chair Marnique Heath asked the applicant why they had not returned to the ANC to discuss the changes. The ANC had given its view on the curb cut on two occasions, replied Evergreen Urban’s Eric Jenkins. The major change involved the removal of the mechanical lift structure with no revision to the curb cut or the parking layout, he pointed out. “We didn’t think we were adding anything or making revisions that had not already been two times addressed,” Jenkins said. Testifying for the commission, ANC 6B Chair Daniel Ridge (6B09) pointed out, “While the project
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has changed, there is no reason today to set aside the ANCs specific objection to the creation of a curb cut and a new private driveway.” The ANC Single Member District (SMD) in which the project is located is currently without a representative following the resignation of Diane Hoskins last month. Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner James Loots (6B03) SMD includes the residential area across the street from the development. Two residents spoke in support of the application. One represented that she spoke on behalf of 16 current residents, who supported the mechanized lift, the curb cut and lot. She said these community members wanted to support the church in an attempt to relieve parking needs and provide for elderly and infirm parishioners. “[The church] is an anchor of the community, and I think we need to support it and preserve it,” she said. Five residents testified against the curb cut. One pointed out that he had collected more than 70 signatures in opposition. The curb cut would change the nature of the block by posing a hazard for neighborhood children at its entry/exit points, they claimed. They also expressed concern that the church would rent spaces to commuters. The removal of the mechanical device, argued one witness, constituted a substantial revision to the application meriting both a reapplication and an additional hearing.
‘One is White and One is Black’ Members of HPRB spoke in support of the application. A number noted that the residents considered Ebenezer Methodist Church a good neighbor. Board member Linda Mercado Greene stated that she believed the church had gone “far and beyond the call of duty” in its efforts to be a good neighbor. Greene was “incensed and appalled” by the testimony of the proposal’s opponents. “African American religious institutions are being forced out of the community, out of the city because of parking. I don’t see where the difference between
HPRB Chair Marnique Heath speaks at the Thursday Feb 22nd meeting, at which the board approved the Ebenezer Flats HPA application for a curb cut. Screenshot: DCOZ
Ebenezer having parking for their parishioners is different from United Methodist having parking, except for one is white and one is black, and I’m just going to say it,” Greene stated. Heath joined Greene in her criticism stating that many African-American parishioners were pushed out of the neighborhoods adjacent to their churches by rising costs and gentrification. This forces them to drive to and park near churches they and their families may have gone to “in some cases for hundreds of years.” “I think it is important that we acknowledge that and that we as a city find ways for that to happen and for these churches to continue to exist,” Heath stated. DDOT will address safety issues appropriately through their process as applied to the curb cut, she said.
ANC 6B Ignored On Feb. 21, Commissioner Loots learned that HPRB would consider the revised parking plan from an email blast notifying recipients of the board’s agenda. He immediately complained to the DC Office of Planning (OP) of the notice. In his email, Loots termed this “not
only unconscionable disregard of the ANC and its constituents, (but) it is in violation of law and regulation requiring ANC 6B be provided notice and opportunity to comment.” He characterized the board’s action part of a pattern of recent instances that “have had a serious negative effect on the Capitol Hill Historic District and on my constituents.” “In light of my repeated past expressions of concern over stafflevel approval and failure to disclose developer plans to ANC 6B prior to HPO approval, I can only conclude this case represents another in a series of staff decisions with respect to the Capitol Hill Historic District that are intended by your office and the developers to silence potential neighborhood opposition and keep ANC 6B from participating in the process,” Loots wrote. In a follow-up email to the Hill Rag, Loots cited a lack of communication from the developer and church as well. “The developer didn’t even bother to show up at the first ANC meeting, and both the church and the developer have been vague and secretive as to their real plans from the start,” he said. “They have failed to keep the ANC or the community apprised of their intentions, and after defeat of the original commercial parking lot proposal, have now gone behind our backs in another attempt to keep the community from expressing its position.” Loots has requested a meeting with the DC Office of Planning (OP) to discuss HPRB practices in advance of the March meeting of ANC 6B. The Hill Rag has reached out to OP for further comment. u
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SOUTH BY WEST by William Rich
Houses of Worship the Target of Redevelopment Bethel Church DC360 at 60 I Street SW is slated for redevelopment. Cornerstone Development has plans to develop a 186,000 SF residential building on the church property. The site is located across the street from the Randall School site, which will be redeveloped by Lowe Enterprises and Telesis/Rubell into a modern art museum and residential project.
Bethel Church DC360 at 60 I Street SW is the latest house of worship in Southwest to face redevelopment. Photo: William Rich
School Needs a New Home Waterfront Academy is located on the second floor of Bethel, so as a result of the church redevelopment and the school’s growth, it is searching for a new home and has embarked on a $13 million fundraising campaign. Waterfront Academy is a dual immersion (Spanish and English) Montessori school with emphasis on charity and stewardship in the Catholic tradition. The school wants to stay in the SWDC area, where it’s been since operations began in 2014. Before opening at Bethel, Waterfront Academy planned to locate on the 1200 block of South Capitol Street SW. According to a fundraising email sent by the school, the new space will allow Waterfront Academy to serve at least 135 students each year. The school will include a chapel, library, teacher’s lounge, administrative offices, Infirmary, gymnasium, kitchen, 11 classrooms, and an outdoor plaza featuring an Urban Farm, Outdoor Classrooms, and Natural Play Space.
Large Concentration of Church Redevelopments in Southwest Bethel Church DC360 is the latest house of worship to face redevelopment in the District, but several of these churches are located in South-
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west. St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church at 6th Street and Maine Avenue SW moved into its new space in 2016, adjacent to 525 Water condos that was developed by PN Hoffman. The two-story church is approximately 15,000 square feet with the sanctuary located on the second floor offering views toward the Washington Monument. Also on the second floor are classrooms and a library. On the ground floor, the entrance leads to a vestibule that connects to classrooms and an all-purpose room, which is available for community events. Riverside Baptist Church at 7th Street and Maine Avenue SW partnered with PN Hoffman to redevelop their site with space for a new sanctuary along Maine Avenue SW and an apartment building at the corner of 7th and I streets SW named The Banks. The new Riverside has been designed with two levels – the first floor will have a fellowship hall and office space while the second floor will contain the worship center for a total of about 11,400 square feet. A few blocks east on M Street SW, St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church’s long journey to a new home is months away from completion as construction continues on its new sanctuary and adjacent Valo apartment building by Trammell Crow. The new St. Matthew’s will be construct-
ed with stacked stone masonry and colored glass will be inset using cut glass from the old church building that will form an image. There will be 10,000 SF of community space and meeting rooms, as well as the Thurgood & Cecilia Marshall Southwest DC Community Center and Sacred Grounds Cafe. One house of worship in the neighborhood that didn’t get redeveloped into housing is the Living Hope Church at 1200 1st Street SW. The building has been converted into Kadampa Meditation Center Washington DC Temple for World Peace and received a new paint job and signage in recent months. Although the old Friendship Baptist Church at Delaware Avenue and H Street SW was originally planned to be redeveloped as a condominium project, the developer changed course and leased the space to Blind Whino SW Arts Club. Land adjacent to the church building was slated to become a temporary housing facility for homeless families, but those plans were scuttled and the shelter will instead be built on the Unity Clinic site at Delaware Avenue and I Street SW. The next house of worship to face redevelopment is Westminster Presbyterian Church, where the congregation is finalizing an agreement with a developer to build a new sanctuary on the 600 block of I Street SW along with mixed income housing.
New Frederick Douglass Bridge Under Construction A groundbreaking ceremony was held on February 13 for the new Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge project. Construction equipment started arriving on site over the past couple of weeks leading up to the groundbreaking. The new bridge will be constructed about 100 feet to the west of
The new Frederick Douglass Bridge illuminated at night. Rendering courtesy of District Department of Transportation.
Mayor Muriel Bowser and other dignitaries were on hand for the new Frederick Douglass Bridge ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony. Photo: William Rich
the existing span and the new design is a departure from the previous version that looked more traditional and swung open to allow large boats to traverse the Anacostia River. Since the display ship U.S.S. Barry that was docked at the Navy Yard was dismantled and moved, there was no longer a need to have a swing span bridge so the design was updated. The new bridge design includes three above-deck arches that capture the District’s arch history, two piers that will appear to float in the river, and four pedestrian overlooks. The new bridge will carry six lanes of vehicular traffic (three on each side), as well as bike and pedestri-
an lanes on each side of the bridge. In addition to the new bridge, traffic ovals will be built on both sides of the bridge – the oval on the west side of the river will connect South Capitol Street SW with Potomac Avenue and Q Street SW. Construction of the new bridge coincides with the 200th birthday celebration of the bridge’s namesake Frederick Douglass as well as the Year of the Anacostia. During construction, the current bridge will remain open – the new span should be complete by 2021. William Rich is a blogger at Southwest…The Little Quadrant that Could (www.swtlqtc.com) u
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dvisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6A Chair Phil Toomajian called the meeting to order at Miner Elementary School, with Commissioners Sondra Phillips-Gilbert, Marie-Claire Brown, Mike Soderman, Patrick Malone, Stephanie Zimny and Amber Gove in attendance. Calvin Ward was absent.
Director, District Department of Transportation The meeting opened with a community presentation from Jeff Marootian, newly confirmed director of the District Department of Transportation (DDOT). His priorities are Vision Zero – a plan to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injury by 2024 – and to improve mobility for users of the roadways.
by Elizabeth Nelson Marootian remarked that his past experience as an ANC commissioner has informed his thinking. Key points from his presentation: • The environmental process for both expansions of the streetcar line (east on Benning Road and west to Georgetown) is underway. • Residents should report all problems with day-to-day operations (signage, potholes, sidewalk repairs) to 311, by phone or online. If it is an urgent safety matter (malfunctioning traffic light, missing stop sign), also email the tracking number to him at jeff.marootian@dc.gov. • The Maryland Avenue Safety Improvement project will begin this summer and will likely require two years to complete. • Funding to begin work on a Livability Study is included in the District’s fiscal year 2019 budget. The area to be encompassed by the study has not been determined but will probably include ANC 6A. He estimated that it will take about a year to complete the study and another year to get started on recommendations. Commissioners emphasized that a “holistic approach” is needed so that measures taken to improve safety and/ or reduce traffic on one street or block don’t have a negative effect on nearby streets/blocks.
Alcohol Beverage Licensing Actions Commissioners voted to approve a settlement agreement with Truth Hookah/Cigar (1220 H St. NE) and will not protest its request for a CT (tavern) license.
Transportation and Public Space Actions Commissioners voted to support the concept proposed in B22-0351, legislation authored by Councilmember Charles Allen to create a school parking zone program. The legislation would address a DC Public Schools (DCPS) policy that prioritizes onsite parking on school property over recreational space for students. Chris Laskowsky, a representative of Allen’s office, explained that the bill would do three things: • Allow the mayor to created school parking areas for both DCPS and charter schools. This would be done in consultation with ANCs and community members. The zones would be located within a few blocks of the school and would not be reserved for use by school personnel. School personnel would be allowed to park there only when space is available and during predetermined hours. The hours and blocks would be customized to the school based on community input.
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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 •
Create a fund to offset the costs of alternative transportation for school personnel who choose not to bring cars. A possible source of revenue would be fees paid by school personnel for the parking passes. • Reduce or eliminate the zoning requirements for parking at schools. The bill was introduced last June, and there was a hearing in September at which DDOT expressed concerns about the cost of administering the program. ANC 6A voted unanimously to provide a letter of support for the 2018 Rock‘n’Roll Marathon on the condition that, for the 2019 race, the organizers commit to meeting with the ANC prior to their meetings with DDOT and the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA) in order to discuss the possibility of alternate routes that do not repeatedly impact ANC 6A and the streetcar. ANC 6A will oppose the Clean Route requirement that no cars be permitted to park along the route far in advance of the race. This is a heretofore unenforced policy of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). The minutes of the Transportation and Public Space Committee (available on the website) document that committee members closely examined this issue at their January meeting and determined that it would be an unacceptable burden on the community given the number of blocks that would be affected and the length of time the restrictions would be in place. ANC 6A will send a letter of support to the Mayor’s Task Force on Special Events for the 2018 Capitol Hill Classic race and oppose the Clean Route requirement. Commissioners noted that, unlike the Rock‘n’Roll Marathon, this is a community-serving event and imposes less of a bur-
den on residents due to shorter route and hours.
Economic Development and Zoning Actions ANC 6A will send the following letters – all related to the commission’s desire to increase the play space at Maury Elementary School (1250 Constitution Ave. NE): • To DCPS and the Department of General Services (DGS), encouraging them to request a variance and seek other ways of increasing play space at Maury. • To DDOT, requesting it engage with DCPS to find a solution to the challenges regarding parking and space restrictions at Maury. • To the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA), asking for flexibility in the interpretation of parking requirements at Maury. This letter will be held until an application has been filed with BZA.
Announcements Toomajian announced that Councilmember Charles Allen and Michelle Garcia, director of the Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants, will appear at the March 8 ANC meeting. A second speed camera was recently installed on C Street NE, near Eliot-Hine Middle School. It captures outbound cars; the first captures inbound cars. Gove announced a joint community service project between EliotHine Middle School and Maury Elementary School: a cleanup effort near the schools (1800 block of Constitution Avenue NE). Nearby Eastern High School will be invited to join. Catholic Charities is participating in the IRS-sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Those needing help with their returns can receive it on Saturdays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., through April 14 at the Catholic University of America Columbus
Next ANC 6A meeting is Thursday Mar 8th, 7pm Miner E.S 601 15th St NE. Alcohol Beverage Licensing Committee - Tuesday, Mar 20th 7pm at Sherwood Recreation Center • 640 10th St., NE Jay Williams - Co-Chair (906-0657) / Christopher Seagle - Co-Chair
Transportation & Public Space Committee - Monday, Mar 19th 7pm at Capitol Hill Towers Community Room • 900 G St., NE Todd Sloves - Chair
Economic Development & Zoning Committee - Wednesday, Mar 21st 7pm at Sherwood Recreation Center • 640 10th St., NE Brad Greenfield - Chair (Brad.greenfield@gmail.com 202 262-9365)
Community Outreach Committee - Monday, Mar 26th
7pm at Maury Elementary School • 1250 Constitution Ave., NE Multi-purpose Room (enter from 200 Block of 13 Street) Veronica Hollmon - Chair (roni2865@aol.com)
Please check the Community Calendar on the website for cancellations and changes of venue.
Capitol Hill Restoration Society presents:
SUSTAINABLE DC & HISTORIC PRESERVATION P R E S E R VAT I O N C A F É WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 6:30 P.M. Northeast Neighborhood Library, 330 7th Street, NE (downstairs meeting room) First in a three-part series: Jay Wilson, Green Building Program Analyst with the District’s Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) and Steve Callcott, Deputy Preservation Officer with the DC Office of Planning (OP), will tell us how Washington is on the path to becoming one the greenest cities in the world.
2018 DICK WOLF LECTURE
NEW DISCOVERIES AT THE SHOTGUN HOUSE ARCHAEOLOGY PROJECT PRESENTED BY CHRISTINE AMES 7 P.M. ON FRIDAY, MARCH 23 Hill Center, 921 Penn. Ave SE
BECOME A MEMBER!
CHRS received a 2016 award for the DC Preservation League for its “advocacy, education, community outreach efforts and for its early and sustained contributions to preservation efforts in Washington, DC.” Visit www.chrs.org to learn more. Email info@chrs.org or call 543-0425.
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School of Law, 3600 John McCormack Drive NE. Call 202-319-6788 or email cua.vita2018@gmail.com to schedule an appointment. A public meeting, hosted by DDOT, for the C Street NE Rehabilitation Project is planned for Feb. 15 at the Rosedale Community Center, 1701 Gales St. NE. The plan focuses on streetscape elements such as sidewalk improvements, traffic signal upgrades and better accessibility. Visit www.cstne.com for project information. ANC 6A meets on the second Thursday of every month (except August), usually at Miner Elementary School, 601 15th St. NE. Visit www.anc6a.org for calendar of events, changes of date/venue, agendas and other information. u
ANC 6B REPORT by Elizabeth O’Gorek wo councilmembers, Chair Phil Mendelson (D-At Large) and Charles Allen (D-Ward 6), made an appearance at the Feb. 13 meeting of Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6B, which was the first chaired by Daniel Ridge and the last for Commissioner Aimee Grace as incumbent. The quorum: Jennifer Samolyk (6B01), Kirsten Oldenburg (6B04, secretary), Steve Hagedorn (6B05), Nick Burger (6B06, treasurer), Aimee Grace (6B07), Chander Jayaraman (6B08, vice chair), Daniel Ridge (6B09, chair) and Denise Krepp (6B10).
Chair Mendelson DC Council Chair Phil Mendel-
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son appeared to speak on the proposed ceremonial naming of the 200 block of Second Street SE as Richard Rausch Way. Rausch, who died in 2007, was a resident of the block, a longtime advocate for DC home rule and a member of the Democratic Party, as well as a national advocate for LGBTQ issues. The ANC had voted against the naming proposal in December, but Mendelson was not aware of the opposition until the bill was scheduled to be heard by the Committee of the Whole. At the February meeting, commissioners reiterated their frustration at the lack of communication with the ANC and with residents. Samolyk, in whose single-member district the street lies, said that despite Mendelson’s January appearance at the ANC, she still had not heard from the DC Council on the matter. Samolyk said she received hate mail because of her opposition over the holidays, although she objected to the process rather than to the naming itself. She felt parameters and guidelines should be established for the process, as honorary namings were becoming so frequent as to depreciate their value. Ridge said that many residents were awaiting the naming of streets and alleys on the Hill to proceed with by-right building, and objected to what might be perceived as the fasttracking of a ceremonial naming. The commissioners noted that the bill had been originally introduced by Councilmember Anita Bonds (I-At Large) and questioned why they were not contacted by her or her office in that regard. Mendelson expressed a desire to restart the process of ceremonial naming afresh.
Councilmember Charles Allen Councilmember Allen appeared to report on activities of his office over
the preceding year. He started by thanking outgoing Commissioner Grace for her work on the Potomac Triangle Parks. Grace thanked him for helping to allocate $500,000 in funding to allow the project to proceed, noting that additional funds are sought for more expensive elements such as a splash pool. Planning will start this spring, and construction is expected to begin in fall. Allen described the Council’s oversight hearings, set to take place over the next six weeks with a round focusing on operations and another on budget. He called attention to his Budget Town Hall Meeting, set to take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Monday, April 23, at Watkins Elementary School (420 12th St. SE). Allen promised to raise questions about sexual harassment and settlements during the oversight hearings and to make agency responses publicly available. Allen said that he was incorporating resident comments about intersection safety and requests for all-way stop signs, saying he was “incredibly frustrated with many responses we got.” Calling it a major priority, he said he would have a meeting with the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) the following day where he would raise many of these issues. Allen said that the DC Circulator route changes expected to be implemented in April, notably a change in connection between Barracks Row and Union Station, were more likely to take effect by July 1 due to a change in the contractor running the bus service that is set for the spring. If changes are delayed, training on the new route would only be required for drivers with the new contractor rather than with both companies. Allen said route changes would help families with students moving from Brent Elementary School to
Jefferson Middle School Academy in the fall. Allen has crafted an overhaul of the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), a focus of ANC 6B and Krepp in particular. The legislation is to move forward in the Council during the next few weeks, and Allen expects it to pass and to respond to failings identified in the previous versions.
Community and Commission Announcements Anthony DeLorenzo, urban planning project manager for the Department of General Services (DGS), announced that the plans for the Eastern Market Metro Plaza will be implemented over the next few months. The request for proposals (RFP) is expected to be issued in March and awarded in April, and comment on the design process should begin in May. The plaza has a budget of $4.5 million over three years, but DeLorenzo said he expected additional revenue streams will be looked at. He said the RFP process would build on the public input that was begun several years ago by Barracks Row Main Street. The plan calls for a one-year design phase, followed by one year of construction and delivery in early 2020.
Planning & Zoning Committee Regarding Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) Square 762 Lot 828, the commissioners heard an application that had been deferred at the January meeting pending corrections to the address used in the application. The application is for special exceptions to construct a two-story family home on a tax lot on Third Street SE. The lot must be converted from a tax lot to a record lot in order to
proceed as desired. The resident at 213 Third St. SE, the address originally used in error on the application, was present to oppose much of the application, voicing concern about the address currently in use and its implications to her own taxes. The applicant’s attorney presented on the exceptions necessary, largely concerning alley length and width required to allow access for emergency services. The commissioners moved to support the application and two additional exceptions presented, pointing out that none were unusual and many were occasioned by the designation of the property as a tax rather than record lot. The application was supported.
Transportation Committee Chair Oldenburg presented a letter to DDOT asking it to move forward with traffic studies requested by the ANC on Dec. 13, 2017, at 11th and D streets SE and at 15th and G streets at Kentucky Avenue SE. The letter was supported, 6-1, with Krepp opposing what she felt was the implication that the Hill East studies should be delayed.
Other Matters Commissioners voted unanimously to support a token rental fee of $1 to be paid to The Yards for shared workspace at the Hine School Project (700 Pennsylvania Ave. SE) in fulfillment of the agreement to provide office space to the ANC as part of the project.
Administrative Matters and Committee Appointments Commissioners voted unanimously to support the renewal of advertising for the commission in the 2018 Fagon Guide to Capitol Hill.
The following were appointed to be chairs and representatives for committees. All were elected by acclamation and with no opposition: – Chair, Planning & Zoning Committee: Nick Burger – Chair, Transportation Committee: Kirsten Oldenburg – Chair, Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee: Chander Jayaraman – Chair, Hill East Task Force: Denise Krepp – Chair, Outreach & Constituent Services Task Force: Jennifer Samolyk – Representative Appointee to Eastern Market Advisory Committee: Chander Jayaraman The next ANC 6B meeting will be held on March 13 at 7 p.m. at the Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. u
ANC 6C REPORT by Elizabeth O’Gorek he regularly scheduled meeting of Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6C was held at the Heritage Foundation on Thursday, Feb. 15. The quorum: Christine Healey (6C01, secretary), Karen Wirt (6C02, chair), Scott Price (6C03), Mark Eckenwiler (6C04), Chris Miller (6C05, treasurer) and Heather Edelman (6C06).
Approvals Commissioners unanimously voted to appoint Josh Linden as cochair of the Transportation and Public Space Committee together
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6C P.O. Box 77876 • Washington, D.C. 20013-7787 www.anc6c.org • (202) 547-7168 ANC usually meets the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 pm, 214 Massachusetts Ave, N.E. Please check the ANC 6C website for dates.
ANC 6C COMMISSIONERS ANC 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
ANC 6C06 Heather Edelman heatheraedelman @gmail.com
ANC 6C COMMITTEES Alcoholic Beverage Licensing First Monday, 7 pm Contact: anc6c.abl.committee@gmail.com Grants Last Thursday, 7 pm Contact: torylord@gmail.com Twitter: @ANC_6C_Grants Parks and Events First Tuesday, 7 pm Contact: jgmccann@gmail.com
Transportation and Public Space First Thursday, 7 pm Contact: mark.kaz.anc@gmail.com Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development First Wednesday, 6:30 pm Contact: 6C04@anc.dc.gov Twitter: @6C_PZE
INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING WITH US? Call Carolina Lopez. 202-400-3503
or Carolina@hillrag.com for more information on advertising.
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with Mark Kazmierczak. Commissioners voted unanimously to approve Brianna Battle as office assistant, subject to contract. Battle is also an at-large member of the Parks and Events Committee.
Community Announcements Eckenwiler said he had been in communication with the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), which had not yet reopened the streetcar station demolished by a bus on April 26 of last year. DDOT said it was studying safety implications before reopening the platform. It was also investigating pedestrian-crossing signal issues raised by Eckenwiler last month, but had made no commitments. Healey announced that the restoration of the alley between East Capitol and A streets and Sixth and Seventh streets NE was scheduled to begin on Feb. 26. As it is a large alley, work was expected to take four weeks.
Parks and Events Committee Parks and Events Committee Chair Joe McCann presented on the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Clean Routes Initiative and its impact on two upcoming events taking place in ANC 6C: the Rock‘n’Roll Marathon, scheduled for March 10, and the Capitol Hill Classic to benefit Capitol Hill Cluster School, scheduled for May 20. McCann said that members of the Special Operations Committee appeared at the committee meeting on the previous Tuesday to explain the initiative. Whenever streets are closed for events, parked cars on both sides of the streets must be removed. The initiative addresses concerns with terrorism in light of acts of domestic terrorism committed last year in New York City, notably in October, where a pickup truck used as a weapon on a Manhattan bicycle trail killed 11 pedestrians. The policy is not currently part of the Mayor’s Task Group Guide for Special Events, although McCann said it would be added. It was recently used at the Cupid’s Undies Run on Feb. 10, which McCann said was a much smaller event than the marathon. The committee recommended that the ANC send two letters. The first, in support of the Rock‘n’Roll Marathon, would also ask the mayor’s office to ask District agencies to work to minimize impact on residents, in part by exploring alterna-
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tive parking locations for residents to use before and during the event. It would also ask the mayor’s office to ensure MPD adherence to regulations regarding the adoption and publication of the policy so that the public could understand it and offer comment. The second letter would express support for the Capitol Hill Classic and ask the Executive Office of the Mayor (EOM) and the MPD to reconsider if the initiative should be applied to the Capitol Hill Classic, given its size; and ask EOM to consider the impact of the initiative on people who live along the route. Eckenwiler asked if the initiative included a provision to block active intersecting roads where they meet the marathon route, for instance by using trucks to block vehicular access, saying that if such action is not taken, “they’re locking the window and leaving the front door open.” Price suggested that large sponsors should pay the costs associated with parking the cars elsewhere, in addition to signage and towing. Jason Levine, chair of the Capitol Hill Classic, remarked on the detrimental effect of the initiative on small, community-based events. He said costs could run as high as $10,000 to clear the 33 blocks required for the event. The MPD and EOM had recognized this as a problem, he said, and a representative of the EOM had offered to reimburse the costs and devise a placard system to identify safe cars permitted to park along the route. The ANC voted, 6-0, to send a letter to the EOM and MPD opposing the adoption of Clean Routes, stating that the initiative is undocumented and has significant gaps undercutting its effectiveness. The letter would also request that, if the initiative is implemented, the committee’s two recommendations should be considered.
Transportation and Public Space Committee Mark Kazmierczak, chair of the Transportation and Public Space Committee, said that DDOT representative Jonathon Rogers had provided an overview of the pilot dockless bikeshare program at the most recent committee meeting. In the overview, the representatives expressed concerns about bicycle parking and conditions, saying they had to look at how to manage the program and by whom, and how issues of maintenance, safety and parking enforcement could be handled. There is cur-
rently no code allowing agencies to issue citations, which DDOT said it would address before additional rollout. The program’s pilot period ends on April 30, and the committee expects to make recommendations on the future of the program by March. Kazmierczak said Rogers indicated it was unlikely the program would be made permanent after the pilot concludes, but that there is likely to be another pilot or the termination of the program.
Grants Committee Grants Committee Chair Victoria Lord announced the committee was in the middle of its February grant cycle review. It was also planning an ANC 6C grants seminar to be held on April 26 at a location being finalized. The seminar is for anyone interested in establishing a foundation or a nonprofit organization. Presentations will include information on grant applications, roundtables on the founding of a nonprofit and the leveraging of grant funds.
Public Space Application Indigo Cafe (243 K St. NE) reappeared subsequent to its January application to enclose parts of the outdoor patio, which ANC 6C had deferred pending additional information. With updated drawings clarifying that seating would not increase and that overhead coverings and removable enclosures would not extend past the bar on the north side, and that seven-foot plexiglass walls will be installed along the eight-foot arms of the northwest corner of the property, the application was supported unanimously.
Historic Preservation Applications The Planning, Zoning and Economic Development (PZE) Committee presented two historic preservation applications, both by the same applicant. At 214 A St. NE, the applicant planned to remove an existing structure and make additions to the rear. The applicant had responded to the concerns of the committee in subsequent drawings. At 311 F St. NE, the applicant planned to add a rear addition to full by-right height. Again, the applicant had addressed the concerns of the PZE in drawings submitted subsequent to the committee meeting. Both projects were unanimously supported. After the vote, an F Street neighbor voiced con-
cerns about the project at 311 F St., particularly in regard to the change in building footprint and height of the structure. Commissioners encouraged him to voice his concerns at the Historic Preservation Review Board hearing, Feb. 22. ANC 6C meets at 7:00 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month (except August) in the ground floor conference room at the Heritage Foundation (214 Massachusetts Ave. NE). The next meeting will take place on Wednesday, March 14. u
ANC 6D REPORT by Andrew Lightman
A
dvisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6D met on Feb. 12. Commissioners Gail Fast (6D01), Cara Shockley (6D02), Ronald Collins (6D03), Andy Litsky (6D04, chair), Roger Moffatt (6D05) and Rhonda N. Hamilton (6D06) were on the dais. Meredith Fascett (6D07) was absent.
Allen’s Report Card Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen (D) provided the commission with an update on his work. He began by outlining the budget process. The council is currently holding agency oversight hearings. The mayor will submit her budget shortly, Allen stated. The council will then hold budget hearings to mark it up with a final vote in late spring. The councilmember will hold a Ward 6 Budget Meeting on April 23 at Watkins Elementary School, 420 12th St. SE, at 6:30 p.m. • In response to the tremendous transportation challenges facing ANC 6D, Allen convened a Transportation Strike Force of stakeholders and community members last spring. The group met frequently in the days leading up to the opening of The Wharf. It continues to examine solutions to residential parking, traffic circulation and pedestrian safety. • The return of the Circulator has been delayed to the summer, the councilmember stated, echoing the community’s frustration. July 1 is the new start date.
•
The councilmember took credit for the accelerating the modernization of Jefferson Middle School by two years. • The Washington Metropolitan Transportation Authority had removed residential parking spaces at Fourth and M Streets SW. They will be restored, the councilmember stated. • Allen also claimed credit for rebuilding of the Southwest Public Library. He made sure that it was fully funded and preserved the standalone plan. • Allen also stated that he was working on initiatives to encourage first responders to live in the District including financial aid for home purchasing. • Allen reported that he had worked with his colleagues to fully fund and implement The Neighborhood Engagement Achieves Results (NEAR) Act in the face of mayoral opposition. The act takes a public health approach to preventing crime. Allen then outlined his plans for 2018 legislation. Firstly, he plans to introduce “Civil Gideon” legislation to prevent eviction. He plans to introduce modifications to the Youth Reform Act and legislation to protect the rights of Sexual Assault survivors. Commissioner Collins complained that the DC Office of Planning had not properly consulted with the ANCs in the formulation of the new Comprehensive Plan. “Great weight is written in the law. It is not optional,” the councilmember replied. There will be many more hearings, he pointed out. Commissioner Fast complained that the city was not enforcing residential parking restrictions near The Wharf. In fact, the DC Department of Public Works (DPW) does not generally ticket on Sundays anywhere in the city, claiming it is not funded. Fast requested that money be included in the 2019 budget for weekend enforcement operations around The Wharf. The councilmember agreed that DPW should be ticketing throughout the weekend. Allen promised to find out the cost and investigate expanding weekend enforcement. Allen stated that he remains committed to a “Build First” approach to the rebuilding of the Greenleaf Gardens public housing complex. The challenge, he pointed out, was identifying the initial site to build on. The solution was to use the property currently occupied by the fire station and repair facility at 1101 Half St. SW. As chair of the
Judiciary Committee, Allen is working to move repair operations elsewhere. The station would be incorporated into the new housing project. Pointing out the pervasive fear of gentrification, Commissioner Hamilton requested the councilmember organize a meeting about Greenleaf ’s redevelopment. The commission had received no notice about the DC Housing Commission’s (DHA) Request for Proposals for the housing development. “DHA has duty to walk the community through the process,” Allen stated. The DHA Director broke his promise to return to brief the commission on Greenleaf, stated Vice Chair Litsky referencing his appearance at a fall meeting. Allen promised to pressure the agency to work with the commission.
Randall School The developers of the Randall School requested the commission’s support for a modification of significance to the project’s original Planned Unit Development (PUD) in advance of their March 29 hearing in front of the Zoning Commission (ZC). The plan is along the lines of what was previously reported. The developers have relocated the museum entrance to the school’s east side, which was originally the gym. The annex planned for the back of the building has been eliminated. Together, these changes better preserve the 1906 historic structure, which will be fully restored to qualify for LEED Silver. The building will house the Rubell Museum, which the developer announced would be free to all DC residents. The rear buildings, set behind the school, framing a large square, will provide approximately 489 residential units. 66 of those would be affordable. This courtyard would be open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is an option for ground floor commercial space. The commission unanimously approved to provide letters of support for the development addressed both to the ZC and to the Department of Transportation (DDOT).
Other Matters Forrest City made an initial presentation of its plans for the two empty blocks of Waterfront Station that front M Street SW (375 and 425 M St.). The project’s original Planned PUD called for two office buildings. Their new plan calls for two mixeduse buildings containing 40,000 square-feet of re-
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tail, a community center, commercial office space and apartments. The developer will seek a letter of support at the commission’s March meeting in advance of an April Zoning Commission Hearing. Metropolitan Police Captain Michael Pulliam for Sector 3 (PSA 105 and 106) informed the commission that there had been a general reduction of crime in January. Thefts from automobiles, however, had risen. In response to questions from the dais, he promised increased traffic enforcement on Maine Avenue and M Street SW. He also stated that the police had caught some juveniles throwing rocks at the homeless. The commission voted unanimously to protest a liquor application by Navy Yard Wine Merchant, 1105 New Jersey Ave. SE, on the grounds of peace, order and quiet. The commission voted unanimously to: • support the Race for Respect on June 2, the Purple Stride on June 9, the Army 10-Miler on Oct. 7 and the Marine Corps Marathon on Oct 28; • support the community agreement and liquor license for Due South, 301 Water St. SE; • support the expansion of the sidewalk at Dacha Beer Garden, 79 Potomac Ave. SE; • support the expansion of the sidewalk at Chloe, 1331 Fourth St. SE; • support Freshfarm’s Capitol Riverfront Market’s 2018 operations in Canal Park. The next ANC 6D meeting will be held on March 19 at 7 p.m. at 1000 Fifth St. SE. Visit www.anc6d.org/ for more information. u
ANC 6E REPORT by Steve Holton
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ommissioners Alex Padro (Chair, 6E01), Anthony Brown (Secretary, 6E02) Frank Wiggins (Vice Chair, 6E03), David Jaffe (6E04), Alex Marriott (Treasurer, 6E05) and Kevin Rogers (6E07) made up the quorum to conduct official business at the Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6E January meeting. Alvin Judd (6E06) was absent.
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A Visit from Councilmember Allen Councilmember Charles Allen paid the commission a visit and gave an update on the following activities. • A program called the Private Security Camera Incentive Program was created to encourage residents and businesses to install security cameras and register them with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Currently, there are over 3,000 applicants and 8,000 cameras installed which has helped MPD close more cases. Homeowners and renters are eligible for a $500 rebate for participating in the program. • Councilmember Allen noted that there are only nine rat abatement inspectors. He wants to toughen the laws on how restaurants store trash and also noted that a number of them have started storing indoor trash storage. • Despite his insistence to reopen and rebuild Shaw Middle School, it has not happened. He is working on appropriating $3 million into the city budget to reopen and modernize the school. • Affordable Housing in Ward 6 has increased by 1,500 units with another 1,500 units on the way. He is trying to put more focus on two to three bedroom units. • He said that Ward 6 is a great environment for new businesses and he would like to see the growth continue.
HPRB Design Request Square 134 Architects representative, Emilie Rottman, requested support for a Housing Preservation Review Board (HPRB) Design Concept for a property located at 1704 10th St. NW. Rottman also requested a waiver from the Public Space requirements for a staircase to extend into public space. She said that the goal is to keep the site a single-family residence with an option for a rental unit in the basement. The commission motioned and unanimously supported the HPRB Design Concept request.
Request for BZA Support Alex Wilton requested Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) special exception and variance relief for a property located at 433 M St. NW. The relief is for alley access requirements in order to
convert an existing carriage house to a third onefamily dwelling unit. The commission motioned and supported the request unanimously.
Request to Name Alleyway A resident of 1131 5th Street, NW requested support for legislation to officially name the alley behind his property to allow mail and package delivery, visitors, and safety. He proposed that it be named “Historic Yale Alley.” The commission motioned and voted in favor of the request.
Variance Request for Retail Space The applicant is requesting support for a use variance to allow for a retail establishment at 207 New York Ave. NW. The 6E Zoning Committee met and noted that the material on the front façade didn’t match. The applicant has since advised the developer to correct it, which prompted the committee to support the application. The commission motioned unanimously to support the request.
ABRA Request for Retailer License An applicant requested support for a Retailer’s Class C Restaurant License with an Entertainment Endorsement and a sidewalk café. Commissioner Marriott negotiated an agreement with the applicant, which included adjustments in outdoor seating, rodent control, hours of operation, and restrictions on front loading and deliveries. The ANC 6E ABC Licensing Committee met and voted to support the application. Commissioner Marriott moved to support the request and the commission voted unanimously in favor of it. A letter of support will be sent to the Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Administration (ABRA).
Retailer Request for I Street Restaurant Mallios & O’Brien, PLLC representative, Matthew Minora, requested support for a Retailer Class C License for Prather’s on the Alley located at 455 I St. NW. The indoor portion will seat 99 occupants and the outdoor café will have 30 seats. An agreement was negotiated on hours of operation and there is no Entertainment Endorsement. Commissioner Marriott moved to support the request and the commission voted unanimously in favor of it. A letter of support will be sent to the Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Administration (ABRA).
CIVIC LIFE CALENDAR Councilmember Allen’s Community Office Hours. March 8, 8 to 9:30 a.m., Velo, 730b Maine Ave. SW. March 23, 8 to 9:30 a.m., The Pretzel Bakery, 257 15th St. SE. charlesallenward6.com.
ANC 6E will meet again at 6:30 p.m. on March 6 at the Shaw/ Watha T. Daniel Library located at 1630 Seventh St. NW. Steve Holton can be contacted at ssholton@gmail.com u
EASTERN MARKET REPORT by Peter J Waldron
Launch Pad Initiative The Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee (EMCAC) held its monthly meeting on January 24 in the North Hall. The first order of business was a report on a new approach by the Department of General Services (DGS) to making badly needed repairs to the Market. Under the recently named Launch Pad Initiative, those companies who have an interest and expertise are being offered the opportunity to bid on repairs required at the Market. Monte Edwards, Chair of Capital Improvements, and the go-to person for EMCAC because of his institutional knowledge, suggested there be a review panel that signs off on the work and that it include a representative of the architectural firm (Quinn Evans) that has done substantive and key historical work on the Market. According to Market Manager Barry Margeson the repairs will be paid for “out of the Eastern Market operating funds or someplace else.” Edwards later pointed out that the Eastern Market legislation states that they are to be paid for by DGS which under the law is responsible for capital improvements. Chief among the repairs up for bid are “custom fitted blind materials for the windows” and the “historic restoration of the (cathedral) stone front steps” as well as an “historically appropriate railing for the front steps.”
RFP for Lower Seventh Street Donna Scheeder, Chair of EMCAC, announced that she had received an email from DGS proposing a Request For Proposal ( RFP) for management of outdoor vending on the lower 7th St public space now occupied by the two privately run weekend outdoor flea and craft markets. Scheeder pointed to a letter EMCAC had sent to DGS in September indicating that consultations with all the stakeholders involved ought to be the appropri-
ate basis for any decisions made by DGS. The current privately run vendors leases for vending on lower Seventh Street expire on May 31, 2018. Scheeder went on to add that there were many “stakeholders” who are unhappy with this turn of events even as “this block has undergone a sea change. It is time to look at it in a new way.” Scheeder stated that EMCAC rejected the draft RFP as premature, continuing: “We advise that stakeholders are consulted on both an interim and long term plan for the use of the 300 block of 7th St. Until these consultations have taken place there is no basis on which to judge a draft RFP. Since none of these meetings and consultations have taken place EMCAC will not take action on any draft until there is a basis for review. “ This language was adopted unanimously as a motion.
Market Manager’s Report Margeson reported that first quarter revenues were “significantly better than last year “ powered by a boost in bookings at the North Hall. Revenues were $320,209 with approximately $40,000 of the $50,000 increase coming from the North Hall. According to Margeson an Eastern Market budget will be released at the end of February or early March and a budget hearing will be held on March 26. The lease issue is now bleeding into its third decade, almost Trumpian in its repeated deflections and postponements. Margeson indicated that all parties are “waiting for a meeting to be scheduled between the Director and my boss, the Director of Portfolio Divisions, and EMCAC and the merchants.” According to Margeson the date has not been set. Finally Margeson, quoting from the rules adopted by the Tenant Council, stated that from “time to time” the Market Manager reserves the right to “adopt” rules for the South Hall merchants. Stating that any number of rules had been adopted and with good results for the outdoor vendors, Margeson stated that there had “never” been any new rules adopted for the indoor merchants. He suggested that a review of some new rules was underway and laid out a process which included the Tenant’s Council’s input for undertaking them, stating that management would be back in two months with some recommendations. Possible new rules highlighted by Margeson as under consideration are the Market opening for business on Mondays for the first time. In addition Margeson posited a system of fines that might be imposed on the merchants to correct bad behavior adding as an exam-
Ward 6 Budget Town Hall - Fiscal Year 2019 Save the date for Councilmember Allen’s annual Ward 6 Budget Town Hall. As the Council begins its process of crafting next year’s budget, Councilmember Allen wants to hear from Ward 6 residents about your priorities for schools, parks, roads, and more. The event begins with Councilmember Allen laying out the budget as proposed by the Mayor, and explaining what his priorities are as the Council takes over finalizing the budget. The event will be held at Watkins Elementary School. Talk of the Hill with Bill Press. March 13, 7 PM. Award-winning journalist, political insider and Capitol Hill resident Bill Press sits down at Hill Center for a one-on-one conversation with Tom Perez, the Chair of the Democratic National Committee. They will tackle the DNC’s 2018 midterm strategy, the party in the aftermath of Hillary vs. Bernie, and the Democrats’ game plan for working with President Donald J. Trump. $10. hillcenterdc.org. 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 Mondays, 7 PM. Meeting at 1000 Fifth St. SE. anc6d.org. ABC Committee, ANC6D. March 22, 6:45 PM. Alcohol license applications, renewals, enforcement, and other issues. Meeting at 1D MPD building, 101 M St. 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. u
ple that when South Hall merchants have been fined for slow rental payments that the fines generally meant the end of late payments. The response was immediate from those merchants attending the meeting. Bill Glasgow of Union Meats, referring to Monday openings, stated: “We lose money on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. No merchants are for it. We are 100% against it. We will lose money.” Burger, referencing a management survey of 180 customers cited earlier in the meeting , showing 65% approved the opening of the Market on Monday, stated that “CVS does not use Facebook to determine its hours. We need a strategic plan. We need data.” u
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XWORD “Sugar Sounding?”
www.themecrosswords.com • www.mylesmellorconcepts.com
by Myles Mellor Across:
1. Performs a mafia hit 5. Mouth 8. Protective garment 13. Become firm 16. Stickum 17. Greatest boxer 18. Brandy and Creme-de-Menthe 20. Monster’s ___, 2001 Berry film 21. Place for meeting clients 24. Medley 25. Painter/pianist 26. Rates of return 27. Husky, as a voice 29. Yucatan settler 30. Hip bones 31. Did some digging around 32. Not kosher 36. NYC clock setting 37. Flirt 38. One way to ship 41. Earthen pot 43. Mainz man’s title 45. Mite-sized 49. Office fastener 51. Painter’s medium 53. Parrot 54. Antarctic volcano 55. Word with “generation” or “gender” 57. Identifies 61. Praline morsel 62. Ultimatum 64. Part man, part machine 65. Like chocolate 69. Successors’ places 71. New conservative, for short 72. Business 76. Study of early development 79. Carpenter tool 80. Surpass 81. Location of the opening scene of “The Bourne Supremacy” 82. Get a hole-in-one 83. Temporarily unable to see 85. Female monster
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89. Mets, Jets or Nets 92. Contract 93. Beast of burden 94. Snicker 96. WW II fighting unit (abbr.) 98. Sea flier 100. Rise of land in geology 103. Check out 105. Lake Volta locale 110. Roleplay 111. Fructose and glucose 113. Pertaining to an eye problem 114. Window ledge 115. Pay off to ensure favored treatment, say 118. Congers 119. Arrange in numerical order 120. Plague 121. Goes with Bell 122. Give it a whirl 123. Macho 124. Third degree? 125. Black cat, maybe
Down:
1. Early Irish alphabet 2. Botanist’s concern 3. Stale smelling 4. Dark brown-grey 5. Damon of “Invictus” 6. Words after “chicken” and before “king” 7. Cunning 8. Fashionable 9. Show the wrong time of month 10. Disagreeable obligation 11. Animation platform (abbr.) 12. Corn type 13. Loud Australian bird 14. Top people 15. Bridges in movies 18. Roman burial stone 19. Get hot again 20. Grandma knitting duty 22. “__ She Lovely” Wonder song 23. Roman numeral
Look for this months answers at labyrinthgameshop.com 28. Curveball is one 31. Take off 33. Huge mythical birds 34. Annex 35. Escape 38. Kind of package 39. The U.A.E. is in it 40. He’ll humiliate you 42. Disconnected 44. CD’s partner 46. “Valkyrie” soldier 47. Detailed description 48. “Of course” 49. Zing 50. Fashion show locale
52. Rachel’s father 56. Indiana’s state flower 57. Cultural values 58. Woody Herman’s “___ Autumn” 59. Jacuzzi 60. With little movement 62. Trendy electric car 63. Polished off 66. Tokyo’s old name 67. Money in electronic form 68. City dweller 69. Metro area haze 70. Skiers tow 73. Stage solo
74. Court feat 75. Terminate 76. Alter follower 77. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, say 78. Turn to the right 80. “You, Me and Dupree” actor Wilson 84. Bobby ___ (hockey player) 86. Acetate, alcohol, bromide and ether 87. Will be, in Madrid 88. Expression of disappointment 90. Awakening 91. Larvae covered 95. Look up to 97. Heartthrob 99. Auspices 100. Disturbed 101. Small pincer 102. Correspond 104. Before, once 106. Bookstore section 107. Mr. T’s TV group, with ‘The’ 108. Bridget Fonda, to Jane 109. Follow, as a tip 111. Go out of control 112. Washing substance 113. Combine 116. Cambrian, for one 117. Health inst.
m comunity life
LOVIN’ SPOONFULS
Citizens Thank Police with Soup and Song by Carol Anderson hat started nineteen years ago – the Annual Police Valentine Tribute – as a way for church members to show some love to its Hill public servants during the worst of winter, has blossomed into something quite special for both Capitol Hill United Methodist (CHUMC) on Seward Square
SE, and the cops they chose to honor back then – and every year since – at the First District substation two blocks down 5th Street. The yearly tribute has grown in people and popularity over the years, especially as CHUMC’s burgeoning crop of young families and kids has grown. And the once puzzled officers now relish the event, knowing it brings only support and
celebration. Organized by CHUMC and attended by Ebenezer UMC and other community leaders, the citizens delight officers with food, gag gifts and songs mentioning officers by name. “This Valentine event,” said 1D1’s Captain Knutsen, “was the 19th annual celebration where the Officers and Supervisors of the First District Sub-station were honored by members
Members of Capitol Hill United Methodist honor the police officers of the First District Substation with songs and soup. This annual event had a twist this year as Commander Morgan Kane (center, right) and Catain Knutsen presented a plaque to the church members upper left). Photos: Roswell Taylor and Stacey Baxter
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WE ARE
EVERYWHERE! 7-Eleven Across From Neighbors Cleaners Arena Stage Atlas Theater Atlas Vet Balance Gym Banana Cafe Bliss Cafe Bullfrog Bagels Buzz Bakery – Blue Jacket Cacao Bistro Cantania Bakery Caper Carrolsburg Apartments Capital One Bank Capitol Hill Arts Workshop Capitol Hill Bikes Capitol Hill Hotel - Front Desk Capitol Hill Village Capitol Park Plaza – 101 Capitol Park Plaza – 103 Capitol Park Plaza – 201 Capitol South Metro Capitol Tower – 301 Capitol Yards Carrollsburg Condominiums CCN Office - Hill Rag Office Coldwell Banker Capitol Hill Congressional Cemetery Congressional Cleaners Corner Market Cornercopia Cupboard Curbside Cup Cake CVS CVS CVS – 12th ST CVS – Benning RD CVS – Navy Yard CVS Eastern Market Eastern Senior High School Ebenezers Coffee Eliot-Hine Middle School First District MPD Flats 130 Apartments Frager’s Garden Center Fragers Hardware Game Stop Giant Harbor Square Harris Teeter Harris Teeter Harris Teeter
1101 S. Capitol St SW 254 11th St SE 1101 6th St SW 1333 H St NE 1326 H St NE 214 D St SE 500 8th St SE 201 Massachusetts Ave NE 1341 H St NE 300 Tingey St SE 320 Massachusetts Ave NE 1404 North Capitol NW 900 5th St SE 336 Pennsylvania Ave SE 545 7th St SE 719 8th St SE 200 C St SE 725 8th St SE - 2nd Fl. 101 G St SW 103 G St SW 201 Eye St SW 355 1st St SE 301 G St SW 70 I St SE 1250 M St SW 224 7th St SE 605 Pennsylvania Ave SE 1801 E St SE 1000 New Jersey Ave SE 401 E. Capitol St SE 1003 3rd St SE 1504 E Capitol St NE 257 15th St SE 645 H St NE 1100 4th St SW 500 12th St SE 1518 Benning Rd NE 1100 New Jersey Ave SE 12th St NE 225 7th St SE 1700 East Capitol St NE 201 F St NE 1830 Constitution Ave 101 M St SW 130 M St NE 1230 Pennsylvania Ave SE 1323 E St SE 1391 Pennsylvania Ave SE 300 H St NE 500 N St SW 1201 First St NE 1350 Pennsylvania Ave SE 401 M St SE
Harry’s Liquor Hayes Senior Wellness Center Howl to the Chief Jacob’s Coffee House JO Wilson Elementary School Kenny’s BBQ Lincoln Park Cleaners Lustre Cleaners Meridian at Gallery Place Meridian at Mt. Vernon Metro Cleaners MLK Library Mr. Henry’s National Capital Bank Neighbors Cleaners New York Avenue Metro New York Pizza Next to Mail Box & Liquor Store Northeast Neighborhood Library NW1 Library P&C Market Park (NAM) Market Peace Baptist Church PenFed Realty Petco Unleashed Port City Java Pound coffee Prego Cafe Providence Hospital Results Gym – Capitol Hill River Park I River Park II Riverby Books Riverside Condominiums Roland’s Rosedale Library/Rec. Center Safeway Safeway – Benning Road Safeway – Capitol Hill Safeway – CityVista Schneider’s Liquor SE Library Senate Square Sherwood Recreation Center Sidamo Coffee Sizzling Express – Penn AVE St. Mark’s Church St. Peter’s Church SunTrust Bank Super Care Pharmacy SW Library The Axiom The Hill Center
New Jersey & I St SE 500 K St NE 733 8th St SE 401 8th St NE 600 K St NE 732 Maryland Ave NE 1305 E. Capitol St NE 311 Pennsylvania Ave SE 450 Massachusetts Ave NW 901 4 St NW 307 5th St NE 901 G St NW 601 Pennsylvania Ave SE 316 Pennsylvania Ave SE 1023 E St SE New York Ave NE 1401 Pennsylvania Ave SE 15th & D St NE 330 7th St NE 135 New York Ave NW 1023 E. Capitol St SE 1804 D St NE 718 18th St NE 216 7th St SE 1200 First St NE 701 N. Carolina Ave SE 621 Pennsylvania Ave SE 210 7th St SE 1150 Varnum St NE 315 G St SE 1301 Delaware Ave SW 1311 Delaware Ave SW 417 E. Caoitol St SE 1425 4th St SW 333 Pennsylvania Ave SE 1701 Gales St NE 1100 4th St SW 1601 Maryland Ave NE 415 14th St SE 1045 5th St NW 300 Massachusetts Ave NE 403 7th St SE 201 Eye St NE 640 10th St NE 417 H St NE 600 Pennsylvania Ave SE 118 3rd St SE 313 2nd St SE 965 L’Enfant Plaza SW 1019 H St NE 900 Wesley Pl SW 100 I St SE 921 Pennsylvania Ave SE
The Townhomes of Capitol Hill The View The View 2 The Wilson Building Tiber Island Town Square Towers Trilogy NoMa Tynan Coffee
750 6th St SE 1100 6th St SW 1000 6th St SW 1350 Pennsylvania Ave NW 429 N St SW 700 7th Ave SW 151 Q St NE 1275 First St SE
New Locations Added 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. SE Parc Riverside Kennedy Row Camden South Capitol 400 M St. Loree grand Flats at Atlas Flats 130 Flats 360 House The Leo The Lex Aria on L Archstone First and M Station House
1011 First St. SE 1717 E. Capitol SE 1345 S. Capitol St. SW 400 M St. SE 250 K St. NE 1600 Maryland Ave. NE 130 M St. NE 140 M St. NE 360 H St. NE 1150 4th St. SW 1141 4th St. SW 300 L St. NE 1160 1st St NE 701 Second St. NE
Boxes at these Locations Tennessee & E. Capitol NE 909 New Jersey Ave SE 1027 Independence Ave SE 1800 D St NE 595 3rd St NE 3rd & G St SW 239 Massachusetts Ave NE 331 Constitution Ave NE 600 4th St SW 301 4th St NE 500 H St NE 516 A St NE 500 6th St NE 600 6th St SW 661 Pennsylvania Ave SE 11th & North Carolina Ave SE 201 Pennsylvania Ave SE 7th & G St SE 8th & East Capitol St SE 1504 East Capitol St NE 1332 D St NE 301 East Capitol St SE
1391 Pennsylvania Ave SE 400 East Capitol St NE 1359 H St NE 501 East Capitol St SE 303 7th St SE 1300 Constitution Ave NE 724 East Capitol St NE 660 7th St SE 701 N. Carolina Ave SW 1400 Pennsylvania Ave SE 300 M St SE 600 Pennsylvania Ave SE 192 19th St SE 237 Pennsylvania Ave SE 1200 New Jersey Ave SE 300 I St NE 421 East Capitol SE 4th & I St SW 400 1st St SE 4th & M St SW 4th & H St NE 6th & E St NE
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of Capitol Hill United Methodist Church. While it was only my second year participating, it was the best yet! It is a remarkable and special honor for myself and my team to be the recipients of such love and support.” Knutsen added that in this day and age, events such as these are a crucial source of positive interaction with the community, letting the sub-station team see how much citizen support they truly have. But this year had a twist. First District Commander Morgan Kane and Capt. Knutsen surprised church members with a certificate of appreciation for their 19 years of honoring the officers. Accepting the certificate was Carol Anderson, the event’s founding organizer from CHUMC. “This is a huge surprise and thrill. On behalf of all the church and community leaders who’ve come through your doors bearing gifts and songs of praise these past 19 years, I accept this beautiful gesture in their name,” said Anderson. Not finished, Cmdr. Kane also had Valentine chocolates for CHUMC’s Anderson and Ebenezer UMC’s Lorna Morgan. Troy Sims, CHUMC’s Deacon of Discipleship Ministries, presented the Sunday School kids’ “Boat of Faith” to the officers and likened it to the task the officers have of stepping out in faith when fulfilling their duty to defend public safety. Before performing the music, the group joked, “For your sins … we’re going to sing to you.” With Deacon Sims play-
ing guitar, the group’s first song was “We Just Came to Say We Thank You,” to the tune of Stevie Wonder’s “I Just Came to Say I Love You.” “This year’s tribute was an amazing display of our partnership and the importance of it,” said Cmdr. Kane. “Taking time for dialogue and allowing the officers to share bits of information about themselves in such a relaxed atmosphere does wonders for our spirits. We look forward to this yearly event,” she said. Councilmember Charles Allen’s senior counsel, Nichole Opkins, said, “Our officers strive to be a model of successful and meaningful community policing, and we are grateful for their service and commitment to DC residents. So I’m honored to join Capitol Hill United Methodist Church for my fourth year of celebrating the hardworking men and women of 1D1 and the entire Metropolitan Police Department.” Nature’s own de-stressers, laughing kids, conducted their usual diplomacy of adorning officers with heart-shaped sunglasses, tinsel leis, toys and more. Joanne Buford’s famous homemade soup – a staple the officers now consider mandatory – joined meatballs, fried chicken, chocolate cake and other goodies that made only brief contact with plates. For a little while, everyone was kicking back, having fun like the kids. Said a beaming Capt. Knutsen, “I cannot thank CHUMC enough. I hope this event will continue for years to come.” u
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A YEAR OF BUILDING BRIDGES
Capitol Hill Refugee Ministry Celebrates Work Done and to Come by Elizabeth O’Gorek he Good Neighbors Capitol Hill Refugee Ministry, Good Neighbors for short, is celebrating more than a year of work with Afghan refugee families. On Feb. 25th, the group held a dinner celebrating the work, the families and the friendships built across denominations and borders through the refugee ministry. The event was attended by refugee families, volunteers, clergy and dignitaries. The latter included Councilmember Charles Allen (Ward 6-D) and Councilmember Elissa Silverman (I-At Large), who presented representatives from participating congregations with copies of a resolution currently before District Council that would honor the work of the ministry. The project took root in late 2016, when the members of three congregations, Lutheran Church of the Reformation (LCOR), St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and Capitol Hill Presbyterian,
heard a call to help refugees. In short order, the participating congregations grew by five more, including Capitol Hill United Methodist Church, Hill Havurah, Capitol Hill Ward of the LatterDay Saints, Christ Church Episcopal, and St. Peter’s Catholic Church. Both Silverman and Allen praised the group’s efforts, thanking them for their work and representation of the District and the neighborhood. “I think the Capitol Hill community embraces some of the best values of American life,” Silverman said in her remarks, noting that she is also a member of the Hill Havurah congregation. Brendan Danaher, who is one of three CoChairs, with Karen Getman of St. Mark’s Episcopal and Kathy Tobias of LCOR, says the idea of working together across denominational lines drives the mission. “It’s not enough to just form bridges between Americans and Afghans,” he said. “It’s also a core principal of what we’re
doing to form bridges between Christians, and Jews and Muslims, Mormons and Methodists – all working together.”
Building Relationships In fall of 2016 Good Neighbors reached out to Lutheran Social Services (LSS) of the National Capitol Area to work with “special immigrants.” These are Afghan refugees who worked with US Armed Forces in Afghanistan. Now, with the withdrawal of American forces from the region, many fear retribution against themselves or their families and seek refuge in America. “We as Americans have a debt to Afghanistan and the people who have risked danger to themselves and their families to support our armed forces internationally, and in Afghanistan particularly,” said Getman. The group started out setting up apartments for arriving families of four to ten people. Some-
Councilmembers Charles Allen (Ward 6-D) and Elissa Silverman (At Large-I) present copies of a resolution honoring the Capitol Hill ‘Good Neighbors’ Refugee Project to representatives of the eight congregations involved in the ministry. Photo Courtesy: Office Ward 6 CM Charles Allen
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times with as little as one week’s notice, apartments are furnished from top to bottom, including beds and dining table but also dishes, paper towels, toys, groceries, toiletries and a meal, prepared and waiting for the family on the day of arrival. To date, the refugee project has furnished about 13 apartments. The work grew, and today the Good Neighbors provide broader support to five Issa Sherzad performs fon the sitar or main families. Some were introguests at the Feb. 25th Good Neighbor duced to them by the PTA of the Volunteer Dinner. Gladys Noon Spellman School in Cheverly, located in an area in “These families arrive after which many Afghan families have having fled their homeland because come to live. they were at personal risk or memGood Neighbors volunteers bers of their families were already help with transportation to language killed,” Danaher said. classes, medical appointments, resumé writing and job searches as well The Rasooly Family as providing necessities for the chilThree days before Christmas 2016, dren to attend school. Good Neighbors learned that their help was needed with the imminent Unconnected Families arrival of an Afghan family of four. Getman said that initially, the Hill The father had been an interpreter group tried to get LSS to settle for U.S. Forces in Afghanistan, and some of the families on Capitol feared reprisals for his wife and his Hill, but the District did not allow young daughter and son, aged five this for what it termed ‘unconnectand two. They would arrive withed families,’ or families without relin weeks. atives already living here. Most of Good Neighbors volunteers the families were therefore placed in quickly began to put together a twoPrince George County, often in low bedroom apartment. They were still income residential blocks. frantically making arrangements as Prior to leaving for the States, three other volunteers went to meet each of the arriving families wait the Rasooly family at the airport in through a two-year vetting proJan 2017. cess. Most arrive from Afghanistan, The family’s flight was due at “with a few bags of clothes and 3:30 p.m. They emerged from Bornothing else,” said Danaher. der Control after 8 p.m. While air tickets are initially “They looked, as you might paid for in an arrangement with the imagine, both relieved and so exU.S. State Department, families are hausted,” said Getman, adding that expected to repay the costs of the the father really needed a cigarette. flight from Kabul within months. “And yet, this five-and-a-halfA debt for a family of four can be year-old girl was just beaming with about $5,000. the most angelic smile on her face.”
Mr. Rasooly, now employed with a medical transcription company as a translator, is efficient with words. “There’s too much stuff,” he said, when asked by telephone to talk about all the ways the volunteers had assisted his family over the last year or so. “Since we arrived, they have helped us a lot. They helped us with the American system, with paperwork, how to get services,” he said. “They provided transportation!” Mr. Rasooly said that he considered those he had met as volunteers to be friends, and was grateful for their work. “We do appreciate that, and we like them,” he said. “They are always thinking about –not just me—there are lots of families. They’re just trying to help all of them.” “I would like to keep these relationships with them,” he said. Those who know the Rasoolys share Mr. Rasooly’s desire to continue the relationship. Volunteer Rachel Usdan says that the Rasoolys are friends who regularly attend her children’s birthday parties and playdates. She says they are wonderful people, very warm and inviting. “They’ve experienced so much change in one short year,” she said, “and they just seem to roll with it. I’ve never seen them upset or stressed out or intimidated or anything, and that just speaks to their strength of character.”
Time is a Talent While the Good Neighbors team volunteers their time, they invariably depend on the generosity of the community for donations. To help the families, the Good Neighbors need donations of household items, including everything that can
be found in a two-bedroom family apartment, from couches and tables to coffee makers and toys. And, of course, they need money to purchase things that cannot legally be provided used, such as mattresses, but also to help the arriving families with costs such as health care, rent and the debt resulting from their airfare. The core of the Good Neighbors’ effort, however, are the volunteers –those who set up the apartments, fill the cupboards and collect and move furniture, or help families fill out paperwork, find transportation to appointments and assist with the all-important job search. Those who want to do fundraising or who are familiar with social services bureaucracy and health care in Prince George County would also be an asset. Pam Commerford, leader of the employment team, said all volunteers are welcome and greatly appreciated. “Time is a talent,” she said. Usdan says the experience has been rewarding in ways she didn’t expect. Not only has she watched the Rasooly family successfully adapt to their surroundings, she and her family have gained friends. “I definitely feel a connection to them,” she said. For more information, to volunteer your time or arrange in-kind donations with the refugee ministry, contact Brendan Danaher at bjdanaher@gmail.com. Financial donations can be sent by mail to Lutheran Church of the Reformation: 212 East Capitol St. NE Washington DC 20003, or made online by checking the ‘Refugee Resettlement’ box to designate your donation at www.reformationdc.org/give. All donations are tax deductible. u
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THE GREATER DC DIAPER BANK A Large Network Of People Takes Small Actions To Make A Big Difference by Elizabeth O’Gorek n early December, Corinne Cannon, Executive Director of the Greater DC Diaper Bank, accepted the 2017 Brickie Community Organization Award for service to District babies and families. Although it was not the first award won by either the Diaper Bank or Cannon, who was recognized as a 2015 CNN Hero and named a 2014 L’Oreal Paris Woman of Worth, she said it was a significant moment for both herself and the organization that she founded. As she accepted the award, Cannon said that she loved the Ward 6 community for its engagement and for its support. “When I said I wanted to do this, people didn’t say it was impossible. They asked how they could help.”
Beginnings Cannon founded the DC Diaper Bank in 2009, committing nights and weekends after her full-time job. Now employing four employees and hoping
to hire an additional two in the coming year, the organization helped more than 8,000 families and distributed more than 1.8 million diapers last year. “We very early on realized that this organization needed to be about collaboration,” she said, emphasizing that the diaper bank tries to augment and support the work of the District’s social services network that already existed. They partner with the Capital Area Food Bank to store and distribute the diapers. In 2013, the organization reached a turning point. Cannon decided to quit her other job and focus on the diaper bank full time. With the organization getting larger, the name was changed to the Greater DC Diaper Bank (GDCDB) to better reflect the communities it serves from a new warehouse in Maryland. And that, Cannon said, “is where the organization really came into its own.”
Smoothing the Ask
Executive Director Corinne Cannon accepts the Community Organization Award from Councilmember Charles Allen (Ward 6-D) at the 2017 Brickies this past December.
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The organization accumulates diapers through large-scale corporate donations (Cannon says Huggies is the number one corporate donor), through purchase using donated funds, and through the ambassador network, which has 150 locations throughout the Metro area and contributes 40-50,000 diapers a month. “[The ambassadors] are businesses and people’s homes –maybe a porch box, or instructions that say, ‘you can leave them by my steps,’” Cannon said. Donations are distributed through a network of 42 partners, representatives from existing social services agencies with home visit programs. Every month partners place online orders for the number and sizes of diapers re-
Susan Gallucci from The Northwest Center shopping the Baby Pantry. Partners have the opportunity to select items such as toothpaste, shampoo, baby formula and wipes according to the needs of the families the work with as volunteers load their vehicle with diapers from the bank. Courtesy: GDCDB
quired. When they come to collect the diapers, volunteers load their cars while the partners collect essential items for families from the Baby Pantry. Because of its successful collaboration with the community and subsequent expansion, GDCDB has expanded what it offers. The Baby Pantry, which last year distributed over $350,000 worth of products to District families, collects items such as toothpaste, shampoo, wipes, formula and baby food. The Monthly project collects and distributes feminine hygiene products while the Nursery Project conducts quarterly collection drives for larger items such as strollers, Pack ‘n Plays, baby carriers and feeding pillows. These items “smooth the ask,” Cannon said, making it easier for parents to reach out to social services organizations.
Ambassadors For Cannon, it is the ambassadors that exemplify the community and goals at the heart of the diaper bank. Bridgette Behling has been an Ambassador with the program since 2015. Her home is a diaper and product collection point, but she also picks up diapers from other drop-off locations. Together
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with her children, she helps to bundle diapers at the warehouse volunteer days. “What I like about this role is that it is flexible,” she said. “It’s easy to find a way to be involved that works well for your life.” A social worker by background now working in higher education, Behling said that work with GDCDB is helping her raise compassionate children who work for social justice, and care for their communities. “Getting involved in GDCDB opened the door for me to model that to my children and have conversations about poverty, privilege and access to resources,” she said, adding that it also provided a tangible way for her to work with her children while doing something about poverty in the District. Behling said food stamps and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) do not cover diapers, and families often end up buying them from local convenience where they could pay markups of up to 54 cents on a single diaper. “When you start to understand that,” she said, “you start to understand what a significant difference access to free diapers can mean to families struggling to get by.”
Babes Supporting Babies In 2015, GDCDB doubled its warehouse space, increasing the monthly costs. Capitol Hill residents Amanda Clarke and Kara Morrissey heard about the need for funding in the organization’s newsletter and offered their assistance. In 2008, the two had established Boogie Babes, a community concert and dance party series for babies and children. The show expanded over time to include three shows before over 250 kids on the Hill. At the same time as the diaper bank had outgrown their space, Morrissey and Clarke’s children had outgrown the shows. With three children each and commitments to community and schools increasing, Clarke and Morrissey looked for the next step. “We wanted to keep the spirit of Boogie Babes alive,” said Morrissey, “and give back to our amazing community.” So, at the end of 2015, Morrissey and Clarke donated the Boogie Babes series to the GDCDB.
These days, the proceeds from Boogie Babes pay a large chunk of the diaper bank’s rent. Shows take place every Thursday beginning at 10:30 a.m. in the North Hall of Eastern Market. Hundreds of toddlers attend every week to hear children’s entertainers such as the Latin-Grammy Award winning 1-2-3 Andre and local favorites such as Kidsinger Jim and Mr. Skip.
Keeping the Lights On Cannon is grateful for the gift of children’s music that funds the warehouse space. But she says that making rent is still a constant concern. “Particularly with the new changes in the tax law, we’re concerned that donors writing small checks might be reluctant.” “A large number of donors giving relatively small amounts of money can have a huge impact on the work that we’re doing,” she said, noting that GDCDB has a reoccurring giving program starting at $12 per month, with information on their website, greaterdcdiaperbank. org. “If everybody gives a little bit, we can create a lot of change,” she said.
Get Involved Over the next few years, Cannon wants to focus on the operation’s outcomes, showing the impact of diapers and the impact on families, emotionally and economically, of not being able to acquire them. She encourages families to get involved in the issue of family poverty any way they can, and not necessarily by getting involved with the diaper bank. “It starts with asking questions,” she said, “by saying, ‘Why are families poor?’ and ‘What can I do to try and get involved in this in some way?’ and I have a good idea that there are lots of good people in DC who are working on this issue.” And she knows the Hill neighborhood will do it, because they already have. “We have grown very quickly. And I think that it speaks to the community wanting to do something around the issue of family poverty, and not really having an outlet to do that.” Learn more about the DC Diaper Bank at greaterdcdiaperbank.org u
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OUR RIVER: THE ANACOSTIA The Springs Return to Springhouse Run by Bill Matuszeski t has always been pretty clear A large facility to remove toxics and that to restore the Anacostia trash from the water right where it the way we all want and hope enters the arboretum was built with requires a lot of work on the EPA and city funds. streams feeding it from upBut removal of those pollutstream as well as those entering ants revealed a major raw sewage into it from here in the city. Prince signal that was ultimately traced Georges and Montgomery counties to a large number of illicit connechave been doing their share, worktions of sewage lines to the storm ing with citizen groups along nearly sewer. While that was being adall the major streams. In the District, dressed, it was decided to turn efthe job has two pieces. In the parts forts to Springhouse Run, a major of the city served by combined sewtributary of Hickey that also comes ers, DC Water is building tunnels to into the arboretum as a storm sewer hold stormwater and prevent overunder New York Avenue. The idea flows into the river. In the parts with was to learn from Springhouse and separate sewers, however, where the go back to Hickey with the lessons. streams are handling the stormwaAnd a lot has been learned! The restored Springhouse Run waiting for new plants in spring. ter and can be restored, the job has DOEE used the EPA grant to Photo: Bill Matuszeski gone to the Department of Energy contract the restoration work, and & Environment (DOEE). the winning proposal was by UnPope’s Branch has been beautifully rebuilt through The restoration of Watts Branch and the conderwood and Associates of Annapolis. They a wooded ravine. But the most exciting project, struction of the Marvin Gaye Trail in Anacostia inherited a storm sewer that ran in a concrete the one that really uses state-of-the-art techniques was one of the first DOEE projects. More recently, channel past a separated pond and for a quarter and can use your on-the-ground help as well, is the mile through woods and fields past a borrow pit restoration of Springand into Hickey Run. house Run in the NaWhat they made of it is a broad valley of tional Arboretum. pools and riffles and underground water moving A little histothrough the soils and cleaning itself of excess nury about the project. trients and sediments. The ponds are reconnectIt began as an effort to ed as part of this regenerative design and play a restore Hickey Run, key role in the cleansing of the waters. known as the largest According to Keith Underwood, founder source of toxic polluand principal of the contractor, “the science of tion to the Anacostia. ecological restoration is still an art, and a project Hickey enters the arbolike Springhouse requires a hundred decisions a retum as a storm sewday.” What he appreciates is the flexibility of the er under New York AvDOEE and the arboretum to let him do the right enue, draining a large thing as the site and the conditions demand. To industrial and residenhim, “the least disruptive option is the regenertial area to the north, ination of the traditional roles of the stream,” movcluding the enormous ing and cleaning the water and providing habiMetrobus service yard tat. But in order to do that he needed to remove The springhouses. Photo: Bill Matuszeski on Bladensburg Road.
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and replace not a hundred truckloads of contaminated soil under the site, as originally estimated, but a thousand. He also decided to add a series of swales and berms to slow and absorb the runoff from New York Avenue, not originally part of the project. The result is a new system that takes the water coming from the storm sewer, runs it though stone and underground, adds the slowed runoff from New York Avenue and surfaces it to join the reconnected pond. In doing this, it passes by the original “springhouses,” two round brick structures that served as one of two sources of springfed bottled water in the District in the early 20th century. From the pond the waters flow through the ground and over rocks to a broad valley with pools of water separated by occasional surface water riffling down but, more often, by areas where much of the flow is underground. This has made the project partners very excited. Tommy Wells, the director of DOEE, says that “the Springhouse Run restoration is one of my favorite projects; turning drainage ditches back into natural streams helps to coax nature back into providing the functions needed for a sustainable environment.” Tom McGuire, executive director of the Friends of the National Arboretum, points out, “Watching a stream be transformed from a gravel-lined ditch to a natural watercourse where plants and soils are cleaning the water is the sort of experience that can shape a child’s view of the world and foster a lifelong interest in nature and plants.” According to Underwood, the reason this ecological restoration will perform is due to the material brought in to replace the soils – with the emphasis on stones, gravel and wood chips. The first two help move the water down into and through the ground. In addition to wood chips, he has scattered tree trunks and limbs throughout the site. “Organic carbon is the foundation of the aquatic food web,” he says. “The biological processes that initiate the regeneration of bacteria for microscopic feeders need carbon to get started.” Those microbial habitats are the key to
reducing nutrients and controlling sediments. Another effect of moving so much water through the ground is that occasionally it returns as a spring and joins the stream on the surface. Underwood notes that with this, “the springs are back at Springhouse Run.” As are the river herring. Native to these kinds of streams, it took only a matter of weeks before they found their way upstream from the Anacostia and settled into their new home. According to Wells, “Keith Underwood approaches his work like a ministry. He is recreating habitat in a way that not only looks incredibly natural but cleans the water for the Anacostia River and creates a new home for local wildlife.” But the story is not over, and this is where you come in, dear reader. This beautiful new stream valley needs to be preserved, and the best way to do that is by setting out native plants. Over 25,000 of these were collected for the project by arboretum staff at sites all over the region, with the help of volunteers from area garden clubs. Seven thousand of these plants, mostly sedges along the open water and shrubs and trees that could survive the winter, were set out last fall by volunteers. The remaining plants are in the arboretum greenhouses, waiting for spring. Setting these out all over the valley is something you can help make happen. To join other volunteers from throughout the region, call the office of the Friends of the National Arboretum at 202-544-8733 and join the list to be notified when the planting dates are set. Then you can be part of this magnificent project to help Our River. As McGuire says, “Springhouse’s restoration won’t be done unless we can mobilize the communities around the arboretum and beyond to help complete the job.” Bill Matuszeski writes monthly about the Anacostia River. He is the retired director of the Chesapeake Bay Program, a DC member the Citizens Advisory Committee on the Anacostia River and a member of the Mayor’s Leadership Council for a Cleaner Anacostia River. He is also board vice chair of the Friends of the National Arboretum. u
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Elby moved to Washington, DC, nearly 15 years ago, and like many others didn’t know if he’d be staying for 2 years, 5 years, or longer. That question answered itself over time. He started off working on Capitol Hill for the representative of his hometown of Pensacola, Florida, which maintained his ties back home. He later spent several years working for the House Veterans Affairs Committee, identifying shortcomings in veteran care and finding ways for VA to better serve those who had served in the armed forces. It was easy to recognize the strong sense of community in Capitol Hill as soon as he moved to the neighborhood. The ability to have so many aspects of day-today life, whether it be a grocery store, a great dinner spot, or a pet store within a short walk or drive was immediately a huge appeal, and soon Elby saw how much others in the neighborhood embraced that perk. In real estate, Elby has thrived on the challenges each unique client and transaction has brought about and getting the best result for all of his clients. Having each day be different and being on the move from house to house has been kept him loving the real estate business and looking forward to getting up early each day to get his clients even more than what they were looking for. When he gets time away from business, Elby loves to travel with his fiancée Katya and her daughter Sofia. Several years ago, he adopted his working dog, King, from a law enforcement agency, and you can often find them walking the neighborhood. Locally, he is an active member of Metropolitan K-9 working dog club, helping train dogs for home life as well as the competition field. He can also occasionally be found out on Maryland’s Eastern Shore or heading out fishing.
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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 1935 DC alley dwelling
CAPITOL HILL ALLEY DWELLINGS by Nina Tristani ashington DC is home to a large number of historical alleys. Many of those alleys are located on Capitol Hill and are thriving as residential areas. However, a long history of activism and regulation has haunted the alleys, and those living there, for a century. Even though alleys were introduced in the L’Enfant Plan, dated 1793-1796, the number of alley dwellings in the city before the Civil War was limited, but grew considerably in the decades to follow. Alleys were meant to provide access to the rear of large lots where there might be a stable, kitchen, or animals. After the Civil War, a large influx of African Americans increased the number of inhabited alleys and reversed the racial make-up of alley dwellers from white to black. By 1871, the great majority of the city’s alley dwellers remained unskilled workers and 81 percent of them were Af-
Slum alley in Washington, D.C.
rican American. Identifying those responsible for the construction of alley houses from the end of the Civil War until 1877 when building permits were required is problematic. There are several explanations. Some freed slaves may have built on alley property. The Society of Friends built a number of dwellings to shelter runaway slaves. However, the post war surge increased the need for low-income housing which was not meet. This allowed alleyhouse owners to increase their rents which lead to overcrowding. To meet the demand for housing, many alley buildings intended for other uses were made available or new ones constructed. According to the Intelligencer, reported in 1865, many of the new buildings were made of cut-rate lumber and covered with tar or felt. The houses were divided into apartments some 12 x 14 feet in dimension. After the institution of building permits in 1877 the names of the owners of the cheaply made dwellings were made public. Congressional restrictions on alley construction were followed in 1894 by the organization of citizen groups advocating for the elimination
of alley dwellings. In 1904, an alley survey and report was commissioned and associated with a publicity campaign that convinced President Theodore Roosevelt to take action on the situation.
Alley dwelling near Union Stati showing crowded, tiny backya on, rds
He urged Congress to conduct their own study into the state of alleys. A large percentage of the alleys offering housing were located on Capitol Hill. A 1912 alley survey listed over 15 alleys in the neighborhood. Some of the larger alleys were Navy Place (now Ellen Wilson Place,) with 80 dwellings, Browns Court with 25 buildings and Marks Court (now F Street Terrace and Archibald Walk,) with 22 buildings. Other alleys included Kings Court, Gessford Court, Rumsey Court, Harris Court, and Terrace Court, Millers Court, Bassett’s Alley and Groff ’s Court as well as others. Two alleys near Congress were Capitol Court and Justice Court (previously Bassett’s Alley.) Only three sites in the city retain the original alley dwell-
Family and their home in one of the alley dwellings. Washington, D.C.
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ings identified in the 1912 survey. Two of these alleys reside on Capitol Hill: F Street Terrace and Gessford Court. Because the alley dwellings faced inward there was a sense of isolation for those living there. The physical layout was different from the owner’s street houses that faced outward. Because of the distance and obstruction from the owners and street housing the alley dwellings were considered “hidden communities.” However, within the alley dwellings was a tightly woven community. Evidence suggests that there was a strength of an extended family and kinship network within the alley community; members performed functions ranging from childrearing, socialization and socializing to extending considerable support in times of trouble. These extended-augmented family networks represent adjustments to a new environment, displaying continuity with the slave and postCivil War rural experience as well as with the larger ghetto experience of more recent years. Residents of the alleys were able to manage their expenses by partnering with others from whom they could rely on for help. The interior arrangement and decor of alley-houses demonstrate order and ingenuity in spite of limited space and resources. The backyard clutter reported by most observers turned out to be protection against economic disaster; junk was collected for supplemental income and often served as insurance for hard times. Kitchens could be located at either the front or the rear; in cases where there was only one downstairs room, the kitchen took up a large part of it. In any case, the kitchen appears to have been the center of activity within the household. A wood-burning stove, oil lamps, a small table and an icebox were common kitchen furnishings. The room was also important because it was where washing took place. More activism took place from 1900 to 1906. By 1911, the housing reform movement was again active, with publicity campaigns. Reformers were able to gain conversion of one major alley, Willow Tree Alley, SW. The First Lady, Ellen Wilson actively sought passage of legislation to end alley dwellings and was
largely responsible for its passage. (An alley community was named for her, formerly Navy Place.) However, World War I and the accompanying housing shortage led to the postponement of this provision. After the War, Congress passed further extensions of the deadline, and the legislation was weakened in 1927 by an adverse court ruling. Where the progressive housing reformers largely failed, business and particularly Henry Ford’s inexpensive automobiles, inadvertently succeeded in removing many alley dwellings to house cars. But other factors led to the retreat from the inhabited alleys. While Congress was imposing restrictions on alley house construction in 1892, city trolley construction was already underway. This offered an inexpensive and efficient means of transportation, the trolley would ultimately help release the concentrated population of the pedestrian city. During the Depression, New Deal reform leaders, including Eleanor Roosevelt, again sought the removal of the alley housing. In 1934 Congress created The Alley Dwelling Authority “to provide for the discontinuance of the use as dwellings of the buildings situated in the alleys of the District of Columbia.” No alley houses were to be inhabited after July 1, 1944. Despite legal entanglements and limited funds, the ADA did make considerable progress in opening alleys and rejuvenating the old dwellings. However, Capitol Hill’s slums existed well into the 1950’s. As with the earlier reform movement, a World War, and the resulting housing shortage postponed enforcement of the ban this time until 1955. Changes in transportation that made alley dwellings outdated also insured their survival, on a small scale. As suburban tracts spread out farther from the city during the late 1940’s and early 1950’s, a counter movement began. The movement to restore Georgetown started in the 1930’s and by the late 1940’s and 1950’s small scale restoration had begun on Capitol Hill. By 1970, at least 20 inhabited alleys remained with 192 heads of household reported in the city directory. Forty-two houses were listed as vacant. By 1950, virtually every dwell-
ing was improved to include electricity and indoor plumbing. Nina Tristani is co-owner of N&M House Detectives. Find out who owned your property, who lived there, when it was built, and more, published in a beautiful full color coffee table book. www.nmhousedetectives.com u
Overbeck Lecture, Thursday, March 15 A Closer Look At Capitol Hill’s Historic Alleys Capitol Hill has a rich collection of historic alleys and alley buildings. In the 1930s Capitol Hill residents began to renovate run-down alley dwellings despite a law that called for their demolition. That law was eventually reversed, leading to the preservation of many of the Hill’s historic alley structures. On Thursday, March 15, architectural historian Kim Williams will trace the history of Capitol Hill’s alleys through successive waves of changing uses, demographics, demolition, preservation, and new development. Ms. Williams is a preservation planner for DC’s Historic Preservation Office, Office of Planning. 7:30 p.m., Thursday, March 15 2018, at Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. As always, admission is free but a reservation is required due to limited seating. To register, go to http://www.hillcenterdc.org/event/overbeck-lecture-acloser-look-at-capitol-hills-historic-alleys/ or call 202-549-4172. We suggest that all guests arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the event. Seating will begin at 7:00 for those who hold reservations. Available seats will be released to guests on the wait list beginning at 7:15 p.m. Overbeck lectures are supported by the Capitol Hill Community Foundation.
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CHANGING HANDS Changing Hands is a list of residential sales in Capitol Hill and contiguous 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
HOMES ANACOSTIA 2242 MOUNT VIEW PL SE 1603 19TH ST SE 1304 U ST SE 1705 W ST SE 1638 16TH ST SE 1402 18TH PL SE
BLOOMINGDALE 1911 2ND ST NW 75 S ST NW 1835 1ST ST NW
BRENTWOOD 2263 13TH ST NE 1344 DOWNING ST NE 2209 14TH ST NE
CAPITOL HILL 930 9TH ST NE 428 NEW JERSEY AVE SE 11 4TH ST NE 528 8TH ST NE 116 3RD ST NE 120 4TH ST NE 1308 MARYLAND AVE NE 135 D ST SE 701 14TH ST SE 637 E ST NE 1365 INDEPENDENCE CT SE 9 10TH ST SE 528 1ST ST SE 1419 E ST NE 1123 3RD ST NE 1622 G ST SE 1242 K ST SE 309 9TH ST SE 211 17TH ST NE 1106 K ST SE
DEANWOOD 900 55TH ST NE 5040 LEE ST NE 109 DIVISION AVE NE 55 46TH ST NE 5105 JAY ST NE 5517 HUNT PL NE 824 52ND ST NE 5221 BANKS PL NE 5063 SHERIFF RD NE 120 36TH ST NE 5118 BROOKS ST NE 3944 BLAINE ST NE 123 36TH ST NE 3809 BLAINE ST NE 716 56TH PL NE 5351 AMES ST NE 808 51ST ST NE 4926 JUST ST NE
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$580,000 $500,000 $409,000 $399,999 $290,000 $165,000
3 3 4 4 2 2
$1,330,000 $1,250,000 $852,000
4 5 3
$499,000 $411,500 $365,000
4 3 3
$759,900 $1,750,000 $1,750,000 $1,375,000 $1,350,000 $1,350,000 $1,300,000 $1,160,000 $1,115,000 $1,007,500 $990,000 $875,000 $785,000 $763,000 $645,000 $642,000 $627,500 $624,000 $500,000 $675,000
3 5 4 3 7 4 4 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 3 3
$1,100,000 $440,000 $421,500 $402,000 $349,999 $339,000 $319,300 $280,000 $279,900 $265,000 $265,000 $258,750 $243,000 $240,000 $215,000 $215,000 $160,000 $160,000
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LET US MAKE YOUR HOME
BLOSSOM! DUPONT 2030 HILLYER PL NW 1915 S ST NW
$4,100,000 $1,750,000
ECKINGTON 149 RANDOLPH PL NW 2105 2ND ST NE
$825,000 $780,000
FORT DUPONT PARK 4028 ELY PL SE 614 RIDGE RD SE 3315 B ST SE 1517 41ST ST SE 3800 BAY LN SE 369 CHAPLIN ST SE 3423 B ST SE 4416 B ST SE 4642 HANNA PL SE 4207 H ST SE 3301 DUBOIS PL SE 3325 CROFFUT PL SE
$426,000 $425,000 $395,500 $362,800 $320,000 $303,500 $303,000 $290,000 $235,000 $200,000 $175,000 $120,000
HILL CREST 3110 V PL SE 1806 BRANCH AVE SE
$647,000 $299,250
LEDROIT PARK 20 W ST NW 1933 4TH ST NW 2029 FLAGLER PL NW 2211 FLAGLER PL NW 503 FLORIDA AVE NW 2214 NORTH CAPITOL ST NW
$874,000 $800,000 $730,000 $684,630 $680,000 $590,000
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116 5th Street SE $1,210,000 3 BR/3.5BA
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1737 Massachusetts Ave SE 2000 SF 4 BR/3.5 BA $950,000
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$1,135,000
OLD CITY #1 1115 EAST CAPITOL ST SE 648 C ST NE 734 3RD ST NE 1402 E ST SE 334 13TH ST NE 1105 ABBEY PL NE 1633 A ST NE 317 16TH ST NE 114 11TH ST NE 923 G ST SE 908 8TH ST NE 802 L ST NE 1029 7TH ST NE 123 18TH ST SE 1823 E ST NE 324 20TH ST NE 2004 E ST NE 125 18TH ST SE 1337 IVES PL SE 10 14TH ST SE
$2,100,000 $1,605,000 $1,500,000 $1,075,000 $975,000 $921,000 $910,000 $869,000 $800,000 $775,000 $660,000 $635,000 $615,000 $600,000 $550,000 $525,009 $510,000 $507,500 $450,000 $378,500
3 3 4 4 3 3
OLD CITY #2 1926 10TH ST NW 1512 3RD ST NW 1214 KIRBY ST NW
$750,000 $706,000 $529,500
RANDLE HEIGHTS 1405 SHIPPEN LN SE 2428 18TH ST SE 3436 23RD ST SE 3406 21ST ST SE 1829 GAINESVILLE ST SE
$358,500 $357,250 $320,000 $300,000 $250,000
ROSEDALE 1625 GALES ST NE
$674,900
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Another masterpiece from devoted neighbors C&S Builders! This house-sized 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. Y! DA ST 1 I - L LD ER SO OV
312 14th Place NE $654,000 3BR/1.5BA
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 StadiumArmory 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!
LOGAN 1314 WALLACH PL NW
1529 E Street SE Unit A (Upper) 2535 SF 3 BR/3.5 BA $1,150,000
Nestled on a coveted tranquil 5th Street block at the heart of the Historic District, steps to Stanton Park or a short stroll to Eastern Market! SPACIOUS interior dimensions over 3 levels including 3 bedrooms plus 3.5 bathrooms, with TALL ceilings, rich hardwood floors & doors, dramatic lighting, and 25 big bright windows and French doors! HUGE Kitchen and Breakfast Room. Upper & lower outdoor deck spaces and intimate backyard patio create a quiet retreat at the heart of the Hill!
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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.
1340 A St. SE $1,300,000 5BR/3.5BA
Prepare Yourself for ONE-OF-A-KIND! We know you’ve heard that label before, but come experience it for yourself! Nothing “flip” about this home - painstakingly prepared and executed over 18 months with innovative space plan, super-efficient new systems and mechanicals, best-in-class fixtures, and rich reclaimed materials and custom-crafted textures at every turn! ~2400 SF of mahogany, oak, marble, and more! Call for details.
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We work to prepare and present ONE BEAUTIFUL NEW LISTING each week. If you are considering a sale anytime this year, NOW IS THE TIME to have us visit for a free consultation on the steps to success!
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SHAW 1603 NEW JERSEY AVE NW 1909 8TH ST NW 124 BATES ST NW
$860,000 $855,000 $735,000
TRINIDAD 1118 HOLBROOK ST NE 1679 MONTELLO AVE NE 833 20TH ST NE 1122 MORSE ST NE 1151 OATES ST NE 1825 I ST NE 1257 16TH ST NE 1636 K ST NE 1510 MONTELLO AVE NE 1711 M ST NE
$745,950 $609,900 $567,380 $565,100 $550,000 $525,000 $510,000 $500,000 $430,000 $412,500
3 3 3 4 6 3 3 6 4 2 3 3 3
WOODRIDGE
3005 26TH ST NE $820,000 4 3416 24TH STREET NE $620,000 3 2427 GIRARD PL NE $535,000 3 2611 MYRTLE AVE NE $449,000 4 2901 DAKOTA AVE NE $449,000 3 2904 26TH ST NE $430,000 4 3085 CLINTON ST NE $425,000 3 2649 MYRTLE AVE NE $350,000 3 2915 YOST PL NE $300,000 2 2217 RAND PL NE $275,000 3
CONDO 14TH ST CORRIDOR 1455 W ST NW #4 1455 W ST NW #1 1455 W ST NW #2
$850,000 $695,000 $509,900
BLOOMINGDALE 71 U ST NW #1 30 FLORIDA AVE NW #5 30 FLORIDA AVE NW #3 241 FLORIDA AVE NW #1
$770,000 $550,000 $515,000 $444,000
CAPITOL HILL 725 5TH ST SE #32 725 11TH ST NE #2 900 11TH ST SE #110 1345 PENNSYLVANIA AVE SE #6 900 11TH ST SE #207 900 11TH ST SE #107 900 11TH ST SE #206 900 11TH ST SE #105 1324 D ST SE #209 11 15TH ST NE #10 900 11TH ST SE #108
$830,000 $766,500 $694,900 $541,000 $489,900 $454,900 $454,900 $449,900 $409,900 $384,900 $457,400
CAPITOL RIVERFRONT 1025 1ST ST SE #615
$675,000
CENTRAL 777 7TH ST NW #1134 631 D ST NW #1229 1111 25TH ST NW #715 631 D ST NW #429 1230 23RD ST NW #505 777 7TH ST NW #934 1124 25TH ST NW #202 915 E ST NW #304
$735,000 $525,000 $520,000 $465,000 $435,000 $357,000 $352,500 $345,000
DEANWOOD 210 43RD RD NE #303 4210 BENNING RD NE #4
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$110,000 $63,000
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DUPONT 1621 T ST NW #307 2001 16TH ST NW #405 1718 P ST NW #614 1601 18TH ST NW #1009 1920 S ST NW #405
$399,000 $390,000 $299,000 $272,500 $407,500
ECKINGTON 51 QUINCY PL NE #2 51 QUINCY PL NE #1 51 RANDOLPH PL NW #201 1700 2ND ST NW #2
$829,000 $725,000 $325,000 $264,000
FORT DUPONT PARK 514 RIDGE RD SE #109
$52,900
FORT LINCOLN 3406 SUMMIT CT NE #3406
$380,000
H STREET CORRIDOR 1143 5TH ST NE #2 PH
$1,025,000
HILL CREST 3802 V ST SE #202 2001 37TH ST SE #302 2912 NELSON PL SE #4
$115,000 $60,000 $267,500
LOGAN CIRCLE 1427 RHODE ISLAND AVE NW #701 27 LOGAN CIR NW #12 1217 N ST NW #1 1427 RHODE ISLAND AVE NW #L02 1239 VERMONT AVE NW #708 1300 N ST NW #307 1239 VERMONT AVE NW #P19 1529 14TH ST NW #308
$1,999,900 $1,365,000 $613,400 $514,900 $474,500 $378,500 $35,000 $560,000
MT. VERNON TRIANGLE 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 0 1 0 2 2
437 NEW YORK AVE NW #1008 460 NEW YORK AVE NW #701 811 4TH ST NW #1101 475 K ST NW #505 400 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #1203
$495,000 $477,000 $450,000 $600,000 $468,000
1 1 0 0 1 3 3 1 1 2 2 3 1 1 2
OLD CITY #2 2024 16TH ST NW #1 1211 13TH ST NW #701 1117 10TH ST NW #501 440 L ST NW #511 2101 11TH ST NW #502 475 K ST NW #721 406 M ST NW #2 1229 12TH ST NW #208 437 NEW YORK AVE NW #418 1117 10TH ST NW #508 1441 RHODE ISLAND AVE NW #208 1117 10TH ST NW #312 811 4TH ST NW #1013 1390 V ST NW #203
$850,000 $695,000 $688,000 $642,900 $630,000 $624,000 $600,000 $599,999 $525,000 $513,500 $484,000 $475,000 $475,000 $457,500
$440,000 $420,000 $389,900 $368,000 $284,000 $261,000 $256,000
PENN QUARTER 616 E ST NW #911
$460,000
RANDLE HEIGHTS 2832 HARTFORD ST SE #103 3105 NAYLOR RD SE #103 3103 NAYLOR RD SE #203
$108,000 $81,000 $62,000
RLA (SW) 400 O ST SW #202 355 I ST SW #626 1250 4TH ST SW #W809
$375,000 $270,000 $250,000
1 1 1 2 1 2 1
440 RHODE ISLAND AVE NW #203 304 Q ST NW #1 2120 VERMONT AVE NW #511 426 M ST NW #B
$580,000 $345,000 $453,500 $649,000
355 I ST SW #120 355 I ST SW #624
$367,630 $500,000
TRINIDAD 1227 MORSE ST NE #4 1258 HOLBROOK TER NE #6 1258 HOLBROOK TER NE #2 1405 STAPLES ST NE #4
$675,000 $540,000 $445,000 $370,000
1 4 2 2 1 0 1 2 1 1 2 1 2 2 3 3 2
U STREET
2125 14TH ST NW #525 $599,000 1
COOP DUPONT CIRCLE 1701 16TH ST NW #822 1701 16TH ST NW #217
$389,900 $386,000
2 0
HILL CREST
3 3 1 1 1 2
OLD CITY #2
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1
1 1 1 0 1 0 0
SHAW
SW WATERFRONT 2 3 2 1 2 1 0 1
NOMA 911 2ND ST NE #503 $850,000 911 2ND ST NE #601 $521,900 Observatory Circle 4100 CATHEDRAL AVE NW #803 $730,000 2800 WISCONSIN AVE NW #708 $207,000 Old City #1 1620 E ST NE #4 $545,000 1620 E ST NE #3 $545,000 1391 PENNSYLVANIA AVE SE #351 $457,500 1391 PENNSYLVANIA AVE SE #M05 $430,000 1350 MARYLAND AVE NE #214 $420,000 420 16TH ST SE #207 $380,000
555 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #507 1601 18TH ST NW #716 811 4TH ST NW #722 2125 14TH ST NW #227 2120 VERMONT AVE NW #23 1601 18TH ST NW #214 1601 18TH ST NW #412
2704-2710 31ST ST SE #635 1444 W ST NW #308 1701 16TH ST NW #625
$55,000 $175,845 $312,000
RLA (SW) 1301 DELAWARE AVE SW #N 725 1301 DELAWARE AVE SW #N718 1311 DELAWARE AVE SW #S139
$309,000 $238,500 $154,850
WATERFRONT 1245 4TH ST SW #E-610 u
$220,000
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arts ining d and
JOHN BROWN’S RAID: YOU ARE THERE. WHAT NOW? by Barbara Wells V viewers who grew up in the 1950s and 60s may remember Walter Cronkite’s series, “You Are There.” These re-enactments of famous historic episodes had modern-day reporters on the scene to bring immediacy, drama, and instant analysis. Try to imagine such a re-enactment of John Brown’s raid on the arsenal at Harper’s Ferry, but with the benefit of inventive staging, an outstanding cast, and action unfolding just steps from your seat. Under the direction of Colin Hovde, Theater Alliance’s production of “The Raid” has all this and more, powerfully conjuring the intense
deliberations of John Brown, Frederick Douglass, and their followers in the weeks before Brown’s doomed assault, which aimed to trigger an armed slave rebellion nationwide. The performance that unfolds commands rapt attention and inspires its audience to consider: In a time of protest, what are YOU willing to fight for? It all begins in 1859 at a quarry near Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, where Brown and Douglass meet under cover of darkness to debate their choice: Attempt to incite a slave uprising now or hope for the election of Abraham Lincoln to create a national groundswell of abolitionist fervor. As Brown, Nicklas Aliff conveys the urgency of an aging man convinced that Nicklas Aliff as John God has called him to Brown in The Raid end the scourge of slavery, while Marquis D.
Dylan J. Fleming as Emperor in The Raid
An explosion shakes the cast of The Raid
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Gibson is the temperate Frederick Douglass, demonstrating the dignity and restraint of a leader and former slave who has learned, the hard way, how to bide his time. Josh Adams plays Brown’s secretary, Henry Kagi, embodying the jittery nerves of followers who may be willing to plot treason but are wary of potential traitors in their midst. The calmly commanding Dylan J. Fleming plays Emperor, Douglass’ loyal friend, as composed as Kagi is anxious as he considers casting his lot with Brown. The play illuminates the depth of their dilemma in chilling flashbacks of furious confrontations over slavery. Moira Todd depicts Mahala Doyle, a mother desperately pleading for the life of her teenaged son during Brown’s raid of cabins owned by pro-slavery activists in “Bleeding Kansas,” a proposed new state where the slavery debate reached a fever pitch. And Robert Bowen Smith is the enraged Rep. Preston Brooks, who savagely caned the abolitionist Sen. Charles Sumner on the floor of the Senate in an incident that makes today’s political incivility look tame. These actors are the heart of the play, dispensing with almost all theatrical trappings to harness the power of imagination. Like the rest of the cast, they slip in and out of character and, between their scenes, take seats in the front rows with the audience and intently observe the action. Only suggestions of sets and costumes augment the
actors’ words and movement: Scenic designer Jessica Cancino evokes the quarry’s slabs of rock on the theater’s walls with painted corrugated cardboard. Megan Thrift’s lighting design subtly signals scene changes from the silent woods to the various settings where violent altercations occur, and Danielle Preston’s modern-dress costumes barely allude to the stature and position of an array of characters. Most remarkable of all may be the fight direction of Cliff Williams III, who guides the full cast of seven through the climactic raid on Harper’s Ferry. Moving en masse and then in synchronized formation, the actors morph seamlessly from rebels into the local militia and U.S. Marines and back again as they sneak up to the armory, seize their position, and finally engage in mortal combat. Several characters return to reflect on the outcome, pondering the morality, wisdom, and impact of Brown’s quixotic attempt to arm and mobilize America’s slaves. Perhaps Frederick Douglass said it best: “No man fails, or can fail, who so grandly gives himself and all he has to a righteous cause.” The Raid will be performed at the Anacostia Playhouse through March 18, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. Barbara Wells is a writer and editor for Reingold, a social marketing communications firm. She and her husband live on Capitol Hill. u
Don’t Miss! “The Great Society, Arena Stage, through March 11 This sequel to Robert Schenkkan’s Tony Award-winning play “All the Way” once again features the amazing Jack Willis as Lyndon Baines Johnson, bringing all the wit, swagger, and pathos the role demands. The play chronicles LBJ’s valiant efforts to sustain his Great Society programs even as the escalating Vietnam War, persistent racial tensions, and the assassinations of Dr. Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy tear the nation apart. “Becoming Dr. Ruth,” Theatre J, through March 18 Directed by Holly Twyford and starring Naomi Jacobson, this onewoman show can’t miss. Jacobson has real heart and spot-on comic timing, a perfect combination for portraying Dr. Ruth Westheimer, the nationally beloved sex therapist, media personality, and author who survived Nazi Germany and found her way as a U.S. immigrant. This one-woman show was written by Mark St. Germain, who earned accolades for Theatre J’s “Freud’s Last Session.” “Gospel at Colonus,” Avant Bard at the Gunston Arts Center, through March 25 Avant Bard revives this highly acclaimed production, which was originally directed by Jennifer L. Nelson last year. Many of the original cast members return along with musical director e’Marcus HarperShort and the Women’s Ecumenical Choir of Alexandria, Virginia.
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Capitol Roots
THE REVELERS SERVE UP A RICH MUSICAL GUMBO by Charles Walston n Louisiana, music isn’t something that you listen to on your phone. It’s a glue that holds communities together, along with dancing, food and language. Mix them up and you get a culture that’s unique in the U.S., and even the world. If you can’t be there, the next best thing is to catch a band like The Revelers, who hit Pearl Street Warehouse on March 23. No band is better at merging styles of Louisiana music – Cajun, zydeco and swamp pop – with other roots influences like blues and country. The result is both highly danceable – the Louisiana litmus test – and listenable. Every member of the band writes original songs, which reflect the breadth of their background. Accordion player Blake Miller, a native Louisianan, writes in French. Fiddler Daniel Coolik comes from bluegrass. And guitarist Chas Justus cut his teeth on blues and oldtime string band music. When Justus moved to Louisiana as a teenager, he heard a bit of both blues and old-time. “I think Cajun music appealed to that (old-time) sensibility,” he said. “They are both community-based music made for dancing. It just had a different beat.” As much as the music, the culture and community also attracted Justus. “I wanted to find my place in it,
and playing functional (rhythm) guitar was a good way to do that,” he said. A musician in Louisiana is part of the community, not apart from it. “There’s a connection between the dancers and musicians that blurs the line between audience and performer,” said Justus. “The musician isn’t a demi-God to film with your phone, they’re just one ingredient in an overall experience.” This belief inspired The Revelers to start the Blackpot Festival, an annual event in Lafayette, LA that celebrates Louisiana food, dancing and all kinds of roots music. “The Revelers are part of the Louisiana community … as well as the larger roots music community,” said Justus. “We’ve made many friends and connections throughout the world, and we’re simply inviting them to a party we throw.” Revelersband.com / www.pearstreetwarehouse.com
Dead Men’s Hollow
Over 17 years, Dead Men’s Hollow built a loyal following with their tight three-part female harmonies and original songs. Now the group is disbanding, and it somehow seems fitting that some of its final concerts will be at the Congressional Cemetery on March 24, with two shows at 7 and 8:30 p.m. “Our name is Dead Men’s Hollow, so we have a touch of the morbid about us,” said singer and guitarist Amy Nazarov, who lives on Capitol Hill. “And there are certain songs you can sing in a cemetery that you might not sing in a bar, and vice versa.” The sets in the cemetery chapel will likely include a few murder ballads and probably some hymns as well, such as those on the CD “Angel’s Share,” one of three DMH records named Best Bluegrass Album by the Washington Area Music Association. The Revelers stir up a Louisiana party at Pearl Street Warehouse on The other members of the band – March 24. Photo by Lee Celano.
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Dead Men’s Hollow will return to the Congressional Cemetery on March 23. Photo by Cami Creason.
Marcy Cochran, Jared Creason, Caryn Fox and Mike Clayberg – live in Northern Virginia, and most of the band’s shows have been there. But the group has performed around Capitol Hill at the Eastern Market, Hill Center and other venues. Another farewell show is set for the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage on March 29. Seventeen years is a long run for a band, and when Fox and Clayberg announced that they are moving away from the area, the remaining members decided it was time to move on. “I’m at peace with it, because I’m proud of what we built,” said Nazarov. The name Dead Men’s Hollow is a reference to an area on the Rosslyn side of the Key Bridge, which at one time was a center of unwholesome activity in the region. Nazarov’s new project will have a name that’s closer to home – Tiber Creek, after the tributary that once flowed from Capitol Hill to the Potomac. “I didn’t know when I got to Washington 20 years ago what a creative music scene there would be, on Capitol Hill in particular,” she said. Deadmenshollow.com www.facebook.com/events/ 191395494798024/ u
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CAPITOL HILL CHORALE Where There’s Harmony on Capitol Hill by Michael Doan ould it be? Harmony on Capitol Hill? If the Hill is famous for partisan battles and conflict, you’ll find no signs of that at a 100-member chorus that has been rehearsing and performing there for 25 years. “We leave our politics behind us at the door when we rehearse on Tuesday nights,” says Kate Hibbs, president of the Capitol Hill Chorale. “There have been people who work for both Democrats and Republicans in Congress and civil servants who have worked under various administrations. We look forward to choir more than ever these days because of everything going on in our country and the world.” Says Virginia Gano, a retired congressional staffer, “For a couple of hours a week you can relieve the stress of your job downtown, on the Hill or workCapitol Hill Chorale performing at the Lutheran Church of the Reformation. Photo: David Waxhurst ing on a degree. You can learn to breathe. You can let the air out.” Unlike many choruses in Washington, the chorale ed the chorus in 1993. ”The singers go out after rehearsals and get to know tries to focus on its neighborhood roots, with at least half of its members liveach other and feel a strong association socially.” There is a mix ranging from ing on Capitol Hill. “Choruses that identify with a locality can draw strength a core of bass singers who are over 80 to many young people who are just out from that association,” says Parker Jayne, a Capitol Hill resident who foundof college. Three couples even met at the choir and got married. To bolster its Capitol Hill connection, members of the chorus perform for free at many community events, such as the Barracks Row fall festival, Eastern Market Christmas events and the Capitol Hill Restoration Society’s House Tour. The Chorale is also arranging sponsorships with local businesses, where members are encouraged to shop. The chorus, which rehearses at the Lutheran Church of the Reformation, draws on local church congregations and other residents for its audiences. Jayne formed this community chorus while working with the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, which did musical and family-oriented events. “At the end of a revue of Gershwin songs I thought it would be great to form a chorus. There was already a Capitol Hill Choral Society, but its director, Betty Buchanan, signaled that she wanted to reduce her large chorus into a chamber ensemble. That left 40 or 50 singers free to join the newly formed choir. Further solidifying its neighborhood credentials, Jayne points to the special connection the Chorale has with the Chorale members perform at the Barracks Row Fall Festival last year. Photo: Thomas Karras Monocle, the iconic Hill restaurant. It was there that Jim Turk
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Upcoming Concerts Don’t miss this chance to see the chorale sing “The American Songbook” on March 10 (7:30 p.m.) and March 11 (4 p.m. ) with David Jellema and his Quintet and to hear “Orthodox Soul” with Eastern Orthodox liturgical music on June 2 (7:30 p.m.) and June 3 (4 p.m.), all at Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church, 201 4th St. SE. happened on this piece that clicked. People loved performing it and that made us want to continue performing Russian liturgical music,” says Jayne. For its silver anniversary, the chorus’ June concert will return to Gretchaninoff ’s music, performing his Passion Week, Op. 58. In 2014 the chorus went a step further by recording the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom by the Georgian Zakaria Paliashvili, the “father of classical music” in the Republic of Georgia. This recording of the Orthodox liturgy was the second reFrederick Binkholder has been directing the chorus for cording of this piece ever and the 17 years. Photo: David Waxhurst first in the Georgian language. Jayne created a score to be sung by a modwas interviewed and hired to be the first diern American chorus, transliterating rector. And again, it was there in 2000 that the Georgian text into English characters. Frederick Binkholder was interviewed to reThe chorale plans to perform the work place Turk, who left for a position at the Naagain on a well-anticipated tour of Georgia val Academy. in the summer of 2019, with visits to TbiliBinkholder, who was on the choral facsi, Kazbegi, and Kutaisi. The choir previulty at Georgia State University, is now assoously toured Austria and the Czech Repubciate professor of the practice at Georgetown lic in 2015. University, the music minister at St. Alban’s Another chorus emphasis, on early Episcopal Church in Annandale, and direcAmerican music, revolves around Shaker tor of the Chamber Singers and the concert music and the Sacred Harp. The chorale’s choir at Georgetown University. Composer-in-Residence, Kevin Siegriend, draws on this tradition in many of his conA Unique Repetoire temporary compositions. Rare for a chorus, A Capitol Hill resident himself, Binkholdthe chorale maintains an open-ended relaer says he tries to program music that you tionship with its Composer-in-Residence can’t hear elsewhere in the Washington area. that allows for the collaboration between di“This is the choral capital of the U.S. There rector Binkholder and the composer in creare so many choirs here singing the same ating new works to mature over several years. music. I try to find works that others have Last season, the chorus also performed two neglected or overlooked, and I find it great of his works, Vidimus Stellam and the Mufun to pick new selections,” he says. sic of the Spheres, Opus 50. Selections of orthodox music, earBinkholder gives special thanks to this ly American music and jazz make the chounique neighborhood. “We could not have rale unique among Washington choruses. survived 25 years without its backing. The One of the pieces performed by the ChoCapitol Hill Community Hill Foundation, in rale in its first season was All Night Vigil, particular, has been gracious to us since the Op. 59, by Alexander Gretchaninoff, which Chorale’s founding, and people here really had never been sung before in this country. support the concerts.” The Chorale’s director, Jim Turk, was editFor information on performances or ing the piece for publication and the Chorale how to audition, go to www.capitolhillchoperformed off of photocopies. “Something rale.org. u
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ARTIST PORTRAIT: VU NGUYEN Skies #1, an explosion of geometric forms, which, when you really look at it, reorders itself into a volatile ever-changing landscape. “Gathering” comes from a series of works that could have derived from a Surrealist Manifesto. Suggestive forms ooze from beneath forbidding walls, consuming a light-reflecting surface. Vu Nguyen has received his MD in Internal Medicine from the Ross University School of Medicine and is currently an outpatient intern in “Nine Dragon River Delta”, oil on canvas, 60” x 40”, 2017 Harrisburg, PA. You can see more of his shortening the monsoon season he beauty of light diverse subject matter and and lengthening the dry season, and clarity, water techniques at www.vuquocnthe farms of his ancestors lie fallow. and life, draws your guyen.com, and his painting The government does nothing. attention to the “Nine Dragon River Delta” this Vu came to this center of the paintcountry in 1989 when he ing, “Nine Dragon River Delta.” was 12. After high school Look again, it is being enveloped he joined the Navy and by a dark new reality. The timeless became a medic for six balance of life cycles in this region years. He returned to art, of Vietnam is dying. his first love, at the PennVu Nguyen grew up there. sylvania College of Art at He swam in that river. Fished. Lancaster. Being around No one does now. Industry rules, other artists and profesand factories can dump anything sors changed him—“how they want. You see it in the paintI thought and how I saw.” ing…the dark unidentified blobs that suffocate life and generate a He has been develdeadly landscape. oping his own ways of Vu goes back regularly to telling a visual story ever this region about 80 miles south since. His body of work of Ho Chi Minh City. The flowis not “cohesive,” but it ers and fruit trees are gone. “One is all culturally based— river is so black, is it even water?” personal. Conscientious. You see this is such diBetween ecological disasverse works such as Open ter and climate change, which is
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by Jim Magner month at the Foundry Gallery. (See, At the Galleries.)
Jim Magner’s Thoughts on Art Does art have any chance of changing human nature, or is it, at best, a dreamer’s fantasy of beauty and a better world? The anti-war paintings of Picasso and Goya are called “powerful,” but have they stopped one bullet from being fired or one bomb from being dropped? The paintings of Vu Nguyen (see: Artist Profile) are likewise powerful, if less graphic. They reach into your conscious understanding of the natural world— and your heart. As the stories become clear, your heart breaks. Factories turn rivers into
“Gather”, oil on canvas, 48” x 36”, 2010
industrial sewers and the government does nothing to stop them. Will Vu’s paintings have any effect on the crime being committed in Vietnam? Can my paintings have any effect on the crime being committed in Annapolis? In this Chesapeake Bay estuary, developers send their tons of excavated dirt down into the creeks that feed the rivers that feed the Bay. The creeks that Indians lived by and fished for millennia are becoming mud flats. Nobody cares. They are violating Federal law, but nobody cares. Environmentalists scream about the Grand Staircase in Utah, but where is the outrage over little Church Creek? The Maryland delegation could add some dollars to the Corps of Engineers 2019 appropriation for dredging and restoration—they could start with a study—but they won’t. So, my paintings, like “Open Skies Number One”, oil/acrylic/marker/ballpoint pen on canvas, 55” x 55”, 2013 those of Vu Nguyen, will have no impact. Zero. That is the grim reality of the impact “Viewfinders: Eight Photographers” “Three Elegies for Douglas Bergof art on a society. Just hang pretty pictures on your walls. Hill Center Galleries gren No. 6.” Jay Peterzell salutes a philos-
At the Galleries Foundry Gallery 2118 - 8th Street, N.W. Feb 28 - Apr 1 Opening reception, Sat, Mar. 3, 5 - 8 This all-member exhibit by nineteen of the gallery’s artists is a trip into the mind: memories of people and places— some pleasant and some disorienting and disturbing. Here are four works that expressively represent the theme: “Nine Dragon River Delta.” Vu Nguyen (See: Artist Profile) mixes childhood memories with a new reality—the dying Vietnamese landscape.
opher and professor whose “depth of mind and mischievous humor vanished from the world with his death last year.” “Cabin.” Duly Noted Painters, Kurtis Ceppetelli and Matt Malone, memorialize a retreat at Deep Creek Lake where artists could escape the city and spend time with friends. “Sky.” Gregory O’Hanlon’s “disorienting, poetic and immensely vertical” photograph takes him to a “new strain of natural mysticism.” www.foundrygallery.org.
921 Pennsylvania. Ave. SE Mar 1-Apr 29 Opening Reception: Wed., Mar. 7, 6:30—8:30 This new show is actually eight solo exhibitions. Collectively, they provide a celebration of approaches and techniques. Here are some snippets, but you have to see the show to appreciate the full visual extravaganza. Karen Cohen; Jane Mann; Bruce McNeil; Mike Mitchell; Rindy O’Brien; Larry O’Reilly; Monica Servaites; Richard Paul Weiblinger. u
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AT THE MOVIES
TWO FILMS: BRITS BEHAVING BADLY AND BITS FROM THE AMERICAN SONGBOOK By Mike Canning Patricia Clarkson and Kristin Scott-Thomas are nonplussed in “The Party.” Photo: Courtesy of Roadside Attractions.
The Party Versatile British writer-director Sally Potter has made only eight feature films over 35 years; films that have received radically varied critical assessments. Her gender-bending “Orlando” (1992) was seen as a creative breakthrough, while the period piece “The Man Who Cried” (2000) generally bombed. Her film “Rage” (2009) was a stinker by all accounts, while “Ginger and Rosa” (2012) showed she could handle young actors. It’s been five years since “Ginger and Rosa,” and Potter has now come up with “The Party,” a dark comedy done as a tight one-acter with a kicker ending (The film, rated “R” and running a brisk 71 minutes, is now showing at selected DC cinemas). The set-up is simple: present day, neat London townhouse, stellar Anglo-American cast as seven friends getting together. Vibrant, politically liberal Janet (Kristin Scott Thomas) is hosting a gathering in her home to celebrate her recent naming as a shadow cabinet minister, though her
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academic husband, Bill (Timothy Spall), seems stuck to his chair, almost moribund. Janet’s best friend, April (Patricia Clarkson), then arrives with her on/off German boyfriend, Gottfried (Bruno Ganz). A lesbian couple, American academic Martha (Cherry Jones) and her (very pregnant) English partner Jinny (Emily Mortimer), show up with some testy issues between them Finally Tom (Cillian Murphy), a haunted, jittery investment banker, arrives without his mysterious wife, who for some reason cannot make the soirée. Champagne is served, but a jaunty atmosphere is undercut by hidden behaviors. Then an out-of-the-blue announcement by the ailing Bill provokes a series of revelations and recriminations, charges and counter-charges that gradually unravel all the attendees at the party, and a night that began with sophisticated chatter gradually veers out of control. “The Party” is a sardonic chamber piece, with echoes of both a smart Noel Coward play--with its
brittle exchanges--and an ominous Harold Pinter work--but with fewer ellipses and more dialogue. You know, going in, that this party is not realistic—the patter is too calculated—and you sense that its bubbly opening portends collective disaster. Watching that slow-motion disaster unfold is precisely the point. Scott-Thomas is initially enchanting as the perfect hostess who eventually slides into wideeyed panic. Spall’s arc is the opposite, from infirm lump to emotional arousal. The Jones-Mortimer conversation is tart and touching, and Ganz is mildly amusing even if his life-coach shtick is overdrawn. Murphy’s Tom seems too over-thetop, but he is on drugs after all, while Clarkson is the film’s skeptical center, an acerbic realist who has sworn off political commitment and who gets most of the laugh lines. Potter was most economical in directing “The Party:” a week’s rehearsal and two weeks shooting fulltime in the house/set. She herself has said that the film was “conceived as a ‘bare-bones’ film turning confinement of place...into a virtue. In a black and white cinematic world without elaborate special effects or multiple changes of location, apparently simple elements have to do the work of storytelling. Everything is exposed. There is nowhere to hide when working with the primary ingredients of story, character, light and dark, voices, and music. The camera peers into the shadows and stares unflinchingly at the faces of these characters in their moment of crisis...” All I can say is that I hope Potter and her cast had a great time on set—perhaps boosted by real champagne in their glasses.
America’s Musical Journey “America’s Musical Journey” is the latest of the Smithsonian-sponsored family films for showing in its museums. It is an historical travelogue in 3-D of musical creativity throughout the US, led by Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Aloe Blacc, an entertainer with Panamanian roots who was born and is still based in LA. An amiable, good-natured guide, Blacc comes across as a John Legend clone, both in his look and, at times, his smooth bluesy delivery. The trigger for the film is Blacc’s discovering the rich legacy of American music by visiting
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Aloe Blacc (center) with his Band-39 performs on the National Mall in “America’s Musical Journey.”
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its wellsprings. Thus, in a lively, if necessarily hurried (the film is only 40 minutes long) tour d’horizon, we see him discover early jazz in New Orleans (emphasis on Louis Armstrong), mature jazz in Chicago, country music in Nashville, Elvis in Memphis and Vegas, and la musica latina in Miami, etc. Besides Blacc’s dialogue, overall narration is provided by that voice for the ages, Morgan Freeman. During his stops, Blacc is accompanied by a musical comrade, like bandleader Jon Baptiste in New Orleans, jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis in Chicago, and Gloria and Emilio Estefan in Miami. As with most travelogues, the brief stops highlight a tidbit or two of each city’s lore or landscape, including side trips for local food, landmarks, or history. History is most emphasized in a Louis Armstrong segment, culminating in a visit by Blacc to the Armstrong House Museum in Queens where he narrates—through some effective old images in sepia—the origins of American jazz. Since it is in 3-D, the narrative accentuates some dazzling visual effects, like skydiving Elvis impersonators (“The Flying Elvi”), a flash mob in Chicago’s Millennium Park, sway-
ing conga dancers on Miami Beach. However, the movie doesn’t depend that much on 3-D; in truth, the best three dimensional effects come from overhead plane-or-drone shots taken above the various cities (not for acrophobes). “America’s Musical Journey” is an IMAX product of the well-known McGillivray family (Greg MacGillivray is the director), who pioneered IMAX filmmaking in 1976. The film will have an extended run at the renovated Warner Brothers Theater at the Smithsonian’s American History Museum in 3-D. This good-hearted film carries a pure “G” rating. That, and the fact that the storyline is essentially a basic primer on popular music history make this an experience for kids and families. In fact, I would argue that the perfect audience for “America’s Musical Journey” is a grandparent and grandkids, who could have something to muse on while eating an ice cream after the show.
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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
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the LITERARY HILL A Compendium of Readers, Writers, Books, & Events by Karen Lyon
In a new book by Laura Melmed, the hour between supper and bedtime becomes magical for a little boy and his father.
And So to Bed Looking for some bedtime reading that will send your little one off to slumberland with a peaceful smile on her face? Laura Krauss Melmed has just the ticket. Her newest book, “Daddy, Me, and the Magic Hour,” focuses on a little boy and his father who spend some quality time together in the twilight hour between supper and bedtime. They amble through the neighborhood, watching their neighbors water their roses, walk their dogs, and ride their bicycles. They tickle each other with feathers and swing together in the park. Not much happens—but then, not much needs to—until they arrive home again so Mommy can tuck the boy in for the night. The gentle story depicts a joyful sense of play and love, enhanced by Sarita Rich’s warm, textured illustrations, which do an especially nice job of conveying things from a child’s-eye view. The rich pictures, paired with Melmed’s soft, even prose, have a soothing, almost lulling, effect. Even harried parents will be breathing a quiet sigh by the time they get to the end of “Dad-
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dy, Me, and the Magic Hour.” Laura Melmed is also the author of “Capital! A to Z,” as well as numerous other awardwinning picture books, including “Lullaby I Love You as Much” and “The Rainbabies.” For more, go to www. laurakraussmelmed.com.
The Body on the Bookshelf
Who knew working in a library could be such a risky business? In local author Con Lehane’s mystery series, New York City’s 42nd Street Library becomes a veritable hotbed of murderous secrets and intrigue. The first book in the series, “Murder at the 42nd Street Library” (2016), found the library’s curator of crime fiction, Raymond Ambler, ferreting out dark links among colleagues and scholars, as well as between a famous writer and his long-lost daughter. Now in “Murder in the Manuscript Room,” Ambler is thrust back into the game when the body of a co-worker is found on a shelf in his office. Was she really the research assistant she
claimed to be? Is her death linked to the murder of his boyhood friend, who took a murder rap to protect his younger brother and, shortly after asking Ambler for his help, gets knifed in prison? How do the donated papers of a former NYPD intelligence officer figure into the equation? And does a seemingly innocent Muslim researcher have more on his mind than Islamic manuscripts? As before, Ambler pulls together his crimefighting crew—NYPD detective Mike Cosgrove, girlfriend and co-worker Adele Morgan, and everybody’s favorite bartender and listening post, Brian McNulty—to fit together the pieces of a puzzle complicated by an apparent cover-up at the highest levels. It’s a fast-paced ride, but Lehane allows a little breathing room between the twists and turns to let Ambler take time for a drink at the Library Tavern or a walk in the snow with his grandson. Invested with a wealth of knowledge about crime fiction, law enforcement, immigration politics, New York neighborhoods, and much, much more, “Murder in the Manuscript Room” is a great read: long on substance, refreshingly light on gore, and packed with heart. In addition to the 42nd Street Library books, Con Lehane has published three previous crime novels featuring McNulty and more than a dozen works of short fiction. Find him at www.conlehane.com
Whack-a-Mole
In the second in Con Lehane’s 42nd Street Library mysteries, a body pops up in the office of crime fiction curator Raymond Ambler. Photo by Norman J. Faria
The rip-roaring start of “Mecha-Mole Mayhem,” Grant Goodman’s latest installment in his Agent Darcy and Ninja Steve series, finds Steve in juvenile prison for using a fart bomb on the police (among other offenses). Suddenly, the prison is under attack by a pack of nasty mecha-moles wielding metal claws and drill bits. Afraid? Not our hero (well, maybe for a minute there), who manages to kick some mecha-mole butt (the best way to vanquish them, as it turns out). Meanwhile his friend Agent Darcy, who has
On the Hill in March East City Bookshop presents graphic novelist Pénélope Bagieu (“Brazen: Rebel Ladies Who Rocked the World”), March 8, 6:30 p.m.; Chloe Benjamin (“The Immortalists”), March 9, 6:30 p.m.; the book launch of an anthology, “The Radical Element: 12 Stories of Daredevils, Debutantes & Other Dauntless Girls,” March 13, 6:30 Agent Darcy and Ninja p.m.; a celebration of Ruth BadSteve battle an army of vicious moles in er Ginsberg’s 85th birthday with this third installment authors Debbie Levy (“I Dissent: of Grant Goodman’s Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her action-adventure series. Mark”) and Mary Harnett (“My Own Words”), March 15, 6:30 been expelled from the Bureau of Secrecy, is p.m.; and Mikkel Rosengaard (“The Inventraining nearby to become a Ninja. When the tion of Ana”), March 29, 6:30 p.m. www.easttwo of them are summoned to the Sensei’s citybookshop.com. office, the news is not good. Ninjastoria is at Folger Shakespeare Library presents war—and they’re on the front lines, part of poets Sherwin Bitsui and Paisley Rekdal at a secret mission to find the keys to the Nexa reading in response to “Ten American Artus portal before the mecha-moles can open it ists: After Paul Klee,” an exhibition at the and release their Mole Emperor. Phillips Collection, March 22, 6:30 p.m. Never fear, though. Agent Darcy and Tickets and information at 202-544-7077 or Ninja Steve have been tested before—in “Tiwww.folger.edu. ger Trouble” (2015) and “Robot Rumble!” The Hill Center hosts “The Life of a (2016)—and are up to the task. It’s a pretPoet: Conversations with Ron Charles,” with ty good bet not only that they’ll save Ninpoet Laura Kasischke, March 21, 7:00 p.m., jastoria but that they may even be able to and a book signing and release reception for reschedule that ice-cream date that was inBill Press, author of “From the Left: A Life in terrupted by war. the Crossfire,” March 27, 7:00 p.m. Free but Imaginative touches, such as talking cats register at www.hillcenterdc.org. u and tennis balls filled with sneezing powder, lend a winning sense of whimsy to the proceedings. But it’s the strong young characters, fighting to overcome their doubts and fears, that give this series its positive message of confidence and achievement. Also, they kick butt. DC author Grant Goodman, an English teacher in Montgomery County, started writing action-adventure novels for his middle-school Meet dozens of local authors—including Laura Melmed, Con Lehane, and Grant Goodman—at this year’s Literary Hill students. Find more at www. BookFest, Sunday, May 6, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., at Eastern Market. GrantGoodmanbooks.com. Photo by Bruce Guthrie
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THE POETIC HILL . Ethelbert Miller has given a splendid gift to anyone who loves poetry or baseball—or the poetry of baseball. In his new book, “If God Invented Baseball,” the DC literary icon writes lyrically of playing stickball in the South Bronx until it got too dark to see the ball (or it rolled down the sewer), of waiting for autographs outside Yankee Stadium, and of sitting in the stands praying for a rally (he loves the Nats, he writes in the preface, “with all the joy and heartbreak only a Cubs or Red Sox fan would understand.”). He touches his cap to the heroes— Robinson, Mantle, Paige, Koufax, Campanella—and to the catchers, knuckleballers, and relief pitchers who brought grace and beauty to the game. Woven throughout, like the stitches on a baseball, are themes of race and redemption, triumphs and disappointments, and the sheer celebration of life that is baseball.
by Karen Lyon
I F GOD INVENTED BASEBALL If God invented baseball There would be no stealing no balks, no wild pitches or intentional walks. There would be no pitch-outs, foul balls or errors. There would be no one-hand catches or bean balls. There would be no curves or sliders, no rundowns, or warning tracks. If God invented baseball there would be no night games, no balls getting lost in the sun. There would be no bunting or swinging for the fences. There would be no double plays or triple plays. If God invented baseball he would not rest on the seventh day. Instead he would turn to us and say “let’s play two.” He would let us bat first while his angels danced in the outfield. Reprinted by permission of the publisher,City Point Press (citypointpress.com). Photo of Mr. Miller by Justin D. Knight
Meet E. Ethelbert Miller and other DC poets at the Literary Hill BookFest, Sunday, May 6, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., at Eastern Market. Then join us across the street on Tunnicliff ‘s patio at 3 p.m. for Poets’ Corner@Tunnicliff ’s, a reading and open-mic poetry event. 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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Celebrating Books & Authors on Capitol Hill
hors t u a l ooks a b c r o i l e 0 h than 4 d signing t e r o •M ing an iters r s s w u c n s w di ll-kno e w y b • Talks orner d activities C s ’ n re an • Child tory times 3 PM , s ’ f f i l S c with Tunni @ r e n s’ Cor • Poet Sales k o o •B
Sponsored by Capital Community News
MAY 6, 2018
One Block from Eastern Market Metro
With funding from Capitol Hill Community Foundation and other generous local donors
www.literaryhillbookfest.org Connect with us on social media @theliteraryhill MARCH 2018 H 119
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health and fitness DISTRICT VETERINARY HOSPITAL AT EASTERN MARKET Dan Teich, DVM Opens Second Location by Liz O’Gorek science from Rutgers, and a degree in veterinary science from The Ohio State University in 2003. He worked for other hospitals before deciding to strike out on his own, opening the hospital in Brookland Daniel Teich, DVM, founder and Medical Director of District Vet at District Vet Eastern Market. in October 2014. The Eastern Market location, which opened its doors in Novemvatory. There are also two operating ber 2017, has much in common with the Brookland rooms and a state-of-the-art x-ray hospital, Teich said. They share a common database, machine, the cost of which Teich stock similar medications and use the same protocols. compares to the luxury sports car Many staff see patients at both locations. At 4,700 he doesn’t own (he doesn’t own an square feet, the Eastern Market District Vet is the secautomobile at all). ond largest veterinary hospital in the District. The number of veterinarians “I consider it one common hospital in two differat the facility on any day varies, but ent spots,” said Teich. each sees about fifteen pets a day He said that the Eastern Market location sees a during visits scheduled to last about mix of Hill residents together with patients that starta half-hour. He said that kind of exed out at the Brookland facilities. Patended, focused attention is importients tend to be very loyal and stay in tant to care. “You probably spend touch even when they move away. When more time with your vet than you do the hospital sent Valentine’s Day-themed with your human doctor,” he says of mail last month, promoting a fundraiser the scheduled times. for City Dogs Rescue, it included more than 4,900 cards to current and former A Community Business patients, hundreds to destinations out At the start of the day, the staff conof state. verge on the business from all over The facilities are spacious and lightthe Hill; from southeast, near the filled, surprising as the location is actualnew Audi Stadium; from north of ly below ground, with its own dedicated Lincoln Park; and from the H Street elevator. Six exam rooms with comfortNE corridor. able armchairs are decorated with butterThe spacious waiting room of the Eastern Market District Veterinary Hospital (240 Seventh St. SE). The bright facilities are located below flies from the Key West Butterfly Conser(continued on pg. 123)
ounder and Medical Director of District Veterinary Hospital Dr. Daniel Teich says the real face of the company is his eightyear-old golden retriever, Brian ‘T’ Dog (named for Monty Python’s Life of Brian), who accompanies Teich to the hospital every day. The company includes a Brookland location (3748 Tenth St. NE) and the newest location at 240 Seventh St. SE across from Eastern Market. Teich has lived on Capitol Hill since 2007. He and Brian can walk to the Eastern Market location, where Brian occupies the office and Teich sees patients on Mondays, Wednesdays and alternate Saturdays. Teich said he has wanted to open a neighborhood hospital on the Hill for ten years, but had trouble identifying a good location until the Hine Project got underway. He has been watching the site since it was excavated in 2014. Teich received an undergraduate degree in animal
ground and are served by both stairs and a dedicated elevator.
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CUPID’S STING
A Program To Stamp Out Violence Against Women Launches In DC by Pattie Cinelli hen Criminolabuse, interpersonal violence, doL.J. Samuel, Frankie Rodriguez, & Eloney Perry showing love. ogist Laurie mestic violence, sexual assault and Photo by: J. Wilson Photography Samuel, Ph.D., street harassment. worked for the National statistics are alarming. Metropolitan Every nine seconds a woman in the Police Department (MPD) in WashU.S. is assaulted. One in six women ington, DC she became alarmed at will be a victim of attempted or comwhat she was witnessing. “I saw an espleted rape in their lifetime. Eightycalation of violence against women. five percent of sexual assault victims I saw crime reports of both domesknow their attacker. tic and street violence where women Samuel has taught lifesaving were getting into situations which were skills and self-defense workshops preventable. It bothered me.” to women’s groups, in public librarStatistics reinforced what she ies, at gyms, and at Howard Universaw. 2013 figures showed that about sity where she teaches criminology. every 16 minutes a domestic violence“In my workshops I teach the basics related call is placed to the MPD. In for survival. I teach breathing tech2016, DC Safe, the city’s only 24-hour crisis intervention agency for domesniques that can keep us calm. I also show women how to take control of tic violence victims, served 8,155 domestic violence survivors. “I read about their body’s response to trauma – how to act instead of freeze. I show them crimes against women who were jogging with headsets on, or they were walkhow to think clearly and look for exits. The goal is simple: to get out of ing home from the metro with a cell phone in their face. I read about women the situation alive.” who were attacked by their partners. These crimes didn’t have to happen.” Her workshops also focus on showing women how to be better preSamuel decided to do something about it. pared on the street. “Be aware when you leave the house how you are car“I felt by the time I learned about the crime, the women already had berying your purse. Ask yourself if can you run in the shoes and clothes come a statistic,” she said. “I wanted to help you’ve chosen to wear.” Dr. Samuel also gives you tips about bar etiquette. prevent the crime from ever happening.” She “Always order your own drinks and keep an eye on your drink,” she says. created the non-profit organization Cupid’s Cupid Sting’s goal this year is to partner with local businesses and Come to the Sting, an interpersonal violence reduction community groups to protect and prepare friends, families and neighbors. Launch of education program. The name illustrates “We hope to raise more than $25,000 to be able to expand our services Cupid’s Sting that love sometimes goes wrong and this rethroughout the DC community.” Dr. Samuel is seeking partners, sponOn Wednesday, March 14, lates directly to domestic violense. “We give sors, donations of money and space and volunteers. She is also investigatLaurie Samuel will officialwomen the tools they need to take ownering grant possibilities to assist with the expansion. ly launch Cupid’s Sting at ship over their personal safety.” Dr. Samuel writes a blog called, “You Have the Right to Remain Inthe Southwest BID from formed” that focuses on crime tips for women, interpersonal violence, rela6:30 to 8:30 p.m. SurviWhat is Cupid’s Sting? tionships, victimization and policing. To learn more about Dr. Samuel and vors will tell their stories, “Violence against women is not just a Cupid’s Sting visit: www.ljsamuel.com or contact Dr. Samuel at (202)681along with professional hashtag, it’s a continuing problem,” said Dr. 4485 or info@cupidssting.org. speakers, musical perforSamuel. “By equipping women with tools mances and refreshments, Pattie Cinelli is a nationally certified fitness professional and a journalist who has to improve their safety, we can boost their all emceed by WUSA9 rebeen writing her health/fitness column for more than 20 years. She is a holistic confidence so they can protect themselves.” personal trainer, yoga and Pilates instructor who brings fitness to clients’ home porter Debra Alfarone. At Cupid’s Sting teaches women how to and work. Pattie also works with clients and teaches classes at Sport & Health 420 4th St., SW. All are reduce victimization and abuse through dyon Capitol Hill and the University Club. Contact Pattie at: fitness@pattiecinelli. welcome. namic and interactive workshops on dating com or (202-329-5514. u
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(continued from pg. 121) “I walk to work. Most of the staff walk to work. We’re local,” Teich said. This autonomy allows the hospital to be part of the neighborhood and its family of pets in a way that would not be possible if direction Brian ‘T.’ Dog welcomes patients to the clinic. were coming from a far-flung corporate his staff take the time to listen and office. The neighassess what is going on with your borhood element is tremendously pet,” Abbate said. “I think that atimportant to Teich, who sees the tention is very unique and special.” hospital as a community service. Teich thinks that pets should “We make our own probreceive extended attention, and lems, but we solve them too,” points to the health and happiTeich said. “There are no corponess of the patients he sees as a rate overlords in Oregon telling priority above all other concerns. us what to do.” “My philosophy is patient and Aurelia (Aurey) is a 9-yearclient care,” Teich said. “If you’re old golden retriever who was the doing it to get rich, this is not the first patient to be seen when the profession for you.” new clinic opened its doors. Her “I want people to love us. I owner, Michael Abbate, said that want people to come back year afAurey came to him at the age ter year, and I want them to tell of three from Oklahoma. They their friends about us. I want our met Dr. Teich before he opened practices to be known as the best the first District Vet in Brooklahospitals in the city for medical nd, following him there and then care, for compassion and for beto the Eastern Market location, ing good community stewards,” walking distance from Abbate’s he said. home in Hill East. “I live here –this is my neighAurey has had several health borhood.” issues that have required dedicatThe Eastern Market District ed treatment. Dr. Teich worked Veterinary Hospital (240 Sevthrough a long process to disenth St. SE) is open Monday to cover what was causing Aurey’s Wednesday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fristomach issues and then to deday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturtermine which medications were days 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Eastern causing her skin to itch. “Now Market location is closed ThursAurey’s symptoms are managed days. Telephone Teich and his and she lives a healthy, normal Eastern Market District Vet staff life,” said Abbate. at 202-888-2090, or visit distric“Dr. Teich is such an advotvet.com u cate for Aurey’s health. He and
Learn gentle and effective ways to feel better and get fit.
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fitness@pattiecinelli.com • pattiecinelli.com MARCH 2018 H 123
Now on th
e Hill
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 124 H HILLRAG.COM
kids& family by Kathleen Donner
Capital City Symphony
Balloonacy
This concert by the Capita City Symphony explores motion and tempo in music. It starts with John Adams’ exciting and fast-paced Short Ride in a Fast Machine. The music of Charlie Barnett takes listeners through land and space with Blue Chevrolet: A Station Wagon Symphony and the world premiere of My Own Personal Rocketship. Enjoy the tempos and rhythms of a movement from Bizet’s Carmen Suite, Johann Strauss II’s playful Tik-Tak Polka and the fourth movement of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7. Come enjoy this energetic concert for all ages. There is a 30-minute Instrument Petting Zoo before each performance. March 18, 4 and 6 p.m. at the Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. atlasarts.org.
Balloonacy tells the story of a lonely old man who discovers an unlikely friendship with a red balloon that floats into his life unexpectedly through the window. Packed with physical comedy that will charm and delight young audiences, this awardwinning play shows how with a little imagination and acceptance, companionship can come from the most unlikely of places. Best for ages 1 to 5. This is an Imagination Stage production at the Atlas, 1333 H St. NE, April 11 to 16. $12. atlasarts.org.
Orchid Family Day Vanilla comes from an orchid. On March 11, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., learn all about orchids from the experts including how to care for them. Hands-on activities will include the art and science of orchids. Learn how to re-pot an orchid. Pot one up to take home! Visitors of all ages are invited to explore the amazing world of orchids at this year’s Orchid Family Day. This program celebrates the exhibition Orchid Spectrum. Free. No pre-registration required. United States Botanic Garden Conservatory, 100 Maryland Ave. SW. usbg.gov. Families learn about orchids at the US Botanic Garden. Photo: Courtesy of the US Botanic Garden.
On March 18, 1 to 3 p.m., a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse teaches Infant and Child CPR, AED and what to do if a child or infant is choking. These are skills everyone caring for an infant or child should have to ensure their safety. It is the perfect class for parents, nannies, babysitters or family members caring for a child. $65 per person. Register at hillcenterdc.org/event/infant-child-cpr-13.
The Snow Child Eowyn Ivey’s debut novel “The Snow Child,” a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, is reborn as a magical new musical featuring a score that combines Alaskan backcountry stringband traditions and contemporary musical theater. The 1920 Alaskan wilderness is a brutal place to try to save a marriage. Reeling from the loss of an unborn child, Mabel and Jack struggle to rebuild their lives even as the fissures between them continue to widen. But, everything changes suddenly when they are visited by a wild, mysterious girl who embodies the dark woods that surround their cabin. In this beautiful and violent land, things are rarely as they appear, and the snow child’s arrival ultimately transforms their lives. On stage at Arena, April 13 to May 20. arenastage.org.
Infant & Child CPR
Kid’s Knitting Club
Capitol Thursdays On Thursdays at 11 a.m., create an original mobile about the three branches of government. Meet at the entrance of Exhibition Hall. 30 minutes. visitthecapitol.gov.
On Thursdays, March 8 and 15; April 12 and 19; and May 10 and 17; 4:30 p.m., join fellow knitters for a new season of the Kid’s Knitting Club. Knitting teacher Teri Huet will instruct participants on the basics of knitting, how to get started. Returning students will get to start new projects, while new students learn the basics. All supplies will be provided, including needles and yarn. Parents and caretakers are encouraged to stay and participate with the children. For ages 8, up. Children under 9 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, call 202-698-
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3372. Southeast neighborhood Library, 403 Seventh St. SE. dclibrary.org/southeast.
Friendship Between Nations On March 24, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., visit the National Archives for a fun, activity-filled day exploring the many ways countries show their friendship. Investigate treaties. Learn about some of the unusual gifts countries have given. Participate in interactive activities designed for the entire family to enjoy. archives.gov.
Celebrate Persian New Year On March 11, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., ring in the Persian New Year at the
Sackler’s tenth annual Nowruz celebration. With free attractions for all ages, this year’s festival is held in the Freer|Sackler and adjacent Ripley Center. Activities include: Haft sin table display; storytelling by Xanthe Gresham; calligraphy; hands-on art activities; live music; food and featured exhibitions. freersackler.si.edu.
Easter Monday at the Zoo
Eggstravaganza at Lincoln Park National Community Churchís fabled Eggstravaganza is on Saturday, March 31, noon to 3 p.m., at Lincoln Park. The event features ten hunts with 20,000 eggs, snacks, a photo booth, Easter Bunny, games, a raffle, face painting and a DJ.
Easter Monday has been a Washingtonarea multicultural tradition for more than 100 years. Photo: Mehgan Murphy, Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Kids are invited bring their own Easter basket. If not, they’ll provide a goodie bag. No preregistration is needed for this free event. All hunt times are first come, first served. The Easter Eggstravaganza is sponsored by National Community Church, 205 F St. NE. eggstravaganzadc.com.
DPR Opens Camp Registration
VolcanO: Tales of El Salvador In Mayan volcano is ixcanul (fire mountain). A volcano’s fire is hot, alive and beautiful, like the stories and folktales from El Salvador. This bilingual and entertaining play is a fun-filled musical spectacle for children 5 to 10 years old that combines past and present, myth and stories of everyday life. VolcanO: Tales of El Salvador plays from March 3 to 17. Tickets are $12 for adults; $10. children. GALA Theatre, 3333 14th St. NW. galatheatre.org.
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Left to right, Karen Morales, Melissa Strove and Delbis Cardona. Photo: Stan Weinstein
DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) 2018 summer camp registration has opened. The summer camp season is June 18 to Aug. 17. Most camps are offered 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, but hours vary by program. DPR provides a wide variety of summer camp experiences for youth ages 3 to 17. 2018 Summer Camp Dates: Session 1: June 18 to 29; Session 2: July 2 to 13, (no camp July 4); Session 3: July 16 to 27; Session 4: July 30 to Aug. 10; Session 5: Aug. 13 to 17. Before and After Care is offered
On April 2, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo celebrates Easter Monday. Throughout the day, the Zoo offers family-focused activities. Enjoy an Easter egg hunt with prizes, field games, special animal demonstrations and live entertainment. And don’t miss a chance to meet Easter Panda. Zoo hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last admittance is 4 p.m. Zoo admission is free, but parking is now $25. 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW. nationalzoo.si.edu. at an additional charge. For more information, visit dpr.dc.gov/service/ summer-camps or contact the DPR Summer Camp office at 202-6710372 or DPR.Camps@dc.gov.
Summer Camp at the Smithsonian Smithsonian Associates offers a wide variety of camps for children in kindergarten through ninth grade between June 18 and Aug. 17 at the Smithsonian’s S. Dillon Ripley Center at 1100 Jefferson Dr. SW. More than 90 camps are offered this year. Camps are held Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All participants are encouraged to pre-register online. For more information, visit smithsonianassociates.org/camp or call 202633-3030. Have an item for the Notebook? Email it to bulletinboard@hillrag.com. u
L O C A L C A M P S DISCOVER YOUR FAMILY’S RHYTHM! Music Together® classes for infants, toddlers, and pre-schoolers at the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop Register now at www.littlestepsmusic.com Spring classes begin April 9 MARCH 2018 H 127
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SCHOOL NOTES by Susan Braun Johnson
Capitol Hill Cluster School
Cluster Remembers Dr. King at Lincoln Memorial The Capitol Hill Cluster School kicked off Black History Month with back to back events at the Lincoln Memorial remembering Dr. Martin Luther King and his legacy. On February 2nd, Stuart Hobson middle school students stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and recited the “Let Freedom Ring” speech that President Obama delivered on the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington. The next day, the fifth-graders of Watkins Elementary stood on the same steps and recited the words of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech that was delivered at that historic march. The entire Watkins student body participated in the event, with first through fourth-graders braving freezing temperatures to support the fifth-graders and sign along to “We Shall Overcome” and other civil rights songs. 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. Like them on Facebook.com/CHCS.DC and twitter.com/CHCSPTA. - Sean O’Brien. u
Maury Elementary
Hitting the Slopes More than forty Maury fourth and fifth-graders participated in a ski trip on Jan 23. The club is sponsored by DCIAA (the DCPS organization in charge of sports). The kids make two trips to Ski Liberty where they take lessons and get comfortable on the slopes. Then ten kids are chosen to compete in the Championship. Ski Liberty discounts the costs. In the past DCIAA made all the arrangements. This year, they paid for buses but schools had to coordinate for themselves. And next year, they don’t expect to offer any support, disappointing because the program has high participation from schools across the city. Without it, many kids will never have an exposure to skiing, a fun but expensive sport.
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Stuart Hobson students recite President Obama’s Let Freedom Ring Anniversary speech.
Super Spellers The school spelling bee, the first step in the annual SCRIPPS competition, was as suspenseful as usual with a thrilling tie-breaker for third place. Words spelled included “agog”, “Bollywood”, and “hoarsely”. Maury congratulates Julien Click, first place, Camille Benedict, second place, and Cole McIntire, third place, on their winning performances. This is Julien’s second first-place win. He took top honors last year, also, but, as a third-grader, was not eligible to move on to the next level. Camille was one of the top spellers last year as well. All three of them competed in the Cluster Bee SCRIPPS competition at Langley ES in February, where Julien and Camille tied for third place. The two will move on to the spelling bee at NBC Studios in March. Maury Elementary is located at 1840 Constitution Ave., NE (It is temporarily located on Eliot-Hine MS campus.) Call 202:698-3838 or visit mauryelementary.com for more information. Elizabeth Nelson. u
RiverSmart Miner was one of five DCPS schools selected by DDOE’s RiverSmart Schools program to receive funding and training to implement innovative schoolyard greening projects. The RSS effort at Miner will be targeted to the Early Childhood outdoor space. The two-year-long project will aim to teach gardening and community service skills, provide wildlife habitat, im-
Miner Elementary
A permanent principal plus pizza! DCPS Chancellor Wilson has appointed Bruce Jackson as permanent principal of Miner Elementary School. The announcement was made via a Feb. 2 letter to the Miner community. Mr. Jackson has served as Miner’s interim principal since July 2017, and his midyear transition to permanent had been sought by Miner’s parents and staff alike.
Maury ski club at Ski Liberty.
L O C A L C A M P S
SWS students donning their animal masks for their Mardi Gras Parade.
prove the aesthetics of the school grounds, and build student and community pride.
Pizza Fundraiser April 9 Mark your calendars! The Miner PTO excited to host its first-ever fundraiser with &pizza on April 9. Families and community members can dig into delicious pies at &pizza’s 1118 H St NE location and support Miner students. For each pizza bought during the event, &pizza will donate $2. Buon Appetito! Miner Elementary is located at 601 15th St. NE. Learn more at www.minerelementary.org or call 202-397-3960. Terri Rupar. u
School Within School
SWS Principal Wins Rubenstein Award for Excellence in Leadership The SWS community is immensely proud of Principal John Burst for being recognized among the group of 29 DCPS Standing Ovation award winners, chosen for their dedication and excellence. Congratulations Mr. Burst!
SWS Family Specials Night SWS parents, children, and specials teachers came together on February 7th for an evening spent exploring music, French, PE, the library, and the art studios. In French teacher Madame Greif ’s classroom, they played “Hotschi Potchi,” a new favorite game similar to musical chairs. In the library kids became authors and illustrators with Ms. Schechter helping them create their own small books. Ms. Katy, the music teacher, lead families in singing “Bwana Awabariki,” a Swahili folk song. In Ms. McLean’s Atelier they created pieces that will be part of a schoolwide art installation, and in Miss Erika’s atelier students showed off their coral art and watched films about coral. School Within a School Becomes a “Common Sense” School SWS has been approved as a “Common Sense” School, recognizing the school’s efforts in teaching digital
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at Eastern Market Hall on March 17. Tickets are $50 and proceeds go to the Tyler PTA for enrichment programming and supporting our teachers. Silent auction, food and drink tastings from various local vendors, and live music and dancing!
Tyler Pride Tyler is the largest DC Public Elementary School in Capitol Hill with 520 plus students Pre-Kindergarten through fifth-grade and is Capitol Hill’s only dual language Spanish Immersion school, as well as Capitol Hill’s only Creative Arts Curriculum, and Special Education (I.E.P), school. Tyler is proud of their school, and looks forward to celebrating with neighbors and prospective parents at Alchemy this year. Tyler Elementary is located at 1001 G St SE. -Elsa Falkenburger. u
Michael Jackson makes an appearance at the Tyler Elementary talent show.
citizenship and its commitment to creating a culture of digital learning and citizenship.
Mardi Gras Masqurade Parade The entire school participated in a festive Mardi Gras parade on February 13 with parents joining to cheer on the marchers. Leading up to the parade students worked hard in art studio creating spectacular masks. They each chose animals or parts of nature that they wished to speak for, which they beautifully and creatively represented on their masks. Look for them again at the school’s Earth Day Parade in April!
Eliot-Hine
Feeder Family IB Night Feeder families were at Eliot-Hine on Feb. 7 to learn about the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme and the IB Diploma Programme. Eliot-Hine’s IB coordinator Bess Davis (bess.davis@dc.gov) and Eastern’s Liz Braganza
(elizabeth.braganza@dc.gov) explained what IB looks like in the middle years, which is wholeschool and cross-content, and what it’s like as an eleventh and twelfth-grader in the college-level courses. An example of cross-content is the seventh-grade’s exploration of human resilience. They’re reading Jack London’s Call of the Wild, survival articles, and asking what it means to be a survivor -- not only in the wild, but in today’s world where not everyone has access to clean water and food. This ties in with the eighth-grade’s community service, where students will be making sandwiches for the hungry at Martha’s Table. This approach to learning and fostering student connections to others is what it’s all about. In high school, students who opt into IB, whether they take some IB classes based upon interest, or do the full IB program, will benefit from the depth and rigor of these two-year classes that focus on research, writing, and performance. The assessments are done at multiple points throughout the courses, and are in different formats (essay, creative writing, and oral), graded by professionals outside of the school, ensuring that the IB program quality is consistent. To learn more about IB, go to http://www.ibo.org/.
School Within School is located at 920 F St NE. For more information contact them at 202-727-7377 or www.schoolwithinschool.org. Carolyn Banfalvi. u
Tyler Elementary
Alchemy of Great Taste Fundraiser -Mar 17 It has been a busy month at Tyler! Black History month activities, a talent show, Valentine’s Day celebrations, and preparing for Tyler’s annual gala and fundraiser, Alchemy of Great Taste. Alchemy is open to the public - this year it will be
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Eliot-Hine’s Culture Club doing some Valentine’s Day cookie decorating while talking about language and cultural differences that make travel interesting and fun.
L O C A L
Polite Piggy’s 10th Annual
CAMP WILL BE LOCATED AT TYLER ES PENDING DCPS APPROVAL CHECK WEBSITE FOR UPDATES:
WWW.POLITEPIGGYS.COM
REGISTER NOW! FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING Download applications at www.politepiggys.com Drop summer forms between 4-6pm daily at Polites Piggy’s Desks at Maury ES, Tyler ES or School Within a School ES Forms can also be mailed to PO BOX 31215, Washington, DC 20030
FOR MORE INFORMATION
VanNessa Duckett 240-396-8957 • info@ politepiggys.com
Summer Camp Ages 3-10 CHILDREN AGES 3-5 – will have a summer full of adventure play, field trips, the arts, outdoor time, fitness fun, Spanish through play, performers, special classes, twice weekly water play, and quality time with friends in a warm and loving environment. Do not have to be putty trained to attend. CHILDREN AGES 6-10 – will embark upon theme weeks that combine sports such as Flagstar Football, the arts, interactive drumming, Zumba, science, technology, engineering, math, GeoPlunge, critical thinking games, field trips, swimming and water play and enjoying old and new friendships made in a warm and loving environment.
RATES
Weekly
Full Day
Half Day (5 hours)
Ages 6-10
$370
$74
$47
Ages 3-5
$340
$68
$41
* Small ratios for all campers. Breakfast, snack, classes, and trips included * Lunch may be provided again this year, we will update you! * $100 registration fee per child if attending 3 weeks or more. $50 if attending less than 3 weeks. – Kids have to be 3 by 9/30/18. * 25% sibling discount * Offering scholarships for families that make less than $55,000, which will reduce the rate to $175 per week. Last 3 paystubs required for household parents.
Friends Community School Progressive Quaker Education Kindergarten - Grade 8
Experience the
Joy of Extraordinary
SUMMER CAMPS!
June 11 – August 17 Ages 31/2 -15, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily Before- and after-care available, Early Registration Discounts
Choose from 57 different one-week sessions:
Science, Nature, Archery, App Design, Arts, Music, Dances, Coding, Filmmaking, Language Immersion, Theater, Sports, Robotics, Harry Potter, And More! · Dynamic teachers and age-appropriate groups · Extended Day enrichment activities
For details: www.friendscommunityschool.org 5901 Westchester Park Drive College Park, MD 20740 / Tel: 301.441.2100 Only 15-20 minutes up the Baltimore-Washington Parkway! MARCH 2018 H 131
C A M P S
JUNE 18 – AUGUST 3, 2018
. kids and family .
IB Exemplar An Eliot-Hine eighth-grader (who wants to remain anonymous) was planning to take a high school entrance exam in February, and had discussed it with other students who planned to take it as well. One student was a bit deflated because he’s not taking algebra, and there will be algebra on the test. She herself had been nervous about the geometry on the test, so she had researched it the night before. During library time, she helped her fellow student learn the basics of algebra and how to calculate the area of 3D figures. She even wrote up an 18-question test for him, and helped him understand the ones he needed help with. This is what an IB learner is all about: inquiry, risk-taking, caring, communicating, thinking, being knowledgeable, principled, balanced, reflective, and open-minded. Way to go, girl! Eliot-Hine IB Middle School is located at 1830 Constitution Ave. NE. For more information, call 202-939-5380 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
Kareem Farah – Innovative Teacher of the Year! Congratulations to Eastern’s math teacher Kareem Farah, the 2017 DCPS Standing Ovation Excellence in Classroom award recipient! Mr. Farah’s biggest challenge was that students work at different paces, so he recorded the lessons. Now students master content before moving onto the next lesson, empowering them to build on their knowledge and be secure in their skills. Watch the video of Mr. Farah’s inspiring teaching at bit. ly/2ErWn30. Statue of Frank McCain at Eastern Ms. Gaskill’s Journalism II students and Ms. Desario’s Public Service Issues students are embarking on a mission to raise awareness of and funds for a statue at Eastern in hon-
or of Civil Rights hero and Eastern alumnus Franklin McCain. McCain was one of the four who sat in on the Woolworth’s lunch counter in protest in 1960. Students presented their idea and research to the Eastern PTO, and are in the early stages of garnering community support for their mission.
Eastern Staff in the Community Eastern’s special education teachers assisted the Special Olympics Polar Plunge FundBlyth-Templeton Academy math students hunt for Fibonacci numbers in the U.S. Botanic Garden. raiser in Feb. Special Olympics coordinates Soul” during lunch (12:15, 1p.m.). sports competitions Eastern Senior High School is located between students with developmenat 1700 East Capitol St, NE. To learn tal disabilities all across DC. These more call 202-698-4500, log onto competitions are a great way for stueasternhighschooldc.org, or follow @ EasternHS and FB easternhighschool. dents to build camaraderie, to be -Heather Schoell. u active, and to learn about goal-setting and teamwork, and Eastern was Blyth-Templeton proud to be a part of that.
Academy
Eastern tenth-grader and JV basketball player Juwan Watts getting some help with his professional look from his Assistant Principal Mr. Cureton.
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March Library Events Eastern’s librarian, Mrs. Dodsworth, invites the community to join in these free events! There are several monthly, both talks with authors and film screenings. Upcoming films include BFG and Queen of Katwe. Follow @Eastern_PTO for more dates, and please consider joining in. All are welcome! March 16: “Books to the Big Screen” Club from 3:30-5 p.m. screening the film “A Monster Calls” based on the novel by Patrick Ness. March 21: WinS Program author visit from Melanie Hatter to discuss her book “The Color of My
Collaboration in the Math Classroom Blyth-Templeton Academy math students in both Algebra II and PreCalculus went on a joint excursion to the United States Botanic Garden to find examples of Fibonacci numbers in nature. Before the excursion, students from the three different math classes came together to study the Fibonacci sequence and learn about why these numbers occur so frequently in nature. In the Botanic Garden, students found examples of these numbers in plant spirals, leaf arrangements, and petals. It was a great opportunity for
L O C A L C A M P S
students and teachers from different classes to collaborate, learn, and have fun. Blyth-Templeton Academy is located at 921 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE in the Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital. Contact them at info@blythtempleton.org, visit www.blythtempleton.org, or call at 202-847-0779. www.facebook. com/blythtempletonacademy; twitter.com/blythtempleton instagram.com/blythtempleton. Radna Parameswaran. u
Capitol Hill Day School
Children as Change Makers Capitol Hill Day School faculty and staff regularly revisit how they address racial identity development, teach history through multiple perspectives, and critically examine their approach to Black History Month. This year, CHDS students explored “Children as Change Makers” during Black History Month, focusing on ways that African-American children made a difference in the struggle for recognition and rights. In the elementary and upper grades, students learned about children who made change during the Civil Rights movement and throughout American history. Early childhood teachers introduced stories of children who have sought to make change, focusing on three core ideas: • It is everyone’s job to notice what is not fair and work to change it. • Everyone must show courage in order to make a change. • Small movements can start something. Work towards fairness is ongoing.
Acting, Dancing, Music and Art Camp Featured on the “Working Woman” segment on WJAL TV 7 with Alison Starling.
6-WEEK SUMMER PERFORMING ARTS CAMP June 18-July 27, 2018 •Ages 6-15 Weekdays 9:00am-5:30pm Closing Dinner Theatre Performance! At Capitol Hill United Methodist Church 421 Seward Square, SE (3 blocks from Eastern Market)
Reserve Your Spot Today!
202-316-2258 • www.sugarfoots.com/camp
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. kids and family .
helps keep everyone connected on a global scale.
Capitol Hill Day School sixth-graders take a bow after performing Peter Pan, Jr.
Summer Camp 2018 Now Enrolling During the NES Summer Camp at the Alexandria Campus campers learn about endangered animals, insects, transportation, and farmers markets and cooking. The DC Campus is learning about Liberia, Indonesia, China, and France just to name a few. NES is located at 1325 Maryland Ave., NE on Capitol Hill and in Alexandria at 697 North Washington. To learn more check out www.nestars.net. u
Young students explored the idea of “courage” through stories and storytelling, inviting families to share small acts of courage taken by a family member, as a child or as an adult. The theme of global competence – understanding the world through disciplinary and interdisciplinary study – runs throughout the curriculum, in all grades. At Curriculum Night in March, parents will examine student work that reflects global competence capacities, which include students investigating the world beyond their immediate environment; recognizing their own and others’ perspectives; communicating ideas effectively with diverse audiences; and translating ideas into appropriate action to improve conditions. Congratulations to CHDS sixth-graders for their fantastic performance of Peter Pan, Jr., at the Atlas Theater, ably assisted by the seventh and eighth-grade crew! Capitol Hill Day School is located at 210 South Carolina Ave, SE. To contact them call 202-386-9919 or visit www.chds.org, Facebook @CapitolHillDaySchool and Twitter @explorewithCHDS. - Jane Angarola. u
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Northeast Stars
Shoe drive with Art for Humanity In February Northeast stars Montessori partnered with Art for Humanity to donate used shoes to Honduran families in need. A pair of used shoes allows a child to attend school and allows an adult to get a job. A pair of shoes promotes better health through reduction in soil borne parasites as well as infections from cuts. A donation of gently used shoes will make a big difference in the lives of the poverty-stricken Hondurans. Northeast Stars students are excited to participate in a donation of shoes for other kids around the world. Child Fund at NES Northeast Stars Montessori is a sponsor for Child Fund working with eight families located in India, Asia and Africa. This is an international program that NES has been involved in for 15 years. The children write letters to NES about their interest in school, farming and fishing, and sports. NES staff reads the letters and shows the pictures of the families to the students which
St. Peter School
Blinded...With Science It was spheres in commotion and elements in harmony as eighthgraders presented exciting engineering and science demonstrations to St Peter School students in grades first, second and third. The engineering projects were Rube Goldberg machines, complex machines that involve levers, wheels,
axels, pulleys, and wedges, to perform multiple steps in order to execute simple tasks, such as ring a bell, drop candy into a soda bottle, or crush a fortune cookie. The science projects involved chemical reactions (bath bombs) and physics surface tension and viscosity (slime and water droplets on a penny). St. Peter School students in grades fourth through seventh were poetry in motion as they presented their annual science fair projects. It was a successful day in which students presented projects that they had been working on for several weeks. The science fair gave students an opportunity to do experiments on a topic of interest to them and is an annual event that serves to extend classroom learning.
Career Day The annual Career Day for grades first through eighth was held and students learned about professions in graphic design, dentistry, aviation, comic strip design, and the Federal
Eight-grade students demonstrating engineering and science projects to first, second and third-graders.
ating opportunities for local residents to explore and engage in arts programs. Two Rivers is a long-time champion for local artists, and through its Framing the Future Gala, creates a platform for locals to showcase donated work and connect with a thriving community of art lovers. The event is planned and managed through a tremendous effort of parent volunteers and is a spectacular night of music, food, fun, and of course—art. The Gala is made possible each year because musicians, performers, visual artists, culinary artists, and restaurateurs from across the DMV come together in generous donations of time and talent to support the arts at Two Rivers. To learn more about Framing the Future or to support the event please visit: tworivers.org/framing. Two Rivers teachers take part in an arts event gifted through collaborative efforts of Framing the Future Gala. Featured is artist Tendani Mpulubusi El of DC’s nonprofit 8 Arts and local builder DB Lee Development.
Bureau of Investigation. Student parents, who currently work in these career fields, graciously donated their time and insights with the student to begin the formulation of life long dreams. Over the next few weeks, students will engage in counseling lessons to continue the discussion of career exploration. St. Peter School is located at 422 Third St, SE. Call 202-544-1618 or email them at info@stpeterschooldc. org. - Tony Militello. u
Two Rivers Public Charter School As Two Rivers prepares for its Framing the Future Gala on March 9, an annual event organized to promote arts education and local arts engagement, as well as to help fund their own robust arts program,
they’ve received an unexpected gift. Visual Artists Tendani Mpulubusi El of DC nonprofit 8Arts collaborated with DB Lee Development to gift an arts experience to Two Rivers staff. Mpulubusi El led a Paint & Sip session for teaching staff. Supplies were donated through a partnership with DB Lee Development, the builder behind the boutique hotel slated to open near Two Rivers’ 4th Street location later this year. The hotel will be located at 411 New York Ave in the long-vacant space of a former community center, and will reserve dedicated spaces for arts engagement and production. The builder plans ongoing collaboration with local organizations like 8Arts, which focuses on cre-
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: @ TwoRiversPCS on Twitter and Facebook. Questions? Call 202-546-4477, email info@tworiverspcs.org, or visit www.tworiverspcs.org. u
day after school. The addition of Korean at Washington Global enhances the school’s exploratory, internationally-minded educational program. The Korean class offers interested students the opportunity to learn Korean, and also important aspects of Korean culture, including art, music, and cooking. Students will participate in a variety of field trips, including to the South Korean Embassy and the Freer/Sackler Gallery to view Korean art. Wynter, a seventh-grade student who participates in the class, describes the class as “interactive and fun to learn about new cultures.” This program contributes to the school’s mission by providing students with exposure to a variety of foreign languages and diverse cultures. Washington Global PCS is located at 525 School St SW. To learn more visit www.washingtonglobal.org or call 202-796-2415. Elizabeth Torres. Articles and photos about area schools can be sent to the editor at schools@hillrag.com. u
Washington Global Public Charter School
Partnering with the South Korean Embassy In partnership with the South Korean Embassy, Washington Global PCS, a middle school located in Southwest DC, recently launched a new Korean Language and Culture Program. The program, designed by the South Korean Embassy and a professional Korean language teacher, provides students in grades 6,7, and 8 the opportunity to learn Korean and be introduced to Korean culture. The program is offered for a two-hour block every Wednes-
Washington Global’s new Korean class.
MARCH 2018 H 135
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MARCH 2018 ★ 141
. last word.
FREE CAPITOL HILL FROM THE OFFICE OF PLANNING OP Would Allow Ambiguity In Height And Density Rules n 2016, on a pleasant weekday night, hundreds of Ward 6 residents answered the call from DC Office of Planning (OP) to spend the evening meeting with them to plan the future of Ward 6. We wrote our ideas on many flip charts, and heard OP’s presentation on how the Comprehensive Plan, the city’s premier land use law, would be amended. In June 2017, Capitol Hill ANCs, community organizations and residents again answered the call with many proposed amendments to the Comprehensive Plan. We now know that OP wasted our time, lied to us, and worse. The Comprehensive Plan has three parts: (1) a framework element setting out economic and demographic data and setting overall goals for the city’s future, (2) citywide elements for urban design, housing, environment, transportation, economic development, etc. and (3) area elements, including one for Capitol Hill. In 2017, OP had promised that the framework element, together with all proposed amendments to the citywide and area elements, would be presented for public comment, and only after public comment, would all three elements be submitted to the Council for approval. This process would have provided all of us an opportunity to ana-
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lyze the entire Comprehensive Plan and provide feedback. Instead, OP has broken its promise -- it first wants the Council to approve the framework element alone, and if it’s approved, that will control the content of the citywide and area elements. And OP’s framework element is a developer’s fiesta - instead of the definite rules in the old framework element that governed zoning decisions on height and density of buildings, so that everyone understands what the rules are, OP’s framework element redefines the framework element to permit unpredictable higher height and more density. (In nerd-speak, this result is accomplished by fuzzing up the definitions of medium and moderate density and fuzzing up neighborhood boundaries in the “Future Land Use Map,” and rules on height and density become “broad guidelines” … “not intended to be strictly followed.” ) The result is that where there were once definite rules, there is now deliberate ambiguity for developers to exploit. The Council is holding a hearing on the Comprehensive Plan on March 20, 2018. Anyone who would like to testify should email cow@dccouncil.us. Information regarding the Comprehensive Plan proposal can be found on the Committee of 100 on the Federal City website, committeeof100. net, or at tinyurl.com/ycom8kan. – Beth Purcell, Capitol Hill Resident