Hill Rag Magazine – March 2020 by Capital Community News

hillrag.com . March 2020

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IN THIS ISSUE MARCH 2020

H O M E S

Are the Homeless DC Residents? Do Encampments Threaten Children? by Elizabeth O’Gorek

A Love Affair With Pizza by Jonathan Bardzik

G A R D E N S

103

CBD: An Old Remedy Coming To Life Again by Pattie Cinelli

108

SPRING SPECIAL 62

Five Things to Pay Attention to Planning a Home Remodeling by Bruce Wentworth, AIA

Collaboration in the Garden Partner with Love & Carrots by Rindy O’Brien

What if March is a Monster? How To Protect Your Plants If Winter Comes Late by Derek Thomas

Dear Garden Lady by Wendy Blair

Changing Hands by Don Denton

WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

CALENDAR

The 6th Annual Dick Wolf Memorial Lecture: RFK Stadium, From the Past to the Future by Monte Edwards

capitol streets 33

Are the Homeless DC Residents? Do Encampments Threaten Children? by Elizabeth O’Gorek

A Proven Success in Affordable Housing: Southwest’s St. James Mutual Homes Shows How It Can Be Done by Elizabeth O’Gorek

Survey Set to Inform Eastern Market Plan by Elizabeth O’Gorek

Women of Ward 6: Bonny Wolf by Marci Hilt

The Numbers: The DC Budget Is Coming! What Can You Expect? How Can You Get Involved? by Ed Lazere

Our River: The Anacostia: Lessons From The Chesapeake by Bill Matuszeski

DC Schools Chancellor Visits: ANC 6A Report by Nick L. Alberti

Tempers Flare Over Encampments: ANC 6B Report by Elizabeth O’Gorek

XXXX Fitness at 50: Couch Potato to J.Lo and In-Between byxxxx

More Affordable Housing: ANC 6C Report by Elizabeth O’Gorek

by Gabriella Boston

Concern Over Gap in Health Services: ANC 6D Report by Andrew Lightman

Bulletin Board by Kathleen Donner

arts and dining 89

A Love Affair With Pizza by Jonathan Bardzik

The Wine Girl by Elyse Genderson

At the Movies by Mike Canning

The Jazz Project by Jean-Keith Fagon

Art and The City by Jim Magner

100

Literary Hill by Karen Lyon

101

Poetic Hill by Karen Lyon

family life 103

CBD: An Old Remedy Coming To Life Again by Pattie Cinelli

106

Yoga Returns to The Wharf by Elizabeth O’Gorek

108

Fitness at 50: Couch Potato to J.Lo and In-Between by Gabriella Boston

110

The District Vet: The New York Times Got Dog Parks Wrong by Dan Teich, DVM

112

The Story of Payne: Exhibit Celebrates School and Community by Elizabeth O’Gorek

114

School Notes by Susan Braun Johnson

122

Kids and Family Notebook by Kathleen Donner

124 CLASSIFIEDS 130 CROSSWORD

on the cover: Rosa Vera, “Close Up, Peonies.” 24x24. Acrylic on panel Rosa’s ‘close up’ paintings depict the intimate connection of plants and flowers to the larger landscapes. Her concern is that as wetlands and sea shores are affected by climate change these features of our environment become more dear. March 4 - 29, 2020 Opening Reception: Friday, March 13, 6 - 8:30pm Psychoanalyzing Creativity: Transitional Spaces. An interview with painter and psychologist Dana Brotman: Saturday, March 21, 1pm Interviewer: Michael Krass, psychoanalyst Touchstone Gallery 901 New York Ave NW, Washington DC 20001 touchstonegallery.com / Wed–Fri 11-6, Sat–Sun 12-5 Also at Touchstone: Gallery A: Touchstone Gallery Member Show Gallery B: Transitional Spaces by Dana Brotman / Marrakech Portraits by Steve Alderton

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WHAT’S ON W A S H I N G T O N

Photo: Courtesy of Signature Theatre

CAMILE CLAUDEL Turn-of-the-century French sculptor Camille Claudel was a groundbreaking artist and a revolutionary free-thinker. But, her entire life was determined by the men around her, from her passionate and tumultuous love affair with Auguste Rodin to her unsupportive brother to the gender-based censorship of her work. Signature’s MAX Theatre transforms into famed sculptor Rodin’s studio to bring their creative and lovers’ duel to life in a stunning and gorgeous new musical of an irrepressible visionary who broke the mold. This world premier musical is at Arlington’s Signature Theatre from March 24 to April. sigtheatre.org.

SPLIT THIS ROCK POETRY FESTIVAL Every two years, Split This Rock Poetry Festival calls poets, writers, educators, activists and scholars together for three days of readings, workshops, panel discussions, youth programming, open mics, activism and a book fair. Featuring some of the most socially significant and artistically vibrant poets today, the Festival offers opportunities to build connections and community and celebrate the many ways poetry can be a practice for social change. The festival is from March 26 to 28 at GWU’s Marvin Center. splitthisrock.org.

Photo: Kelsey Hunter Ayres

BRIAN FALLON Brian Fallon and the Howling Weather are Lincoln Theater, 1215 U St. NW, on March 13, 8 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and seating is not assigned. Best known as the lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist and main lyricist of The Gaslight Anthem, Brian Fallon combines the working class sensibilities of Springsteen and Tom Petty with the sounds of The Clash. His third album, Local Honey, is scheduled for release on March 27. $35. thelincolndc.com.

AGE OLD CITIES: A VIRTUAL JOURNEY FROM PALMYRA TO MOSUL

Photo: Arab World Institute, Paris/Iconem

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Through Oct. 25, journey to three cities in the Middle East—Palmyra and Aleppo in Syria and Mosul in Iraq—in this virtual exhibition organized by the Arab World Institute, Paris, and created in collaboration with UNESCO. These cities, among the oldest uninterrupted human settlements in the world, have recently been devastated by war. To preserve these sites for future generations, Age Old Cities offers large-scale projections and digital reconstructions of iconic monuments and ancient structures rising from ruins to their former glory. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, 1050 Independence Ave. SW. asia.si.edu.

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MARCH 2020 H 13

WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

Irish punk band The Murder Capital

THE MURDER CAPITAL On the title track of their debut album, “For Everything:” The Irish punk band Murder Capital scream: “I am a blissless star, corroded through the core / The very many know I’m dodging holes / There’s nothing left in store, for I am a weightless diver, terrified and free / The possibility of symphony within my tragedy, seen.” The song combines heaviness, the bleakness and the rage with a surprising amount of tenderness. Their new record, “When I Have Fears,” has been called “a purple bruise on the hard knee of the so-called post-punk resurgence.” The Murder Capital is at the DC9 Club, 1940 Ninth St. NW, on Monday, March 16, 8 p.m. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 to $13. dc9.club.

Courtesy of the National Cherry Blossom Festival

SAKURA MATURI JAPANESE STREET FAIR The Sakura Maturi Japanese Street Fair is the largest oneday celebration of Japanese culture in the US. This year enjoy four stages of performances and demonstrations, cultural exhibitors, food vendors, cooking demos and a children’s corner. Held the same day as the Cherry Blossom Parade, April 4, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Pennsylvania Avenue between Third and Seventh Streets NW, it features 30 cumulative hours of programming and welcomes more than 80 cultural groups, arts vendors and food booths. Admission is $10; children 12 and under, free. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.

Jules Coignet, View of Bozen with a Painter, 1837, oil on paper, mounted on canvas, National Gallery of Art, DC, Gift of Mrs. John Jay Ide in memory of Mr. and Mrs. William Henry Donner

ENVIRONMENTAL FILM FESTIVAL From March 12 to 22, DC hosts the largest environmental film festival in the world with more than 100 films. Collaborating with over 110 partners, including museums, embassies, universities and theaters, the Environmental Film Festival is the city’s leading green cultural event. The full schedule will be announced shortly. Many screenings are free. dceff.org. ABOVE: In ADAPTATION: Kentucky, scientist and National Geographic Explorer Alizé Carrère travels to western Kentucky to meet Angie Yu, a Chinese American woman who is turning the Mississippi River’s invasive Asian carp problem into an environmental and economic triumph.

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TRUE TO NATURE: OPEN-AIR PAINTING IN EUROPE, 1780–1870 An integral part of art education in the late 18th and early 19th Centuries, painting en plein air was a core practice for avant-garde artists in Europe. Artists such as Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot, John Constable, Simon Denis, and André Giroux—made sometimes arduous journeys to paint their landscapes in person at breathtaking sites, ranging from the Baltic coast and Swiss Alps to the streets of Paris and ruins of Rome. This exhibition of some 100 oil sketches made outdoors across Europe during that time includes several recently discovered works. True to Nature is at the National Gallery of Art through May 3. nga.gov.

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WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

IN SERIES’ RIGOLETTO

Photo: T a mzi nB . Sm ith

Verdi’s darkly unforgettable and tuneful opera comes to life as an immersive circus production. The horror and visceral drama of this immortal opera which remains as beloved and shocking today as it did at its premiere. Conductor Victoria Gau of Captial City Symphony leads a brilliant new orchestration for circus ensemble and a vibrant young cast in this new version of Verdi’s opera which promises to delight and overwhelm audiences who step right up to the GREATEST OPERA-SHOW ON EARTH. Rigoletto is on stage at The Atlas, 1333 H St. NE, from April 11 to 19. inseries.org.

Photo: Wojciech Wandzel

IRELAND AT THE WHARF On March 14, 1 to 6 p.m., celebrate the rich culture and tradition of the Emerald Isle with bagpipers, live music, Irish dancers and the Guinness beer garden on District Pier. Jig along to live music from Poor Man’s Gambit, 19th Street Band and festival headliner Scythian. New this year: enjoy special samplings from Roe & Co. Irish Whiskey and Bailey’s Irish Cream. Entrance to the festival is free; food and drinks sold on site. All ages are welcome; must be 21+ to consume alcohol. Sláinte! wharfdc.com.

Image: Charles Chaisson

THE KRONOS QUARTET On March 13, 8 p.m., San Francisco’s Kronos Quartet with the Choral Arts Chamber Singers performs Sun Rings at GW’s Lisner Auditorium. On the heels of its second Grammy Award, the quartet travels not just beyond standard musical genres, but into outer space itself in the first-ever DC performance of Sun Rings. This ten-movement suite, composed by Terry Riley, was commissioned by NASA to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Voyager Planetary Mission launches. Sun Rings weaves together string quartet, choir and the sounds of space. $30 to $50. kronosquartet.org.

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AUGUST WILSON’S SEVEN GUITARS The 1940s Pittsburgh is the backdrop for August Wilson’s fifth cycle play and the second production in the August Wilson Festival. Seven lives are interconnected when old friend and blues singer Floyd Barton vows to turn his life around after a surprise windfall leaves him hopeful for a second chance. Infused with deep and soaring blues rhythms, this play pits the desire for a better future against the harsh realities ultimately leading to heartbreaking and inescapable circumstances. Seven Guitars is at Arena Stage from April 3 to May 3. arenastage.org.

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WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

HOPFEST 2020 Photo: DC United / Xavi Dussaq

DC UNITED SEASON OPENS DC United season begins on Feb. 29, 1 p.m., at Audi Field in SW in a match against the Colorado Rapids. Other home games this spring are March 7 vs. Inter Miami CF; April 3 vs. New York City FC; April 15 vs. Toronto FC; April 26 vs. New York Red Bulls; May 9 vs. Houston Dynamo; May 16 vs. Orlando City SC; and May 30 vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Ticket prices are $35, up. dcunited.com.

The DC brewing community invites hop-lovers to its sixth annual HopFest on March 14, 1 to 5 p.m. at DC Brau Brewing Company, 3178 Bladensburg Rd. NE. HopFest 2020 is the only DC beer festival by local brewers, for local brewers. Tickets for this 21+ event are $50 which includes a DC Brewers’ Guild tasting glass and unlimited pours. HopFest 2020 benefits the District of Columbia Brewers’ Guild, an 501(c)(6) organization that exists to unify the DC brewing community by honoring the city’s brewing heritage, fostering community development and pride, educating consumers, promoting shared business interests and encouraging sustainable growth. Jump quickly. Hopfest sells out. dcbg.org.

INHERIT THE WINDBAG In the summer of 1968, liberal Gore Vidal and conservative William F. Buckley met for a series of debates that rocked America and defined the genre of punditry. Now, for one evening only, Vidal and Buckley meet in the Dismal Beyond, also known as the Richard Nixon Library in Yorba Linda, CA, to reprise their infamous debate. What ensues is a battle for history itself, in a noholds-barred sesquipedalian brawl and satirical battle of wits, assisted by an ever-revolving cast of characters from Aaron Burr to Ayn Rand. This world premier play is on stage at the Atlas from March 11 to 29. atlasarts.org.

Photo: Courtesy of the Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House

WOODLAWN NEEDLEWORK SHOW Woodlawn Mansion was the first family home of Eleanor “Nelly” Custis, George and Martha Washington’s granddaughter and one of America’s first “celebrity” craft people. The annual needlework show and sale honors this legacy as a premier showcase of the needle arts, promoting emerging needlework artists and raising the needed funds to preserve this historic site. Visit the show and sale daily in March, except Tuesdays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A general admission ticket is $15; $6 for K through 12; and free for five and under. woodlawnpopeleighey.org. 18 H HILLRAG.COM

John Lescault (left) and Paul Morella (right) Photo: Iwan Bagus

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WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

A RIGHT TO THE CITY: BRANDI T. SUMMERS Photo: Courtesy of the Washington Nationals Baseball Club

NATIONALS SEASON OPENS The 2019 World Champion Washington Nationals Home Opener is on April 2, 1:05 p.m. against the Mets which is followed by a day games against the Mets on the weekend. April game series are against the Marlins, Cubs and Dodgers. Single game tickets are on sale now. Friday night fireworks this year are April 17, May 1, June 19, July 3 and Aug. 14. mlb.com/nationals.

On March 21, 2 to 4 p.m., Brandi Summers talks about “Black in Place: The Spatial Aesthetics of Race in a Post-Chocolate City.” The book documents DC’s shift to a “post-chocolate” cosmopolitan metropolis by charting H Street’s economic and racial developments. In doing so, Summers offers a theoretical framework for understanding how blackness is aestheticized and deployed to organize landscapes and raise capital. This program is part of a series of author talks in connection with the exhibition, A Right To The City. It was developed in partnership with American University, Metropolitan Policy Center. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu.

Sting as Jackie White and the cast perform “We’ve Got Nowt Else” in The Last Ship. Photo: Matthew Murphy

Photo: Stan Barouh

THE LAST SHIP The Last Ship, inspired by Sting’s 1991 album “The Soul Cages” and his own childhood experiences, tells the story of a community amid the demise of the shipbuilding industry in Tyne and Wear with the closure of the Swan Hunter shipyard. When a sailor named Gideon Fletcher returns home after seventeen years at sea, tensions between past and future flare in both his family and his town. Staring as shipyard foreman Jackie White, Sting will perform at every show. Best for ages 12, up. $49 to $154. The Last Ship is on stage at the Nation, March 27 to April 5. thenationaldc.com.

PEARSONWIDRIG DANCE THEATER On March 28 and 29, Pearsonwidrig Dance Theater premieres two solos and remount “Take Me With You,” which won the Dance Metro DC Award for Outstanding Overall Production in 2013. In exploring impending loss in the midst of longing for the Beloved, it asks unanswerable questions with disarming humor. And then there’s the blue floating shark. The premiers are The Sky is Falling and Heathens and Havens. $15 to 30. Dance Place is at 3225 Eighth St. NE. danceplace.org. 20 H HILLRAG.COM

KRS-ONE Rap legend and stop-the-violence activist KRS-One is at the Howard Theatre, 620 T St. NW, on March 13, 9 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. Lawrence “Kris” Parker better known as KRS-One, rose to prominence as part of the hip hop music group Boogie Down Productions, which he formed with DJ Scott La Rock in the mid-1980s. He is best known for top hits: “Sound of da Police”, “Love’s gonna get’cha” and “My Philosophy.” Tickets are $25 in advance: $30 day-of. howard.theatredc.org.

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community

calendar Anacostia River Festival. April 5, 1 to 5 PM. Rain date, April 19. Take a canoe out to explore the River, ride in their bike parade, play lawn games with your family and experience Southeast DC’s local arts scene at this special free event. Anacostia Park, Anacostia Drive and Good Hope Road SE. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.

Photo: Chan Davis

SPECIAL EVENTS Ireland on The Wharf. March 14, noon to 6 PM. Celebrate the beauty and tradition of the Emerald Isle with bagpipers, live music, dance performances and a beer garden on District Pier. Sip a pint and enjoy all the fun of a true Irish festival. All ages welcome; must be 21 or over to consume alcohol. wharfdc.com. Lighthouse DC presents: Laugh Hard, Give Back. March 26, 7 PM. A night of music and comedy with Apama Nancherla and DC’s best comics. Miracle Theater, 535 Eighth St. SE. lighthousedc.org. 22 H HILLRAG.COM

Annual Dick Wolf Lecture, Friday, March 27, 7 pm, at Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. Nicholas Malin will give a lecture, “RFK Stadium: From the Past to the Future,” on the stadium’s rich history, its eligibility for historic preservation, and potential future uses. To be followed by a panel discussion and reception. Free. Calendar at CHRS.org Vote in the 2020 Canal Park Outdoor Movie Series Poll. The BID wants you to help pick the flicks. Choose a movie title from each category on surveymoney.com/r/XN2GS9M for the chance to see your favorite scenes up on the big screen. Voting ends Friday, March 6. Movies are every Thursday, June 18

to July 23. capitolriverfront.org.

MUSIC Blue Mondays. Every Monday, 6 to 9 PM. March 2, Mark Wenner’s Blues Warrior; March 9, David Cole & Main Street Blues; March 16, Linwood Taylor Ban; March 23, Shirleta Settles & Friends; March 30, The Jose Ramirez Blues Project. $5 cover. Children are free under 16 years old. Reasonably priced meals offered. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 400 I St. SW. westminsterdc.org. Jazzy Fridays. Every Friday, 6 to 9 PM. March 6, Jeff Antoniuk & the Update; March 13, W. Allen Taylor Quin-

tet (CD Release); March 20, The New Peter Fraize Quintet; March 27, Antonio Parker & Friends. $5 cover. Children are free under 16 years old. Reasonably priced meals offered. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 400 I St. SW. westminsterdc.org. Folger Consort’s The Three Fountains. March 6 to 8. The lyrical art of Trecento composers was inspired by the poets known as Italy’s Three Fountains: Dante, Petrarch and Boccaccio. $42. St. Mark’s 301 A St. SE. folger.edu. Music at the Library of Congress. March 14, Arabesque; March 17, Takács Quartet; March 18, Tabea Zimermann and Javier Perianes; March

28, Manuscript Music for Men’s Chorus; April 4, Conrad Tao and Caleb Teicher. Coolidge Auditorium of the Thomas Jefferson Building. loc.gov. Chiarina Chamber PlayersBeethoven at 250, Part 2. March 15, 7:30 PM. Commemorating Beethoven’s 250th birthday, Chiarina presents his six trios for violin, cello and piano in two concerts. These pillars of the piano trio repertoire redefined the genre. The two programs take us on a fascinating journey from the brilliant early works to the depth of the timeless Archduke trio. $25; $10 for age 30 and under. St. Mark’s, 301 A St. SE. chiarina.org. Music at the Atlas. March 15, 5 PM. Capital City Symphony’s Symphonic Spring; March 28, Jazz: Ghost-Note; April 3, Brad Linde’s Team Players Big League. The Atlas, 1333 H Street NE. atlasarts.org. Washington Women in Jazz featuring Christine Jensen. March 25, 7 PM. Montreal-based saxophonist and composer Christine Jensen performs as part of the Washington Women in Jazz Festival. $18; $20 day-of. Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. HillCenterDC.org. Live Music at Mr. Henry’s. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM. Capitol Hill Jazz Jam. Wednesdays. 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. mrhenrysdc.com.

THEATER AND FILM Mother Road at Arena. Through March 8. As the hardworking and terminally ill William Joad sets out on an epic journey to pass down his family farm, he is humiliated to find that the only surviving descendant of his family is a Mexican American named Martín Jodes, an ex-migrant worker. arenastage.org. MARCH 2020 H 23

Petalpalooza. April 11, 1 to 9 PM. Petalpalooza at the Capitol Riverfront, 355 Water St. SE, features live music on multiple outdoor stages, interactive art installations, a beer garden, family-friendly handson activities and fireworks set to music. Free. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.

Photo: US Army, Alex McVeigh

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Celia and Fidel at Arena. Castro must decide what kind of a leader he wants to be: merciful or mighty. Imbued with magical realism, Arena Stage’s seventh Power Play imagines a conversation between Cuba’s most influential female revolutionary and its most notorious political leader in a contest between morality and power. Through April 12. arenastage.org. ExPats Theatre’s Einstein’s Wife at the Atlas. March 5 to 22. Is it HISstory or HER-story? Einstein’s theory of relativity revolutionized modern science and his name became synonymous with genius. Lesser known is the story of Mileva Maric, the physicist, and fellow student at Zurich Polytechnic who was Einstein’s first wife. atlasarts.org. The Count of Monte Cristo. March 13 and 14. Travel from a forgotten

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prison cell to French high society as Edmond Dantès conspires to kill the people who wronged him. Revenge is a dish best served with a signature cocktail. $20. CHAW, 545 Seventh St. SE. whfmontecristo.pbt.me. Risking Light. March 18, 7 PM. From the streets of Minneapolis, the aboriginal lands of Australia and the killing fields of Cambodia come the powerful stories of three people who had the courage to step out of the haunting, tragic darkness of the past, risking everything to reach the light of their own compassion. $14 to $20. atlasarts.org. Inherit the Windbag. March 23, 6:30 PM. Northeast Library hosts Mosaic Theater for a free staged reading of “Inherit the Windbag.” Join actors and staff for a reading and discussion this important play. Northeast Library, 330 Seventh St. NE. dclibrary.org/northeast. The Till Trilogy: The Ballad of Emmett Till. April 1 to June 20. Bayeza’s Edgar Award-winning drama recounts the last two weeks of young Emmett Till’s life on his journey from Chicago to Money, Mississippi, and his fateful encounter with Caroline Bryant, the young white woman whose accusations led to Emmett’s subsequent murder. atlasarts.org. Miracle Theater Movies. Movies shown Fridays, 4 PM, 7 PM and 10 PM; Saturday, 8 PM and 10:30 PM; Sundays, 4 PM and 7 PM. Movies before 6 PM are $6. Movies 6 PM and after are $8; $6 for children, students, military and seniors. Advance schedule not possible here. Sign up for what’s playing at themiracletheatre.com. Miracle Theater, 535 Eighth St. SE.

LITERARY TALKS, EVENTS AND BOOK SALES Jessica Mason Piekklo – The End of Roe V. Wade. March 5, 6:30 PM. East City Book Shop, 645 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. eastcitybookshop.com.

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Wholistic Services, Inc. is looking for dedicated individuals to work as Direct Support Professionals assisting intellectually disabled adults with behavioral health complexities in our group homes and day services throughout the District of Columbia.

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Valid driver license Ability to lift 50-75 lbs. Ability to complete required trainings prior to hire Ability to become Med Certified within 6 months of hire Ability to complete a security background check prior to start date

Contact the Human Resources (HR) Department at 301-392-2500 to schedule an appointment.

[No walk-ins accepted.]

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

MARCH 2020 H 25

SIGN UP FOR YOUR FREE SMALL BUSINESS WORKSHOP TODAY For existing & inspiring District businesses - the Small Business Resource Center is here for you!

DCRA at Your Neighborhood Library – Learn The Process of Starting a Business Tuesday, March 3, 2020 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm Deanwood Neighborhood Library 1350 49th Street NE Washington, DC 20019 Register: dcrasbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events/48232

Senior Entrepreneurship Workshop Thursday, March 5, 2020 10:15 am – 11:45 am Model Cities Senior Center 1901 Evarts Street NE Washington, DC 20018 Register: dcrasbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events/47875

DCRA at UPO: How to Start a Business Tuesday, March 10, 2020 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm United Planning Organization 2907 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE Washington, DC 20032 Register: dcrasbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events/48383

All Things Non-Profit Thursday, March 19, 2020 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs 1100 4th Street SW, 2nd Floor Room E-200 Washington, DC 20024 Register: dcrasbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events/47906

Meet One-on-One with a Lawyer for Free! Saturday, March 21, 2020 9:30 am – 12:00 pm Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs 1100 4th Street SW, 2nd Floor Room E-200 Washington, DC 20024 Register: dcrasbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events/48964

The Secret Sauce Thursday, March 26, 2020 10:00 am – 11:30 am Dukem Ethiopian Restaurant 1114 U Street NW Washington, DC 20019 Register: dcrasbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events/49038

How to Develop a Successful Business Plan

SBRC’s One-On-One Session: Basic Steps to Obtaining a Business License

Wednesday, March 11, 2020 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs 1100 4th Street SW, 2nd Floor Room E-200 Washington, DC 20024 Register: dcrasbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events/47981

Monday – Friday 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (By appointment) Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs 1100 4th Street SW, 2nd Floor, Room E-268 Washington, DC 20024 Register: dcrasbrc.ecenterdirect.com/events

Jacqueline Noisette | (202) 442-8170 | jacqueline.noisette@dc.gov Claudia Herrera | (202) 442-8055 | claudia.herrera@dc.gov Joy Douglas | (202) 442-8690 | joy.douglas@dc.gov Tamika Wood | (202) 442-8004 | tamika.wood@dc.gov

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660 Pennsylvania Ave SE 1718 14th St. NW Union Market www.peregrineespresso.com 26 H HILLRAG.COM

Photo: Matthew Brady

US Botanic Garden at 200. Through Oct. 15, 2020. Explore plants, plant science interactives, three-dimensional sights, infamous smells and more! Learn more about the rich history and developing future of the USBG in this twopart exhibit. usbg.gov. Michelle P. King - The Fix: Overcome the Invisible Barriers That Are Holding Women Back at Work. March 5, 7 PM. Director of Inclusion at Netflix and host of the weekly podcast, The Fix, King has learned from nearly twenty years of working with Fortune 500 companies as a gender equality expert that most workplaces are designed for men by men. Politics and Prose at The Wharf, 70 District Sq. SW. politics-prose.com. The Life of a Poet-A Conversation with Ron Charles And Willie Perdormo. March 10, 7 PM. Join Ron Charles of The Washington Post, for an in-depth discussion with acclaimed poet Willie Perdormo. The Life of a Poet series offers a rare op-

As you spring your clocks forward and change the batteries in both your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, please think about offering to do this for someone who may not be capable of completing this important task. A simple favor can save lives. JLC Team is offering a limited number of FREE smoke detectors. Please give us a call, first come first served!

portunity to consider a writerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entire career and explore the major events that have shaped their work. Free. Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. HillCenterDC.org. Motherhood Redux-Tina Chang, Camille Dungy and Beth Ann Fennelly. March 11, 7 PM. There was a time when writing about motherhood was not considered a serious endeavor and was frowned upon if ever published. Times have changed as three acclaimed poets read their work about motherhood. $15. Folger Theatre. folger.edu.

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Jackie Sink 202.352.5793 jackie.sink@compass.com

Libby Clarke 202.841.1812 libby.clarke@compass.com

Crystal Crittenden 202.246.0931 crystal.crittenden@compass.com SE E OU R R EV I EW S ON Z I LLOW J LC T E A M .C OM

@ J LC T E A M

Compass is a licensed real estate brokerage that abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Compass is licensed as Compass Real Estate in DC and as Compass in Virginia and Maryland. 660 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20003 | 202.545.6900

You and the National Register of Historic Places, Wednesday, March 18, 6:30 pm at East City Bookshop, 645 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. Sponsored by CHRS, Robert Pohl, local tour guide, historian, and author, will explain what it means to be on this list and give examples including the headquarters of The Furies, a radical Lesbian collective, which is now his own home. Free. Calendar at CHRS.org Margaret Atwood and Nan Talese. March 12, 7 PM. Legendary fiction editor and publisher Nan Talese joins one of her most successful novelists, Margaret Atwood, to disMARCH 2020 H 27

2020 DICK WOLF LECTURE R F K STA D I U M : F R O M T H E PA S T T O T H E F U T U R E Photo: Courtesy of the Washington Bach Consort

PRESENTED BY NICHOLAS MALIN 2020 WINNER OF THE DICK WOLF PRIZE F R I D AY, M A R C H 2 7, 2 0 2 0 , 7 P. M . , H I L L C E N T E R , 9 2 1 P E N N S Y LVA N I A AV E . , S E Nick will provide a layman’s explanation of historic preservation and what that means if the stadium is transferred to the District of Columbia. His lecture will focus on the historic context of sports stadiums, with emphasis on the unique history of RFK, and how that might affect the stadium in terms of its eligibility for historic preservation and potential future uses. A panel discussion and reception will follow the talk. chrs.org/2020-dick-wolf-memorial-lecture/

Capitol Hill is a special place. We promote, preserve, and enhance the character of our historic neighborhoods.

Join Us Today at 202-543-0425; info@chrs.org; www.chrs.org; @CHRSDC

Washington Bach Consort’s St. John’s Passion. March 21, 7 PM. Bach’s musical setting of the Passion captivates the listener in a highly charged spiritual and emotional journey. St. Mark’s, 301 A St. SE. bachconsort.org. cuss their work together. Coolidge Auditorium, Thomas Jefferson Building. loc.gov. Friends of SE Library Book Sale. March 14, 10 AM to 3 PM. Most books are $1. Southeast Library, 403 Seventh St. SE. dclibrary.org/ southeast. Sarah Ramey - The Lady’s Handbook for Her Mysterious Illness. March 17, 7 PM. When Ramey was in college a seemingly minor illness flared up. When doctors couldn’t make a specific diagnosis, they suggested it was all in her head. Politics and Prose at Union Market, 1270 Fifth St. NE. politics-prose.com. Brian Platzer - The Body Politic with Matthew Yglesias. March 19, 6:30 PM. East City Book Shop, 645

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Pennsylvania Ave. SE. eastcitybookshop.com. Jeffrey Rosen and Dahlia Lithwick. March 19, 7 PM. Jeffrey Rosen will discuss his new book, “Conversations with RBG: Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Life, Love, Liberty and Law,” with Dahlia Lithwick, a senior editor at Slate. Free; reservation required. Thomas Jefferson Building, LJ 119. loc.gov. Ngozi Ukazu - Check, Please: Sticks and Scones. April 8, 6:30 PM. East City Book Shop, 645 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. eastcitybookshop.com.

SPORTS & FITNESS Yoga in the Garden. Saturdays beginning March 7 through autumn, 10:30 to 11:30 AM. Come flow at the Garden with this free yoga gathering, led by WithLoveDC. First come, first served. If possible, bring your own mat. US Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW. usbg.gov. Baseball Prospectus 2020. March 23, 7 PM. Join a panel of Prospectus analysts and fellow fans to discuss what’s in store for the 2020 season. Politics and Prose at The Wharf, 70 District Sq. SW. politicsprose.com. u MARCH 2020 H 29

The 6th Annual Dick Wolf Memorial Lecture RFK Stadium: From the Past to the Future by Monte Edwards

n Friday, March 27, 2020 at 7 p.m., Nick Malin will present a lecture about RFK Stadium in the historic context of sports stadiums and the options going forward to recognize the legacy of the Stadium. The lecture is free and open to the public. It will be held at the Hill Center (921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE) followed by a reception. How can stadiums, historic preservation, and the needs of the community harmoniously coexist? A cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s need for a stadium is often multi-faceted, and these unique structures contribute to our communities in ways that are difficult to quantify. Over time, a stadium, built for one purpose, may find itself being used to suit a different need. Romeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Coliseum, for instance, has served vari-

Dick Wolf Award Winner Nick Malin

ous purposes since its inception. It has been a sports arena, a chapel, a fortified castle, a housing space, and now 30 H HILLRAG.COM

RFK Stadium

3 0 ,

RESIDENTS LL UR AD RIG CO I H YO U HT L 0 G N 0 EIN O D W 0 E S

E B

an historic site and museum, serving to remind us of the ghosts of our collective past. Most modern stadiums aren’t so lucky. Some are still standing and still in use, but many others have been demolished, giving way to different uses of the sites where they once stood. Other historic stadiums stand abandoned, as municipalities struggle to decide how they should develop the site or how to convert the existing structure to a different use. RFK Stadium has a rich history, affecting the lives of District residents for 59 years. RFK’s status as a “national stadium” meant that its lifespan was intertwined with both sporting valor and national politics. However, RFK’s proximity to federal politics creates complications as the District seeks to acquire the site from the federal government and utilize it to meet the contemporary needs of District residents. Specifically, it raises the question of the site’s eligibility for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places and how that might affect a transfer of the site. Furthermore, it raises questions of what uses the site may be put to in the future and how to honor the site’s legacy as the District reimagines the space. The Dick Wolf Memorial Lecture is an annual event sponsored by CHRS to showcase excellence in research and writing on urban planning and historic preservation in the District of Columbia by a student or intern. u

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capitol s ree s t

ARE THE HOMELESS

RESIDENTS

Do Encampments Threaten Children?

by Elizabeth O’Gorek

t the regular Feb. 11 meeting of Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6B, a commissioner questioned whether District agencies are providing enough incentive to get homeless people off the street. She asked rhetorically whether homeless individuals could be even considered District residents. “If you look at DC law, they are not considered DC residents,” Commissioner Jennifer Samolyk (6B01) said. “So please don’t call them residents. Please don’t call them my most vulnerable neighbors, either.” The remarks during the commission’s discussion about a cluster of encampments abutting the I-695 overpass located near Garfield Park (pictured above) was prompted by a flurry of constituent emails. In particular, one complaint reported a man defecating on the sidewalk in front of a child. The city had cleared the encampment earlier in the day. At Samolyk’s invitation, representatives of the Deputy Mayor of Health and Human Services (DMHHS) were in attendance. Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen (D) also appeared.

Encampment Protocol DMHHS representatives Monica Merk and Jessica Smith said that no biohazards had been found during the encampment clean-up. Residents of the camp had removed belongings and bagged trash prior to their arrival, they said. Briefing the commission on encampment protocol, Smith and Merk explained that the procedure and timeline are dictated by federal law. An unannounced cleanup can only take place if there is an immediate health and safety risk, they said. For example, if an open flame is observed or a sidewalk is blocked to wheelchairs. When reports of encampments are received, a DMHHS outreach team visits and assesses the site. They attempt to connect occupants with social services. If the city makes a decision to clear a site, it is a legal require-

ment that notice of the action be physically posted there two weeks prior. DMHHS cannot clear encampments during rain or on the night after or morning of a hypothermia alert, they stated, since doing so would expose occupants to dangerous weather conditions.

Enabling the Encampments? The District is currently engaged in a lawsuit related to encampment clean-ups, the representatives stated. Other cities, including Seattle and Los Angeles, they pointed out, have also been sued for collecting and disposing of unattended property. “I know that people can be frustrated by how our protocol works, but we’re actually seen as one of the best and most effective jurisdictions in the country for responding to encampments,” Smith said. “Honestly, what I’m hearing is DC does a great job enabling these encampments,” Samolyk said in response to the presentation. “You do a fantastic job doing that. And that because of a lawsuit we’re not willing to take any restrictive actions,” she added. A resident asked Councilmember Allen what action could be taken to protect children like her own, who play in Garfield Park near one of the encampments. “I think it is absolutely outrageous that we don’t have any protection for our children. That is way too close to have an encampment right there, where they all play. You’re telling me that you provide all these different protections, and all these different services [for homeless people], but you can’t do anything for our kids?” the resident said. She suggested that legislation be enacted forbidding encampments a minimum distance from schools and playgrounds.

Deputy Mayor of Health and Human Services (DMHHS) representatives Monica Merk and Jessica Smith speak at the February meeting of ANC 6B, with Commissioner Kirsten Oldenburg (6B04) in the background.

Perceived Risk To Children Allen asked the resident how the children were at risk, and said that proximity alone is not a justification for legislation. MARCH 2020 H 33

“If we thought that that was the right approach, the moment that we passed it we would be sued – straight to the courts,” Allen said, adding that such litigation could further impair the ability of DMHHS to address the issue at all. No criminal behavior had been detected in the encampment, Allen stated. If illegal activity was happening, he advised residents to call police. He asked neighbors to identify the precise risk they perceived to their children, saying that it must be identified and understood to ensure the appropriate response. Reached after the meeting, Metropolitan Police Department First District Commander Morgan Kane confirmed Allen’s assertion. Kane stated that neither she nor her officers had observed any illegal behavior on their rounds of the underpass encampments. “We don’t have any evidence of criminal activity at this point,” Kane said, adding that residents who may observe criminal activity should call 911. At the meeting, Allen added that he was uncomfortable with some of the ways that homelessness was described at the meeting. Noting that this was a national problem, he pointed out that there are myriad reasons why a person might become homeless. “To say that the fact that someone is experiencing this in their life right now, that that somehow makes that person inherently a risk to children – I want to be very careful with that,” Allen said. Allen said the District was in a better position with respect to encampments than some other cities, many of which do not provide outreach services. He added that not providing services would actually make the situation worse. He encouraged people with concerns about homelessness to come to upcoming budget hearings and forums to advocate for increased funding for housing and homelessness services. 34 H HILLRAG.COM

A Real Crisis Karen Cunningham is the executive director of Everyone Home DC, a Hill-based nonprofit working to pursue solutions to homelessness. Interviewed after the meeting, she said the assumption that people living on the streets are dangerous is a misconception and, furthermore, dangerous. “People who are homeless are homeless not because of personal failures, but because of system failures,” Cunningham said. “We should be addressing these failures, rather than trying to deal with the people as though they are threats to the community.” Cunningham added that the idea that homeless people are not legal residents is absolutely not true. “The people that are experiencing homelessness and living outdoors are largely people whose families have lived in the District for many generations,” she said. “Most likely longer than the people objecting to their presence.” If people are concerned about homelessness in any form, Cunningham said, echoing Allen’s comments, they ought to be advocating to encourage the District to invest in the homeless service system and in very low-income housing. She would like to see people show as much concern for the people living outdoors as they are for the discomfort they may have at seeing them there, she added. “People are over-reacting to a perceived threat,” Cunningham said, “and under-reacting to a real crisis in homelessness and housing.” u Learn more about encampment protocol and see a list of scheduled clean-ups by visiting https://dmhhs. dc.gov/page/encampments. To report an encampment or if you have questions, contact the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services at 202-727-7973. Learn more about or support Everyone Home DC by visiting www.everyonehomedc.org.

MARCH 2020 H 35

.capitol streets.

A PROVEN SUCCESS IN AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Southwest’s St. James Mutual Homes Shows How It Can Be Done by Elizabeth O’Gorek

t was Christmas time, but there was no wreath on the door of Yolanda Eaton’s second-floor apartment at the St. James Mutual Homes (215 O St. SW). The living room was shrouded in darkness, the curtains were pulled across the windows. Her elderly downstairs neighbor knew that Eaton, who everyone called Yo, had lost her mother only days earlier. But the neighbor hadn’t seen Yo in days, and her car hadn’t moved, either. The neighbor dialed Yo’s number, leaving her a voicemail. “Now, Yo, you know I’m your Momma now and there’s no need for you to be upset and lonely and sad. I’m right down here,” Eaton recounted the message, years later. She was touched that the elder lady cared about her in her time of mourning. “But I had to call her and tell her I was in Hawaii,” she said. Sitting in the office of the St. James Mutual Homes, Eaton and the other members of the cooperative community’s board laugh uproariously at the punchline. Both the tale and the laughter encapsulate the sense of family and the tenacious positivity shared by members of St. James. First built in 1937 and designated a cooperative in 1966, the well-maintained, Part of the St. James Mutual Homes complex on 3rd and P Streets SW

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quiet Southwest cooperative is a long-lasting, successful example of affordable to moderate income housing. In a period when the District confronts a shortage of housing, especially affordable homes, what lessons can this 83-year-old affordable housing community provide?

Last Effort of the Washington Sanitary Movement St. James Mutual Homes (here STJMH for short) was one of the last developments built during the final wave of the Sanitary Housing movement, which aimed to provide healthy, beautiful housing at an affordable rate. The STJMH campus, formerly known as the Kober-Sternburg Courts, actually consists of two separate developments, each arranged around vast, green spaces. Built in 1937, Sternberg Courts is composed of 56 units in 15 two-story red brick flats. Constructed on the other side of the 200 block of O Street SW in 1939, Kober Court houses 51 one- and two-bedroom units. Appearing to be three attached buildings, it is actually a three-story, three-wing brick and cinder building with a single basement. An unusual set of circumstances led to the af-

fordable housing units becoming a cooperative. In the late fifties, most of Southwest was razed as part of an Urban Renewal plan, where the federal government seized the entire area through eminent domain, razing 560 acres of land. The project destroyed most of Southwest DC and the thriving black community that lived there. In 1959, the Redevelopment Land Agency (RLA), charged with managing renewal, purchased the Kober-Sternberg Courts. Kober-Sternberg Courts was not razed because the complex was around 20 years old and because it provided affordable housing in the area. With the help of a Federal Housing Authority (FHA) loan the newly created St. James Mutual Homes Cooperative, consisting of current residents, bought the complex from RLA for $500,000 in 1966, RLA having lowered the price to allow reasonable rents after renovations. It is the first identified example of a complex purchased by a cooperative group represented by tenants. By August, 1967, 98 of the 107 units were sold, mostly to former tenants, most of whom were African American, and some of whom are still living there.

Invested in Multiple Ways STJMH Board President Marguerite Parker said that the cooperative model, where each member owns a part of St. James, means that residents are literally invested in the entire community, and in multiple ways. Each resident has an ownership stake in the St. James Mutual Homes. Shares are purchased through a membership fee ranging between $5,000 to $7,000, depending on the size of the unit. Shares never increase in value, and are rebated to the member when and if they choose to move away, minus a $100 relisting fee and any necessary costs such as repainting. There are no income limits, but part of the application process is a credit check. Monthly carrying charges, which pay for

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.capitol streets.

Wilson said that the District does have a mechanism for a cooperative group to purchase housing: The Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA). Residents can use the District’s technical and financial resources to preserve affordable housing by exercising their TOPA rights. DCHD has offered loans to cooperative organizations exercising TOPA to create affordable cooperative housing. In June 2019, DC Council approved a loan for $3,459,372, funded by the Housing Production Trust Fund, to the 5912 Missouri Cooperative Association, which created a cooperative of 22 affordable housing units in Northwest. St. Jame Mutual Homes Board Members, L-R Terrence D. Richardson, Vice-President; Yolanda M. EaMonica Warren-Jones is ton, Treasurer; Barbara D. Richardson, Secretary; Marguerite E. Parker, President. Missing is William F. Broadus, Member-At-Large. the Director of Mid Atlantic Capital Solutions for Enterand children; and her father is yet in another. Family prise Community Partners, a Residents will check in on people they haven’t Although buildings have no central air or elevanonprofit that helps to multiply the impact of local afseen and help one another out. They shovel snow totors, it is common for people to live in St. James into fordable housing development through investment. gether, help each other carry groceries up the stairs their 90s. Parker says at least four residents have lived She said the city could use the Mutual Homes as a and sit and talk on garden benches in the sun. As it there since the buildings reopened as a cooperative cooperative model of a way to preserve low-income comes difficult for residents to climb stairs for reain 1967. and legacy communities, but then would have to be sons of age or injury, the board arranges to move Parker has lived in the complex for 41 years willing to make plans to provide them with some fithem into main floor units. “People in wheel chairs, and said that cost and comfort are part of the reanancial support. they come on and snatch them up like they’re bags son why residents stay. “Once they get here, peoThat’s because while funds available through of groceries,” Richardson said, describing the helpple don’t move out,” she said. “When they move DHCD may be sufficient for the purchase of the fulness of neighbors. “They put them in the door, out, they’re old and they’re going to their children building, they are often not enough to rehabilitate no problem. We don’t have a ramp, but they’re getor to rehab.” it, nor support long-term capital expenditures, said ting in the house.” “I ain’t moving. They’re going to have to drag Warren-Jones. A sudden, large repair bill that runs me out of here,” Parker added. into tens or even hundreds of thousands of dolA Model Community? She said that because it’s a small community, evlars can be beyond the means of a low- or moderDC Housing and Community Development eryone knows one another. “If we don’t know your ate-income membership, causing an extraordinary (DCHD) Representative Tim Wilson said it’s difname, we know your face, and we know who’s supincrease in monthly fees or requiring them to seek ficult to judge St. James Mutual as a model for fuposed to live here and who isn’t supposed to live major financing. ture affordable housing. This is in part because the here.” When there is a problem, there is a conversaIt is often more feasible for residents to choose mechanisms that facilitated its construction and contion between the member and the board, a strategy to assign rights to a developer that can obtain sufversion to a cooperative, such as the Sanitary Movethat works most of the time. ficient funding on behalf of ensuring long-term ment and the role of the Federal Government, were While residents describe the community as ‘a affordability rather than to form a cooperative specific to their time. However, while DHCD does family’, for many that is literally true. Several multithemselves. If the District wanted to encourage conot spearhead affordable housing projects, the agengenerational families call the cooperative home. For operatives and encourage accessible homeownercy is open to receiving cooperative models when the example, Board Secretary Barbara D. Richardson ship for low- and moderate-income residents, she Request for Proposals for Affordable Housing Projlives in one unit; her son, Board Vice President Tersaid, they would need to find a way to subsidize the ects is again issued, he said. rence D. Richardson lives in another with his wife fees of low-income cooperative owners in order to building maintenance and stand in lieu of rent, can range from about $600 for a onebedroom to $1,000 for one of the few three-bedrooms. The 83-year-old buildings are in excellent condition, with maintenance living on site–the man liked the complex so much, he applied to become a resident. Neighbors band together to maintain the grounds, with one resident dedicated to picking litter up across the campus and others working on the beautiful gardens situated in large, courtyard lawns. “I think another reason why they’re so well kept and so well preserved is because [residents] recognize this is not just any old apartment,” Parker said. “This is your home.”

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protect both the building and its shareholders. She agreed that from a financial perspective, the constellation of circumstances that led to the cooperative make it difficult to replicate. The acquisition of the St. James property took place in a time and place of urban renewal and red-lining, and was purchased cheaply from a public entity. The low cost made it possible for a low- to moderate-income community to pay off the mortgage –perhaps multiple times-- as the property appreciated, making it possible for the membership to leverage the property for capital improvements. “That is impossible to do right now given real estate prices and limited public subsidy,” Warren-Jones said. Warren-Jones said that her personal, rather than professional, opinion is that the city could offer incentives to low-income cooperatives such as those offered to private developers tied to inclusionary zoning. Ed Lazere, executive director of the DC Fiscal Policy Institute, agreed with Warren-Jones’s analysis. However, Lazere would like the city to take a step further and directly fund the development of housing cooperatives for lower income residents. “Helping DC residents stay in the city and become homeowners is the best kind of economic development. Our leaders hand out millions to developers, often without asking for anything in return. They should put the same energy and resources into low- and moderate-income homeownership opportunities,” he said. The unique circumstances of its history aside, Warren Jones said she believes that community is critical to the survival of the Mutual Homes. A really strong group of intergenerational shareholders who are wedded to the building and the community is an asset in itself, she said, and is perhaps one reason that they managed to resist what must have been tremendous market pressure to sell. Realizing the value of their asset, coop members have worked to protect the property from development. In 2015, the cooperative moved to have the building designated as historic by the District’s Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB). With the RLA acquisition of property via eminent domain still fresh in collective memory, Board President Parker said that residents wanted to get under the umbrella of historic protection. “The way they were

building up all the property and trying to get all the property–we know this can’t stop them if they wanted, but this will slow them down,” she said.

Lessons STJMH Board members say that community is key to their success. Everyone is invested in the strength of the community as well as the property, which enforces the sense of accountability to one another. Board members say they try to ensure that they listen to the residents and incorporate their input and needs, building trust with membership. “If people have buy-in, they will act differently. If they don’t feel like they have buy-in, you’re going to give different results,” said Member at Large William F. Broadus. “I think that’s key.” You also have to have faith in your people, said Parker. The cooperative often takes a chance on applicants with less than perfect credit, recently admitting an applicant whose record had been jeopardized by student loans. So far, she said, they haven’t regretted it. “I think that’s what would help with the affordable housing. Give these people a chance. Don’t look at what they make: look at who they are,” said Parker. “They’re human beings who need a place to stay –give them a chance.” “It’s a business, and we run it like a business, but we keep it like a family,” said Parker, “we can call on them, and we can call them out when we need to, you bet we can.” Broadus agreed. He said that while it is hard to quantify, there is actual value in the cooperative community. “Outside of the value that you can see visibly, there’s an internal value, or I guess emotional value that’s here that you won’t see anywhere else,” he said. “And I would dare you to go anywhere else and feel the warmth that you feel in this neighborhood.” Learn more about cooperative housing ownership in DC by visiting coopsdc.org. Learn about DC Housing and Community Development (DCHD) and TOPA by visiting dhcd.dc.gov. Learn more about the work of nonprofit Enterprise Community Partners by visiting EnterpriseCommunity.org. Watch a 50-minute DC Humanities video on how Urban Renewal changed the face of Southwest and its residents at youtu.be/gpJ35Lw0D5w. u MARCH 2020 H 39

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SURVEY SET TO INFORM EASTERN MARKET BUSINESS PLAN

by Elizabeth O’Gorek

hat draws you to the market area? How do you get to the market? Have you seen promotional material for Eastern Market? This is the type of information local architecture and planning firm Architrave collected in its recently concluded survey on Eastern Market. Last November the Hill-based firm won a $300,000 grant from the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) to develop the Strategic Business Plan for Eastern Market (SBPEM). Architrave, founded in 1976, has done multiple planning projects for the federal government. This is their first such plan. The firm intends to use the information gathered to inform its work on a strategic plan that seeks a path forward for the historic public market amid fierce competition from the grocery options available on the Hill, as well as the explosive rise of online shopping. Architrave partnered with commercial marketing and property management firm JLL on the plan, and not-for-profit Consensus Building Institute (CBI), which focuses on citizen engagement and collaboration and acts as outside consultant and facilitator on the project. The survey is part of the first of three stages in developing the strategic plan, where Architrave gathers information. After community comments and revisions, the final SBPEM is expected to be submitted to DMPED this summer. It will contain recommendations for future market business operations.

looks at aspects of consumer preferences, such as what they are looking for at the market that they don’t see and what they like. “The question is: what will it take to get you to shop at Eastern Market?” said Architrave’s founder, Robert Weinstein, adding that questions are geared to understanding what can be done to increase traffic in the Eastern Market zone. Architrave sought views from a variety of sources, including community members, merchants, area business owners and potential customers. Project Manager Scott Betz said that analytics show that the survey required about 10 minutes to complete. About 80% of responses came from customers in the Capitol Hill area.

As of Feb. 18, Architrave reported that 3,250 people had responded to the survey, more than 500 self-reporting as residents of areas other than Capitol Hill. More than 100 were business owners in the area of Eastern Market. Betz said that in terms of numbers, Architrave was very happy with the replies, as well as with the responses from residents of other neighborhoods. He added that surveys are a difficult balance between trying to keep the process short and concise so that people don’t drop out, and ensuring it is long enough to collect the data required. Architrave worked with CBI to create the survey, and consulted with experts in survey design at the Pew Research Center.

What the Survey Does The survey that informs the SBPEM went live on Jan. 15 and 40 H HILLRAG.COM

The Eastern Market Special Use Area was defined by legislation drafted in 1999 that revised management of and regulation for Eastern Market. Image: Architrave P.C.

Asks Good Questions Nick Alberti is a former mathematician, a local resident and former Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner (ANC 6A) who consulted on surveys for the US Census. He said the survey asked good questions and will generate useful data. His major concern was with the difficulty of navigation. He said there was little instruction on how to navigate some survey features, such as the use of a slider to indicate preferences. Where users were asked to rearrange a list to rank priorities, there was no instruction on how, or on whether the higher or lower number indicated greater importance. “My professional experience is that if you confuse people to begin with, they will probably never finish it,” he said. The survey was advertised via local newsletters, blogs and Listservs as well as advertisements in the Washington City Paper and the Hill Rag. Coun-

cilmember Charles Allen asked members of the DC Council to circulate the survey for further outreach, said Architrave’s Weinstein. The survey was also circulated to a list of current and former Eastern Market vendors, to ensure that they were reached in a time of year when fewer vendors and farmers are exhibiting. Weinstein said that giving the stakeholders another avenue to voice their opinions was critically important. “I think the farmers, the merchants, the vendors, the flea market people and the businesses in the [Eastern Market] district – they’re the key to success, and we really wanted to make sure we were hearing from them.”

How the Survey Will Be Used Architrave will spend a couple of weeks analyzing the data before presenting it to stakeholders at meetings scheduled for late February. All data and analysis will be available online prior to the meetings. Commissioner Gerald Sroufe (6B02) is the Advisory Neighborhood Commission representative on the Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee (EMCAC). He said he is cautiously optimistic about the survey and is glad to know that the analysis will be shared with the public. He was one of the two representatives who heard presentations from finalists in the selection process for the strategic plan, offering feedback on the presentations to DGS before the final decision. “I was personally impressed with Architrave’s familiarity with other markets and a creative approach to doing marketing and negotiations and planning,” he said. EMCAC President Donna Scheeder hopes the survey will address the critical issue of how to attract people who do not use the market in order to grow business.

It needs to be remembered that Eastern Market is a public good, not just a shopping mall, Scheeder stated. “It’s not owned by the city, it’s owned by the residents of the District of Columbia,” she said. “It serves a public good beyond the commercial.”

Next Steps The survey is the first component of the strategic planning process, Weinstein said, which includes an operational analysis and a study of other public markets. The operational analysis looks at the current legislation governing the operation of the Eastern Market zone and the structure it established, and compares legislation to the reality of market operations as well as to models provided by other public markets. Vendors will discuss ideas for what is working well, improvements and marketing strategies for day-today operations. Finally, the survey asks area merchants what can be done to attract consumers to the wider Eastern Market area. “We’ve been upfront that we don’t just want to drop a draft at the end of this. We want it to be a conversation, we want it to be a back-and-forth, that’s why we’re trying to get things out along the way,” explained Betz. Architrave sees the strategic plan as a way to bring unified energy to the future of Eastern Market. “There’s been a lot of contention about the market, and the different factors, and all of that,” said Weinstein. “But the one thing [is,] everybody has good intentions. Everybody loves the market; everybody wants to do what’s best for the market. People have different ideas about what that is, but this is a chance where we can all work together, bring all the ideas together, and forge a way forward together.” You can follow the Eastern Market Strategic Plan, see survey data and offer your comments by visiting www.easternmarketplan.org. u

MARCH 2020 H 41

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by Marci Hilt

Bonny Wolf, a Capitol Hill Food Writer

er College and married Michael Levy soon after graduation. They moved to New Jersey, where she landed her first job in a newsroom. “Over the course of six years,” she told the Hill Rag, “I had almost every position at the New Brunswick Home News.” After a stint in Texas where she was the features editor for the Bryan-College Station Eagle and taught journalism at Texas A & M, she and her husband moved to Capitol Hill in 1985. She was an assistant managing editor at Congressional Quarterly and the managing editor for Roll Call. During the early 1990’s, she started a newsletter, The Food Pages, when she decided she wanted to write about food. “It was an artistic success,” she said, “but was a challenge to sustain financially, as I didn’t take advertising.” She was the chief speechwriter for two USDA secretaries of agriculture – Mike Espy and Dan Glickman – during the Clinton Administration, where she had an up-close and personal view of food policy issues. She has worked as a freelance writer since 1997 and was a food commentator on NPR’s Weekend Edition for 17 years, often talking about the Eastern Market neighborhood. She had a column in the Washington Post food section and contributed to other newspapers and magazines. “Food really is the thing that brings us together,” she said. “It connects us with family and traditions, provides comfort and companionship.” Wolf published her first book in 2006: Talking with My Mouth Full: Crab Cakes, Bundt Cakes and Other Kitchen Stories, a collection of essays. In the book, Wolf journeys into the heartland of America to discuss the foods that we eat for holidays, family gatherings, comfort and other occasions. The book includes more than 70 recipes for such classics foods as popovers, Southwestern chili, shepherd’s pie, Irish raisin soda bread and chick a la king. In 2012, she and several other food writers launched American Food Roots, an online

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magazine that explored American culture and history. “The idea was to tell the story of American food,” she said, “offering a window onto the makeup of the country where we come from – our ethnicity, religion, travel, who our grandparents are, maybe our politics.” Wolf has served on the boards of the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop and the Duke Ellington School of the Arts. She currently serves on the board of the Hill Center and teaches journalism at The Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy. About the Initiative: The Women of Ward 6 Initiative is a non-partisan recognition of Ward 6’s women. The initiative, in partnership with the National Woman’s Party, Capitol Hill Restoration Society and the Hill Rag, will culminate in the 2020 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote. Marci Hilt is a retired communications coordinator and press secretary for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the office of the U.S. Trade Representative. She currently writes and edits EMMCA MATTERS and is the treasurer of the Ward 6 Democrats. u

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the numbers/

THE DC BUDGET IS COMING!

What Can You Expect? How Can You Get Involved?

he budget is where political rhetoric meets reality. DC’s elected leaders know that residents care about schools, housing, healthcare, jobs and more. But they also know there’s never enough money for everything. Budget decisions affect all of us. The budget also is the main tool for addressing DC’s economic and racial inequities and creating opportunity for all residents to benefit from our city’s growth. The need is urgent. Despite a booming economy, poverty in DC is no lower than a decade ago, the median Black household income hasn’t budged, and skyrocketing housing costs are resulting in the growing presence of tents as homes of last resort. It may be early in 2020, but the budget debate for fiscal 2021 is underway. Mayor Bowser just finished four budget engagement forums, and her proposed budget goes to the DC Council on March 19. But it’s not too late for you to get involved. In fact, the timing is perfect. The good news is that DC’s finances are incredibly strong, with a $500 million surplus last year that filled our reserves with millions left over. At the same time, the needs of our prosperous-but-gentrifying city are great, as residents told the mayor at her budget forums. This column walks through key features of DC’s budget conditions and the budget process, with tips for getting involved. For a deeper dive, see DCFPI’s A Resident’s Guide to the DC Budget.

DC’s Surplus: What Does it Mean? The recent news of DC’s hefty $500 million budget surplus in 2019 marks an important moment in DC’s finances. The surplus allowed DC to fill its reserve requirements—after nearly a decade of working toward it—and still left $324 million to fund affordable housing and other projects. With our reserves now filled, it means that 100 percent of future surpluses will be available to be spent, rather than saved. This will provide hundreds of millions of dollars for badly needed affordable housing construction. Under legislation passed in recent years, half of each year’s budget surplus, once reserves are full, 44 H HILLRAG.COM

by Ed Lazere goes to DC’s Housing Production Trust Fund for development of affordable housing. The 2019 surplus generated $162 million for the HPTF. When added to the roughly $70 million in taxes dedicated to the Trust Fund under current law, it will double DC’s investment and help develop 1,500 new affordable homes. Under current rules, the other half of annual surpluses goes to fund DC government capital projects, like schools and fire stations. Now that this opportunity is here, it’s worth broadening the list of possible ways to use these funds. Our annual surplus could serve other urgent purposes, such as repairing public housing, protecting legacy small businesses being priced out by gentrification, or helping DC residents become first-time homebuyers.

How You Can Get Involved There are many opportunities to let the Mayor and Council know what you want to see in the budget (though some opportunities have passed this year). • DC Council Budget Hearings: Once the mayor’s budget comes out, the Council holds a round of hearings, to get resident input on the Mayor’s budget, especially where it falls short. • Connect with the Mayor and Council on Your Own: All residents should feel free to send a letter or email to the mayor, to their Ward Council members, or to the five at-large councilmembers. Or let them know what you think if you see them in the community. There is no guarantee that you’ll get what you ask for, but for sure you won’t get much without asking.

Some Key Budget Issues With the budget around the corner, here’s some of the buzz in budget advocacy circles. Schools: The past year was a tragedy for school budgets. Funding per student increased, but less than the increase in key costs—including average teacher compensation. Beyond that, DCPS diverted funds intended for “at-risk” students and many schools in Wards 7 and 8 faced steep cuts. This year, Mayor Bowser is taking some steps to avoid that, with a historically high 4% increase in per-student funding. However, she hasn’t proposed any in-

crease in funding intended for students who are lowincome or otherwise at-risk, which is key to closing the opportunity gap in DCPS. Many advocates also are pushing for more mental health professionals in schools, to address the very high rate of trauma experienced by students in low-income communities and families. Early Education: There is little that is more important than investments in the healthy development of babies. The District payments in the childcare subsidy program are below the level needed to provide high-quality care, leaving many providers struggling to even keep their doors open. This has led to limited access to childcare in DC’s lowest-income communities. In 2018, the District passed legislation to address these issues—the Birth to Three for All in DC Act—with advocacy led by the Birth to Three Policy Alliance of which DCFPI is a part. The legislation provides a great roadmap but remains only partially funded and implemented. Housing: The surplus money going to the Housing Production Trust Fund will make a huge difference in DC’s affordable housing landscape. But for a variety of reasons, the Trust Fund alone has not reached the lowest-income households, like seniors living solely on social security or a fulltime minimum wage worker. To get there, DC needs to layer on additional support through the Local Rent Supplement Program—at least $24 million next year. Homeless Services: Substantial support for homeless services by Mayor Bowser has not been enough to keep up with the gentrification forces that are pushing more people into homelessness. The mayor just announced a new plan to end homelessness, and to get on that path she will need to provide money to house 1,800 individuals and families. These offer just a sample of the key issues the mayor and Council will tackle this spring. Before it’s too late, you should let them know what else you want to see in the budget this year. Ed Lazere is the Executive Director of the DC Fiscal Policy Institute (www.dcfpi.org). DCFPI promotes budget and policy solutions to reduce poverty and inequality in the District of Columbia and increase opportunities for residents to build a better future. u

MARCH 2020 H 45

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our river: the anacostia /

LESSONS FROM THE CHESAPEAKE by Bill Matuszeski eral public, news reporters, scientists or fishermen. In the Chesapeake, the Bay Journal is an independent monthly that reports what is happening. There is no equivalent periodical from the Anacostia clean-up program, and there probably should be one from the Council of Governments, which coordinates Anacostia recovery efforts regionally, or from the DC Department of Energy and the Environment (DOEE).

Lesson 3 – Engage Everyone The Anacostia clean-up seems to welcome all who want to participate. Some are with citizen-based nonThe Old and the New Bridge at South profits involved in the overall cleanCapitol St. Photo: Melissa Ashabranner up; others want to deal with a single issue. Some take part as employees of partner agencies or local businesses have been working with colleagues to identify and industries involved in the cleanlessons learned from the Chesapeake Bay cleanup. All seem to feel welcome to participate in acquirup that might be useful to others trying to reing information, forming policies, influencing key destore their local river or bay. Some are lessons cisions and even committee work. The key is to keep learned the hard way where the right things were this sense that all are welcome – that no one and no not done. But most are from recent experience with interest is being left out. the clean-up, which is going pretty well. I began to think how those ten lessons might apply to the effort Lesson 4 – Assure Leadership to restore the Anacostia. Let’s take a look. Keeping a unified focus and preventing the emergence of dissenting views based on politics or unrelated buLesson 1 – Be Transparent reaucratic rivalries are key. This requires leadership In general, it is important to keep the full range of interfrom the top of each participating government entiested parties aware of what is going on with the cleanty and other participating organizations. Obviousup of the River -- from scientists to politicians to enly, there will be disagreements, but they should focus vironmental groups to the general public – boaters, on the appropriate technical and budgetary solutions. hikers, swimmers, fishermen, etc. Be clear on sourcAlong the Anacostia, there are a number of old ines and quality of the information being used, on progdustrial sites being cleaned up to comply with various ress, and on new issues that are popping up. The AnFederal, state and local statutes. So far, all the players acostia recovery effort is doing a pretty good job on seem to be working together; there is a strong need this given the complexity of the issues. for this to continue.

Lesson 2 – Communicate Results Clearly and Regularly Is the River safe? Is it getting better? This is what the public wants to know first and foremost. Clarity and credibility are key, whether talking to the gen46 H HILLRAG.COM

Lesson 5 – Build All Levels Into the Structure Restoration of complex natural systems such as rivers and bays needs to operate at many levels to draw upon the mix of technical and political expertise to

get the job done. This includes top-level elected officials in both executive and legislative branches. Government professionals at all levels and with varied expertise must represent a wide range of participating agencies. Educational and environmental groups, as well as private site landowners should participate in committees or independent review groups. So far this seems to be working on the Anacostia, with industrial and other private contaminated sites sharing goals and remediation actions with the broader River recovery.

6 – Secure Long-term Funding Many an environmental restoration project has had its needs well-defined, but the money to do the job has eluded the advocates. In the case of the Chesapeake, the political support from six states and the District has been remarkable and assured on-going budgetary and other support from Congress, Federal agencies and other partners. But that long-term focus has not yet emerged in the Anacostia. Executive and legislative leaders must be strong advocates, and program needs must be clearly defined in terms of multi-year funding. Clear goals reached by broad consensus is the key to broad public support for funding to get the job done in the Anacostia.

7 – Cite the Science Behind Decisions The general public and the scientific community both need to understand the results from analyzing data from modeling, monitoring and other credible scientific sources. Reporting to these two groups is quite different; the scientific community expects highly technical explanations, while the public is interested in the overall progress being made. Information must be layered in technical detail, but consistent throughout in terms of the overall message on progress. In the Anacostia, full technical reports are made available, with too little effort to boil down the issues so the general public can get a grasp.

8 – Use Science to Inform & Confirm The role of science in complex recovery efforts such as these is critical and its integrity must be protected. As with any bureaucracy, scientists working in government can be constrained by superiors seeking to save money or avoid spreading “bad news.”. Two solutions are (1) to spread the scientific role among partners and

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9 – Be Adaptable Many lessons above suggest that strong, clear goals supported by science and the public are important to progress. But sometimes credible information suggests that adjustment of a goal is wise. The reputation of the program is the key to being able to make these adjustments without raising suspicions. And the public reaction will depend on their trust that those in charge are not backing off, but achieving better and/or quicker results. The DOEE and its partners seem to have done well in explaining change to the public.

10 - Be Accountable Clear and challenging goals should build a system of accountability. All associated with the program should be expected to be part of achieving the goals; no one in the program should see advantage in publically attacking the goals or the measures of progress. Each participant should feel accountable for the formulation of goals and their achievement, as well as needed adjustments along the way. In the Anacostia, this seems to be handled well. Those are the 10 lessons and my sense of how we are doing in the Anacostia. So how do you think we stack up? Bill Matuszeski is a member of the Mayor’s Leadership Council for a Cleaner Anacostia River, and the retired Director of the Chesapeake Bay Program. u

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layers so that one off-message partner can be drawn back into the fold; and (2) to establish an independent peer review or science advisory panel to detect when there are issues of accuracy or consistency. The first is used effectively in the Anacostia effort, but the second should be given some consideration.

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DC Schools Chancellor Visits ANC 6A RepoRt by Nick L. Alberti Chair Amber Gove (6A04) called the meeting of Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6A to order at Miner Elementary School, 601 15th St. NE, with Commissioners Mike Soderman (6A03), Brian Alcorn (6A08), Ruth Ann Hudson (6A05), Sondra Phillips-Gilbert (6A07), Phil Toomajian (6A02), Stephanie Zimny (6A06) and Marie Claire Brown (6A01) in attendance.

Chancellorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Presentation Lewis Ferebee, chancellor of District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS), began his presentation to ANC 6A with a recitation of figures related to the recent growth in enrollment and improved performances across DCPS. He shared that DC Public schools are the fastest improving urban schools in the county, based on the fourth- and eighth-grade assessment exams. Between the 2018-19 and current school years, DCPS saw a 4% increase in enrollment, a trend that is predicted to continue into next school year. This growth, said Ferebee, is in schools across the entire District. Ferebee touted the soon-to-open early childhood campus at Thaddeus Stevens School in Northwest DC that will offer programming for three to-fouryear-olds and eventually have facilities for infants and toddlers. DCPS, according to Ferebee, is in the initial phase of establishing a budget for the next school year. He advertised the use of Mayor Bowserâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recently introduced Pocket Budget Guide for fiscal year 2021. The guide, along with an explanation of its purpose, can be found by visiting www.dcps.dc.gov/release/mayor-bowser-launches-mobile-dcps-pocket-budgetguide-school-communities. Ferebee announced a swing space to be located in Ward 5 between what was Spingarn Senior High School and Phelps Architecture, Construction and Engineering High School. He apologized for any confusion felt by the community during the

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ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 6A AMBER GOVE, CHAIR, AMBERANC6A@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 ALL ARE WELCOME. decision-making process, citing the complexities in choosing an appropriate site owing to factors such as ADA compliance, budgeting, suitability for future use and transportation of students, to name only a few.

Committee on Facilities and Procurement The DC Council’s Committee on Facilities and Procurement, chaired by Councilmember Robert White, addresses a number of areas including contracting and procurement for all of the DC government, the Department of General Services (DGS), the council’s relationship with Metro and helping citizens return to life after incarceration, as well as the Office of Advisory Neighborhood Commissions. Last fall, reported Shawn Hilgendorf, the committee’s director, the committee invited ANC commissioners and city agencies to a roundtable to discuss needs and challenges in performing their duties. Commissioners noted a need for IT support to maintain ANC websites as well as administrative support. They also noted that commissioners are not receiving adequate notice from government agencies regarding work happening within their respective ANCs, and often are not given an avenue to provide feedback. In addition to hearing feedback, the Committee on Facilities and Procurement was able to increase allotments for the ANCs, for the first time since 2008, and expand funding for sign-language interpretation as well as foreign language interpretation and other communication access needs. The committee also invested in new technologies to support community outreach such as remote viewing of meetings for residents with limited mobility. Questions and comments can be e-mailed to Hilgendorf at s.hilgendorf@dccouncil.us.

Transportation and Public Space (TPS) Committee The commissioners voted, unanimously, to send a letter to the District of Columbia Homeland Security and Management Agency in support of the 2020 Capitol Hill Classic. The commissioners tabled adding the comments of the TPS Committee to those of the Economic Development and Zoning Committee (EDZ) regarding the DC Comprehensive Plan and submitting the comments. The commissioners voted to send a letter to the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) in opposition to the application (#343819) for a driveway through public space at the rear of 1518 North Carolina Ave. NE. The commissioners voted, in a 5-2 decision, to table sending a letter to DDOT asking for enforcement of District of Columbia Municipal Regulation (DCMR) 24102 with respect to an overgrown hedge at 100 14th St. NE for safety reasons. The commissioners voted, unanimously, to send a letter to DDOT requesting the online 311 number be modified to facilitate reporting of public space violations. The TPS Committee meets at 7 p.m. on the third Monday of each month at Capitol Hill Towers, 900 G St. NE (photo ID required).

The Next meeting is 2nd Thursday, March 12th, 7:00 p.m. Miner Elementary, 601 Fifteenth (15th) Street NE Transportation & Public Space Committee - 3rd Monday, March 16th 7pm at Capitol Hill Towers • 900 G St., NE – Photo ID required Elizabeth Nelson - Chair (elizabeth_knits@yahoo.com)

Alcohol Beverage Licensing Committee - 3rd Tuesday, March 17th 7pm at Sherwood Recreation Center • Corner of 10th and G St,. NE Nick Alberti - Chair (alberti6a04@yahoo.com)

Economic Development & Zoning Committee - 3rd Wednesday, March 18th 7pm at Sherwood Recreation Center • Corner of 10th and G St,. NE Brad Greenfield - Chair (Brad.greenfield@gmail.com 202 262-9365)

Community Outreach Committee - 4th Monday, March 23rd

7pm at Eastern High School, Parent Center • 1700 East Capitol St., NE Veronica Hollmon - Chair (roni2865@aol.com)

Please check the Community Calendar on the website for cancellations and changes of venue.

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6C P.O. Box 77876 • Washington, D.C. 20013-7787 www.anc6c.org • (202) 547-7168

Next Meeting: March 11, 2020 7 pm at Heritage Foundation, 214 Massachusetts Ave NE.

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

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

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

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

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

ANC 6C06 Drew Courtney drewcourtney.anc @gmail.com

ANC usually meets the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 pm, 214 Massachusetts Ave, N.E.

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 Environment, Parks, and Events First Tuesday, 7 pm Contact: jgmccann@gmail.com

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

Economic Development and Zoning (EDZ) Committee The commissioners voted, unanimously, to table altering or amending a letter of opposition to DDOT for an application, pursuant to 11 DCMR Subtitle X, for special exceptions under the residential conversion requirements of Subtitle U §320.2, under Subtitle C §1504 from the penthouse setback requirements of Subtitle C §1502.1, and un-

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der Subtitle C §703.2 from the minimum parking requirements of Subtitle C §701.5, to permit the construction of a fourth apartment and the installation of new rooftop mechanical equipment, in an existing three-unit apartment house at 653 Eighth St. NE/807 G St. NE (BZA #20190) in the RF-1 Zone, based on the fact that there would be fewer than 250 square feet on the lot per unit. The commissioners voted, unanimously, to submit changes to the DC Comprehensive Plan to create a development zone around the Arboretum, to update the plan to address all micro-mobility technologies, including scooters, and asked that the plan be updated to maximize the use of the RFK Stadium site to benefit the community as a whole, including changes which were submitted by Capitol Hill Village. The commissioners voted, unanimously, to send a letter to real estate agents active on Capitol Hill informing them of the residential parking permit restrictions in place for any address on H Street. The EDZ Committee meets at 7 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month at the Sherwood Recreation Center, 10th and G streets NE.

Other Business The commissioners voted, unanimously, to send a letter of support to Clifford Dixon, permit expeditor, regarding permits for excavation, foundation and building for: • An after-hours permit application that would allow work by the Eliot-Hine Middle School construction team to start at 6 a.m., Monday through Saturday. • Authorization to work on the following holidays in 2020 to ensure the ability to meet the construction schedule: Washington’s Birthday, 02/17; DC Emancipation Day, 04/16; Memorial Day, 5/25; Independence Day, 7/3; Labor Day, 9/7; Indigenous Peoples’ Day, 10/12; Veterans Day, 11/11. The commissioners voted, six in favor, with Commissioner Toomajian abstaining, to send a letter to DDOT urging the Public Space Committee to temporarily halt all scheduled deployments of small cells within ANC 6A until DDOT and the carriers provide a detailed method of procedures to the community clearly outlining the carriers’ initial and annual testing and validation plans. The commissioners voted, unanimously, to

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send a letter to DDOT objecting to insufficient notice with respect to Permit Tracking# 346179 Review# 641311, 1387 North Carolina Ave. NE, and asking that the due date be extended to March 16, 2020, so that the ANC can discuss with applicant and present an informed opinion at a publicly noticed ANC meeting. Visit www.anc6a.org for calendar of events, changes of date/venue, agendas and other information. u

Tempers Flare Over Encampments ANC 6B Report by Elizabeth O’Gorek Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6B held its February meeting at the Hill Center on Tuesday, Feb. 11, with a quorum of eight commissioners. On the dais: Jennifer Samolyk (6B01), Gerald Sroufe (6B02, secretary), Brian Ready (6B03, chair), Kirsten Oldenburg (6B04), Steve Holtzman (6B05), Corey Holman (6B06, treasurer), Kelly Waud (6B07, parliamentarian), Chander Jayaraman (6B08, vice chair), Kasie Clark (6B09) and Denise Krepp (6B10).

Tempers Flare in Discussion of I-695 Encampments Samolyk questioned whether District agencies are providing enough incentive to get homeless people off the street. She asked rhetorically whether homeless individuals could even be considered District residents. “If you look at DC Law, they are not considered DC residents,” she said. “So please don’t call them residents. Please don’t call them my most vulnerable neighbors, either.” The remarks occurred during the commission’s discussion about a cluster of encampments abutting the I-695 overpass located near Garfield Park, prompted by a flurry of constituent emails. In particular, one complaint reported a man defecating on the sidewalk in front of a child. The city had cleared the encampment earlier in the day. At Samolyk’s invitation, representatives of

the Deputy Mayor of Health and Human Services (DMHHS) were in attendance. Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen (D) also appeared. DMHHS representatives outlined the protocol for clearing encampments, noting that the city was required to give two weeks’ notice and would not clear encampments during inclement weather. A resident at the meeting said that she wanted protection for the children who played in the nearby playground. Allen said he was uncomfortable with the way homelessness was being discussed. He said trying to legislate a minimum distance for encampments from schools or playgrounds would likely result in a lawsuit, which would actually make it harder for DMHHS to do its job. He emphasized that no criminal behavior had been seen by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) in the encampments, and asked residents to specify the risk they posed to children and to be careful about how they described it relative to people living on the street. Allen encouraged those wanting to help people get off the street to testify at the upcoming Budget Oversight Hearings before the DC Council to advocate for increased funding for housing and for homelessness services. (See additional article on this topic on pg 33 of the Hill Rag.)

Commissioner Clark to Step Down in March Clark announced that March would be her last full ANC meeting as representative for her single-member district. After years of living on the Hill, she was saddened to be stepping down in order to relocate with her husband, who is in the military. Clark, who was unchallenged in the November 2018 race, said she was honored to have been the 6B09 commissioner and to have served with ANC 6B. She has enjoyed getting to know and representing her neighbors through the ANC. “I’ve met amazing people during this time,” Clark said. “I absolutely commend the commissioners and community leaders that have come before me and those who will continue after. Their leadership in advocating and communicating for the community has been inspiring.” Clark said she would be pleased to speak with anyone considering a run for the position. For the next month, you can reach her via email at 6B09@ anc.dc.gov.

Comments on Comprehensive Plan The commissioners discussed comments on the District’s comprehensive plan, focusing on a few areas that had been suggested by a working group. There was significant debate about the Southeast Boulevard, in part because the plan gives no indications of a proposed bus garage in the area, and some commissioners wanted to comment directly on the issue while others said those comments would be too specific and would detract from overall effectiveness of remarks. The commissioners voted to support more general comments, 5-2-3. In September 2019, ANC 6B notified relevant parties that they would be filing an application to rezone the triangular land parcel at 12th Street, Water Street and M Street SE from industrial use to Medium Density Residential. Since then the site owners have also indicated they intend to file a new planned unit development (PUD) for the site. The amendments to the plan propose a change in future land use designation for the parcel from Medium Density Residential to High Density Residential. Holman noted that proposed changes to inclusionary zoning, which could increase affordable housing requirements at the site, might not be applicable if rezoning takes place now. Recognizing the opportunity to include a lot of housing with minimal impact, the commissioners unanimously supported a recommendation that parks should be included in the site, and that increased environmental remediation take place prior to development. The ANC reiterated comments, by a vote of 9-1, originally submitted in 2017 about the proposed 15th Street Commercial Corridor. The

previous comprehensive plan amendments proposed 15th Street north become a commercial area. The ANC suggested a balance to keep residential density, but to allow pockets of commercial development where it exists, such as across from Payne Elementary School and at 15th Street, where it meets Independence and North Carolina avenues, in part to prevent largescale development. They also requested changes to public transportation in the area of Eastern Market Metro Plaza (EMMP) to make the area ADA compliant, facilitated by a relocation of the Eighth Street SE bus stops to the plaza.

Other Business The commissioners voted to: • Support a letter to the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) requesting installation of traffic signals at the intersection of 16th Street with Independence Avenue SE, citing accidents. They also asked DDOT to consider a 15-mph limit on 16th Street, and that left turns be prohibited onto East Capitol from 16th Street during rush hour. • Support a letter to the Transportation Planning Board in regard to the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program to ask them to eliminate plans to widen the D-4 exit from I-695 at 11th Street SE, as well as to accelerate funding for the Barney Circle and Southeast Boulevard project. The letter argues that the proposed widening of the exit will encroach on the new Virginia Avenue Park, and could increase danger to pedestrians by encouraging speeding. It also asks for two new traffic studies, one for the entire area with the aim of improving pe-

YOU AND THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 6:30 PM East City Bookshop, 645 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. Robert Pohl, local tour guide, historian, and author, will explain what it means to be on this list and give examples including the headquarters of The Furies, a radical Lesbian collective, which is now his own home. Free. Calendar at CHRS.org

RFK STADIUM: FROM THE PAST TO THE FUTURE - 2020 DICK WOLF LECTURE FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 7 P.M. Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave SE Nicholas Malin will give a lecture, “RFK Stadium: From the Past to the Future,” on the stadium’s rich history, its eligibility for historic preservation, and potential future uses. To be followed by a panel discussion and reception. Free. Calendar at CHRS.org All events are free and the public is encouraged to attend.

BECOME A MEMBER!

Visitwww.chrs.orgtolearnmore.EmailCapHRS420@gmail.com or call 543-0425. Follow us on Facebook: @CapHRS; Twitter @CHRSDC; Instagram: CapitolHillRestorationDC

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destrian safety, and another to ensure a widening would work with plans for the Southeast Boulevard as well as to address concerns with pedestrian safety. Support a letter to the Public Space Committee in regard to the construction application for Phase I of EMMP. The letter asks that the maintenance plan be seen and agreed to before the committee approves the permits. Commissioners asked that the lighting plan for the area be reviewed and improved, saying that MPD has said the lighting is insufficient for area security. The ANC also attached a Jan. 14 letter providing comments in regard to the EMMP transportation study. Support a Historic Preservation Application (HPA) application for a rear three-story addition at 710 E St. SE. The commissioners heard the application in late 2018, when ANC 6B had supported the application. The Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) had requested changes, including the removal of a penthouse and modification to the entrance. The easement on an alley on the property, a concern for neighbors, will remain in effect. Support a request from Tortuga Caribbean Bar & Grille (514 Eighth St. SE) for substantial change to add an entertainment endorsement inside the premises on the condition that cover will not be charged and closing be at midnight. Support an application from Finn McCool’s (713 Eighth St. SE) for a substantial change to its liquor license, from Class C Restaurant to Retailer Class C Tavern. The application was made because, under a restaurant license, 45percent of total sales must be food. However, the restaurant has been unable to meet the threshold and had previously been fined. The ABC Committee agreed to support a tavern license if the restaurant would maintain a full-service kitchen and agree to a 35percent food-sales threshold. The rest of the current SA would remain in place. Re-elect the chairs for all committees and working groups, except the Barracks Row Working Group, where Chander Jayaraman took the position over from Brian Ready; and to appoint 22 resident members to committees.

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The next meeting of ANC 6B will take place at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10, at the Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital (921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE). ANC 6B has been working to update its website. You can visit the new site, learn about commissioners and committees and subscribe to the newsletter by visiting www.anc6b.org or connecting via email at 6b@anc.dc.gov, and @ANC6B on Twitter. u

More Affordable Housing ANC 6C Report by Elizabeth O’Gorek All six members were present at the Feb. 12 meeting of Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6C: Christine Healey (6C01, secretary), Karen Wirt (6C02, chair), Jay Adelstein (6C03), Mark Eckenwiler (6C04 vice chair), Joel Kelty (6C05, treasurer) and Drew Courtney (6C06).

More Affordable Housing in Land Deal The commissioners unanimously supported a letter proposed by Courtney asking that plans be included and funded by a proposed development at 1133 North Capitol St. NE, the former site of the DC Housing Authority (DCHA). The letter requests units for people earning 0-30percent of area median income (AMI) as well as permanent supportive housing (PSH). Developer MRP, selected in 2014 to develop the site into a 220-unit, mixed-use project, signed a 99-year lease on the site. The 2.5-acre property is located two blocks from the M Street NE encampments, but Courtney said that in the latest iteration of the plan approved by the DCHA board, there are zero guaranteed units at 0-30 percent AMI. Courtney said that income range would include those without jobs and also those earning minimum wage working in groceries, pharmacies and restaurants in NoMa. He said the developers told him plans include units at 60 percent AMI, and vouchers will be honored. However, Courtney said that as land in the neighborhood was worth $100 million, plans

should provide more PSH which includes housing and supportive services. Currently, only “5percent of 20percent” of the units will be PSH.

Support for Lot Occupancy Exception Commissioners voted 5-1 to support a Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) application for special exemption to lot occupancy for a 150-square-foot rear addition to a single-family dwelling at 508 D St. NE. The addition takes the building from over 60percent lot occupancy to 79.6percent, which Planning, Zoning and Economic Development (PZE) Chair Mark Eckenwiler (6C04) said was too great an exception for the conditions present, which usually max at 70percent. The applicant asked commissioners to think less of precedent and more of the people involved, saying that the addition will accommodate his growing family and his mother-in-law, and adding that the 150 square feet was the most limited ask they could make. Citing the length of the two-story adjoining wall at 510 D St., which the applicant said encroaches on the property at the rear of the applicant’s home, commissioners supported the application, some availing themselves of the discretion of the BZA.

No Left Turns from Montessori Lot The commissioners unanimously supported a public space application for construction at Capitol Hill Montessori at Logan (215 G St. NE), including 14 trees, landscaping, trash and recycling cans. They recommended that plans increase the proposed number of bike racks from 22 to up to 52, and asked that the fencing be removed on Second Street and added on Third Street NE. Larger discussion was held on the entry to the parking lot, on Second Street, and a planned exit into the public alley and right onto Second Street. The exit gate is fobbed for security but large enough to facilitate entry by a 52-foot service vehicle, such as the kind used to collect trash from the school dumpsters. Commissioners were concerned the space was larger than necessary and also that vehicles would exit the gate and turn left, increasing traffic in the alley on the way to Third Street. They asked that the gate size be reexamined and stated that their support was contingent on a permanent four-foot bollard being installed to prevent left turns into the alley.

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Consent Agenda Commissioners voted on 10 items on the consent agenda. Commissioners protested an application for Junction Bistro, Bar and Bakery (238 Massachusetts Ave. NE) to obtain a settlement agreement (SA), but they supported a stipulated license upon execution of the SA. A full-service restaurant offering breakfast, lunch and dinner, Junction is seeking service until 1 a.m. but is willing to consider an 11 p.m. closure. Commissioners protested an application for a new Class D Tavern license for Butter Chicken (500 H St. NE) to obtain an SA. The Alcoholic Beverage Licensing (ABL) Committee will work on hours in the SA and with the Transportation and Public Space (TPS) Committee on coordination as the applicant seeks permission for a sidewalk cafe. Commissioners supported the public space application for an ADA-accessible, 11-table, 42-seat sidewalk cafe for Butter Chicken (500 H St. NE), but the TPS asked hours be set as a 10:30 p.m. closure on Sunday to Thursday and a Friday and Saturday 12 a.m. closure, in coordination with the ABL Committee. Commissioners supported RESA’s public space application to the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) for parking garage safety improvements. RESA is located at 22 M St. NE, but the garage exit is on Paterson Street. A parking spot near the exit blocks a clear line of vision, so the management wants DDOT to consider designating that space “no parking,” and the committee recommends that DDOT designate 15 feet from the exit as no parking and put in a physical barrier, such as planters or a micro-mobility corral. Commissioners recommended that the ANC send a letter to DDOT in regard to safety concerns on H Street and Third Street NE, asking that it consider better signal timing for left turns, potentially a left-turn cycle for the westbound lane and a left-turn signal. At Sixth and H streets NE, recently the site of a bicycle crash, they recommended a left-turn signal and bulb-outs for pedestrian safety, and requested a DDOT traffic study. Commissioners supported sending a letter to Councilmember Mary Cheh (D-Ward 3), chair of the DC Council Transportation

and Environment Committee, requesting funding for a permanent fix along Sixth Street between K Street and Florida Avenue NE. The stretch was included as part of the Florida Avenue improvements, but permanent fixes like ADA-compliant sidewalks are not included in the project. Commissioners supported a sign-on letter presented by ANC 6E asking DDOT to take immediate action in implementing the specific safety improvements to North Capitol Street NE identified in a January 2019 study by the NoMa BID, noting that four pedestrians were fatally struck on or near North Capitol in 2019. Commissioners opposed a BZA application for a variance to allow lot occupancy between 95percent and 100percent for the construction of a rear deck at 627 Orleans Place NE, on the basis that there is no exceptional condition to warrant such extreme relief. Commissioners opposed the BZA application at 653 Eighth St. NE to expand an existing three-unit apartment house to include a fourth unit and enclose an existing porch as habitable space. The PZE committee debated whether, according to statute, the project requires 900 square feet of lot per unit. ANC 6A, another affected ANC, has also voted to oppose. Commissioners decided in favor of a letter in support of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon, scheduled for March 28 along the same course as last year. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has indicated that the Clean Routes Initiative will be in effect, meaning no cars will be permitted to be parked along the route.

General Litigation and Arbitration Franchising and Business Organizations Commercial Leasing and Development Labor and Employment Issues Contract and Licensing Matters

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Other Business The commissioners voted 4-0 with one abstention (one commissioner was out of the room) to support a public space construction application for a single-family home being converted to a two-family home at 1212 Sixth St. NE. The ANC first heard the application in December, when commissioners requested additional detail on the proposed fencing and a rendering along Sixth Street. Revisions show the portion of the driveway in public space with a different treatment, and the retaining wall aligning with neighbors. The commissioners voted to support the

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37-pages of comments on the DC Comprehensive Plan as proposed by the TPS, PZE and Environment, Parks and Events (EPE) committees. Full comments on the plan are available on the ANC 6C website. ANC 6C meets at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday of every month (except August) in the ground floor conference room at the Heritage Foundation (214 Massachusetts Ave. NE). ANCs do not meet in August. The next meeting of ANC 6C takes place at 7 p.m., Wednesday, March 11. Learn more at www.anc6c.org. u

Concern Over Gap in Health Services ANC 6D Report by Andrew Lightman Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6D met on Feb. 10. Commissioners Gail Fast (6D01, Chair), Ronald Collins (6D03, Treasurer), Edward Daniels (6D07, Secretary), Anna Forgie (6D02), Fredrica D. Kramer (6D05) and Rhonda N. Hamilton (6D06) attended. Andy Litsky (6D04, Vice Chair) was absent.

Unity Healthcare Representatives from the DC Dept. of Human Services (DHS) briefed the commission on the opening of the new short-term family shelter at 850 Delaware Ave. SW. The nonprofit shelter operator will be Core DC, which currently runs the Ward 7 family shelter. Unity Healthcare has been selected to operate the site’s medical clinic. There will be a six-month gap between when service between Unity closes the clinic it operates next to Van Ness Elementary and when they plan to reopen in Southwest. Commissioners expressed concern about the six-month gap in Unity’s services. “The idea that you are even suspending service for a day is unconscionable,” Fast said. Commissioner Collins pointed out that Unity’s Parkside facilities, where patients would be accommodated in the interim, were not easily accessible. Commissioners urged Unity to continue to operate the Van Ness facility until the

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new clinic could be opened. Vincent A. Keane, Unity’s president and chief executive officer, also present at the meeting, stated that there was no way to avoid a gap in services.

Public Safety Metropolitan Police Lieutenant Donigian, Jr. briefed the commission on the previous month’s crime situation. There has been an increase in robberies over the past 30 days, he reported. A number of those investigations have not been closed. Also, crimes involving an assault with a deadly weapon also spiked. Thefts from automobiles dropped 60 percent, he said. General thefts were also down. Chair Fast complained about the dim street lighting adjacent to King Greenleaf Recreation Center. “I don’t know what we need to do to get these lights repaired at Greenleaf. The highly-used facility is very dark,” she said. “The Dept. of General Services (DGS) has scheduled the lighting repair,” stated Naomi Mitchell, community liaison for Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen (D).

Other Matters Jamaal Jordan, public affairs manager at Pepco, provided an update to the commission on the status of the Capitol Grid Project, which involves building new, 10-mile north-south electric transmission line through the city (https://www.pepco.com/SmartEnergy/ReliabilityImprovements/Pages/CapitalGridProject.aspx). Commissioners expressed concerns about the impact of the construction on traffic. Commissioner Hamilton also asked about the project’s health impact. Representatives of Providence Healthcare briefed the commission on the new standalone imaging facility planned for the old hospital campus in Ward 5. It will open this coming summer. The commission supported with two abstentions a public space application for The Gatsby, 1201 Half St. SE. However, commissioners expressed concern about one of the planned summer gardens placed “outboard” between sidewalk and the street due to Half Street’s peculiar configuration. Servers would have to cross the sidewalk with food for patrons. Representatives of the Gatsby reassured commissioners that there would be a separate service entrance and that the sidewalk would remain nine feet wide. The commission approved the application with caveats about the summer gar-

den with two abstentions. The commission approved a public space for Atlas Brewing, 1201 Half St. SE, with two abstentions. However, commissioners again expressed concerns about Atlas’s plans for an outboard summer garden. Atlas plans to build the first solar powered brewery in the District. The commission supported a Class C license and community agreement for the 260 key, Citizen M Hotel, 550 School St. SW with 2 abstentions. Commissioners unanimously voted to support an application to the Army Corp of Engineers for two new piers at the terminus of Buzzard Point at the end of First Street SW. In addition, there a two-story floating dock is planned adjacent to the 120 foot gangway. The second pier would be smaller. The installation would be used for water taxi service. The commissioners resolved to: • approve Dec. 2019 and Jan. 2020 minutes; • send a letter to DC Public Schools supporting the continued appointment of Jefferson Middle Academy Principal Greg Dohmann; • support the Race for Hope 2020 on May 3; • support the extension of the 72 bus line to Buzzard Point provided capacity is added; • send a letter to the DC Housing Authority regarding the impact of its 20 Year Transformation Plan on Greenleaf Gardens and requesting any solutions be “Build First;” • send a letter to the DC Dept. of Energy and the Environment (DOEE) asking the agency to continue to evaluate the air quality on Buzzard Point; • send a comprehensive list of their concerns about the maintenance of the city’s social diversity and the preservation of the Southwest Small Area Plan in proposed changes to the DC Comprehensive Plan to the DC Council; • appoint Mike Stein to the SMD 03 seat on the ABC Committee. There was no report from the Chair. Treasurer Collins reported that he had successfully filed the commission’s security fund package with the DC Auditor. The commission unanimously approved the expenditure of up to $1,750 to cover the costs of security at its meetings. ANC 6D’s next meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on March 9 at the DC Water Headquarters, 1385 Canal St. SE. Visit www.anc6d.org/ for more information. u

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BULLETIN BOARD March 25: Ward 6 Budget Town Hall is Back!

3. Our next concert is June 13. Our members have varied backgrounds in music and we welcome anyone who loves to sing. Please visit us at our website: www.secondwindchorusdc.com . For more info: Marci Hilt marcihilt@aol.com

Councilmember Charles Allen’s Ward 6 Budget Town Hall has been scheduled for Wednesday, March 25 at 6 p.m.at the newly-modernized Maury Elementary School, 1250 Constitution SE Library RenoAve NE. This annual event vation Meeting breaks down and demystiOn March 3, 7 p.m., meet fies the District’s $15 billion the Southeast Library renobudget process and creates vation design team at Eastan open floor discussion on ern Market’s North Hall, 225 what Ward 6’s budget priorSeventh St. SE. Share ideas ities should be for the comabout the renovation by taking year. ing the survey at dclibrary. The budget town hall Photo: Joan Marcus org/node/66370. will follow past events in format. Councilmember AlHamilton Tickets On-Sale len will spend a few minutes DC Women’s Single tickets for the return engagement of Hamilton will go on sale to the public on March 9 at 10 walking through the budSuffrage a.m. Visit kennedy-center.org or the Kennedy Center box office. Performances run from June 16 get process. Then he’ll walk On March 9, at 7:30 p.m., to Sept. 20. There will be forty $10 orchestra seats offered for all performances. Details will be anthrough what the Mayor has at Hill Center, Elizabeth A. nounced closer to the engagement. Hamilton is the story of America’s Founding Father Alexander proposed for the budget and Novara, American WomHamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington’s right-hand man what he agrees with and what en’s History Specialist in during the Revolutionary War and was the new nation’s first Treasury Secretary. Its score blends hip he thinks should be changed. the Manuscript Division of hop, jazz, blues and rap. After that, the floor will open the Library of Congress, will for residents to ask questions, present an illustrated lecture welcomes you. Second Wind is a community choand make suggestions. on the struggle for women’s suffrage in DC in the rus that has enjoyed making music together for over A livestream on Councilmember Allen’s Faceearly 20th Century. Her lecture will focus on sites of a decade. Our purpose is to rediscover the joy of mubook page (www.facebook.com/CMCharlesAllen) local importance to the movement, such as the varsic making and performance, and the commitment will be available for residents who can’t attend. ious locations of the National Woman’s Party’s nato learning and developing the art of choral music tional headquarters, as well as places of protest in DC in our community. where suffragists organized, picketed and paraded. Come Sing with the Second Wind From madrigals and selections by Mozart and Drawing examples from the Library of Congress’s Mendelssohn to more contemporary compositions, at CHAW current exhibition, “Shall Not Be Denied: Women we explore a diverse repertoire. We rehearse at the If you’ve never participated in a chorus, or already Fight for the Vote,” Novara will highlight significant Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, typically on Tuesdays, enjoy choral singing in a group, but are looking for an suffrage-related collections available at the Library. from noon to 1:30 p.m. Rehearsals resume March additional choral experience, Second Wind Chorus 56 H HILLRAG.COM

Photo by Gayle Krughoff

Admission is free, but registration at hillcenterdc.org is required due to limited seating. Please arrive early.

Prague Under Communism Book Talk On March 10, 7 p.m., at Northeast Library, 330 Seventh St. NE., Peter Stein, the son of a Catholic mother and Jewish father, will discuss his newly published book on his wartime childhood in Prague and later experiences under communism. Free and open to the public. Village Voices lectures are sponsored by Capitol Hill Village. capitolhillvillage.org.

SW AARP Luncheon Southwest Waterfront AARP’s Women’s History Month meeting is on March 18, noon. Donna Purchase, President of the Southwest Neighborhood Assembly (SWNA), will speak on how to become involved with SWNA community matters, programs and initiatives. $5 for lunch. River Park Mutual Homes South Common Room, 1311 Delaware Ave. SW. For more information, contact Betty Jean Tolbert Jones at bettyjeantolbertjones@yahoo.com.

What Grows on Capitol Hill? On March 10, at 7:15 p.m., at Northeast Library, 330 Seventh St. NE, the Capitol Hill Garden Club presents: “20/20 Vision: What Grows on Capitol Hill,” with Kristan Sampson, Manager, Frager’s Garden Center. capitolhillgardenclub.org.

Race Literacy Classes Little Lights is hosting “Race Literacy 101” from March 4 to June 3. This is a 11-session study and discussion group that meets weekly on Wednesdays, 7 to 9 p.m., at Little Lights, 760 Seventh St. SE. Learn and discuss the issue of race and racism in an honest yet grace-filled environment. The class includes education on the

history of the ideology of race, some scripture study and times for discussion and dialogue. There will be times of personal sharing, interactive activities and classroom style learning. The class is free, but donations are appreciated. The class is geared for a church going audience but most of the material is not faith-based. No need to be a person of faith to attend. Register at littlelights.org/ll-programs/ adult-programs/.

Read his story at CapitolHillHistory.org Isaac Fulwood’s path to leadership as DC chief of police began on Kentucky Avenue here on the Hill. Read his childhood memories – and the oral histories of many others who’ve shaped our community – on our website. And consider joining us as a volunteer.

Shakespeare Neighborhood Nights The Shakespeare Theatre Company (STC) provides a special discount just for neighbors. Patrons who live or work in the areas near STC theatres or workspaces can buy discount tickets for specially designated Neighborhood Night performances. Proof of neighborhood residency or employment for the purchasing member of the party must be presented at the Box Office at time of pickup. Each patron is limited to four tickets. Tickets limited based on availability. Neighborhood Night Performances are scheduled for “Romantics Anonymous,” April 7; and “Much Ado About Nothing,” May 5. shakespearetheatre.org.

AN INITIATIVE OF THE CAPITOL HILL COMMUNITY FOUNDATION.

Hill Community Sings at Eastern Market Janet Gilmore, a retired music teacher on the Hill, is debuting a new singalong series to be held on First Tuesdays in the Eastern Market North Hall beginning on April 7th. Janet wants everyone who loves to sing to come help discover the songs that join us together. Eastern Market is donating the space and it is a free event for all ages. For more information contact Janet at hillcommunitysings@gmail.com.

National Children’s Museum Opens After a delay of several months, the National Children’s Museum, 1300 MARCH 2020 H 57

.capitol streets.

Buzzard Point Park Improvements Approved The National Park Service (NPS) has settled on a plan to improve the park along the Anacostia River. The new Buzzard Point Park will feature an accessible waterfront, more open space and recreational opportunities. The plan extends the Anacostia Regional Trail through the park as a multi-use trail for walking, running and cycling. It repurposes the Matthew Henson Center as a community gathering space. It creates a play area for children and elevated lawns to view the river and Capitol. Most importantly, it creates a dock for visitors who wish to access the park from the river, removing overgrown vegetation and remnant concrete or asphalt pads. As part of these improvements, NPS will install a stone riprap along the length of the seawall in the Anacostia River to reinforce and protect the seawall from erosion and storm surge while beautifying the shoreline and providing access to the river. Read more at parkplanning.nps.gov/BuzzardPointPark_EA. Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, has opened. The Museum is open daily, except certain holidays, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. General admission tickets are $10.95 for children over the age of one and adults. All tickets are timed entry. They encourage book-

Meet “The Aya” The Aya, Ward 6’s short-term family housing site, will soon welcome up to 50 families experiencing homelessness. Councilmember Charles Allen toured the building recently and was very impressed with the design and the facilities for families including outdoor space for kids, a community room, wifi throughout, and the Unity Health Clinic will be returning to serve both residents of The Aya and Southwest neighbors. The Aya is located at Delaware and I streets, SW. (Photo: Andrew Lightman) 58 H HILLRAG.COM

ing ahead of time to ensure availability for your preferred date and time. nationalchildrensmuseum.org.

Sacred Grounds Cafe Opens

On April 25, 9 a.m. to noon, clean up the river with the Anacostia Watershed Society. At 40 sites across the Anacostia watershed, volunteers collect litter, beautify and restore the Anacostia River. Volunteer registration opens on March 2. To find out more, join the Earth Day email list at anacostiaws.org.

Sacred Grounds Cafe, 222 M St. SW, first opened its doors in December. Since then, the cafe has enjoyed welcoming the community to sip smooth coffee by Rise Up Coffee Roasters and enjoy freshly baked goods by Honey’s Desserts. This month come to the Grand Opening on March 7, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free coffee all day, and live music. Sacred Grounds Cafe is located between Valo Apartments and St. Matthews Lutheran Church. stmatthewsdc.org.

DC Roller Girls Open House

Gift to Library of Congress

Feeling inspired to try out roller derby? Attend an open house at the DC Rollergirls Warehouse, 5706 Lafayette Pl., Hyattsville, MD, on April 5 starting at 2 p.m. Find out what it takes to become a roller derby skater. Trainers will be on hand to answer questions, talk about the training schedule and outline the costs involved and the gear needed to hit the track. In addition to skaters, the Rollergirls are recruiting referees and non-skating officials, as well as volunteers to help with upcoming games. dcrollergirls.com.

A $10 million dollar gift by philanthropist David Rubenstein to the Library of Congress will help fund a project to reimagine and enhance the visitor experience for the nearly 2 million people who visit the Thomas Jefferson Building each year. The goal is to better connect visitors with library’s history and the collections. Rubenstein is the chairman of the Library’s James Madison Council.

Earth Day Cleanup 2020

Garden Plots Available The 1200 Potomac Avenue Community Garden Association has a few garden plots available for the 2020 gardening year. The organic garden is located at 12th and Potomac Ave., SE. Gardeners avoid using synthetic pesticides, herbicides and fungicides, as well as soil enhancements. We release predator bugs on a weekly basis. Each plot rents for $50 per year. The association also has a few sponsored plots available. These plots are free to any group, organization or individual who will foster the value of gardening and community with local area youth, seniors or other groups that build community.

Free Legal Clinic for Start-up Nonprofits and Small Businesses On March 18, 2 to 4 p.m., the DC Bar Pro Bono Center holds a free legal clinic to help small businesses and nonprofits go over the legal requirements for starting up in DC. At the clinic, pro bono attorneys will meet with attendees one-on-one. The clinic will only provide brief legal information, but additional assistance from the DC Bar Pro Bono Center is available upon request. Register at probono.center/startupclinic. Questions? Email Lauren Paley at Lpaley@dcbar.org. Have an item for the Bulletin Board? Email the info to bulletinboard@hilrag.com. u

Attend The DC Democratic State Convention Saturday, April 18 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center 801 Mount Vernon Place, N.W. Register for DC Democratic Party State Convention. Want to go to Milwaukee as a National Delegate? The Ward 6 Democrats are enlisting 80 registered Ward 6 Democrats to represent Ward at our State Convention. You can apply to be a delegate on line at www.ward6dems.org/ delegate. Only registered Ward 6 Democrats can apply. The representatives at the DC Democratic State Convention in April will establish the DC Party Platform and caucus to elect 13 National Delegate candidates. Those Delegates will have the opportunity to represent DC at the Democratic

National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisc., July 13-16. To apply to be a Candidate for one of the 13 National Delegate slots, file a statement of candidacy with the DC Democratic State Committee by Saturday, March 21. The form and more information is at www.dcdemocraticparty. org/run-for-delegate. Any questions? Contact Chuck Burger at chuckburger.ward6dems@gmail.com or (202) 258-5316.

www.ward6dems.org MARCH 2020 H 59

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SPRING SPECIAL

G A R D E N S

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Five Things to Pay Attention to Planning a Home Remodeling by Bruce Wentworth, AIA

I have been remodeling homes in the DC

This project required approvals from the Capitol Hill Restoration Society (CHRS) and DC Historic Preservation Oﬃce (HPO)

metro area since the 1980s. I meet with hundreds of homeowners each year to discuss their remodeling needs. Each is unique. Sometimes the homes are more interesting than the homeowners – and at other times the people are more interesting than the house. Despite the need for customized design/ build services, each remodeling project requires resolving issues surrounding zoning, building codes, historic districts, structure and budget.

Zoning Let’s start with zoning, which was first implemented in DC in 1920 and revised in 2016. If you are planning to change the footprint of your house, it will require checking the zoning codes. Get a copy of your House Location Survey drawing that you paid for at settlement. It was called “survey” on your settlement sheet, and most lenders require one. Some of the House Location Surveys I have seen are quite detailed and others have very little information. It may be worth paying for a detailed survey if you are planning a home addition. The survey drawing must show the dimensions of the lot, dimensions of the house and how the house sits on the lot. Whether planning a porch, deck or room addition (up or out), someone needs to explore the zoning code. Zoning is, at times, simple and straightforward. Other times it’s a mysterious puzzle not so easily solved. Don’t assume it’s simple. For many Capitol Hill homes the front yard is actually public space and not privately owned. Regulations regarding public space are to be taken seriously, so don’t assume you can build on it. There are provisions for special circumstances such as outside stairs to a basement, bay windows and other on-grade issues for which a public space permit is required. Digging deeper, DC has the curious issue of Tax Lots (typically 800 numbers) and Record Lots. I have even seen “900” lot numbers which have specificity. When it comes to building an addition, it is 62 H HILLRAG.COM

necessary to convert the Tax Lot number to a Record Lot number before applying for a building permit. The process is called a “subdivision” and can take many months, require numerous signatures and necessitate payments to the DC surveyor’s office. At times, easements have been placed on a property for access for trash, fire or utilities. If you want to expand your home beyond the zoning limits, you can apply for a zoning variance, but be prepared for a year-long process. All can inhibit what

you do with your land. Additionally, don’t assume because your neighbors house has an addition, deck or third floor that you can do the same. It may have been done years ago, without a permit, may have been built with a zoning variance or was built before 1958. Many of us have heard of real estate investors on Capitol Hill who have built without proper approvals and had to remove the third floor or take down a rear addition. A 50-floor skyscraper under con-

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proval for the permit process. Most homeowners get frustrated with the historic district approval process because it can take a long time, is added expense and is mysterious. An experienced design professional can make it easier. The upside is that the Capitol Hill historic district continues to be a desirable and visually pleasing place to live. It is worth it.

Structural Issues

To meet the building code this attic remodel required a new 3’ wide stair with proper riser and tread dimensions. The floor and roof trusses were reinforced with plywood sandwiches to stiffen the structure and support the new floor load.

struction in Manhattan just got a court order to remove the top 20 floors! Hire a professional. It will save you time, heartache and money.

tol Hill is one of the largest historic districts in the United States, comprising over 11,000 buildings. If you own a house on Capitol Hill and are planning any significant changes to the exterior (not including paint color), you will need to be aware of the following organizations. Building Codes The DC Historic Preservation Office (HPO), There is a reason for building codes: life, safety and Office of Planning, is the organization that will review health issues. Don’t want your rowhouse to catch fire the alterations you are planning and make recommenwhen your neighbor’s house is in flames? Thank the dations to improve it, reject it or approve it. The profire walls. Don’t want your deck to collapse when you cess can take a few months, and have a crowd for a party? Thank approval will be required before the structural code requiremoving along the building perments. Like to be able to have mit process. If your proposed alnatural light and ventilation or teration is simple, such as door crawl out of a bedroom window or window replacements, it will during a fire risk? Thank the often be approved by an HPO building code. Need access to staff member, and you can more your electrical panel in an emerquickly get a permit. gency? Thank the code that reWorking in tandem with quires three-foot clearance in HPO is the Capitol Hill Restofront of the electrical panel. ration Society (CHRS), the loStuff happens. Be prepared. cal citizens group, which may be Don’t be a smarty pants scofflaw. asked to review the proposed reHire a building professional for modeling/addition. CHRS apyour remodeling project. proval will usually help you gain approval from HPO. OccasionHistoric Districts ally, if your home is adjacent to If you own a house, know if this whole house remodel an the Capitol Hill complex (land you are within an historic dis- For addition was built at the front which or buildings), you may bump up trict. Read up on the require- conformed with the front yard zoning against the Fine Arts Commisments for the pleasure of living requirements. The second floor master suite and loft addition were well within sion, which will also require apin an historic district. Capi- the 40’ height limit required by zoning 66 H HILLRAG.COM

Homeowners often overestimate the structural complexity of some alterations and underestimate others. I wish I had a dollar for every time a homeowner tells me, “This is an interior load-bearing wall, so I guess we have to live with it.” Duh. No. Let’s put in a simple microlam or steel beam and open the wall. Other times I’m told they want to dig out a crawl space where there are masonry walls to make more basement space. Well, no, because the masonry walls around a crawl space do not descend as far as the basement walls. Other concerns homeowners have is for underpinning foundation walls when digging out a basement. Occasionally, foundation walls are deep enough to dig down 8-12 inches and gain more ceiling height, and other times they are not. Homeowners often decide to build an extra floor on top of their house, which has numerous structural issues. Each old house is unique and needs to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Because we are working with old buildings that were built in a different time, and often altered over the last 100 years, it’s important to fully study the house and all its quirks. Structural changes may be simple or complicated, but in DC it is advisable to get a structural engineer involved. A structural engineer’s stamped drawings will expedite the building permit process and provide authority on the changes being made to your home. Your architect and structural engineer will work together for the optimum solution and properly document their design for the contractor. It is a smart investment, and all is well.

Budget Budget is a complicated and emotional topic for homeowners. In my experience, homeowners estimate their remodeling project will cost about 60% of what it will really cost. Sometimes less and sometimes more. Most homeowners have a scope of work that is too ambitious for their budget.

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It’s necessary to establish priorities. Occasionally, homeowners get bad budget information from an architect or contractor. I find it’s important to be able to visualize the completed project to get closer to a proper budget figure. Remodeling is more complicated than homeowners realize. It’s like doing surgery. The bad portion of the house must be carefully removed before building the new. This must take place while protecting adjacent areas from damage, often while the homeowners remain in residence. Remodeling is a specialty trade. The architects/designers who specialize in remodeling have a different skill set than those that do new construction. A carpenter skilled at home remodeling is especially valuable. Good remodeling carpenters are highly compensated, and they are the surgeons of the building industry. At my firm, we price each remodeling project three times. First is an initial ballpark range based on a design concept and written scope of work. Second is pricing based on the client’s preferred design that is within 10% of a final price. And third is the final fixed-price based on completed and thorough construction drawings ready for a contract signing. The process works well for all parties to be informed and track the changes. Use this checklist to make sure you have covered all the bases. Hire design and construction professionals who are experienced in remodeling. Have a realistic budget and time frame. Pay attention to the design details. Be patient. A place to call home will be waiting. Bruce Wentworth, AIA, is a licensed architect and contractor in the DMV area. He has been designing and remodeling homes since the early 1980s. His first office was on Capitol Hill, where he got intimate with old houses. Visit www.wentworthstudio.com to learn more about the firm’s large body of design/build work. u

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Collaboration

in the

Garden Partner with Love & Carrots by Rindy O’Brien

Getting your hands dirty can be fun. Carly Mercer, the director of garden programming for Love & Carrots, helps a client dig into a new garden box. Photo: Love & Carrots

Many of us who garden on Capitol Hill are novices. We inherit a small garden space from previous owners. Suddenly, on moving day, they give us a paper scribbled with a lot of plant names we don’t recognize and tell us they really hope we will keep their carefully planted garden going. Or, we inherit a small garden that looks like an empty parking lot with a few twigs and weeds growing here and there, the eyesore of the block. 70 H HILLRAG.COM

Natalie Carver is the director of horticulture and oversees the greenhouse efforts to bring seeds to harvest for the company. Photo: Love & Carrots

Unless you’ve grown up spending your free time planting vegetable gardens, pruning trees and shrubs or choosing perennials over annual flowers, gardening can be a daunting challenge. Of course, a simple solution is to hire a professional landscaping company, and there are good local ones, like Gingko Gardens, Derek Thomas Design or Surroundings. But, many of us want to do it ourselves. We want to teach our children where their food comes from, and enjoy eating

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our own organic vegetables. Gardening can reduce stress, so they say. But, how do you begin?

Partner with Love & Carrots In 2011, Meredith Sheperd, one woman with a pickup truck, started a landscaping company targeting urban gardens. Her goal was to positively impact the District and help reduce the city’s carbon footprint. Today Love & Carrots has been named one of the Business Insider’s Top 50 “Coolest” Businesses in America. To date, the company has helped bring 1,000 organic gardens to life in DC, Maryland and Virginia, planting thousands of vegetables along the way. The gardens may be located at a home or at a local business. You can find the company’s impact everywhere, from rooftops to restaurants. Love & Carrots has a staff of almost 20 during the growing season. Many of them have agricultural and landscaping degrees and consider themselves urban farmers. The company aims to reconnect people with the origin of their food and create awareness about sustainability and biodiversity. They customize each garden to succeed in the available space and provide biweekly maintenance, or will become a biweekly coach to mentor you and help you become a master gardener. This is an approach that encourages learning and collaboration. The results are life changing for many.

Starting with an Evaluation Capitol Hill resident Natalie Carver joined Love & Carrots in 2014 and is director of horticulture. Dedicated to the company’s mission, she enjoys teaching new gar-

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deners and collaborating with more experienced ones. Love & Carrots has a greenhouse where the staff propagates the supply of vegetables, flowers and herbs to plant in its clients’ gardens. Carver oversees the process from seed to harvest. “March is the best time for us to connect to new gardeners,” she says. “We offer two kinds of gardens, spring and summer.” Planting can begin in mid-March for a spring vegetable garden that includes radishes, lettuces, chives and

A Capitol Hill front yard comes into bloom with sunflowers at the front door. Photo: Love & Carrots

“We analyze the light source as well,” notes Carver. “There may not be enough sun in a spot to make a garden box work, and we often have to help relocate things in the garden.” Once a plan is agreed upon, Love & Carrots sends an installation team to build a proper garden box, the borders of which range anywhere Garden boxes are built to fit the garden space, and situated from three to nine in places that get good sun. Photo: Love & Carrots feet. The box has an irrigation sysherbs. Summer gardens are planted tem so that watering can be controlled in late April or early May. Flowerbeds, throughout the growing season. Love trees and shrubs can also be custom de& Carrots believes that hand watering signed for your space. is not very effective. The irrigation sys“We start by interviewing the new tem is set up to water the box for 10client, and do an onsite inspection of 15 minutes every day. the space,” says Carver. Every new garThe staff provides compost soil den is tested to ensure the soil doesn’t sourced from Veteran Compost in contain toxins, lead or junk buried by College Park. (The company’s motto a careless construction company. Capis “From combat to compost.”) Finalitol Hill’s clay soil is a blessing and a ly, the seedlings grown in the Love & curse. It holds water well in drought Carrots greenhouse are planted. conditions, but can make it hard for plants to take root. 72 H HILLRAG.COM

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Avoiding the Pitfalls “We want to give gardeners every chance to be successful,” says Carver, “and providing good soil, great seedlings and a good plan does that.” It is important to think about what kind of plants will make you happy. “If you don’t eat kale or spinach, putting rows of them into your vegetable bed won’t be satisfying for you at the end of the process,” she notes. “Part of the fun of this work is helping gardeners think about the kind of plants they like, and introducing them to native plants or plants that will be striking in their garden.” With many Capitol Hill gardens being in the shade, Love & Carrots likes to plant perennials beyond the impatiens and pansies. Planting seeds too close to each other is another common mistake for beginning gardeners. The plants crowd each other out of space and become impossible to weed later in the season. “We love being able to mentor our clients every other week and watch them grow into their gardening,” Carver says. “It really separates our company from many others.” Love & Carrots is a great option for new or experienced gardeners who want to get the most from their outdoor spaces and go from a bumbling novice to a master gardener. In addition to home and apartment spaces, the company works with businesses and on rooftop spaces to create green sanctuaries. Learn from urban farmers and surprise your friends and family with your prize-winning vegetables this summer. Love & Carrots can be reached at http://www.loveandcarrots.com. Rindy O’Brien is an experimental gardener but loves the idea of a mentor program to help avoid common pitfalls. Contact Rindy at rindyobrien@ gmail.com. u

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Residential & Commercial

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SPRING SPECIAL

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What if March is a

Monster?

How To Protect Your Plants If Winter Comes Late by Derek â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Garden Guyâ&#x20AC;? Thomas

For decades gardeners in the mid-Atlantic states have known that March comes in like a lion and leaves like a lamb. However, this winter is the winter that was not. Plants never really went dor-

mant. Even some of our annuals like geraniums and begonias that were planted in a sheltered area have had some dieback, but not a complete die out. What do we do when there is no real winter? Do we plant vegetables early? Do we rush out and buy bedding plants in mid-March. The answer is no. There is still the chance of a killing freeze. So what do we do if our plants are starting to bloom a month ahead of time? Do we cover them up? If there is a forecast of Crocus plants in full bloom, photo taken on Feb 12th. a freeze, do we cut the daffodils that are must add compost and organic additives to our soil blooming a month too soon and in spring and fall ,but what about winter and sumput them into vases inside? What mer? When you add organic components to your about the cherry trees that have soil these components are in a state of constant depushed out blossoms? The answer cay. They are not like synthetic granules that you is not a simple one but there are sevthrow over your garden. The synthetic granules are eral things that you can do to make not a good idea. Organic compost and organic masure that your garden gets through nure are the best thing that you can do for your this winter in the event that March garden every season. Even though we think our becomes a monster. gardens are dormant in the winter, they are not, es-

Soil Perhaps the most overlooked aspect of any great garden is the soil. Your plants health or lack of health comes directly from what we do with our soil. We know that we

pecially in a winter like this. Plant roots need nutrients to grow so this is something that you must put on your calendar four times a year. You will have less stress in the garden because healthy soil means healthy plants. When your plants have enough nutrients, readily available, that are organic in nature they thrive.

LEFT: Early blooms on a nectarine tree. This tree will probably not produce fruit this year due to lack of pollinators. Photo taken Feb 15th.

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The other great thing about adding compost or manure to your soil is that you can never really overdo it. With synthetic granules, you run the risk of over fertilizing. You may also be adding too much salt which is usually a big part of synthetic plant food.

Protecting Tender Growth Our gardens are at least a month ahead of where they should be. Camellias which normally bloom in mid to late March are coming into full bloom. Daffodils have been in bloom for a couple of weeks. Winter Jasmine has bloomed three weeks early. And the early blooming cherry tree is blooming extremely early this year. What can we do to protect these plants should we get a freeze? Sadly, if your blossoms have started to show color and are over 50% open when we have temperatures fall are below 30 your plants could show signs of winter blossom burn out. Fortunately, we have had a few days where the temperatures have dipped below freezing which has a stalling effect on some of our plants. If your plants are small enough and they are in full bloom you can take wet newspaper or a wet brown paper bag and cover them on the evening that the freeze is supposed to happen. This has an insulating effect and actually protects the plant from the freezing air. If it is a bigger plant like a cherry tree or a large Camelia unfortunately there’s not much that you can do. But don’t worry. The blossoms may not survive but the plant or tree will be okay.

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Early blooming winter jasmine, photo taken February 9th.

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pollinators are still dormant at this stage in winter. When we have flowers blooming early, the bees that will emerge later will have lost a vital early source of nectar. When fruit trees like nectarines and peaches bloom a month early, will the bees be there to pollinate them? What about the birds that have returned to our Washington gardens early? The flocks of robins that have been eating all the berries off our holly trees are not supposed to be back till mid-March. This untimely invasion will stress out the mocking birds and blue jays who rely on this food source in late February. Nature has cycles and this winter has the potential to cause stress on many birds that need food early in the season.

What We Can Do We discussed the importance of soil and the need to add com-

80 H HILLRAG.COM

post to your soil. Do it now to help your plants gain strength in what will probably be an early spring. For our bees, a quick search on the internet will turn up potions that we can make and put out for them to get a jump on the spring should we lose early flowers to frost or freeze. https://sciencing.com/make-sugarwater-bees-5885763.html And for our birds that are here now and have no berries, try mealworms. We can always do our best to make sure we are gentle caretakers of our gardens and the animals who get just as much enjoyment from them. Derek “The Garden Guy” Thomas has been nationally recognized for his garden design work. He is committed to the urban waterways movement by teaching and lecturing on the importance of protecting and preserving the waterways of DC and beyond. He runs Thomas Landscapes LLC and his garden segments can be seen on his company’s U Tube channel. He can be contacted at www.thomaslandscapes.com / @thomasgardenguy on twitter. u

MARCH 2020 H 81

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The Capitol Hill Garden Club Presents

Dear Garden Lady, by Wendy Blair

We have spring bulbs, and also perennials, in the garden of our new home. I am deficient in gardening technique – even the most basic. How does one prepare and fertilize the garden in spring so as not to disturb the plants that are already there? Remove any dried-up twigs, leaves and old mulch using a small rake or garden fork, with short, small hand movements. Then, scratching the soil first to see how friable it is, gently fork in small handfuls of improvements very lightly around the plants. The improvements can be composted manure, humus, even peat moss. If you

“winter jasmine” or Jasminum nudiﬂorum. Photo by Jan Haerer on Unsplash

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are not sure what else might be coming up this early in the season, just wait. Doing the job gradually will save both the plants that have yet to arrive, and your knees. I read that giant white trilliums are now available. I recall wild trilliums as a child up north in the early spring woods – we were forbidden to pick them because they were rare. How can I get some for my decadent Southern garden in DC, and how do I plant them? Trillium grandiflorum (largeflower “wake robin”) is endangered in some states, partly because deer

Real Estate

Management Transition Time?

eat them. Trilliums are tricky to grow from seed, which must be planted in the autumn, so you are too late now for seeds. However, you can buy bare-root seedlings to plant in April from native plant nurseries. Search online. Try Prairie Moon Nursery, for one. Trilliums need loamy, sandy soil and a bit of sun but not too much, and, around here, definitely afternoon shade because it can get very hot as early as April. We have a tough shrub with bright yellow flowers that my husband calls a jasmine. It cascades down a small hill and has no scent. I thought jasmine had a beautiful scent. Can you clarify for me? Your tough shrub, with cascading long arms covered in small brilliant yellow flowers earlier than forsythia, and with a falling habit, is known as “winter jasmine” or Jasminum nudiflorum. Blooming as early as late January and all February, it is beautiful, but without scent. The jasmine with a heavenly scent is “common jasmine,” or Jasminum oﬃcinale. It has white flowers and blooms in the summer. It grows fast, to a height of 15 to 30 feet, and can be a vine, a ground cover or a sprawling shrub. Guest speaker Kristin Sampson, manager of Frager’s Garden Center, will highlight “What Grows Best on the Hill” at the March 10 meeting of the Capitol Hill Garden Club – 7 p.m. in the lower-level meeting room, NE Public Library, corner of Maryland Avenue and Seventh Street NE. Meetings are free and open to all. Membership details are at www.capitolhillgardenclub.org. Feeling beset by gardening problems? Your problem might prove instructive to others, and help them feel superior to you. Send them to the Problem Lady c/o dearproblemlady@gmail. com. Complete anonymity is assured. u

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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 14TH STREET CORRIDOR 3819 14th St NW #PH4 2125 14th St NW #216 2750 14th St NW #509

$924,900 $655,000 $625,500

ADAMS MORGAN 2242 Ontario Rd NW #2 2019 19th St NW #4 2713 Ontario Rd NW #3 2550 17th St NW #512 1801 Calvert St NW #305

$760,000 $723,000 $599,000 $515,000 $420,000

ANACOSTIA 1305 Maple View Pl SE 2230 Nicholson St SE 2022 14th St SE 1612 16th St SE 2522 West St SE 1350 Maple View Pl SE 2124 13th St SE 1333 Maple View Pl SE 2333 16th St SE #201

$835,000 $565,000 $565,000 $553,000 $485,000 $450,000 $375,000 $260,000 $184,000

ATLAS DISTRICT 1204 5th St NE 730 11th St NE #401

$751,500 $460,000

BARRY FARMS 1527 Morris Rd SE 1412 Morris Rd SE 2328 14th Pl SE

$437,550 $430,000 $359,900

BLOOMINGDALE 1709 1st St NW 2124 Flagler Pl NW 26 Rhode Island Ave NW #1 43 Quincy Pl NW #1 52 Quincy Pl NW #304 51 Randolph Pl NW #101

$1,260,000 $890,000 $810,000 $750,000 $416,000 $285,000

BRENTWOOD 1345 Downing St NE 1348 W St NE 1660 West Virginia Ave NE #202

$490,000 $410,000 $285,612

CAPITOL HILL 133 13th St NE 318 A St SE 519 East Capitol St SE 13 4th St NE 1432 1/2 G St SE 116 5th St NE 505 3rd St SE 638 6th St NE 1001 C St SE 1362 K St SE 319 D St SE 1347 Constitution Ave NE 1345 K St SE #PH2 901 D St NE #207 107 8th St NE

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$2,240,000 $2,131,000 $2,000,000 $2,000,000 $1,915,000 $1,700,000 $1,500,000 $1,375,000 $1,350,000 $1,350,000 $1,300,000 $1,150,000 $1,060,000 $1,005,000 $935,000

3 2 2

2 2 2 1 1

5 3 3 4 3 3 4 3 2

3 2

3 3 0

4 3 3 3 2 1

3 3 2

4 4 4 4 5 4 4 5 3 4 2 4 2 2 2

524 10th St SE 923 South Carolina Ave SE 244 10th St SE 306 Constitution Ave NE 155 Kentucky Ave SE 1402 C St SE 930 15th St SE 215 15th St SE 1315 Independence Ave SE #4 508 12th St NE 116 6th St NE #202 1500 Pennsylvania Ave SE #406 644 Massachusetts Ave NE #205 1237 C St SE #3 92 15th St NE #92 516 A St NE #103

$930,000 $926,923 $910,000 $876,000 $811,000 $804,000 $803,000 $789,500 $626,400 $625,000 $595,000 $465,000 $419,000 $410,000 $399,999 $399,900

CAPITOL HILL EAST 128 17th St NE 1391 Pennsylvania Ave SE #359 1508 F St NE #1

$1,260,000 $570,000 $410,000

3 3 3 2 3 2 3 2 1 3 2 2 1 1 1 1

4 2 2

1508 F St NE #2 1391 Pennsylvania Ave SE #348 1621 E Capitol St SE #4

$406,000 $399,900 $375,000

CENTRAL 920 I St NW #604 400 Massachusetts Ave NW #520 400 Massachusetts Ave NW #618 912 F St NW #301 2301 N St NW #608

$740,000 $700,000 $525,000 $495,000 $459,000

COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 3637 13th St NW 3648 13th St NW 726 Girard St NW #3 1009 Monroe St NW 3639 Warder St NW 1444 Newton St NW #1 1442 Newton St NW ###1 3519 New Hampshire Ave NW #2 1027 Lamont St NW #1

$1,039,500 $975,000 $817,500 $800,000 $790,000 $785,000 $780,000 $775,000 $750,000

2 1 1

1 2 1 1 1

4 5 3 4 4 3 3 3 3

1440 Newton St NW #A 3116 Park Pl NW 1345 Perry Pl NW 629 Keefer Pl NW 3819 14th St NW #UNIT 2 600 Irving St NW 3035 15th St NW #204 740 Fairmont St NW #B 2619 University Pl NW #2 1443 Chapin St NW #302 1454 Euclid St NW #4 2617 University Pl NW #1 1360 Kenyon St NW #3 625 Park Rd NW #111 1468 Harvard St NW #31 1300 Park Rd NW #2 1338 Fairmont St NW #1 3500 13th St NW #109 1421 Columbia Rd NW #203 907 Euclid St NW #102 3500 13th St NW #303 1420 Clifton St NW #403 625 Mellon St SE 34 Elmira St SW 95 Forrester St SW 437 Xenia St SE 1024 Barnaby Ter SE 622 Southern Ave SE 400 Newcomb St SE #6 404 Newcomb St SE #4 326 Raleigh St SE 721 Brandywine St SE #301

$750,000 $747,500 $745,000 $727,000 $650,000 $635,000 $635,000 $629,000 $625,000 $620,000 $599,265 $550,000 $550,000 $550,000 $549,000 $510,000 $510,000 $475,000 $449,900 $399,999 $355,000 $322,500 $430,000 $365,000 $363,000 $360,000 $353,000 $325,000 $325,000 $310,000 $245,000 $169,000

DEANWOOD 620 49th Pl NE 38 Burns St NE 4856 Brooks St NE 902 48th Pl NE 5415 E Capitol St SE 4216 Eads St NE 243 57th Pl NE 5228 Karl Pl NE 28 54th St SE 4018 Grant St NE 4926 Jay St NE 4237 Eads St NE 5308 Jay St NE 5921 Clay St NE 3934 Blaine St NE 4212 NE Gault Pl NE 919 46th St NE 5103 Sheriff Rd NE 5222 Karl Pl NE 5028 Jay St NE 5715 Foote St NE 5237 Karl Pl NE 522 56th St NE

$505,000 $495,000 $480,000 $480,000 $480,000 $479,000 $432,000 $410,000 $396,000 $375,000 $317,900 $296,000 $284,000 $281,000 $270,000 $262,000 $244,000 $240,000 $235,000 $232,000 $230,000 $205,000 $200,000

3 3 3 3 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 6 3 2 3 3 2 2 2 2 2

4 3 4 4 4 3 4 3 4 3 3 3 5 2 4 3 3 4 3 3 3 4 3

DUPONT 1713 S St NW #2 1701 16th St NW #650 1811 19th St NW #1 2015 Hillyer Pl NW 1325 21st St NW #101 1325 21st St NW #201

$490,000 $465,000 $390,000 $2,600,000 $1,195,000 $1,105,000

1 1 1 4 2 2

MARCHING INTO SPRING SALES! 1745 N St NW #409 1745 N St NW #308 1745 N St NW #605 1401 17th St NW #306 1325 18th St NW #904 1722 U St NW #D 1749 Church St NW #1 2101 N St NW #204 1330 New Hampshire Ave NW #318 1301 20th St NW #302 1526 17th St NW #209 1330 New Hampshire Ave NW #806

$1,100,000 $1,014,000 $780,000 $665,000 $637,500 $625,000 $420,000 $416,000 $390,000 $387,000 $359,500 $357,000

ECKINGTON 44 Quincy Pl NE #2 177 Uhland Ter NE 1906 2nd St NE 231 Seaton Pl NE #5 230 S St NE #2 14 Florida Ave NE

$900,000 $748,000 $725,000 $715,000 $675,000 $645,000

FAIRLAWN 1720 T St SE

$380,000

FOGGY BOTTOM 955 26th St NW #905 2475 Virginia Ave NW #413/414 700 New Hampshire Ave NW #1212 922 24th St NW #707 955 26th St NW #503

$891,000 $515,000 $344,000 $257,000 $690,000

FT DUPONT PARK 915 Ridge Rd SE 824 Hilltop Ter SE 1786 41st Pl SE 4016 Q St SE 721 Adrian St SE 1504 Fort Davis Pl SE 1676 40th St SE 4357 G St SE 3914 S St SE 4028 Southern Ave SE 3947 R St SE 1567 42nd St SE

$545,000 $479,000 $462,000 $457,000 $428,000 $422,000 $396,000 $395,900 $375,000 $369,000 $315,000 $289,000

H STREET CORRIDOR 646 H St NE #403 646 H St NE #505 723 18th St NE #1 646 H St NE #401 646 H St NE #301 711 15th St NE #3 1629 L St NE #102

HILL CREST 3706 Bangor St SE 3159 Westover Dr SE 2561 36th St SE 2237 30th St SE 3311 Carpenter St SE 1004 30th St SE

KINGMAN PARK 619 16th St NE #PH-B 1726 E St NE 543 25th Pl NE 315 18th Pl NE #3

LEDROIT PARK 311 U St NW

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ER T! D C N RA U T N CO

E BL A IL W! A O AV N

638 C St NE 3 BR/2.5BA $1,135,000

2 1 3 1 1 1 1

$697,000 $617,000 $518,500 $485,000 $406,000 $280,000

3 3 4 3 3 2

$765,000 $620,000 $457,500 $345,000

3 2 3 1

$1,020,000

E BL A IL W! A O AV N

1615 East Capitol St SE 4BR/3.5BA $1,100,000 IMPECCABLE REBUILD ON HISTORIC EAST CAPITOL ST! A beautiful blend of first-rate construction, brand NEW systems, custom cabinetry, and wellchosen finishes - all behind an historic 20th century facade. Enjoy the wide, inviting floor plan, owners’ BD with en suite bath/double closets/ skylights. LL media room/guest suite/in-law suite complemented with full bath and rear walkout to DEEP patio, yard and parking for two cars. Perfectly located near Lincoln Park, METRO, River Trail and Hill East community amenities!

1740 Bay St SE 4BR/3 BA $1,135,000 LARGE END-OF-ROW HOME! This classic Capitol Hill rowhouse on idyllic Bay St SE delivers an elevated porch front with wide open spaces across THREE levels. Includes wrap-around front/side/rear gardens, deck and fully finished English apartment. Conveniently located near METRO, Anacostia River Trail, and more!

1106 E St NE 4BR/3.5BA $1,300,000 NEWLY RENOVATED ROW HOME IN EXCELLENT LOCATION! This masterful top to bottom restoration blends the best of first-rate construction and brand-new systems with thoughtfully chosen finishes. Blocks to the restaurants and amenities of H St corridor and Lincoln Park.

BEAUTIFUL STONEFRONT STEPS FROM STANTON PARK! This rare Richardsonian Romanesque-styled home, built in 1900, offers updated living in the HEART of the HILL! Central staircase and sky lit 3-story atrium floods the house with natural light and gracefully divides each level with 100% above ground living spaces! Boasting classic features throughout, including stained glass windows, two brick fireplaces, and turned balusters, this home will delight inside and out, including a peaceful rear patio and gardens.

2 2 1 0 2

$729,900 $642,400 $565,000 $480,000 $451,500 $448,500 $275,000

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4 4 3 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 2

1432 G St SE 5 BR/4.5BA $1,970,000

1660 Gales St NE 3 BR/2 BA $655,000 HUGE CORNER YARD FACING SOUTHERN SUN! A meticulously renovated END-OF-ROW home includes LARGE wrap-around yards/ gardens/stove-paved patio with brand new systems and modern style. Main level anchored by 23’ ft wide living room, full bath, and pristine, gourmet chef’s kitchen. All overlooking Rosedale Recreation Center; and just a stroll to H Street Corridor/ATLAS District, at a price lower than nearby condos!

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202.544.7577 www.newmangallery.com ROTAT I N G E X H I B I TS O F LO C A L A RT I S TS

LILY PONDS 415 34th St NE 3341 Alden Pl NE 3353 Baker St NE

LOGAN CIRCLE 1300 N St NW #606 1309 T St NW #2 1313 R St NW #2 1314 Vermont Ave NW #4 1309 R St NW #1 1524 Kingman Pl NW 1844 13th St NW 1115 12th St NW #102 1550 11th St NW #B04 1239 NW Vermont Ave NW #602 1550 11th St NW #302 1125 12th St NW #3 1441 Rhode Island Ave NW #207 1515 15th St NW #614 1511 11th St NW #201

2 2 3

$699,000 $1,150,000 $2,000,000 $1,535,000 $1,350,000 $1,300,000 $1,075,000 $625,000 $574,900 $480,000 $429,900 $250,000 $520,000 $800,000 $755,000

2 2 3 2 3 3 3 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 2

MARSHALL HEIGHTS 4617 A St SE 5005 D St SE #201

MT VERNON SQ 400 Massachusetts Ave NW #211 440 L St NW #1106

NAVY YARD 1025 1st SE #610 801 Virginia Ave SE #203 1025 1st SE #1308

NOMA

1144 5th St NE 1122 I St NE 55 M St NW #202

OLD CITY #1

605 M St NE 1419 A St SE 645 Lexington Pl NE 1604 A St NE 1418 A St NE 1351 Ives Pl SE 1312 Constitution Ave NE 1391 Pennsylvania Ave SE #508 233 K St NE 305 19th St NE

OLD CITY #2

2104 Vermont Ave NW 1416 Florida Ave NW 1310 12th St NW #1 1734 Independence Ave SE 911 T St NW #ONE 1722 U St NW #A 555 Massachusetts Ave NW #812 440 L St NW #806 1825 T St NW #207 1815 18th St NW #102 2120 Vermont Ave NW #105 1125 12th St NW #1 2032 15th St NW #3

PENN QUARTER 925 H St NW #602 912 F St NW #904 777 7th St NW #608

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$365,000 $300,000 $300,000

$221,000 $80,895

2 2

$725,000 $476,500

2 1

$687,500 $499,900 $399,999

1 1 0

$860,000 $810,500 $462,500

3 4 2

$1,235,000 $921,000 $875,000 $860,000 $825,400 $785,000 $700,000 $585,000 $507,000 $465,000

4 3 3 4 3 3 2 2 2 3

$1,600,000 $900,000 $757,500 $605,000 $550,000 $539,500 $480,000 $475,000 $475,000 $430,000 $420,000 $256,000 $205,000

3 4 2 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 0

$1,050,000 $510,000 $420,000

2 1 1

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RANDLE HEIGHTS 2346 Q St SE 1863 Tubman Rd SE 3150 Stanton Rd SE 1950 U Pl SE 3447 24th St SE 3275 15th Pl SE #202 3101 Naylor Rd SE #103

RIVER TERRACE 3332 Clay Pl NE

RLA (SW)

1435 4th St SW #205 800 4th St SW #S518 1311 Delaware Ave SW #S439

SHAW

950 Westminster St NW 917 Westminster St NW 1850a 8th St NW 1850b 8th St NW 1820 8th St NW 710 Q St NW 1613 6th St NW #2

SW WATERFRONT 700 7th St SW #604 1250 4th St SW #W408

TRINIDAD

1318 Queen St NE 1609 Holbrook St NE #2 1021 17th St NE #8 1628 Trinidad Ave NE #1 1609 Holbrook St NE #1 1613 Meigs Pl NE 1124 Owen Pl NE 1328 Queen St NE 1340 Queen St NE 1753 Lang Pl NE 1104 Holbrook Ter NE #4 1232 Montello Ave NE 1727 L St NE 1220 Holbrook Ter NE #203

TRUXTON CIRCLE 89 P St NW

ADDITIONS $595,000 $402,000 $285,000 $235,000 $200,000 $169,000 $95,000

4 3 3 2 2 3 2

$241,000

$644,000 $353,000 $147,000

2 1 0

$1,375,000 $1,150,000 $1,084,200 $1,080,888 $995,000 $912,000 $690,000

4 4 4 4 2 3 2

$406,000 $305,000

2 1

$690,000 $606,000 $600,000 $595,000 $590,000 $536,000 $508,800 $500,000 $495,000 $440,000 $375,000 $375,000 $370,000 $259,000

3 3 3 4 3 2 2 3 3 3 1 2 2 1

$835,000

WEST END

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arts ining d and

a Love Affair with

z i

P za

by Jonathan Bardzik

Truly, love pizza. izza. I have truly love p loved er, always not, howev a. When I n, DC pizz o from New Washingto rs ag an wn 17 yea to to d ne more th e v o m e pizza sce th ave h d I n . u rs fo few yea st la England, I e th r d this past g. But ove my love an why. f o y h a bit lackin rt o e reasons DC pizza w Capri discovered I discovered one of th zeria for their From Day Stellina Piz k author Amy Riolo Valentine’s e’s Day at n ti n le okboo a V t I spen d fellow co razzo and n a d n ie fr ta event. My ntonio Ma with Love h owners A rante it w t n e v e the with Risto organized James nini along e V o e cook at the tt a to f S e h U C e e Chef M th v uti st arrived in apri’s Exec who had ju o D’Amore C o and sc the Pizu F io ssador for ald Anton a in b lo R m io r. a A le z o a d ri iz u n p P sq ays Pa le, MD, a Bra use a few d ) in Beltsvil s pizza. As o g ir rg e H in o th y. th rd it a in ll e a rs e B za n g piz o expert o r (pizzauniv subject. ard-winnin ria Paradis Riolo is an Arts Cente licious, aw ago. Photo: Pizza ry e a d n li s s on the u it C p u d rs ches classe rsity an a e n serving rcle nearly 30 yea a te iv g n d e b n U a a o s z is st t ci arad tes blog po Pizzeria P cation near Dupon she also wri ginal lo ori

MARCH 2020 H 89

LEFT: Stellina Pizzeria owners Antonio Matarazzo and Chef Matteo Venini serve it up Neo-Neopolitan during a celebration of Capri with pizza expert Chef Amy Riolo, Executive Chef Pasquale Rinaldo and Pizzaiolo Antonio Fusco. Photo: Nandor Nagy Homemade pizza is an easy treat. Jonathan Bardzik cooked up this pumpkin, Merguez sausage and feta cheese pizza for his new show Jonathan’s Kitchen debuting this spring on Amazon Prime Video.

BELOW: Stellina serves up NeoNeopolitan pizza and classic, crisp fried bites in their Union Market pizzeria.

Pizza At Home

While your home oven is not going to reach the 700-900 F plus temperatures of these restaurant ovens, you can still make darn good pizza at home. Below is the recipe for my basic crust. Homemade Pizza Crust makes 2 10” pizza crusts This takes an hour to proof the dough and pre-heat the oven, so start your dinner prep early and have plenty of wine on hand while you wait. Ingredients: 1 1/4 cup warm water 2 1/2 tsp active dry yeast (about 1 packet) 3 cups all purpose flour 1 1/2 tsp salt 2 tbs olive oil Directions: Place pizza stone in oven and preheat to 500F while dough proofs. You want the oven good and hot so I pre-heat for at least an hour. In a large mixing bowl, sprinkle yeast over warm water. If it doesn’t begin to foam within 5 minutes, sprinkle in a pinch of sugar. If it still doesn’t foam then order a pizza for delivery and plan to buy new yeast. When yeast starts to foam, stir in the flour and salt to make a slightly tacky dough. Knead in the mixer with a dough hook or on a floured surface with your hands until it springs back to the touch, about 3 minutes in the mixer or 6 minutes by hand. Pour oil into a large, clean mixing bowl. Add dough and turn to coat with oil. Cover with plastic wrap and set somewhere warm, about 75-80F, for an hour to rise. Divide dough in half and, using your fingers, press out from the center to form a roughly round, thin crust. Top lightly and bake for 8-10 minutes until crisp and beginning to brown. Last fall Amy and topped the crust with fresh roasted pumpkin, Merguez sausage and feta cheese from Mike Bowers at Eastern Market for my upcoming, new TV show Jonathan’s Kitchen. 90 H HILLRAG.COM

When choosing great pizza, Riolo says, you have to first figure your “pizza personality,” or at a minimum, what you’re in the mood for. Today in the DC area there are as many styles of pizza as there are toppings, and some pizzerie actually identify themselves by the style they prefer – which makes the selection process easier. For example, if you know you like super-crunchy crust, then try Neo-Neapolitan. If you like traditional, go for Neapolitan, or if you prefer your pie filled with lots of toppings, then go for Chicago or Detroit. (Want to know the details behind the differences in style? Check out Riolo’s blog post on pizza styles at pizzauniversity.org. Until recently, says Riolo, DC was not known as a pizza-lover’s dream destination. “But that has changed thanks to many passionate consumers, restaurateurs, and the Marra Family.” The Marra family, originally from Naples, Italy, founded Marra Forni (marraforni.com) in Maryland. The leading US manufacturer of custom brick ovens, their ovens provide local pizza restaurants with the tools they need for success. In 2018, the Marra Family also opened The Pizza University and Culinary Arts Center to teach not only the art of pizza making, but also integral knowledge about the pizza-business to anyone looking to open a successful pizzeria. “Our mission is to offer the most comprehensive pizza-making and business operation information in the industry. Authentic, artisan pizza-making combines science, artistry, technique, knowledge, passion, operational skills, and a commitment to centuries-old tradi-

tions,” says Riolo. Nowadays the DMV boasts many restaurants with certified Pizzaioli as well as Marra Forni ovens, both of which ensure authenticity and quality. So, seated next to an expert, enjoying a hot, crisp-crusted slice of pizza I asked Riolo for her DMV favorites:

Amy Riolo’s Top Choices Stellina Here you can enjoy Neo-Neapolitan at its brightest and best in an atmosphere that takes you to modern Naples. It’s no accident that Stellina is on the Washingtonian’s 100 Very Best Restaurant list and was named a “Best New Restaurant” in 2019 by many. Chef Matteo Venini cranks out hundreds of classic and new pizza interpretations daily in his Marra Forni oven. And don’t miss the fried artichokes, cauliflower, and arancini! Riolo says, “If I had to pick a pizzeria to eat at daily, it would be Stellina, and I would be happy doing it!” (stellinapizzeria.com, 399 Morse St NE)

Il Canale Owner Joe Farruggio, opened the restaurant in 2010 after decades of making pizza in New York.

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Party Planning

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Maggi’s Pizzeria owner Patrick Maggi serves up his US Pizza cup award-winning Maryland Margherita. Photo: Nick Bogatz

He has become a pillar of the Italian-American community in DC and many local charity events are hosted there. His traditional wood-fired pizzas are tried and true. If you happen to go there when the Italian team is playing in the World Cup (soccer), you might just find Riolo, and her Italian guests eating there. (ilcanale.com, 1065 31st Street, NW)

Pizzeria Paradiso The restaurant was founded in 1991 to “make the kind of pizza we longed for but couldn’t find in the DC area; the kind of pizza where the crust was the most important part.” To create that pizza, like Il Canale, they also start with a woodburning oven. Riolo told me, “I have had the opportunity to collaborate with

Using an oven imported from Napoli, Il Canale serves wood-fired pizza at their Georgetown restaurant. Photo: Roberto Farruggio

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The winds of March that make my heart a dancer....lead me to Mr. Henry’s!

award-winning owner Ruth Gresser on several occasions. Her commitment to quality ingredients and making a difference in the community are exemplary. If you’re looking for creative toppings and global influences in your pies and are interested in pairing them with craft beer, this is the place for you.” (eatyourpizza.com, multiple locations in and around DC)

Maggi’s Pizza – Damascus MD I know many of you might be thinking “why would I go to Damascus, MD just for pizza, right?” Well, the answer is, to taste the U.S. Pizza Cup champion’s pizza, that’s why. The competition is organized by the US Pizza Team at the Pizza University and Culinary Arts Center. According to Riolo, “Competition at the Pizza Cup was stiff – and I was a judge. What made Patrick Maggi’s pizza shine was his usage of locally grown--as in, his garden--tomatoes and locally produced mozzarella to create The Maryland Margherita.” Maggi’s Pizza’s combination of truly local ingredients with Italian inspiration makes for a unique pizza that locals can be proud to call their own. Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg with 2 Amy’s Menomale, Declaration, All Purpose, and many other pizzerias earning my love as the list of praise-worthy pizza restaurants in the DMV continues to grow! Jonathan Bardzik is a Washington, DCbased storyteller, cook and author. Jonathan got his start offering weekly, live cooking demos at Eastern Market and can be found today at more than 10 markets in the DC area. He has written three cook books and his new television series, Jonathan’s Kitchen, will be available this spring on Amazon Prime Video and HereTV. For more information follow Jonathan on Instagram @ JonathanBardzik and visit JonathanBardzik.com. u

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. arts and dining .

VOYAGE TO TUSCANY Falling in Love with the Land and Wines by Elyse Genderson

here are so many reasons to fall in love with Tuscany. The stunning scenery, rolling hills, olive trees, delicious cuisine, historic art and architecture, the list goes on. But what keeps us coming back to this picturesque countryside dotted with Cyprus trees is the wine. Viticulture in Tuscany predates the rise of the Roman Empire. The first exports of wine from Tuscany dates all the way back to the Etruscan period in the seventh century BCE. Viticulture and wine trade have always been key to the economy of Tuscany. There are many grapes grown throughout Tuscany, whites such as Trebbiano and Vernaccia, and reds like Canaiolo Nero. But the signature grape of Tuscany, and the most widely planted in all of Italy is Sangiovese. Typical examples of Sangiovese are ruby in color, with aromas and flavors of red cherry, red plum, violet and dried green herbs. They are full bodied with high tannins and high acidity. The best examples have the potential to age and improve in the bottle for decades. When mature, they develop rustic earthy flavors. Most of the top growing regions produce red wines, with the exception of Vernaccia di San Gimignano, a historic white wine region, mentioned many times in texts from the middle ages. These are lovely white wines from the namesake town, a popular tourist destination known for its 14 medieval towers. Vernaccia has aromas of wet stones, almond, pineapple, and citrus. The largest wine producing region in Tuscany is Chianti. They are released young, in March following the harvest, and aged in neutral vessels keeping the emphasis on the fresh red cherry character of Sangiovese. These wines are less expensive than those from Chianti Classico, the hilly area between Florence and Siena. The top vineyards of Chianti Classico are at higher elevations about 650-1,640 feet above sea-level. Cooler temperatures contribute to a longer growing season allowing Sangiovese to fully ripen and retain high acidity needed for complex and balanced wines. Special rocky soils called galestro and clay soils called alberese offer balance between good drainage and water retention. Wines are released later than in Chianti with a minimum of one year and two years for Riserva. Today, the style of wine from Chianti Classico emphasizes the natural character-

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istics of Sangiovese without the influence of international varietals like Merlot or New French Oak to mask the tart cherry qualities of the variety. Another iconic Tuscan wine is Brunello di Montalcino, named for the historic town of Montalcino in southern Tuscany. It is one of the most prized wines from Italy collected and traded all over the world. The Biondi-Santi family is credited as the pioneer of the region; they were the only producer of Brunello until World War II. A lot has changed since then and today there are 250 producers of Brunello up from only 11 in the 1960s. The area is warmer and drier than Chianti Classico, and its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea provides cool breezes that preserve acidity. This climate creates very full-bodied expressions of Sangiovese with lots of black pepper, red cherry, violet, cinnamon, and clove. Winemakers wanted to offer something to drink while the Brunello was still aging so they created Rosso di Montalcino. 100% Sangiovese it is from the same area as Brunello, but it is released after one year instead of 5 years required for Brunello. It is more approachable and an incredible value for the money. A quality revolution in Tuscany started with the founding of Sassicaia in 1968 and Tignanello in 1971. These trailblazers started the renowned category of Super Tuscans, elevating the prestige of the region as a whole. These wines are made from Bordeaux varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and are aged in small French oak cask, not the traditional botti. This created an international style of deeply colored, fruity reds with lots of vanilla and sweet spice, from the small French barrique. These are some of the most expensive and collectable wines in the world.

Four Tuscan Wines to Try Now:

2006 Volpaiole Val di Cornia Classico, Bogheri DOC $19.99 Elegant and rustic with soft plummy fruit, sweet tobacco, and forest floor, this shows plenty of concentration and minerality.

2014 Verrazzano Rosso, Toscana IGT $9.99 A blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Trebbiano, this ruby

the wine girl

red offers aromas of red cherry, black pepper, and violet.

2013 Siro Pacenti Vecchie Vigne Brunello di Montalcino $89.99 Old vines offer concentrated red and black fruit flavors, complemented by charred oak and vanilla.

2016 Fiore Chianti $16.99 Intense and lively aromas of wild cherry, purple blossoms, and hints of spice. Full-bodied with elegant and soft tannins. Elyse Genderson is the Vice President of Schneider’s. Visit her at the historic storefront to discover wine’s you’ll love. u

SUNDAY

Featuring:

MAAMY- 3 P3M

11 L L A H H T R N O ERN MARKET! OF EAST

c., unity News, In Capital Comm e Capitol Hill Sponsored by th m fro t or l supp with financia e Michael Fry undation, Th s, Community Fo l contributor ca lo r he ot d , an vern Memorial Fund Tunnicliff ’s Ta to ks an th with special

Author talks & panel discussions Children’s Corner with story times & family activities More than a dozen local libraries, booksellers, publishers, & other exhibitors, including: AARP Foundation/Experience Corps • East City Bookshop Library of Congress • Platypus Media/Science, Naturally! The Writer’s Center/Poet Lore

nearly 40 writers, including: Richard Agemo

Mark Parascandola

Louis Bayard

Eva J. Pell

Sandra Beasley

Garrett Peck

Michelle Goldchain

David Rapp

Bill Gourgey

Janet Umble Reedy

Donald Illich

Colleen Shogan

Andrew C.A. Jampoler

J.D. Smith

David H. Kamens

Scott Sowers

Bradford R. Kane

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POETS’ CORNER @ TUNNICLIFF’S 3PM on the patio at Tunnicliff’s Tavern across from Eastern Market Readings by noted local poets followed by open-mic poetry readings (sign up at the poetry table at the BookFest or, after 3pm, at Tunnicliff’s)

w w w.literar yhillb o okfest.org Connect with us on social media @theliteraryhill MARCH 2020 H 95

. arts and dining .

AT THE MOVIES

New Films: A Reboot of an Austen Comedy, A Saga of a Mafioso, and A Top Critic in Her Own Write by Mike Canning

EMMA

velops a more poignant mood as the miscues of Emma come to affect people’s lives. Typical of the Austen novel, a parade of assorted characters appears. The dependable Bill Nighy does a nice turn as Mr. Woodhouse, Emma’s father and resident curmudgeon. Josh O’Connor, as the unctuous curate Elton, is perfectly oily as he fails to win Emma’s affections. Miranda Hart (remembered as Chummy from “Call the Midwife”) is a touching Miss Bates, an earnest but gauche woman who receives disdain from the haughty Emma. to Right: Fausto Russo Alesi as Giovanni Falcone, PierGoth as the pining Harriet is pitiful at first, Left francesco Favino as Tommaso Buscetta in “The Traitor.” © so desperate is she an acolyte of the accomplished Lia Pasqualino. Courtesy Sony Pictures Classics Emma. Later, she matures as a richer character, and her late dialogues with Taylor-Joy are a pivnage. He then watches from afar as his two sons and ot point of the drama. Sturdy Johnny Flynn may seem brother are killed in Palermo, knowing he may be next. too contemporary for the part; his quizzical look and But by the spring of 1984, he is arrested by the Brazilunkempt mop of hair suggest a rock singer (turns out ian police and extradited to Italy. he does front an English folk band), but he acquits In prison, Buscetta (Pierfrancesco Favino) makes himself well as a reluctant but thoughtful swain. a fateful decision to tell all he knows, with names, Taylor-Joy is on new cinematic ground here. dates, and hits. His interrogator is another Sicilian as She made an impression in the Gothic drama “The tough as he is, Judge Giovanni Falcone (Fausto RusWitch” (2015) and has since appeared in two horror so Alesi), and the result of that vast testimony is the thrillers. Her Emma is far removed from those roles, famous maxi-trial in Palermo, with Buscetta the star and she shows she can handle period rom-com capawitness before more than 300 mafiosi defendants. bly. Her look—porcelain skin and marble eyes—cerThe trial itself, unique in Italian history, is shown as a tainly gibes with the character, and she shows rough and raucous affair, with many defendants ragmoods both shallow and spirited with poise ing against Buscetta from their zoo-like cages while and care. For now, she will do nicely as the latthe “traitor” testifies in his bullet-proof glass box. You est EMMA. couldn’t make this stuff up. While the maxi-trial is the dramatic center of the film, “The Traitor” goes on to trace Buscetta’s life in The Traitor the US under witness protection and later testimony Told in epic form, “The Traitor” relates the sinagainst top boss Riina (who was still at large during gular true story of Tommaso Buscetta, the man the Palermo trial) and even high-level politicians inwho brought down the Cosa Nostra (the film volved in Mafia activities. Tommaso Buscetta got his is rated “R” and runs 150 minutes). last wish: he died in his bed in Miami, Florida. It begins in the early 1980’s, with all-out Pierfrancesco Favino carries the film as Buscetwar between the Sicilian clans of the Corleota, and this veteran international performer (“Rush,” nesi, headed by strong man Totò Riina (Nicola “World War Z”), sporting big hair and a big “stache,” Cali), and the Badalamenti, to whom Tommaso handles the load with a mix of toughness and grace, belongs, having reached a fragile peace. But the portraying a once violent man who seeks a way to a pact cannot last, and Buscetta, a “made man,” Anya Taylor-Joy as Emma Woodhouse and Johnny Flynn as George better life. While there is plenty of action and suspense flees to Brazil with his family to avoid the carKnightley in EMMA., a Focus Features release Jane Austen is a boon to filmmakers, with all her novels having been filmed. One of her droller works is “Emma,” from 1815, about the vagaries of misconstrued romance in Regency England. It has seen several film and TV versions, and now comes a fresh take, the first feature by music video maker, Autumn de Wilde (the film opened February 28, is rated “PG,” and runs 122 mins.) Many filmgoers know the basics of the novel. Austen introduces Emma Woodhouse (Anya TaylorJoy) to us as ”handsome, clever, and rich,” living in the fictional village of Highbury. Well-born, Emma is also spoiled and prone to meddle in people’s lives, particularly in finding appropriate matches for the lowborn Harriet Smith (Mia Goth). But in her scheming, Emma overestimates her own matchmaking abilities while being oblivious to a neighbor, Mr. George Knightley (Johnny Flynn). So how does this version of this decorous comedy of manners come off ? Surprisingly, Ms. de Wilde’s take is strikingly traditional and in period. Locations (gorgeous Yorkshire), costuming and hair (lavish), high-toned dialogue, and period music (Mozart, church tunes, and traditional airs)—all combine to present a world that Austen herself might recognize. As a “comic” Austen novel, the opening tone is flighty and twee, but it de-

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in the film (well over two hours), the best scenes are quiet, thoughtful ones where Tommaso pours out his truths to the solemn but sympathetic Falcone. That two-man exchange exposed the world of Cosa Nostra forever.

What She Said: The Art of Pauline Kael Here’s one for the cineastes. “What She Said: The Art of Pauline Kael” traces the life and times and taste of one of our most influential movie critics. It is an insightful portrait of a writer who was much admired--and resented--for what she wrote about motion pictures during one of its banner eras (Not rated, this film runs 98 mins.) After a career as a writer/reviewer, film programmer, and all-around gadfly, Kael (19192001) attained the job of film critic for The New Yorker in 1968, the stellar spot in the business. Moreover, she did it as a woman in a field dominated by men. With a crackling and contentious prose style, unwavering self-confidence, and a deep love of the medium, Kael proved to be a charismatic and provocative voice, turning the tone of movie criticism on its head. As a fan, she lauded the 1930’s smart comedies. As a contemporary voice, she famously championed the New Hollywood Cinema of the late 1960s and ‘70s from directors like Arthur Penn (“Bonnie and Clyde“), Martin Scorsese (“Taxi Driver”), Robert Altman (“Nashville”), along with some prominent European directors like Bernardo Bertolucci (“Last Tango in Paris”). As a tweaker of the Hollywood ethos, she delighted in savaging some of the era’s biggest studio hits, like “The Sound of Music” and “Dirty Harry”. “What She Said” offers a banquet of wellchosen film clips of Kael opining over the breadth of her career and including some new archival material. Actress Sarah Jessica Parker reads from Kael’s distinctive reviews. A parade of filmmakers (Paul Schrader, Quentin Tarantino, David O. Russell) and critics (Molly Haskell, Camille Paglia, and David Edelstein) speak to her continuing contributions and influence. 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

THE JAZZ PROJECT by Jean-Keith Fagon

Escape ••• Adam Hawley, guitar This is Adam Hawley’s third album, which he produced and wrote eight of the album’s ten tunes, showcasing his collaborations with smooth/contemporary jazz musicians Rick Braun, Najee, Michael Lington, Jeff Ryan, Marcus Anderson and Greg Manning. Attacking his electric guitar with fervent tones amidst a shimmering jazz-pop backdrop reminiscent of guitar legends Wes Montgomery and George Benson, Mr. Hawley delivers deft fretwork on opening track “Tokyo Groove,” supported by David Mann’s crisp and punchy horn arrangements with trumpeter Trevor Neumann. The album includes contributions from a number of noteworthy horn players along with Mr. Lington who cranks up the soul power on “99 and Counting.” “Sunday Swing” bounces to a funky, go-go-influenced beat that finds the artist’s electric jazz guitar in a loquacious mood. “Can’t Stop” opens with the chorus, a potent hook that connects with muscle added by sax player Mr. Anderson. Anchoring the beats and grooves throughout Escape, are drummer Eric Valentine, bassists Nathaniel Kearney Jr., and Ian Martin. Percussionist Ramon Yslas adds nuance and Carnell Harrell supplements with vibrant harmonies with his keyboards, organ and synth.

Vibrasonic ••• Vibes Alive, vibraphone and guitar Utilizing vibraphone and guitar as lead instrumental voices is an unusual pairing on the contemporary jazz scene, but together they form an organically warm and earthy sound. Vibes Alive’s third album, Vibrasonic, is written and produced by vibraphonist Dirk Richter and guitarist Randall Crissman. “Sweet Vibes” opens and establishes the tone for the album. Mr. Lorber’s Minimoog intertwines with Mr.Richter’s vibraphone, adding spacy dimensions to the soul-jazz odyssey. The title track, “Vibrasonic,” is an explosive journey on the group’s musical excursion ride. Going downtempo, “Windchime” focus on Mr. Crissman’s electric fret-

work and Mr. Richter’s vibes forming a magnetic melody. The welcoming “Going Home” spreads cheer and comfort, affording the players ample room to relish the homecoming. Vibes and guitar engage in imaginative discourse on “Daydream.” “Rainy Day” sets a contemplative tone. Mr. Lorber’s storming organ helps power “Spy,” a fun and mysterious vibraphonic frolic that breaks into a swinging jazz bridge. The record closes with “Guitar Noir,” a hypnotic number penned by Mr. Crissman, who shines on guitars, keys and bass. Performing on the album is Grammy award-winner keyboardist and fusion pioneer Jeff Lorber who plays keys, synthesizers, piano and synth bass. Legendary drummer Vinnie Colaiuta anchors the rhythm section with Jimmy Johnson on bass and Luis Conte on percussion.

Real Life ••• Chris Sandring, guitar Guitarist Chris Sandring’s new release can be summed up best with the rhetorical title track, “Is There A Doctor In The House?,” which is illuminated by a celestial gospel vocal sample and the artist’s joyous electric guitar parlance and rousing keyboard blasts. The album is a compelling amalgam of slick jazz, soul-singed R&B, funk grooves and bright pop harmonies. After opening “Real Life” with the first single, the tension is palpable on “Out Of The Blue.” Mr. Standring’s electric jazz guitar meanders through the outer edges and his keyboard lends dramatic emphasis to the track that, despite the tense mood, allows bright melodic bursts of hope. “Whatever She Wants” is celebrated with an abundance of endearing fretwork atop bouncy beats and rhythmic handclaps. Heartfelt and atmospheric, “In Other Words” is a tender beauty that deftly balances intimacy, vulnerability and the promise of a glorious sunrise at dawn. Ambient and meditative, “This Mess Is A Place” is a slow burn, churning chantlike at a deliberate pace and repetitive rhythm, setting the mind free. The album closes masterfully with a Spanish classical guitar interpretation of Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Prelude From Bach Cello Suite 1.” u MARCH 2020 H 97

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ARTandtheCITY by Jim Magner can at least bring understanding: the enemy of fear. He says, “Peomotions that bind. ple get it – they Emotions that tie you can see it.” It is in knots or chain you to every person’s someone else. Emotions war with the dethat rage through pain and mands, burdens and anxiety or soar through the joys of seeing, sensing limitations of life. Jim teaches high school and being. art in Leesburg, Virginia. He The drawings of Jim Haller are not blase. He can came to this area 12 years bring you to the edge of a nightmare, feeling the reago from Pittsburgh and has pressed alarm that bad things are living on entered numerthe periphery, out there somewhere on the ous art shows. fringe of consciousness. And, back again. “Triptych” is his “Triptych.” Ink and wood stain, 23 x 28 inches. Photo: Jim Haller It’s not all dark and doom. There’s a mesentry in the cursage of hope – surviving and continuing rent Hill Cento be creative. anyone knows. How many have committed suicide, ter show. (See At the Galleries.) He was Jim Haller’s art brings the satisfacoften surprising those who were close? awarded second place from the 85 includtion of dealing with his own health isBut making art is in itself a bugle call that pased works. You can see all of his work at sues, Crohn’s Disease, and its secondsion to create is the great overcomer. It’s the undeniEye Detail www.jimhaller.com. ary conditions. able force that shines through the darkness. As in Jim In “Triptych,” the Haller’s “Just Some Lady,” the eyes scream defiance, Jim Magner’s skull is a tipoff that there a refusal to let go of thought, imagination and the oneis a personal conversation Thoughts on Art of-a-kind life that has made a difference, if only in a going on. The turned-over The first thing you notice private way. vial of pills adds to the story. about Jim Haller’s work is Some have reached fame and even money, what What isn’t so obvious is the his skill with the pen and we call success. A few have even reached a higher levartist’s control. The comhis exacting observation of el and will be always recognized, honored and rememposition is balanced to empeople and things. Then bered by other artists. But there is a price to be paid by phasize the tense interacyou sense the immeasurwanting to please and impress people you don’t even tion, yet the reflections on able emotional connecknow. The shadow can fall. Darkness can descend bethe table help to soften the tions. His message is openfore the curtain. eye-lock between the living ended but stark. Intense. The answer, of course, is returning to the dreams and the dead. There is a declaration that and imagination where creativity is born. That is what With “Just Some life can be hard – that there art is really all about – that flash of creativity, that solo Lady,” the artistry of pen is pain and anxiety. flight beyond the mundane. Above pain. It’s the pasand ink intensifies the Yes, pain and anxiety sion that shines through the darkness. marks of aging, yet the powhave often been the forces er of her eyes declares an that drive the arts. PaintAt the Galleries undimmed passion for living, music and theater have Hill Center ing, a refusal to surrender. been the citadels where de921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE Jim Haller believes pression and brokenness –April 18 that honesty about pain, have come to roost. The This is the annual Regional Juried Exhibition. Myrand facing truths of living, “Just Some Lady.” Ink and wood stain, 13 x 20. pain can be deeper than tis Bedolla, owner of Galerie Myrtis, Baltimore, was Photo: Jim Haller

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subject matter but widely different techniques. Juror Justyne Fischer presented awards at the February reception. First place, Tamora Ilasat for “Composition in Blue II”; second place, Ken Bachman for “Presence”; third place, Jane Mann for “San Diego.” Honorable mentions went to Karen Cohen for “Federal Brass Band 2019”; J. Jaffrey for “All I am are the rhythm of my breath”; Nan Raphael for “This Too Shall Pass.” www. caphillartleague.org

From Transitional Spaces, paintings by Dana Brotman at Touchstone Gallery, March 4-29. Opening reception March 13, 6-8:30.

the juror. She selected 85 artists from the 165 DC-area artists who submitted works. The three cash prizewinners are: first place, Linda Lowery, “Aya”; second place, Jim Haller, “Triptych”; third place, Sally Canzoneri, “DC Stores: 1942 and 2014.” www.hillcenterdc.org. Artists & Makers Studios 11810 Parklawn Drive, Suite 210 Rockville, Maryland, March 4-26 Raised by TV – Paintings by David Amoroso Opening reception: Fri., March 6, 6-9 p.m. David Amoroso, like most of us, grew up watching television. It was that golden era of light comedic series like “The Brady Bunch” and “Maude.” Some, like “All in the Family” and “Good Times,” delivered a sharp social message along with the laughs. For David, they became an escape from a “sometimes horrific childhood.” Television and drawing became the combined refuge that he still celebrates. This exhibit of portraits of your favorite characters will certainly make you smile. www. facebook.com/AmorosoART/ Capitol Hill Art League 545 Seventh St. SE, –March 14 You still have time to drop by the Capitol Hill Art League (CHAL) for the juried show Rhythm and Blues. It’s a great mix of related

Touchstone Gallery 901 New York Ave. NW March 4-29 Opening reception: Fri., March 13, 6:008:30 p.m. Gallery A hosts the Touchstone Gallery Member Show. In Gallery B, Dana Brotman presents a series of paintings titled “Transitional Spaces.” Brotman explores the “liminal space” between what is here, gone, remembered or only dreamed. She includes the Marrakech Portraits by Steve Alderton from a trip a year before his death last summer. Brotman, a close friend, has been experimenting with painting on top of his halffinished paintings, allowing his original colors to bleed through. Brotman, a psychologist, will explore this experiment with fellow psychologist Michael Krass at the gallery on Saturday, March 21, at 1 p.m. I profiled Steve Alderton in this column in 2004 and became familiar with his attempts at geometric orderliness and mathematical proportions. Each painting was tied to all of his works through geometric shapes, but in this cohesiveness he wanted progression, “or face stagnation.” It should be an interesting discussion. www. touchstonegallery.com. National Museum of Women in the Arts 1250 New York Ave. NW –May 25 “Graciela Iturbide’s Mexico” is a “monumental survey” that features 140 personal and poetic photographs celebrating the artist’s homeland. It spans Iturbide’s career, from 1969 through 2007, and highlights “culture, ritual, tradition and modernity with compelling portrayals of indigenous and urban women, explorations of symbolism in nature and rituals.” www.nmwa.org. Jim Magner, a Capitol Hill artist and writer, can be reached at Artandthecity05@aol.com. u

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Packing the Courts In a fast-paced opening worthy of a political thriller, veteran journalist Carl Hulse describes the reaction to the sudden death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia at a Texas resort in 2016. Telephones buzzed all over the country as key players first expressed their shock – and then quickly began calculating the ramifications. It was, as A Compendium of Readers, Writers, Books, & Events you recall, an election year, and President by Karen Lyon Barack Obama had 11 months left in his second term. Would he be able to exercise control of the Senate frequently shifting between his constitutional duty to appoint a new justice or the parties,” Hulse writes, “senators had to master would that fall to the next president? the art of the 180-degree turn, instantly adopting the In “Confirmation Bias: Inside Washington’s language and tactics of the opposition party as soon War Over the Supreme Court, from Scalia’s Death as they exchanged places.” to Justice Kavanagh,” Hulse delivers a behind-theHulse’s play-by-play of Neil Gorsuch’s confirmascenes look at the political machinations, beginning tion hearings – and the bitter and contentious skirmish with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s over Brett Kavanagh’s nomination – tell only part of “act of outrageous audacity” in announcing that the the story. The Trump administration has also rushed Senate would refuse even to consider nominations to fill more than 100 vacancies that the Senate preventuntil after the election. Thanks to McConnell’s aced Obama from filling, appointing judges who “flip tions, Donald Trump swept into office based in part the ideological balance.” With only a simple majoron his promise to appoint conservative replacements ity vote required, the Senate has no need of “comto the bench. “You have to vote for me,” he declared. promise, consensus, or negotiation” and can “fill the “You know why? courts without a single Democratic vote.” As Hulse Supreme Court points out, “The Republican position was that the judges. Supreme Democrats would do the same to them if the situaCourt judges.” tion were reversed.” He concedes that they’re almost Hulse then certainly right. “History shows that the most recently takes a step back wronged party steps it up a notch as soon as the occaand examines sion arises.” Or, as Senator Lindsey Graham observed, the modern his“The worst is yet to come.” tory of obstrucOffering fresh insights and based on first-pertion, obfuscation son interviews with many of the key figures, “Conand filibustering firmation Bias” stands as historical documentation of that led up to the our judicial system’s increasing polarization. While 2016 impasse. the message may be disheartening, it’s an important Neither side of one – and, in Hulse’s capable hands, it also makes the aisle comes for a terrific inside-Washington read. out clean. Even A longtime resident of Capitol Hill, Carl Hulse prior to 1987, is the chief Washington correspondent for the New when Democrats York Times and a veteran of more than three dedenied Robcades of reporting in the capital. Find him on Twitert Bork a seat ter @hillhulse. on the bench, each side has Putting Down the Pitchforks blamed the othThe election of 2016 was a wake-up call – or, as Veteran journalist Carl Hulse er for causing the Bradford R. Kane calls it in his new book, “a politiexamines the increasingly polarproblem. Blatant ized process of selecting judges quake” – that changed the American political landhypocrisy runs in “Confirmation Bias.” Photo: scape. As one example, he points to the rancorous Eric Schaff deep. “With atmosphere at Donald Trump’s campaign rallies,

which, he writes, “often had a feeling akin to … the scene in ‘Frankenstein’ when the town folk marched down the street with pitchforks and torches, ready to unleash their fears and anger at the source of their discontent.” In “Pitchfork Populism: Ten Political Forces That Shaped an Election and Continue to Change America,” Kane examines a host of factors that played into Trump’s rise to power, from changing demographics to the global economy. For each, he presents a thoughtful analysis of how the particular concept, such as partisanship or accountability, factors into the current political climate. He then gives some historical perspective and offers constructive suggestions on how the abuses of the current administration, such as the blurring of truth and facts, might be remedied in the post-Trump era.

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In “Pitchford Populism,” Bradford R. Kane examines the factors that got Trump elected and continue to shape life in America.

Loaded with documented examples of how America’s most cherished ideals and institutions have been eroded during Trump’s presidency, “Pitchfork Populism” provides a “framework to identify, categorize, and characterize the daily deluge of issues, actions, and utterances that collectively impose the Trump Effect on our politics, government, society, and culture.” But Kane nonetheless offers a ray of hope. As he notes, voters have been known to shift, as they did when they rejected the lies and accusations of McCarthyism in the 1950s. He has faith that Americans will eventually join together to reverse the “antagonism, dissension and fragmentation” that have been tearing us apart and once again strive toward achieving the American Dream – for everyone.

form of Mr. Leroy, the former NFL player and teacher adept at engaging his students – except for Crunchy. It takes several doses of tough love before his would-be mentor’s message finally gets through to the resistant boy. Using the analogy of a burning building, Leroy tells Crunchy that it isn’t always our fault that we wind up in bad situation. But rather than stubbornThe second installment of Glen Mourning’s “Crunchy ly refusing to be rescued, Life” series finds his fifth-grade protagonist acting out at school. Photo: Bruce Guthrie we need to reach out and accept the help being ofBrad Kane is a veteran political fered us. “As long as you analyst who has served in the US Conare alive,” Leroy assures him, “it is nevgress as a legislative counsel and as a er too late to make it out of a tough and member of President Clinton’s Task crunchy situation.” Force on Health Care Reform, and has Glen Mourning is the author of been a featured contributor on The four books in the “Crunchy Life” seHuffington Post. www.pitchforkpopuries and has been a fourth-grade teachlism.com er in the DC Public Schools for nearly a decade. www.mourningknows.com

When Life Gets Crunchy

To say that Charles “Crunchy” Thomas is not enjoying the fifth grade would be an understatement. As a student at the fictional Elite Public Charter School in DC, his academic performance is in the basement and his disruptive behavior consistently lands him in trouble. When his class is asked to write a letter saying what they want for Christmas, all he can come up with is “I Hate Santa!!!” Clearly, this is one angry young man. As author Glen Mourning writes in “Naughty or Nice for the Holidays,” the second book in his “Crunchy Life” series for kids, “sometimes life can get a little challenging, a little discouraging, and a little crunchy.” And Charles’s life is a case in point. His father is in prison and his grandfather, a Howard alum who provided his educational inspiration, has been killed by gunfire. With the burden of two other children to raise, Crunchy’s frustrated mother is reduced to hitting and shouting. Happily, salvation arrives in the

On the Hill in March Visit these websites to find listings of local readings, book clubs, discussions and signings: Capitol Hill Books www.capitolhillbooks-dc.com East City Bookshop www.eastcitybookshop.com/events The Folger Shakespeare Library www.folger.edu/poetry The Hill Center www.hillcenterdc.org Loyalty Bookstores www.loyaltybookstores.com/event Solid State Books www.solidstatebooksdc.com/events u

THE POETIC HILL by Karen Lyon

ichael H. Levin is the author of the poetry collections “Man Overboard” (Finishing Line Press, 2018) and “Watered Colors” (Poetica Publishing, 2014). His work has appeared in Gargoyle Magazine, Adirondack Review and Crosswinds, among other journals and anthologies. He is also co-author of “Two Pianos: Playing for Life,” a concert and multimedia event about Jewish musicians in Germany in World War II and the power of music to sustain life and friendship under oppression (https://twopianosplayingforlife.org/). Levin works as an environmental lawyer and solar energy developer and lives in Washington, DC. His poem below was first published online in What Rough Beast, www.michaellevinpoetry.com. Shield of Achilles (After Auden 1952) Peering over his shoulder the goddess of love in all her melting forms sees no glad world of giving molded there, no inlaid scenes of sacrifice or service or of modest calm obeisance to acknowledged modes of conduct, much less law. Abrading the bronze surface as it sets, corrosive pride coils, pitting the golden arc of honor, clouding clear air. Absorbing what her spouse has made she shudders, seeming for the moment older: emblazoned at the center of the metal field a bulky figure squats, sniffing the sluggish breeze for those that doubt or might decline to play his cat-game, batted publicly from paw to paw. Degraded from foundations out, the house of freedom trembles towards the pit, unmoored by shouted or implicit threats infesting it. The bulwarks sought do not appear, submerged in self-regarding greed or fear. The Botticelli gaze turns gray. Her jealous hairy husband sneers triumphantly then limps away.

Calling All Poets! Pamela Perkins invites poets to submit their work for publication in “Poetic Voice Corner,” her new column in Southwest Voice: The People’s Paper. Submissions should be no longer than 150 words and seek to inspire and enlighten readers. Submit your poem by the fifth of each month, along with a photo (if desired) and a one- to two-sentence bio describing your writing passion, to psp@hciglobal.com.

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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C B D by Pattie Cinelli

saw the bubbles floating in the water where I was soaking my feet. Kitty Harmen, my pedicurist, explained that those bubbles were the CBD oil. When it was time to scrub my feet and legs she used a CBD foot scrub. She then massaged them with CBD lotion. It felt good, but nothing unusual. However, about an hour or so later when I got home, I was so relaxed I felt like Gumby. I had to lie down. I slept a solid seven hours that night. CBD, short for cannabidiol, a chemical compound found primarily in the flowers and leaves of the hemp plant, is popping up in all sorts of products from gummies and chocolate bars to vapes, honey sticks, teas and bath bombs. In part because of its anti-inflammatory characteristics, salons are using it in their manicures, pedicures, body scrubs and facials. Hemp is a product that the U.S. produced decades ago which is now experiencing a resurgence among farmers. Damian Fagon, hemp farmer and coowner of Gullybean Farms, harvests 10 acres of hemp in Hudson Valley, New York. He said, “It’s the most interesting plant you can be growing in the U.S. today. It’s very new and very exciting.” Along with that newness comes no regulation. “It’s like the Wild, Wild West out there,” he said. “The quality (of the products) varies greatly. Fifty percent of the products are made from hemp grown in China, which has been growing it for hundreds of years and has no farming regulations,” he explained. That’s why when Michael Maybroda, owner of Stephan & Co. salon and spa in Rehoboth Beach, DE wanted to try CBD, he sought out products from a reputable source that farms organically. “I suffer from back pain and anxiety.

an old remedy coming to life again

In 2018 I was on seven pain killers plus Xanax for anxiety. I did research on my own about CBD.” He traveled to Denver and Las Vegas to learn about the product. He brought staff members with him and introduced it to clientele who have found the products beneficial. “CBD removed Xanax from my life. I no longer need it regularly.”

What is CBD? It’s one of many powerful cannabinoids found in hemp. CBD does NOT produce a euphoric ‘high’ or psychoactive effect. CBD does not have the same receptors as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). CBD is the second most prevalent of the active ingredients of cannabis (marijuana). While CBD is an essential component of medical marijuana, it is derived from the hemp plant, which is a cousin of the marijuana plant.

What is CBD good for? CBD can be a non-pharmaceutical way to lessen anxiety and stress. It can also help manage pain and help you to relax and focus better. It’s been found to be effective for controlling acne, lowering blood pressure and easing drug withdrawal. I give it to my 15-year-old dog and notice a difference in his spryness and playfulness.

Criteria for Choosing the Best CBD for You Look at what it’s cut with. Most reputable sellers use coconut or olive oil. Avoid MARCH 2020 H 103

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Hemp in the U.S.

any chemical additives. “If it’s being sold at a gas station, chances are it’s not what it seems,” said Harmen. “Question the people selling it. Do they know where it’s sourced from?” If you are buying on-line, see if the site has a link to the farm from which it’s sourced. Different uses of CBD have different additives. Melatonin may be added for sleep or eucalyptus, arnica or menthol may be added for pain. However, Maybroda said adding flavoring to CBD may dilute its potency. How many milligrams you need to use is dependent on how susceptible you are to its effects. Maybroda suggests starting with a low dosage and seeing how you feel. To sleep through the night, I use 750m of CBD oil with no flavoring. (Despite complaints of its awful taste, the flavor didn’t bother me at all.) I take it about an hour before I plan to go to sleep. Every night I’ve taken it, I’ve slept through for seven to eight hours. 104 H HILLRAG.COM

Several of our founding fathers grew hemp. George Washington began growing hemp at Mt. Vernon in 1765. Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and Benjamin Franklin were also cannabis farmers. In the 1830s an Irishman traveled to India where he learned of medical applications of cannabis. He published his findings in the Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal which expanded the use of hemp from rope to medicinal products. Cannabis extracts and other preparations were widely available at the turn of the 20th century. Much like today’s medical marijuana and therapeutic hemp products, cannabis extracts were used for everything from epilepsy to mood disorders. But the invention of aspirin in the 1860s led to the diminished popularity of hemp. In the late 1930s anti-cannabis sentiment grew and led to the anti-cannabis propaganda film Reefer Madness. The federal government also placed heavy taxes on the sale of cannabis. In the meantime, in 1940 a University of Illinois team of scientists isolated CBD from the cannabis plant. They thought at the time it was an inactive substance. During WWII the government lifted the tax on hemp to allow for hemp fiber production to create ropes for the US Navy. However, nylon and other synthetic fibers lessened the demand for hemp in the 1950s and the last large commercial hemp crop in the US was harvested in 1958.

In 1970 cannabis was placed under federal control through the Controlled Substances Act. All forms of cannabis including hemp were banned. However, by the 1990s interest in commercial hemp cultivation was on the upswing and in 1996 California legalized medical marijuana. Individual states followed although the federal government actively challenged the law.

Present Day Resurgence In 2014 federal restrictions on industrial hemp were removed. Any states that legalize it can set up research programs to study the benefits. In that same year, Colorado became the first state to legalize the recreational use of marijuana for adult

use. Four years later the FDA approved Epidolex, a CBD product for the use of hard-to-treat forms of epilepsy. In 2018 the US passed a law that transformed the regulatory status of hemp to include hemp-derived products like CBD. It also clarified that the term ‘marijuana’ does not include hemp. The bill encourages the building of hemp businesses. If you’d like to try CBD, don’t worry about side effects. CBD has not been documented causing any harm nor producing any negative side effects (unlike prescription pharmaceuticals). Chances are if you take too much, you’ll just get very sleepy. In other words, it can’t hurt to try it. Check with Yes or MOM’s grocery stores for CBD products. Stores like The Glass Stache DC at 1111 H St., NE (glassstachedc. com, (202-920-5040), sells CBD products. Capitol Organics, 900 Brentwood Rd. NE, (202-3215334) devotes the entire store to CBD products. If you go online do your research. If you’re already on meds check with your pharmacist or physician. Pattie Cinelli is a health and fitness professional who has been writing her column for more than 20 years. She focuses on non-traditional ways to stay healthy and get well. Please email her with questions or column suggestions at:fitmiss44@aol.com. u

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YOGA RETURNS TO THE WHARF

Yoga returns to The Wharf with the opening of District Flow (715 Wharf St. SW) on Saturday, Feb. 15. Photo: Cody Morris, courtesy District Flow owner Jackie Krakowski

District Flow Yoga Opens by Elizabeth O’Gorek

oga is back at The Wharf. District Flow Yoga will open Saturday, Feb. 15, with free classes all day. Opening as a pop-up studio in the former Yoga Factory, it will bring not only yoga but a community-driven space to Southwest. The opening of this small, woman-owned business and community-based resource was made possible through a partnership between owners Jackie Krakowski and Lena Manning and The Wharf. Representatives of The Wharf said it was clear that District Flow Yoga is on a mission to become a welcoming, community-oriented studio – from the class offerings and decor to outreach and special offers for the Southwest community. “We are excited to bring yoga back to The Wharf through our partnership with District Flow,” said Andrew Son, vice president of asset management at Madison Marquette, who worked on the deal with Krakowski and Manning. “We look forward to the neighborhood enjoying and supporting District Flow Yoga, as well as the many other locally owned small businesses at The Wharf.” Krakowski and Manning are thrilled to bring

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District Flow to the Wharf. Originally from New Jersey, Krakowski is a sound and Reiki healer and a certified instructor in a wide variety of methods, including Yin, Fusion, Vinyasa LIIT and HIIT. A long-time resident of Southwest, she might be familiar to former clients of the Yoga Factory, where she was the manager as well as an instructor. Krakowski teamed up with Manning to open the studio. An Annapolis businesswoman, Manning said that she has seen the benefits of yoga on the lives of loved ones and couldn’t resist this opportunity to keep yoga in the Southwest community. “Our mission at District Flow Yoga is to promote individual growth amid the community through yoga education and practice,” said Manning. “None of this would have been possible without The Wharf ’s team and the community.” The team was excited to be able to bring yoga and a community-driven space to the community as a pop-up studio on the District Wharf while they

searched for a long-term place to call home, ideally located in or near Southwest. District Flow will open with a soft schedule that will later be gradually augmented. Eight class formats, heated and unheated, are offered seven days a week. Classes are offered as early as 6 a.m. and over lunch. There’s also a full Monday-to-Friday and weekend schedule. District Flow opens on Saturday, Feb. 15, at 7:45 a.m. to offer six free introductory courses. Clients are encouraged to register in advance! Neighbors are encouraged to come in and say hello. You can learn more about District Flow at www.districtflowyoga.com. See the formats and class descriptions at www.districtflowyoga.com/ classes. Follow them on Instagram @DistrictFlowYoga, and email questions or comments to info@districtflowyoga.com. u

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FITNESS AT 50

Couch Potato to J.Lo and In-Between by Gabriella Boston

ow can J.Lo look like that at 50?!” That’s a common question I’ve gotten since Super Bowl LIV, which served up three quarters of good football and an excellent half-time show where a 43-year old Shakira and a 50-year old J.Lo showcased unparalleled physical fitness and acrobatic dance moves. My response: “Hard work and discipline.” But obviously that is just part of the story. There’s also genetics, talent, opportunity, money, time. So, when the follow-up question by someone in their 50s arrives: “How can I look like J.Lo?” the short answer is some version of “I’m not sure you would want to put yourself through that.” Or that you have the time. It’s not J.Lo’s routine of lunges, planks and medicine ball sit-ups that are unrealistic for most people.

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It’s the whole workout-diet package that is all but unattainable. She’s worked out and danced her whole life and apparently doesn’t drink alcohol or coffee, doesn’t eat any processed food, consumes mostly vegetables, lean proteins and buckets of water. She has personal trainers, daily workouts, dance rehearsals etc., etc. In other words, not attainable for most of us. So, instead, let’s talk about what is possible and more importantly, sustainable, as we grow into our 50s and beyond.

Where To Start: A Short Guide For The De-Conditioned If you’re entering this decade de-conditioned (another word for “couch potato”) your best bet is to start slow and easy with walking (always get a doctor’s goahead before starting any exercise routine).

If you can do 30 minutes a day of walking that’s a good start. Government guidelines suggest a minimum of 150 minutes per week of cardio. Once the 30 minutes a day of walking feels easy, pick up the pace. But doing just cardio is not advisable. As we age – and women in their 50s especially experience this – our level of sex hormone drops which leads to loss of muscle mass and, sigh, body fat gains. How to counteract? Weights. Lifting weights is key in keeping a good ratio of muscle to fat in the body. This ratio is important for our resting metabolic rate – the rate that the body burns calories when at rest. Government guidelines say we should do weight training at least twice a week. There is a common misconception that cardio is the only way to burn calories. It’s true that during exercise cardio is the most energy-consuming. But not after the exercise is done – that’s when muscles matter. So, it’s important to do both cardio and weights. A weight-training program is best designed by a personal trainer, especially if you’re a novice. A personal trainer can assess body imbalances and weaknesses and help set goals. And let’s not forget that training and moving are not solely about weight loss. In fact, weight loss has more to do with how we eat than how we train. Cardio and weights are excellent ways to control blood pressure and blood sugar, prevent injuries and bonedensity loss, fight depression, and improve sleep.

Maintaining Many people in our community though – sometimes just by virtue of living in the city (and being Type A in a good way?) – have some type of fitness routine in place. They’re in the middle of the fitness spectrum – hitting the minimums of those government guidelines and maybe wanting to see how they can progress. Take Sue Capozzi, 59, of Hillcrest who has been working out with a trainer for a couple of years. She tries to get 10,000 steps in each day and works out with weights at least twice a week. “I never thought I would say this, but it feels really good,” says Capozzi who never had a fitness rou-

Don’t Lose Your Posture Nearly all spine pain problems arise from the same classic syndrome of us losing our posture. Not only is keeping our posture essential for health, but for how we look and enjoying an active, happy retirement.

tine in place before this. “Exercising regularly has made me more mindful about how I treat my body in general.” For example, when she lifts a 40-pound bag of mulch (she’s a gardener), she thinks to bend her legs (a squat) and engage her core (a

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Sue Capozzi embarked on a training program two years ago and feels much better for it.

Elizabeth Brooks, trainer at Sport & Health Capitol Hill, has been an athlete her whole life.

plank) for the most efficient and injury-free type of lifting. Aside from feeling stronger, Capozzi says she sleeps better and also lost eight pounds last year. Her long-term goal? “I want to maintain my strength so I can keep gardening 25-30 years from now.” Others in this middle category might want to start branching out – try a yoga class for flexibility and balance. Or maybe train for a run or cycle race.

The Elite at 50 So, what does it look like to be at the top of your fitness game at 50+? Well, maybe you’re a longdistance runner who places in the top ten at national races. Or, maybe like Elizabeth Brooks, 52, who’s a trainer at Sport & Health here on the Hill, you’re doing chin-ups (a pull-up with an overhand grip) and 140-pound bench presses. How does she do that? Well, like J.Lo,

Brooks has been an athlete her whole life and was even a competing bodybuilder in her 20s. “These days I teach about 13 classes per week,” Brooks says of the weight training, HIIT, boxing and kickboxing classes that are on her weekly schedule. “In addition, I do 45 minutes of cardio twice a week and a fullbody weight room training once per week.” In other words, she moves constantly. She also makes sure to get plenty of rest and to take time to destress (like reading novels) to control the release of stress hormones like cortisol which are known to cause tissue damage and weight gain. She watches what she eats even though it’s not as extreme as her bodybuilding days where she ate six times a day – all veggies, oatmeal, lean proteins and proteins bars/shakes. “I’m 52 now. I eat smaller meals, I don’t drink alcohol, I eat vegetables and lean proteins and drink lots of water,” Brooks says. Sound kinda J.Lo-ish? That’s because it is. In order to be at the top of fitness, exercise, nutrition and sleep (a topic we’ll have to cover another time) have to be consistent and well thought-out. Fads and extreme measures are not sustainable and often lead to quick victories followed by long-term failures. “We have to mature beyond the idea of dieting and fitness fads. That’s an immature approach,” Brooks says. “Lifestyle issues can’t be addressed with temporary solutions.” u

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the district vet /

THE NEW YORK TIMES GOT DOG PARKS WRONG

s a professional in all things dog related, I feel compelled to give a rebuttal to the Feb. 6 New York Times article, “The Dog Park Is Bad, Actually.” I was struck immediately by the tagline - “Dog parks may seem like great additions to the community, but they’re rife with problems—for you, and for your dog.” What? A further read into the piece demonstrated a one-sided view, full of sensationalism and unrealistic conclusions. Dog parks are not unruly areas of pure anarchy where your dog will die, as the article implies. They have a real place in our community and serve several vital roles. While I can agree that users of the parks

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by Dan Teich, DVM by Whole Foods on New Jersey Ave. SE. The parks provide socialization, access to the outdoors, exercise, training, and overall community benefits. I routinely tell clients that, “a tired dog is a better dog.” With most of our city dogs living in small apartments, we need exercise areas. Walking is fine, but does not provide cardiovascular exercise and only burns a limited number of calories. The fenced dog parks allow for leash-free running and increased heart rates. And once you start with a ball and training, you open up the pup to more opportunities for enrichment and growth. Socialization is essential to dog well-being and development. Sniffing butts on a sidewalk, while also leashed, does not lead to a socialized pup. Many Dog run and play at the new dog clients report leash-agpark at H and New Jersey Ave. SE. Photo: M. Ashabranner gression with their dogs. It is a protective behavior, which is hard to train out. But these same clients frequently tell me that their pups are wonderful in the park. To that end we must recall that like children-every dog is different. There will be shy dogs, exuberant ones, old dogs, fast dogs, slow dogs, big dogs, little dogs. The park is not for every dog--similarly, opera is not for all people. This is where the New York Times article is useful, but fear-mongering. Dogs who are not properly socialized, or ones who play too rough, should not be let loose within the general population of a park until they are trained to participate safely. And seeing that most of our city dog parks are

need to be better stewards of their dogs within the confines of the fenced areas, I must strongly dissent with the overall judgement of the article. City life dictates tight quarters and dog parks fill a vital need--a fenced area to exercise dogs. The DC Department of Parks and Recreation manages at least a dozen parks spread throughout the city. The parks are routinely cleaned, have access to waste receptacles, provide fresh water, and are patrolled by police. A number of parks are also sponsored by local community groups, helping to keep up with routine and cosmetic maintenance. Here in the Capitol Hill area, we have several parks: Virginia Avenue, Kingsman, Lansburgh, Yards Park, Swampoodle, and the latest one

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quite limited in size, behavioral conflicts can occur quickly. Most parks have two areas --one large, and a smaller adjacent run. For dogs starting out, or those who are not safe in the general area, the smaller run should be used. A three-pound Chihuahua should not be running with eighty-pound dogs. What we forget in the park, and what is the crux of the New York TImes piece, is that people can be irresponsible. We are watching the equivalent of very young children--one’s eyes cannot leave dogs to their own devices. When in the park, put away your cell phone and pay attention to your surroundings. Like children, not all dogs will play nice. It is your responsibility to monitor your dog and be certain that their behavior is appropriate. If it is not, you must leave the park. Also neglected by the article is the importance of such parks to humans. After a long day at the office, or taking care of children, a walk to the park with the dog can be freeing, allowing you to breath crisp air and be outside. I recall another NYT piece by Frank Bruni, “Dogs Will Fix Our Broken Democracy,” where he shared his experiences with walking his own pup in Central Park. He reminded us that when we are out with our dogs we have a common bond with those also walking their dogs. It is almost impossible to be in the dog park and not interact with your fellow humans. While not sniffing each other, we learn about our neighbors and we can make friends, much like the dogs. We socialize. We get exercise. The dog park can create community itself! So take your dog to the park, but be responsible. Both you and the dog will benefit.

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THE STORY OF PAYNE

Exhibit Celebrates School and Community by Elizabeth O’Gorek

arlee Young is the fifth generation of her family to attend Payne Elementary School. The fifth-grader discovered that since the 1930s, a line of women spanning each of the previous four generations – from her great-great grandmother to her mother – has attended the 124-year old school at the corner of 15th and C streets SE. “Learning about Payne’s history taught me a lot about my own history, and the ties my family had to the community,” she said. “Over the years, the neighborhood has changed tremendously and some historic identities may be lost. However, the neighborhood school often remains.” Young was part of a team of eight students in grades three through six who were members of the Story of Our Schools Club last year. Their project was supported by The Story of Our Schools, a nonprofit dedicated to partnerships with DC Schools, teaching kids how to research and tell the story of the history of their school and the surrounding neighborhood.

The students did research, conducted interviews and received more than 300 photographs from neighbors for the permanent exhibit installed in the foyer of the school. Young made her remarks when the exhibit officially opened at an evening event held at Payne on Feb. 6.

The School Community

Story of Our Schools Executive Director Jen Harris said that the kids are the drivers for the exhibits, previously opened at Marie Reed Elementary in Adams Morgan and Capitol Hill Montessori at Logan, and currently underway at OysterAdams and Eliot-Hine. She said that children are uniquely equipped to tell the Xari Brevard and Marlee Young escort DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson on a tour of the display after the presentation. stories of their neighborhoods and the people in them, because they are naturally curious and welcoming. the project and in the community, features a dig“The history isn’t all written. You have to venital slideshow of photos donated by community ture out and ask quesmembers. The digital element, photos hosted on tions, and the kids do an LCD screen, allows the project to be constantit beautifully,” she ly changing and evolving along with the school, said. “Everyone wants said Harris. to talk to kids.” A particularly moving section displays images of The display at students and neighbors over time, including students Payne consists of past and present from multiple generations and dethree parts. One part mographics. In one space, a mirror enables viewers represents the school to see themselves as part of the school community. community, anoth“What I really wanted the community and stuer the school history dents to see,” said Harris, “is that all these people and a third telling the are part of the school neighborhood. All these idenstory of Daniel Payne, tities and generations are represented right here, including a timeline and you are a part of it.” of his life. The exhibHarris said that Story of Our Schools provided it is united by quotaequipment, such as a high-resolution microphone tions from a speech and laptop, as well as a curriculum to guide teachmade by Frederick ers, but really let the students guide the project with Douglass at the untheir questions. veiling of a memorial Who Daniel Payne Was, to Payne in 1894. Principal Stephanie Byrd (second from left) and The Story of Our Schools Executive Director What Daniel Payne Is Jen Harris are surrounded by students who worked on the project, including (l-r) Niamyah One wall, tiled Jackson, Xari Brevard, Marlee Young, Damarjah Chase, Destiny Rodriquez. Daniel A. Payne is In addition to learning about the school’s past with photos of stupictured in the cut-out, back row, far right, behind Bomani Perkins. Not pictured: Lawrence students and the school’s role in the community, dents at work on Marshall, Reagan McClain and Xavier Kenner. 112 H HILLRAG.COM

dents learned to be researchers, writers, designers and explorers who delved deep into the history and the era that Daniel Payne lived in, as well as the history – and mystery – of the school. Some secrets remain unknown. When the students explored A photo of the community wall, with the photographer the school building, framed in the mirror, now turning the lens on you. she said, they found a locked filing cabinet the project focused on the school’s and safe, which they tried to open. namesake, allowing students to conWhile Stokes said they now think the sider the person behind the name of cabinet is empty, the students never their school. did figure out the safe combination, During the opening event, stuand no one knows what is inside. dent Niamyah Jackson described how the school was named for Daniel Alexander Payne. Born in the early 1800s, Payne founded his first school using his own money, and Jackson said he couldn’t imagine how Payne must have felt when he was forced to close the school shortly thereafter. “But Mr. Payne didn’t stop there. He went on to help found Wilberforce University, the first university to be owned and operated by black people,” Jackson said. The school that now bears Payne’s name was built for black students in 1896, three years after his death. In 1951 and 1953, parents went on strike to draw attention to crowding and inequity at the school, contributing to the desegregation of District schools in 1954. The students also learned that the original Payne school building was destroyed in a fire in the 1980s. In an interview with student researchers, former student and current parent Sam Bardley described coming back from a field trip to see the flames. Students also spoke with firefighters called to the blaze. Teacher Juanita Stokes, who guided the project together with Monich Brown, said that the stu-

A Place to Be Rooted Payne’s principal, Stephanie Byrd, said that schools have a huge place in the community, not only for children to learn and grow, but for people to form connections and to come back to remember who they were. “It’s kind of a place where community becomes rooted,” she said. “Daniel Payne has been in this community for more than 100 years.” “It’s an important project, it’s an important part of this community to know who Daniel Payne was and what Daniel Payne [now] is.” Student Niamyah Jackson agreed. “I really enjoyed my time with this project,” he said during his remarks, “and I’m happy to be at the exhibit opening so that students once again, today and tomorrow, will know more about the story of our school, the story of Daniel Payne and Payne Elementary school.” Learn more about Daniel A. Payne Elementary by visiting www. paynedc.org. Learn more about the Story of Our Schools and support its work by visiting www.storyofourschools.org. u MARCH 2020 H 113

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SCHOOL NOTES by Susan Braun Johnson

Brent Elementary

Brent Celebrates Black History Month with a CommUNITY Dance The Diversity Working Group hosted a terrific “CommUNITY” Dance last month. Families actively engaged in activities and danced to kid-friendly popular music. New friends were made and the community learned more about each other via the Bingo conversation starters, pin-making and voting for their favorite new Brent ice cream flavor.

Second Graders Visit Renwick Gallery During the last week of January, second-grade poets found inspiration and practiced seeing the world through “poet’s glasses” at the Renwick Gallery. While at the museum, students searched for details in works of art that others might miss. After observing a piece, groups worked together to brainstorm similes that they later combined to create shared poems. Through interactive discussions, our guides also helped the students learn how the artist’s choice of materials helps to convey their message. Brent Elementary is located at 301 North Carolina Ave, SE. Call 202-698-3363 or visit brentelementary.org to learn more. – Denise Diggs.

Capitol Hill Cluster School

The Great Kindness Challenge

Remembering the Dream

Brent Bears participated in the Great Kindness Challenge, a week focused on promoting kindness in the Brent community and beyond. Students each received a checklist of kind deeds and set goals each day to try and achieve as many as they can! There was a “Kindness Matters” bulletin board outside the cafeteria, documenting all the kind things that happened at the school. Watkins fifth graders sing We Shall Overcome after reciting the I Have a Dream Speech.

the speech in front of students from the whole school as well as families and visitors to the Lincoln Memorial. After the speech, students from every grade joined in singing “We Shall Overcome” as the sun shown on a cold but beautiful DC afternoon.

Helping Those at Risk of Homelessness

Scenes from Brent’s CommUNITY Dance.

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While the grown-ups talked at the Cluster’s PTA meeting at Stuart-Hobson, students of every age teamed up for a service

For the 16th year in a row, the fifth graders at Watkins Elementary took turns standing at the exact spot where Dr. Martin Luther King recited his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Each student recited a portion of

project to assemble care packages for their neighbors at Shirley’s Place. It was a great team effort for a great cause and an excellent learning experience for the caring Cluster kids!

Students Go to Bat for Bats Daisies, Brownies and Junior Girl Scouts from Peabody, Watkins and beyond have worked with Councilmember Charles Allen to bring attention to the importance – and coolness – of bats. As several of these Girl Scouts testified at a City Hall hearing, bats play an important role in the ecosystem of DC and help humans in many ways. Thanks to the efforts of these girl scouts and the dedicated members and staff on the council, DC may soon declare the brown bat as the official state mammal of the District of Columbia! Peabody is located at 425 C St. NE. Watkins is located at 420 12th St. SE. Stuart-Hobson is located at 410 E St. NE. Learn more at capitolhillclusterschool.org, Facebook.com/CHCS.DC; twitter. com/CHCSPTA. – Sean O’Brien.

Maury Elementary

Ski Club Hits the Slopes

Maury’s skiing tradition continued this year with a February trip for 48 fourth and fifth-grade kids to Liberty Mountain Resort in southern Pennsylvania. They all knew there had to be snow somewhere. And the Maury ski team found it on the slopes, if one can count the familiar East Coast slush as snow. No whining about it, they made the best of a slippery situation. For many kids, this was their first exposure to the sport, but everyone skied well, safely and respectfully, displaying their Maury Cougar pride. The school family is committed to making this experience possible for every student who wants to participate, regardless of the family’s ability to pay-a major challenge in the absence of DCPS support. Fortunately, the Capitol Hill Community Foundation covered the cost of bus transportation. Maury is extremely grateful for their generosity. They also appreciate the special kindness and patience of the Liberty Mountain staff and the dedication of the school chaperStudents volunteer to complete care packages for ones: Coaches Ms. Cooper and Shirley’s Place.

summer CAMPS

Team to lead its garden-related programming and to manage the school’s two recently renovated gardens: a large vegetable plot known as the Peace Garden and a smaller ECE pollinator patch known as the Discovery Garden. The Peace Garden will be replanted this spring after a long closure during Miner’s new playground construction. The Green Team will host community workdays in March and Maury Ski Team hits the slopes. April as well as a garden playdate to celebrate the Peace Garden’s Ms. Bomba, plus Ms. Jondal, Mr. Hauslohner, offi cial reopening. It will feature tables, benchMs. Duckett and Ms.Stover. The club will test es, an irrigation system and composters acquired their skills again in March; fingers-crossed for through a $35,000 grant from the Office of the better skiing conditions. State Superintendent of Education, which has established and strengthened Miner’s garden proMaury Elementary is located at 1250 Constitution Ave., NE. Call 202-698-3838 or visit mauryelemengramming over the past two years. tary.com for more information. – Elizabeth Nelson. Additionally, Miner is partnering with FoodCorps to have a servicemember visit K–5 classMiner Elementary rooms weekly to provide garden-related instrucA Visit to the Future tion and hands-on experiences. Miner also has a Miner fifth graders took a step into the future popular Garden Club open to K–2 students. on Feb. 11 when they visited Eliot-Hine Middle School for Buddy Day. This was no typical open Yes to the Dress—and the Suit house. The fifth graders got to team up with upMiner is collecting formalwear and dressy perclassmen on an International Baccalaureate clothes, including shoes and accessories, for engineering project, visit the art studio and the children pre-K to fifth grade, leading up to its design-and-modeling classrooms, speak to a stuspring dance on April 3. Donations may be dent panel and meet Principal Marlene Magrino. brought to the school office.

Celebrate Spring

Miner Elementary is located at 601 15th St NE. Visit Minerelementary. org for more information. – Chad Lorenz.

On March 21, Miner will welcome D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen for a ribbon cutting of the new playground and sports fields, which will be open to the public for a springtime play date. Also, on that day, volunteers will collect hazardous household waste like paints and oils and recycle used electronics and batteries.

A Real Growth Period Miner has formed a Green

School Within School @ Goding

SWS Does a Deep-Dive into Studying Senegal

A student presents his fanal, inspired by the Senagalese festival, to another students.

Based on a school-wide vote last spring, students have been learning about the country of Senegal in a variety of ways. In French class they use cultural artifacts and images—clothMARCH 2020 H 115

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ing and fabrics, handmade goods, images, stories and videos—to improve French language skills and deepen the connection and appreciation of Senegal. In Food Prints they’ve cooked a Senegalese lunch menu; in music they’ve learned some Senegalese tunes; and in PE they’ve discussed commonalities in sports. In honor of the Senegalese festival Le Fanal (lanterns), each student created their own fanal to honor someone who is loved or admired by them and then presented it in French.

Schoolwide Exploration of The Harlem Renaissance During Black History Month the SWS community is focusing on exploring the Harlem Renaissance, with each classroom focusing on a specific project—including learning about an artist or political leader, exploring the era’s poetry or learning about a meaningful song, dance or piece of music. The projects will culminate in a schoolwide day of sharing for all students to learn from each other. SWS’s traditional “100 Languages of Children Family Night” was the kick-off for this project, with the teachers leading workshops on music (learning the Lindy Hop and dancing to jazz standards from the 1920s and 1930s); the Harlem Renaissance in Paris (including creating a sculpture in honor of the sculptor Augusta Savage); art (creating a piece of 3D art, inspired by artist Lois Mailou Jones, out of recycled materials); and literature (exploring the era’s literature and libraries); and sports (playing street games and activities like Double Dutch, Paddle ball, spin tops, Hopscotch and Kick the Can). School Within School is located at 920 F St NE. Call 202-727-7377 or visit schoolwithinschool.org for more information. – Carolyn Banfalvi.

emy. Van Ness will not send any graduates to Jefferson until 2022, but the Van Ness community is already excited about all the great things they are hearing. The February Jefferson Series event brought four Jefferson parents to Van Ness for a panel discussion on their experiences. Thank you, Jefferson.

Otters Rule Van Ness third graders are becoming true otters, just like their mascot. Van Ness is now part of the DCPS swim program and had their first swim lesson at the end of January. Van Ness Elementary School third graders getting their toes wet at their first swim lesson.

mance by the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater. They were able to see the dancers warm up as well as beautiful performances. Meanwhile, kindergarteners and third graders visited the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The Tyler community invites everyone to its annual Alchemy of Great Taste event, to be held March 14 in the Great Hall at Eastern Market. Come see what the Tyler arts community has been working on and have a chance to browse the Hill’s greatest silent auction. John Tyler Elementary is located at 1001 ST SE. Log on to http://www.tylerelementary.net/for more information. Follow at Twitter: @TylerTigersDC; www.instagram.com/ john_tyler_elementary/. – Beth Ibish.

Van Ness Elementary

Head of School Wins National Award

February 7 marked the one hundredth day of school for the Tyler Tigers, who celebrated by dressing up as 100-year-old versions of themselves. They showed terrific creativity and school spirit with super costumes. Coinciding with Valentine’s Day, students demonstrated their literary prowess at the annual Café de Autores / Authors Café. They shared stories they wrote with classmates and families and enjoyed a celebration of their imagination and creativity. Tyler certainly has future bestselling authors among them.

Head of School Cynthia Robinson-Rivers was named an Education Leaders of Color Boulder Fund awardee--one of only six educational leaders awarded this from across the nation. The award will support Robinson-Rivers’ efforts to replicate the Van Ness school model, rooted in the understanding that children’s academic success is inextricably linked to their overall well-being and in the belief that we can—and must—attend to the development of the whole child while also achieving excellence in academics. To learn more, visit http://edloc.org/ boulder-fund.html. Congratulations, Ms. Robinson-Rivers.

Field Trip Fun

Jefferson Academy Event

Tyler Elementary Time Flies

In early February, fourth and fifth grade-students enjoyed a field trip to the Kennedy Center to see a perfor116 H HILLRAG.COM

Van Ness has launched a new series to get to know its feeder school, Jefferson Acad-

Van Ness is located at 1150 Fifth St SE. To learn more visit www.vannesselementary.org, call 202-727-4314 or email: info@vannesselementary.org. Follow them at twitter.com/vannesspto;www.facebook.com/VanNessParentGroup/; www.instagram.com/vannesselementary. –Rebecca Sohmer.

Northeast Stars Montessori Preschool

Studying African American History The Northeast Stars Montessori (NES) Preschool students studied African American History in February. The children learned about historical inventors, musicians, etc. and studied their area of expertise. The children learned about Walter Lincoln Hawkins and his many prestigious awards including his induction in the National Inventors Hall of Fame. During the lesson about Mr. Hawkins and his accomplishments in the field of science, the students conducted experiments with magnets. They gathered materials and tested them using circular magnets. The students studied Robert Nesta Marley, better known as Bob Marley, who received many accolades including the Peace Medal of the Third World

Third graders enjoyed a trip to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

summer CAMPS AL 12TH ANNU

JUNE 22 – AUGUST 7 at Maury ES* Children Ages 3-10

www.ezchildtrack.com/politepiggys/parent CHILDREN AGES 3*-5

(*3 BY 9/30/20) – 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. Children do not have to be potty trained to attend.

from the United Nations. During this lesson, they were introduced to reading music. The children learned about half notes, whole notes, that some notes are in-between the lines and some are on the lines. The study was concluded with a project using construction paper, a sharpie, gold and silver glitter and a glue stick to make their own musical notes. The NES curriculum consistently includes hands-on academic study. The students have recently learned about geometric shapes and sight words through classroom hands-on fun!

CHILDREN AGES 6-10

– will embark upon theme weeks that combine activities such as Ultimate Frisbee, basketball, field Day fun, the arts, theater, Zumba, science, technology, engineering, math, GeoPlunge, critical thinking games, Labyrinth Games, field trips, water play, plenty of outdoor time, and enjoying old and new friendships made in warm and loving environment.

FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE PRICING Ages 3-5

Ages 6-10

Washington Ballet Dancers Visit Capitol Hill Day School

Full Day

Half Day (5 hours)

$340

$68

$46

$370

$74

• $100 non-refundable registration fee if attending 3 weeks or more, $50 for less than 3 weeks and families with scholarships. • * 25% Sibling Discount. • *Camp can either be paid in one fee by 3/6/20 or in three installments on 3/5/20 (40%), 5/5/20 (40%), and 6/5/20 (20%).

Northeast Stars Montessori Preschools are located at 1325 Maryland Ave E and 697 North Washington St. in Alexandria. Learn more at nestars.net, call 703-945-0408 or follow at www.facebook.com/nestarsschool. – Chaka Alexander.

Capitol Day School

Weekly

$52

• *Registrants after 6/5/20 must pay in full at the time of registration. • * 75% refund until 5/5 | 50% refund 5/6-6/4 | No refunds after 6/5 .

FOR MORE INFORMATION: VanNessa Duckett 240.396.8957 • Vannessa.duckett@politepiggys.com *PENDING DCPS PPROVAL

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Capitol Hill Day School welcomed two dancers from the Washington Ballet last month who spoke to — and danced for — first, seventh and eighth graders. Dressed in full costume, they spoke about their training and daily routines, how they support each other when dancing together and demonstrated a variety of steps. Read more about how this Field Education experience tied into the first grade and seventh and eighth grade Dance Culture curriculum from their teachers: “First Grade has just launched their study of Balance and Motion. This experience helped them understand different ways dancers use their bodies to balance and move at the same time. We loved that the dancers talked about needing to find their center of balance so much throughout the MARCH 2020 H 117

rodiversity unit earlier this year to study Aristotle’s three proofs or persuasive appeals, ethos (trust, credibility, shared values), pathos (emotion) and logos (logic, facts, reason). Students took a gallery walk, analyzing print ads posted around the classroom. They also looked at Superbowl ads. “My learning goal for this work is twofold,” Holly explained. “First, I want students to become critical viewers of advertising, understanding how companies attempt to manipulate people into buying their products. Second, I want students to understand the rhetorical appeals so that they can put them to work -- non-manipulatively -- in their own persuasive writing.” Holly did a mini lesson on Dancers from the Washington Ballet demonstrate ballet positions to first and seventh and eighth graders. the three appeals, explaining with a print ad example how they work entire presentation.” in advertising. Then, with a part“Seventh and eighth grade Dance Culture stuner, the students walked around the classroom dents have been studying many genres of dance and and looked at print ads, identifying the Aristoteapplying their experiences with each to both small lian proofs each used. For example, an ad featuring and whole group choreographies in the classroom. Serena Williams demonstrated ethos, one focusing They are currently preparing for an end-of-semeson winning at sports, pathos and one that touted ter showcase and the experience with the dancers nutritional benefits, logos. The students also anahelped them not only learn more about the style lyzed Superbowl commercials to understand their of ballet, but the concept of performance in general. Meeting the dancers helped demonstrate expression through movement and how dance is used to tell a story.” Capitol Hill Day School is located at 210 South Carolina Ave, SE. For more information, call 202-547-2244 or visit www. chds.org, Facebook @CapitolHillDaySchool, Instagram @capitolhilldayschool, Twitter @explorewithCHDS. – Emily Prigg.

Friends Community School

Fifth Grade Students at Friends Community School Study Ethos, Pathos, Logos Holly Stephens’ fifth grade language arts classes at Friends Community School took a break from their neu118 H HILLRAG.COM

persuasive appeals. To make the connection to their own persuasive writing, Holly challenged the students to write a letter to her to convince her to allow them to spend 15 minutes at the playground or 15 minutes of reading. The students used the three proofs and persuaded her to grant the playground and reading time. Friends Community School is a small progressive, Quaker kindergarten to eighth grade school located in College Park, MD, that educates children of all beliefs. It has a student-teacher ratio of 8:1 and an average class size of 12 in kindergarten and about 15 in other grades. Thirty-five students from Capitol Hill go to Friends. 5901 Westchester Park Drive, College Park, MD, 20740; friendscommunityschool.org – Eric Rosenthal

Eliot-Hine Middle School

Eliot-Hine Eagles Soar Into 2020

The Eliot-Hine Eagles started off 2020 by placing third overall in boys swimming and fourth overall for the girls. Seventh-grader Hayden placed second in the city for the one-mile event in track with a time of 5:32. Families and staff joined for Taco Tuesday in February, where students and caregivers had the opportunity to ask questions about the school, share experiences and build relationships with one another. Caregiver Cafes happen monthly in the school to help families build community and relationships with one another and school staff. On January 30, sixth and seventhgrade students competed in their firstever Invention Convention, presenting in teams to staff and community members about their creative solutions to solving the environmental challenge of plastic pollution. The winning teams from each grade enjoyed an award luncheon, complete with a Chipotle Mexican Grille buffet to enjoy. Additionally, the school’s PTO hosted the school science fair on February 12th. Winners of the science fair were selected to move on to compete in the citywide fair- Katie Guire, Alena Martin and Lira Pinchotti from seventh grade and Sumayah Muie from eighth grade.

Holly Stephens works with her fifth-grade students. Ella Erickson, second from the left, lives on Capitol Hill.

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Eliot-Hine Engineers share their Design with Presenters during IB Invention Convention. Pictured (L-R) Steven Young, Quiron Davis, Kenneth Kittre. Baccalaureate World School, is located at 1840 Constitution Ave NE. For more information, call 202-939-5380, visit www. eliothinemiddleschool.org and follow www. facebook.com/EliotHineMS/. – Lena Heid.

Richard Wright Public Charter School

Richard Wright AD Cap Challenge Team 2019

In November 2019 students from Richard Wright PCS participated in the AD Cap Find Your Balance Challenge. The Ad Cap Challenge is an innovative program that encourages youth to lead the change they want to see in their communities. The event, held at the ARC, was an all-day event that consisted of workshops to help high school students from the DC Metro area to think about how to help people improve their health and wellness in their school or community. The five Richard Wright students came up with a brilliant idea that they call Assistance for All Ages (AFAA), and pitched it to the judges. Richard Wright got $4000 to start up the program which will consist of two-weekend community fairs held at Richard Wright school. The goal is to connect people in the community to the resources they need to thrive. Each fair will consist of 12 to 14 exhibitors who will share resources rang-

ing from mental health, jobs, medical care, access to fresh foods & many other vendors to help people in our community. There will be more information to follow.

northeaststarsmontessori.nes@gmail.com CAPITOL HILL 1325 Maryland Ave., NE Washington, 20002

ALEXANDRIA 697 N. Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314

Richard Wright Public Charter Schools for Journalism and Media Arts is located at 770 M St SE. For more information call 202.388.1011 or visit http://richardwrightpcs.org. – Jade Snell, Gr. 10.

Eastern High School

Eastern Students in Iowa Social Studies teacher Ms. Gaskill accompanied five amazing Ramblers to Des Moines, Iowa to campaign for presidential candidates and participate in a youth issues caucus with the Mikva Challenge! Kayla Higgs was with the Bernie Sanders campaign, Kaedun Brown-Weaver was with the Pete Buttigieg campaign, Jermisha Hinton was with the Elizabeth Warren campaign, Brianna Ferguson was with the Andrew Yang campaign and Samira Datham was with the Amy Klobuchar campaign. They were joined by 200 other students from cities such as Chicago and St. Louis, states as far as Texas oregon, Wisconsin and California. Students represented Eastern well as they met the candidates, campaigned, spoke out about issues important to them and make new friends. MARCH 2020 H 119

. family life .

Eastern Senior High School is located at 1700 East Capitol St, NE. To learn more call 202-6984500, visit easternhighschooldc.org and follow @EasternHS, @Eastern_PTO and FB easternhighschool. – Heather Schoell.

Templeton Academy DC Project Based Learning

Excitement is all the buzz at Templeton Academy this school year. Under the new leadership of Dr. Laura Delima, the administrative and teaching team have expanded, bringing renewed energy to the school’s mission. Dr. Delima expanded Templeton’s instructional methodology to include the gold standard of Project Based Learning. This addition has added key essential structures to the already experiential and place-based high school model. As a result, learning for each class, unit and lesson is now guided by a relevant, meaningful, engaging and thought-provoking driving question.

Eastern’s Jermisha Hinton with Elizabeth Warren.

Eastern Supports Special Olympics Coach Konde and team took the Polar Plunge at Yards Park in this mild February. Eastern’s Special Olympics Rambler team raised money again this year to support Special Olympics DC through Cool Schools Polar Plunge 2020, money which goes to help athletes achieve their goals and learn life skills.

Exploring the City Templeton continues to keep costs down and diversity up by using the city as their classroom. Already

Thank You from the E-Sports Team Eastern’s E-Sports team wants to thank the Capitol Hill Community Foundation for their incredible support. While the Foundation wasn’t too sure about what they were asked to support at first, they did their due diligence, going to the school to meet with head coach and history teacher Mr. James in his classroom to learn about what e-sports is (competitive video gaming) and what it means for students (incentive to keep grades up, teambuilding and opportunities for e-sports scholarships). Students have named two of their new gaming hard drives “Capitol Hill” and “Community Foundation.” Thank you, CHCF! Templeton Academy DC students exploring the city.

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this year, the U.S. History students have researched and visited museums to uncover the country’s past while seeking to answer the question as to whether the United States operates as or has always operated as a true Democracy. Templeton’s Calculus students visited a handful of exhibits at the Air and Space museum while seeking clues to real world applications of higher-level math. English students analyzed the experience of the Mexican American protagonist in “The House on Mango Street” by Sandra Cisneros, while experiencing culture firsthand at Tortilla Cafe, a local Mexican restaurant. The excitement has been contagious. Since the start of the school year, Templeton has had record numbers in attendance for open houses and other admissions events. High numbers of educational professionals from around the DMV have visited the campus this year to see the school for themselves. Stay tuned... more exciting things to share soon. Templeton Academy is located at 921 Pennsylvania Ave SE. To learn more call 202-847-0779 or visit www. templetonacademy.org. – Nicole Weston. u

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kids&family

NOTEBOOK by Kathleen Donner

St. Patrick’s Day Ceili Shannon Dunne Dance brings Irish folk dancing at the Eastern Market North Hall on March 15, 1 to 4 p.m. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in a casual setting with dance and music. There will be called dances for all ages and levels, live traditional Irish music, performances and refreshments. $5 per child, up to $25 per family at door or shannondunnedance.com.

food, they’ll cook up beautiful music! This gentle, whimsical adventure celebrates friendship and turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. $15. Drumming with Dishes is on stage at the Atlas, 1333 H St. NE, March 11 to 15. Best for ages 2 to 5. atlasarts.org.

Infant & Child CPR It takes about two hours to learn the skills that could save a child’s life. During this class, on March 15, 1 to 3 p.m. at Hill Center, a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse teaches Infant and Child CPR, AED and what to do if a child or infant is choking. The class applies to infants up to age 12. These are skills everyone caring for an infant or child should have to ensure their safety. This is the perfect class for parents, nannies, babysitters or family members. $65. HillCenterDC.org.

Orchid Day Kids Run the Bases at Nat’s Park Kids ages 4 to 12 can run the bases after Sunday day games. This season’s dates are April 5 and 19; May 3 and 24; June7 and 21; July 5, 12 and 26; Aug. 16 and 30; and Sept. 20 and 27. An adult must accompany runners to the field. Starting at first base, kids will be directed to run around the bases as the adults continue along the warning track and meet the runners near home plate. The line forms outside of the park on the sidewalk along First Street. washington. nationals.mlb.com.

Arts on the Horizon: Drumming with Dishes What happens when someone very different is invited come over to play? Such an adventure awaits an energetic child when she introduces her shy imaginary friend to a very special kitchen. But instead of 122 H HILLRAG.COM

Photo: Courtesy of the National Gallery of Art

Kids After Hours at NGA The National Gallery of Art welcomes children at its “NGA Nights” from 6 to 9 p.m. on March 12, April 9 and May 14. Explore the Gallery after hours. Enjoy works of art, live music and dance performances, dozens of pop-up talks from engaging Gallery educators, hands-on art-making and other activities throughout the iconic East Building, free of charge. Light fare and drinks are available for purchase. Registration is free but required and opens one month prior to each event. To register and learn more, visit nga.gov/calendar/community-events/nights.

Did you know orchids grow on every continent except Antarctica and that vanilla comes from an orchid? On March 15, 1 to 4 p.m., come learn all about orchids from the experts, including how to care for them. Hands-on activities will include the art, the science and the taste of orchids! Learn how to re-pot an orchid and pot one up to take home. Visitors of all ages are invited to explore the incredible world of orchids during this year’s Orchid Family Day. Free; no registration required. US Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW. usbg.gov.

Wolf Out Loud with PAL People. Animals. Love (PAL) brings certified therapy dogs to the Southeast Library on March 12, 5:30 p.m. Share a favorite tale with a furry friend to develop literacy skills. Children aged 5 to 12 are invited to join in. Those who are 8 or younger must be accom-

panied by a caretaker. Read about PAL at peopleanimalslove.org. Southeast Library is at 403 Seventh St SE. dclibrary.org/southeast.

Baby & Toddler Story Time On Mondays at 10:30 a.m., there is a Baby & Toddler Story Time at Politics & Prose at the Wharf, 70 District Square SW. These 20-to-30-minute story times are full of books, songs, rhymes and fingerplays for children from birth to two years old. Baby and Toddler Story Time is a great way to introduce children to language skills in a positive and fun environment. With slightly more activity and movement than lap times, children and their grownups are encouraged to engage with the books and songs and to actively participate in the program. This program is sponsored by

Southwest Neighborhood Library. dclibrary.org/southwest

Moon Shot Studio From dance and beat making to poetry and animation, the Moonshot Studio offers activities for kids to explore their artistry and learn something new. Visit the art studio, the mix master station and JFK ideals area. Free. Moon Shot Studio is open weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. kennedy-center.org.

Cherry Blossom Celebration On March 21, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Join Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM) and the National Cherry Blossom Festival for a celebration of Japanese culture. A taiko drumming performance kicks off the day, followed by Les The DJ spinning Japanese pop, funk and boogie beats and the Koto Ensemble performing traditional Japanese dance. Enjoy face painting, make cherry blossom crafts and go on an art scavenger hunt throughout the exhibition Chiura Obata: American Modern in the first-floor galleries. Smithsonian American Art Museum, Eighth and F Streets NW. americanart.si.edu.

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NYC Ballet Family Dance Workshop On April 5, 11 a.m., join the Kennedy Center for a 45-minute workshop led by artists from New York City Ballet. Designed for families with children age 10 and under, each workshop explores music, movement and/or themes of a ballet while taking families through learning simple ballet steps or choreography. Children must participate with an adult. Pre-registration will be available approximately one month before the event and is highly recommended. Free, no tickets required. kennedy-center.org. u

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