Hill Rag Magazine May 2016

hillrag.com • May 2016

Sales · Rentals · Commercial Leasing Property Management · Investments

Est

1981

CAPITOL HILL

916 G Street SE Full Renovation 2011 Sunny Semi Detached 2BR 2.5BA Parking · $849,500 Genie Hutinet · 202.413.7661

UN

DE

RC ON

TR

CAPITOL HILL

1627 Massachusetts Ave SE Sun filled 1 BR Parking $244,000 Peter Frias · 202.744.8973

CAPITOL HILL

AC T

CAPITOL HILL

202 5th Street SE $1,250,000 Genie Hutinet · 202.413.7661

237 16th Street SE 4BR 3.5BA · $889,500 New Nantucket Renovation Genie Hutinet · 202.413.7661

CAPITOL HILL

Where Washington shops for a new address! ™

518 9th Street SE 2BR 2BA Parking · $850,000 Genie Hutinet · 202.413.7661

COMING SOON KALORAMA



225 Pennsylvania Ave SE Washington, DC 20003 202.544.3900 www.johncformant.com

2329 20th Street NW 4BR 3.5BA Parking

BRIGHTWOOD

503 Onieda Place NW 3BR DEN 3.5BA

BRIGHTWOOD 5011 5th STreet NW 4BR 3.5BA

CAPITOL HILL

119 5th Street NE 5BR 3.5BA · $1,475,000 Pete Frias · 202.744.8973

May 2016 H 3

R.THOMAS

SUMMER VACATION IS NEAR!

DANIEL ROOFING

Call now for your FREE roof inspection for peace of mind while you are gone!

UNDER YOUR ROOF IS YOUR MOST VALUABLE ASSET... YOUR HOME!

PROTECT YOUR HOME NOW! Uncover Hidden Future Costs.

Warning Signs Could Mean Higher Costs If Not Corrected Today!

• Roof is over 10 years old • Interior water stains • Visible leaks or cracks • Loose attic insulation • Open joints and seams on roof • Drains/gutters filled with debris Our Services: • Inspections • Repairs • Roof coating • Roof replacement • Gutters and spouts • Skylights • Brick and chimney re-pointing

SERVING THOUSANDS OF CAPITOL HILL CUSTOMERS FOR MORE THAN 90 YEARS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD ROOFER Owner Tom Daniel, outside the original location of the family roofing business at 310 Independence Ave., S.E.

202.569.1080 202.544.4430

tom@rthomasdanielroofing.com www.rthomasdanielroofing.com PROUD TO BE A CAPITOL HILL VILLAGE PREFERRED VENDOR 4 H Hillrag.com

May 2016 H 5

6 H Hillrag.com

May 2016 H 7

DC Open Doors

HOUSE CRAWL June 25th, 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency 815 Florida Ave NW | Washington, DC 20001 June is Homeownership Month!

Join DC Open Doors for a House Crawl around the city.

Tour condos, townhouses and single family homes in the District, meet with lenders and learn how the DC Open Doors’ mortgage program, plus Down Payment Assistance, if desired, can make your dreams of homeownership a reality. Lenders will be present at DCHFA to answer your questions about the home buying process.

Enjoy refreshments, take the tour or join us at the Agency to meet with a participating lender. Visit DCOpenDoors.com to register for this FREE event!

8 H Hillrag.com

May 2016 H 9

10 H Hillrag.com

Now...how did you say you make this all happen?

Grant, Ryall & Andrew

Call us and let us roll up our sleeves for you!

Grant Griffith, (202) 741-1685 | Ryall Smith, (202) 741-1781 Andrew Glasow, (202) 741-1654 | Fred Saddler, (202) 746-5738 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Don Denton, VP Broker | 605 Pennsylvania Ave SE, WDC 20003 - Main: 202.547. 3525

May 2016 H 11

FEATURED AUTHORS:

Y A D N U S

MAAMY- 3 P1M

Nick Auclair Jonathan Bardzik Louis Bayard Karen Branan Brett Busang Ruben Castaneda Christopher Chambers J.N. Childress Christopher Datta Teri Cross Davis

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

dings, rner with Rea o C ’s n re d il h C ities! es, and Activ Stories, Gam ity News, Inc.,

un Capital Comm ll Sponsored by the Capitol Hi support from l cia an fin th wi Michael Fry e Th n, tio da un s, Community Fo cal contributor , and other lo vern Ta ’s iff Memorial Fund icl nn anks to Tu with special th

John DeFerrari Samuel Fromartz Patricia Gray Kathryn Harris James Herbert M/R Johnson Katy Kelly George Koors Jonathan Lewis Scott Magnuson & Shaaren Pine

Nick Mann Chuck McCutcheon & David Mark Laura Krauss Melmed Jean Nordhaus Diane Onwuchekwa Garrett Peck Quintin Peterson Robert Pohl Bill Press Frederick Reuss

EXHIBITORS & VENDORS: Beltway Poetry Quarterly Capitol Hill Books DC Public Library East City Bookshop Fairy Godmother Books & Toys Folger Shakespeare Library Green Kids Press The Hill Center Library of Congress

AU T H O R TA

PEN/Faulkner Platypus Media / Science, Naturally!

Reach Incorporated Riverby Books Ruka Press Shoutmouse Press Washington Conservation Guild

LKS:

a e Onwuchekw 11:30 Dian han Bardzik ren Pine 12:00 Jonat nuson & Shaa ag M tt o Sc 12:30 hambers Christopher C 1:00 & David Mark McCutcheon ck u h C 1:30 ss Frederick Reu 2:00 Bill Press 2:30

Valerie Rind Kim Roberts Canden Schwantes Arciniega Colleen Shogan Louise Farmer Smith Scott Sowers Hannah Sternberg Gene Weingarten John Wennersten Irene Wu

NEW THIS YEAR!

POETS’ CORNER @ T U N N IC L IF F ’ 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.l i tera r yhi l l b o ok fe s t. o rg Follow us on Twitter and Facebook #LHBF16 12 H Hillrag.com

May 2016 H 13

239 12TH STREET, NE

$1,638,000

4 BED | 3.5 BATH | PARKING

Magnificent Victorian masterfully expanded and rebuilt by Connell & Schmidt Builders.

636 NORTH CAROLINA AVE, SE

$1 ,2 8 5 ,0 0 0

3 BED+DEN | 2 BATH | GARAGE

Restored Federal exudes charm inside & out, is 19’ wide, has a finished basement & a garage.

TODD BISSEY 2 02 .8 41 .76 53

todd.bissey@compass.com

STAN BISSEY 2 02 .8 41.1433

stan.bissey@compass.com

6 6 0 P E N N S Y LVA N I A AV E , S E • 2 0 2 . 5 4 5 . 6 9 0 0 Compass is licensed as ‘Compass Real Estate’ in the District of Columbia

14 H Hillrag.com

May 2016 H 15

16 H Hillrag.com

Real Estate Broker

N G SOO COMIN

West End/Ritz-Carlton 1155 23rd St NW 5M 2BR/2BA

$300s Upper SOON G IN COM

N G SOO COMIN

N G SOO COMIN

Capitol Hill/Kingman Park Capitol Hill/Potomac Ave Metro Capitol Hill/Union Market 1710 Gales Street NE 1434 Potomac Ave SE #1 626 Orleans Place NE 6 Residential Units 3BR/2BA 3BR/2BA

N G SOO COMIN

N G SOO COMIN

Alexandria/Del Ray 219 Gentry Avenue 3BR/2BA

Mount Rainier, MD 4112 29th Street 3BR/2BA

00 $369,5 ISTED JUST L

00 $399,0 ISTED JUST L

00 $385,0 ISTED JUST L

onth 500/m ENT $5 FOR R

,000 T $938 NTRAC O C R E UND

,500 T $739 NTRAC O C R E UND

Dupont/The Chastleton 1701 16th Street NW, #342 1BR/1BA

Mount Rainier, MD 4109 Rainier Avenue 4BR/2BA

Cheverly, MD 3403 Cheverly Avenue 3BR/2BA

Arlington, VA 4320 Lorcom Lane 4BR/4BA

Capitol Hill/Lincoln Park 1130 Constitution Avenue NE 2BR/2.5BA

Brookland 3109 17th Street NE 4BR/2.5BA

,000 T $635 NTRAC O C R E UND

,500 T $470 NTRAC O C R E UND

,592 T $421 NTRAC O C R E UND

,000 T $380 NTRAC O C R E UND

,000 T $930 NTRAC O C R E UND

,500 T $387 NTRAC O C R E UND

16th Street Heights/Brightwood 1357 Nicholson St NW 3 units, 6BR/4BA

Springfield, VA 8348 Magic Leaf Road 4BR/3BA

Anacostia Park 669 Anacostia Avenue NE 3BR/2.5BA

Capitol Hill/Lincoln Park 18 9th Street NE #302 1BR/1BA

Capitol Hill/Garfield Park 536 1st Street SE 3BR/3BA

Cheverly, MD 3110 Park Way 4BR/2.5BA

00 $784,0 GONE

00 $520,0 GONE

0,000 $1,70 GONE

00 $340,0 GONE

Capitol Hill 1618 C Street NE 4BR/2.5BA

Cleveland Park 3891 Newark Street NW #A-481 2BR/2BA

Capitol Hill/Eastern Market 800 A Street SE 5BR/3.5BA

Cheverly, MD 6016 Hawthorne Street 4BR/2BA

GONE COULD BE YOUR HOME

“In addition to helping Buyers and Sellers on greater Capitol Hill & DC for over 17 years, we are committed to building community in Arlington, Alexandria & close-in MD.”

May 2016 H 17

What’s Inside?

39

celebrating seniors special

40

‘Long Life’ Is Everyone’s Future

42

Safe at Home

46

Get Your Affairs in Order

48

The Dilemma of What to Do with the Dearly Departed

50

Training Seniors

Michael Canning

Candace Y.A. Montague Skip Thompson Maggie Hall

Pattie Cinelli

capitol streets 59

ANC Approves Design for New Frager’s Hardware Building Christine Rushton

In every issue: 2

What’s on Washington

24

Calendar

86

Hill Rag Crossword

168

Classified Ads

174

The Last Shot

Next Issue: May 28th

40

60

A Budget That Leaves DC’s Neediest Behind

62

A Home in Southwest?

Andrew Lightman Andrew Lightman

64

Can the Shelter Be Built?

66

Ward 6 Middle School Modernization Plans Stalled

69

Ed Lazere

Christine Rushton

Educating the District: Extreme Attitude

May Makeover?

70

Suzanne Wells

Union Station: Quick Fixes and Long-Term Planning Shaun Courtney

59

William Rich

72

South by West

74

ANC 6A Report

76

ANC 6B Report

Jonathan Neeley

78

ANC 6C Report

Christine Rushton

79

ANC 6D Report

Andrew Lightman

82

ANC 6E Report

Steve Holton

84

Eastern Market Report

Elizabeth Nelson

Peter J. Waldron

community life 87

CHRS Mother’s Day House & Garden Tour

90

Heard on the Hill

92

Tall Tails of Capitol Hill

94

Still Mourned After 50 Years: The Legacy of St. Joseph’s School

96

Jonathan Lewis

Robert Pohl

Ruth Mitchell 1933-2016

Rosemary Hoffmann, Anne Holmes,

Paul Van Zuyle 98

Elizabeth Nelson

Jen DeMayo

H Street Life

Elise Bernard Michael Stevens, AICP

100

Capitol Riverfront

102

Our River: The Anacostia

104

Volunteering on The Hill

Bill Matuszeski Quentin Wodon

150

on the cover: Miss Everything (Unsuppressed Deliverance) by Amy Sherald. Baltimore, MD. 2013 Oil on canvas, Frances and Burton Reifler. At the National Portrait Gallery, part of The Outwin 2016: Vote for the People’s Choice Award. View the artworks from “The Outwin 2016” and vote for your favorite! The winner of our People’s Choice Award will be announced on September 30, 2016. On exhibit until January 8, 2017, Second floor. npg.si.edu Growing up in Columbus, Georgia, Amy Sherald was mindful of the “appropriate” behavior expected of her as an African American girl. Inspired by

artists such as Kerry James Marshall and Barkley Hendricks, Sherald creates innovative, dynamic portraits that, through color and form, confront the psychological effects of stereotypical imagery on African American subjects. Her subjects are often set in whimsical, nondescript settings with surreal details that add a bit of satire. The dreamlike backgrounds create what the artist refers to as “the amorphous personal space of my own existence within the context of black identity and my search for ways to clarify and ground it.” Using light gray paint, Sherald “omits” skin color so her subjects appear both realistic and otherworldly.

real estate 107

Real Estate Matters

110

Changing Hands

Heather Schoell Don Denton

arts and dining 117

Dining Notes

Celeste McCall

120

The Wine Girl

Lilia Coffin

122

At the Movies

Mike Canning

124

Art and The City

126

In Pursuit of the Perfect Shot

130

The Literary Hill

132

The Poetic Hill

Jim Magner Phil Hutinet

Karen Lyon Karen Lyon

health and fitness 135

Let’s Get Physical

Stacy Peterson

140

Pro Ultimate Frisbee Storms the District

142

The Value of Pet Insurance

Jonathan Neeley

Dan Teich, DVM

kids and family 145

Kids & Family Notebook

150

School Notes

Kathleen Donner

Susan Braun Johnson

homes and gardens 161

Hill Gardener: The Rose

Rindy O’Brien

164

Hey, DC, Rebates Abound at the DCSEU!

166

Dear Garden Problem Lady

Wendy Hill

Catherine Plume

EST.

1976

Capital Community News, Inc. 224 7th Street, SE, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20003 • 202.543.8300 www.capitalcommunitynews.com EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Melissa Ashabranner • melissaashabranner@hillrag.com

PUBLISHER: Jean-Keith Fagon • fagon@hillrag.com • Copyright © 2016 by Capital Community News. All Rights Reserved.

Editorial Staff

M������� E�����: Andrew Lightman • andrew@hillrag.com CFO � A�������� E�����: Maria Carolina Lopez • carolina@hillrag.com S����� N���� E�����: Susan Braun Johnson • schools@hillrag.com K��� � F����� E�����: Kathleen Donner • kathleendonner@gmail.com

Arts, Dining & Entertainment A��: D�����:

L���������: M�����: M����: T������: W��� G���:

Jim Magner • jjmagner@aol.com Celeste McCall • celeste@us.net Jonathan Bardzik • jonathan.bardzik@gmail.com Karen Lyon • klyon@folger.edu Mike Canning • mjcanning@verizon.net Jean-Keith Fagon • fagon@hillrag.com Stephen Monroe • steve@jazzavenues.com Barbara Wells • barchardwells@aol.com Jon Genderson • jon@cellar.com

Calendar & Bulletin Board

C������� E�����: Kathleen Donner • calendar@hillrag.com, bulletinboard@hillrag.com

General Assignment

Elise Bernard • elise.bernard@gmail.com Ellen Boomer • emboomer@gmail.com Stephanie Deutsch • scd@his.com Michelle Phipps-Evans • invisiblecolours@yahoo.com Maggie Hall • whitby@aol.com Stephen Lilienthal - stephen_lilienthal@yahoo.com Pleasant Mann • pmann1995@gmail.com Meghan Markey • meghanmarkey@gmail.com John H. Muller • jmuller.washingtonsyndicate@gmail.com Jonathan Neeley • neeley87@gmail.com Will Rich • will.janks@gmail.com Heather Schoell • schoell@verizon.net Virginia Avniel Spatz • virginia@hillrag.com Michael G. Stevens • michael@capitolriverfront.org Peter J. Waldron • peter@hillrag.com Jazzy Wright • wright.jazzy@gmail.com

Beauty, Health & Fitness

Patricia Cinelli • fitmiss44@aol.com Jazelle Hunt • jazelle.hunt@gmail.com Candace Y.A. Montague • writeoncm@gmail.com

Real Estate

Kids & Family

Kathleen Donner • kathleendonner@gmail.com Susan Johnson • schools@hillrag.com

Homes & Gardens

Derek Thomas • derek@thomaslandscapes.com Catherine Plume • caplume@yahoo.com Cheryl Corson • cheryl@cherylcorson.com

Commentary

Ethelbert Miller • emiller698@aol.com T�� N��� • thenose@hillrag.com T�� L��� W��� • editorial@hilllrag.com

Society News

Dr. Charles Vincent • socialsightings@aol.com “Mickey” Thompson Vincent • socialsightings@aol.com

Production/Graphic/Web Design

A�� D�������: Jason Yen • jay@hillrag.com Graphic Design: Lee Kyungmin • lee@hillrag.com W�� M�����: Andrew Lightman • andrew@hillrag.com

Advertising & Sales

Account Executive: Kira Means, 202.543.8300 X16 • kira@hillrag.com Account Executive: Laura Vucci, 202.543.8300 X22 • laura@hillrag.com Account Executive & Classified Advertising: Maria Carolina Lopez, 202.543.8300 X12 • Carolina@hillrag.com

Distribution

M������: Andrew Lightman D�����������: MediaPoint, LLC I����������: distribution@hillrag.com

Deadlines & Contacts

A����������: sales@hillrag.com D������ A��: 15th of each month C��������� A��: 10th of each month E��������: 15th of each month; editorial@hilllrag.com B������� B���� � C�������: 15th of each month; calendar@hillrag.com, bulletinboard@hillrag.com

Don Denton • DDenton@cbmove.com

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

Capital Community News, Inc. Publishers of: 20 H Hillrag.com

MIDCITY YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

F A G O N

GUIDE TO CAPITOL HILL

Re

DC

SAVE! SAVE! SAVE! bat

10% OFF

es

SEU

Ava i

lab

le

$25 OFF

LIST PRICE ON ANY EQUIPMENT INSTALLATIONS *Exp.05/31/2016

Any Service Call *Exp. 05/31/2016

FAST SERVICE FAST INSTALLATION Serving Capitol Hill Since 2001 • Residential & Light Commercial • Roof Top Package Units • Highly Experienced Technicians • Low Prices • Free Estimates On Replacements • Convenient Financing • Licensed, Bonded & Insured

Specializing in:

Equipment: Change outs & Complete Ductwork Systems + High Velocity Systems WE SERVICE & INSTALL ALL MAKES & MODELS

202-333-1310

www.polarbearairconditioning.com Your crew was really clean and tidy. Plus, they were very pleasant to work with.We really appreciated that.

– Linda, Capitol Hill

All Credit Cards Accepted May 2016 H 21

Around the World Embassy Tour

On Saturday, May 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., tour participants can travel the world as they experience food, art, dance, fashion, music, innovations, and manufactured goods from different countries. More than 45 embassies opened their doors to visitors in 2015, allowing guests to pet alpacas, play with robots, or learn indigenous dances. Come see the world through the embassies of our global neighbors. These embassies will host open houses this year: Afghanistan, African Union, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Gabon, Ghana, Guatemala, Haiti, Indonesia, Kenya, Korea, Kosovo, Libya, Mexico, Mozambique, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Peru, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Uruguay, and Venezuela. Find and map and details at culturaltourismdc.org.

Demonstration at the Embassy of Brazil. Photo: Walter Woodward

National Memorial Day Parade

On Monday, May 30, 2 p.m., the National Memorial Day Parade will start at the corner of Constitution Ave. and Seventh Street NW. It will proceed west down Constitution past the White House, ending at 17th Street. The parade was launched in 2005 by the American Veterans Center and the World War II Veterans Committee in Washington, DC. Since 2008 the parade has been televised and broadcast live to our troops stationed overseas. It is the largest Memorial Day event in the nation, a testament to the public’s desire to honor those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. americanveteranscenter.org RIGHT: The National Memorial Day Parade

is now the largest Memorial Day event in the country, with more than 250,000 spectators annually, thousands of participants, and a television broadcast across the United States.

22 H Hillrag.com

ZooFari

ZooFari, Thursday, May 19, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., is a culinary event featuring more than 100 of the top DC restaurants and vintners – all in the wild setting of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. In addition to an evening of food, fine wines, cocktail tastings with celebrity bartenders, and giveaways, ZooFari offers a night of live music, exotic animal encounters, a silent auction, and much more.

All proceeds support the zoo’s mission to save species. General admission is $200. Purchase tickets at nationalzoo.si.edu.

Photo: Courtesy of President Lincoln’s Cottage

Bourbon & Bluegrass at President Lincoln’s Cottage

On Sunday, May 15 (rain or shine), 2 to 5 p.m., enjoy live bluegrass music, sip bourbon on the verandah, play lawn games, and savor the springtime grounds of the Armed Forces Retirement Home at the second annual Bourbon and Bluegrass event of President Lincoln’s Cottage. Your $50 ticket ($25 for ages 12 through 17; under 11, free) includes live music from local performers, two drink tickets, and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, snacks, and desserts. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own picnic baskets and food. Proceeds go toward preservation efforts at President Lincoln’s Cottage. President Lincoln’s Cottage is at 140 Rock Creek Church Road NW. lincolncottage.org

Tickets for ZooFari at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo are on sale now. Photo: Smithsonian National Zoo

PG County Gateway Open Studio Tour (#OST2016)

Gateway Community Development Corporation welcomes you to the 12th annual Gateway Open Studio Tour in the Prince George’s County Gateway Arts District, home to one of the area’s most innovative and creative arts communities. On Saturday, May 14, noon to 5 p.m. (afterparty, 5 to 8 p.m., at 39th Street Gallery), Gateway Arts District artists, studios, and galleries open their doors to the public. #OST2016 is an exciting and family-friendly event that features live art demonstrations, kid-friendly activities, and live music. You’re on your own, but to do this right you’ll visit Brentwood, Mount Rainier, and Hyattsville. Find a map at gatewayopenstudios.org.

Open Studio Tour (OST) 2015 shows of Peter McClintock in his studio with patrons.

February 2016 H 23

M A Y CALENDAR MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND EVENTS

Blessing of the Bikes at National Cathedral.

May 27, 5 PM. The National Cathedral welcomes members of Rolling Thunder at the beginning of Memorial Day weekend for a “Blessing of the Bikes.” Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW. 202-5376200. cathedral.org.

Marine Evening Parades on Barracks Row are a Capitol Hill tradition. Photo: Courtesy of U.S. Marine Corps

“Flags-In” at Arlington Cemetery. Memorial Day Weekend. Each year, the 3rd Infantry (The Old Guard) has honored America’s fallen heroes by placing American flags before the gravestones and niches of service members buried both at Arlington National Cemetery and the U.S. Soldier’s and Airmen’s National Cemetery just prior to Memorial Day Weekend.

Arlington National Cemetery. 703-607-8000. arlingtoncemetery.org.

National Memorial Day Concert at Capitol. May 29, 8 to 9:30 PM (gates open at 5 PM). The National Symphony Orchestra performs the first of three outdoor holiday concerts. Free. West lawn, US Capitol.

Memorial Day Observance at the WWII Memorial. May 30, 9 AM. 1750 Independence Ave. SW. wwiimemorial.com.

Memorial Day Wreath-laying at Air Force Memorial. May 30, 9 to 10 AM; concert, 11 AM to noon. Air Force Memorial at One Air Force Memorial Drive in Arlington, VA. (14th St. Bridge into Virginia, merge onto Washington Blvd. and then Columbia Pike in the direction of the Navy Annex.

Then follow signs.) airforcememorial.org.

Memorial Day Wreath Laying at Arlington.

May 30, 11 AM. Arrive much earlier. Expect heavy security. There is free parking and a free bus ride to and from the ceremony. Please note that you can see the wreath laying or

24 H Hillrag.com

Marine Barracks Row Evening Parades

Fridays, May 6 through Aug. 26, 8:45 to 10 PM. Performance features music and precision marching. Reservations highly recommended a month in advance but there is also a general admission line with no guarantees. barracks.marines.mil. hear the speech but you can’t do both. Arlington National Cemetery. 703-607-8000. arlingtoncemetery.org.

Rolling Thunder Ride for Freedon. May 30, noon. “Rolling Thunder” is an annual motorcycle rally held in Washington, DC during the Memorial Day weekend. Thousands of motorcycles will depart from the Pentagon at noon and will roar across Washington, DC on their motorcycles as a tribute to American war heroes. Assemble at Pentagon north parking lot.

Memorial Day at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. May 30, 1 PM. Each year on Memorial Day veterans and their families congregate at “The Wall” to remember and to honor those who

served. On this day, Americans from all walks of life come to the Memorial to deliver thoughtful and patriotic speeches. vvmf.org.

National Memorial Day Parade. May 30, 2 PM. The parade starts at the corner of Constitution Ave. and Seventh St. NW and proceeds west down Constitution, past the White House, ending at 17th St. americanveteranscenter.org.

Women in Military Service Honors Memorial Day. May 30, 4 PM. The program includes formal military honors, remarks from servicewomen representing each of the services and the Women’s Memorial traditional Rose Petal Ceremony with personal tributes to departed comrades. Ceremony at the gateway to Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington VA. womensmemorial.org.

SPECIAL EVENTS 7th Annual “Fool for All” Tales of War and Pizza. May 1, 7 PM. Presented by Faction of Fools Theatre Company. Come for the

show, stay for the party. $5 suggested donation. Appropriate for all ages. Elstad Auditorium at Gallaudet University, 800 Florida Ave. NE. factionoffools.org.

National Cathedral Flower Mart. May 6 and 7 (rain or shine), 10 AM. This annual outdoor spring festival sponsored by the Cathedral’s All Hallows Guild features locally grown plant sales, international floral displays in the Cathedral nave, more than 80 unique boutique booths, local and international foods, music and entertainment, plus fun activities for children, including rides on the antique carousel. Free admission. cathedral.org.

National Cathedral Gargoyle Tower Climb. May 12, 1 PM. This climb focuses on the Cathedral’s two western towers and includes a close-up look at many gargoyles and grotesques while visiting the open-air walkway wrapping around these two towers (about 125 feet above the ground). $50. cathedral.org.

Mount Vernon’s Spring Wine Festival & Sunset Tour. May 13, 14 and 15; 6 to 9 PM. Visitors can bring a blanket and relax on the lawn as they sample wines from 16 Virginia wineries. $36-$48. mountvernon.org.

St. Sophia’s Greek Spring Festival. May 13 and 14, noon to 10 PM; May 15, noon to 7 PM. Saint Sophia’s festival brings the best of Greek food, drink and culture to the DC area. Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 2815 36th St. and Mass. Ave. NW. saintsophiadc.com.

OUTDOOR MUSIC, MOVIES AND CEREMONY Yards Park Friday Night Concerts. May 20, New Belgium Tour De Fat Performance; May 27, Jimi Smooth & HitTime; June 3, For The Win; June 10, The Reflex; June 17, DC Jazz Festival Artists; June 24, Jah Works; July 1, The BStreetBand; July 8, Jeff From Accounting; July 15, The Texas Chainsaw Horns; July 22, Sara Gray; July 29, Sly 45; Aug. 5, Justin Trawick; Aug. 12, Lovely Rita; Aug. 19, The 19th Street

Band; Aug. 26, Lloyd Dobler Effect; Sept.

2, Almost Journey. These free concerts are 6:30 to 8:30 PM and on the Great Lawn of Yards Park. Yards Park, 355 Water St. SE. yardspark.org.

Sunset Parades at Iwo Jima Memorial.

Tuesdays, May 31 to Aug. 16, 7 to 8 PM. The Sunset Parade features the music of “The Commandant’s Own”, The United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps and precision drill by the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon.

NoMa Summer Screen. June 1, Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark; June 8, Princess Bride; June 15, Guardians of the Galaxy; June 22, Jumanji; June 29, Fast Five; July 6, Pee Wee’s Big Adventure; July 13, Life of Pi; July 20, O Brother, Where Art Thou?; July 27, E.T.; Aug. 3, Apollo 13; Aug. 10, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire; Aug. 17, Jurassic Park; Aug. 24, rain date. Movies are at dusk at Storey Park Lot, 1005 First St. NE. nomabid.org.

MUSIC Sunday Concerts at the Phillips. Concerts at 4 PM. May 1, Jennifer Koh, Ursula Oppens, Frederic Rzewski; May 8, Metropolis Ensemble; May 15, United States Navy Band; May 22, Jack Quartet; May 29, The Phillips Camarata. $30, $15 for members, students, and visitors 6 to 18; includes museum admission for day of the concert.

Reservations recommended. phillipscollection.org/music.

Music at Rock and Roll Hotel. May 2, Local H; May 3, Born Ruffians & On An On; May 4, Bane; May 5, Woods; May 6, Taylor McFerrin; May 7, Cate Le Bon; May 8, DC Air Sex Championships; May 11, Crystal Fighters; May 12, Screaming Females; May 13, We Are Scientists; May 14, Fruit Bats; May 15, Verite; May 16, Lany-The Make Out Tour; May 19, Twin Peaks; May 20, Beach Slang; May 21, Rodney; May 24, Islands; May 28, T.S.O.L. Rock and Roll Hotel, 1353 H St. NE. 202-388-7625. rockandrollhoteldc.com.

Blues Night in Southwest. Every Monday, 6 to 9 PM. May 2, Electrified Blues Band w/Charlie Sayles; May 9, Memphis Gold

May 2016 H 25

{may events calendar}

Day of the Dog 2016 at Congressional Cemetery

May 7, 10 AM to 3 PM. Day of the Dog opens the cemetery to the public and their pups, which is a special opportunity for dog lovers to experience this historic site along with local pet vendors and services. Historic Congressional Cemetery, 1801 E St. SE. congressionalcemetery.org.

Day of the Dog is a special days for owners and pets.

Photo: Margaret Puglisi Blues; May 14, 2016 (Saturday Noon to 7 PM), 1st Annual Westminster Blues Festival; May 16, Shirleta Settles & Friends; May 23, Dr. S.O. Feelgood; May 30, Queen Aisha Blues. $5 cover. Children are welcome and free under 16 years old. Reasonably priced meals offered. 202-484--7700. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 400 I St. SW (Fourth and I, south side of intersection). westminsterdc.org.

Church of the Epiphany Weekly Concerts. Every Tuesday, 12:10 PM. May 3, Washington Bach Consort; May 10, Duo Amaral Jorge Amaral & Mia Pomerantz-Amaral; May 17, Robert Simonds, violin; May 24, Jocelyn Swigger, piano; May 31, Ralitza Patcheva & Jeremy Filsell, pianos. Free, but offering taken. 1317 G ST. NW. 202347-2635. epiphanydc.org.

Music at Mr. Henry’s. Thursday Night Bluegrass: May 5, Karen Jonas; May 12, Hollertown; May 19, By & By; May 26, Amanda Murphy & the Lost Indians. Friday Night Jazz: May 6, Dial 251 for Jazz; May 13, The Kevin Cordt Quartet; May 20, Herb Scott; May 27, Aaron L. Myers II. Saturday Night Ladies of Jazz: May 7, Tacha Coleman Parr; May 14, Kim Scudera w/ Batida Diferente; May 21, Di Daly; May 28, Barbara Papendorp. No cover; music is 8 to 11 PM. Capitol Hill Jazz Jam every Wednesday night. Shows run 8 to 11 PM.; doors open at 6 PM; no cover; two items per person minimum.

Henry’s Upstairs, 601 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. 202-5468412. mrhenrysdc.com.

Encore Rocks Concerts at Church of the Epiphany. May 5 and May 12, 7:30 PM. More than 120 singers, all age 55+, will take to the stage, along with band. Free.

Church of the Epiphany, 1317 G St. NW. encorecreativity.org.

26 H Hillrag.com

Music at the Atlas. May 5, Capitol Hill Arts WorkshopSuede in Concert; May 6 and 7, Liner Notes-Worldwide Underground; May 8, Capital City Symphony-Great Masters, Young Stars; May 28, Great Noise Ensemble-Van Gogh; June 3, Sirius Quartet. Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. 202-399-7993. atlasarts.org.

Jazz Night in Southwest. Every Friday, 6 to 9 PM. May 6, Lori Williams & Friends; May 13, Dred “Perky” Scott: A Baltimore Vibe; May 20, Warren Wolf’s World; May 27, Chuck Redd & Young Blood. $5 cover. Children are welcome and free under 16 years old. Reasonably priced meals offered. 202-484-7700. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 400 I St. SW (Fourth and I, south side of intersection). westminsterdc.org.

DC Concert Orchestra Performance. May 15, 3 PM. Free but donations accepted. Church of the Epiphany, 1317 G St. NW. dcconcertorchestra.org.

Society of the Cincinnati Concert. May 21, 10:30 AM, Beau Soir Ensemble. Free. Anderson House, 2118 Massachusetts Ave. NW. 202-785-2040. societyofthecincinnati.org.

Thomas Circle Singers Concert Four Under Forty at Forty.

May 22, 4 PM, reception follows. To finish this anniversary season, TCS will feature music of four composers--two American and two Norwegian--who are younger than TCS. National City Christian Church, 5 Thomas Circle, NW. “Notes from the Crypt” Chamber Music Concerts at Congressional Cemetery. May 22, and June 19; 4 PM. These one-hour concerts are held about once a month in the historic Chapel. The program is followed by a wine and cheese reception. Admission is free and seating is first come, first served. Historic Congressional Cemetery, 1801 E St. SE. 202-543-0539. congressionalcemetery.org.

THEATER AND FILM Mosaic’s Hkeelee (Talk to Me) at the Atlas. April 30, 8 PM and May 1, 2 PM and 10 PM. A probing portrait of a cosmopolitan Lebanese matriarch as Hkeelee invites you to engage in an interactive exploration of what it means to be(come) American: what we hold onto, what we let go and how those choices come to shape who we are. $60. Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. 202399-7993. atlasarts.org.

Theatre Du Jour Presents To Have Done with the Judgement of God by Antonin Artaud. Through May 7; Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM and May 6 and 7 at 10 PM. Having spent much of his final years in various mental asylums, Artaud resurfaced in 1947 with a radio play: To Have Done with the Judgment of God. DC Arts Center, 2438 18th St. NW. 202-462-7833. theatredujour.org.

William Shakespeare’s Long Lost First Play (abridged) at the Folger. Through May 8. The wonderfully inventive and wildly hilarious Reduced Shakespeare Company returns to Folger Theatre in this eagerly anticipated World Premiere. Discovered in a treasure-filled parking lot in Leicester, England, an ancient manuscript proves to be the long-lost first play by none other than the young William Shakespeare from Stratford. Folger Theater, 201 East Capitol St. SE. 202-544-7077. folger.edu.

All the Way at Arena. Through May 8. Robert Schenkkan’s Tony Award-winning drama All the Way, about President Lyndon Baines Johnson’s impassioned struggle to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW. arenastage.org.

The Mystery of Love & Sex at Signature. Through May 8.

Complete opposites, Charlotte and Jonny have been best friends since they were children. Now, as college students

on the eve of graduation, they toy around with taking their friendship romantic. Or not. Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave. off I395 at the Shirlington exit (#6). signature-theatre.org.

Chronicle of a Death Foretold at GALA. Through May 8. After marrying against her will, Angela is returned to her mother when the angry new husband discovers she is not a virgin.

Forced to name the man who deflowered her, Angela’s brothers undertake a murderous mission of revenge.

GALA Hispanic Theatre, 3333 14th St. NW. galatheatre.org.

110 in the Shade at Ford’s. Through May 14. In sweltering 1950s Texas, headstrong and eternally single Lizzie Curry dreams of a romantic life with someone who is her equal. When a charming stranger named Starbuck swaggers into town, he vows to end the region’s drought and awakens Lizzie to the promise she holds within. Ford’s Theatre, 511 10th St. NW. 202-347-4833. fords.org.

The Electric Baby at the Atlas.

Through May 15. When Helen causes a car accident that kills a young man, a group of fractured souls cross paths and connect around a mysterious baby who glows like the moon. Folk tales and folklore weave throughout this magical story of sad endings, strange beginnings and the unlikely people that get you from one place to the next. Atlas, 1333 H St NE. $15-$30. rorschachtheatre.com/tickets.

Solas Nua’s Wild Sky at Keegan.

Through May 15. Wild Sky, by Deirdre Kinahan, explores the complex blend of art, politics, and energy that led up to the events of Ireland’s 1916 Easter Rising. Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church St. NW. 202265-3767. keegantheatre.com.

The Body of An American at Theater J. Through May 22. “If you do

INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING WITH US? Call Kira Means 202-400-3508

or kira@hillrag.com for more information on advertising.

May 2016 H 27

28 H Hillrag.com

Canal Park Outdoor Movies

June 2, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off; June 9, Inside Out; June 16, Ocean’s Eleven; June 30, Star Wars The Force Awakens; July 7, Mean Girls; July 14, Jurassic World; July 21, Minions; July 28, Creed; Aug. 4, Pitch Perfect 2; Aug. 11, The Martian; and Aug. 18, Skyfall. Movies at Canal Park, Second and Eye Streets, SE, begin at sundown but arrive as early as 7 PM. capitolriverfront.org.

this, I will own you forever.” Canadian photojournalist Paul Watson is haunted by these words he heard as a soldier lay dying. Theater J, 1529 16th St. NW. 800-494-8497. washingtondcjcc.org.

The Welders’ Transmission at the Atlas. Through May 28. Transmission is an immersive, participatory “performance essay” on the viral evolution of culture from the radio age to the present. Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. 202-399-7993. atlasarts.org.

Disgraced at Arena. Through May 29. Amir has worked hard to achieve the American Dream--complete with a successful career, a beautiful wife and $600 custom-tailored shirts. But has he removed himself too far from his roots? Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW. arenastage.org.

Phaeton by Mike Milligan at CHAW. May 7 to 28. Phaeton explores the distance between who we are, who we think we are, and who we can be. In this space

Enjoy movies at Canal Park.

Photo: Courtesy of Capitol Riverfront BID

lies the conflict--the inescapable and universal struggle--between the mundane and the divine, between complacency and hope, between fear and action. $15.

Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 Seventh St. SE. taffetypunk.com.

An American Daughter at Keegan. May 7 to 28. Set in Washington, DC, An American Daughter focuses on Dr. Lyssa Dent Hughes, a health care expert and forty-something daughter of a long-time Senator. When the President nominates Lyssa to a Cabinet post, an indiscretion from her past is discovered. Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church St. NW. 202-265-3767. keegantheatre.com.

Hedda Gabler at Studio. May 11 to June 19. Hedda Tesman returns from her honeymoon to the brutal banality of domestic life: an antagonizingly bland husband; a living room full of dying flowers; and a house that is too large, too cluttered, too bourgeois for the once unstoppable Hedda Gabler. Studio Theatre, 1501 14th St. NW. 202-332-3300. studiotheatre.org.

May 2016 H 29

SW Market

Arts and Crafts on five Fridays through October.

Photo: Courtesy of SW Market

Fourth Friday of every month, May 27, June 24, Aug. 26, Sept. 23 and Oct. 28, 4 to 10 PM. Featuring arts and crafts, jewelry, accessories, bath/beauty, furniture, furnishings, accessories, collectibles, live-music, food trucks and a beer garden. Market is at the Waterfront Station, Fourth and M Streets, SW. marketswdc.com.

The Taming of the Shrew at Shakespeare. May 17 to June 26. All male cast. Why are our bodies soft and weak and smooth…But that our soft conditions and our hearts...Should well agree with our external parts. Shakespeare’s Sidney Harman Hall, 610 F St. NW. 202547-1122. shakespearetheatre.org.

Bicycle Drive-in Movie at Hill Center.

May 27, 8 PM. For National Bike Month, the movies screened include Bicycle Thieves, Veer, On Time, and Racing Towards Red Hook. Films will begin as soon as the sun goes down. The Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. dclibrary.org/southeast.

District Merchants at the Folger, May 31 to July 3 (Pay-What-You-Will Tuesday, May 31, 7:30 p.m.). District Merchants is a variation on William Shakespeare’s The Mechant of Venice. Set among the Black and Jewish populations of an imagined time and place--simultaneously Shakespearean, post-Civil War Washington, DC, and today--District Merchants is tale of money, merchandise, and mercy. Folger Theater, 201 East Capitol St. SE. 202-5447077. folger.edu.

30 H Hillrag.com

El Paso Blue at GALA. June 2 to 26. Solis’ riff on the Oedipus Rex classic is a wild and comic tale of lust, revenge, identity and the Blues. Al leaves his wife Sylvie in the care of his father before serving a prison sentence. Upon release, he discovers that his beloved and the old man have fallen in-love and run...GALA Hispanic Theatre, 3333 14th St. NW. galatheatre.org.

SPORTS AND FITNESS DC United at RFK. May 8, 7:30 PM vs. New York City FC; May 13, 7 PM vs. New York Red Bulls; and June 1, 8 PM vs. Seattle Sounders FC. dcunited.com.

Washington Nationals Baseball. May 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 and 29. washington.nationals.mlb.com.

Capitol Hill Classic 10K, 3K and Fun Run. May 15, 10K starts at 8:30 AM; 3K at 10:30 AM; Fun Run at 11 AM. Races start in front of Peabody Primary School, at 425 C St. NE. Registration open through May 8. Register at capitolhillclassic.com.

Semper Fi 5K. May 21 (Armed Forces Day), 8:30 a.m., at Ohio Drive, West Potomac

REGISTER FOR LESSONS AND SUMMER CAMPS NOW! 801 D St, NE musiconthehilldc.com (202) 733-3158

May 2016 H 31

Park, near the Lincoln Memorial.

100% of the proceeds benefit the Semper Fi Fund and our wounded warriors. Register at semperfi5k.com.

Practice with Love Yoga Gathering at the Botanic Garden. Saturdays through fall except, Memorial Day weekend, July 4th weekend, Labor Day weekend and Oct. 1; 10:30 to 11:30 AM. Free. Bring your own mat. usbg.gov.

Free Public Tennis Courts Nearby.

King Greenleaf Recreation Center, 201 N St. SW; Garfield Park, Third and G Streets, SE; Randall Park First and I Streets, SW; Rosedale Recreation Center, 1701 Gales St. NE; Sherwood Recreation Center, 640 10th St. NE. All courts are open daily, dawn to dusk. Courts are available on a first-come, first-served basis for one hour intervals; extended use of tennis courts requires a permit. Proper shoes and attire required. 202671-0314. dpr.dc.gov.

DC Outdoor Pools. Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Nearby outdoor pools are Randall Pool at South Capitol and I Sts. SW; and Rosedale Pool at 1701 Gales St. NE. Pools close one weekday each week for scheduled service and maintenance.

Free for DC residents. Have ID. dpr.dc.gov.

Zumba @ Southwest Library. Mondays, 7 PM. Instructor Roshaunda Jenkins will lead this one-hour fitness and dance workout--all fitness levels welcome. The class is free and no registration required.

Southwest Neighborhood Library, 900 Wesley Pl. SW. 202-724-4752. dclibrary.org/southwest.

Zumba Gold at Northeast Library.

May 11 and 25; June 28 and 22; July 13 and 27; Aug. 20 and 24; 5 PM. Zumba Gold is a dance fitness program based on international

32 H Hillrag.com

Lincoln’s Contemporaries

May 13–May 12, 2019. Who were Abraham Lincoln’s contemporaries? They included many fascinating people beyond the politicians and military leaders of the Civil War. This exhibition features Mathew Brady’s portraits of twenty celebrities– from showman P.T. Barnum and inventor Samuel Morse to musician Teresa Carreño and clergyman Henry Ward Beecher–who reflect the diversity of American intellectual and cultural life during Lincoln’s presidency. National Portrait Gallery. 8th and F Streets NW. jpg.si.edu.

Jessie Benton Fremont, by Mathew Brady Studio. Modern albumen print from wet plate collodion negative. c. 1863. National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; Meserve Collection

May 2016 H 33

34 H Hillrag.com

DC Board of Elections Invites You To Vote

June 14 Primary Election Early and Absentee Voting! rhythms targeted to the active senior population and non-seniors who are beginners, those who prefer a low-impact but effective cardio workout due to injury or other reasons, or those who might be intimidated by high-impact classes.

Northeast Neighborhood Library, 330 Seventh St. NE. 202-698-0058. dclibrary.org/northeast.

Yoga with Caroline at Northeast Library. Wednesdays, 7 PM. Bring water and a mat and wear comfortable clothing to this free class. All levels welcome. Northeast Neighborhood Library, 330 Seventh St. NE. 202-698-0058. dclibrary.org/ northeast.

MArkETS ANd SALES

SPARKET-A Creative Market at Crystal City. Wednesdays, May 4 through June 29, 11 AM to 2 PM and Sept.

7 through Nov. 16. The Market is on the sidewalk of 1800 block of Crystal Dr., adjacent to the Crystal Shops mall. sparketacreativemarket. blogspot.com.

Great Brookland Yard Sale. May 7, 10 AM to 2 PM. Sales all over the neighborhood. Map at greatbrooklandyardsale.org.

Montgomery Potters Spring Sale.

May 7, 9 AM to 3 PM. Huge selection of functional and decorative handmade pottery by more than 30 local potters. Colesville Presbyterian Church (sale inside church), 12800 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring, MD. MontgomeryPotters.org.

May 31*/June 4-June 11, 2016 (including Sunday June 5, 2016) One Judiciary Square* Columbia Heights Community Center Chevy Chase Community Center Takoma Community Center Turkey Thicket Recreation Center Sherwood Recreation Center King Greenleaf Recreation Center Dorothy I. Height/Benning Library Malcom X Elementary School During Early Voting, vote at any of the above Early Voting Centers.

On Election Day, you MUST vote at your home precinct.

Or, request an Absentee Ballot by June 7, and Vote by Mail! (ballots must be received in our office by 8:00 pm on June 14,2016) Call (202) 727-2525 with questions, or visit www.dcboee.org

The District holds Closed Primaries Confirm your Party Status by May 16!

Del Ray Artisans Spring Art Market.

May 7, 10 AM to 4 PM. Nicholas A. Colasanto Park, adjoining Del Ray Artisans gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA. TheDelRayArtisans.org.

Friends of the Northeast Library Used Book Sale. May 14, 10:30 AM.

May 2016 H 35

Windows Craft, Inc. Replacement Windows & Doors Installation Group · Specializing in Historic Window & Door Replacement or Refurbishment · Full Tear-Out and Retro-Fit installations, Wood, Aluminum Clad or Synthetic Windows & Doors · Permit Expediting For Historic DC Properties

FREE NO OBLIGATION ESTIMATES 202.288.6660 info@windowscraft.com

LIMITED TIME OFFER

20% OFF INSTALLATION CHARGE Exp. 05/31/2016

www.windowscraft.com Licensed, Insured and Bonded

Proceeds benefit library programs.

Northeast Neighborhood Library, 330 Seventh St. NE. 202-698-0058. dclibrary.org/northeast.

Bethesda Fine Arts Festival. May 14 and 15 (rain or shine), 10 AM to 5 PM. Festival feaures more than 120 contemporary artists selling their original fine art and craft. The festival will also feature live entertainment, children’s activities and local restaurants. Bethesda’s Woodmont Triangle along Norfolk and Auburn Avenues. Free. bethesda.org.

School-Within-School @ Goding Yard Sale. May 21, 8 AM to 1 PM. The sale will take place in the school cafeteria, 920 F St. NE.

660 Pennsylvania Ave SE 1718 14th St. NW Union Market www.peregrineespresso.com

H Street NE FRESHFARM Market.

Saturdays, 9 AM to 12:30 PM (new hours). Located at H St. and 13th St. NE. freshfarmmarket.org.

Eastern Market. Daily except Mondays and important holidays. Weekdays, 7 AM to 7 PM; Saturdays, 7 AM to 5 PM; Sundays, 9 AM to 5 PM. Flea market and arts and crafts market open Saturdays and Sundays, 9 AM to 6 PM. Eastern Market is Washington’s last continually operated “old world” market. 200 block of Seventh St. SE. 202-698-5253. easternmarketdc.com.

Dupont Circle Farmers Market.

Sundays (rain or shine), year round, 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM. 20th St. and Mass. Ave. NW, 1500 block of 20th St. NW (between Mass. Ave. and Q St. in the adjacent parking lot of PNC Bank). 202-362-8889. freshfarmmarket.org.

Branch Avenue Pawn Parking Lot Flea Market. Saturdays, year-round (weather permitting). Set up after 10 AM. 3128 Branch Ave., Temple Hills, MD. Fresh Tuesdays at Eastern Market.

Tuesdays, 3 to 7 PM. Farmers’ line of

36 H Hillrag.com

fresh produce. Eastern Market, 200 block of Seventh St. SE. 202-6985253. easternmarketdc.com.

Union Market. Tuesday-Friday, 11 AM to 8 PM; Saturday-Sunday, 8 AM to 8 PM. Union Market is an artisanal, curated, year round food market featuring over 40 local vendors.

1309 Fifth St. NE. 301-652-7400. unionmarketdc.com.

CIVIC LIFE

Congresswoman Norton’s NW District Office. Open weekdays, 9 AM to 6 PM. 529 14th St. NW, suite 900.

202-783-5065. norton.house.gov.

ANC 6A. Second Thursday, 7 PM. Meeting at Miner Elementary School, 601 15th St. NE. 202-423-8868. anc6a.org.

ANC 6B. Second Tuesday, 7 PM. Meeting at Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. 202-543-3344. anc6b.org.

Facials • Massages • Waxing 749 8th St SE 202-543-6993 skinbeautybardc.com

FIRST TIME CLIENTS ONLY.

ANC 6C. Second Wednesday, 7 PM. Meeting at Heritage Foundation, 214 Mass. Ave. NE, first floor conference room. 202-547-7168. anc6c.org.

ANC 6D. Second Monday, 7 PM. Meeting at 1100 Fourth St. SW, DCRA meeting room, 2nd floor. 202554-1795. anc6d.org.

ANC 6E. First Tuesday, 6:30 PM. Meeting at Northwest One Library (new location), 155 L St. NW. anc6e.org.

ABC Committee, ANC6D. May 26, 7 PM. Alcohol license applications, renewals, enforcement, and other issues. To be added to e-mail list for agenda and notifications contact Coralie Farlee, Chair, ABC Committee, 202-554-4407, cfarlee@mindspring.com. SW Library, 900 Wesley Pl. SW. ◆

May 2016 H 37

38 H Hillrag.com

A Hill Rag Special Issue

g n i t a r b e l Ce s r o i n Se May 2016 H 39

‘

Long Life’ Is Everyone’s Future: Capitol Hill Village’s Vision

by Michael Canning

G

rowing old is a part of everyone’s future, and recently Capitol Hill Village (CHV) has elevated the entire community’s awareness and engagement around longevity. Through its growing partnerships and new programs the Village is making Capitol Hill one of the most informed and active neighborhoods, addressing both the opportunities and needs that long life presents, while building new models for a community that celebrates long life.

“People living longer create very real impacts and opportunities for society, bringing changes in transportation options, recreation and public space uses, and housing for older adults,” says Molly Singer, executive director of the Village. “And, most obviously, health needs and services are continually changing.” She points out that longer lives also produce economic effects such as individuals drawing longer on pensions and Social Security or confronting increased medical costs over a greater lifespan. Positive upshots include seniors contributing more to the economy, providing services to the community, and serving as vital supports to families. “Because we have more people living longer and the ‘baby boomers’ getting older, the Village itself has evolved over the past nine years in terms of its members and its programs,” Singer adds.

The core functions of CHV are to provide service and support on the individual level. Ninety percent of the Village’s programs are preventive, keeping seniors well and safe as an antidote to crisis. The organization renders a range of volunteer services, from transportation to technology help, from gardening to dog walking, as well as supplying referrals to vetted vendors for professional services. CHV sustains and informs members through its social activities, bringing various tastes and in-

A CHV member receives instruction on new electronic devices from a local student.

40 H Hillrag.com

Capitol Hill Village members are briefed for a journey down the Anacostia River.

terests together. The Village also has myriad educational programs, averaging one per week, on current affairs, technology, health, wellness, and cultural issues. Two professional social workers coordinate care, facilitate difficult conversations, and ensure that frail members have highquality services.

In addition to its core functions CHV is examining broader social impacts. It is increasing the level of awareness and engagement on a spectrum of issues including housing, health facilities, and community amenities. Over the next year the Village will present national and international models for longer-life services through educational programs, exhibits, and multimedia resources. Alongside the learning it will facilitate a communitywide dialogue about how to design and create a Capitol Hill community that supports and celebrates long life in the built environment and through technology and social and community services.

In looking at longevity’s impact across the community, Singer notes, “we want to learn about how Capitol Hill Village might be able to support all members of the community who are engaged in supporting seniors.” Also planned is a series of house meetings for individuals who have aging family members and are struggling with evolving family issues. These listening and sharing sessions will determine what services and resources could be useful for individuals.

The Village offers consulting services for individuals who need advice, information, and referrals but who are not members. One recent

YOUR CAPITOL HILL DENTIST

practical example involved a local woman, not a Village member, whose mother in Illinois needed services and connections to care. The CHV socialwork team explored options and made a professional introduction to an Illinois-based service provider. “We think that looking at the range of issues around aging, and understanding that one individual’s long life impacts families and communities, is important to determine our future,” explains Singer. “To do this we need to work form a range of partnerships to understand the depth and breadth of opportunities that long life presents.”

City and regional partners are embracing the Village’s efforts. CHV will be receiving a significant grant from the US Department of Transportation to design new models that leverage volunteers and increase the transportation opportunities for seniors. The Village has also received foundation funding to support its outreach and leadership across DC to work with health, government, private, and nonprofit sectors.

And the Village’s work continues to be recognized on Capitol Hill. The 2016 Arnold F. Keller Jr. Award for community service, a $10,000 grant given annually by the Capitol Hill Community Foundation, was awarded on April 26 to Capitol Hill Village for service to lowincome members. It is the second time CHV has received the award (first was in 2008).

Baby boomers often dread trips to the dentist because of scary or painful childhood experiences. We are committed to providing positive patient experiences at Nishan Halim, DMD. The practice is friendly and Dr. Halim’s approach is gentle, precise, and educational. With the use of digital photos and radiography, we will examine your teeth together. If you are interested in improving the health of your mouth and esthetics of your smile, call and speak with Teresa or Ashley, or visit our website to request an introductory exam, today!

2015 Hilly Award Winner for Best Healthcare Provider on Capitol Hill 2016 Washington City Paper Reader’s Poll, 1st Runner Up Best Dentist in DC

www.nishanhalimdmd.com 27 6th st, ne | 202.543.2020

For more information on Capitol Hill Village, go to capitolhillvillage.org, visit thir office at 725 8th St. SE, or call 202543-1778. u

May 2016 H 41

Safe at Home

DC’s Office on Aging Pilots a Program to Keep Seniors Injury Free article by Candace Y.A. Montague, photos by Tori Goldhammer

A

ging in place has become a priority with the rapid changes occurring in the District. Many families worry about their elderly loved ones losing their homes, but there is an additional concern when it comes to the senior population. Falling in or around the home can lead to serious repercussions physically, financially, and emotionally. In July 2015 the Safe at Home (SAH) Act was introduced during a session of the DC Council by councilmembers Charles Allen (Ward 6), Anita Bonds (At-large), and Jack Evans (Ward 2). The purpose was to establish a home modification grant for qualifying low-income seniors and adult residents with disabilities to make safety improvements to their homes. Seniors who own homes or renters with their landlord’s permission can now qualify for up to $10,000 in home upgrades.

The bill also allows an SAH tax credit for people who foot the bill on their own (50 percent of the modification cost or $5,000, whichever is less).

Needs Assessment The Safe at Home program is a pilot. An occupational therapist will visit the home to evaluate individual needs.

The therapist will do up to seven assessments including vision, strength and balance, cognition, and medication. Tori Goldhammer, program manager for the SAH program of the DC Office on Aging (DCOA), explains that the initial setup is “a little combination of an interview and visit; getting a little bit of information about their medical history and what the senior’s goals are. We don’t go in places in the house where they never go. If the

42 H Hillrag.com

CB Stairlift

most important thing to them is taking a bath then we focus on that.” Based on the evaluation SAH will purchase small items such as bath mats, lamp remote-control systems, and furniture risers. Larger installations such as stair lifts, grab bars, or ramps can be done by Toilet Riser and Handles contractors who are trained to work with seniors. “Having an occupational therapist evaluate the homes with the seniors should help them feel very comfortable that they are being taken care of,” adds Goldhammer.

Common Falls Not So Common It is a myth that falling is a natural part of the aging process, but the statistics don’t reflect it. According to the Center for Disease Control, 2.5 million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries annually. One out of five falls causes

VMc Railing

serious injuries or head trauma. Seniors are particularly vulnerable to fall injuries due to factors such as balance problems, poor vision, muscle weakness and foot problems, and medications that can make them sleepy or dizzy. Head trauma can be a very grave issue for seniors who take blood thinners. Elderly people with cognitive issues such as dementia are at an elevated risk of falling. In fact, 60 percent of elderly people with cognitive impairments fall annually. Some studies suggest that people with gait abnormalities have an increased risk of de-

veloping dementia and cognitive decline.

Falling, whether it results in injury or not, can also take its toll on mental state and quality of life. When older adults fear falling they tend to avoid social activities and stay indoors (over half of falls take place at home). This can lead to increased physical decline and depression. Social interaction wards off depression, and exercise can strengthen bones and protect people from injury, so staying active is critical.

The best defense is for seniors to get educated about fall risks and prevention. The DCOA offers fall prevention training periodically throughout the year.

Here are some of the ways we serve our community: • FREE Home Delivery • Diabetes Supplies and other Medical Supplies – walkers, wheelchairs, etc.

• Private Patient Counseling • Compounding • Online Prescription Refills and Requests • CAREgiver Support • Specialized Prescription Drugs

FREE

Get a bottle of vitamins

$5 off

a or new or transferred prescription! *Bring this ad to Apex CARE Pharmacy by May 31, 2016

We accept all major insurance plans:

Void where prohibited by law. One coupon per customer. Some exclusions may apply, see pharmacist for details.

• Medicaid • Medicare Part D • Aetna • Carefirst BC/BS • Amerihealth • Trusted Health Plan • Health Right • And many more

3839 Minnesota Ave NE |

202-388-1900

Mon.-Fri. 9am-6pm, Sat. 10am-3pm

Funding Fall Prevention Prevention has proven to be much more cost effective than treatment. A stair lift costs on average $5,000. Compare that to the price of one year in a nursing home for a patient who never recovers from a fall (in excess of $100,000) and you have the argument for a funding program. The funding for SAH has been carved out of a larger effort, the Single Family Residential Rehabilitation Program (SFRRP), which provided dollars for home improvements. AARP Legal Counsel for the Elderly collaborated with AARP DC and other advocates to work with the Committee on Housing and Community Development headed by Councilmember Bonds. The groups persuaded the council to allot money for individuals who need smaller items and do not seek to apply for large dollar amounts.

Since final council approval, DCOA has received hun-

JOHNSON LAW GROUP Services to individuals and businesses since 1985... you saw them in

Wills, Estates and Trusts • Commercial and Business Law Property Transactions and Disputes • Government Contracting • General Civil Litigation

www.jlgi.com

202-544-1515

Capitol Hill • 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20003

May 2016 H 43

dreds of calls asking for help. In just a few months close to 40 projects have been approved and completed. Rochelle Bobroff, senior attorney for AARP Legal Counsel for the Elderly, says SAH has been essential.

“I have personally talked to seniors who say their bathrooms are not on the same floor as the kitchen or bedroom. So if they have a walker or a cane, going up and down steps is a real risk.

They managed it yesterday but will they manage tomorrow?”

Investing in SAH projects for seniors yields excellent returns: “It’s money well spent for the District and a quality-of-life improvement for the seniors.”

What SAH won’t cover are big-ticket items that are more structurally related such as buckled floors or damaged walls. The funding is for low- to moderate-income seniors. Individuals aged 18-59 with disabilities are also welcome to apply.

“There is an income requirement. The idea is, this is not for the District’s millionaires.

But low- to moderate-income families who don’t have $5,000 to put in a stair lift can get the help they need,” adds Bobroff.

SAH is a pilot to measure the need for this type of program, so there will be a push to make it permanent. Given the current interest and volume of applications submitted so far, Safe at Home might be safe for good.

For more information about Safe at Home call 202638-0050 or visit the DC Department on Aging website, www.dcoa.dc.gov.

Candace Y.A. Montague is the health reporter for Capital Community News. u

44 H Hillrag.com

FREE FOR DC RESIDENTS 60+ Supporting healthy lifestyles with dynamic programming: Physical Exercise Nutrition Education Counseling Health Education Medication Management Smoking Cessation Health Screenings and much more including day trips, crochet, & massage therapy!

500 K Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 202-727-0357 | www.hayesswc.com

May 2016 H 45

Get Your Affairs in Order For An Orderly Estate

by Skip Thompson

Y

ou may be quite willing to plan an investment strategy for your retirement years. After all, it can be enjoyable to think about traveling the world, pursuing your hobbies or participating in any of the activities you’ve associated with an active retirement.

However, once you do retire, you’ll need to “shift gears” somewhat to focus on your legacy. Specifically, to protect your loved ones and ensure your intentions are clear and carried out, you’ll need to do some more planning – and you’ll need to share your thoughts with your family.

Here Are Some Moves to Consider: •

•

•

•

•

46 H Hillrag.com

List your assets and debts. Your family needs to be aware of your assets and debts, so share this information with them while you are alive and well.

Create a durable power of attorney. Give a trusted friend or family member a durable power of attorney to pay bills and make financial choices on your behalf if you are unable to do so.

Choose an executor. An executor is the person or entity you name in your will to carry out your wishes. An executor has a variety of responsibilities, so pick someone who is honest and capable of dealing with legal and financial matters. Talk with an attorney about how best to name your executor.

Update your will. You might have written a will many years ago, but, over time, many aspects of your life may have changed. Review your will with your attorney to ensure it reflects your current wishes.

Review benefits of a living trust. A simple will may not be enough to accommodate your estate-planning needs. You might want to consider establishing a living trust, which provides you with significant flexibility in distributing your assets and can help you avoid the time-

consuming, expensive and public process of probate. To create a trust or other estate-planning documents, you will need to work with a qualified legal professional.

• Review your beneficiary designations. The beneficiary designations on your financial accounts (401(k), IRA, etc.) and your insurance policies can even supersede the directions on your will, so it’s essential that you update these designations to reflect events such as divorce and remarriage. And make sure your beneficiaries have the facts they need to claim their benefits.

• Share location of your legal documents. Your loved ones should know where you keep documents such as your birth certificate, will and living trust. If you keep these items in a safe deposit box, tell your family where you keep the key.

• Encourage two-way communication. It’s obviously necessary to communicate your final wishes to your family members – but listen to their wishes and concerns, too. For example, ask your children to agree on who gets those objects of special concern to them, such as furniture, mementos and heirlooms.

As you can see, you’ll need to take several steps to fulfill your intentions – and the above list is certainly not exhaustive. So plan carefully, engage the appropriate team – financial advisor, attorney, tax professional – and put your plans in motion. By being proactive, you can greatly ease the burden on your loved ones in the future.

This article was written by Skip Thompson, your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor Thompson is a proud Hill resident. He plans to open an office in the neighborhood towards the end of 2016. Thompson can be contacted at skip.thompson@edwardjones.com. Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors are not estate planners and cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your estate-planning attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation. u

May 2016 H 47

The Dilemma of What to Do with the Dearly Departed Ashes Into Space or Onto A Shelf?

by Maggie Hall

I

48 H Hillrag.com

t’s a year on. And he’s still here. In our home. Well, my home now. It’s hard for me to say “my.” Same when it comes to “mine” instead of “ours.”

And I still say “we” instead of “I.” I

know, it’s a process, one I’m still working through.

They say it will end. But I know differently. It never will.

Meanwhile I have a very specific death dilemma: what to do with the ashes? One thing I’ve discovered in my first year of widowhood is that, when it comes to pondering their disposal I am not alone.

An initial thought was they’re going into space. But the cost of hurtling what was left of my beloved Gary into the milky-way stopped that idea, excuse the pun, dead. I’m not stingy but whom the heck has $12,500 going spare for the joy of that experience. Gary, an avid aviation expert who worked for much of his computer engineering career on developing air traffic control systems, would have loved it. But he would have died all over again at the thought of the cost. Anyway, for that price you’d have thought the whole lot could have gone into outer space. But no, only one gram at a time. Which still leaves the major problem.

Next up was that they could be used to form an artificial reef. That had the juices flowing, especially as Gary had been an enthusiastic diver, a passion develped when he spent three years on Johnston Island, an atoll off Hawaii, lighting-up the night skies testing missiles. But despite Gary’s love of the sea there’s something not appealing to “drowning” him in Davy Jones’ Locker.

Then a British friend told me

how he’d got his wife incorporated into a tattoo. I even went as far as calling a Georgetown tattoo parlor. The conversation was short. It went: “I’d like my husband’s ashes mixed into the ink....” The retort: “You’re not in Europe now....” But ash-tattoos are booming, though I’m not getting in line. If I did, it would be the tiniest tattoo ever not seen and so little of the “cremains” - a word I’ve learnt since researching ashes - would be needed, the original problem, again, would remain.

So onward: going out with a bang stuffed into fireworks; flying high in helium balloons; packed into tree growing soil; turned into pencils (no cracks please about “lead in his....” ). But for many reasons - ie the complicated logistics, moving away from where the tree is and eventually sharpening Gary into nothing - all rejected.

So why aren’t I keeping the ashes on a shelf in an urn? It’s a possibility. I keep thinking of turning a handsome, blue cut-glass decanter that Gary bought while living in Germany into an ash-filled table lamp. But for sure he’s not ending up in a $2,600 hollow, lifelike bust that has been created through photos and 3-D facial recognition software. Neither is he going in a memorial version of his favorite take-away food box, inscribed “Rest in Pizza.” That decision has nothing to do with the $270 price tag.

Of course the most obvious - apart from scattering in a favorite spot - is to have Gary dispatched to Congressional Cemetery, and put into a bench or a Columbarium Niche. Again, not an inexpensive option. Bench sites run from $2,000 to $4,400. The price is governed by how close to the gates the bench, which by the way is not included, is. An urn inset into the wall of ashes, $4,000.

But Gary’s not going to the cemetery. I know

CAPITOL HILL VILLAGE CORNER

Capitol Hill Village – helping the community navigate the future. the arguments for this. So many believe it’s important is to have somewhere to visit and “spend time” with the dearly departed. But I don’t need a special place to go to. I “visit” Gary all the time. Maybe not every living second of every day - but enough to let him know (heck, that’s a notion I never thought I’d believe in) that he’s still with me. Me with him.

The options are many.... but most of them, like hand blown glass vases, bowls, paperweights, along with jewelry and paint, require barely a tablespoon of ashes. Though I did linger over turning Gary into ammunition. One pound of ashes, plus $1,250, equals two-hundred and fifty bullets.

I’m joking about the “lingering”. While now and then, over our 36 years together, I thought I could (metaphorically speaking) happily shoot him, the suggestion of converting him into deadly harm leaves me as cold as any corpse.

I need to end this “disperse or store” dilemma. But I’m not quite there yet. The hold-up is I’m going to miss Gary, currently tucked away in his (oops, now ‘my’) closet, being “physically” close. So, for a little longer, he’s staying put...

For information about the weird and wonderful ways of using ashes: w w w. u s u r n s o n l i n e . c o m / oddbits/27-things-to-do-withcremated-remains and www.inthelighturns.com/ pizza-box-cremation-urn. html u

The Key to Your Community

Capitol Hill Village harnesses the power and potential of long life in our Community It’s Not About Old Age; It’s About Long Life

• In Washington DC there are 106,000 seniors. 50% more than children in public school.

• In our society people live 34 years longer than their grandparents – • In 1900 life expectancy was 47; • In 2000 it was 73; • 2015 it was 77.

• Life expectancy grows by 5 hours a day, totaling 76 days a year.

Old Age is not a disability – it is a developmental phase with social, biological and psychological distinctions.

• Seniors can understand the meaning and application to complex materials better than adults under the age of 30.

• Seniors have a greater ability than other age groups to compile and aggregate information, knowledge and wisdom towards problem solving.

• Seniors have the highest levels of emotional flexibility among any age group - meaning they can get along with diverse populations and see multiple perspectives.

Let’s Talk.

Capitol Hill Village has social and educational programs continually running throughout the year.

Call the CHV offices to learn more.

June 7, 14. 16 and 21: From 9-to-5 to 95: Succeeding through Retirement.

For newly or nearly retired to learn about innovative trends and the latest ideas for turning the Golden Years into Golden Opportunities. National leaders to discuss career re-launch, predicting costs and managing finances, passive income streams, personal wellness, expanding social networks, re-wiring your brain and more.

June 15th – One Level Living – what is here today, what is planned tomorrow, what are your needs?

Meet with urban planners, developers, local officials and more to hear about existing plans for expanded one-level living on and near Capitol Hill.

Village Voices - May 3rd Everything has a history: Confederate monuments and the controversies No shortage of Confederate monuments exist. What is memorialized, left to popular memory and built, displayed are choices made by the living. James Grossman, Executive Director of the American Historical Association will speak about Confederate Monuments: Whose Memory? Whose History?

Village Voices - June 7th It’s Summer, do you know where your watershed is? The Chesapeake, the Bay, the Watershed, the Legend. The Chesapeake Bay watershed is legendary for its land-to-water ratio. It’s the greatest in the world by tenfold. And, like all giants on earth, this creates interesting challenges and opportunities as demonstrated by its role in history, culture and regional economics. Learn the Bay’s secrets, dreams, and hopes for the future. From Bill Matuszeski, former Director of the Chesapeake Bay Program.

Thank you Capitol Hill Community Foundation for recognizing Capitol Hill Village’s good work with low income community members through the 2016 Arnold Keller Jr Award!

May 2016 H 49

Training Seniors

The Benefits of Exercise at Any Age

by Pattie Cinelli

L

ast month my cousin, who is in her 50s, told me that she has been doing resistance training for the past six weeks for her lower body. She has been swimming, biking and walking for years. She said, “Now I know why you have no aches and pains – you are fit and strong!”

My cousin felt the difference strength training could make for her, an active woman who has begun to feel the effects of living more than a half a century even though she has been a regular exerciser most of her adult life.

I’m a Baby Boomer. I’ve always enjoyed exercise. While I’m not a competitive athlete, I love the way I feel while I’m exercising and afterward. The

Pat Morgan holding a baby panda during her tour in China last year.

50 H Hillrag.com

movement in sync with my breathing is powerful. As I’ve aged I continue to exercise, but I’ve changed what I do and how intense I do it. I no longer do nine high impact aerobics classes a week. Instead, I enjoy a different form of intensity when working out: yoga, Pilates, Barre, core, strength and stretch with plenty of warm up and recovery time built into my routine. When I feel an ache or pain I pause.

Sometimes I work through it. Other times Baldwin Tom at El Morro Fort in San Juan, Puerto Rico I rest to repair. At my age I have to think more about what I’m doing and respect osteoporosis, colon cancer, heart disease, stroke, miwhat my body is telling me. nor aches and pains and dementia; and may reduce Getting older doesn’t mean you have to lose overall death and hospitalization rates. strength or your ability to function well in daily life.

Not only do you feel better if you exercise but But it does mean that if you’ve never exercised, now you also will heal faster. Injuries and wounds take is the time to start and if you are exercising, you longer to heal as people age. Regular exercise by need to make sure your program is balanced. Walkolder adults may speed up the wound-healing proing or gardening is fine. It helps build endurance. cess by as much as 25 percent according to Senior However, you need to include exercises for strength Journal.com. Exercise can also improve your thinkwhich builds muscle, increases your metabolism, ing and your memory. It stimulates every muscle, helps keep your weight and blood sugar in check; organ and joint in your body. It gets fluid moving exercises for balance, which helps strengthen legs and parts working. and core muscles, and exercises for flexibility which Improvements from just a little movement gives you freedom of movement. can be miraculous in older individuals. My friend’s 94-year-old father could no longer lift his arm high Why Exercise is enough to hang his coat on a rack. After a few Important as We Age months with a physical therapist he can now raise Exercise is not a luxury. It is a necessity over which his arm almost straight up over his head. we have control. I believe it’s as important as drinking enough water, getting enough sleep and controlling stress. The National Institutes of Health report that even moderate exercise and physical activity can improve the health of seniors who are frail or have disease that is associated with aging. They also report that regular physical activity and exercise can also delay or prevent many diseases and disabilities associated with aging such as diabetes, arthritis,

You Just Have to Do It. You Don’t Have to Like It Our bodies are amazing machines. They know how to move, how to compensate and how to heal.

They also are the only ones we have. Not everyone likes exercise. But everyone wants to live well and function optimally until our last breath. My client

We are in your

Neighborhood! of more than 10 years, Pat Morgan, now 77, realized the value of exercise as an older person. “I don’t really like to exercise, but I like being able to move freely, travel and lead an active life. I never exercised as a kid, never took part in sports. I never established the habit of physical activity nor associated it with any pleasure.” Pat joined a gym in her early 60s to remedy a frozen shoulder. “I had gym buddies who shamed me into more or less regular exercise. We also walked a couple of miles four or five times a week (with the promise of an expresso afterward).

Pat’s gym buddies faded away and so did her regular exercising. It wasn’t until she developed sciatica and it healed she became determined never to experience that pain again.

“I hired a personal trainer to help me analyze what exercise was best for my needs. Now I work out once a week, walk a great deal, stretch, use a foam roller and lift weights. I go to a Rolfer once a month to help counteract my tendency to tense up, particularly in my neck and shoulders.”

Pat is not alone in needing to release built up tension. When training older adults I have found that most are in need of reprogramming the basics after years of bad habits. We work on improving posture, correct walking, lifting, bending and releasing tension. Forward flexion can lead to a host of physical ailments not only in the neck and shoulders but also in the lower back and hips as well. As we age we want to bring our bodies back into balance so we can move with ease.

Improve How You Move and Exercise When Baldwin Tom became my client more than two years ago at age 72 he already had a life-long habit of physical activity. As a young man he played all sorts of sports. “I’ve always loved the feeling after exercis-

ing, even the soreness from it. It tells me something ‘good’ is happening.”

Baldwin’s attitude towards exercise is practical. Does he like exercise? No, he said, because it’s work.

But yes, he added, because of the results of the work, especially when shown how to work specific muscle groups. “I know that being in shape will help me rebound from the stresses and strains better. Healthiness provides a good mindset about oneself.”

For Baldwin, staying competitive and having goals keeps exercise a priority. He is currently working toward competing for a position on the U.S. National Dragon Boat team for 2017.

Baldwin’s attitude toward exercising has changed from his younger days of exercising. “Then I wanted to look good, be stronger and compete. It was fun. I just did it with little warm up or cool down. Now exercise is necessary to maintain vitality and resilience. It’s more work than fun, and I need more time to warm up and look for different modalities to get muscles and tissues to be optimally functional.”

Aging is a part of life. It’s up to us how we want to experience it. If we don’t move our bodies regularly, we will become rusty, stiff, creaky and cranky. We need to find variety and regularity in our workouts. We need to listen to our bodies now more than ever. We need to incorporate stretching, body work (massage, acupuncture, chiropractic, Rolfing, etc.) into our routine. The quality of our whole life – mentally, emotionally and physically depends on it.

Pattie Cinelli is a holistic personal trainer and a health/fitness journalist who has been living on the Hill and writing her column for more than 25 years. For more information about Pattie please visit her website: www.pattiecinelli. com. u

Including Washington DC’s first-ever hospital-based inpatient hospice unit.

Capital Caring is the largest and most experienced hospice and palliative care provider in the region. Since 1977, we have offered world-class pain relief and symptom management, emotional and spiritual support, and compassion to more than 75,000 local families.

Call us any time to learn how we can help you and your loved ones.

800-869-2136 www.capitalcaring.org

Georgetown Seeks Volunteers for New Immunotherapy Clinical Trial for Mild Cognitive Impairment Georgetown University is seeking volunteers to participate in a clinical trial of Aducanumab, a potential new treatment that, in an early phase study, has demonstrated promise in slowing mental decline in Alzheimer’s disease. The purpose is to evaluate the possible benefit and safety of the drug in patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment and early Alzheimer’s disease.

You may be eligible if you: • • • •

•

Are between 50-85 years of age Are in good general health Are fluent in English Have a study partner (friend or relative with whom you are in contact at least 10 hours/ week and who can accompany you to study visits) Are diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment

For more information, please contact: Kelly Behan 202-687-0413 keb53@georgetown.edu May 2016 H 51

COLDWELL BANKER

RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE Your Strong Local Brokerage With Deep National & International Roots

WE INVEST IN

CAPITOL HILL!

Great Communities like Capitol Hill Just Don’t Happen!

For over 40 years, Coldwell Banker’s Capitol Hill office has led the way in supporting scores of Capitol Hill community organizations and civic projects with both our dollars and our time, corporately and individually.

Run With Us at the 37th Annual NCB Capitol Hill Classic Sunday, May 15, 2016. Register at www.capitolhillclassic.com We supported the Classic for 32 years. During this period, The Coldwell Banker office and its agents have raised more than $200,000 for this wonderful event.

202.547.3525 - Main Office INFORMATION DEEMED RELIABLE BUT NOT GUARANTEED

52 H Hillrag.com

{capitol streets}

DC Greens Spring Benefit Dinner The second annual Spring Dig benefit dinner is on Tuesday, May 24, 6 p.m., at Union Market, Dock 5, 1309 Fifth St. NE. The family-style dinner will be prepared by Bryan Voltaggio, VOLT/Family Meal; Michael Voltaggio, ink. (LA; Jeremiah Langhorne, The Dabney; Spike Gjerde, Woodberry Kitchen; Dan Giusti, Brigaid/Formerly Chef de Cuisine Noma; Rob Weland, Garrison; Ruben Garcia, ThinkFoodGroup; and Robb Duncan, Dolcezza. Appetizers by Chaia Tacos, Rappahannock Oysters, EcoFriendly Foods, and Righteous Cheese. Wine and spirits provided by Early Mountain Winery and Green Hat Gin. $250. DC Greens uses the power of partnerships to support food education, food access, and food policy in the nation’s capital. dcgreens.org.

A full house at DC Greens’ 2015 Spring Benefit.

Zoom in to see Jake Gyllenhaal at the center of the frame! Photo: Joy Asico

Shakespeare and Jane Austin at the Folger Folger Theatre’s twenty-fifth anniversary season begins in September with a new adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Sense and Sensibility” (Sept.

13 to Oct. 30). This new production marks the first time an Austen title will be produced on the Folger stage.

In a limited run, Folger Theatre in collaboration with the Folger Consort early music ensemble will present a rich blend of music and theater in “The Second Shepherds’ Play” (Nov. 27 to Dec. 18). Developed as a holiday production by the Folger in 2007, this is a captivating retelling of Nativity. Banishing winter, Folger

Theatre will enter the Forest of Arden in January, staging one of Shakespeare’s most beloved romantic comedies, “As You Like It” (Jan. 24 to March 5), directed by Gaye Taylor Upchurch. The season concludes with “Timon of Athens:” (May 9 to June 11), Shakespeare’s examination of generosity and greed.

Subscriptions begin at $110. Individual tickets are $35 to $75 with discounts offered to students, seniors, military, educators and groups of ten or more. folger.edu.

Overbeck Lecture: Frederick Douglass in Washington On Monday, May 9, the Overbeck History Lecture Series welcomes National Park Service museum cu-

rators Bob Sonderman and Ka’mal McClarin for an illustrated presentation on Frederick Douglass’s years in Washington including a display of some of the great abolitionist’s personal possessions. Douglass, who escaped from slavery in Maryland, spent a significant part of his life in the District of Columbia including seven years on Capitol Hill. The lecture will be held at Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, at 7:30 p.m.

As always, admission is free, but a reservation is required due to limited seating. Register at hillcenterdc.org/ home/programs/2511.

USS Barry Departs The Navy Yard On May 7, the USS Barry will depart the Washington Navy Yard. Prepa-

rations have begun to tow the ship down the Anacostia River to the Potomac River. It will then be moved to the Inactive Ship Maintenance Office in Philadelphia pending its future dispatch to a ship recycling facility. The USS Barry must be removed before construction begins in fall 2016 on the new Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge. This new fixed span would otherwise land-lock the ship. The movement of the ship down the Anacostia and then south down the Potomac River will require the opening of the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge’s drawbridge.

Additionally, the entire Navy Yard section of the Anacostia Trail will be closed during that time.

USS Barry was decommissioned on Nov. 5, 1982. It began a new career as a permanent pub-

May 2016 H 53

{capitol streets}

Photo: Maria Bryk/Newseum

2016 Newseum Nights Lineup Announced On the heels of a sold-out 2015 season, Newseum Nights returns in 2016 with a new lineup of fun after-hours events featuring open beer-and-wine bars, food and exclusive access to the Newseum’s latest exciting exhibits. Get up close and personal with some of the Newseum’s most popular exhibits. Tickets for Newseum Nights are $40.

Become a Newseum member and get a free ticket to the party. Here’s the lineup: Wednesday, May 11, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., “Like, Share, Elect;” Wednesday, Aug. 17, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., “Go for the Gold;” and Tuesday, Nov. 15, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., “Act Up”. Newseum is located at 555 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. 202-292-6100. newseum.org. lic display ship in 1983. It has also been used for training, shipboard familiarization and ceremonies. After more than 30 years at the Washington Navy Yard, due to its ineligibility for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, the DS Barry was designated for disposal last year.

her blindness. Stem cells, removed from Blum’s hip bone marrow, will be transplanted into the optic nerve for regeneration. As a clinical trial, it is not covered by insurance. Visit gofundme.com/atv4ftje.

Go Fund Robin Carol Blum

Mosaic Theater Company of DC has announced its second season. This explosive lineup of youthful new voices, multicultural convergences includes an acclaimed portrait of an African-American cultural icon and a multi-prismatic lens trained on the Middle East and South Africa. Here’s the lineup: “Satchmo at the Waldorf,” Aug. 25 to Oct. 2; “Milk Like Sugar,” Nov, 2 to 27; Charm, Jan. 4 to

In August 2014, 58-year-old, longtime Capitol Hill resident Robin Carol Blum went blind. To this day, even under the guidance of top Neuro-ophthalmologists, the cause of her devastating illness remains undiagnosed.

On May 17, doctors will conduct a revolutionary stem cell clinical trial operation in Margate, Florida, to reverse

54 H Hillrag.com

Mosaic Announces Second Season

29; “Hooded-Or Being Black for Dummies,” Jan. 25 to Feb. 19; “The Blood Knot,” March 29 to April 30; “A Human Being Died That Night,” April 7 to 30; “Ulysses on Bottles,” May 18 to June 11; “The Return (Oved Shabbat),” June 8 to July 2.

All performances are at the Atlas Performing Arts Center.

Second season ticket prices are $40 to $60. There is a 10 percent senior, military and first responder discount. Tickets are $20 for those under 30 and students.

There are $30 Neighborhood Night tickets on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday nights for Mosaic neighbors in Northeast and Southeast DC. Tickets may be purchased at mosaictheater.org.

Lincoln Conspirators Court Room Open to Public

Sewall-Belmont House Becomes Newest National Park

Capital Bikeshare Expands Access

President Barrack Obama has designated Sewall-Belmont House at 144 Constitution Ave. NE America’s newest national park site. The site is the home and headquarters for the National Women’s Party as well as home to women’s suffragist, human rights activist Alice Paul, the party’s founder. sewallbelmont.org.

Southwest Library Garden Party On Wednesday, May 4, at 1 p.m. celebrate spring by tending to vegetables, herbs, and flowers in the Southwest Library garden. Afterwards, chat with fellow gardeners and enjoy a refreshing beverage made with freshly picked mint. In case of rain, volunteers will make aromatherapy pouches using herbs from the garden. Southwest Neighborhood Library, 900 Wesley Pl. SW. 202-7244752. dclibrary.org/southwest.

The next quarterly public open house of Grant Hall’s historic third-floor courtroom located on the grounds of Fort McNair takes place on Saturday, May 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The courtroom is the site of the military tribunal of President Abraham Lincoln’s assassins. Grant Hall open houses are held quarterly on the first Saturday of the second month of each quarter. Remaining 2016 dates are May 7, Aug. 6 and Nov. 5.

Members of the public are invited to view the historic site. Guests without a Department of Defense, Federal or AIE ID are required to register. Access the link at einvitations.afit.edu/inv/animcfm?i=2871 80&k=006945087357.

The District Department of Transportation has introduced the Capital Bikeshare Community Partners Program to help improve access to Capital Bikeshare at an affordable price. District residents receiving need-based services can purchase an annual membership for Capital Bikeshare for $5. Initial Capital Bikeshare Community Partner Program participants include: Back on My Feet DC; DC Dept. of Human Services; Unity Health DC; Whitman-Walker Health; Community of Hope; and The DC Center for the LGBT Community.

Capital Bikeshare Community Partners are able to offer their clients Capital Bikeshare memberships with a $5 annual membership fee; 60-minute ride time per trip; free Capital Bikeshare helmet; guided instructions on how to use the system and cycling classes with the Washington Area Bicycling Association.

Capital Caring Opens DC’s First Inpatient Hospice Capital Caring, the largest and most experienced hospice and palliative care in the area, is pleased to open Washingtonís first ever hospitalbased, inpatient hospice Center. The Capital Caring Center is located at Providence Hospital and extends our commitment to provide world-class service to our neighbors living with advanced illnesses. www.capitalcaring.org.

Nats “Pups in the Park” Remaining “Pups in the Park” games are Saturday, May 14, 7:05 p.m. vs. Marlins; Friday, May 27, vs.

Cardinals; Monday, June 13, 7:05 p.m. vs. Cubs; Thursday, Sept. 8, 7:05 p.m. vs. Phillies; and Saturday, Oct. 1, 4:05 p.m. vs. Marlins. Ten dollars of every dog ticket purchased benefits the Washington Humane Society. All those with tickets for Pups in the Park must enter through the Right Field Gate.

Before entering the gate, drop off a signed waiver for your dog’s up-to-date shots. All Pups in the Park attendees must print, sign and bring the waiver with them to Nationals Park. Tickets are $26 for owners and $10 per dog. For more information, visit washington.nationals.mlb.com.

Spring Cleaning Clothing Swap On Thursday, May 19, 6 p.n., swap out old clothes and pick up new pieces. Bring at least two items of clean, gently used clothing or accessories; no more than 15 items. Get free, new-to-you clothing in exchange. Un-exchanged items will be donated to the Goodwill of Greater Washington. Drop off clothes to Rebecca Tanen at the Information Desk at Southwest Library before then. Southwest Neighborhood Library, 900 Wesley Pl. SW. 202724-4752. dclibrary.org/southwest.

SwimJitsu: Swimming Skills Plus Fun On Saturday, May 21, 9 a.m. to about 6:45 p.m., DPR will participate in SwimJitsu, an annual nationwide event presented by USA Swimming and the North American Sports Group. Centered in the sacred traits of wisdom, speed, and agility, SwimJitsu participants, a.k.a. “swimjas,” complete entertaining obstacles such as balancing across beams, swimming through trenches and cannonballing off the top of Mt. Swimja. Once participants conquer the course, they can claim the ti-

tle of Grand Master Swimja.

SwimJitsu is fun for participants of all ages and skill levels, even those just beginning their swimming journey. The District is one of 14 cities hosting this one-day, one-of-kind event. The DC SwimJitsu event will take place at the Takoma Aquatic Center, 300 Van Buren St. NW. Registration is required. To find more information on SwimJitsu, visit SwimJitsu.com.

to $18. Parking is available. On Wednesday, May 18, noon, there will be a luncheon at Sea Catch Restaurant, 1054 31st St. NW, Georgetown, adjacent to the C&O Canal. Price range is $15 to $19.

There is free parking in the garage adjacent to the restaurant. Contact Betty Jean Tolbert Jones of the Southwest Waterfront AARP chapter with any questions at bettyjeantolbertjones@yahoo.com or 202-554-0901.

DOEE Launches Anacostia River Explorers Program

Turtle Park Clean Up

Anacostia River Explorers offers area residents of all ages the opportunity to engage directly with the Anacostia River and local wildlife through free, guided boat tours. These educational tours will provide an overview of the river’s history, associated wildlife, environmental threats and will highlight District initiatives to restore and protect the city’s two major waterways.

Tours, offered in one or two-hour options, are conducted on motorized boats or canoes. The program is funded by the Anacostia River Clean Up and Protection Fund and participation is open to anyone, no matter their age, ability, or language — increasing accessibility to the river for residents in all eight wards. Tours launch from several locations along the Anacostia River; and are available to public and private groups. Special arrangements may be required for minors, individuals with disabilities and participants needing translation services. Visit doee.dc.gov/service/anacostia-river-explorers or call 202-645-4231 to sign up or get more information.

East City Bookshop Opens East City Bookshop at 645 Pennsylvania Ave. SE is open. The 3,200 square-foot shop carries fiction and nonfiction new books for all ages, as well as gifts and book-related items, toys, and art and craft supplies. East City Bookshop also carries letterpress cards, as well as a curated selection of prints and locally made items. The shop will host author events, book clubs, story times for children and other events inspired by the community. Learn more at eastcitybookshop.com.

Southwest Waterfront AARP Spring Luncheons On Saturday, May 14, noon, there will be a luncheon at Tony and Joe’s Seafood Place, 3000 K St. NW, at Georgetown Harbor. Price range is $14

Members of the Capitol Hill Garden Club, with the help of other neighbors, rallied in the Spring snow on April 9th to do a ëclean upí project at Turtle Park near Eastern Market on Capitol Hill.

Longtime CHGC member Muriel MartinWein has cared for this park and encouraged neighbors and garden club members to help her. She can no longer do the gardening work herself, but was present to advise as to the various tasks to be done.

About 2 dozen people were there to work!

Additional photos from this event may be found on the Clubís website, capitolhillgardenclub.org

Futsal American Comes to DC In fall 2016, a new soccer program comes to the Capitol Hill area to offer girls an opportunity to develop their passion for the game in a creative way. Tryouts for girls born in 2002 and 2003 are 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Trinidad Recreation Center, 1310 Childress St. NE. Any player interested in being part of the program should bring a pumped ball, T-shirt, shorts, socks shinguards and a drink. Parents may contact girls head coach Kab Hakim at 202-704-8429 or via email at kopcoach@yahoo.com. Read more at futsalamerica.

Hunt DC Scavenger Hunt On Saturday, May 21, scurry around our Nationís Capital on a hunt for forgotten places, off the wall items, and little-known facts. The Hunt will test participantsí ability to solve clues, and crunch mind-bending riddles in an effort to plot winning strategies as they go head to head with hundreds of other DC hunters. In addition to the signature scavenger hunt and fun games, Hunt DC will be host to live music, food trucks and drinks. Tickets, for individuals and teams of six, are priced according to when you purchase. Read more at huntdc.com.

May 2016 H 55

Turtle Park Clean Up

WIDE SHOE OUTLET Men’s and Women’s sizes up to 15 EE Brands: Naturalizer • Soft Spots Ros Hommerson • Propet Walking Cradles • Easy Street Slingshots are Back

Marlow Heights Shopping Center 4123 Branch Ave. Marlow Heights, MD

301-702 1401 www.simplywide.com

Free Gift With Ad 56 H Hillrag.com

Members of the Capitol Hill Garden Club (CHGC) with the help of other neighbors rallied in the Spring snow on April 9 to clean up Turtle Park between Independence and North Carolina Avenues next Eastern Market on Capitol Hill. Longtime CHGC member Muriel Martin-Wein has cared for this park for many years. She can no longer do the gardening work herself.

Marin-Wein supervised the volunteers. About two dozen people were there to work! Additional photos from this event may be found on the Club’s website, capitolhillgardenclub.org

“A” is For Anacostia Tour On Saturday, May 14, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., join Dr. Courtney Davis, educator, entrepreneur and author of “A is for Anacostia” for a tour of several historic sites found in Anacostia. All participants will receive a signed copy of her book. The bus will leave promptly at 10:30 a.m. from the Anacostia Community Museum (gather inside), 1901 Fort Pl. SE. There is a $10 transportation fee. Register and pay the fee at anacostia.si.edu.

Accessing Business Capital Learn about accessing capital for your business. The DC Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Restaurant Association

Metropolitan Washington and business resource partners host “POWER UP DC 2016: Get Money, Get Movin’... Accessing Capital to Start and Grow Your Business With NonTraditional Funding Resources,” a free small business forum, on Tuesday, May 3, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Marriot Marquis Hotel, 901 Massachusetts Ave. NW. Reserve a space by April 22 at DCHealthLink.com/powerupdc2016/registration. For more information, contact Linda Currie at 202-638-7337 or at lcurrie@dcchamber.org.

Potomac River Health Best in Decades The Potomac Conservancy has released its ninth State of the Nation’s River report. Using an established baseline and set of benchmarks, Potomac Conservancy measured progress to date and has upgraded the

May 2016 H 57

58 H Hillrag.com

Potomac River to a B-. The grade is up from a C in 2013 and D in 2011. The Potomac River is on its way to recovery. In fact, the Potomac is the only major Chesapeake Bay tributary to achieve short- and long-term nutrient reductions in its headwaters. Read more at potomacreportcard.org.

Mosaic Theater Receives One Million Dollar Grant Mosaic Theater Company of DC announces a one million dollar grant from The Reva and David Logan Foundation. Spread over four years from 2016 through 2020, this gift sustains the company’s mission to produce plays and complementary programming that speak to the most pressing issues of our time.

MosaicTheater.org.

DMV Opens One Hour Later on Wednesdays All District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles locations now open hour later every Wednesday. On Wednesdays, the Service Centers, Adjudication Services, and the Brentwood Road Test and CDL Office will open at 9:15 a.m. During the spring/ summer hours that start on the first Tuesday in June, the Inspection Station will open at 7 a.m. on Wednesdays.

Have an item for the Bulletin Board? Email bulletinboard@ hillrag.com. u

ANC Approves Design for New Frager’s Hardware Building

D

by Christine Rushton

esigns for the new Frager’s Hardware and mixed-use development on the 1100 block of Pennsylvania Avenue SE won the support of Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6B on April 12. “It’s gratifying to have so much community support,” said John Weintraub, owner of Frager’s. Developer Perseus Reality presented mockups of the four-story (with a penthouse on top) building to community members on Feb. 25.

The latest updates include 8,500 square Frager’s Hardware design from developer feet for Frager’s store and an Perseus Reality. Photo: Christine Rushton additional outdoor garden center; about 7,000 square feet in ground-level retail space; 34 one- and two-bedroom condo units; 36 underground parking spaces (one per condo unit and two for retail); and a green roof. “We’re happy to get back,” Weintraub said. “We’re looking forward to going back into our own location in a new store. The faster we can do that the better.”

The commissioners supported the plans but sent a note to the Historic Preservation Review Board with suggestions: setting back the top floors on the 12th Street SE side; reducing glass on the south side; and reviewing the two infills – older sections in the middle of an urban development – bordering Pennsylvania Avenue. The Historic Preservation Review Board will review the plans next. Perseus plans to start construction in 2017 and finish in 2019, barring delays in permitting or reviews.

Frager’s can now begin planning how to handle the new site and consolidate its hardware, paint, and garden operations. Weintraub said the team is dedicated to its 25-year lease and to serving the Capitol Hill community. He’s not sure how long, at age 72, he will stay working at the store, but said his staff works hard and knows the business. u

May 2016 H 59

{capitol streets}

A Budget That Leaves DC’s Neediest Behind

F

or anyone concerned about growing income inequality in the District, the budget just released by Mayor Bowser feels a lot different from a year ago – for the worse. No doubt it has things to like; it maintains funds for affordable housing programs and it devotes more to schools, for example.

But, while last year’s budget stood out for the many ways it responded to the needs of residents left behind by the city’s diverging economy, the new budget falls far short. With a severe affordable housing crisis, rising family homelessness, unemployment that remains high years after the Great Recession, and falling incomes among the poorest residents, the proposed investments do not come close to matching the need.

Last year Mayor Bowser included record funding to meet the twin challenges of affordable housing and homelessness. The mayor proposed modest and reasonable revenue increases to make those investments possible.

This year, however, the budget moves slowly on too many fronts. Homelessness will continue to be a highly visible problem. There will be no help to remove families struggling with high housing costs from the lengthy wait list for rental assistance. There are almost no new resources to improve job training.

One bright spot is that education funding, which did not receive a notable increase a year ago, will get enough to cover enrollment growth and a modest increase in the per-pupil funding level.

And this year the budget is affected by millions in tax cuts, with no offsetting revenue increases, limiting the ability to meet the needs of DC’s poorest households.

This analysis is part of the DC Fiscal Policy Institute’s annual “Budget Toolkit,” which can be found at www.dcfpi.org.

by Ed Lazere •

•

•

•

•

A Modest Budget Coming Next Year Mayor Bowser’s proposed fiscal year (FY) 2017 budget is $8.2 billion, an increase of less than one percent from this year, adjusting for inflation. That’s not enough to address rising school enrollment, affordable housing challenges, and other demands of a growing population. Some highlights:

60 H Hillrag.com

•

Education. Funding for DC Public Schools (DCPS), public charter schools, and other education functions will grow two percent, driven by an increase in the per-pupil school funding formula. That’s better than last year, when the formula wasn’t adjusted at all.

Housing and Human Services. Last year the budget for human services and housing expanded more than any other part. This year the proposed housing and human-services budget will grow just one percent, slower than most other parts. It maintains housing and homeless services funding from 2016 but does not add much more despite gaping needs.

Public Safety. Funding for the Metropolitan Police Department will remain flat, as will funding for the Fire and Emergency Services Department, following an increase in 2016 to fund private ambulances.

Public Works. Funding for public works will fall one percent in 2017, driven mostly by a reduced contribution to WMATA, the regional transportation system.

Government Direction.

The budget increases funding for a number of agencies that support basic government operations, including the Attorney General, the Chief Financial Officer, the DC Council, and the Chief Technology Office.

Economic Development.

A four-percent increase here is driven in part by

•

funding for the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, to allow it to digitize its permitting functions.

Financing. The District is devoting ever-larger amounts to support capital construction projects. The budget reflects higher amounts to repay bonds issued for such projects and more funding devoted directly to capital projects, known as “paygo capital.”

Money for LowIncome Students Not Going Where It Should DCPS will get about $50 million in funding to meet the needs of low-income and otherwise “at-risk” students, but about half was allocated by DCPS to items that all schools are otherwise entitled to. For example, all high schools get an attendance counselor. Yet in some schools at-risk funds are being used to support this core position. This means that resources considered “extra” are being used for functions that are required through DCPS’ staffing model, rather than to fund additional services targeted on helping at-risk students.

Limited Housing Funds for DC’s Poorest Mayor Bowser committed $100 million to the Housing Production Trust Fund – DC’s main source to build or renovate affordable housing – for the second year in a row. This important investment will support construction or renovation of 1,000 homes for low- and moderate-income residents.

Dave Lloyd & Associates 703-593-3204

www.davelloyd.net davidlloyd@realtor.com Enthusiastically serving clients on both sides of the river.

But the budget does not make notable progress in providing rental assistance, which often is needed to help DC’s poorest households find affordable housing. There is no funding to help ensure that the Housing Production Trust Fund creates housing affordable for those with the most serious needs, and it will not make any progress toward helping the thousands of families on the DC Housing Authority waiting list.

The budget includes two notable housing investments. It devotes $15 million to renovate dilapidated public housing units, and also raises the down-payment assistance available to lower-income first-time homebuyers from $50,000 to $80,000.

Not on Track to End Homelessness The mayor’s proposed budget provides more funding for homeless services – in fact, it is the city’s highest funding level ever for homeless services, a recognition of the size of the challenge. But the budget falls far short of the needs. Most notably it provides too little to end chronic homelessness in 2017, a goal embraced by Mayor Bowser. Some 300 individuals will get help, but 1,100 are in need.

One bright spot is an increase for a cost-effective new program to prevent families from becoming homeless. Over the past year the program has served 1,000 families who were seeking shelter, and 90 percent ended up not needing it. More for this program is a good thing.

Job Training Invests Little for a Better System The proposed jobs budget for next year is about the same as this year’s, including a large commitment to the Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program.

But there is no money to move for-

ward with plans to strengthen DC’s job training system, an urgent need.

The District has developed a plan to strengthen job training programs, but none of the new efforts are funded in the FY 2017 budget. That may mean waiting a year to try new approaches.

Arlington N. $1,199,000

2 level addition overlooking Lee Heights Park

Arlington N. $1,195,000

Magnificent expansion offering 4,350 sqft.

Tax Cuts Hinder Funding The government’s limited ability to make needed investments in DC residents partly reflects the impact of tax cuts that have been implemented since the FY 2016 budget. The DC Council has prioritized a tax-cut package through specified “triggers” that will phase in the cuts based on the District’s tax revenues. The $45 million in tax cuts in FY 2017, implemented as a result of these automatic triggers, includes income-tax cuts for middle-income residents, but also for those with incomes up to $1 million; elimination of taxes for estates worth up to $2 million; and a cut in business income taxes. Triggers continue to be in effect, which means that additional cuts could be implemented after the FY 2017 budget is adopted. That would further sap revenues and limit the ability to fund schools, housing, healthcare, and other needs a year from now. The remaining tax cuts total $139 million.

Arlington N. $998,000

1,734 sqft. duplex in the sky overlooking DC

Arlington N. $879,900

Awesome 38,417 sqft. lot overlooking parkland

Arlington N. $709,900

Expanded Colonial across from bike trail

Arlington N. $894,999

Open & airy mid-century 4BR, 3 bath Rambler

Arlington S. $849,900

Fully loaded Craftsman inspired showstopper

Arlington S. $699,900

Investor alert...7 bedroom, 4 bath, zoned R2-7

Looking Forward At a time when DC’s overall economy is booming, but economic development is leaving many behind, we need investments to help residents keep up with rising housing costs and to move up the economic ladder. The budget is in the hands of the DC Council. Let’s hope they can make it happen.

Ed Lazere is executive director of the DC Fiscal Policy Institute. DCFPI promotes budget and policy solutions to reduce poverty and inequality in DC. Go to www.dcfpi,org to see a complete analysis of the DC budget. u

Falls Church $689,900

Exceptionally charming on a level half acre lot

Arlington S. $410,000

Updated duplex just off of Columbia Pike

Annandale $669,000

Stunning 5BR, 3 bath “walls of glass” contemporary

Arlington S. $289,900

Sun-drenched 2BR condo at Pentagon City & Metro

Dave Lloyd / Weichert, Realtors.

4701 Old Dominion Drive • Arlington, VA 22207 CALL, EMAIL OR TEXT WEICHERT REALTORS ARLINGTON OFFICE #1 AGENT TODAY

May 2016 H 61

{capitol streets}

A Home in Southwest?

The District Makes Arrangements for the Proposed SW Homeless Shelter

by Andrew Lightman

Southwest’s New Neighbor

Proposed design. Rendering: DC Government.

T

he District is seeking a turnkey solution for housing 50 homeless families at a proposed shelter at 700 Delaware Ave. SW, as part of a plan to relocate the residents of the dilapidated DC General in eight small shelters, one in each ward. The city proposed to build the Southwest shelter directly to the rear of the Blind Whino gallery, located in the original Friendship Baptist Church, a well-known historic landmark.

The plan is to wrap the historic church in a new, L-shaped structure. The building would rise to seven stories on the church’s east side and then step down to five on the north.

Entrances to an underground parking garage and to the shelter would be located on its southern side. A slight setback on the northern side would provide recreation space for families. No loading dock is planned.

The 700 Delaware Ave. site sits

62 H Hillrag.com

es the city’s new partner with securing all regulatory and zoning approvals for the shelter. Who is this new Southwest neighbor?

just across the street from the 12-story building planned as part of the redevelopment of the historic Randall Junior High School by Telesis Corp. and the Rubell Family Collection.

Known as 65 Eye Street SW, this project includes a contemporary art museum as well as 520 apartments. The proposed shelter is also adjacent to Unity Health Care’s Southwest clinic. Nearby are the District’s Randall ball fields and recreation center.

The site is owned by developer Steve Tanner, who declined to comment on the city’s plans. Tanner has arranged to convey[ok?] a majority (79 percent) interest in the site to the developers of the proposed shelter. On Nov. 19, 2015, the DC Department of General Services (DGS) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with a limited liability corporation known as 700 Delaware Avenue LLC (700 Delaware) for the leasing of a shelter facility at 700 Delaware Ave. The MOU charg-

According to DGS, 51 percent of 700 Delaware is held

by Varsity Investment Group (Varsity), a Bethesda-based developer that builds turnkey dorms for educational institutions such as the University of California at Berkley, University of Michigan, Johns Hopkins University, and University of Maryland at College Park. The buildings range in size from 150,000 to 300,000 square feet. The College Park facility is the largest with over 901 beds.

Varsity has just begun the renovation of a hotel conversion for George Washington University off-campus housing.

This facility will have 901 beds, making it by far the largest of their projects. However, the best known is The Varsity, a 423,000-square-foot, mixeduse development located at the main entrance to the University of Maryland’s College Park campus. The facility, which opened in 2011, houses 901 students in 258 furnished apartments. It incorporates a two-story gym, an art business center [what is that?], game rooms, and lounges. The first floor houses 21,000 square feet of street-level retail.

Varsity, according to its website, is led by developer Donnie Gross.

As the “managing member” of the firm he oversees “day-to-day” activities of the company’s student-housing development operations. Gross was also the majority owner of TLK Group, a large call-center firm with Fortune 500 clients that was sold to

One Equity Partners, a division of JP Morgan, last October. “We do everything,” Gross told the Hill Rag. “All they [the students] have to do is move in with their computers and clothing.” The firm handles all pre-leasing. Their business plan is to hold the dorm properties. However, there has been an occasional sale to a real estate investment trust (REIT).

The remaining 49 percent of 700 Delaware is held by a set of investors that includes Blue Skye Development. A Certified Business Enterprise, this firm has been a frequent minority partner of larger developers in major city projects dating back to the Fenty administration. Blue Skye worked with Donatelli Development in the $60 million development next to the Minnesota Avenue Metro that currently houses the DC Department of Employment. In 2013 both firms were selected by the city to develop the first two parcels of Reservation 13.

Blue Skye is controlled by principals George Mavrikes, Scott Whittier, and Bryan “Scotty” Irving. The three are connected by earlier careers in professional sports.

Mavrikes spent 16 years as a sports agent. He worked with Irving, who recruited professional athletes. The two friends later went into the real estate business. They were joined by Whittier, a college football star with a background in mortgage lending.

Irving is president of Blue Skye.

According to a recent article in The Washington Post, Irving’s family and company have made over $38,000 in political contributions to Mayor Muriel Bowser including $15,000 to the recently disbanded FreshPac. Irving accompanied Bowser on her recent official trip to Cuba. Blue Skye did not return several calls.

Together Varsity and Blue Skye as partners in 700 Delaware have pledged in their MOU to provide the city with a turnkey family shelter.

Affordable and Fun Bay Sailing!

The Deal Under the terms of its MOU with the city, 700 Delaware will lease the city 30,000 to 35,000 square feet of rentable space containing 50 sleeping rooms as well as indoor and outdoor ancillary program-support spaces. The lease’s initial term is 15 years. The city is allowed two five-year options to extend. The annual rent is $2,250,000. This works out to a monthly cost of $187,500, or $3,750 per room. The lease provides for annual rent increases of three percent.

Under the agreement the District will pay all utilities and personal property and real estate taxes related to the property. On the other hand, 700 Delaware is responsible for all construction, maintenance, and repair costs for the facility with the exception of District-owned equipment.

As landlord, 700 Delaware is obliged to provide a minimum of one and a half fulltime staff for building management and cleaning of the kitchen and common bathrooms. Whenever a sleeping room is vacated for re-occupancy, up to four times a year, the landlord must clean, paint, and generally repair the space.

As part of its provision of a turnkey facility 700 Delaware is also responsible for making all tenant improvements including: • space allocations for 50 units with a minimum of one unit per floor equipped with a private bathroom; • common-use bathrooms and shower facilities on each floor; • one “family” bathroom including a tub on both the third and fourth floors; • common rooms and computer rooms; • office space with appropriate IT cabling and equipment; • a central security desk and security stations on each floor; • a warming kitchen and dining area; • a laundry room equipped with three washers and three dryers;

– storage facilities;

– recreation facilities;

– security cameras and related equipment.

The landlord’s repair costs are capped at a maximum of $3,000 per month. The MOU consigns the responsibility for all security arrangements to the District.

“Everything will be there with the exception of the linens,” said Gross. Varsity will manage the construction down to the fittings and furniture. Once the building is turned over to the city for operation, Blue Skye will manage the property, overseeing cleanliness and repair.

A nonprofit selected by the city will operate the facility, while the shelter operator and DGS will be responsible for site security.

“The plan takes the best of what we do and incorporates it into the shelter environment,” said Gross. In a sense the Delaware Avenue shelter is a proof of concept. Gross sees it as a good long-term investment. “The homeless crisis is not going away soon. We believe this model can be replicated throughout urban America,” he explained.

While Gross remains bullish on his shelter project, the community’s reaction has been mixed.

Experience the charm that only the Chesapeake can offer... aboard “Anytime”.

Now you can custom design your own private yacht adventure and sail to just about anywhere on the Bay. “Anytime’s” charters range from single day sails to full week packages... and anything in between.

Make your sailing dreams come true... Call now!

Captain Walt Shoemaker 717-870-0548 sailorb40@gmail.com www.anytimeonthebay.com

Community Reaction Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen (D) and At-Large Councilmember Elissa Silverman (I) favor the closing of DC General. “I strongly support the overall plan to move away from a failed and centralized shelter like DC General, to smaller and scatter-site emergency housing units around the city. I think it will be better for the quality of services, better for the families experiencing homelessness to recover, and smaller sites will better fit the context of a neighborhood,” Allen told the Hill Rag. Both councilmembers, however, remain skeptical of the mayor’s plans.

“I also have many questions that have yet to be fully answered,” said Allen. “We still have a lot of work to do to get this right, but I view this as an ‘and’ not a ‘or’ scenario. I think we can close DC General, create better facilities, AND get a good deal for the city.”

Silverman told the Hill Rag, “Cost has been a concern, and, while in my time on the council I have repeatedly raised questions about the most effective use of taxpayer dollars, in this case that cost has to be weighed against the price we pay to keep DC General open.” An unresolved issue for her “is whether leasing a shelter from the developer rather than purchasing a site outright is in our city’s best interest. I want to get an answer to that question, and others, in the coming weeks.”

(Continued on Page 65)

May 2016 H 63

{capitol streets}

Can the Shelter Be Built?

T

by Andrew Lightman

he historic Friendship Baptist Church was purchased in 2003 by Square 643 LLC, a limited liability corporation controlled

by Capitol Hill real estate developer Steve Tanner. Tanner now proposes to place the entire property within a condominium vehicle. This will allow him to sell sections of the property without the necessity of formally subdividing it.

Under the terms of the condominium the property is divided between the historic church and its adjoining frontage, which Tanner intends to keep, and a parcel he intends to sell to 700 Delaware LLC, the developers of the proposed Southwest homeless shelter. They plan to build a structure massed in a similar fashion to that of an earlier project proposed by Tanner on the same site.

A Little History In 2005 the Zoning Commission granted Tanner’s request to have his property up-zoned to R-5-C as part of a planned unit development (PUD). The plan preserved the church while allowing the developer to wrap it within an L-shaped apartment building. Its northern section would have been four stories, rising to seven stories on the east side. The Zoning Commission renewed Tanner’s PUD twice.

After the PUD expired in 2012 Tanner’s property reverted to its original R-4 zoning. The R-4 designation permits the construction of detached or semi-detached row houses, churches, and public schools. It restricts the height of any structure to generally three stories for houses, 45 feet for public recreation centers, and 60 feet for churches and schools. Row houses may only occupy 60 percent of their lots. There is a requirement for a 20-foot rear yard.

Clearly the R-4 designation does not permit the construction of a seven-story building. The developers of the shelter will need to get the zoning changed. Modifications to zoning designations as detailed in the DC Zoning Map are the province of the DC Zoning Commission, an independent body of federal and District appointees.

Yes, Virginia, There Is a Plan Any action by the Zoning Commission in relation to the 700 Delaware site is guided by the city’s Comprehensive Plan (Comp Plan). The Comp Plan, last updated in 2011, designates Tanner’s parcel as a site for “Medium Densi-

64 H Hillrag.com

ty Residential.” This designation is used to define neighborhoods or areas where mid-rise (4-7 stories) apartment buildings are the predominant use. According to the plan, “Medium Density Residential designation also may apply to taller residential buildings surrounded by large areas of permanent open space.” R-5-B and R-5-C zoning are consistent with the designation.

This would suggest that the density and massing envisioned under the city’s shelter plan for the 700 Delaware Avenue site are consistent with the guidance offered by the Comp Plan. However, because the property is within Southwest, the commission must also take into account the Southwest Small Area Plan (SSAP).

The DC Council enacted SSAP in 2015. Any zoning relief or change in designation must fall in line with its provisions. While the SSAP generally advises preserving existing low-density housing along G Street SW, it is silent on the parcel at 700 Delaware Ave. Aside from SSAP and the Comp Plan, new zoning regulations become effective later in 2016. These rules preserve lowdensity residential neighborhoods and discourage multihousehold developments within their boundaries. The provisions are unlikely to impact the city’s plans.

An Adjustment Must Be Made So the construction of a seven-story building on the Delaware Avenue site will require a change in its zoning to allow for the shelter’s height and massing, which exceed what is allowed under the R-4 designation. “In order to build the proposed structure, the city will have to get its plan approved by the Zoning Commission,” states Gary Peterson, chair of the Capitol Hill Restoration Society Zoning Committee. That will require at the very least an adjustment to the Zoning Map to change the site’s designation to R-5-C or another zoning designation that provides matter of right for density.

The city has stated that the shelter will require a PUD and also review by the DC Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB), given the development’s proximity to a landmarked church. It expects to file a PUD application on May 4. An HPRB hearing on the matter is scheduled for May 25 and a hearing before the Board of Zoning Adjustment on June 7. Responsibility for negotiating these regulatory hurdles is the responsibility of 700 Delaware under the terms of its agreement with the city. u

(Continued from Page 63)

The DC Council has not yet scheduled a vote on the mayor’s legislation.

The advisory neighborhood commission has passed two resolutions demanding the mayor consider alternative private and public sites for the shelter. It has asked the council to hold a hearing on the matter in Ward 6. It has asked that the zoning and historic preservation reviews not be short-circuited. It has criticized the shelter bathroom facilities as inadequate for families. Most importantly it has predicated its approval for the shelter on city collaboration with the DC Housing Authority to select initial sites for a “build first” renovation of Greenleaf Gardens, a crumbling nearby public housing complex.

[Need a transition here to the new point, the lack of transparency in choosing the site, and the insistence of Wells et al. that the community meeting could not discuss basic issues about site selection etc.]

“The city, architect, and developer need to revise their letter of intent to include a precise explanation of their plans for what planned unit development application they want to pursue, what they want to build, and how they will engage with community members this time,” Allen said.

As one community member stated at a city-sponsored shelter meeting, “We are not here [to pick out] shrubbery, we are here to discuss the plan that no one was told about and was done in secret.” u

Photo: Jose Varela

“The Accordion Queen of Washington, DC�

(Official Trade Name from MD Governor)

Nancy is available for all types of affairs and events. Contact her for availability and rates.

www.musicbynancy.com 301-871-2995

Order your book today!

www.money.musicbynancy.com

May 2016 H 65

{capitol streets}

Ward 6 Middle School Modernization Plans Stalled Parents Advocate for Immediate Changes at Eliot-Hine and Jefferson

A

by Christine Rushton

bout six hours into testimonies from nearly 200 District residents, local parent Peter MacPherson summarized the theme of the April 14 education budget oversight hearing — parents, teachers and students want the DC government to invest in the physical plants now, not in six years.

“What we have seen is schools fall farther and farther behind,” said MacPherson, former president of the Capitol Hill Cluster School parent teacher association (PTA). “…The buildings don’t get any better, they continue to deteriorate.”

Mayor Muriel Bowser requested about $220 million for the 2017-2018 fiscal year budget for the modernization of several DC schools. But her plan also includes a shift from phased modernizations to full modernizations — upgrades schools will happen in one construction project, not a series of them.

This new plan pushed back renovations on several schools, while some disappeared from the 2016-2022 modernization list altogether.

At the April 14 education hearing, people demanded DC Public Schools (DCPS) and the Mayor offer more transparency on the amended modernization plans for the dozens of schools in need across

all eight wards.

“I want my school to be improved, I care about my school,” said a third grader from Ward 5 advocating for a quicker fix.

In Ward 6, a representative for Eliot-Hine Middle School at 1830 Constitution Ave. NE argued that the District failed to follow through on much-needed promises for several nearby schools including the merged middle school.

The modernization of 98 of 112 DC schools is not a small undertaking, though, said Committee for Education Chair and Councilmember David Grosso. Parents must take into consideration the competing demands on cost and time.

grader was in third grade and it has been pushed…” said Eliot-Hine parent and volunteer Heather Schoell. “She will have graduated by then from high school. That’s a problem.”

Schoell sends both her sixth and eighth graders to Eliot-Hine because she knows the teachers and new International Baccalaureate (IB) program can help them get the education they need to succeed. But she worries about the school’s deteriorating building — inadequate lighting, broken bathroom stalls, sweltering classrooms in the middle of winter, air conditioning units that cause so much noise children can’t hear the teacher, and windows that can’t open for fresh air.

Similar conditions exist at Jefferson, according

Pleas from Eliot-Hine and Jefferson Families

In 2008, parents of Ward 6’s Maury Elementary School at 1250 Constitution Ave. NE looked forward to The interior of a section of Eliot-Hine in the process of repairs. Air renovations at the newly merged Elconditioning units sit in the windows to offset the buildings dysfunctional heating system. (Photo: Heather Schoell) iot-Hine. Maury students feed into Eliot-Hine and the parents wanted the infrastructure of the to several parents who testified at the oversight hearmiddle school to match the quality of ing. One parent, Christina Muedeking, spoke on its teachers and programs, said Maury behalf of her first grader attending Brent Elemenparent Joe Weedon. tary, also in Ward 6. She wants to eventually send But the District pushed back her child to Jefferson but fears the conditions of the that modernization and in the latest school that won’t be renovated for several years. update, Eliot-Hine won’t see chang“Jefferson is a strong school academically…” es until 2018 or later, according to she said. “The city can build on that success if it DCPS’ Capital Improvement Plan provides the facilities those students and future stuPrioritization. Ward 6’s Jefferson Middents deserve.” dle School Academy at 801 Seventh But another Eliot-Hine parent, Suzanne Wells, Street SW also needs significant rensaid at the hearing that she worries the marketing ovation, but the city pushed its full from the local charter schools will entice parents out modernization start to 2019. of DCPS, and continued failures to deliver on renova“The facilities were supposed to tion promises will force a further decline in enrollment.

Students plant 47 trees around Eliot-Hine Middle School in 2015.

(Photo: Heather Schoell) have been renovated when my eighth “These middle schools face intense market-

66 H Hillrag.com

ing from Charter Schools,” Wells testified. “The condition of these buildings doesn’t help attract families.”

A Change of Plans for Investment The DC Department of General Services (DGS) used to handle the modernization of schools, but years of failed communication and coordination led the District government to start an overhaul of the department, said Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen. DCPS gained more control over the renovation process in the shift.

“Operations at DGS are being overhauled for good reason,” chair Grosso said in agreement with Allen. “Right now it’s as slow as molasses.”

But problems have lingered, Allen continued. Data that DGS relied on to prioritize schools in the plan contained errors and inaccurate reports. Jefferson and EliotHine is ranked at the same “good” condition level as the partially renovated Stuart-Hobson Middle School, which doesn't make sense to anyone who has walked through each building.

DCPS released their new criteria for full modernizations in the Mayor’s new 2017-2022 plan.

Each renovation will take about one to two years for planning and two years for construction, said DCPS press secretary Michelle Lerner. The criteria divide into four weighted categories: Equity (40 percent), Student Demand (30 percent), Neighborhood Population (20 percent) and Building Condition and Educational Effectiveness (10 percent). Each contains subcategories: • Equity: – Percent of schools in ward that have

File Current Taxes, File Past Due Taxes, IRS Issues?

La Strega Accounting, Inc.

Marina L. Martin EA, MBA Enrolled Agent – Federally Licensed to represent Taxpayers before IRS and all States

Providing the highest quality tax representation and consultation to individuals and businesses

www.lastregaaccounting.com

202-251-3907 (c)

lastregaindc@gmail.com May 2016 H 67

{capitol streets}

Speaking at the oversight hearing with Grosso, Allen said he thinks the updated full-modernization plan for Eliot-Hine and other schools shows true investment by the District, but a lot still needs to happen overall.

A Decline of Interest in Some Public Schools

and they’re told [DCPS] didn’t get the labs done… there’s a lot of disappointment.”

Weedon agreed and added that the lack of investment from the District deters parents from wanting to send their children to these schools. And as the enrollment numbers decline, so does the potential for the school to grow and succeed.

A Need for Community

Joe Weedon noticed fewer students Engagement Going Forward Starting in the summer of 2016, Eliot-Hine’s lot will in his daughter’s class at Maury this get a new building meant for the Watkins students year. At the start of the 2015-16 school to study temporarily. Schoell, Weedon and Wells all year, about 26 percent or 14 students said they are glad the District invested in a project didn’t return for fourth grade. Instead, Councilmember Charles Allen advocated for the new doors with that can house other schools during future renovaWeedon said their parents decided to glass windows on the entrance of Eliot-Hine, but the school still lacks tions, including Eliot-Hine. But they still feel the city send them to a charter school. adequate wheelchair access. (Photo: Heather Schoell) didn’t work hard enough to engage with their comParents know the teachers at munity on the plans.

Maury’s feeder Eliot-Hine bring been modernized (15 percent) “I’ve been extremely disappointed in the enquality learning to the classroom, but Weedon said

– Percent of at-risk students (15 percent) they move their children out of the

– Percent of special-education students system because of the environmen (7.5 percent) tal conditions at the middle school.

– Percent of ELL students (2.5 percent) Enrollment at Eliot-Hine for • Student Demand: 2009-10 was 413, 2012-13 was 281

– Enrollment (10 percent) and 2014-15 was 257, according

– Building utilization (20 percent) to DCPS. • Neighborhood Population At the My School DC lot – Number of kids in neighborhood tery events, parents meet char cluster (10 percent) ter schools with up-to-date build – Estimated relevant age population ings eager to enroll more children growth (5 percent) into their programs, but the DCPS • Building Condition/Educational Effectiveness schools don’t have as strong a preof Building sentation, he said. Some of the

– Cost of fixing systems/cost of new public schools can compete with construction (5 percent) The annex building on Eliot-Hine’s 6.5-acre campus that the city will renovate in summer 2016 to house Watkins Elementary during its charter schools’ academic pro – Square foot per student, open plan and modernization. (Photo: Heather Schoell) grams but their learning environ building history (5 percent) ments just can’t compete.

During these planned renovations, some student popgagement around the Eliot-Hine community in this Eliot-Hine represents one of many DCPS ulations will go to a “swing” building on another camproposal,” Weedon said. “Before decisions were made schools with the same issue, many concentrated in pus, Lerner said. For example, the students attending there wasn’t a concerted effort to bring the Eliot-Hine the Wards 7 and 8 communities, Weedon said. But Watkins Elementary at 420 12th Street SE in Ward and Watkins communities together.” temporary fixes and delays in renovations can’t repair 6 will relocate to a temporary building being conCouncilmember Allen agreed that DGS and years of damaged reputations. structed in the summer of 2016 on Eliot-Hine’s 6.5DCPS didn’t communicate well and still struggles.

In the spring of 2015, DGS and DCPS paid for acre campus. When they move back, Eliot-Hine stuBut with a new budget investment in the modernizarepairs to the bathrooms, paint and cleanup of Eldents will shift into that new building while their old tion, the results of the April oversight hearings and iot-Hine in anticipation of a visit from Mayor Bowsbuilding gets renovated. the overhaul of DGS, he said he thinks this shows er, Schoell said. Bowser promised the school science DGS and DCPS will fix problems at schools the projects will push forward. labs by the fall of 2015, but as of May 2016 the stuthat need immediate attention, though, she added.

“It’s what the Eliot-Hine community has been dents still don’t have them.

“We are always making sure that all the utilities asking for,” he said. “While the delays have been very “Maybe it’s not that big of a deal to them,” are working and will do any maintenance on that end, frustrating, I think having the full funding plan is a Schoell said. “But when you have an entire student but we are really switching to this model of swinging real step forward.” u body of kids looking forward to doing experiments the students out for a year or so,” Lerner said.

68 H Hillrag.com

Educating the District

Extreme Attitude Makeover?

O

by Suzanne Wells

ver spring break Kristina Vidal and I did an extreme makeover to a couple of bathrooms at Eliot-Hine Middle School. Kristina and I have daughters who are going to attend sixth grade at Eliot-Hine next fall. Stories about the bathrooms at Eliot-Hine are infamous. A couple years ago there weren’t stall doors in the girl’s bathroom.

Stall doors were installed a year ago, but frankly the bathrooms looked pretty sad.

Nothing a couple cans of paint, mirrors, wall murals, and plants couldn’t solve, we thought.

As we scraped, painted, installed mirrors, and scrubbed, I realized the Eliot-Hine bathrooms weren’t the only thing that needed an extreme makeover.

Maybe our attitude about Eliot-Hine did as well. Much has happened at EliotHine in the past few years. As part of a multi-year effort to implement the Ward 6 Middle School Plan, Eliot-Hine became authorized as an International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme under the leadership of Principal Tynika Young in November 2015.

The Eliot-Hine radio program gives students an opportunity to learn broadcasting skills, and students have interviewed an impressive lineup of guests including former Mayor Vincent Gray, Queen Latifah, Mayor Muriel Bowser, and Rev. Jesse Jackson. Students from Eliot-Hine placed first in the LEGO Robotics competition, and the school’s Concert Band received a superior rating in the DCPS Music Festival. The school grounds have been beautified through the efforts of parents and Casey Trees, which planted over 50 trees last spring. Yet for all the progress, enrollment is just over 200 students, and next year’s is projected to slip below 200.

For all Mayor Bowser’s talk about an

“Alice Deal for All,” a reference to Alice Deal Middle School in Ward 3, arguably the city’s most successful middle school, with an enrollment well over 900 students, the recently released Capital Improvement Plan has Eliot-Hine waiting till 2019 until it’s renovated. Small gains have been made at improving the school.

It’s in the process of getting a new science lab, and while we were renovating the bathrooms the library got a total makeover with all new furniture (no new books though), and new white boards were installed in all the classrooms. While facilities aren’t the only thing prospective families look for in a middle school, the current Eliot-Hine building isn’t going to get them excited.

What would an extreme attitude makeover toward Eliot-Hine look like?

First, we can start viewing Eliot-Hine as a 6.4-acre middle school campus. Yes, the building and school grounds sit on a whopping 6.4 acres of land that include a full-sized baseball field on the eastern edge of the campus! Maybe the mayor should see the asset she has in this campus and move Eliot-Hine (and all middle schools) up in the renovation queue. Most importantly, we need to understand that the IB program is a whole-school endeavor, and the students at Eliot-Hine are receiving a broad and balanced education in eight subject areas including literature, sciences, arts, math, and a second language. Maybe that’s what it will take, an extreme attitude makeover in how we view EliotHine, before it becomes a middle school of choice for families.

H y p e r L o c a l | hīpər

. lōk(ə)l |

Hyperlocal connotes information oriented around a well defined community with its primary focus directed toward the concerns of its residents. synonym:

HillRag.com

Daily online. Monthly in print.

This article is republished from the EducationDC blog, a public platform for all issues in DC public education. u

May 2016 H 69

{capitol streets}

Union Station: Quick Fixes and Long-Term Planning

An Alphabet of Stakeholders Are Evaluating and Planning for the Future Needs of Union Station

by Shaun Courtney

T

he Union Station of today, with its dated Amtrak waiting areas, hazardous pedestrian environment and inefficient taxicab queues, is not equipped to meet the needs of the rail station of the future. On average 37 million people pass through Union Station each year, but in 20 years that number is set to increase dramatically: Amtrak anticipates tripling passenger capacity and doubling train capacity. To expand and modernize the station, Amtrak is beginning a concourse modernization project in the nearterm while undertaking the long-term Union Station Expansion Project with the Union Station Redevelopment Corporation (USRC).

Union Station was built in 1907 and most recently redeveloped in 1988. In 2012, entities including Amtrak, USRC, United States Department of Transportation and WMATA among others published the Washington Union Station Mas-

ter Plan. At the same time and in coordination with Amtrak’s Union Station Master Plan, developer Akridge created an initial concept for its Burnham Place, a 14-acre, private project proposed for the air rights above the rail yard.

Amtrak is beginning near-term renovations this spring to provide a better rider experience and improve multimodal connectivity. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is engaging the community about long-term upgrades as part of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Union Station Expansion Project.

Concourse Modernization Whatever comes out of the EIS could take 10 or 15 years to deliver, but Union Station has issues that need to be addressed sooner, explained David Zaidain, senior manager infrastructure planning for Amtrak.

“We have issues in the concourse today.

There’s not a lot of passenger space, there’s not good amenities,” said Zaidain. “This is one of the gateways to the national capital. We want to make sure it’s an experience that’s worthy of that entrance.”

Amtrak, in coordination with the USRC, WMATA, DDOT, MTA/MARC, VRE, and Akridge, is tackling some of the more immediate, publicly-facing improvements–like upgraded restrooms, more efficient boarding gates and new seating in waiting areas–outside the scope of the expansion project.

Beyond aesthetic improvements, the concourse should have better accessibility, be less congested and more easily navigable.

Zaidain noted that queuing lines back into the main passenger flow areas regularly, something the new plan hopes to solve. Project documents state that the new concourse will almost double passenger space by adding 20,000 square feet.

The upgrades also take into consideration the station’s multi-modal nature. The beginning of passenger service for the streetcar has made the H Street entrance more prominent, so the effort should improve the flow from that entrance. Metro will also contribute to improvements with a new staircase and new First Street entrance.

Amtrak expects to work on items like heating and ventilation systems to begin this spring and with phased construction coming in 2017.

For residents who pass through Union Station on a regular basis, there may be some detours or construction impacts on your normal route, but all modes will maintain operating during construction.

The Station of the Future Amtrak and the USRC are working to help the historic station move trains and people more efficiently and to anticipate the design needs of future transit hubs. Since releasing the master plan in 2012, stakeholders have studied the existing conditions of the station and developed a historic preservation plan, designed by renowned architect, Daniel Burnham.

Of note, the current EIS process is not the same exact proposal as the glass-enclosed, modern train station seen in glossy renderings for Burnham Place. The image was part of the initial concept for Burnham Place, a vision that now drives Akridge’s

70 H Hillrag.com

Additions & Basement Experts BUFFALO COMPANY, LLC www.buffalocompanyusa.com For all your Construction Needs ADDITIONS

A rendering of the interior design.

master planning and sets a framework for the FRA’s current planning process. “[The Burnham Place concept] shows what’s possible, but that’s not necessarily what the final study will recommend,” explained Tony Goodman, advisory neighborhood commissioner for part of NoMa and the area north of H Street adjacent to the railyard.

The Union Station Expansion Project looks to transform everything from rail infrastructure to bus and taxi facilities. At the most recent public forum the project team presented its analysis of the current conditions at the station: • Tracks and Platforms: The existing platforms are inefficient, narrow, are not long enough for future train length and some do not comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. • Concourses: Do not meet projected ridership demand (currently projected at up to three times the current ridership) • Bus Terminal: Bus usage has increased at Union Station with Greyhound and BoltBus operating out of the terminal.

But, the current set-up creates unsafe pedestrian environments.

• Taxis: During peak times there’s a 30-45 minute queue that often stretches onto the hopscotch bridge, in part because the current configuration only allows for one pick up location in front.

• Parking: The current garage confi guration has 2,205 spots and during peak occupancy 70-90% of those spaces are filled.

• Pedestrian and Bicycles: Bike parking is often full and the bike share facility is often empty. Even if you are able to park your

bike or grab one to go there are several places with frequent conflicts among pedestrians, bikes and vehicles.

During the public forum in March, the FRA team provided examples of existing stations around the country and world that address Union Station’s pain points. Attendees were encouraged to image a new Union Station with images of a light-filled concourse at Bijlmer station in the Netherlands, a modern platform at Reading Station in the United Kingdom or the futuristic Lincoln Road Parking Garage in Miami.

The limitations of today’s Union Station are driving the planning for the future. In the next few months the project team will create concept options and will hold a public meeting this summer to help evaluate those possible plans. By winter 2017 the goal is to identify the short list of possible alternatives that will then be the subject of the EIS.

What Now? One day there will be entrances to the north of Union Station, better connecting the neighborhood to the station and metro. It will no longer “turn its back” to NoMa, as Goodman described it. But those changes are at best a decade away. Between now and then residents can expect construction and then near-term improvements in their path from home to metro or from metro to streetcar.

The FRA’s public presentation including the image examples of what could be are available online, just search Washington Union Station Expansion Project on the FRA website (http://www.fra.dot.gov/). The next public meeting is not scheduled, but will take place this summer.

RENOVATIONS REMODELING KITCHENS INTERIORS Over 10 Years of Experience

REHAB

Craftsmanship Custom Made Cabinets & Furniture References Available

703-786-3863

202-758-3396 (fax) cemohome@yahoo.com licensed • insured Owned & Operated by a Capitol Hill Resident

INTERIOR DECORATING & DESIGN CA R E F U LLY S E L E C T E D HOME FURNISHINGS, LIGHTING, AND MIRRORS

507 11TH ST SE (202) 546-5466

Shaun Courtney is a freelance reporter and real estate writer. Shaun has called DC home since 2002 and now lives in Ward 7’s Kingman Park with her husband and son. u

May 2016 H 71

{capitol streets}

South by West The New Greenleaf Will Be Mixed-Income Housing At a meeting last Saturday for Greenleaf Gardens residents and the Southwest community at large, consultants from HR&A Advisors revealed a potential redevelopment plan for Greenleaf, which calls for a phased redevelopment of the 15-acre public housing complex. The plan would rebuild the 493 units of public housing and build 1,374 units of market-rate housing in a mix of 1-, 2-, 3-bedroom and townhome units. Since many of the existing Greenleaf units are townhomes, a portion of the replacement Greenleaf units would also be townhomes.

Consultants and planners from Perkins Eastman reviewed six main design ideas: • Create signifi cant public places – Greenleaf abuts Lansburgh Park north of M Street and Greenleaf Recreation Center to the south.

• Build on the existing and historic street network.

• Construct higher density housing fi rst.

• Reconnect streets across M Street • Enhance connection to emerging neighborhoods: Waterfront Station, The Wharf, Cap-

by William Rich itol Riverfront, Ballpark A new public library on Wesley Place SW will replace District. the existing building, which dates to the 1960s.

Photo: William Rich • Integrate market-rate and affordable housing – 30 percent affordable on each redeveloped block.

The redevelopment option preferred by the community and public officials is to build the first phase outside the Greenleaf footprint but in the vicinity, so Greenleaf residents won’t need to leave the community. A “build first” model is something many in the community have advocatfamilies in the townhome units could relocate to the ed for, and it has the support of the advisory neighnew off-site building. borhood commission and the DC Council. SeverThe initial phase inside the Greenleaf boundal District- and federally owned sites were identified aries would be a high-rise building on the north side as possible locations for building the initial phase of of M Street with 271 units for seniors, with the poten127 units. That would allow the redevelopment of tial for ground-floor retail. Once that building is comthe block of 38 townhomes between L and M streets plete, the current seniors building on the south side to proceed without displacing residents, because the of M would be replaced with another high-rise with 662 units of mixed-income housing, including flats and townhomes on the first two levels. Phase three includes 240 units – townhomes where the Greenleaf mid-rise building is now and a high-rise on the north end of the block between L and M streets.

After that phase is complete a mix of 336 mid-rise and townhome units would be built on the block between K and L streets. Development would conclude with more mid-rise and townhome units (336 units) on the northernmost block between I and K streets.

The preliminary plan could change before the final plan is released this summer. It will be fleshed out at a third community meeting in May. Construction is several years away, but having a framework will allow the housing authority to seek a development partner to help realize the vision of a mixed-income Greenleaf Gardens.

Library to Be Rebuilt

Greenleaf Gardens will be replaced with higher-density buildings, but some townhouse units will be built for families. Photo: William Rich

72 H Hillrag.com

At the District government’s “March Madness” economic development event on March 25 the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) and other District agencies offered parcels across the city for development.

One is located in Southwest – the Southwest Branch Library at 900 Wesley Place. The current Southwest Branch Library, a 21,600-square-foot building with three levels, was built in 1965. A mini-makeover was done in 2011, but funding for an extensive renovation was removed from the budget a few years ago. The library will be replaced with a standalone facility designed to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification.

The library’s future was hotly debated in 2014 when DMPED, the Office of Planning, and DC Public Library (DCPL) proposed to move the library to the city-owned parcel at Waterfront Station, which would have been part of a mixed-use building with residential, retail, and library.

That proposal was rejected by the community in favor of keeping the library at its current location and building a standalone facility, which the city intends to do. DMPED released a request for proposals (RFP) after last year’s “March Madness” event for the Waterfront Station site at 1000 Fourth Street, but without the library requirement. Three of the redevelopment teams responding to the RFP made the final cut last summer. While a decision was expected back in November, DMPED finally announced at the “March Madness” event that PN Hoffman’s bid was selected.

PN Hoffman’s presentation was unique in that the amount of proposed retail space was more than double the amount proposed by the other teams, and prospective retail tenants were announced. The development plan includes 443 rental apartments, 22,500 square feet of communityoriented retail, and a 10,000-squarefoot, 200-seat black-box theater, all in a LEED-Gold building designed

by Torti Gallas. The 133 units of affordable housing include 34 at up to 30 percent of area median in-

come (AMI) and 99 at up to 50 percent of AMI. Retail would be located on Fourth Street, wrapping around to a new private drive on the north end of the site. A letter of intent has been signed by Constantine Stavropoulous, the owner of Tryst, Open City, The Diner, and The Coupe, to open a diner at the corner of Fourth Street and the private drive. Other retail uses such as a daycare center and artist space could be located on the north side of the development along the private drive, which serves as a connector between the Southwest Library branch and the Duck Pond.

The private drive could be closed off at times for arts-focused events. The proposal was the preferred choice of ANC 6D, which will weigh in again once PN Hoffman goes through the second-stage planned unit development process.

The RFP for a design-build contract for the new library will be released this fall. A flyer about the project says the new library “will reflect the program and goals of the library and the needs of the District of Columbia residents who use it. The building will incorporate forwardthinking approaches to urban design, architecture, engineering, and environmental technologies in the public realm.” The new facility “will be a destination that will attract and support hundreds of users per day, and promote a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood and active street environment.”

According to Steve Moore, director of the Southwest Business Improvement District, DC Public Library will receive $1 million in next year’s budget for planning the new library. There will likely be community involvement in the planning process.

William Rich is a blogger at Southwest … The Little Quadrant That Could (www. swtlqtc.com). u

May 2016 H 73

{capitol streets}

ANC 6A Report

•

by Elizabeth Nelson

A

dvisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6A Chair Phil Toomajian called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. with Commissioners Mike Soderman, Patrick Malone, Calvin Ward, Sondra Phillips-Gilbert, Matt Levy, Omar Mahmud, and Stephanie Zimny in attendance.

The meeting began with several community presentations.

H Street Connection Redevelopment, Rappaport & WC Smith The developer took possession of the property at 901 H St. NE at the beginning of January. The raze phase is underway; current focus is on disconnecting the utilities. Demolition is expected to begin in June and last four to six weeks; construction is projected to extend for 28 months. There will be monthly meetings to address community concerns.

Commander William Fitzgerald, MPD Fifth District • •

There has been a 17 percent crime reduction along Benning Road.

One reason for the improvement may be that Police Service Area (PSA) 507 has increased staffing relative to other PSAs. Fitzgerald be-

74 H Hillrag.com

•

•

• • •

lieves the officers to be highly motivated as they volunteered to be transferred.

District commanders generally get extra resources in summer months. Fitzgerald is hoping to have them deployed before school lets out. Officers, likely on motorcycles, will give special attention to parks and playgrounds. Last year the additional manpower was not in place until after several locations had attracted entrenched groups of older youth engaging in detrimental activities.

There have been a lot of issues with older school populations getting into serious fights.

Police are working with the PTAs and school safety officers to address this problem.

The First and Fifth district commanders meet regularly to discuss cross-district issues. Fitzgerald cited the example of escorting youth from Spingarn High School to the Stadium Armory Metro following games.

Two new bicycle offi cers have been deployed who are especially effective at working with youth.

Persons living in the immediate neighborhood are responsible for much of the crime.

Commissioner Ward expressed concerns about the crowds gathering near 18th and D streets NE. Fitzgerald explained that the lot where much of the negative activity is taking place belongs to Master’s Liquors, 1806 D St. NE. The owner has declined to discourage the “party atmosphere” and will not give permission for the police to come onto his property to arrest those congregating there for trespassing, drinking, or selling drugs. It’s

essentially the owner’s “back yard,” he explained, although it is very large, open to the public, and unfenced.

• Fitzgerald agreed to monthly walk-throughs of the Rosedale area, at Commissioner Phillips-Gilbert’s request.

Commissioner Zimny reported that residents of Gales Street “feel like they’re living in a war zone” with a rash of package theft, gunshots, and rock throwing. The misbehavior may be related to residents of the Pentacle Apartments (corner of 16th Street and Benning Road) where management has started to discourage youth from assembling on the property.

DC Streetcar Public Engagement Manager Sean May • •

•

•

Ridership has consistently exceeded projections.

Five cars are operating and a sixth is expected soon.

When all six are deployed wait times may be reduced to less than 15 minutes.

Sunday service may be considered if there is sufficient public pressure.

An environmental assessment is underway for an eastward expansion.

Alcohol Beverage Licensing Actions The commissioners voted unanimously to protest the license renewal of Da Luft (1242 H St. NE), if that is the recommendation of the Alcohol Beverage Licensing (ABL) Committee when they meet on April 19.

Economic Development and Zoning Actions Valor Development gave a presentation on the plans for 1603-1625 Benning Road NE. The details can be seen in the April agenda package at www.anc6a.org.

The building will be very imposing – five stories along the alley behind Gales Street and nine stories on Benning Road – with a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments. The developers made much of the delightful “pedestrian experience” they would be providing. However, the structure will extend all the way to the property line, leaving just the 12-foot-wide sidewalk, and will actually overhang the walkway starting 20 feet above the pavement. Despite a community preference for first-floor

May 2016 H 75

{capitol streets}

retail, only one such space is planned and it will be small. The community benefits package offered is dwarfed by the size of the project itself: • A tiny community garden in the shade of the five-story elevation • 20-23 affordable housing units with monthly rents ranging from $1,024 to $1,966 • Unspecified landscaping and field improvements for the nearby Rosedale Recreation Center • Baseball and cheerleader uniforms As the presentation was informational only, with no action to be taken, the commissioners offered little discussion or comment. Some attendees expressed concern about the size of the project, the massing along Benning Road, and most notably the unfortunate way in which it will diminish the pedestrian experience.

The developer 920 H LLC made a presentation. It had requested a slew of special exceptions and variances to allow the construction of a mixed-use building with a restaurant and nine residential units at 920-922 H St. NE. The commissioners had been prepared to consider supporting this request in exchange for meeting conditions intended to preserve the facade and diminish the impact on local parking. The developers made a surprise announcement that they were going to receive a 20-percent increase in density, or floor area ratio (FAR), in exchange for “facade preservation.”

The preservation turned out to be a small strip of concrete block. They would not discard a Parks Hardware sign but use it as “decor” somewhere inside the building. The facade will bear little resemblance to its present appearance, but the developer is claiming increased FAR all the same. The commissioners agreed to postpone their vote and discuss the matter, on condition that 920 H LLC petitions the Bureau of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) to have its hearing postponed.

Decommissioned Pepco Benning Road Powerplant Former Commissioner David Holmes reported on an April 12 meeting regarding the decommissioned Pepco Benning Road powerplant at which the District Office of Energy and the Environment (DOEE) released a study of pollutants on or resulting from the site: • An assessment of airborne pollutants was not included.

76 H Hillrag.com

Several hundred pounds of heavy metals were generated every month while the plant operated. Yet only one small pocket of pollution was identified. It seems likely that the assessment was flawed.

• Chemicals such as PCBs, used in transformers, and PCEs, often used in dry cleaning and auto shops, have been identified underground. The report did not identify a source.

The commissioners voted unanimously to send a letter to DOEE requesting: • An additional public comment period after supplemental field-testing.

• An explanation of the projected future movement of pollutants within and from the site.

• An explanation as to why airborne pollutants were not addressed in the study.

• An investigation as to why there is no evidence of downstream heavy metal deposits.

More information can be found at www.benningservicecenter.com.

•

day, May 11, 6:30–8:30 p.m., at the Benning Library, 3935 Benning Road NE. •

• • •

•

ANC 6A meets on the second Thursday of every month (except August) at Miner Elementary School. The 6A committees meet at 7 p.m. on the following dates: Alcohol Beverage and Licensing, third Tuesday of each month, Sherwood Recreation Center.

Community Outreach, fourth Monday of each month, Maury Elementary School.

Economic Development and Zoning, third Wednesday of each month, Sherwood Recreation Center.

Transportation and Public Space, third Monday of every month, Capitol Hill Towers.

Visit www.anc6a.org for calendar of events, changes of date/venue, agendas, and other information. u

Single Member District and Officer Reports Commissioner Malone expressed his appreciation to the Urban Forestry Administration (UFA) for actually acknowledging a mistake and fixing the problem – a degree of integrity not always seen in District government.

Commissioner Levy reported that the C Street traffic study is still underway.

Commissioner Toomajian noted that one provision of legislation introduced by Councilmember Bonds would fund interpretive services for the deaf. This would be especially helpful for ANC 6A, for which it is currently a major expense.

Commissioner Mahmud encouraged residents to call 911 to report any suspicious activity and to call the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) noise control hotline, 202-329-6347, especially if the disturbance is coming from an establishment with a liquor license.

Announcements There will be presentations from Monument Academy PCS (500 19th St. NE), the Office of Unified Command, and PSA 104 and 507 lieutenants at the next ANC 6A meeting on May 12.

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will hold a public meeting regarding the East Capitol Street Bridge rehabilitation, Wednes-

ANC 6B Report

by Jonathan Neeley RFK Stadium Plans Taking Shape At a meeting in April residents got a detailed look at preliminary redevelopment plans for the RFK Stadium site. Events DC, the government’s sports authority, is looking to redevelop the land since DC United is set to move out. The firm that’s advising on the master plan, OMA New York, hosted a public meeting to outline two design concepts for the 190-acre site, more than 40 percent of which is covered in parking lots.

As reported on the blog Greater Washington, the two design concepts would work within the overall plan, which is to turn the site into a space for “cultural activities, recreation, sports, and park land.

More specifically, the plans include space for a market, skate park, dog park, community gardens, urban farm, water park, and multipurpose fields.” A stadi-

ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 6A PHIL TOOMAJIAN, CHAIR, PHILANC6A@GMAIL.COM Serving the Near Northeast, North Lincoln Park, Rosedale, and H Street communities ANC 6A generally meets the second Thursday of the month, at Miner Elementary School, 601 15th Street, NE.

www.anc6a.org Next ANC 6A meeting is 2nd Thursday, May 12th 7 p.m, Miner E.S., 601 15th St. NE um is certainly still on the table. It’s one possibility for what OMA called an “anchor” for the site, the other options being a smaller basketball arena or simply not building a professional sports facility.

One design possibility would build a new street grid around RFK and add concentrated retail spaces and a pedestrian promenade on the east side, near the Anacostia River.

The other would spread buildings out more and leave the neighborhood’s streets as is. Both plans include pedestrian bridges to Kingman and Heritage islands.

The members of Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6B have frequently pushed for the RFK site to be used for something other than a football stadium. “Stadiums bring little to their cities and their surrounding neighborhoods,” wrote Brian Flahaven, then chair of 6B, in a September article on Greater Washington. “Football stadiums are used 10 times a year for games, leaving an empty shell the remainder of the time. The redevelopment of the RFK site could be a potential boon to the entire city if city leaders are open to some creative and imaginative thinking.”

In October the commissioners sent a letter to Mayor Bowser’s office saying the same. In November representatives from the DC Fiscal Policy Institute echoed the concerns as well, saying that putting money toward a stadium would mean not putting it toward education or infrastructure. Navy Yard, they pointed out, was already growing economically before Nationals Park came to the neighborhood, thanks largely to development near the Metro.

EventsDC hasn’t set a specific timeline for the next steps, but after the April meeting it said it would do budget and environmental studies, come up with more detailed plans, and hold another public meeting in the summer.

Safety Upgrades Face Another Hurdle Both 6B and Capitol Hill residents have long been pushing the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) to make 17th Street SE safer for pedestrians and bicyclists, who must share the road with cars that drive dangerously fast. Possibilities include removing a driving lane and adding a bike lane and new speed limit signs.

The project has been often delayed by a DC Water project to replace a water main that runs along the street. At 6B’s April Transportation Committee meeting, DDOT’s Mohamed Dahir said the water-main project should finish in May, but that Washington Gas recently told DDOT it needed to do work along 17th Street as well. Dahir said the street project should finish in December 2017.

According to the committee report, Commissioner Diane Hoskins “asked Mr. Dahir if he could install temporary traffic calming/safety measures while the project is ongoing.

He responded that he would have to talk with the DDOT office responsible for safety.”

Support and Concern about Development at Frager’s Hardware Site The commissioners sent a letter to DC’s Office of Planning in support of plans for a new development at 1101 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, the site of the iconic Frager’s Hardware building that burned down in the summer of 2013. The plan is to rebuild the hardware store, but also to add between 30 and 40 condos above and a parking garage below.

The letter also included concerns about the building’s design.

Specifically, 6B took issue with the look of the building, saying that the plan for multiple setbacks (the third story is farther in from the edge of the

Alcohol Beverage Licensing Committee - Tuesday May 17th 7pm at Sherwood Recreation Center • 640 10th St., NE Jay Williams - Co-Chair (906-0657) / Christopher Seagle - Co-Chair

Transportation & Public Space Committee - Monday May 16th 7pm at Capitol Hill Towers Community Room • 900 G St., NE J. Omar Mahmud - Co-Chair (594-9848) / Todd Sloves - Co-Chair

Economic Development & Zoning Committee - Wednesday May 18th 7pm at Sherwood Recreation Center • 640 10th St., NE Brad Greenfield - Chair (Brad.greenfield@gmail.com 202 262-9365)

Community Outreach Committee - Monday May 23rd NOW HELD EVERY 4TH MONDAY OF THE MONTH

7pm at Maury Elementary School • 1250 Constitution Ave., NE Multi-purpose Room (enter from 200 Block of 13 Street) Dana Wyckoff - Chair (571-213-1630)

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 ANC 6C generally meets the second Wednesday of each month.

214 Massachusetts Ave NE

ANC 6C COMMISSIONERS ANC 6C01 Daniele Schiffman Daniele.Schiffman @gmail.com ANC 6C02 Karen Wirt (202) 547-7168 6C02@anc.dc.gov ANC 6C03 Scott Price (202) 577-6261 6C03@anc.dc.gov scott.price@anc.dc.gov

ANC 6C04 Mark Eckenwiler 6C04@anc.dc.gov ANC 6C05 Christopher Miller 6C05@anc.dc.gov ANC 6C06 Tony Goodman (202) 271-8707 tonytgood@gmail.com

ANC 6C COMMITTEES Alcohol Beverage Licensing Committee First Monday, 7 pm Contact: anc6c.abl.committee@gmail.com Grants Committee Last Thursday, 7 pm Contact: lesliebarbour.dc@gmail.com

Parks and Events Committee First Tuesday, 7 pm Contact: christinehealey100@gmail.com

Transportation and Public Space Committee First Thursday, 7 pm Contact: mark.kaz.anc@gmail.com Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development First Wednesday, 7 pm Contact: zoning@eckenwiler.org Twitter: @6C_PZE

May 2016 H 77

{capitol streets}

building, and the fourth is farther in from the third) would mean a building that looked “disjointed” and inconsistent with other historic Capitol Hill buildings, and that the current plan uses too many different materials. Residents or the Capitol Hill Restoration Society are typically the forces behind design concerns, but in this case it’s the 6B commissioners. “Frager’s represents something different from just the store,” said Chair Kirsten Oldenburg. “It’s in the hearts of the people from Cap Hill, so anyone fiddling with it ... there’s a lot of concern.”

Lots of Liquor Licenses up for Renewal The Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration is renewing every liquor license in the city this year, meaning that 6B has a lot of liquor license applications to review and, ultimately, either support or protest. In April 6B reviewed 14 cases, voting to support all but three: We the Pizza, Bearnaise, and Good Stuff, all on the southern side of the 300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue SE and owned by the family of famous DC restaurateur Spike Mendelsohn. The commissioners protested the license renewals due to ongoing trash and rodent concerns. The commissioners expect to review over 50 cases in May and potentially more in June. Restaurants and bars had until the end of March to apply for renewals. Once renewed, licenses are good for three years.

ANC 6B’s next full meeting will be on Tuesday, May 12, at the Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. u

ANC 6C Report

by Christine Rushton

A

goodwill visit from the DC Streetcar team turned into a forum for the Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) members to demand updates on their requests for safety changes to the streetcar’s path. Streetcar representative Sean

78 H Hillrag.com

Moore fielded questions from several commissioners on why the service won’t charge a fee for the first six months; why walk signals at Third and H streets NE don’t work properly with the car and streetcar lights; and how the department plans to solve the issue of bicycles getting wheels stuck in the tracks due to a lack of sections for bicycles to cross safely. The questions remained unanswered, which added to the residents’ legacy of frustration.

The quorum: Karen Wirt (6C02 chair), Tony Goodman (6C06), Mark Eckenwiler (6C04), Scott Price (6C03), and Christopher Miller (6C05).

Daniel Schiffman (6C01) was absent.

A note of change: the ANC 6C meeting will move to 6:30 p.m. on May 11 to accommodate Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen, who will speak to the attendees.

Lead in Water at Capitol Hill Montessori at Logan Mayor Muriel Bowser’s modernization plan for DC schools again postponed the renovation of the Capitol Hill Montessori at Logan, from 2019 to potentially 2023, nearly a decade after the original promise of 2014. A parent of a student attending Logan presented information to the ANC showing that the school’s drinking water is contaminated with lead, that a faulty boiler leaked earlier in the year, that a number of wires are exposed, and that there is no broadband access and the public announcement system, used for notifying teachers of incidents, is broken.

Since the school last received an assessment in 2008, the ANC agreed to send a letter to the mayor, DC Councilmember and Education Committee Chair David Grosso, and Councilmember Allen requesting updated data on the school’s conditions.

Playfields Torn Up Without Consent Multiuse fields planned on the Brentwood Hamilton Athletic Field at 1405 Brentwood Parkway NE supposedly started as a joint effort between KIPP DC charter schools and the DC Department of Recreation (DPR). But after KIPP tore up the fields without consulting the local ANC 5D community, ANC 6C commissioners questioned DPR’s claims that they spoke with the community before agreeing to KIPP’s new field designs.

Commissioner Goodman argued that the plans given to community leaders after the con-

struction started show the basketball and tennis courts going behind the fields. A lack of visibility makes these courts potentially dangerous and hard to monitor, he said. The commissioner also argued that the design doesn’t include a play structure for younger families, nor a splash pad; it lacks details on any gates, seating, or trash cans. “To allow KIPP to fix it up because DPR is too cheap to do it themselves, that doesn’t mean that KIPP should have exclusive control,” Goodman said.

The ANC, due to its proximity to the playfields and neighboring ANC 5D, agreed to send a letter to DPR demanding a pause in construction to properly consult with the community.

Ethiopic Applies for an Outdoor Glass Cafe Ethiopic at 401 H St. NE requested permit support to expand its sidewalk cafe into a full enclosure. The plan shows an expansion of about eight and one-half feet toward the Fourth Street side, but not a permanent structure because of public space regulations on the sidewalks – the restaurant must be able to take it down if a situation warrants. The all-glass seating area would allow for dining outdoors with a shield from weather. The ANC fully supported the application based on Ethiopic’s past history of working well in the community.

Proposed Bicycle Lanes on Fourth and M Streets Despite failure of the DC Department of Transportation (DDOT) to notify the ANC of plans to change traffic operations around L and Pierce streets NE, the commissioners voted to support the plans to add additional bicycle lanes along Fourth and M streets. But Commissioner Goodman made clear that in order for the NoMa Business Improvement District (BID) and DDOT to get future projects completed, they must notify the ANC at least 30 days in advance of any changes. Failure to do so violates community engagement practices. “If we’re going to be making changes to M Street and Pierce Street and L Street we need to look at that,” Goodman said. “It’s just ridiculous.”

Grant Request for Capitol Hill Cluster School Race The 37th annual Capitol Hill Classic 10K, 3K, and fun run will take place on May 15 near and around the Stanton Park area. In order to pay for ambu-

Law Offices Of

James m LOOts, Pc Serving the Capitol Hill Community Since 1984

lance and EMT services at the race the school requested a $1,500 grant from the ANC, which the commissioners unanimously supported.

The funds will help offset the race costs and send the optimal amount of money raised to pay for student supplies and other services the District doesn’t buy.

er to redesign the ANC 6C website.

Bistro Italiano at 320 D St. NE withdrew its application for a summer garden.

ANC 6C regularly meets on the second Wednesday of the month at the Heritage Foundation, 214 Massachusetts Ave. NE. The next meeting is on May 11 at 6:30 p.m. u

TOP “AV” RATED BY MARTINDALE-HUBBELL

Updates on Community Safety Measures Commissioner Price informed community members they need to dial 911 for any suspicious behavior, not 311. After a meeting with police in April to discuss summer crime prevention, Price shared that the emergency service handles all police concerns, not 311. He also reiterated that the community should participate in the camera rebate program while funds last to install security cameras around their homes and receive a refund for some of the costs.

Other Actions Wunder Garten, previously on the REI construction site at 150 M St. NE, requested support for relocation to a lot on the corner of First and L streets NE. The ANC supported, but decided to send a letter of protest to leave the door open for them to settle a second expected request from the Garten for increased capacity.

The commissioners unanimously opposed an application to add a three-story addition to the residence at 518 Sixth St. NE. Commissioner Eckenwiler called the builder’s refusal to pay for damage to neighboring properties and the architect’s submission of fraudulent plans and false drawings to obtain building permits a show of the most “unclean hands” he’s ever worked with. “It’s a disgraceful and inadequate job,” he said.

A new construction project at 51 N St. NE requested permission to start staging trucks during earlier-than-usual work hours, at 7 a.m., and to fully close the sidewalk on the south side of N Street. The ANC supported with a letter asking them to open another crosswalk for pedestrians to route around the closed sidewalk.

The commissioners approved a $3,000 contract to hire a website and graphics design-

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

634 G Street SE, Suite 200 | Washington DC 20003 (202) 536-5650 • Fax: (202) 315-3515 www.lootslaw.com

ANC 6D Report

by Andrew Lightman

A

t its meeting on April 11, ANC 6D discussed the proposed Delaware Avenue Family Shelter and the delay in Jefferson Middle School’s modernization; as well as hosting Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen. Issues involving public art and alcohol licensing rounded out the agenda.

Commissioners Marjorie Lightman (6D01), Stacy Braverman Cloyd (6D02), Roger Moffatt (6D05), Meredith Fascett (6D07) and Vice Chair Rachel Reilly Carroll (6D03) were in attendance. Rhonda N. Hamilton (6D06) was present for part of the meeting.

Chair Andy Litsky (6D04) was absent.

Charles Allen Visits 6D The commission invited Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen (D) to make a presentation on his achievements during his first year in office. Allen outlined the following accomplishments: Allen stated that “Books from Birth” law has mailed monthly more than 10,000 kids between the ages of birth and 5 an age appropriate book by the DC Public Library (DPL).

Allen has secured $18 million for the new Southwest Library. Planning starts this October. Construction will follow in early 2017.

After the 2015 spike in crime, Allen se-

10 th Street Auto repAirS

Serving Capitol Hill for over 25 years Owner Kevin Ehrman and his dedicated staff will treat your car as they would their own.

518 10th St., NE (MD & 10th St., NE) Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m – 6 pm • 544-1110

WILLS • ESTATES • PROBATE DIVORCE • CHILD CUSTODY 1008 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20003

202-547-1777 noelkane@earthlink.net May 2016 H 79

{capitol streets}

cured more resources for PSAs 105 and 106. In particular, he got PSA 106 added as a priority area for the Security Camera Rebate Law. In addition, Allen expressed his confidence in the new First District Commander Robert Contee, who he characterized as a “strategic thinker.”

In 2016, Allen promised to prioritize planning for the emergency needs of ANC 6D given its tremendous economic growth. In particular, he pointed out the need for additional safety resources, especially a new fireboat, to keep up with development.

There is work to do on the Buzzard Point Visioning Framework, stated Allen. He is concerned about the stadium design’s absence of north-south transportation connections.

Allen recognized the strong advocacy of Vice Chair Reilly Carroll in support of a Build First approach to renovating Greenleaf Gardens public housing. The conversation about the project has certainly shifted in favor of this approach, Allen said.

Allen expressed cautious support for the Southwest Shelter at 700 Delaware Avenue SW. He promised that council would engage the administration in a vigorous discussion about the proposal’s details. He stated that the administration had received a “litany” of questions from legislatures, many of which remain to be answered.

After making his presentation, Allen took questions from the commissioners and the audience. Commissioner Hamilton urged him to coordinate a comprehensive traffic plan for Southwest that would take into account both events, construction and the coming development. Allen agreed.

Vice Chair Reilly Carroll requested that Allen reach out to Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D) and ask her to work with him to get land under the Unity Clinic transferred to the District.

Commissioner Lightman raised concerns about the delay in the modernization of Jefferson Middle School. Allen acknowledged that the Mayor’s recent budget moved Jefferson’s modernization out two more years. He expressed his disappointment with the decision. However, he stated he was unable to promise a restoration of funds given his limitations as a freshman lawmaker.

Commissioner Lightman than raised the lack of a Southwest Circulator connection to

80 H Hillrag.com

Capitol Hill. The routes require more buses, stated Allen. No additional buses have been purchased; only replacements. Allen stated that the council had put money in the last budget for additional buses. During the Department of Transportation (DDOT) performance hearings, he had asked about the situation. There were no plans for a Southwest expansion of the Circulator, stated agency representatives.

Allen expressed frustration with the inability of DDOT and other city agencies to recognize the scope of the economic development taking place in ANC 6D. He pointed to the city’s lack of forethought in NOMA, where no public parks had been planned during its formative stages. Now, the city is trying to shoehorn in a park system. “It costs more and is harder to do when you don’t do it on the front end,” stated Allen.

In Southwest, particularly on Buzzard Point, Allen is trying to work directly with developers given the enormous amount of land in private hands. Creating an active waterfront that knits together the river and neighborhood is his most important priority, he stated.

Southwest Shelter Redux The commission again passed a resolution similar to the previous month’s questioning the city’s plan for a Southwest Shelter at 700 Delaware Ave. SW. Commissioner Cloyd stated that the commitment to Build First at Greenleaf must be made before the commission could support the shelter. In particular, she stated the District needed to identify a site for the initial new public housing. This needs to be a consolidated process between the mayor and the District Housing Authority, she stated.

An audience member echoed Cloyd’s concerns pointing out that building the shelter on public land would be cheaper.

Cloyd reiterated the commission’s demand for a hearing on the shelter to be held in Southwest. The commission passed another resolution questioning the city plan for the shelter unanimously.

Jefferson Delayed As mentioned above in Councilmember Allen’s remarks, Jefferson Middle School’s modernization has been delayed in the mayor’s new budget an additional two years to FYI 2022. Students currently in pre-K will benefit. Commissioners collectively

expressed their concerns that the delay will impact the budding renaissance at Amidon-Bowen Elementary.

Jefferson is the second largest middle school in Ward 6. Its modernization has been repeatedly delayed.

“We are losing ground every single year in getting this done,” stated Commissioner Cloyd. “It is disgraceful that we are in this situation,” stated Commissioner Fascett.

Commissioners unanimously resolved to send a letter to the mayor and the council’s Education Committee expressing their dissatisfaction.

The Rats on Buzzard Point Gerard Brown, program manager of the DC Department of Health’s Rodent & Vector Control, a.k.a. “The Rat Guy,” visited the commission to talk about the rodent control plans for the DC United Soccer Stadium on Buzzard’s Point. Commissioner Hamilton expressed community concerns about that the explosion of the rat population would be exacerbated by the demolition making way for the stadium. Even the cats in her neighborhood were intimidated by the local rats, she stated.

“We believe that rats are worse today than they have ever were,” stated Brown. He attributed the explosion in their population to climate change.

The rat inspection for the stadium site would take place the next day, he said. The city has planned frequent subsequent inspections of the site’s perimeter. He asked community members to call 311 report infestations.

Public Safety Report Sergeant Architzel (PSA 105) reported on crime in both PSA 105 and 106. In PSA 105, there was one sexual assault. There was one aggravated assault and five robberies. There were a number of reports of stolen cars that may have been towed.

There was one burglary and 10 thefts.

PSA 106 had four robberies and one aggravated assault. One car was stolen and there were 17 thefts.

Architzel promised commissioners that he would eliminate the city vehicles parking illegally on the 1100 block of Fourth Street SW and around the SW Library. He promised to ticket them if nothing else worked.

Architzel mentioned that his officers were working diligently to clear the food trucks block-

Thomas Landscapes Over 20 Years of Experience

REDEFINING BEAUTY ONE CLIENT AT A TIME!

ing 14th Street SW near the Holocaust Museum. They block an entire lane during evening rush hour.

Public Art A representative of W.C. Smith asked the commission for a letter of support for an application the company is submitting to the DC Arts Commission seeking funding to place a piece of public art at the intersection of H Street and New Jersey Avenue SE. Commissioner Lightman objected to a private company employing public funds to pay for the installation. It should be paid for by Smith and Capitol Riverfront Business Improvement District (The Riverfront BID), she stated.

The representative for Smith stated that the company was spending $300,000 on fixing the parcel including the creation of a new dog park. The Riverfront BID has pledged $100,000 for the improvement of the neighboring underpasses, she added. Commissioner Fascett stated that the BID would not agree to pay for the art installation.

The commission voted four to one in favor of sending a letter of support.

Full-Service Landscape Design & Maintenance • • • • •

Installation, arbors, retaining walls, walkways, lighting, water features Patios, roof top gardens, townhomes, single family homes Trees & shrubs, formal & informal gardens Custom Masonry, Fencing and Iron work Restoration and Enhancement

Spring Garden Special

Miscellaneous Matters The Commission voted to author a letter of support for the DC Bike Ride on May 22.

Three commissioners voted in favor. Two voted against. Two abstained. A representative from police promise there would be no towing of resident cars on the 700 block of Seventh Street SW. Police officers supervising the intersection would make themselves available if the a resident

10% OFF New Clients

15% OFF Any Design

On Any New Installation

EXP 05/31/2016

EXP 05/31/2016

EXP 05/31/2016

10% OFF

DEREK THOMAS / PRINCIPAL Certified Professional Horticulturist Member of the MD Nursery and Landscape Association Member of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers

301.642.5182 | WWW.THOMASLANDSCAPES.COM May 2016 H 81

{capitol streets}

needed to free a car blocked by the race.

Representatives of the DC Board of Elections demonstrated one of their new voting machines.

Early voting in the Democratic Primary will begin on May 31 and continue until June 11. Precinct 131 will be moving to its new location at the Arthur Capper Community Center at 1005 Fifth St. SE. The election will be held on June 15.

The commission unanimously voted to send a letter to the council protesting that the $18 million allocated for the construction of a new Southwest Library is insufficient. A realistic figure would be $23 million, they stated. They authorized Chair Andy Litsky to testify on their behalf at the public hearing.

The Commission voted unanimously to: • approve the agenda and the March minutes; • approve an amended voluntary agreement with the Big Stick, 20 M St. SE, (There was a minor change in hours.) as well as the restaurant’s application for a liquor license renewal; • approve a voluntary agreement with Whaley’s, 301 Water St. SE, support the restaurant’s application for a stipulated license for its May opening; • send a letter supporting the public space changes planned for 1277 First St. SE including bike parking, trash receptacles and the closure of an existing curb cut; • send a letter supporting the Hampton Inn’s, First St. SE, public space application for a sidewalk café that insists the hotel adhere to the 14-seat limit set out in its voluntary agreement.

ABC Chair Dr. Coral Farlee reported that Bardot may attempt to secure a manufacturing alcohol license despite the denial of its recent application. Commissioners requested to be kept informed.

Commissioner Cloyd announced that Jair Lynch had applied to increase the size of the penthouse for residential use at its building at Half and N Streets SE. This is being done as a matter or right. The company will be making a payment to the Housing Trust Fund as part of its application.

Representatives of the Wharf brief commissioners on new traffic patterns and their application to improve access to the Benneker Park Overlook at 10th Street SE. An open house was held.

There are currently two designs under environ-

82 H Hillrag.com

mental review. They plan a public meeting for August 11.

Commissioner Hamilton commended Community Liaison Naomi Mitchell of Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen’s office for her untiring work for the Southwest community.

ANC 6D will meet next at 7 p.m. on May 9 at 1100 Fourth St. SW, Second Floor. For more information, visit www.anc6d.org. u

ANC 6E Report

by Steve Holton Minute Clinic Coming to K Street CVS The CVS located on 655 K St. NW could be getting a walk-in, limited-service health clinic as an addition to its health department. DC has seven of the nation’s approximately 1,000 minute clinics. The walk-in service, which will mainly be for vaccinations and common illnesses, has proven to be convenient during the cold and flu season. The service is also convenient for those who can’t get a timely appointment with their doctor.

The minute clinic will operate seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday; and 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. Commercial and government health insurance programs including Medicare and Medicaid managed-care plans will be accepted. The cost for uninsured patients will be between $69 and $129, with the majority of costs being $89. A list of the services with a pricing chart will be on display in the health department. The clinic is looked at as a one-stop shop where you can be examined, prescribed for, and get a prescription filled in the same location. Pending final approval, the clinic will open during the third quarter of this year.

The commissioners motioned to send a letter of support to the city.

Request for Two Outdoor Cafes on Massachusetts Avenue A representative of the restaurant RPM Italian asked the commissioners to support a public space permit for the addition of two sidewalk cafes at 601 Massachusetts Ave. NW. One, located on the north side of the building facing Massachusetts Avenue, will have 36 seats and 590 square feet of space. The other, located on the south side of the building facing K Street, will be raised on a platform that is less than 18 inches high. Other specifics such as seating and square footage for the south-side addition were not given at the meeting. Both cafes will be unenclosed and will give 10 feet of pedestrian walk space outside of the planters. Commissioner Marge Maceda told the group’s spokesman that they should have come before the commission before they asked the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) for a liquor license. Maceda said that she would feel more comfortable if they had obtained a written agreement beforehand between the commission and the restaurant that would assure containment of noise and rodent problems.

The establishment is located in a non-residential area. The commissioners voted in favor of supporting the outdoor permit application.

Request for Outdoor Cafe on K Street A representative of the restaurant Alta Strada requested support for a public space permit for the addition of an outdoor cafe at 475 K St. NW. The space will have nine tables with 28 seats, and seating will be tucked around the planters and away from the building. Alta Strada’s representative said that the restaurant is run by an internationally renowned chef who also has other operations in the city, all centered around food service. The representative made this point to note that patrons will be more interested in the eating experience and will not be a loud, late-night drinking crowd. He also noted that the establishment’s owner is working to address potential noise and rodent problems. The commissioners moved to meet again with Alta Strada to discuss hours of operation, noise, and rodent precautions before sending a letter of support or opposition to the city.

May 2016 H 83

{capitol streets}

Eighth Street Development Update A representative of Roadside Development gave an update on a development project located at 1336 Eighth St. NW. The building will house 76-78 residential condo units. The group is working with the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) to ensure the building’s facade matches up with the character of the neighborhood’s townhomes. Thirty percent of the units will be affordable housing, and there will be 4,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space.

The representative also noted that several security cameras will be installed around the building’s perimeter to secure the property and adjacent areas. Construction could start in 18 months. The group plans to get final approval of the building’s design from the commission.

Three Requests for ABRA Renewals The alcohol license renewal for Chaplin’s restaurant located on 1501 Ninth St. NW was protested and opposed by the commissioners on the grounds of peace, order, and quiet. ANC 6E01 Commissioner Alexander Padro said that residents near the establishment have filed complaints of noise and trash issues. Some of the neighbors took pictures of trash littered on the property the next morning. Padro said that he hopes the protest petition will get the owner’s attention and they can sit down and address these issues. The commissioners supported renewal for the cafe Baked and Wired, located on 440 K St. NW. The establishment serves mostly coffee, sandwiches, and baked goods and occasionally will throw a happy hour with wine and beer. Commissioner Maceda noted that it stays open no later than 10:30 p.m. and has generated no problems from the community.

The renewal for the restaurant Uptown Ethiopian Fusion was protested and not supported. Padro noted that noise complaints have been coming from surrounding residents. There are also reports of disturbances after closing hours, so there is a concern that the establishment is not letting patrons out at the appropriate time. This matter is under investigation. Padro hoped the opposition vote would encourage the restaurant to improve its behavior.

The commissioners will submit letters of support and opposition of the aforementioned establishments to ABRA.

84 H Hillrag.com

ANC 6E will meet at 6:30 p.m. on May 3 at the Northwest One Library on 155 L St. NW. Visit www.anc6e. org to view the newsletter; follow on Twitter @ANC6E and on Facebook by searching ANC6E. Steve Holton can be contacted at ssholton@gmail.com and followed on twitter @ssholton. u

Eastern Market Report

by Peter J. Waldron Eastern Market Landlord Pays a Visit In a rare appearance at the monthly Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee (EMCAC) meeting, the landlord’s representative, Forest Hayes, Associate Director of the District’s Department of General Services (DGS), made a brief presentation and then led a discussion on the near future, if not the fiscal health, of Eastern Market. The District government is the landlord.

Hayes laid out in the broadest terms his vision, which he conceded was not his idea, but that of EMCAC leadership, for an RFP to address EMCAC members’ concerns for fiscal stability and planning and the need for a Market business plan.

Hayes added that ” it is an appropriate time and we have some funding available.” Adding that “it makes a lot of sense.”

Hayes enumerated an initial list of key stakeholders who as a core group and acting collaboratively might select and hire a professional strategic consulting firm to conduct a wide ranging assessment of the state of the Market and make “robust recommendations” to stakeholders as well as the wider community on the future of the Eastern Market.

The initial core stakeholders would be EMCAC, DGS, DMPED (the Mayor’s economic development office), Council member Charles Allen and the nearby bricks and mortar businesses, represented as the Market Row Business Association.

Hayes announced that the timing was ripe for such action calling the Eastern Market not just a “Capitol Hill institution but one that belongs to the city.“ Hayes sees DGS’ role as a “facilitator ... to shepherd the process.” No dollar amounts were mentioned in this presentation.

Hayes briefly raised the issue of the need for capital improvements and then moved beyond this issue to a wider range of items which would be put on the table. While conceding that the building needs attention and has deferred maintenance, he broached such other topics as to how better brand and grow the Eastern Market, including a hard look at not just the weekday farmer’s market (Fresh Tuesdays), but weekend operations as an issue that might be addressed and mused there might be a “better way” as far as the future of the historic farmer’s market. While praising Market Manager Barry Margeson as “ awesome” he surprisingly suggested the possibility of an alternative management strategy, stating that “even the management structure is on the table.”

One additional note was his openness to the possibility of “amending the current legislation to allow for non-lapsing accounts” which would roll over, preserving Market revenues and profits for investment.

At the conclusion of the discussion, Donna Scheeder, Chair of EMCAC, asked that all comments be directed to Tom Kuchenberg, Chair of Market Operations, for consolidation. Chuck Burger, long time EMCAC member, pointed out that EMCAC had been through this process five or six times in thirty years and he was not optimistic that much would be accomplished.

Leases In a related and ongoing development, EMCAC member Bill Glasgow of Union Meats and a 55year tenant took the opportunity presented by Hayes’ visit to again point out that South Hall merchants have now gone more than fifteen years without permanent leases.

“I did not know the full extent of that,” Hayes admitted, adding (in what sounded like a simple solution and immediate fix to this problem), “You only need Chris Weaver [the Director of DGS] and me to approve a lease.”

Update on FY 15 and Current Financials According to the written Manager’s Report the fis-

Heather Schoell Capitol Hill Real Estate cal data to close out FY 15 remains incomplete. The FY ended Sept 30, 2015. Margeson promised to send out FY15 before the next meeting and said he hoped to get the current fiscal year data up to date as well. The Market is now in its seventh month of delay as DGS tweaks its numbers.

202-321-0874 heathersdc@gmail.com

North Hall Use There are 27 events scheduled at the North Hall in the months of March and April.

Twenty one are priced at minimal and affordable rates satisfying the legislated requirements of community use for the Eastern Market. Six are private events for which the North Hall can hope to see some substantial revenue.

Hine Construction Update Diane Hoskins, EMCAC’s representative from ANC6b, reported that the excavation on the site will continue through May. The façade will be the focus between May and December. The project is on time for a second quarter 2017 opening

Potluck Supper Another potluck supper at the North Hall is scheduled for Tuesday May 3 at 7 p.m. Attendance generally has run one hundred plus. Anyone planning to come to this growing, successful and free event should RSVP at barry.margeson@dc.gov with the dish you are planning to bring as well as the number attending.

The next EMCAC meeting to be held in the North Hall is April 27 at 7 p.m. u

I donate $500 of every sale to the Capitol Hill Community Foundation (capitolhillcommunityfoundation.org), to strengthen the fabric of our neighborhood.

When you work with me, you make a difference!

Heather was not only efficient, easy to work with and responsive - but she got the job done - moving from our first conversation to a signed contract within a week. Everyone on the Hill should know and work with Heather! ~ Kristin & Chad T. We appreciated how Heather takes the time to get to know us and our needs. She worked relentlessly to find the perfect home for our family. ~ Tara C. Heather’s knowledge of the Hill and passion for local schools was a tremendous asset in our search for a family home. ~ Brian C.

A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC.

216 7th Street, SE Eastern Market Office (C) 202-321-0874 (O) 202-608-1882 x175 heathersdc@gmail.com heatherschoell.penfedrealty.com @HeatherSchoell Heather Schoell Real Estate

I appreciate your referrals!

May 2016 H 85

Crossword Author: Myles Mellor • www.themecrosswords.com • www.mylesmellorconcepts.com

“Classic Movie Lines”

by Myles Mellor and Sally York Across:

1. Sodium, e.g.

7. Like some eyes 14. Turkish capital 20. Went wrong 21. Good enough 22. Hindu wives 23. Devices capturing inward images?

26. Prefix with lock or knock 27. Common Market inits.

28. Kind of house 29. Green land 30. Hands 33. Marmalade ingredient 34. Most plentiful 36. Skeleton’s place?

39. Highlands hillside 41. Very, in music 42. Granola bit 43. Nuclear ___ 45. Jabber 47. Homely tangelo?

50. The greenhouse gas is expelled?

55. Art movement 56. Sewer access 57. Needle point?

58. Fed. agency 60. Stair part 63. Cotillion girl 64. Bubbler 66. Regret strongly 69. Hankering 72. Glove compartment item 74. Embroidery stitches 75. Prepares meat, in a way 77. ___ ipsa loquitur 79. Absolute 81. Kind of testing 82. Prankster’s projectile 83. More bare 86. Inkling 90. Structure storing a realm’s valuables?

95. Christian name 96. Degree in math?

97. Saturn satellite 98. Future fish 99. Layers 102. Proof goof

86 H Hillrag.com

103. Some cigarettes 105. Shock 108. Author Roald 110. Container weight 111. Gray wolf 112. Muhammad’s trainer 114. Fall behind 116. Kind of water 120. Scheme for regulating rights?

125. Contributes 126. More gangling 127. In a spooky manner 128. Student, at times 129. Ocellus 130. Mortarboard attachment

Down:

1. Floating, perhaps 2. Describe 3. Granny ___ 4. Capers 5. Island chain?

6. Bachelor’s last words 7. Hornswoggle 8. Like some proportions 9. Truncation indication: abbr.

10. Baked entree 11. Brush off 12. Kind of seal 13. Not kosher 14. Rockcress 15. ‘60s hot spot 16. Stocking type 17. High spot 18. Backs 19. It’s a plus 24. ___ Age 25. Sonatas, e.g.

31. Judges 32. Case 33. Big Sky ___ 35. Chitchat 36. Open to all 37. Poor, as excuses go 38. Auricular 39. Double star 40. Horse coloring 41. Nile slitherer 44. A bit

Look for this months answers at labyrinthgameshop.com 45. Tolkien creature 46. Tiny creature 48. Slow, musically 49. Bonehead 51. Tender spots 52. Atlantic food fish 53. Untilled tract 54. Klutzy 59. 3,600 secs.

61. Invigorate 62. Beef on the hoof 65. Pungent 66. Trip producer 67. Bearded 68. Dolphins’ home 70. Pioneer in Surrealism 71. Not o’er

73. City in Colorado 76. College frat.

78. Jamaican music 80. “How ___!”

84. Kind of alcohol 85. Bottomless 87. Calamitous 88. Form of ether 89. Matures 91. Comfort food 92. Coast Guard officer: abbr.

93. Victim of Pizarro 94. “Laughable Lyrics” writer 100. “Seinfeld” regular 101. Monthly budget item 102. Beachwear 104. Gentlemen: abbr.

105. Was out 106. Chef’s hat 107. Borders on 108. Break down 109. Peerless 110. Business card abbr.

113. Whorl 114. Sundae topper 115. Medicinal plant 117. Inventor Elisha 118. Strike out 119. ___ nitrate 121. Get prone 122. Service award 123. Harden 124. Pro vote

{community life}

CHRS Mother’s Day House & Garden Tour Historic Homes, Tiny Houses, and Hidden Gardens

by Elizabeth Nelson

T

he Capitol Hill Restoration Society’s 59th annual House & Garden Tour is just around the corner, May 7 and 8. This perennial Mothers’ Day treat is a grand opportunity to stretch your legs and get a peek at how the neighbors live – especially this year.

Open for your enjoyment is an unusually varied mix of elegant brick houses, charming wood frame houses, and a cluster of rare alley dwellings. Plus a firehouse, a wide range of gardens, and a refreshment break at the Hill Center.

One of the best parts of any house tour is discovering how the interior decor reflects the personality and interests of the owners. Some go for the careful staging of a few prized possessions, others prefer the layering of floor-to-ceiling art or shelves of collectibles, like the pottery at 1002 D St. SE. Two of this year’s homeowners are artists with extensive collections done by themselves or others. You’ll want to budget extra time for viewing these at 1001 C St. and 647 Archibald Walk.

And check out the clever gallery rail system at 520 Archibald Walk. Some residences are outfitted with family heirlooms or collections assembled from a lifetime of exotic travel; others make the most of open spaces and a minimalist approach.

While we hold dear our preservation principles, we live in the 21st century and demand the amenities of modern life. The rejuvenation of Capitol Hill housing stock offers some of the finest kitchens in the city, to say nothing of the envy-inducing bathrooms. Of special interest is the clever reimagination of the two-story living quarters above a tea shop at 731 Eighth St. Viewed from the street, it’s a masterpiece of early 19th-century

Frame house on G Street SE.

May 2016 H 87

{community life}

Barracks Row residence.

Detail of Archibald Walk.

Studio interior on Archibald Walk.

88 H Hillrag.com

charm; approached from the rear, it’s totally hip with glass blocks and an elevator. At 635 E St. a fireplace has been converted to gas, and bathroom wall tile has been preserved while the floor tile has been replaced by the owner herself. Thrill to the luxurious possibilities of the in-home theater and recessed two-car garage at 619 G St. In addition to the usual grand homes and elaborate gardens, this year’s tour will feature something special for “tiny house” aficionados: Archibald Walk and F Street Terrace are on the tour. Several residents of this delightful mini-village are offering a unique opportunity to enter their world of efficient living and shared outdoor spaces. An air of intrigue surrounds 512 and 514 F Street Terrace; well-founded rumor has it that during prohibition one housed a distillery and the other a speakeasy, with a small hole in the common wall to pass the product. At 518 Archibald Walk the built-in storage is the star of the show.

This year’s crop of gardens is wonderfully varied. In addition to the delightful mews that is Archibald walk, there are expansive yards, tiny gated spaces where three absolutely is a crowd, a hidden waterfall, and rooftop oases featuring art and tiered plantings.

It’s an outstanding year to be out standing in these gardens.

Tickets are available at the CHRS Eastern Market booth on weekends, through the CHRS.org website, and during tour hours (4-7 p.m., Saturday, and noon-5 p.m. Sunday) at any of the houses on the tour. Several local retail outlets are listed on the website as are the addresses of all stops on the tour. u

May 2016 H 89

{community life}

Farewell Old Friends

Heard on the Hill

I have been thinking about attachment a lot lately. Attachment

by Jen DeMayo means many things of course. We can be talking about literal nuts Summit to Soul. Photo: Paul Wood Studio and bolts which physically attach one thing to another thing. Attachment also refers to an intensive contemporary parenting style named by the revered Dr. Sears which has been known to set the parenting corner of the Internet aflame in judgy, sanctimommy controversies over co-sleeping and sleep training. But for most of us attachment is a feeling of connection or closeness and maybe even one of belonging. All good things, right?

As a longtime student of yoga I have been discovering another definition or view on the word.

Yoga can sometimes encourage a Buddhist-like view which characterizes attachment as something unhealthy that leads to suffering.

I have wrestled with this concept cade moved across Pennsylvania Avenue to co-loand struggled to take this approach in my own life. cate within Forecast. The move seemed promising It can so easily be abused as in, “Oh, it’s totally cool at first as the new location enabled Homebody to for me to blow my pay check(s) on these ‘Hamilton’ reach Forecast customers as well as those out for a tickets because I’m sooo not attached to money.” stroll at Eastern Market.

(This may be an internal debate I am having.) But Recently Foucade announced that she will in all honesty I can see how non-attachment allows be closing the business after having a “moving-on us to understand what we can and cannot control. sale” of the remaining merchandise. Not entirely All this to say … change is hard, ongoing. sure where she will end up next, she will take a Nothing lasts forever. Especially when it comes to much deserved vacation. After that she hopes to conthe businesses of Capitol Hill. tinue using her knowledge of design and eye for deWhile I always encourage residents and visitors tail to assist others. to support our local businesses, we are frequently Neighbors take heart, because Forecast will given unwanted lessons in attachment as impermacontinue selling some of the furniture originalnence. So continue to support these gems and the ly brought to the Hill by Homebody. Hill’s Kitchhard-working entrepreneurs who keep them going, en will offer some of the lines once only found at frequently at the expense of their own personal lives, Homebody such as the cult coffee company Bialetti. but know that they may not always be here, and we Owner Leah Daniels expressed sadness for the loss must readjust our perspective and allegiances. of yet another retail neighbor but was happy to hear Many residents, fans of fun home decor, that Foucade will be able to take time for herself. mid-century furniture, and all around awesome“I’m happy that Henriette is moving on to someness, were saddened last fall when they learned the thing new and maybe more flexible than being a news that Homebody would be leaving its longsmall business owner. I really am sad for the loss, but time Eighth Street, Barracks Row location. Unable running a small business is tough and she has been to continue in that location, owner Henriette Foudoing it for so long. We will all miss shopping at

90 H Hillrag.com

Homebody and we look forward to welcoming her customers over at Hill’s Kitchen.

Right on the heels of the Homebody news, Capitol Hill was shocked by the announcement that the charming, cheesefocused restaurant and creamery Sona has closed for good. The business, which occupied 660 Pennsylvania Ave. for three years, was owned and operated by the husband-and-wife team Conan and Genevieve O’Sullivan. It quickly became a beloved goto spot for many Hill folks. The restaurant opened first, with the creamery following. The O’Sullivans reportedly faced many regulations in their efforts to open the District’s first cheesemaking business. The delays in permitting meant they were paying rent for a space that could not yet produce product to sell.

In its relatively short stay Sona received many accolades including the “Snail of Approval” from Slow Food DC, and was runner up for 2014 Hilly Award for best new business and restaurant on the Hill. No word on where the O’Sullivans will land next. They came to DC in order to open the District’s first ever creamery and be closer to family. They quickly became a vital part of the Hill restaurant scene and were active members in CHAMPS, Capitol Hill’s Chamber of Commerce.

And Now, Some Good News As we say goodbye to one retailer, we learn that a new business is ready to open on Barracks Row at 727 Eighth St. SE. Summit to Soul is a women’s athleisure store that will carry eco-friendly, sustainably sourced products. Owner Kim Wattrick, a long time athlete, having played on the Georgetown tennis team and now running, hiking, or practicing yoga and taking barre classes, has a background in finance and investment management and currently works for an international education company. Her vision for the store is women’s wear and accessories.

She said, “I’m endeavoring to source only brands that have an element of sustainability to them

The Hill Rag & Schneider’s of Capitol Hill

C o n g r a t u l a t e Elyse Genderson and Hal Kramer on their wedding, Saturday, February 20th after almost 10 years of dating.

We wish them a lifetime of love and happiness.

Homebody Sale.

Photo: Jen DeMayo

(made from recycled or organic materials, made in the USA) and/ or are strong supporters of the female athlete. The brands I will carry are niche/small batch collections and are primarily women-owned businesses.” She plans to carry clothing for many types of activities as well as some maternity and kid’s clothing.

Her lease begins June 1 and she plans for a six-to-eight-week build out, so look for an opening sometime in the late summer.

Fingers crossed!

Reason to Break into Your Piggy Bank Rose’s Luxury’s kid sister, Pineapple and Pearls, has opened its fine dining, prix-fixe dining room to raves including Washington Post restaurant critic Tom Sietsema. Start saving those pennies for a special occasion because word on the street/Internet is that the 15-course meal with drink pairings is worth the $250 price tag.

Fitness wear and fine dining, eh. It’s just money, right?

Jen DeMayo has been an actor, a puppeteer, a waitress. Her claim to fame is founding Moms on the Hill, and she currently enjoys yoga, cooking, and tormenting her two teenage sons with her love of the musical “Hamilton.” u

May 2016 H 91

{community life}

Tall Tails of Capitol Hill

I

was chatting with my friend Liz the other day, when I noticed she was wearing a pair of T-Rex earrings. For all I knew she might just be a “Jurassic World” fan, but as it turns out Liz is a legit dinosaur aficionado.

We swapped stories. She’s excited that the Mace Brown Museum in her hometown of Charleston just acquired the cast of a 41-foot-long Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton (named Bucky). I told her about a semester spent volunteering in a fossil lab at the University of California Museum of Paleontology, where I had the task of meticulously pasting together the bones of a hadrosaur (a large, duck-billed dinosaur). The memory of holding a piece of an enormous creature that roamed the earth 150 million years ago is still an experience beyond compare.

Having established our dinosaur bona fides, you can imagine Liz’s surprise when I mentioned that DC not only has an official dinosaur but that it was discovered just a few blocks away.

Many Capitol Hill residents are probably unaware that this neighborhood was once the site of a mysterious and controversial dinosaur discovery. Even its name is a point of legal and scientific contention. I’m talking about “Capitalsaurus.”

The story goes like this. In January 1898 construction workers were trying to connect a sewer not far from the Capitol building when they discovered the remnants of a predatory dinosaur (I know there’s a political joke in there somewhere). These fossils – an unidentifiable bone fragment and a vertebra from where the tail meets the hips – were given to the Smithsonian to study. For the better part of the next century the fossils were assigned enough identities to qualify for relocation to the Spy Museum.

Yale paleontologist Richard Swann Lull identified the new dinosaur as Creosaurus potens, only to have his colleague Charles Gilmore overturn this finding and reassign the species to Dryptosaurus, only in turn to have local paleontologist Peter Kranz refute both findings in 1990 and informally name the dinosaur Capitalsaurus.

Now the controversy. Although the host of the fossils was never scientifically identified, and the name Capitalsaurus is only a nickname, DC was

92 H Hillrag.com

by Jonathan Lewis Myself in front of one of the famous Cabazon dinosaurs in California (the dinosaur depicted is not “Capitalsaurus”).

Lamppost sign by sculptor by Charles Bergen

so excited by the prospect of having its own dinosaur that we did the thing we do best: we passed a law! Exactly 100 years after its discovery, Capitalsaurus became DC’s formal dinosaur through the introduction of the “Official Dinosaur Designation Act of 1998.” Two years later the intersection

where the fossils were discovered was renamed Capitalsaurus Court, and January 28 was proclaimed Capitalsaurus Day. The problem is, do we even know that there ever was a Capitalsaurus? The fossils that were found in 1898 are a holotype, the only physical proof that this dinosaur ever existed. Several articles have been written about Capitalsaurus over the years, and they always end with this unresolved question. So I went to Dr. Matthew Carrano, curator of dinosauria at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, to see if perhaps there was an update. As it turns out, the identity of Capitalsaurus is more uncertain than it was before; even the notion that it was a therapod (a predatory dinosaur) is unclear.

The sticking point is that the features of the vertebra are not distinctive enough to distinguish it from many other dinosaurs. According to Carrano, “We’d never really be able to tell if we found other bones of ‘Capitalsaurus’ because they’re just not distinctive. And as we only have that one vertebra, we wouldn’t be able to tell whether an isolated thigh bone (for example) came from the same species.”

So the identity of Capitalsaurus unfortunately remains a mystery. But if this seems like a loss for DC’s claim to prehistoric fame, rest assured there are many hidden and not-so-hidden amber gems around Capitol Hill for the dinosaur enthusiast. First and most distinguished, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History has a world-class collection of dinosaur fossils. While the great Fossil Hall is currently undergoing a massive renovation (mark your calendars for the grand opening in 2019), you can still check out “The Last American Dinosaurs.” This fascinating exhibit features many of the great dinosaurs that roamed North America during the late Cretaceous, meaning these particular creatures were living just on the cusp of the mass extinction. The exhibit also has a lab open to public viewing, where visitors can observe museum staff and volunteers as they prepare and conserve fossils. As you exit the exhibit don’t miss another smaller exhibit,

“Dinosaurs in Our Backyard,” which showcases the dinosaurs that have been found right here in the Washington metropolitan area. Many of these fossils were discovered by amateur fossil collectors. In case you’re wondering, the fossils of our friend the Capitalsaurus are still in the Smithsonian collection, but according to records they have not yet been on display.

After you’ve left the museum and wish you could just jump in a time machine, there’s a way! Southwest from the Capitol building lies the US Botanic Garden’s conservatory, which has a special side room called the “Garden Primeval.”

It feels like stepping into a Jurassic landscape: a lush environment where ferns, cycads, ginkgoes, and conifers dominated the earth long before there were flowers. If you look carefully you’ll find both a dinosaur egg and a small dinosaur hidden in the foliage. Finally, it’s worth making a pilgrimage to Capitalsaurus Court, located at the intersection of F and First Streets SE, on the northwestern corner of Garfield Park. Attached to a lamppost you’ll see sculptor Charles Bergen’s fantastic street sign depicting the drama of a “Capitalsaurus Chasing a Falcarius” (Falcarius was a plant-eating dinosaur). While we haven’t found any new Capitalsaurus fossils, they could easily be out there, still waiting to be uncovered. Anywhere you go in DC you just might be standing on the shoulders of giants.

Your Full Service Pet Supply & Service Provider

Have You Heard?

www.howltothechief.com 733 8th Street SE | 202.544.8710

HOWL TO THE CHIEF NOW OFFERS

DOG WALKING & PETTING SITTING. Check It Out at www.howltothechief.com

Jonathan Lewis is a Capitol Hill writer, poet, and history enthusiast. Hear him read at Poet’s Corner at the 2016 Literary Hill BookFest on May 1. jonathanlewiswrites@gmail.com u

May 2016 H 93

{community life}

Still Mourned After 50 Years The Legacy of St. Joseph’s School

by Robert Pohl

T

he question of where to send your child to school animates many discussions of Hill parents. The wide choice available makes for a complicated – but ultimately rewarding – topic of conversation. It is also one that is far older than most people realize. Private schools have been part of the Capitol Hill landscape for over 200 years. Most survived for a brief time and then shut, unlamented. One of these old schools stands out among all the others, however. While it has been almost 50 years since St. Joseph’s school closed, it remains alive in the memories of many former students and faculty.

St. Joseph’s church opened after the Civil War, when German-speaking Catholics on Capitol Hill decided that the trek across the city to St. Mary’s every Sunday was intolerable. Thus a new

St Joseph’s Church, with the cloister (today the Madonna House) to the right (RSP).

The St. Joseph’s class of 1955. Photo: Lindamarie Mitchler

94 H Hillrag.com

church was born. While the foundation was soon completed – of the same red Seneca Quarry stone that the Smithsonian building is made of – money was tight, and the upper part was a simple, wooden frame building.

In 1870, the church added a school – two schools, to be exact, one for boys, one for girls. The girls school turned out to be the more popular, quadrupling in size over the next six years, while the boys school actually lost students.

A major change occurred in 1886, when St Joseph’s, formerly a German-language church, became one where both English and German were spoken. This seems to have been a good move, for two years later enough money had been collected to replace the wood superstructure of the building with the Hummelstone structure that still graces the site. The following year, construction continued with the opening of a new school, a 100-by-40-foot brick building with classrooms downstairs and a large auditorium upstairs. Instruction was in English by members of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, an order that had been founded in 1833 in Germany and had spread across the world.

The sisters lived in a house on the other side of the church and were semi-cloistered, meaning that they were allowed to leave the church grounds only under certain circumstances. A doctor’s appointment, for instance, required the attendance of a second nun. Food shopping, on the other hand, was not allowed, and groceries had to be delivered.

Every morning the sisters would leave the house and gather up their charges, who

were playing in the school yard, and lead them into the school. The older grades, taught upstairs, would use the fire escape on the outside of the building to access their classroom – which was simply half of the auditorium with only a flimsy divider separating the two rooms. Adding to the difficulties faced by the teachers, each class contained two years, and thus had over 60 children. Discipline was a must, and when one nun was called upon to speak firmly with her charges, the nuns on the other side of the partition would pause and indicate that the tonguelashing was not just for those unfortunates on the other side.

Boys who got into trouble – and it was usually the boys who were troublemakers – were held back after school and given the opportunity to sit on the rear steps leading into the nun’s quarters, writing sentences as a form of punishment. This meant that they could not join their buddies in their favored activities, which included running wild through the somber halls of Congress, riding the tram that connected the congressional office buildings with the Capitol, and visiting the congressional staff in their offices.

Closer to home, favored playthings were the set of Civil War-era cannonballs that were

May Procession, May 1, 1955. Photo: Lindamarie Mitchler

Sister Alvita McGuire reunited with her students Rosemarie Rubino Hesterberg and Lindamarie Fox Mitchler (RSP).

part of a larger collection assembled by Monsignor McAdams. The cannonballs had been stacked outside and could thus be used for games like rolling them down the sidewalk – until the fateful day when one rolled under a parked car and stuck fast there.

Sister Alvita McGuire, who taught at St. Joseph’s in the early 1950s, remembers the day when she discovered that all her charges were missing, and broke precedence by crossing the street and going into the drug store which was notorious for selling single cigarettes. Her boys were not immediately to be found, nor did the clerk admit to having seen them, but a quick peek behind the counter revealed her charges, who were shocked that their teacher would have dared to come into this place.

It was not all fun and games in those years, however. The most significant event was the integration of District schools. The teachers had the duty to tell parents of the changes. One of the more surprising conversations was had by Sister Alvita with a moth-

er from Virginia, who, when given the news, replied, “I am prejudiced, but I would be just as happy if my daughter wasn’t” and kept her daughter in the school.

In December 1958 the shocking story of a fire in a Chicago parochial school dominated front pages across the country. Some three weeks later the leaders of St. Joseph’s Parish and the school came to the conclusion that their school was a firetrap similar to the one that had burned in Chicago. While plans had been afoot to renovate the school, these had never been set into motion, nor was there money available to do so. It was decided to close the school.

When the school year ended, students were sent to St. Peter’s and Holy Name School. Nonetheless, almost 50 years after the closing, the love that drew together the students and teachers continues to burn bright, and in 2019 a series of events will lead up to a formal 50th anniversary celebration of the closing.

For more information on the upcoming anniversary see the ad elsewhere in this issue. u

May 2016 H 95

{community life}

IN MEMORIAM

Ruth Mitchell 1933-2016 Fighter, Adventurer, Educator

E

ven if you never met Ruth Mitchell, this past fall you might have noticed a red streak piloting its way up 8th St. to the Eastern Market metro station.

That was Ruth--never one to stand still, never one to let anything stand in her way.

Ruth had an insatiable appetite for life, experience, and knowledge. Her adventures began at age 16, when she left home to teach English in Cortina, Italy. By her eighth decade, she had been to every continent except Australia; to many, if not most, of the world’s capital cities; to the Amazon twice; to Antarctica; to Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands; to the Gobi Desert to see a total eclipse of the sun; and to Iceland to see the Northern Lights, to name only some of her adventures. She was deeply curious about and delighted by the natural world, as expressed by her love of birds, and her special fascination with the Blue Footed Booby (unique to the Galapagos). She was equally passionate about literature, music (Wagner, in particular), art and especially theater. She learned to play the piano, always an ambition, at the age of 80, and at the time of her death at 82, was reading and reviewing plays for local DC theater companies.

Ruth imparted her insatiable quest to know, understand and enjoy the world to everyone she met. When Ruth and her four cats moved from 3rd Street into a spacious, modern home on 9th Street, SE across from the Marine Barracks in 1999, her new address quickly became and remained a vibrant hub in the neighborhood. When she wasn’t traveling the globe, Ruth was arranging gatherings at her house. If there was no obvious occasion, Ruth manufactured one. She never seemed happier than when surrounded by neighbors, friends and lively conversation.

She was born amid early rumblings of World War II into a working class family in

96 H Hillrag.com

by Rosemary Hoffmann, Anne Holmes, Paul Van Zuyle Swindon, England. There were no books in the house, certainly no basis for an intellectual life of any sort. Surviving poverty was the overriding theme, tough for an extremely bright young girl. But miracles happen.

Although Ruth’s parents considered ending her schooling at age 14, thanks to a visionary scholarship program, both Ruth and subsequently her three--year-younger sister, Wynne, were able to attend Oxford University and hence escape the limitations of their childhood.

Wynne became a scientist, while Ruth’s path took her to the New World, to Los Angeles, and to a career as an educator. The task of raising her two young children on her own and dealing with a chronic lung condition (a result of whooping cough at age 3) didn’t stop Ruth from continuing her stud-

Ruth Mitchell taking on the world from her red scooter. Photo: Mary Proctor

Son and daughter in law Paul and Mary Anne Van Zuyle, Ruth Mitchell, daughter Anne Holmes, grandchildren Henry and Emma Van Zuyle. Photo courtesy Paul van Zuyle.

Chiropractic Care Helps Allergy Victim ies and earning a PhD in English from UCLA. After teaching writing at UCLA, becoming co-director of the UCLA Writing Project and then Assistant Director of the UCLA Center for Academic Inter-institutional Programs, Ruth felt she needed to go beyond the classroom and one university if she wished to make a large-scale impact on the quality of education.

Armed with her PhD and her fighting spirit, Ruth moved to Washington, DC, the seat of educational policy. Thus began Ruth’s second career as a professional educator, researcher and education reformer. As a Principal Partner at the Education Trust, she focused on standardsbased learning and teaching as a means for driving equity in K-12 education. She authored and coauthored five books and numerous articles.

In retirement, Ruth lost none of her drive, and spent her time further exploring the world through travel, immersing herself in her cultural pursuits, most notably theater and opera; gardening; political activities; her beloved book club; and in the social life of her Capitol Hill neighborhood. She died on March 17, 2016from the effects of her lung disease.

Ruth is survived by her sister Wynne Harlen, her children, Paul Van Zuyle and Anne Holmes, daughter-in-law Mary Anne Van Zuyle, grandchildren Emma and Henry, and many dear friends, neighbors, and colleagues. She asked that donations be given to Capitol Hill Village: www.capitolhillvillage.org or to the Theater Alliance: www. theateralliance.com. u

I just saw a brand new patient suffering from serious allergies.

Since starting her care with me three weeks ago, she has not suffered a single attack.

“It usually kills,” stated the patient.

“I sneeze fifty times in a row.

And, look how bad it is out there this year!”

For the better health and life experience of you and your family Dr. David Walls-Kaufman Capitol Hill Chiropractic Center 411 East Capitol St., SE | 202.544.6035

Read More About This Subject On www.capitolhillchiropractic.com Serving The Capitol Hill Community Since 1984

CELEBRATE BIKE MONTH WITH CAPITOL HILL BIKES! All month long we’ll be having surprise Flash Sales through our Facebook page, facebook.com/capitolhillbikes .

So, like us on Facebook and be the first to know!

719 8th Street, SE Washington, DC 20003

•

(202) 544-4234

•

www.capitolhillbikes.com May 2016 H 97

{community life}

H Street Life Article & Photos by Elise Bernard

S

pring has sprung and H Street NE is blooming. Stroll down the corridor to see the changes. Here are a couple of great options for those looking for the inspiration to get gardening.

Street Food at BAB Korean Fusion As one of H Street NE’s newest additions, BAB Korean Fusion (1387 H Street NE Suite A, http://www. babdc.com) has been generating quite the buzz.

The new fast casual restaurant, from the team behind the popular Tony’s Breakfast (1387 H Street NE, http://tonysbreakfast.com), specializes in rice (or quinoa) bowls ($7-9) with selected protein (short ribs, bulgogi, pork, chicken, flounder, or tofu) and a choice of a mixture of veggies (backyard, Southeast, or house). Each bowl comes topped with an organic cage free egg, toasted sesame seeds, and the housemade kochujang (a Korean hot sauce).

On my first visit, I enjoyed a bowl with the Korean short ribs (galbi), house veggies (jalapeno, edamame, daikon radish, pickled cucumber, Umma’s kimchi) and brown rice. Unsurprisingly, BAB is vegan friendly (Ask them to omit the egg on your

The Trinidad Garden Tour shows Trinidad in full bloom

tofu bowl!). In addition to the rice bowls, BAB offers vegetarian dumplings (scallion, tofu, sweet potato noodles for $8), a quesadilla ($8), kimchi fried rice ($7), a Korean-style quick ramen ($6), Japchae (a stir-fry of sweet potato noodles for $9), a seafood pancake ($8), and tacos (three for $9).

Looking for some extra crunch? Pick up a bag

of Korean snack chips. Then, quench your thirst with a Puck’s soda, a Korean soda from the cooler or a cold barley tea. Those wanting a bigger kick can grab a canned coffee, a Monster, or a BacchusD (a non-carbonated Korean energy drink). While stools and counters line three walls, there are no tables. So, dining in at BAB is best for individuals or small groups. The restaurant is open at 11 a.m., but closed on Sundays. BAB closes at 9 P.M. Monday through Thursday, but stays open until midnight on Friday and Saturday nights.

Bladensburg Road: The Next Garden District?

BAB offers fast-casual Korean fusion fare

98 H Hillrag.com

If local store W.S. Jenks Hardware (910 Bladensburg Road NE, http://www.wsjenks.com) and Cultivate the City (http://www.cultivatethecity.com) Bladensburg Road will become a gardener’s first destination. The two are partnering on a rooftop farm concept at Jenks. It’s a multi-phase project they’ve dubbed H Street Farms. Cultivate plans to build and run rooftop greenhouses in which they will raise a variety of plants that will be for sale at Jenks.

On a recent weekend I met with Jenks owner Jerry Siegel and Cultivate the City Founder and CEO Niraj Ray to learn more. Ray explained that the plans call for a single 20-by-16 foot greenhouse that will be supplemented later by three smaller

windowsill gardening, and the live microgreens from Little Wild Things City Farm (http://www.littlewildthingsfarm.com). What an attractive gift to bring to dinner party! Indoor growing tents purchased from Let’s Grow DC (http://www.letsgrowdc. com) make it easy to start seeds inside anytime and even raise entire plants indoors. Keep an eye out for special soil blends on their way from a Virginia-based farm.

W.S. Jenks & Cultivate the City dig into urban farming

growing facilities, as well as five gallon planters with benches. The exterior southern wall of Jenks (above the 7-Eleven) will eventually be replaced with a living wall of plants. Plant sales will take place downstairs at the main Jenks counter. Once things are up and running, customers will be able to visit the rooftop farm on weekends as well as for events and workshops.

The ultimate goal for the rooftop is to craft a comfortable space where the community can come to relax and visit with friends during a shopping trip. Siegel showed me preliminary renderings depicting tables with umbrellas. He is exploring the possibility of inviting in a local food vendor or pop-up restaurant to serve food and drink during daylight hours certain days.

Late in April, 405 Yoga (1000 Florida Ave NE, http://www.405yoga.com) began offering classes for its members on the rooftop Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Cultivate the City’s plant offerings at Jenks will extend beyond the varieties one can typically find at Home Depot. Think Holy Basil (ideal for Thai cooking), interesting tomato varieties, and the heat of Trinidad Scorpion Peppers.

Cultivate also offers a seedling CSA program perfect for those who want to grow unusual varieties of plants, but aren’t interested in starting them indoors from seeds. This year’s first CSA batch (of cold weather plants) was released on April 15, and the warmer weather seedlings will be ready on May 15.

As part of their efforts to get us all gardening, Jenks also recently added products from some other local organizations and producers. Underground Greens (http://www.undergroundgreens.com) microgreen kits allow for

The Annual Trinidad Garden Tour

Every year residents, and friends, of the Trinidad neighborhood set out on a tour of local gardens.

Many yards are impressive, showing off the residents’ years of gardening. Other green spaces belong to beginners. Visit all sorts of gardens including those focused on containers. Some gardeners focus on ornamentals, while others lean more towards herbs or vegetables. This year’s tour will take place May 22. Those interested in adding their garden to the tour can email trinidadneighborhood@gmail.com. The free tour is a project of the Trinidad Neighborhood Association (https://trinidadneighborhood.org).

All Day Breakfast at DC Diner The father and son team behind the newly opened DC Diner (802 13th Street NE) aren’t new to the restaurant game. However, they are confident their offerings will entice folks to take a step off the corridor to give their fare a taste.

Order up waffles, omelets, salmon cakes, and other breakfast items anytime. Their rotating sandwich menu includes a no-filler crab cake made from scratch (broiled, not fried), a turkey burger, a shrimp salad Po’ Boy, and a vegetarian sandwich with Portobello mushroom, bell peppers, onions and spinach. All sandwiches come with chips or a side of hand-cut fries.

The DC Diner is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. The space is small. Indoor seating is limited to side counters, but the wide sidewalk is perfect for al fresco eating.

For more on what’s abuzz on, and around, H Street NE, you can visit my blog at http://frozentropics. blogspot.com. Send me tips or questions at elise. bernard@gmail.com. u

RE GI STE R NOW Erica Gutman

MEMBER: WORLD TAE KWON DO FEDERATION

222 8TH St. NE

mastergutman@gmail.com 202.546.6275

Thomas Jenkins & Company Certified Public Accountants Corporation, Partnership, Trust, Individual Income Tax & Financial Planning

202-547-9004

316 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Suite 402 Washington, DC 20003 www.tjcocpa.com May 2016 H 99

{community life}

Capitol Riverfront

Connections to a Larger AWI Plan

by Michael Stevens, AICP A Grand Vision: Water Is Magic Perhaps Loren Eisely said it best: “If there is magic on this planet it is contained in water.” Water is magic, and people want to be connected to our riverfronts and have opportunities to engage the Anacostia River as a recreational asset. The 2003 Anacostia Waterfront Initiative (AWI) plan envisioned a clean Anacostia River with adjacent healthy communities and connections to a constellation of destinations along the river. I have often commented that this vision, when implemented, can create our version of Central Park on the eastern half of the city. It would be a river corridor of parks, open spaces, and outdoor recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. It also was envisioned as connecting two sides of a city and bringing economic development to the east side of the District. The AWI plan was adopted as public policy, and while portions have been realized, other elements remain unfulfilled.

Connections to the river are a principal component of the AWI plan and have been made along the almost two-mile shoreline of the Capitol Riverfront. Major reconstruction projects, such as the 11th Street Bridges and the future rebuild of the South Capitol Street Bridge, will enhance auto, pedestrian, and bicycle connectivity. Many components of the 20-mile Anacostia Riverwalk Trail system have been built, and the remaining gaps are being planned for construction. The Wharf project on the Southwest Waterfront will provide an urban and very exciting engagement of the Washington Channel, with three new piers giving visitors access to the channel’s waters.

But are we truly connecting the string of destinations along the Anacostia River as was envisioned by the AWI plan? Think of the destination assets that could be connected in a meaningful way: • Tidal Basin and Washington Channel • Buzzard Point and Anacostia Park • Yards Park and Capitol Riverfront • Poplar Point • Hill East and Congressional Cemetery • National Park Service (NPS) lands at

RFK Stadium • Kingman Island • National Arboretum • Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens The recent release of proposed concepts for the redevelopment of the RFK site and adjacent NPS lands illustrate great vision for the east side

100 H Hillrag.com

of the Anacostia and those publicly held lands. But the concepts have little reference or proposed connection to the Park Service’s Anacostia Park on the west side of the river. And while the National Arboretum is an approximately 400-acre botanical garden along the Anacostia, there is no direct connection to it from the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens across the river. There is a boat dock on the river for the arboretum, but the public knows little of it as an access point from the Anacostia. A pedestrian and bicycle bridge proposed to connect these two park assets has yet to be built.

Poplar Point has long been envisioned as a new neighborhood, with a 78-acre park and wetlands preserve and approximately 17 million square feet of new commercial, residential, and retail development serving the Anacostia neighborhood. A park and wetlands would provide direct access to the river’s edge and offer new outdoor recreational opportunities, while connecting into the overall trail system. The costs of en-

vironmental cleanup of the site, as well as infrastructure enhancement, however, have delayed the project. It is a key piece of the AWI vision to revitalize neighborhoods, create new ones, and provide direct connections to the Anacostia, but it remains unfunded and unfulfilled – a “gap” in our riverfront experience.

Kingman Island is another example of a natural resource with direct river frontage that remains aspirational but with no path forward for the development of an environmental/nature center and docks for canoes and kayaks. Underused as a park facility and a nature preserve, Kingman could be a shining example of nature in the middle of the city.

It seems we have realized only a portion of the potential of the AWI vision that was adopted 13 years ago. Envisioned as a 25-year plan, it lost some of its initial momentum when the Anacostia Waterfront Corporation was dissolved by the Fenty administration. Many residents have asked what has happened to that plan and its implementation.

DARE JOHNSON WENZLER Realtor, Compass

An Example in the Making The Capitol Riverfront neighborhood and Yards Park are a good example of what can happen alongside the river when public/private partnerships work in harmony and strategic public investments occur to stimulate private investment.

While our neighborhood and its growth are not directly responsible for the cleanup of the river, many environmental-sustainability and low-impact design measures help with the control and natural filtration of storm water run-off.

What our neighborhood does illustrate is the opportunity of connecting people to the Anacostia River through parks, open spaces, marinas, and the riverwalk trail system. Yards Park, Diamond Teague Park & Piers, and the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail system have been instrumental in connecting people to the river. We have seen increased activity on the river’s edge in our neighborhood as a result of the parks, outdoor concerts, boating, and use of the trail system. Forest City is building a marina in front of Yards Park that will increase the number of boat slips on the river. The Ballpark Boathouse at Diamond Teague Park is open for business for kayak rentals that allow for an up-close and personal exploration of the river. Programming at Yards Park has reintroduced the Anacostia River to the public and allowed access to the water’s edge.

Partnerships to Implement The District’s Department of Transportation, in concert with the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development and the District’s Department of Energy and the Environment, still oversees implementation of aspects of the AWI plan such as the riverwalk trail, the 11th Street Bridges project, and construction of the new South Capitol Street Bridge. Many of these projects are complicated undertakings and together will cost hundreds of millions of dollars.

There is a need for additional coordination and a driver of new momentum if we are going to achieve all the plan’s goals.

A new player in this equation has emerged as a facilitator and advocate for the Anacostia River corridor and its ultimate success. The Anacostia Waterfront Trust, a project of the Federal City Council and former Mayor Anthony Williams and Doug Siglin, has been established as a nonprofit to help push projects to completion

and serve as a voice for the river’s cleanup and full utilization of adjacent public lands. The trust “is dedicated to creating a vibrant and inclusive waterfront on the Anacostia River for all citizens to enjoy.” It focuses on three elements: • improving and activating the waterfront parklands; • accelerating the process of making the river clean, healthy, and usable; • helping to improve the quality of life of the current residents of adjoining communities, particularly those east of the Anacostia.

Much like the Trust for the National Mall established by Chip Akridge, the Anacostia Waterfront Trust will work with the DC government, National Park Service, and other partners to develop a unified vision and a step-by-step plan. Efforts are underway involving a variety of DC government agencies, tireless nonprofits working on behalf of the river, and other community stakeholders. The trust hopes to add an overall coordinating voice and bring new momentum to the cleanup and revitalization of the Anacostia River.

Much work remains to be done, but a glimpse into the river’s future and its potential can be seen during a Friday night concert at Yards Park, as well as in the adjacent redevelopment efforts, which have created a new, mixeduse neighborhood on the river. That vision will also soon be manifested in the completion of Phase I of The Wharf, an urban engagement of the Washington Channel.

But there still are connectivity issues, from bridges to parks to completion of the riverwalk trail system and the realization of new neighborhoods like Poplar Point. Many public lands along the river corridor remain underused, overlooked, or unconnected to the public. Mayor Williams and the Anacostia Waterfront Trust hope to reinvigorate the AWI-plan efforts and bring new momentum to achieving the vision.

Water is magic, and we as residents of the District deserve a world-class waterfront that connects us to the magic of water and the opportunities of adjacent park lands.

My clients are saying…

“Dare was an absolutely fantastic realtor. She found us a beautiful home that was exactly what we were looking for before the house went on the market.”

From my client testimonials on Zillow.

For more see: zillow.com/profile/Dare-Johnson-Wenzler/

202.957.2947

Dare@RealEstateOnTheHill.com RealEstateOnTheHill.com

660 Pennsylvania Ave SE 202.545.6900

Michael Stevens is a board member of the Anacostia Waterfront Trust and president of the Capitol Riverfront BID. u

May 2016 H 101

{community life}

Our River: The Anacostia

Eight Lessons from the Women of Anacostia

I

t was an amazing session. On April 16 the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum hosted one of a series of forums that are part of the Urban Waterways Project, a longterm effort to examine how local communities relate to the Anacostia River, and how other cities have sought solutions for blighted neighborhoods and rivers. This has resulted in archives of oral histories, photographs, and surveys of residents, with the emphasis on women.

The forum included the showing of a new documentary film, “Near the River,” which employs interviews and on-scene activities to examine the cultural and environmental heritage of the Anacostia and its impact on residents east of the river, especially the stories of women leaders and their connections to the river and its problems. The film was a project of Eco Hermanas, with the support of a Community Heritage Project grant by the Humanities Council of DC. A remarkably clear and incisive panel discussion followed the film. The moderator, Kari Fulton

by Bill Matuszeski of Empower DC, was exceptionally good at asking the right questions. The panelists included Akiima Price, an environmental consultant featured in the film, who has worked for 25 years with youth and families to broaden their view of themselves and their role in the environment. Also Autumn SaxtonRoss, policy director in the Office of Health Equity in the DC Department of Health. Then there was Gail Taylor, who is operating her own urban farm in Northeast DC, the Three Part Harmony Farm.

Finally was the film’s director, Ada Vilageliu Diaz of Eco Hermanas.

Lots of fascinating things were said by this talented group, and just keeping up with them on my notepad was a constant challenge. When I got home and started to sort out all the lessons learned and insights on how communities worked and didn’t work together, a number of themes began to appear. I ended up with eight lessons that helped me understand better why and how we need to work with communities to improve the world around us.

While the focus was on the river and neighborhoods

of Anacostia in Wards 7 and 8, the lessons apply to us all in a greater or lesser degree. Let’s look at them and learn.

Lesson 1 – Faith The film begins and ends with blessings and chants of women standing over and along the river, setting a tone of thanks to the Almighty for having given us this great natural resource and asking forgiveness for our neglect of it. These were not words heavy with contemporary religious themes, as you might expect from male preachers, but rather thoughts that have universal appeal regardless of religious beliefs. It is basic: we have been given this river to care for and we have fallen short.

Lesson 2 – History The river has a past and in the case of the Anacostia it is a rich and important past that should add to our respect for it and our duty to protect and restore it. It was a key trading area for Native American tribes throughout the region, mostly Piscataways, a confederacy of groups, with the Anacostins being a major sub-tribe.

Later Bladensburg was a leading tobacco port for the colonies, and until the river silted in during the mid19th century it was open to ocean-going vessels.

Lesson 3 – Injustice The river has been both a victim of injustice and a place where injustices were done to others. It was allowed to fill with sediment from the erosion of upstream tobacco fields and croplands. With industry and the Navy came pollution and toxic releases. As Blessing the River. Photo: Eco Hermanas, “Near the River”

102 H Hillrag.com

the city grew and more land became paved over, stormwater combined with sewage to overflow the sewer lines and empty into the river. But the injustice to people began even earlier. Some of those vessels coming upriver carried slaves to work the fields. As more land was taken the Native Americans were pushed away from the river and told to live elsewhere.

These are not easy issues to discuss today, but we cannot ignore the way they have affected attitudes about the river, and attitudes about the people who allowed it to decline and the people who used it to dominate others. There must be solutions that open up the river in ways that correct those injustices.

Lesson 4 – Ethics Part of the way to deal with the injustices is to build an ethic for the importance of the land and the water. Many in our communities do not come from backgrounds where land and water have played important roles in their lives. Here in the city it is easy to lose the connections we once had to the earth and nature.

So we need to build awareness through education and exposure to the river and its surroundings. People need opportunities to get involved, tie in to social issues in the community, and see solutions through exposure to nature.

Lesson 5 – Community Environmental groups need to communicate their messages better with community neighborhood organizations, including churches, schools, and libraries. Most people do not associate nature and the river with their sense of community. In fact, some associate the recognition of the need to improve our natural surroundings with the process of gentrification – just as things start to get better, the poor folks get pushed out. Part of the solution is to open the community to be part of the environment to be saved and improved. Another part is to recognize the important role the natural environment can play in the overall well-being of the community.

Lesson 6 – Healing Many of us realize the important role nature can play in supporting healthy bodies through fresh air and exercise. But nature also heals by

helping us think through and solve the problems we face, providing quiet and pleasant places for thought and resolution. The new field of environmental social work tries to find the best ways to integrate being in nature with everything from handling difficult children to coming home from prison. This is another area where women seem to have good instincts; they see both health and nature as elements of the community. It is a sense of caring for others, for the community, and for the environment. The river can bring us together, the haves and the have-nots, and can heal.

Lesson 7 – Empowerment The river is “nearby nature,” a place where simple acts – planting a tree or taking a boat ride – can build a sense of stewardship and ownership. This is especially important for the young, who need to experience success and engagement with the broader world. Black students are especially concerned about their own lives, how they will deal with debt and job prospects. How it will all work out? Giving them a sense of power over their surroundings allows them to act on their skills and develop confidence. Many groups working on the river aim at that kind of self-empowerment for youth.

Lesson 8 – Vision Advocacy for the river in these communities is advocacy for a new definition of “environment,” one that includes nature but also the neighborhoods and the families – both social and physical elements. As much as environment is parks and water, picnic groves and woods, it is also the corner, and gun violence, and even cancer. The river can unite and give a sense of progress as well as be a place of peace. But we all have a role in keeping that message positive and uplifting and real, with a vision of continuing progress toward a clean and safe part of all our lives. Important lessons from the women of Anacostia.

Bill Matuszeski writes monthly about the Anacostia River. He is the retired director of the Chesapeake Bay Program, DC Vice-Chair of the Citizens Advisory Committee on the Anacostia River, and a member of the Mayor’s Leadership Council for a Cleaner Anacostia River. u

May 2016 H 103

{community life}

Volunteering on The Hill One World Education

by Quentin Wodon

O

n April 13, 2016 a dozen seniors proudly received college scholarships for their outstanding work as part of a writing program run

by One World Education in local schools, including Eastern High in Capitol Hill.

Some of the students who received scholarships were the best in their class. Others simply

A judge at the Senior Challenge talks with a student.

Photo: One World Education

worked hard and greatly improved their writing. A total of 2,300 seniors participated in the program last fall and two dozen were selected by their teachers to present their work to a panel of judges at a College and Career Senior Challenge held in December 2015. DCPS Chancellor Kaya Henderson was the keynote speaker at the event. Among the students who made presentations about their essay, 14 received scholarships for college.

Programs such as One World Education are needed. The United States benefitted for decades from one of the most skilled workforces in the world, but there are concerns that this is not the case anymore. Within the US, despite progress in recent years, DC still ranks towards the bottom of the National Assessment of Educational Progress league tables. There are many reasons for this weak performance, not least of which is the impact of poverty.

104 H Hillrag.com

But efforts by public and charter schools in partnership with local nonprofits are sending the message that gains can be achieved.

What Is One World Education?

The program was created by two former local DC teachers. Their idea was to use students’ reflective writing as the foundation for what was discussed in the classroom. The model proved successful as students became more engaged and started to develop better research, writing, and analytical thinking skills.

Today the program takes about four weeks for students to complete, in four stages. The first stage is about reading comprehension. Students learn the vocabulary of argumentative writing and its importance for college and career success. The focus of the second stage is research. Students learn to cre-

cohesion between claims and reasons, and providing a concluding statement. The evaluation demonstrated that students improved in a statistically significant way. What matters as well is that initially weaker students improved the most.

Perceptions from teachers about the program were gathered through a web questionnaire with anonymous responses to avoid bias. Teacher feedback was highly favorable. Virtually all teachers recommended continuing the program next year. Finally, focus groups were held with students who said the especially appreciated that they could write on a topic of their choice, and that they had to conduct their own research. For many students, this was also the first assignment in which they had to consider both claims and counterclaims.

Are There Opportunities to Volunteer?

What is great with programs such as One World Education is that ordinary citizens can contribute to their success. The program is implemented by teachers. But it also relies on volunteers, whether for mentoring students, serving as a judge in essay competitions, or simply helping where needed. I was fortunate to be one of the judges at the Senior Challenge in December. This was a great experience.

I also led on a pro bono basis the evaluation of the program. The Rotary Club of Chancellor Henderson gave the keynote at the Senior Challenge. Photo: One World Education Capitol Hill (of which I am a member) funded scholarships for students. Three other members of the club helped in various ways. ate and implement an in-depth research plan. The One serves on the board of One World Education. next focus is writing. Peer-to-peer and teacher feedThere are other ways to volunteer, including to help back exercises guide students as they improve their with marketing, social media, photography, and othpaper. The fourth and last stage is presentation. er tasks.

Throughout the program, students practice public In the case of One World Education, most volspeaking skills. unteering opportunities are for individuals with specific skills. But with some other nonprofits in CapHow Do We Know That itol Hill, volunteering opportunities are available that do not require specific skills. the Program Works?

This story is the first in a series in the Hill Rag on To assess whether the program works, essays from great nonprofits -- and great volunteers in the commumore than 550 students were collected for an indenity. Nonprofits that have demonstrated a positive impendent evaluation. For each student, two essays pact and provide volunteer opportunities for residents were scored – one written before the program, and will be featured. If there are nonprofits or outstanding one after. American University writing instructors volunteers that you feel the series should recognize, scored the essays on four standards for argumenplease let me know through the Contact Me page of tative writing: introducing a claim, supplying evmy blog at www.rotarianeconomist.com. u idence for the claim and counterclaims, creating

2 0 1 6

T h a nk yo u t o o u r ad v e rt i s e r s fo r s u ppo rt i n g t he 2016 Fago n G u i d e t o Cap i t o l H i ll The guide has been delivered to single family homes from the Capitol east to the Anacostia and from M Street SE to K Street NE. Let us know if you have not received your Guide and we will have one delivered.

May 2016 H 105

106 H Hillrag.com

{real estate}

Not Normally Selling Real Estate Matters

by Heather Schoell

FSBOs Are Free On Modern Family, Cam’s clown character’s name is Fizbo. For Sale by Owner (FSBO) is pronounced fizbo. Funny, huh?

So you’re thinking of selling your house, but you don’t want to pay an agent commission because it’s a lot of money from your bottom line. I hear you. I hate shipping fees! You’re pretty with it, right? You can follow directions on a FSBO website. You pick your package (let’s see … $100 per month, listing on Trulia), download the forms, and you’re set.

Here’s the thing, though. There’s a lot more to selling your home than simply listing it. First, you don’t own a lockbox, right? Real estate agents won’t be able to access your property to show their buyer clients, so people will be coming to your door day and night, calling you, and you’ll have to be home for them to see it. Or worse, you won’t be there, which means they won’t see it, which means they’re not putting an offer in on it. (When people do come, by the way, prepare yourself to hear rude, judgmental comments about your beautiful home.)

Further, without placing your property on the multiple listing service you’ve greatly narrowed your audience. This is a huge problem for you because you want full exposure. Fewer showings means fewer offers, means you’re probably not getting the bottom line you want.

Many agents don’t want to work with FSBOs because the agent ends up

May 2016 H 107

doing double the work for half the compensation. We don’t want any party to get screwed, and we want the sale to go through so our clients are happy and we get paid. Think of your own job. If you’re working with someone new who has never done the job before, you’re going to have to pick up the slack. But a newbie who has been given an account worth nearly a million bucks, a newbie who has no insurance for errors, that’s a recipe for wackiness.

That’s another point. FSBOs, I’m talking to you: you aren’t covered by errors and omissions insurance, so if you have a typo that reads you’re selling your home for $100k when you meant $1m, you can be sued to honor your mistake.

When you go with a professional agent you have someone in your corner who is accountable and covered by insurance and who knows how to negotiate to get your bottom line. Just as you ought to stay clear of DIY dentistry or tattooing, you really should consider that your house is your greatest asset, and you’re going to pay a little for agent representation, but in the end it’s probably going to net you a bigger bottom line.

Selling As Is Capitol Hill is full of homes that have seen better days, with the porch roof falling apart, the windows inoperable, the 50-year-old carpets protecting (and scratching) the original floors. I have seen (and smelled) homes that were modified into boarding houses, with locks on every bedroom door, every bedroom crammed full of possessions. I have seen pink kitchens, green bathrooms, living rooms with McDonald’s floor tile, inexplicable steps up and down on an otherwise contiguous floor, and strange configurations where a wall is added (or removed, or halved).

Let the past rest in peace.

108 H Hillrag.com

Whatever has been done or not done to a home is done. If you want to move on to the next stage in your life, there’s no sense in putting it off until you can get the funds to fix your home. The reality is there will probably be a line of people who want to buy your house as it is, no fixing, no replacing.

But you think you won’t get as much for your property with the old kitchen cabinets and Formica countertops. You’re absolutely right. Do you have a spare $60,000 to gut your kitchen? What about the rest of the house? If you’re doing the kitchen, then you’ll probably need to at least patch and paint the rest of the house, maybe do some landscaping.

So now you’re in for $70,000. Instead of worrying that you’re going to get $550,000 instead of $700,000 (just as examples, call for an actual market assessment), consider what you owe. Will selling for $550,000 cover what you owe and give you a nice nest egg? If so, then it might be smart to admit that you’re not going to get that $70,000 together, and to take the path of least resistance.

The key to selling your property as is, is easy. It should be clean – baseboards, cabinets, light fixtures – and clean-smelling. If you have carpeting, Febreeze it. Also extremely important, let the light shine through. Make sure all windows sparkle, because dingy windows really affect the quality of the light. Open all shades, curtains, blinds, or better yet, if they’ve seen better days, take them down. You’re not trying to fool anyone into thinking your place is posher or finer than it is, but you’re creating a clean canvas for what it could be for them. Some people may not have the funds for a big renovation, so it’s important to show them how clean and livable it is.

Your agent will draw up the

THE WORLD IS OUTSIDE YOUR DOOR!

KALORAMA forms to sell as is, and you may have an open house or two. You should expect to have a place to go on those days if you’re still living in the property. Ideally you have already moved out, which makes it easier to keep spotless and clutterfree, and easier to show. When agents can access the property at any time because it’s vacant, you have a much greater likelihood of getting multiple offers, which can drive the price up.

In this market, assuming that your property is priced right for the specific neighborhood (e.g. Trinidad, NOMA, or Navy Yard), it’s likely to go fast.

Cash buyers, usually developers, will probably pounce right away but may submit low-ball offers. You might want to wait for an offer from people who will purchase to live there, who will pay more because it is a personal transaction for them, not a business deal.

Financed deals can take 45 or so days until closing (transfer of the property). It makes no difference if the money comes from a financed purchase or a cash purchase, you get the full amount of money in either case. Hand over the keys at the closing table, and the money will be wired into your bank account by the title company. Congratulations!

Have a real estate-related question? Email me with RE Q in the subject line at heathersdc@ gmail.com.

Heather Schoell is a Capitol Hill REALTOR® with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty and can be reached at heathersdc@gmail.com, at the office at 202-608-1880, or by cell at 202-321-0874. u

We worked with Hub in 2007 to purchase our condo and again in 2014 to purchase our house. He’s a pleasure to work with, thoroughly explains all your options, is exceptionally responsive and knowledgeable, and makes the whole process as straight forward and stress-free as possible.

I definitely wouldn’t hesitate to go to him again a third time and have encouraged co-workers considering buying a home to use him.

ANDREA C.

Super convenient, pet friendly 1BR Kalorama condo with recently renovated kitchen with granite counters and updated cabinets , in-unit washer/dryer, wonderful wood floors, separate storage unit. High energy Kalorama/Dupont location. Walk score of 94! Close to Metro, shops, restaurants!

FOR LEASE: CAPITOL HILL

Rarely available commercial office space, fabulous location, 1 block to Metro, Union Station and Senate Office buildings. Next to shops and restaurants. Approximately 1000sf. 201 Massachusetts Ave NE. Call owner, Stuart Carroll, at (202) 543-8118 for details.

Hub Krack 202.550.2111

Pam Kristof 202.253.2550

Licensed in DC, MD & VA

RESIDENTIAL SALES AND LISTINGS COMMERCIAL LEASING AND SALES

CELEBRATE MOTHERS EVERY DAY! Joan Carmichael Realtor 202.271.5198 joanvcarmichael@gmail.com Bridgette Cline Realtor 202.271.4196 bridgette.cline@c21nm.com FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS 1000 Pennsylvania Ave., SE Wash., DC 20003 office # 202-546-0055 May 2016 H 109

{real estate}

Changing Hands Changing hands is a list of most residential sales in the District of Columbia from the previous month. A feature of every issue, this list, based on the MRIS, is provided courtesy of Don Denton, manager of the Coldwell Banker office on Capitol Hill.

The list includes address, sales price and number of bedrooms. neigHBorHooD

priCe

Br

Fee simple 16tH street HeigHts 1406 DELAFIELD PL NW 1337 MONTAGUE ST NW 1421 UPSHUR ST NW

ameriCan university park 4208 RIVER RD NW 4216 46TH ST NW

anaCostia

2528 ELVANS RD SE 1442 MORRIS RD SE 1259 U ST SE 2103 15TH ST SE 2242 MOUNT VIEW PL SE 1904 Q ST SE 2105 13TH ST SE 2332 PAYNE TER SE

Barry Farms 2441 ELVANS RD SE

Berkley

4504 FOXHALL CRES NW 4821 V ST NW

BloomingDale 18 SEATON PL NW 1615 1ST ST NW

BrentwooD

1312 W ST NE 2257 13TH ST NE 1508 ADAMS ST NE 1835 KENDALL ST NE 1001 BRYANT ST NE 2217 15TH ST NE 2223 16TH ST NE

BrigHtwooD

6119 14TH ST NW 1383 RITTENHOUSE ST NW 6019 5TH ST NW 6309 8TH ST NW 813 WHITTIER PL NW 6815 6TH ST NW 512 TUCKERMAN ST NW 516 ASPEN ST NW 520 TUCKERMAN ST NW 609 SHERIDAN ST NW 800 RITTENHOUSE ST NW 600 TEWKESBURY PL NW

BrooklanD

582 REGENT PL NE 1242 MONROE ST NE 2857 CHANCELLORS WAY NE 3018 SOUTH DAKOTA AVE NE 12 FRANKLIN ST NE 1028 PERRY ST NE 1028 TAUSSIG PL NE 2870 CHANCELLORS WAY NE

110 H Hillrag.com

$1,265,000 $775,000 $615,000

6 3 4

$1,255,000 $977,500

4 3

$418,000 $412,000 $389,000 $380,000 $250,000 $218,000 $183,750 $155,000

5 4 3 4 3 3 3 4

$725,000

5

$1,300,000 $950,000

4 4

$985,000 $785,000

4 4

$508,500 $507,000 $499,900 $478,700 $440,500 $439,000 $295,000

3 3 3 3 3 4 3

$726,500 $685,000 $604,000 $550,000 $525,000 $525,000 $450,000 $415,117 $399,999 $373,000 $350,000 $335,000

3 4 3 3 5 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

$840,000 $830,000 $793,000 $785,000 $780,000 $780,000 $779,000 $735,000

4 5 4 8 4 4 4 3

300 CHANNING ST NE 3506 18TH ST NE 4717 12TH ST NE 3120 10TH ST NE 817 TAYLOR ST NE 432 AVA WAY NE 621 FARADAY PL NE 3618 24TH ST NE 4812 8TH ST NE 4216 12TH PL NE 2907 7TH ST NE

BurleitH

4022 HIGHWOOD CT NW 3628 T ST NW 3620 S ST NW

Capitol Hill

906 EAST CAPITOL ST NE 1252 MARYLAND AVE NE 800 A ST SE 511 6TH ST SE 642 LEXINGTON PL NE 511 CONSTITUTION AVE NE 101 E ST SE 315 F ST NE 1239 E ST SE 214 11TH ST SE 635 SOUTH CAROLINA AVE SE 650 G ST NE 1214 CONSTITUTION AVE NE 753 10TH ST SE 751 10TH ST SE 333 9TH ST SE 817 10TH ST NE 339 8TH ST NE 1618 C ST NE 513 14TH ST NE 608 D ST SE 1408 G ST SE 1403 A ST SE 310 5TH ST NE 342 14TH ST SE 507 14TH ST SE 213 WARREN ST NE 1447 SOUTH CAROLINA AVE SE 1614 G ST SE

CHevy CHase

2612 NORTHAMPTON ST NW 6431 WESTERN AVE NW 3700 MILITARY RD NW 2734 UNICORN LN NW 3373 RITTENHOUSE ST NW 6660 32ND ST NW 5320 43RD ST NW 3032 STEPHENSON PL NW 3903 MORRISON ST NW 2717 TENNYSON ST NW 3004 LEGATION ST NW 4227 JENIFER ST NW 4802 41ST ST NW

CHillum

221 UNDERWOOD ST NW

$679,000 $630,000 $599,000 $581,840 $560,000 $530,000 $499,000 $489,000 $415,000 $380,000 $378,000

3 3 3 3 3 4 3 3 3 4 4

$1,405,000 $885,000 $835,100

3 3 4

$1,850,000 $1,750,000 $1,700,000 $1,569,000 $1,350,000 $1,350,000 $1,349,000 $1,260,000 $1,100,000 $1,100,000 $1,095,000 $1,017,500 $960,000 $956,000 $892,000 $835,000 $825,000 $805,000 $784,000 $770,000 $765,000 $765,000 $750,000 $750,000 $747,000 $710,000 $606,213 $595,000 $585,000

6 6 5 4 4 5 4 4 5 2 3 4 3 3 3 2 3 3 4 3 2 2 3 2 3 2 2 3 2

$1,525,000 $1,400,000 $1,060,000 $1,020,000 $1,010,000 $950,000 $950,000 $920,000 $900,000 $890,000 $850,000 $775,000 $760,500

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

$860,000

5

Colonial village 1674 TAMARACK ST NW

ColumBia HeigHts 3533 16TH ST NW 422 LURAY PL NW 1355 SPRING RD NW 757 PRINCETON PL NW 1500 MONROE ST NW 1346 RANDOLPH ST NW 514 HOBART PL NW 2728 SHERMAN AVE NW 4214 7TH ST NW 636 KEEFER PL NW 664 IRVING ST NW 619 GRESHAM PL NW

Congress HeigHts

3834 1ST ST SE 4609 6TH ST SE 603 GALVESTON ST SE 4308 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR AVE SW 1252 BARNABY TER SE

CrestwooD

5630 16TH ST NW 1615 UPSHUR ST NW 1907 QUINCY ST NW

DeanwooD

4424 BLAINE ST NE 5750 CENTRAL AVE SE 14 56TH PL SE 5041 MEADE ST NE 278 56TH PL NE 913 44TH ST NE 832 49TH ST NE 4224 EDSON PL NE 5092 JUST ST NE 821 52ND ST NE 4930 JUST ST NE 621 49TH ST NE 850 DIVISION AVE NE 1327 49TH ST NE

$705,000

4

$1,210,000 $870,000 $855,000 $851,000 $825,000 $700,000 $625,000 $550,000 $549,000 $500,000 $475,000 $450,000

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

$334,900 $290,000 $175,000 $128,500 $115,000

4 4 3 3 3

$1,595,000 $950,000 $860,000

7 4 0

$390,000 $335,000 $335,000 $310,000 $270,000 $265,000 $250,000 $245,000 $245,000 $217,732 $180,000 $160,000 $150,000 $100,000

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

GET FIRST PICK

OF OUR MAY FLOWERS! Dupont Circle 1626 RIGGS PL NW 2025 HILLYER PL NW

$1,696,000 $2,100,000

5 7

E BL A IL W! A AV NO

Eckington 36 RHODE ISLAND AVE NW 1923 1ST ST NE 205 V ST NE 28 QUINCY PL NW

$1,165,000 $650,000 $603,000 $573,000

Foggy Bottom 2506 I ST NW

$755,000

Forest Hills 4207 LINNEAN AVE NW 2951 ALBEMARLE ST NW 3060 DAVENPORT ST NW 4508 28TH ST NW

$2,250,000 $1,875,000 $1,765,000 $1,425,000

Fort Dupont Park 1118 CHAPLIN ST SE 1114 45TH PL SE 1145 46TH PL SE 4316 CHAPLIN ST SE 4337 GORMAN TER SE 727 ADRIAN ST SE

$410,000 $399,999 $320,000 $320,000 $299,999 $255,000

6 4 2 3

3 level porchfront steps from Congressional Cemetery, Metro and Potomac Ave shops! Bright and open living and dining plus renovated kitchen w granite counters, steel appliances. Spectacular sun room adjacent and private patio just outside! 2 beds up, central bath & flexible lower level w walk-out featuring media rm, laundry and TONS of storage!

3 5 5 6 4 4 3 2 3 2 3

E BL A IL W! A AV NO

$950,000 $863,500 $810,000

4 4 2

Garfield 2740 CORTLAND PL NW

$1,425,000

4

Georgetown 3618 PROSPECT ST NW 3055 Q ST NW 3009 DUMBARTON ST NW 3142 Q ST NW 1222 28TH ST NW 1058 30TH ST NW

$3,495,000 $1,875,000 $1,795,000 $1,540,000 $865,000 $850,000

Glover Park 4008 EDMUNDS ST NW 2454 39TH PL NW 3754 W ST NW

$1,850,000 $960,000 $899,900

H Street Corridor 709 16TH ST NE

$485,000

Harrison Square 2123 12TH PL NW

$954,000

3 4 3 3 1 2 8 3 4 2 3

Hawthorne 6911 32ND ST NW

$1,016,000

Hill Crest 3020 NASH PL SE 1303 31ST PL SE 2505 36TH PL SE 2415 32ND ST SE 3617 36TH PL SE 1513 28TH PL SE 2940 M ST SE 3044 M ST SE 1702 28TH ST SE 3110 M PL SE

$402,000 $399,999 $360,000 $334,050 $321,500 $235,000 $206,000 $185,000 $180,000 $179,000

1245 Owen Place NE $629,000 4BR/2.5BA

LD

SO

133 12 Street NE $930,000 3BR/2.5BA 60 Yards from THE PARK! Inside, big and bright spaces, SMART room divisions, oak floors, wall of built in shelving and central wood burning hearth, sep formal dining w wet bar, powder room and KNOCK-OUT kitchen w LED under cabinet lighting, plentiful counter and storage space! BIG BRs/BAs up, brick patio, gardens, parking and LL storage.

1434 Potomac Avenue SE Apt 5 $339,900 1BR/1BA Just steps fr Potomac Metro, Congressional Cemetery and more in Historic boutique building. #5 is at the penthouse level and features SOARING vaulted ceilings, skylight and windows in ALL directions! As you enter, you’re greeted by wide open floor plan with bath, storage and laundry center, efficient kitchen and BIG bedroom w custom built-in shelving.

E BL A IL W! A AV NO

Carefully renovated to preserve traditional layout and restore original character of this 1920’s row house. EXPANSIVE Chef’s kitchen w breakfast bar, 6-FT WIDE opening to private deck (and 2 car parking below!). Upstairs, KNOCK-OUT Owner Suite w views of the Capitol Dome plus 2 more BRs and sky-lit bath. Industrial style LL w walk-out, den, 4th BR, laundry, storage and half bath!

Foxhall 4402 RESERVOIR RD NW 4411 P ST NW 4424 RESERVOIR RD NW

1610 G Street SE $599,000 2BR/1BA

E BL A IL W! A AV NO

1400 E Street SE $1,075,000 3BR/2.5BA 3 CAR GARAGE Two WIDE entrances welcome you to an open floor plan w giant kitchen island, living room w hearth, turret dining room and central staircase w dramatic sky-light.

Finally, for something COMPLETELY DIFFERENT how about two bonus land lots featuring a RARE THREE CAR GARAGE facing 14th Street (no tight alley turns here), all INCLUDED the sale price.

LD

SO

511 3rd Street NE $1,025,000 3BR/2.5BA Stunning renovation of Victorian steps to Union Station transportation, Stanton Park open space, and H Street groceries, restaurants and pubs! Original and refinished oak & pine floors, immaculate mantel piece, expansive kitchen and private brick patio PLUS off-street parking! SWEET Owner’s suite w 2nd FP BIG sky lit bath w 2 more BRs and classic B&W bath. Bonus lower level storage and laundry.

4 4 4 4 3 3 2 2 2 3 2

Kalorama 2115 LEROY PL NW 2444 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW

$3,000,000 $1,615,000

4 3

May 2016 H 111

{real estate}

Kingman Park 337 18TH PL NE

$649,000

Ledroit Park 525 T ST NW 1850 3RD ST NW 2010 FLAGLER PL NW 58 V ST NW 424 OAKDALE PL NW

$2,350,000 $1,335,000 $1,147,500 $860,000 $500,000

Lily Ponds 4013 MEADE ST NE 213 ANACOSTIA AVE NE 3342 BLAINE ST NE 1205 40TH ST NE 3413 CLAY ST NE

$385,000 $290,000 $275,000 $170,000 $150,000

Logan Circle 1516 KINGMAN PL NW

$1,900,000

Marshall Heights 5078 KIMI GRAY CT SE 5503 BASS PL SE 5434 C ST SE

$335,000 $275,000 $150,000

Michigan Park 1740 WEBSTER ST NE 3901 SOUTH DAKOTA AVE NE 4204 19TH PL NE 4208 19TH PL NE

$762,500 $589,900 $420,000 $410,000

Mount Pleasant 1845 MONROE ST NW 1883 INGLESIDE TER NW

$1,213,000 $739,000

North Cleveland Park 3811 YUMA ST NW

$1,200,000

Old City #1 922 15TH ST SE 1407 CAPITOL ST SE 1226 G ST NE 812 8TH ST NE 1207 CONSTITUTION AVE NE 507 14TH ST NE 425 9TH ST NE 1210 C ST NE 206 11TH ST SE 327 16TH ST SE 108 15TH ST SE 1350 G ST SE 1732 D ST NE 620 D ST NE 1612 D ST NE 1219 I ST NE 728 4TH ST NE 1245 WALTER ST SE 647 11TH ST NE 515 14TH ST SE 1605 E ST NE 1823 D ST NE 532 24TH ST NE 1368 E ST NE 329 18TH ST NE 1524 2ND ST SW 936 9TH ST NE 546 24TH ST NE

$1,210,000 $1,175,000 $925,000 $894,900 $889,000 $860,000 $850,000 $839,000 $835,000 $830,000 $825,000 $798,000 $729,900 $720,000 $700,000 $665,000 $644,400 $630,000 $593,000 $590,000 $580,000 $570,000 $550,000 $535,000 $470,000 $455,000 $400,000 $389,000

Old City #2 1717 NEW JERSEY AVE NW 437 RIDGE ST NW 2211 12TH PL NW

112 H Hillrag.com

$908,000 $880,000 $640,000

3 6 4 5 6 2 5 3 3 3 2 3 3 2 2 5 3 3 3

Palisades 1616 FOXHALL RD NW 4813 BENDING LN NW 5405 SHERIER PL NW 4501 Q LN NW

$1,685,000 $1,600,000 $880,000 $860,000

Petworth 610 UPSHUR ST NW 241 ROCK CREEK CHURCH RD NW 823 EMERSON ST NW 4002 5TH ST NW 5006 7TH PL NW 5018 ILLINOIS AVE NW 5419 8TH ST NW 5231 8TH ST NW 5510 9TH ST NW 4419 5TH ST NW 5415 KANSAS AVE NW 5302 ILLINOIS AVE NW 4415 KANSAS AVE NW 5421 7TH ST NW 511 CRITTENDEN ST NW 221 INGRAHAM ST NW 5412 8TH ST NW 4603 8TH ST NW 622 EMERSON ST NW 931 FARRAGUT ST NW 921 FARRAGUT ST NW 5306 8TH ST NW 5705 9TH ST NW

$828,000 $775,000 $775,000 $710,000 $699,000 $689,000 $680,000 $675,000 $650,000 $644,000 $643,999 $590,000 $569,500 $565,000 $560,000 $495,000 $488,500 $450,000 $445,000 $440,000 $420,000 $420,000 $399,999

Randle Heights 5 2 4 4 6 4 4 4 3 2 3 2 3 4 2 4 3 3 2 2 2 2 3 4 8 3 3 4 3 2 2 3 3 2

5 5 3 3

2416 17TH PL SE 3432 23RD ST SE 1816 S ST SE 1711 STANTON TER SE

$299,500 $265,000 $248,250 $110,000

Riggs Park 318 PEABODY ST NE 5100 11TH ST NE 1242 FARRAGUT PL NE 844 OGLETHORPE ST NE 1007 HAMILTON ST NE 610 KENNEDY ST NE 5024 SARGENT RD NE

$505,000 $501,000 $485,000 $459,900 $430,000 $395,000 $350,000

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

Trinidad 1227 STAPLES ST NE 1610 MONTELLO AVE NE 1274 OATES ST NE 1425 MONTELLO AVE NE 836 19TH ST NE 1739 L ST NE 1727 LYMAN PL NE

$655,000 $625,000 $470,000 $450,000 $309,000 $287,650 $260,000

Truxton Circle 223 P ST NW

$750,000

U Street 2006 13TH ST NW

$1,180,000

Villages At Dakota Crossing 2504 BALDWIN CRES NE

$453,645

Wesley Heights 4391 EMBASSY PARK RD NW

$740,000

4 3 4 3 2 2 3 3 3 2 2

Woodridge

3408 20TH ST NE $680,000 4 2804 MYRTLE AVE NE $601,675 4 2703 HAMLIN ST NE $465,000 5 2711 18TH ST NE $412,500 3 4025 22ND ST NE $360,000 3 3605 SOUTH DAKOTA NE $360,000 3 2730 22ND ST NE $157,500 3

Condo 14th Street Corridor 1412 CHAPIN ST NW #401 1412 CHAPIN ST NW #301 1412 CHAPIN ST NW #414

$549,900 $539,900 $427,800

Adams Morgan 2363 CHAMPLAIN ST NW #28 1837 KALORAMA RD NW #A 1812 VERNON ST NW #23 1855 CALVERT ST NW #301 2515 17TH ST NW #1

$690,000 $650,000 $407,500 $399,000 $272,500

2 2 1 2 2 1 1 1

Shaw

American University Park

Shepherd Park

Bloomingdale

933 WESTMINSTER ST NW 1545 GERANIUM ST NW 8216 EASTERN AVE NW 1212 FLORAL ST NW

$2,000,000 $940,000 $750,000 $650,000

Southwest Waterfront 601 H ST SW 601 6TH PL SW 126 O ST SW

$1,125,000 $862,000 $515,000

Spring Valley 3520 OVERLOOK LN NW 5121 YUMA ST NW 5039 OVERLOOK RD NW 5109 YUMA PL NW 5105 YUMA ST NW

$1,995,000 $1,760,000 $1,700,000 $1,585,000 $1,470,000

Takoma Park 610 ASPEN ST NW 704 FERN PL NW 103 WALTMAN PL NE 55 UNDERWOOD ST NW

$875,000 $750,000 $625,000 $365,000

6 3 3 4

4101 ALBEMARLE ST NW #417 52 QUINCY PL NW #204 1700 2ND ST NW #3

7 5 6 4 5 6 3 3 2

$430,000 $379,000

1 2 1

Brentwood 1334 DOWNING PL NE #1

3 4 2

$481,000

$282,000

2

Brightwood 6425 14TH ST NW #401 422 BUTTERNUT ST NW #104 301 WHITTIER ST NW #304 6645 GEORGIA AVE NW #311

$359,000 $284,000 $277,000 $219,500

2 1 1 2

Brookland 3308 9TH ST NE #2 3304 9TH ST NE #1 3308 9TH ST NE #1 3310 9TH ST NE #I 3306 9TH ST NE #1 3302 9TH ST NE #1 901 QUINCY ST NE #4 901 QUINCY ST NE #3 901 QUINCY ST NE #2 901 QUINCY ST NE #1

$699,900 $619,900 $614,900 $599,900 $599,900 $599,900 $400,500 $399,000 $385,000 $354,000

3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2

CHRISTOPHER L. DIXON PRINCIPAL BROKER

MIPREALESTATE.COM FO RS AL E

4 HAWTHORNE CT NE #4 2615 4TH ST NE #204

$320,000 $160,000

3 0

3441 14TH ST NW #4 $585,000 1474 BELMONT ST NW #3 $554,900 1007 OTIS PL NW #1 $550,000 1425 EUCLID ST NW #10 $525,000 Capitol Hill 1333 EUCLID ST NW #102 $519,500 640 4TH ST NE #2 $655,000 2 732 LAMONT ST NW #203 $515,000 1613 A ST NE #4 $625,000 2 735 ROCK CREEK CHURCH RD NW #A $506,000 17001704 E ST NE #2 $585,000 3 3465 14TH ST NW #A $477,375 1350 MARYLAND AVE NE #310 $569,900 2 2910 GEORGIA AVE NW #203 $475,000 1350 MARYLAND AVE NE #401 $519,900 2 3205 GEORGIA AVE NW #504 $445,000 1209 G ST SE #8 $461,500 2 1316 HARVARD ST NW #1 $442,000 676 4TH ST NE #402 $437,000 1 2910 GEORGIA AVE NW #402 $440,000 1350 MARYLAND AVE NE #403 $419,900 1 3205 GEORGIA AVE NW #404 $437,500 88 15TH ST NE #88 $370,000 1 735 QUEBEC PL NW #1 $421,500 36 15TH ST NE #36 $350,000 1 1461 GIRARD ST NW #100 $412,000 513 12TH ST NE #2 $239,000 1 1495 NEWTON ST NW #201 $375,500 201 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NE #313 $205,400 0 1438 COLUMBIA RD NW #305 $339,000 1030 FAIRMONT ST NW #103 $339,000 Capitol Hill Rosedale 2910 GEORGIA AVE NW #C01 $335,000 1613 ISHERWOOD ST NE #3 $535,000 2 1440 COLUMBIA RD NW #305 $335,000 1613 ISHERWOOD ST NE #4 $520,000 2 3500 13TH ST NW #208 $325,000 1613 ISHERWOOD ST NE #2 $298,000 1 1441 EUCLID ST NW #306 $321,500 $320,000 Central 1439 EUCLID ST NW #103 2535 13TH ST NW #103 $315,000 925 H ST NW #405 $1,350,000 2 3500 13TH ST NW #107 $313,000 2425 L ST NW #641 $1,250,000 2 2639 15TH ST NW #106 $312,500 616 E ST NW #718 $685,000 2 3902 14TH ST NW #622 $307,000 1280 21ST ST NW #912 $650,000 2 2901 16TH ST NW #203 $294,000 2425 L ST NW #408 $585,000 1 3540 ROCK CREEK CHURCH RD NW #103B $285,000 1150 K ST NW #710 $565,000 2 1439 EUCLID ST NW #105 $190,000 1280 21ST ST NW #404 $538,250 2 430 IRVING ST NW #5 $111,000 400 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #1117 $440,000 1 2535 13TH ST NW #P-24 $30,000 2301 N ST NW #205 $439,000 1 1514 NEWTON ST NW #P-4 $29,000 1280 21ST ST NW #503 $415,000 1 1140 23RD ST NW #206 $379,000 1 Congress Heights 1260 21ST ST NW #209 $320,500 1 914 BARNABY ST SE #301 $81,750 1330 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE NW #607 $309,000 1 750 BARNBAY SE #203 $62,500 400 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #1002 $284,555 0 912 BARNABY ST SE #103 $62,000 1260 21ST ST NW #313 $280,000 1 2201 L ST NW #820 $278,000 0 Dupont Circle 2130 N ST NW #407 $255,000 0 1760 CORCORAN ST NW #A $930,000 1401 17TH ST NW #912 $725,000 Chevy Chase 1330 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE NW #1014 $529,613 4301 MILITARY RD NW #101 $650,000 2 1824 S ST NW #103 $527,500 4301 MILITARY RD NW #311 $597,500 2 1815 18TH ST NW #303 $525,000 5410 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #209 $216,000 1 1815 19TH ST NW #4 $447,500 1545 18TH ST NW #320 $402,000 Cleveland Park 1830 17TH ST NW #301 $400,000 3855 RODMAN ST NW #A43 $665,000 3 1916 17TH ST NW #306 $369,000 4329 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #4329 $575,000 2 1718 P ST NW #720 $309,900 3631 39TH ST NW #E317 $505,511 3 1718 P ST NW #805 $305,000 3809 PORTER ST NW #304 $375,000 1 1711 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #317 $288,000 3701 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #402 $370,000 1 2711 ORDWAY ST NW #105 $365,000 1 Eckington 3217 WISCONSIN AVE NW #5B $205,000 0 2120 3RD ST NE #A $630,000 3701 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #226 $189,900 0 42 RHODE ISLAND AVE NW #1 $615,000 $550,000 340 ADAMS ST NE #404 Columbia Heights 233 S ST NE #6 $525,000 1460 HARVARD ST NW #4 $1,050,000 3 340 ADAMS ST NE #203 $509,750 1128 COLUMBIA RD NW $949,900 3 1928 3RD ST NE #3 $460,000 3585 13TH ST NW #4 $862,000 3 52 QUINCY PL NW #404 $402,500 3039 16TH ST NW #401 $810,000 2 3585 13TH ST NW #2 $784,000 3 Foggy Bottom 3624 10TH ST NW #4 $779,000 2 800 25TH ST NW #702 $1,050,000 3585 13TH ST NW #3 $754,000 3 2600 PENNSYLVANIA AVE NW #604 $850,000 1460 HARVARD ST NW #3 $660,000 2 1001 26TH ST NW #808 $677,000 1460 HARVARD ST NW #2 $660,000 2 2401 H ST NW #602 $255,000 1460 HARVARD ST NW #1 $650,000 2 701 LAMONT ST NW #56 $640,000 1 Forest Hills 3222 WARDER ST NW #5 $617,900 2 3883 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #305 $405,000 1425 EUCLID ST NW #9 $610,000 2 2755 ORDWAY ST NW #306 $344,495 3441 14TH ST NW #2 $610,000 2 $307,500 2939 VAN NESS ST NW #518 3585 13TH ST NW #1 $600,000 3 3701 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #504 $190,000 1007 OTIS PL NW #2 $599,000 2

2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 0

FO RS AL E

2916 M.L.King Jr. Ave. SE

2900 NELSON PL SE

OFFERING SUMMARY

OFFERING SUMMARY

• $375,000. 1776 SQ. FT. BUILDING ZONED C2A • 300 YARDS TO CONGRESS HEIGHTS METRO STATION • 3700 NEW COAST GUARD EMPLOYEES AT ST. ELIZABETH’S WEST CAMPUS • EAST CAMPUS REDEVELOPMENT WILL INCLUDE 1.5MM SQ. FT. OF OFFICE, 350K SF OF RETAIL, 1300 SF OF RESIDENTIAL UNITS, & 400 HOTEL ROOMS

• $475,000. 2 VACANT UNITS 2 OCCUPIED • TWO OCCUPIED UNITS RECENTLY RENOVATED TO SATISY TENANTS AND DCRA REQUIREMENTS • GROSS POTENTIAL INCOME $60,000; CURRENT INCOME $24,000 • YEARLY EXPENSES $7,800 • PROFORMA NOI $ 48,000 YIELDS 10.1/% CAP RATE

For inquiries, contact Christopher Dixon at 202.468.8109 or miprealestatedc@gmail.com

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

Looking to Buy or Sell on the Hill?

I want to be Your Agent!

Let s get together to review the market and design a winning strategy!

Dee Dee Branand At

home on the Hill

605 Pennsylvania Avenue, S.E., Washington, D.C. 20003 Office: 202 547-3525 Cell: 202 369-7902 Email: dbranand@cbmove.com Web: www.deedeebranand.com

May 2016 H 113

{real estate}

Fort Lincoln 2855 31ST PL NE #2855 3440 SUMMIT CT NE #3440

$275,000 $235,000

3 2

Garfield 2725 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #603 3100 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #444

$415,000 $415,000

Georgetown 3303 WATER ST NW #6C 1015 33RD ST NW #703 1089 PAPER MILL CT NW #1089 1077 30TH ST NW #211 3222 CHERRY HILL LN NW #D2 3251 PROSPECT ST NW #309 1080 WISCONSIN AVE NW #3021 2500NW Q ST NW #220 2527 Q ST NW #306

Glover Park 3915 FULTON ST NW #1 4100 W ST NW #302 4100 W ST NW #102 4114 DAVIS PL NW #313 4100 W ST NW #109 3901 TUNLAW RD NW #406 2400 41ST ST NW #101 3901 TUNLAW RD NW #406

H Street/Trinidad 1629 L ST NE #203

Hill Crest 2013 37TH ST SE #101

$1,600,000 $805,000 $799,000 $755,000 $732,707 $605,000 $578,000 $319,000 $210,000

2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 0

$725,000 $334,500 $332,500 $298,000 $275,000 $279,000 $260,000 $279,000

2 2 2 1 1 2 2 2

$390,000

2

$95,000

2

Kalorama 2126 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #53 2414 19TH ST NW #1034 1861 CALIFORNIA ST NW #4 1812 VERNON ST NW #1 2022 COLUMBIA RD NW #308 2013 COLUMBIA RD NW #A 1807 CALIFORNIA ST NW #205 1880 COLUMBIA RD NW #302 2410 20TH ST NW #101 1840 CALIFORNIA ST NW #12A 1811 WYOMING AVE NW #T4 2003 ALLEN PL NW #303 1816 KALORAMA RD NW #203 1954 COLUMBIA RD NW #608 2032 BELMONT RD NW #136

Ledroit Park 2035 2ND ST NW #G203

Logan Circle 1323 CORCORAN ST NW #2 1514 8TH ST NW #7 2125 14TH ST NW #310W 1514 8TH ST NW #5 1444 CHURCH ST NW #309 1514 8TH ST NW #4 1133 14TH ST NW #1104 1115 12TH ST NW #402 1514 8TH ST NW #2 1239 VERMONT AVE NW #902 1634 14TH ST NW #605 2125 14TH ST NW #319 1211 13TH ST NW #505 1312 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #207 1634 14TH ST NW #T001 1420 N ST NW #P1

114 H Hillrag.com

1 1

$890,000 $708,500 $625,000 $500,000 $465,000 $449,000 $419,500 $415,000 $376,500 $375,000 $317,000 $225,000 $221,000 $219,900 $201,500

2 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0

$335,000

1

$1,450,000 $1,000,000 $962,000 $750,000 $715,000 $674,900 $665,000 $584,750 $549,900 $544,999 $506,500 $499,000 $422,500 $390,000 $325,000 $29,900

2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 0 0

Mount Pleasant 1602 BEEKMAN PL NW #B 3510 16TH ST NW #303 1763 COLUMBIA RD NW #507

Mt Vernon Triangle 437 NEW YORK AVE NW #318 460 NEW YORK AVE NW #1005 555 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #106

Observatory Circle 2501 WISCONSIN AVE NW #304 2828 WISCONSIN AVE NW #108 2828 WISCONSIN AVE NW #302 3925 FULTON ST NW #1

Old City #1 215 I ST NE #105 1391 PENNSYLVANIA AVE SE #267 245 15TH ST SE #202 1025 1ST ST SE #1308 644 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NE #500 1621 E CAPITOL ST SE #8 1350 E ST NE #4 1100 7TH ST NE #2 653 8TH ST NE #2 653 8TH ST NE #1 653 8TH ST NE #3 1417 MASSACHUSETTS AVE SE #3 1391 PENNSYLVANIA AVE SE #553

Old City #2 1541 5TH ST NW #1 1541 5TH ST NW #1 2125 14TH ST NW #312W 2111 11TH ST NW #4 475 K ST NW #908 2125 14TH ST NW #107W 1632 S ST NW #1 2101 11TH ST NW #204 440 L ST NW #903 555 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #503 2120 VERMONT AVE NW #618 811 4TH ST NW #1120 811 4TH ST NW #318 1715 15TH ST NW #28 1232 4TH ST NW #2 2025 13TH ST NW #3 1211 13TH ST NW #707 475 K ST NW #1020 2008 16TH ST NW #302 1615 Q ST NW #814 1418 W ST NW #201 1614 Q ST NW #D 1711 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #711 1115 12TH ST NW #103 1601 18TH ST NW #608 1727 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #214 1545 18TH ST NW #P28

$785,000 $359,000 $270,000

3 1 1

$476,000 $399,900 $373,000

1 0 1

$955,000 $830,000 $692,500 $463,000

2 3 2 2

$749,900 $500,000 $480,000 $376,100 $368,500 $357,500 $345,000 $329,880 $302,500 $302,500 $302,500 $300,000 $275,000

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

$1,195,000 $1,100,000 $947,000 $713,000 $670,000 $665,000 $660,000 $659,000 $649,000 $632,500 $615,000 $600,000 $598,500 $560,000 $555,000 $540,000 $490,000 $461,000 $411,000 $399,000 $380,000 $300,000 $277,000 $240,000 $235,000 $210,000 $45,000

2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 2 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0

Penn Quarter 631 D ST NW #130 631 D ST NW #1126 701 PENNSYLVANIA AVE NW #1014

$285,000 $249,000

1 1

$669,900 $585,000 $455,000

2 2 1

Petworth 417 RANDOLPH ST NW #3 817 VARNUM ST NW #2 817 VARNUM ST NW #1

Randle Heights 1701 GAINESVILLE ST SE #202

Palisades 4481 MACARTHUR BLVD NW #104 4545 MACARTHUR BLVD NW #G1

3917 7TH ST NW #2 922 MADISON ST NW #101 922 MADISON ST NW #202 700 JEFFERSON ST NW #301 911 KENNEDY ST NW #1 5403 9TH ST NW #104 5405 9TH ST NW #206 5611 5TH ST NW #4

$650,000 $614,000 $612,000

Rla (SW) 800 4TH ST SW #S821 1425 4TH ST SW #A114 1101 3RD ST SW #410 1435 4TH ST SW #B403 1101 3RD ST SW #110 800 4TH ST SW #S815 700 7TH ST SW #P228

2 2 2 2 2 1 1 2

$90,000

2

$440,000 $340,000 $300,000 $299,000 $275,000 $255,000 $20,000

2 1 1 1 0 0 0

Shaw 2120 VERMONT AVE NW #503

$446,500

1

Trinidad 1111 PENN ST NE #1 1111 PENN ST NE #3 1111 PENN ST NE #2

U Street 2020 12TH ST NW #PH08 2117 10TH ST NW #201 2331 15TH ST NW #308 2030 8TH ST NW ##506 2331 15TH ST NW #107 2331 15TH ST NW #106 2331 15TH ST NW #108

$275,000 $274,950 $274,950

1 1 1

$980,000 $915,000 $425,000 $399,000 $380,000 $379,000 $350,000

2 2 1 1 1 1 1

Waterfront 34 G ST SW #107 1101 3RD ST SW #406

Wesley Heights 4200 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #515 4201 CATHEDRAL AVE NW #1210E

Wilshire Park 3701 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #615

$599,000 $425,000

3 1

$725,000 $299,500

2 1

$210,000

1

Woodley Park

2801 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #12 $470,000 2

Co Op 14th Street Corridor 1419 R ST NW #20

Adams Morgan 2370 CHAMPLAIN ST NW #36

$655,000

2

$467,500

2

Brightwood 6445 LUZON AVE NW #304

$165,000

Brookland 338 ADAMS ST NE #D

Capitol Hill 516 A ST NE #106

3 2 2

$399,999 $335,500 $324,922 $318,000 $287,900 $275,000 $275,000 $240,750

1

$151,000

2

$383,300

1

Central 1300 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #401

$370,500

1

Real Estate

Management Cleveland Park 3601 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #116 3001 PORTER ST NW #302

Dupont Circle 2039 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE NW #502 1701 16TH ST NW #215 1701 16TH ST NW #703

Foggy Bottom 700 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE NW #1218 2500 VIRGINIA AVE NW #1403-S 2500 VIRGINIA AVE NW #710-S 2475 VIRGINIA AVE NW ##104 2475 VIRGINIA AVE NW #507 730 24TH ST NW #406 2475 VIRGINIA AVE NW #911

Forest Hills 3001 VEAZEY TER NW #1634 3001 VEAZEY TER NW #304

Full service property management offering monthly/quarterly reports, budgeting, funds management & special accounts, delinquent notice & collections, building inspections, project & maintenance bidding, project planning, contract monitoring, renting/leasing & tenant screening, and more. Se habla espanol. $432,000 $430,000

1 2

$575,000 $430,000 $399,000

2 2 1

$1,880,000 $1,825,000 $525,000 $421,000 $294,500 $285,000 $265,000

2 4 2 2 1 1 1

$550,218 $253,599

2 1

Garfield 2802 DEVONSHIRE PL NW #306

Glover Park 3900 TUNLAW RD NW #304

Harbour Square 510 N ST SW #N430

Hill Crest 2700 30TH SE #248

Ledroit Park 115 RHODE ISLAND AVE NW #3

Mount Pleasant 1801 CLYDESDALE PL NW #109

Navy Yard 1000 NEW JERSEY AVE SE #420

Observatory Circle 4000 CATHEDRAL AVE NW #717B 4000 CATHEDRAL AVE NW #638B 4101 CATHEDRAL AVE NW #207 4000 CATHEDRAL AVE NW #330B 4000 CATHEDRAL AVE NW #21B

Old City #1 1000 NEW JERSEY AVE SE #311

$294,000

1

$259,000

2

$165,000

0

$72,000

2

$469,900

2

$135,000

0

$485,528

2

$1,395,000 $399,999 $345,000 $330,000 $309,000

3 2 1 1 1

$445,000

2

734 Seventh Street, SE

Office: 202.547.2707 Fax: 202.547.1977 joeltruittmanagement.com

“We are part of Capitol Hill, We don’t just work here... We live here, too.

Let our neighborhood experience work for you...”

202.546.3100 210 7th Street, SE. #100. WDC 20003 www.monarchtitle.net

Steve Hagedorn Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

Search listings at cbmove.com/steve.hagedorn Licensed in DC & MD

Direct: Cell: Office: Fax: Email:

Palisades 4581 MACARTHUR BLVD NW #101

Rla (SW) 530 N ST SW #405-S

Southwest Waterfront 1311 DELAWARE AVE SW #S-336

Takoma Park 70547060 EASTERN AVE NW #306

U Street Corridor 1425 T ST NW #602

$139,900

0

$745,000

2

$135,000

0

$179,000

2

$93,069

2

Waterfront 560 N ST SW #N411 u

$363,000

202-741-1707 202-841-1380 202-547-3525 202-547-8462 shagedorn@cbmove.com

you saw them in

1

May 2016 H 115

116 H Hillrag.com

{arts & dining}

Dining Notes

Neighbors Roger and Mary Lynn enjoy their opening night dinner at EatBar on Barracks Row. Photo: Celeste McCall

by Celeste McCall

B

arracks Row’s growing restaurant family welcomes a new sibling, EatBar, which arrived last month. For the March 30 “soft opening” chef Nathan Anda (of Red Apron Butcher fame) and his team hosted a one-night dress rehearsal for neighbors, friends, and family. Proceeds benefitted the Capitol Hill Community Foundation.

EatBar’s decor is whimsical, to say the least. One wall of the 44-seat renovated space is lined with 99 vintage CDs, ranging from the Beatles to Elvis to Marvin Gaye to Kiss. But you might need ear plugs: this place is loud. Sounds reverberate off the walls and wooden flooring.

After management graciously turned down the earsplitting music (not from the retired CDs), we could concentrate on the eclectic menu, which lists “snacky, bready, beasty and green things.” You get the idea. From the snacky section we munched on zesty sausage-stuffed olives, similar to a delicacy I sampled in Tuscany. A compatible marriage of sweet and salty was a trio of guanciale-wrapped dates threaded on a skewer. Since tables are so close together, we were able to peer at our neighbors’ bright red, Calabrian-style deviled eggs. The vermillion hue comes from pickled beets and red peppers.

A pork burger, stacked with garlicky kale, American cheese, and Hungarian long hot peppers, had an interesting, sausage-like texture, a pleasant change from the usual beef or turkey patty. Again thinking of Italy, I selected the anchovy/kale pasta entree. The blanket of parmesan cheese obscured the anchovy flavor, and the pasta was undercooked. But our server quickly whisked it back to the kitchen, which remedied the problem.

“Green things,” a verdant vision of English pea and pea shoots speckled with tangerine bits, was intriguing, but rather pricy at $10. For dessert management sent us home with a bag of totally addictive bacon caramel corn.

From the wine and beer list (created by Brent Kroll and Greg Engert), and corresponding to menu categories, I sipped an Argentine Malbec; Peter had a DC Brau beer. Dinner for two including tax and tip came to $98.70.

Open daily from 4 p.m. until closing, EatBar is located at 415 Eighth Street SE. Call 202-847-4827 or visit www.eatbar-dc.com.

Italian-inspired pasta with anchovies and kale is a favorite at Barracks Row’s EatBar. Photo: Celeste McCall

Sona Closed We were totally bummed to learn that Sona Creamery and Wine Bar, 660 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, suddenly closed on April 11. The three-yearold, award-winning endeavor was the first and only cheese creamery in Washington history. “We were paying rent for space that wasn’t support-

May 2016 H 117

ing itself,” Sona’s website states.

“Unfortunately, this has made it impossible to remain open.”

We will miss owners Conan and Gen O’Sullivan, their friendly and competent staff, delicious cheeses (especially the truffled chevre), decadent mac-andcheese and Gen’s fun, and informative cheese-making classes.

Special Guest Radici, the upscale Italian shop/ deli at Seventh and C streets SE, entertained a distinguished guest earlier this month. First Lady Michelle Obama, along with about 20 guests, celebrated the April 3 birthday of a friend at a festive lunch. The group stayed three hours, longer than expected, said a Radici employee. No word on what the group ate or drank, but Obama, described as “adorable and friendly to the staff,” enjoyed herself immensely and liked her lunch.

Open daily, Radici is at 303 Seventh St. SE. Call 202-758-0086 or visit www.radici-market.com.

Spring Alfresco

1025 FIRST ST SE 202.652.1009 IN THE VELOCITY CONDO BUILDING

“OFFICIAL NATIONALS BAR OF 106.7”

VISIT US FOR OUR PROGRESSIVE HAPPY HOUR FROM 4-8PM. SATURDAY: 50¢ WINGS FOR COLLEGE FOOTBALL - EAT IN ONLY

With warm weather (finally!) al fresco dining and imbibing has returned to Masseria by Nicholas Stefanelli, 1340 Fourth St. NE (near Union Market). This hard-to-find-but-worth-the-effort Italian charmer has removed its glass doors and pulled back the retractable roof to reveal a sunny (usually) courtyard. Masseria is open Tuesday-Saturday for dinner only; closed Sunday and Monday. Call 202-608-1330 or visit www.masseria-dc.com.

Spring Wining and Dining Le Grenier, 502 H St. NE, has unveiled its spring menu, wine

118 H Hillrag.com

tastings, and happy hour specials. The first Tuesday of every month brings half-price wines by the glass, plus cheese plates and charcuteries and other specials. On Thursdays: all-youcan-eat mussels. Closed Mondays. Call 202544-4999 or visit www.legrenierdc.com.

Bayou Beat Here’s a good deal. Bayou Bakery, 901 Pennsylvania Ave. SE (next to Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital), offers a prix-fixe dinner. For $22 you get two courses and a glass of wine. At a recent book-club gathering our group of four ordered chicken/andouille gumbo (my favorite), smoked whitefish, and blue catfish with fingerling potatoes and spinach, another fav.

Since they are not bottom feeders like regular “cats,” blues do not have a muddy flavor. Another entree is crawfish Monica – pasta with mushrooms and Creole cream. Bayou is open daily; call 202-664-5307 or visit www.bayoubakerydc.com.

Market Watch

and pastas along with assorted pizzas, Il Parco is open daily until 11 p.m.; call 202-484-0699.

In July look for the third outpost of LatinAmerican Chix (others are in Northwest Washington) at 1210 Half St. SE, approximately a block away from Nats Park. The 45-seat Chix will serve homestyle chicken and vegetarian meals with a Latin beat, offered for sit-down or carryout. Stay tuned.

Bier Hier Brig, a 210- seat beer (and food) garden, is due to arrive at 1007 Eighth St. SE (Eighth and L), sometime this month. The al fresco area will welcome “well-behaved” dogs and their owners.

• • • • • • •

A diverse product line of quality beverages from all over the world One of the largest and most unique wine selections on Capitol Hill A friendly and knowledgeable staff Located just minutes form Downtown, DC and Alexandria, VA 1 block south of Eastern Market Metro on the vibrant Barracks Row Owned by the Williams Family since 1978; established before 1919

The best weekly wine tastings on “The Hill”- Sat (3-6pm)

RAMMY Finalists Chosen by the public and judges in the food industry, finalists for these annual awards – bestowed by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW, founded in 1920) – have been announced, and nearby restaurants are well-represented. u

We’ve become addicted to the yummy salmon burgers at The District Fish Wife seafood stand at RAMMY finalists on or near the Hill are: Union Market. Made with Upscale Casual Brunch: Osteria Morini 95-percent ground salmon, Favorite Fast Bites: Red Apron Butcher (Union Market) horseradish, herbs, and breadcrumbs, a plump patty is just Beer Program: The Arsenal at Bluejacket, Granville Moore’s $7. Simply take it home and Wine Program: Charlie Palmer Steak, The Red Hen run under the broiler for a few Manager of the Year: Margarita Krivchikova (Belga Cafe) minutes on each side. Closed Monday, Union Market is at Pastry Chef: Jemil Gadea (Masseria by Nicholas Stefanelli), 1309 Fifth St. NE; call 202 Alex Levin (Osteria Morini), Tressa Wiles (Bayou Bakery) 543-2592 or visit www.thedisRising Culinary Star: James Wozniuk (Maketto) trictfishwife.com.

Upscale Casual Restaurant: Osteria Morini, The Red Hen

Nats Eats The Nationals season is in full swing as more food and drink options arrive near the ballpark. Il Parco pizza (formerly Park Tavern) opened recently at 202 M St. SE. You might recognize the blocklike building with fountains out front. Serving myriad Italian favorites like calamari fritti, insalate Caprese, panini,

New Restaurant of the Year: Maketto, Masseria Chef of the Year: Erik Bruner-Yang (Toki Underground, Maketto) Restaurateur of the Year: Cava Group (Cava Grill, Cava Mezze,

Cava Foods, Sugo), JL Restaurant Group (Hank’s Oyster

Bar, Hank’s Pasta Bar, The Twisted Horn) Winners will be announced at the 34th Annual RAMMY Awards Gala Sunday, June 12, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. For more information email therammys@ramw.org or call 202-331-5990. Presented by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington, the awards honor the region’s restaurants and foodservice community.

J. Chocolatier

Small Batch Chocolates * Handmade on the Hill Contact Info

Please Visit Our Chocolate Shop:

jane@jchocolatier.com www.jchocolatier.com

Located Above Groovy DC 321 7th St. SE (2nd Floor) WDC 20003

Facebook: J. Chocolatier Twitter: J. Chocolatier

OPEN WEEKENDS, EXTRA VALENTINE’S SHOPPING DAYS THURS. 02/11 AND FRI. 02/12.

May 2016 H 119

Dreams of Tuscany

by Lilia Coffin

T Rated One of the Best Wine Shops by Washingtonian Magazine July “Best & Worst” Issue Listed in the Wall Street journal as one of the most enjoyable places to shop for wines nationwide.

“Best Website Award”, 2008 by the Wine Spectator’s Market Watch

Voted “Best Liquor Store” and “Best Wine Selection” an unprecedented FIVE years in a row by the City Paper

T H I S M O N T H!

Our Mixed Case of the Month features hand selected wines from across the world that change according to the seasons and are priced up to 50% off the regular retail price.

Purchase as many assorted cases as you like and get additional wines as the listed sale prices.

May Mixed Case at a Steal! Under $100! 6 Red & 6 White!

Regular Price: $219.88 | At Sale Prices: $172.88 | Mixed Case Club Price: $99.99 55% OFF! Purchase as many mixed cases as you like. Additional wines are available at the listed SALE prices.

wine

reg.

2014 2013 2013 2015 2013 2014 2013 2013 2014 2013 2012 2014

Motivo Verdejo . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Como La Luna Sauvignon Blanc . . . . . .

Rodet Bourgogne Chardonnay . . . . . . .

Bob’s Chenin Blanc . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cascina Adelaide Langhe Nascetta di Novello.

La Noble Chardonnay . . . . . . . . . . .

Calstar Cellars Za Za Zinfandel . . . . . . .

Panarroz Jumilla . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Bobs Pinotage . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Eagle Glen Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley .

Kurtz Grenache Syrah Mourvedre . . . . . .

Vicchiomaggio Ripa delle Mandorle Red . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . .

. $17.99 . $9.99 . $19.99 . $11.99 . $24.99 . $14.99 . $24.99 . $11.99 . $11.99 . $24.99 . $25.99 . $19.99

sale.

$12.99 $6.99 $15.99 $9.99 $19.99 $11.99 $19.99 $9.99 $9.99 $19.99 $19.99 $14.99

“One of the Best Wine Stores in the Country is Right Here on Capitol Hill” SELECTION The country’s most complete range of spirits, beer & wine. Our old and rare wine list is the most extensive anywhere, and it’s in your neighborhood.

PRICING We will not be undersold.

Come see for yourself.

SERVICE Second to none, with seven full time wine specialists to assist you. Come in and be treated like family!

View descriptions of the wines at www.cellar.com

300 Massachusetts Ave., NE • www.cellar.com 1-800-377-1461 • 202-543-9300 • fax: 202-546-6289 120 H Hillrag.com

he rolling hills of Tuscany surrounding Florence have produced some of Italy’s most renowned wines since the Etruscans ruled in the eighth century. The regions of Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano are all nestled just inland of the Tyrrhenian Sea in the warm, Mediterranean climate. While they produce some of the country’s best DOC and DOCG classified wines, they are also the first region to rebel against the regulations in order to produce what they consider superior wines.

Tuscany does produce good whites and roses but it excels at reds.

The top grape of Tuscany is Sangiovese, the dominant varietal of Chianti and its clones, Brunello and Prugnolo, the respective varietals of Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Traditionally restricted to 70 percent of the Chianti blend, Sangiovese was blended with white Malvasia or Trebbiano to make a leaner, lighter wine. Its rise in popularity in the States peaked by the 1960s, leading to a glut in production and some flouting of the DOC/DOCG standards, with way too much white wine in the blend, devastating the wine’s quality. The name of Chianti’s traditional straw bottle, the “fiasco,” became synonymous with disaster.

Believing that they could do better, winemakers like Sassicaia and Antinori started accepting the “vino de tavola” label and upsetting DOC/G regulators’ sensibilities in exchange for blending their Sangiovese with cabernet sauvignon, or going for a

the wine girl

100-percent cabernet. The grape was well suited to the region, and the wines grew in popularity and number, earning the name Super Tuscan for their more robust style. This small wine revolution in the 1970s and 80s eventually led to Chianti’s new regulation blend – Sangiovese as the major grape with cabernet sauvignon in the mix.

The Brunello clone does not need to be blended with cab to make an intense, fleshy red. Brunello di Montalcino’s long aging times ensure that the ripe blackberry notes are enhanced with vanilla and tobacco, requiring four total years, at least two in oak, for the standard, and five total years and two and a half years in oak for riserva. They are Italy’s most expensive wines but an incredible investment, with some of the best worthy of cellaring for a century.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

has nothing to do with Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, which is named for the grape and hails from the southern half of the boot. Vino Nobile, like traditional Chianti, is made predominantly from the Prugnolo clone and blended with small amounts of Malvasia and Trebbiano, then oaked for at least two years. This part of Tuscany is known for its steaks, and this wine does make a great pair.

Rosso di Montalcino and Rosso di Montepulciano are the younger, lighter versions of these wines, respectively.

Climate change is putting these great wines in jeopardy. As temperatures rise, Sangiovese and its clones are harder to grow. Apart from pushing for major environmental interventions, buying Tuscan wines while excellent vintages are still available may be the best avenue available to us.

Below are some of our Toscana favorites. Since the season of grilling and al fresco dining is upon us, these wines are especially appropriate. Stop in for a few bottles today!

•

• • • • • • •

Vicchiomaggio Agostino Petri Chianti Classico Riserva $$ Vicchiomaggio San Jacopo Chianti Classico $ Olivi Pugnitello $$$ Antinori Solaia $$$$ Sassicaia $$$$ Aglieta Brunello di Montalcino $$$ Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino $$$ Avignonesi Vino Nobile di Montelpulciano $$

Wine and liquor consultant Lilia Coffin is available for all your adult beverage needs at Schneider’s of Capitol Hill, 300 Massachusetts Ave. NE. u

A prime destination for dining, large or small private events, late night dancing & drinking, and weekend bottomless mimosa brunch!

1 3 4 8 H ST. N E 2 0 2 . 6 2 1 .7 3 0 0 W W W. R E D R O C K S D C .CO M May 2016 H 121

{arts and dining}

At the Movies

Two New Movies with Muslim Elements: An Iranian Drama and a London Culture Clash

by Mike Canning Fireworks Wednesday Since the 1990s, Iranian cinema, relatively unknown before and after the Iranian Revolution (1979), has produced a complex mix of movies from a series of able director/writers who craft personal, domestic dramas of high quality. Though still little seen in the West, some of these films (and their filmmakers) have been able to reach wider audiences at international venues. Notable among this new wave is Asghar Farhadi, writer/director of the newly released “Fireworks Wednesday” (“Chahrshanbeh suri”).

Farhadi came to prominence when his study of a broken family, “A Separation,” won an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Picture in 2011, thus declaring a new cinematic talent. That talent was corroborated two years later with “The Past,” another intricate domestic drama of Iranians set in Paris. The positive critical reception for these films apparently caused international producers and distributors to check out Farhadi’s oeuvre and, in the last two years, to search his back catalogue for earlier works worthy of release.

Last year, his intriguing work “About Elly,” Hedieh Tehrani (left) and Hamid Farokh-Nejad clash in Asghar Farhadi’s “Fireworks Wednesday.”

Photo: Grasshopper Film

122 H Hillrag.com

made in 2009, received critical raves. Now, 10 years after “Fireworks Wednesday” was released in Iran, it finally debuts in the US. Farhadi himself encapsulates it as “a day in the life of an Iranian family set against the exJerome Holder (left) as Ayyash gets a lesson in baking from Jonathan Pryce as Nat in “Dough.” Photo: Menemsha Films. plosive New Year’s festival when things may get out of hand.” It was worth waiting subtle care, dropping key moments and clues to befor. (The film is unrated, though it contains nothhavior that will resonate later. The actors, including ing racy by US standards, and runs 104 minutes.) the bit parts, are all distinctive and form an intriguThe picture begins with the routine rhythms of ing mix that comes together with force in revelations urban life in Tehran but slowly morphs into a gripboth temperate yet devastating. ping, suspenseful drama set against the backdrop of Besides Farhadi’s newfound fame, there is anthe Persian New Year. Rouhi (Tareneh Alidousti), a other reason, I think, why “Fireworks” never saw a bubbling bride-to-be, is hired as a maid for the afflubroad release: it is way too Iranian. The film’s title ent Samii family. Upon arriving at their apartment itself needs explaining. The holiday is Chahrshanshe is thrust into an explosive domestic conflict bebeh suri, an annual festival of public fire-making tween the troubled Mojdeh (Hedieh Tehrani) and and fireworks on the Wednesday before Now Ruz, her beleaguered husband Morteza (Hamid Farokhthe ancient Persian New Year’s Day which falls on Nejad). Mojdeh is convinced her husband is havthe spring solstice (March 21), a ritual long outing an affair with the recently divorced Simin (Pandating Islam. Part of that ritual is a top-to-bottom tea Bahram), who has a salon next door, cleaning of one’s home before the holiday (which and she promptly enlists Rouhi as a spy is why Rouhi is hired in the first place). Part of it to check on her husband and confirm also is setting off firecrackers and cherry bombs her suspicions. What Rouhi discovers, during the day, which is why the listener constanthowever, threatens not only their marly hears what sounds like gunshots that no one noriage but also her own future. tices. Getting past these and other cultural tidbits, Mojdeh, from the first, seems pehowever, the viewer steps into a totally believable culiar, mired in remorse, while her husworld with real humans in a turmoil with which band appears henpecked and frustratwe can all identify. ed. Rouhi becomes a reluctant witness to their rancor and inadvertently beDough comes a player in a conflict in which “Dough” is a sweet and satisfying cross-cultural fashe never expected to participate. The ble about how, in contemporary London, an aging Samiis’ tendency not to notice Rouhi’s Jewish baker and a young Muslim African can bond bewildered gaze even as they argue together over bread. As played by the veteran Engpoints up the difference between the lish actor Jonathan Pryce and Jerome Holder, this well-off and the servant class. comedy drama is tough to resist. (Unrated, “Dough” Farhadi works out his plot with opened on April 29 and runs 94 minutes.)

Curmudgeonly widower Nat Dayan (Pryce) clings to his way of life as a kosher bakery shop owner in London’s East End, as his clientele dwindles. It has been in the family for 100 years, but Nat’s son Stephen (Daniel Caltigirone), an ambitious attorney, has no interest in the downscale enterprise. When Nat loses his only assistant, he reluctantly agrees to take on the son of his cleaning lady Safa (Natasha Gordon), a refugee from Darfur.

Safa’s unfocused teenager Ayyash (Holder) has a secret gig selling marijuana to help her make ends meet, but according to his boss Victor Gerrard (Ian Hart) he needs a “cover job” to mask his dealing and agrees to take the bakery job. Nat, meanwhile, is under pressure both from a crafty real estate developer, Sam Cotton (Phil Davis), who yearns to take over Nat’s store, and his landlady, Joanna Silverman (Pauline Collins), who is recently widowed and has eyes for Nat. Even with rising at 4 a.m., Ayyash slowly takes to the baking game. However, when he accidentally drops his stash into some mixing dough, the “special” challah that results starts flying off the shelves – especially among young customers who have never come to Dayan’s before – and an unlikely friendship forms between the old Jewish baker and his young Muslim apprentice. The pair’s domestic life gets more complicated when Safa and Ayyash lose their crummy apartment and have to move into Nat’s large, empty house. Complications pile up as the volatile Victor learns that Ayyash is misusing his cannabis, while Cotton happens upon the apprentice hiding the drug in the store and realizes he has new leverage to shut down the bakery. Can Dayan’s Kosher Bakery be saved?

The plot points are worked out well in this brisk charmer by writers Yehudah Jez Freedman and Jonathan Benson and director John Gold-

schmidt. The initial mistrust across racial and religious lines between seen-it-all Nat and fresh-faced Ayyash is never harsh but offers material for gentle jokes about differing cultural mores. There is one wonderful sequence early in the film which cleverly contrasts the two men’s cultural pivot points. Though utterly different in age, origins, and experience, in a wordless, lovely, intercutting montage both Nat and Ayyash prepare for their respective days by performing ablutions with their hands, delivering a soft prayer, and donning a head covering. A fitting prelude for what is to come.

As Goldschmidt has said about the film: “The story is set in a multicultural part of London and is a film of contrasts. From the ethnic high-street shops, to the corporate environment of a big supermarket chain. From middle class suburbia, to a grotty housing estate. From the staid adult community to the vibrant youth culture.” All of this is well realized in the movie.

The antagonists-cum-protagonists are very well realized by Pryce, a renowned British stage veteran with major film credits (“Brazil,” “Evita”), and 18-year-old Holder, appearing in his first feature film. Pryce embodies the crusty old bird mired in his ways but able to be uplifted by the easygoing but pious kid. The latter, dreading his new job, opens to the older man’s knowledge and skills. It’s the wellworn cliche of the odd couple who learn from and redeem each other, but “Dough” handles it with the care it takes to knead a challah mass.

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

May 2016 H 123

{arts and dining}

“W

hat you notice first are the visual rhythms.

Forms move and jump.

Light rises from bottom to top and touches each shape as it dances to the painted music. Keep looking and you begin to see things you recognize … a chair or a vase.

Maybe several of them. Look some more and you see whatever you want to see.”

I wrote that 14 years ago. The visual rhythms of Tati Kaupp still float and jump.

They still search for the bright colors of excitement and huddle in the deep hues of serenity, or even anxiety, but the recognizable objects are no longer apparent. They have transmuted, become pure, insinuated life forms exploring visionary space and drifting upward in the lightness of ideas.

Tati creates atmospheric landscapes. It’s her interpretation of “personal ecosystems.” “I use color patterns to organize

what’s around me,” she says, “getting into a mental space differently each time – with different energy.”

More and more she uses watercolors, which allow more spontaneity than oils without losing control. It’s also about time.

As the mother of a young child, it’s not easy to capitalize on moments of freedom, but watercolor helps to fill that role. Painting, along with drawing, fills the quiet spaces.

It also gives her insights as to how to translate her painted moods and visions back to oils: to much larger universes.

One of the glories of watercolor is that unexpected “little things” can happen. Tati finds that she can isolate “accidental” ideas to create new paintings, new visual life forms that rise and flow in the painted music.

Tati was born in Mexico and spent her awakening years exploring remote villages with her mother Kitty. She grew up mostly on Capitol Hill, received an art degree from Skidmore College, and did graduate work at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque.

(Above) Blue Green by Tati Kaupp, Oil on canvas 4’ x 4’ (Right) Winter Series #21 by Tati Kaupp, Oil on canvas 4’ x 4’

124 H Hillrag.com

by Jim Magner

artandthecity

Artist REvisit Profile: Tatiana Kaupp

Tati has had solo shows at Bergdorf Goodman in New York, and her work has been included in innumerable public and private collections throughout the area, including the DC Convention Center. www.tatikaupp.com

Jim Magner’s Thoughts on Art

What are they supposed to mean?

Nothing. They are about nothing but themselves.

This is from the book “Bluebeard” by Kurt Vonnegut. The main character is an artist who began to collect abstract paintings after World War II, when “abstract art” was new and cheap. People just didn’t get it; the painted scribblings didn’t seem to have any particular meaning or purpose.

That was totally unexpected. The art world after the World War I gave us angry, roaring, condemning, even sinister art movements. Art was chock full of meaning: antiwar, anti-tradition, anti-pretty, antisocial, anti-justabouteverything. Objects and people were recognizable, if strange looking, but often visually violent.

After the second Big One, painting turned inward. It was not out there … it was in here. At first it didn’t try to be pretty or even

SALVADORAN & MEXICAN CUISINE | 25 YEARS ON CAPITOL HILL

202.543.3700

NEW LOCATION | 1100 8TH ST SE (ONE BLOCK FROM NAVY YARD)

Floating Pods by Tati Kaupp, Watercolor on paper 15” x 20”

pleasing. It just was: Pollock, Gorky, Rothko. As time went on, abstract art went in two general directions: most toward pretty and pleasing, others toward expressing power and turmoil.

The more expressive works assumed the designation abstract expressionism. Okay, but don’t get them mixed up with the expressionist art of the first half of the 20th century like Edvard Munch’s “The Scream.” That “expressionism” was all about emotions: the neurotic frightened guts of existence, the terrifying real stuff behind society’s brave, cheery veneer.

Some abstract art today is not just decorative but about something definable. Tati Kaupp paints the flow of life, “personal ecosystems.” She doesn’t start with anything definitive, just combinations of light and dark, warm and cool. But the time, the place, the realities of the moment, pleasant or not, begin to write their own narrative. You can witness the story unfold and feel the time, the place, and the emotions that rise with the life forms.

Old Naval Hospital, First Floor 921 Pennsylvania. Ave. SE May 5-June 26 Opening: May 17, 6-8 p.m.

The theme for the May/June show, “Faces,” comes primarily from the color-strong and image-strong portraits by Chanel Compton, Luis Peralta, and Jay Colman, including a dynamic interpretation of “Mayor 4 Life” Marion Barry.

Also on display are the abstract scenes of Lesley Giles and Spencer Dormitzer and the poetic landscapes of Nita Adams and Carol Phifer. hillcenterdc@org.com

“Vertical” Capitol Hill Art League 545 Seventh St. SE Until May 28 “Vertical” is the theme of the Capitol Hill Art League (CHAL) spring juried exhibit for member artists. It continues through May. The juror was Marsha Steiger. www.chaw.org

Anniversary Gala & Members’ Show Touchstone Gallery 901 New York Ave. NW May 4-29 “Gala Opening”: Friday, May 13, 6:00-8:30 p.m.

Touchstone Gallery will celebrate its 40th year in Washington on May 13 with an anniversary gala members’ show featuring solo artists Paula Lantz and Colleen Sabo and works by former members. You are invited (hors d’oeuvres

by Acadiana Restaurant). The gallery opened in 1976 and moved to its current location in 2010. It has always been a dependable place for artists to show and sell, and for art lovers to see just about every approach to art ever attempted. This should be a fun opening. www. touchstonegallery.com

“Faces” Hill Center Galleries Ammi B. Young Gallery

Capitol Hill artist and writer Jim Magner can be reached at Artandthecity05@aol.com. His awardwinning book, “A Haunting Beauty,” can be acquired through www.ahauntingbeauty.com. u

At the Galleries

INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING WITH US? Call Laura Vucci 202-400-3510

or laura@hillrag.com for more information on advertising.

N E W O N B A R R AC KS R OW !

I N D I A N & PA K I STA N I CUISINE

T A F A A I Z

nt Restaura G r i l l & all in to place order.

c er imum Ord r - Please We delive Delivery with $15 Min Free

$9.99

Lunch Special 3 meat items, 1 lentil, 1 vegetable, 1 nan, rice

www.ziaafatgrillrestaurant.com 1102 8th Street, SE WDC 20003 Carry Out Available – 202.546.0000

May 2016 H 125

{arts and dining}

by Phil Hutinet, photos Diriki Rice

N

Diriki Rice Captures DCs Evolution

126 H Hillrag.com

Photo: Nenad Mladenovic

In Pursuit of the Perfect Shot

ative Washingtonians have an unmatched perspective of this city as they have seen enormous changes take place since the turn of the 21st century. With the vertiginous pace of development in the past decade, many have sought to make sense of this experience by documenting the change they’re seeing.

Within this framework, Mount Pleasant resident Diriki Rice, who grew up in Adams Morgan, has, through the photographic lens, captured the city’s evolution first through its architecture, then by documenting its residents and their interaction with the “new” DC. Rice, a 37 year old freelance broadcast technician, has worked two careers in parallel over the past 17 years.

Back in 1999, when Rice first joined the workforce, one of his mentors suggested he learn photography. Following his advice, Rice took his first class at the DC Jewish Community Center on Sixteenth Street NW and read a number of technical publications and photography books to perfect his craft.

“At first, I was really frustrated with the whole process,” explains Rice who, like many novices feel discouraged as they are honing their skillset.

“I made the mistakes and learned from them. Now, I’m more comfortable with the process,” says Rice.

While Rice describes his style as “photojournalism,” in the early years, Rice captured images of the city’s architecture. “I shot buildings because I loved the architecture of the city.” Rice drew inspiration from architecture books as he understood a story-line subtext within the images he saw.

Back in 1999 through the early 2000s, Rice observes that “all of the buildings were crumbling around me.” His love-affair with DC’s older buildings jumpstarted his photographic career as his passion for his native city’s architecture provided him with an unlimited amount of material.

As Rice’s confidence as a photographer grew, his subject matter began to shift from the city’s buildings to the people who inhabit and work in them. As new residents move into DC and old industrial neighborhoods like the Navy Yard and Swampoodle get rebranded into the “new” neighborhoods of The Yards and NoMa re-

May 2016 H 127

{arts and dining}

spectively, Rice captures the energy of these changes through action shots of people and events.

Much of his work also includes portraiture and even here, despite the image’s stillness, his subjects emanate radiance and activity. His portfolio also includes action shots from the Black Cat, city festivals and events at Yards Park.

“A lot of people who see my work point that out to me [the work’s movement and energy].

I like energy. If you see a band and there is no movement, it’s dull. When band members move around and jump, it gets the crowd going. I need that push, that energy to keep doing that. If it’s not close enough it’s not good enough. It usually means you have to go outside your comfort zone.”

Rice recently left his DC comfort zone to travel abroad for the first time, visiting a friend in Stockholm, by way of Reykjavik, Iceland. In Iceland, Rice rekindled his well of inspiration along the island-nation’s rugged North Atlantic coastline and eclectic capital.

When asked about the diversity in his various photographic styles, Rice says that “artists go in different directions. No one wants to be just one thing.” He compares his various series to musicians who release different sounding albums as they seek new expression lest their craft grow redundant.

As for the future, Rice is branching into documentary work. “I’m trying to do something of my own,” says Rice, “to make some mistakes and see where that takes me.” Without giving away too much, Rice discloses that the documentary will center on a nostalgic piece of DC history.

To see more of Diriki Rice’s work visit his Flickr feed at www.flickr.com/photos/medium_cool.

Phil Hutinet is the publisher of East City Art, a publication dedicated to DC’s visual arts. For more information visit www.eastcityart.com u

128 H Hillrag.com

May 2016 H 129

the

LITERARY HILL

A Compendium of Readers, Writers, Books, & Events

BookFest 2016!

We promised you a bigger, better BookFest in 2016 and we’re as good as our word. Come to Eastern Market on May 1 and see for yourselves! Here are some highlights.

More than 40 authors will be on hand to chat and sign copies of their books. We’ll be showcasing a remarkable line-up of local literary talent, from memoirists, novelists, and poets to children’s writers, politicos, chefs, and historians. Gene Weingarten and Louis Bayard are back, and we’re pleased to welcome novelist Frederick Reuss, journalists Bill Press and Karen Branan, and many, many more.

As for exhibitors, in addition to old favorites such as Riverby Books, Platypus Media, and Fairy Godmother we’ve got a number of new booksellers and publishers this year. Look for the just-opened East City Bookshop as well as Green Kids Press, Shout Mouse Press, Don’t miss this year’s Literary Hill Bookfest on Sunday, May Reach Incorporated, and Beltway Poetry Quarterly.

1, in the North Hall of Eastern Another new feature this year will be a tent just outside the alMarket, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. www.litley entrance for author talks. We hope that stepping away from the eraryhillbookfest.org or on Twitdin in the hall will allow you to catch every word your favorite writ- ter and Facebook at #LHBF16.

Photo: Bruce Guthrie ers have to say.

Also new this year is an enhanced Children’s Corner, with a full agenda of book-related activities for kids and their families: 11:30 a.m. DC Public Library (storytime) 12:00 p.m. Tom Noll of Green Kids Press (reading and puppet show) 12:30 p.m. Laura Krauss Melmed (reading and activity) 1:00 p.m. Katy Kelly (reading) 1:30 p.m. Hannah Sternberg (writing activity) 2:00 p.m. J.N. Childress (reading) In addition to a Poets’ Corner at the BookFest, we’re holding our first-ever Poets’ Corner@Tunnicliff’s reading and open-mic poetry event immediately after the BookFest. Stroll across the street to the patio at Tunnicliff’s Tavern at 3 p.m. to hear readings by BookFest poets, followed by an open-mic

130 H Hillrag.com

session. Or sign up yourself, either at the BookFest or after 3 p.m. on the patio, to give a reading of your own work or your favorite poem by someone else.

See our big yellow advertisement elsewhere in this issue for a schedule of author talks, as well as a complete roster of writers, vendors, and exhibitors. See you at the BookFest!

Just Shoot Him

A rock musician dumped from a band that becomes world famous spends his life ruing his missed opportunity. Photo: Bruce Guthrie

Pity poor Vijay Asunder. He certainly does, although not without reason. You see, in the 1960s Vijay was part of a rock group named the Keysters. He co-wrote some songs with the boys, vocalized, and banged the tambourine. Then one morning at the Dead Falcon, it was 11:47 to be precise, he was, “with profound regret,” dumped from the group. Shortly thereafter the Keysters went on to become the most popular band in the world. And Vijay became the Keyster-Might-Have-Been.

In “I Shot Bruce,” Hill author Brett Busang creates a fictional memoir of this hapless wanna-be whom life has handed one whopper of a lemon. But, as Vijay points out, “It’s life’s lemons that promote philosophical reflection ... If we double-fault all the time, we become depressives – or comedians.”

Vijay Asunder is a bit of both. He also carries a simmering dose of “unremitting outrage, which started with my eviction and had blossomed over the past thirty-odd years.”

He continues to nurse his resentment over the decades while fending off unwanted homosexual advances, experiencing an intense but short-lived romance, and becoming an antiques dealer. Meanwhile, the band members die off one by one until it’s finally down to Bruce, the singer who replaced him, leaving Vijay with only one choice.

Brett Busang describes himself as a prolific essayist, a moderately interesting playwright, a lapsed painter, an ambivalent Anglophile, and a failed ballplayer. “I Shot Bruce” is his first novel. Find him on Facebook at brett.busang, and come meet him at the BookFest!

On the Hill in May The Hill Center presents “The Life of the Poet,” a conversation with Ron Charles, editor of The Washington Post’s Book World, and poet Mary-Jo Bang, May 16, 7 p.m. Free, but register at www.hillcenterdc.org or 202-549-4172.

The Folger Shakespeare Library hosts PEN/Faulkner’s celebration of the life and work

May 2016 H 131

The Poetic Hill ARE YOU SLEEPING WITH A PSYCHOPATH!

Local author, Sandra Craig, captivates the reader with this romantic thriller, set on Capitol Hill, D.C., with a complex plot involving romance, mystery, murder and intrigue.

ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!

Sidamo Coffee and Tea Single Origin Coffee Freshly Roasted on Site!

Organic & Specialty Coffees from Around the World 25 Types of Loose Teas Bagels, Salads, Sandwiches & Desserts • Catering Ethiopian Coffee Ritual Sundays @ 2pm

202-548-0081 Mon.-Fri. 7-7 FREE Sat. 8-6, Sun. 8-5 sidamocoffeeandtea.com 417 H Street, NE 132 H Hillrag.com

of writer Robert Stone, May 2, 7:30 p.m.; a reading by Louise Erdrich from her forthcoming novel “LaRose,” co-hosted by PEN/ Faulkner and the Library of Congress, May 10, 7:30 p.m.; the 36th Annual PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction, May 14, 7 p.m.; and the Folger Poetry Board Reading with Les Murray, moderated by Kim Roberts, May 16, 7:30 p.m.

The Library of Congress presents “Books & Beyond” programs

by Mary Sarah Bilder, author of “Madison’s Hand: Revising the Constitutional Convention,” May 3, noon; Ad Stijnman and Linda Morenus, editor and contributor respectively to “Printing Colour, 1400-1700,” May 12, noon; journalist Joshua Kendall, author of “First Dads: Parenting and Politics from George Washington to Barack Obama,” May 17, noon; Bonnie Yochelson, author of “Jacob Riis: Revealing New York’s Other Half,” May 23, noon; and historian Abby Smith Rumsey, author of “When We Are No More: How Digital Memory Is Shaping Our Future,” May 24, noon. www.loc.gov The Smithsonian Associates continues its “World War I: A Literary Legacy” course with a discussion of “Regeneration” by Pat Barker, May 10, 6:45 p.m.; presents a four-session course, “The Taming of the Bard: Understanding Shakespeare’s Problem Plays,” starting May 5, 6:45 p.m.; and reveals “The Right Ingredients for a Winning Cookbook,” May 21, 9:30 a.m. www.smithsonianassociates. org u

J

by Karen Lyon

onathan Lewis is an international Hill poet whose poetry has been published in five countries. In 2015, he received a Reader’s Award from Orbis Literary Journal. Most recently, his poem titled “Jökull” (“glacier”), inspired by a trip to Iceland, appeared in The Icelandic Connection. You can also read his articles on unusual and quirky DC history in the Hill Rag. His inspiration for the poem below, whose name is the Japanese term for “flower viewing,” was our own local cherry blossoms and was written especially for DC poetry lovers.

Hanami Old woman sleeps beneath two Yoshino cherry trees – snowflakes in her hair.

Tides of tourists choke the pools, Pink parasols abound, confetti in a chow chow’s fur.

Cumulus branches stretch over the Manzanar memorial – etched ravines run white, red.

Koi plough through the basin, inhale each burst of constellation, release petals to the sea.

Meet Jonathan Lewis and local poets Jean Nordhaus, Patricia Gray, Teri Cross Davis, and Kim Roberts in the Poets’ Corner at the Literary Hill BookFest on Sunday, May 1, from 11am to 3pm, and join them for a reading and open-mic event at the new Poets’ Corner@Tunnicliff’s on the patio at Tunnicliff’s Tavern at 3pm.

If you would like to have your poem considered for publication, please send it to klyon@literaryhillbookfest.org. (There is no remuneration.) u

May 2016 H 133

134 H Hillrag.com

{health & fitness}

Let’s Get Physical

Triathlon Training on the

Hill

by Stacy Peterson

T

he Hill is a great place to train for a triathlon whether it’s your first sprint-tri or an Ultraman. Looking to work out with a fun, motivated group on the Hill? Have you wanted to participate in a triathlon and train with local triathletes, but haven’t made the leap just yet?

You might be thinking, “A triathlon, who has time for that?” One of many won-

derful aspects of triathlons is that that you can pick the distance and time commitment that you want. In addition, when training for a triathlon the workout regimen changes throughout the week among swimming, biking, and running – and don’t forget the strength training too. So there’s no getting bored with the same daily routine.

The DC Tri Club, through its Capitol Hill community group, is a great group of local triathletes interested in staying fit, reaching their triathlon goals, and having

fun along the way. Not only are they triathletes, but they are also working professionals and parents enjoying an active lifestyle in a small, community-group atmosphere. For those who are hesitant to jump into triathlons due to not feeling comfortable in the water, the DC Tri Club on Capitol Hill is an open-minded group that won’t leave you feeling out of place.

During weekdays the group’s training focuses on hour-long morning workouts, while weekends are geared toward longer and more elaborate workouts. Swimming workouts are on Wednesdays and Fridays, 6:30-7:30 a.m., at the beautiful Barry Farm Aquatic Center indoor pool. I met with Rob Read, one of leads of the DC Tri Club Capitol Hill community group, for my first swim workout with the club, but not my first swim practice ever. My swimming experience over the last 20 plus years is fairly in-depth as a Division I collegiate swimmer, competitive overseas swimmer in Australia, master’s swim coach, pri-

May 2016 H 135

vate and group swim instructor, and open water swimmer, pool swimmer, and triathlete. I was excited to swim with our local group. At Barry Farm Aquatic Center we had our own swim lanes where we were easily able to circle swim and partake in the warmup, drills, main set, and warm-down activities.

After the swim workout I had the pleasure of talking with DC Tri Club member Margaret, who thoroughly enjoys the workouts and social aspects. Not only are they enjoyable, they also keep her on track for her upcoming half-ironman triathlon. “DC Tri Club is good balance for me” Margaret explained. “The Club gives me the education and tools I need to understand what it takes to complete my first half ironman.”

A half ironman consists of a 1.2mile swim followed by a 56-mile bike and then a 13.1-mile run to finish off the multiple-hour event, a race Read and Margaret are training for.

The DC Tri Club on Capitol Hill has its run workouts on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. On Tuesdays the club members gather at Stanton Park for runs ranging from four to five miles, keeping an even and moderate pace throughout. On Thursdays they meet at Lincoln Park by the Emancipation Statue where they participate in interval training runs or speed runs. An interval run might be “running fast around the short lengths of the track and easy around the longer lengths, then switching the speeds and distances so they run easy around the shorter lengths and faster around the longer lengths,” said Read. For the speed workouts the members will start with a warmup run from Lincoln Park to the Capitol, and perform hill repeats at the Capitol followed by a warm-down run back to the park. Incorporating an interval workout and speed workout into the

136 H Hillrag.com

weekly running regimen is critical to improving a runner’s speed.

Bike rides are aimed for midweek and Saturdays. The mid-week bike group will start at Anacostia Park, Hains Point, or the National Arboretum and participate in various brick workouts. A brick workout is the stacking of two disciplines during the same workout, one after the other, with minimal to no interruption. The mid-week brick is the bike-run combination, alternating between a bike ride and a run for a number of sets. The combination and switching back and forth makes it a brick workout, such as a five-mile ride followed by one- mile run, repeated several times.

Saturdays are longer bike rides, where the Capitol Hill group meets at various locations with the whole DC Tri Club for rides starting at 20 miles. Some of the Saturday rides throughout the summer start in Capitol Hill. Don’t think you won’t be able to keep up, because there’s a pace and mileage for individuals of different skills.

Throughout the year the Capitol Hill group gets together to practice mini-triathlons at locations such as Hains Point, with a swim in the pool, then riding a few laps around, and running one lap around the point. Workouts are a wonderful opportunity to meet other local and like-minded active individuals, both through the fun and challenging workouts and monthly social activities.

DC Tri Club participates in many events around the DC area, including our own Capitol Hill Classic on May 15 with 10K (6.2 mile), 3K (1.86 mile), and a kids’ fun run exclusively on the roads of Capitol Hill. There’s also the Nation’s Capital Triathlon on Sept.

11, which is a short bike ride from the Hill.

May 2016 H 137

138 H Hillrag.com

NEW ON CAPITOL HILL! Experience - Talent - Results CALL OR STOP BY TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

MICHAEL ANTHONY

SALON

202.506.3609 H 661 C ST SE, 2ND FL. or book online:

www.MichaelAnthonySalonDC.com

on THE

What’s Your Distance?

There’s the immense Ultraman World Championships competition in Hawaii and the multiple Ironman distances throughout the world, but if you are looking for something with less of an extreme challenge, there are shorter distances for individuals of all ages and desires. Here are triathlon distances (approximate): • Sprint = ½-mile swim, 15-mile bike, 3.1-mile run • Olympic = 1-mile swim, 25-mile bike, 6.2-mile run • Half Ironman = 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, 13.1-mile run • Full Ironman = 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, 26.2-mile run • Ultraman = 6.2-mile swim, 261.4-mile bike, 52.4-mile run (over 3 days) You can always get jumpstarted with the DC Tri Club by joining their monthly happy hour events, usually on the first Thursday of each month.

For an up-to-date calendar of events visit the DC Tri Club Capitol Hill community group.

To register and become a DC Tri Club member, which is $50 for the year, visit www.dctriclub. org. Membership includes ample discounts with other partners and racing events.

Stacy Peterson is a science-based holistic health, nutrition, and strength and conditioning coach practicing whole-foods nutrition, physical training, and swimming with all ages on the Hill. For more information about reaching optimal health or achieving your fitness goals contact Acceleration Sports by visiting www.accelerationsports.net, emailing stacy@ accelerationsports.net, or calling 805-704-7193. ◆

Hill

Sharon L. Bernier

A Comprehensive Approach to Optimal Health Holistic Health & Nutrition Fitness & Wellness Sports Performance Training

RN, PhD Psychotherapy Individuals & Couples

Stacy Peterson

202-544-6465

MS, MA, CHHC, CSCS, USAW

805-704-7193 23 8th St. NE stacy@accelerationsports.net

www.accelerationsports.net 10% OFF MENTION: HILL RAG GUIDE

Tracy& Company

a unique salon

walk-ins welcome 202.546.4887 428 8th Street SE

like us on Facebook!

hair

facials

nails

waxing

makeup

File Current Taxes, File Past Due Taxes, IRS Issues?

La Strega Accounting, Inc.

Marina L. Martin EA, MBA Enrolled Agent – Federally Licensed to represent Taxpayers before IRS and all States

Providing the highest quality tax representation and consultation to individuals and businesses

www.lastregaaccounting.com

202-251-3907 (c)

lastregaindc@gmail.com May 2016 H 139

{health and fitness}

Pro Ultimate Frisbee Storms the District DC Has Two Professional Ultimate Teams and It’s All About the Fans

T

he District has two professional ultimate Frisbee teams, and going to watch is fun, family-friendly, and affordable. The DC Breeze and DC Current play their home games on Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons at Gallaudet University and Catholic University football stadiums respectively, each competing in a national league that features opponents from along the East Coast and beyond.

While over five million people play ultimate in the US each year, the sport, which was founded in the 60s, is still somewhat of a niche undertaking. But ultimate’s best players are for real, and so is the sport’s following. Players train year-round in the weight room and on the track, and come game time they sprint, leap, and dive to make plays all over the field. Long throws display sheer power, and short ones leave you admiring the techni-

by Jonathan Neeley cal skill, buzzer-beater plays, and lots of strategy. Hundreds of fans (and interested neighbors!) show up to watch the Breeze and the Current play each week. It’s not uncommon for game highlights to end up on SportsCenter.

The Breeze is part of the American Ultimate Disc League (AUDL), which has 28 teams and a franchise structure similar to Major League Baseball. The Current is part of Major League Ultimate (MLU), an eight-team national league with centralized, Major League Soccer-style management. The Breeze plays in the AUDL East along with teams from Philadelphia, New York, Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa. The Current’s division has Philly, New York, and Toronto. With a number of USA national team members, the Breeze is expected to contend for a league championship. The Current won the MLU championship in 2014.

Gabe Webster of the DC Current dives to block a Philadelphia pass. Photo: Ultiphotos

Each team’s season kicked off in mid-April.

The Breeze plays five home games in May and June, and the Current has two remaining games, one in May and one in June. There’s also the chance both teams could host home playoff games later in the summer.

Games Aren’t Just Games

Tom Doi of the DC Breeze launches the disc to a teammate. Photo: Fred Wolf

140 H Hillrag.com

Beyond the game play, crowds of around 500 are certainly different from the tens of thousands that attend Nationals and Caps games. But aside from the perk of there not being owners who press taxpayers for new stadiums, ultimate’s scale means a more charming, casual environment reminiscent of a high school football game.

The Breeze has a partnership with Atlas Brew Works, and the Current serves DC Brau. You can get a burger or a few slices of pizza for $5 at both games. There are live bands, games for both kids and adults (think cornhole, but there are also plenty of discs flying around), and halftime shows and giveaways. After Breeze games you can get discounted food and drinks at the Big Board on H Street, and the same goes for Brookland Pint for Current games. “Our goal is to get non-ultimate fans out to just one game,” says Matt Dewhurst, the general manager of the Current. “Once we get them in, we know they’re going to love our sport, our team, and

The crowd at a DC Breeze game. Photo: Fred Wolf

our game atmosphere.”

Tickets to Breeze games are $10 advance and $12.50 at the gate for adults; all kids 12 and under get in free. Current tickets are $15 each, or $12 each for groups of four or more.

Students are $10 and kids are $5 (under four years old, free).

You (and Your Kids) Can Play Too! A big reason a spectator-focused version of ultimate is viable is that the game is growing at all levels. According to Julie Serfass, the president of the Washington Area Frisbee Club, about 3,200 people play in DC-area leagues each year. There are leagues for everyone, from total beginner to advanced, youth to 40+. Still others play regularly in non-league pickup games. “There is a huge awareness shift even since late 2013 when I became an owner,” says Don Grage, the owner of the Breeze. “At the time it was ‘Isn’t that where you try to throw it in a basket?’ Now it’s far more often, ‘Wow, that’s great! My son/neighbor/ neighbor’s daughter/nephew/niece/ friend plays. It’s a great sport!’”

Both the Breeze and the Current are dedicated to helping the area youth scene develop. Players

help run learn-to-play clinics before games and at local schools, and many coach area middle school, high school, and college teams.

Catch Both Teams Through Summer As of press time the Current was 0-2, with narrow losses to Boston and Philadelphia. The Breeze won its first game against Ottawa handily, and played big matches with Toronto, a league powerhouse, during the last two weeks of April. Each Breeze home game will be streamed on its website (www.the-dcbreeze. com), the exception being the June 11 game against New York, which ESPN3 will stream as AUDL’s game of the week. You can learn more about the team by emailing info@ the-dcbreeze.com.

All of the Current’s games are streamed online at www.mlultimate.com/mlulive. You can get more info on the team at www. washingtondc.current.mlultimate. com or by emailing matt.dewhurst@ thedccurrent.com.

For more information on how to get involved with DC’s greater ultimate community check out www.wafc.org. ◆

Create a New You This SPRING! Embrace a Holistic Approach to Fitness Partner with Pattie Cinelli to: • Learn how to lose weight without dieting • Find an exercise program you enjoy and that works • Learn techniques to release stress Choose a single, partner or group session in your home, office, Results Gym or Lavender Retreat

Pattie has 30 years in the fitness business.

Her knowledge and experience will help you achieve your goals

• Body Movement Method Class • Starting at Lavender Retreat this Spring • Combines yoga, Pilates dance, core and stretch with no equipment

Schedule a wellness consultation to learn your options

202.544.0177

fitness@pattiecinelli.com Visit Pattie’s new website at: pattiecinelli.com.

May 2016 H 141

{health and fitness}

The Value of Pet Insurance

I

by Dan Teich, DVM

have become a fan of pet health insurance. More clients are asking about the benefits and limitations of policies, and we have seen a number of pets receive care that the client would otherwise have not have been to provide. It is not a panacea for healthcare, and there are limitations, but understanding the available programs may assist you in keeping your dog or cat healthy for years to come.

Nearly every insurance plan works on a reimbursement basis: the client receives a bill for the veterinary services and pays the bill with a credit card or other means. The client then processes the claim with the insurance company, which reimburses the client either through a checking account deposit or by mailing a check. In special cases the insurance company may reimburse a veterinary hospital directly, but such an arrangement must be made with the veterinarian and the insurance company in advance.

What’s covered? It depends upon the insurance carrier selected and the plans offered. Most plans cover accidents and illnesses that occur after the insurance is purchased, and several have wellness components. When evaluating the plans, check to see if pre-existing conditions are covered and whether there are breed or hereditary-condition restrictions or age-ofenrollment maximums. Ask if there are waiting periods. Several plans have a two-week waiting period before coverage is effective, and most restrict the coverage for hip dysplasia or knee problems. Remember, this is insurance, and the companies want you to enroll before there are problems.

There may be a maximum age at which you can enroll your pet. But a pet enrolled before said age may have the policy renewed for life. This helps keep the pool of healthier pets larger, pushing down the overall costs of the insurance plans.

Reimbursement for accidents or illnesses will generally include the exam fee, bloodwork, X-rays, medications, treatments, hospitalization, and surgery. Many plans even include rehabilitation services and alternative medicine modalities such as acupuncture or laser treatment.

You must navigate pre-existing conditions carefully. Read your pet’s full medical chart for any prior findings of abnormalities. If your pet has had a knee problem or skin disease or upper-respiratory infections, you may not be reimbursed for such problems in the future. Some companies will review your pet’s medical records in advance and detail any problems with coverage. I highly recommend such a service, especially if your pet is older or has had issues in the past.

Differences exist among plans. Some are comprehensive and cover everything, others only illness. Most plans have an

142 H Hillrag.com

annual deductible and possibly an annual or lifetime limit that is paid by the insurer. Ask what the deductibles are and if there is a per-incident or per-disease or per-condition deductible or reimbursement. It is usually best to avoid per-incident deductibles as these can limit the amount paid out, even if you meet your standard deductible. For example, the company will only pay $2,000 for a condition, but the actual bill is $3,000. You are left paying the difference. It is also important to be certain that, so long as you keep the policy in good standing, chronic conditions that develop while insured will continue to be covered every year.

Several companies offer wellness endorsements to their policies. There are disadvantages to wellness plans, but if you know how to navigate them you can save yourself a few dollars. They pay up to a certain amount for routine vaccinations, heartworm testing, preventives, and dental procedures.

A wellness plan works like a health savings plan: you put money in, and any payout is larger than what you put in, usually by 20 percent.

Although we don’t endorse a specific company or plan, we are happy to chat with you about insurance and your pet. Research what plan is best for you and your friend and feel free to ask us for advice.

Dan Teich, DVM, is at District Veterinary Hospital, 3748 10th St. NE, Washington, DC 20017; 202-827-1230 and desk@districtvet.com. ◆

you saw them in

Allen A. Flood, M.D. DERMATOLOGY •

• •

• •

DISEASES OF THE SKIN, HAIR AND NAILS SKIN CANCER SCREENING NARROW BAND UVB PHOTOTHERAPY -Psoriasis -Vitiligo BOTOX JUVEDERM FILLERS

• • • • • •

HAIR REMOVAL HAIR RESTORATION SPIDER VEINS SPIDER VEINS LEG VEINS LEG VEINS SKIN REJUVENATION SKIN REJUVENATION HYPERPIGMENTATION

LASER TREATMENTS

650 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. Suite 420 Washington, DC 20003 (202) 547-9090 (O) • (202) 547-9092 (F) May 2016 H 143

APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE 2016-2017 SCHOOL YEAR Apply for admissions at: www.myschooldc.org or call (202) 888-6336

Pre-K 3 through 4th grade

Building a strong foundation for learning

For the 2016-2017 school year Bridges PCS will be in our new location:

100 Gallatin St. NE, Washington, DC 20011.

www.bridgespcs.org 1250 Taylor Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011 p: 202.545.0515 Accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

Voted one of the Best Preschools in DC, City Paper Readers Poll 2013 -2016!

144 H Hillrag.com

N O T E B O O K

{kids & family}

by Kathleen Donner

Celebrate Mother’s Day at the Botanic Garden

Children of the Gospel Choir

Looking for a fun way to celebrate Mother’s Day? It is never too early to start planning a vegetable garden. On Sunday, May 8, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., bring your mother to the USBG. Help her design and plant her very own cook’s garden. Join nutritionist and cooking instructor Danielle Cook as she whips up two recipes to savor the bounty a garden brings. This is a drop-in program and appropriate for all ages. usbg.gov.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Music and Movement at Southeast Library

The young, talented singers of the Washington Performing Arts Children of the Gospel Choir and Children’s Chorus of Washington unite at the Lincoln Theatre on Sunday, May 1, 5 p.m., in celebration of the legacy of Founder and Artistic Director Joan Gregory. The program includes European and American classics as well as traditional spirituals and gospel songs. Tickets, starting at $25, are available at washingtonperformingarts.org or 202-785-9727.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Every Friday in May at 10 a.m., sing and dance at the Southeast Library music and movement time for children (newborn to 5) and their caregivers. This music time is dynamic and interactive. Free tickets, required due to limited space, are distributed beginning 30 minutes before. Have a group? Call 202-698-3372. Southeast Neighborhood Library is at 403 Seventh St. SE. 202-698-3377. dclibrary.org/southeast.

The 2016 Day of the Dog at Congressional Cemetery is on May 7, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The 5K begins at 9 a.m. near the east end of the cemetery. The kids run begins shortly after, at around 11:35 a.m. The untimed kids run is $10; and is a distance of about 2K. Register at congressionalcemetery.org.

Day of the Dog Kids Fun Run

Capitol Hill Classic Kids’ Fun Run The Capitol Hill Classic road races are a major annual fundraiser for the Capitol Hill Cluster School.

This 37th annual running of the Classic includes a 10K, a 3K and a kids’ Fun Run. It is the only race run exclusively on the roads of Capitol Hill. Approximately 3,500 people are expected to participate. The Fun Run is a single lap around Stanton Park (approximately a third of a mile). Parents are welcome to run with their children; all finishers will receive medals.

The race is on Sunday, May 15. Last day to register is May 8. capitolhillclassic.com.

Kids lead the pack at the start of the 3K race in the Capitol Hill Classic. Photo: Djenno Bacvic

May 2016 H 145

The Trial of the Big Bad Wolf!

“The Trial of the Big Bad Wolf,” the musical by Val Cheatham, is a lighthearted musical featuring a large cast of local children. It is the Anacostia Playhouse’s first all-youth production. With a cast that includes characters like The Weasels (the Wolf’s lawyers), Hogney Dangerfield (prosecutor), Prudence, Patience and Propriety Pig, plus the judge, jury and a wolf pack. Over 25 children who auditioned will be given the opportunity to participate. The production is directed by Renee Charlow.

Using music styles of the 1950s, Val Cheatham’s The Trial of the Big Bad Wolf is a comic version of what might have happened if the Wolf had been tried for his offenses against the three pigs. The music is fun, the characters are funny and will delight audiences of all ages. On stage at the Anacostia Playhouse, May 19 to 22. Tickets are $10 for adults; $5 for kids 16 and younger. anacostiaplayhouse.com.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Girls on the Run 5K at Anacostia Park Girls on the Run DC’s 10th anniversary spring 5K, is on Sunday, May 15 (rain or shine), at Anacostia Park. Celebrate the girls’ accomplishments. Run as a buddy runner or a community participant. Arrival is at 8:30 a.m., race and festivities at 9 to 9:45 a.m. and fun run at 10 a.m.

Register to run at gotrdc.org.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Capitol Movement: Free Hip Hop Classes There is a free Hip Hop class for ages 5 to 13, on Friday, June 3, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Results Gym DC, 315 G St. SE. There is a follow-up community showcase on June 4 at 7 p.m. featuring multitude of local bands, singers, dancers and painters

146 H Hillrag.com

at Woodrow Wilson High School.

Tickets are $15 to $25.

There is a CMI Kidz audition and training on Friday, June 10, 6:30 to 8 p.m., (ages 5 to 13) at Results Gym DC, 315 G St. SE. There is a CMI Pre-Professional Company audition on Friday, July 8, 6:30 to 9:15 p.m., featuring elite training and performances for aspiring dancers in Contemporary, Hip Hop, Jazz, Lyrical and Tap for ages 11 to 17 at Results Gym DC, 315 G St. SE. CapitolMovement.org.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Awesome Con at Convention Center Awesome Con, June 3 to 5, is DC’s own comic con. It celebrates all aspects of pop culture, including comic books, collectibles, toys, games, original art, cosplay and more. Awesome Con is one of the largest family-friendly events of its kind in the nation with a large area dedicated to kids programming and events including celebrity voice actors from Adventure Time on Cartoon Network, Guardians of the Galaxy on Disney XD, and the Skylanders video games. Don’t forget to join their kids costume parades, happening all three days. Awesome Con takes place at the Washington Convention Center. Tickets start at $35. Children 10 and under get in free when accompanied by a paid adult. The Walter E. Washington Convention Center is at 801 Mt Vernon Pl. NW. awesomecon.com.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kids Set Sail Kids Set Sail offers beginner and intermediate camp for 7 to 14-year old children over the course of eight one-week sessions throughout the summer. Young sailors with a broad range of experience share the same sessions. First session starts June 27; last session, Aug. 15.

DC Sail offers partial scholarships of $250 (final cost, $100) per

Enc Empowouraging e Imagin rment and Safe anation in a d Enviro Caring For Chnment ild Ages 3 ren -9 week to applicants who meet the criteria outlined in its scholarship application. The organization works on a case-by-case basis with those who need further assistance. Learn more and register at dcsail.org/youth-kss.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

One Destiny at Ford’s Learn about Lincoln’s assassination from two men who were there. Actor Harry Hawk and Ford’s Theatre co-owner Harry Ford revisit the events of April 14, 1865. Reconstructing the sequence of events, they grapple with the question: “Could John Wilkes Booth have been stopped?”

This 35-minute presentation explores the key facts of the assassination, capturing the emotions of that fateful night. This production is appropriate for ages 8 and up. Tickets are $5 to $10. In spring, One Destiny is offered six days a week; in summer, six evenings a week. Ford’s Theatre, 511 10th St. NW. 202-3474833. fords.org.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Wolf Trap’s Free Family Tickets Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts has announced Young at Arts, a new accessibility initiative designed to connect families with the performing arts. For select Summer 2016 shows, patrons may purchase one adult ticket and receive one free youth ticket, and up to a total of 10 tickets (five adults and five youth). For a complete listing of performance dates and program information, visit wolftrap.org/youngatarts.

Young at Arts tickets are available online, by phone or in person at Wolf Trap’s Box Office.

Tickets are available in the rearorchestra and/or the covered sec-

From June 20 - August 5, 2016 Younger children (ages 3-5) will enjoy performances, trips, picnics in the park, water play. Older ones (ages 6-10) will enjoy science classes, field trips, Labyrinth games, fitness classes, arts, weekly visits to the pool, gardening,cooking classes and more.

Register Now! Download applications at www.politepiggys.com Submit either at Maury Elementary School or Tyler Elementary School daily between 4pm-6pm Or Mail to PO Box 31215, WDC 20030

Flexible Scheduling: ages 3-5: ages 6-10:

Weekly $340 $370

Whole Day $68 $74

Half Day $46 $52

Drop In $73 $79

*25% sibling discount | *$100 registration fee | *Rate change due to DCPS Security Fee to use space.

More Info: 240-396-8957 ask for VanNessa www.politepiggys.com politepiggysdaycamp@yahoo.com

REGISTER FOR LESSONS AND SUMMER CAMPS NOW! 801 D St, NE

musiconthehilldc.com | (202) 733-3158 May 2016 H 147

{kids and family}

tions of the Filene Center as well as on the lawn.

“Youth” are defined as 17 and under, and must be accompanied by a parent, adult or other caregiver. All patrons, including infants, must be ticketed.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kids Run the Bases at Nat’s Park Kids, ages 4 to 12, can run the bases after select Nationals games. Kids Run the Bases begins immediately following the game, weather permitting. Dates this season are April 10 and 24; May 15 and 29; July 3, 17 and 24; Aug. 7, 14 and 28; and Sept. 11. An adult must accompany runners to the field. There must be one adult per child on the field. Starting at first base, kids will be directed to run around the bases while the adults continue along the warning track and meet the runners near home plate. Once the game has ended, it takes the grounds crew approximately 20 minutes to prepare the field. Kids and parents/guardians can begin lining up at the end of the seventh inning. However, fans who would like to stay and watch the entire game will still be able to line up once the game has ended. Participants must exit the ballpark through the Right Field Gate. The line forms outside of the park on the sidewalk along First Street SE. washington.nationals.mlb.com.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

$1 Hot Dogs and Giveaways at Nat’s Park On Tuesday, May 10, 7:05 p.m., at the game vs. the Tigers, purchase $1 hot dogs at select locations in the park.

There is a Bryce Harper MVP Bobblehead giveaway on Wednesday, May 11, 7:05 p.m. to first 25,000 fans; a Nationals Music Speaker giveaway on Saturday, May 14, 7:05 p.m. to the first 25,000 fans; and a Max Scherzer No-Hitter Bobblehead on Monday, May 23, 7:05 p.m. to the first 25,000 fans.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Renwick in Bloom Family Day Spring is in bloom at the Renwick Gallery! Create crafts that explore the various flowers that are in bloom, the trees that are budding and the bugs that are coming out. Music brings spring to life, and Smithsonian Gardens brings the blooms indoors with live plants and gardening ideas. Renwick in Bloom Family Day is on Saturday, May 14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Renwick is at Pennsylvania Ave. and 17th St. NW. americanart.si.edu.

148 H Hillrag.com

Americans have selected only 27 out of 11,000 plus proposals to change or amend the US Constitution. On Saturday, May 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., explore some of the successful and not so successful proposals. Learn how to change the Constitution. Attendees should use the National Archives Special Events entrance on Constitution Avenue at Seventh Street NW. archives.gov.

No Taxation Without Representation, cartoon

by Clifford Berryman, November 20, 1920, Records of the U.S. Senate Collection

Family Matters Annual Awards Gala The Family Matters of Greater Washington Annual Awards Gala is on Thursday, May 26, 6 to 10 p.m., Mayflower Renaissance Hotel, 1127 Connecticut Ave. NW. Attended by more than 300, the Gala includes live entertainment, a silent auction and live auction, and stirring testimonials from Family Matters’ clients. Tickets start at $250.

There will be an open bar cocktail reception, live entertainment and dancing, an exquisite threecourse meal and wine service during the meal.

For more information, contact Cynthia A. Davis, Chief Development Officer, on 202-289-1510 ext.

188 or email cdavis@familymattersdc.org.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Summer Transport Institute DDOT and Howard University are accepting applications for the Howard University Summer Transportation Institute (HUSTI). This program is designed to attract rising ninth and tenth grade students to career fields in transportation. HUSTI provides a stimulating introduction to all modes of transportation through hands-on projects, problem-solving techniques, field trips, and classroom enrichment activities. Participants will gain skills in mathematics, science and technology. The program runs June 27 to July 22, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., daily, at Howard University. The program is free to all

students and lunch is provided. To participate, students along with their parent or guardian must submit an application by May 6. Application materials and additional program information can be found at hutrc.howard.edu/index.php/hu-sti.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Girl Who Forgot to Sing Badly at the KC Peggy O’Hegarty and her parents are packers. They squeeze fruit into tins, foxes into boxes, even bikes into brown paper bags. All the while, Peggy sings with the voice of an angel - a grossly unfortunate angel who can’t sing at all. But one day, work stops working, and the jobs stop coming and Peggy steps outside to find that everyone in her city has gone.

In this one-man show, storyteller extraordinaire Louis Lovett unfolds his mysterious crate of delights to lead audiences on an untamed, epic adventure that crosses snowy lands and wild seas. As Peggy desperately tries to save the day - encountering a clever mouse called Hildegard, a rotten villain named Peter and several other fascinating characters along her travels - we learn about love, loss, the reassurance of goats and the courage to sing gloriously, on or off-key. Performances are May 20 to 22 at the Kennedy Center. Most enjoyed by ages 7, up. Tickets are $20. Performance is approximately one hour, with no intermission. kennedy-center.org.

Friends Community School Progressive Quaker Education Kindergarten - Grade 8

Experience the

Joy of Extraordinary

SUMMER CAMPS!

Nat Geo Kids Nat Geo Kids inspires young adventurers to explore the world through award-winning magazines, books, apps, games, toys, videos, events and a website. It is the only kids brand with a world-class scientific organization at its core. National Geographic Kids magazine (10 issues per year) and Little Kids magazine (six issues per year) are photo-driven publications that are available on newsstands or by subscription in print and on tablets. kids.nationalgeographic.com.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Explore the Past at DAR On Saturday, June 4, noon to 3 p.m., find out how people made clothes in the early days of America.

Brush and spin wool to make yarn.

Weave it into cloth. Examine a silkworm cocoon up close and personal. Free, drop-in; optional registration to ensure enough supplies is at dar.org. Daughters of the American Revolution Headquarters is at 1776 D St. NW. 202-628-1776. dar.org.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Wizard of Oz This new production of The Wizard of Oz is an adaptation of the all-time classic, totally reconceived for the stage. Developed from the ever popular MGM screenplay, this production contains the beloved songs from the Oscar-winning movie score, all the favorite characters and iconic moments, plus a few surprises along the way including new songs by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Click your heels together and join Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Dorothy and her little dog Toto, in a journey through the magical land of Oz. Watch out for the Wicked Witch of the West and her winged monkeys. The Wizard of Oz is at The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., May 3 to 15. thenationaldc.org.

NSO Kinderclassics: Fancy That!

On Saturday, May 14, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., at the Kennedy Center, graphic artist Marie Cheek joins NSO violinist Marissa Regni onstage to help illustrate the idea of “decorating” your music in a unique, visual way. NSO Kinderclassics are most enjoyed by ages 4 and up. Performances are 50 minutes with no intermission. Tickets are $20.

Come early for the Musical Instrument “Petting Zoo.” Starting one hour before each Kinderclassic, this hands-on activity in the Kennedy Center Hall of States gives children a chance to get up close with the instruments they’ll see played on stage from violins and trumpets to oboes and flutes. kennedy-center.org.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

June 13 through August 12, 2016 SCIENCE, NATURE, ARTS, MUSIC, DANCES, CODING, FILMMAKING, LANGUAGE IMMERSION, THEATER, SPORTS, ROBOTICS, HARRY POTTER, and more!

• • •

Early Registratio n Discounts!

Dynamic teachers and age-appropriate groups Extended Day enrichment activities.

Silver LEED “green” school, 17 acres, next to Greenbelt Park.

For details: www.friendscommunityschool.org

5901 Westchester Park Drive, College Park, MD 20740 Tel: 301.441.2100

Only 15-20 minutes up the Baltimore-Washington Parkway!

Jazz ‘n Families Fun Days at the Phillips Save the dates, June 4 and 5, for the Phillips annual free weekend featuring live jazz performances throughout the museum. The weekend features musicians improvising to paintings in the galleries; art-making workshop with jazz-inspired activities; an instrument petting zoo; a documentary film screening; a scavenger hunt through the galleries; gallery talks; storytelling; and a Museum Shop tent sale. phillipscollection.org.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lavender Retreat Offers Free MOTH Wellness Wednesdays MOTH (moms on the hill) can enjoy a massage, skin therapies and many new services like Auricular Acupuncture, Naturopathic Doctors, Homeopathic and Chair Massage free every fourth Wednesday, 10 a.m to noon, at Lavender Retreat, 1236 Penn Ave. SE. Reach them at 202-450-2339.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------Have an item for the Kids & Family Notebook? Email bulletinboard@hillrag. com. u

May 2016 H 149

School Notes

by Susan Braun Johnson

Brent Elementary Celebrating Health and Fitness Day Brent’s first annual Health and Fitness Day was a huge success! The morning kicked off with an energetic meeting filled with dance performances, circus acts, and a surprise flash mob performed by Brent’s amazing and talented staff.

Students had the opportunity to engage in two interactive sessions where they learned about nutrition, participated in fitness classes, and focused on positive thinking and well-being. The fun-filled morning concluded with an all-school community picnic in X Park.

Brent to Host Ward 6 Bird Count - May 7 Brent will be hosting the first ever Ward 6 Spring Bird Count for Kids on May 7, from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at Brent Elementary located at 301 North Carolina Ave SE. For fans of the very popular New Year’s Bird Count for Kids, this will be a very familiar event, except that the weather will be nicer, the birds more varied and Ward 6 is invited. Please visit www.brentelementary.org for more information.

Brent Elementary is located at 301 North Carolina Ave SE. Call: 202-6983363 or check out their website for more information: www.brentelementary. org. - Denise Diggs. u

Two Rivers Public Charter School Overcoming the Fear of Spiders Through Expeditions Two Rivers PCS uses EL Education, an educational model that emphasizes interactive, hands-on, projectbased learning.

Every student participates in an expedition to explore social studies and science content and make real-world connections that inspire higher levels of academic achievement. This spring, the first graders are investigating and learning about spiders.

They have identified a problem: many people kill spiders because they First grader Kamen points to his favorite spider. think spiders are dangerous, scary, or Two Rivers at Young, 820 26th St. NE. even gross! A fear of spiders often stems from a lack of information - people don’t know the truth about spiders. The students have challenged themselves to change the way people think about spiders.

The spider expeditions involve students in original research, critical thinking, and problem solving through field studies to the Natural History Museum, U.S. National Arboretum, and Watkins Nature Center. The first graders become arachnologists with a good understanding of spiders - from their habitat, behavior, and diet to their cephalothorax, Pedi palps, and exoskeleton. In

150 H Hillrag.com

Brent’s Health and Fitness Day Circus Station

June, the students will participate in a showcase to present the results of their expeditions and detail the progression of their work.

Two Rivers Public Charter School has three schools located at 1227 4th St NE (elementary school); 1234 4th St NE (middle school); and 820 26th St NE (elementary school). Follow us @TwoRiversPCS on Twitter and Facebook. Questions? Call 202-546-4477, email info@tworiverspcs.org, or visit www.tworiverspcs.org. - Chantele Martin. u

School Within School SWS & Cornerstones’ Bike Riding Program The second grade class at School Within School spent a beautiful afternoon riding bikes around Capitol Hill, then stopped

by Lincoln Park to eat a picnic lunch they’d prepared in the school FRESHFARM FoodPrints kitchen and a massive game of tag. The picnic was trash-free so they only used recyclable containers as part of the school’s environmental literacy efforts.

This fun and healthy day was the culmination of a month-long bicycle unit sponsored by D.C. Public Schools. This year’s students are the first class to take part in the new Cornerstones program that aims to teach every second-grader across

SWS Bikers Enjoying the Ride

the city how to ride a bicycle.

The program taught skills, confidence and bike safety, said SWS physical education teacher Andrew Chapman. Some of the kids had been riding for years, and some were just learning.

Chapman said he saw all of the kids improve during the month, and particularly big strides in many of the beginning riders.

Throughout the month, students were instructed on how to wear a helmet, check if a bike is working properly, use hand signals and other rules for riding safely around the city.

School within School is located at 920 F St NE. Call 202727-7377 or visit www.schoolwithinschool.org for more information. - Allison Klein. u

Cluster School Lion King Jr. The Capitol Hill Cluster School will perform the classic musical, The Lion King Jr, on May 20 and 21. Students from all three campuses will sing and dance their way into the community’s hearts as Simba, Nala and the whole cast of this fabulous musical. Featuring audience pleasers like “They Live in You” and “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King,” a dazzling set, and performances at 6 p.m. on Friday and 2 and 6 p.m. Saturday, this musical will be a hit. Tickets are on sale now at Peabody Elementary and Stuart-Hobson Middle School.

Don’t miss this family-friendly favorite in Stuart-Hobson Middle School’s auditorium at 410 E St. NE. u

Peabody Early Childhood School The theme of the Peabody PreK4 students’ visit to the Na-

MAKE YOUR PET A STAR! Send us your favorite pet photos for a chance at fame and fortune and prizes! Winning entries will be published in the July Hill Rag, our Special Pet Issue, and on our website at www.hillrag.com.

In addition,winners receive gift certificates and prizes from our partners.

TO ENTER • Send photos to 224 7th St., SE, Washington, DC (Attention Pet Contest 2016) OR E-mail to pets@hillrag.com (make sure your photo is over 300 dpi).

• Maximum of two photos per entry. Include your name, a phone number, the name of your pet, a caption for the photo and/or category.

• Photos cannot be returned.

CATEGORIES Best Overall Photo | Best Cat Photo | Best Dog Photo Loveliest | Cutest | Funniest | Cleverest Caption Best Buddies (human & pet) | Best Buddies (pets) Most Laid Back | Most Unusual

May 2016 H 151

Peabody students try their hands at landscapes at the National Gallery of Art

tional Gallery of Art on April 7 was “Sky Tales.” Docents asked students what they observed in the paintings “White Poodle in a Punt” by George Stubbs, “The River Landscape with Cows” by Aelbert Cuyp, and “The Shipwreck” by Claude Joseph Vernet with a special focus on the sky in each painting. After discussing the skies in these famous works, the children had a great time sketching their own landscapes while stretched out on the floor of the museum. u

Watkins Elementary School Watkins Elementary School students are studying impressionist painters and paintings. In first and second grades, students are looking at the world of Claude Monet, known as the father of Impressionism. They are studying impressionist painters’ bold use of colors; focus on the effect light has on colors, and interest in immersing themselves in the world of their paintings. These students enjoyed a virtual field trip to Monet’s gardens and are now creating their own drawings immersed in the gardens at Watkins Elementary School. Fourth and fifth grad-

152 H Hillrag.com

ers are exploring how impressionist paintings differ from traditional paintings. u

Stuart-Hobson Middle School Six Stuart-Hobson Middle School sixth graders represented the interests of Bolivia and France in the Model United Nations Conference Climate negotiations on April 8 at the U.S. State Department. Middle school students from across the region engaged in topics ranging from the environment to disarmament and international security, trade and development, and education and science. Stuart-Hobson Middle School students Jamie Morris, Leila Nelson, Ella Osdoba, Jordane Rhett, Colin Roman, and Chloe Smith, participated in the UN Environment Programme talks, securing an agreement to contribute funds to Egypt for water filters in exchange for clean water for Bolivia.

The Capitol Hill Cluster School’s website is www.capitolhillclusterschool.org and features weekly updates for all three campuses. Peabody is located at 425 C St. NE. Watkins is located at

Y A A W W D D A A O RO BR e on th

HILL!

/ Ages 5-12 ing Arts Camp 6-week Perform / Acting, Dance and Music y 29 reet NE) hool (920 F St June 20–JulSc hool Within Sc Located at

tes gram culmina ily fam 6 week-long pro This exciting, ner theatre performance – din g sin clo a in invited! and friends are

420 12th St. SE. Stuart-Hobson is located at 410 E St. NE. FB/CHCS.DC; twitter. com/CHCSPTA. u

Capitol Hill Day School Poets, Hoopsters, Bidders, and Learners In April, Capitol Hill Day School celebrated several beloved traditions, including Poetry Night and the annual eighth graders vs. faculty, board and staff basketball game, at which the eighth graders eked out a victory in the final seconds. On April 15, the annual auction at National Airport was a night of good food, great fun, and fundraising; and on April 26, parent candidates were elected to fill open seats on the Board of Trustees.

Teen Alcohol Education Parent and faculty education opportunities in April included strategies for reining in overspending, and helping teens avoid alcohol and drugs as they navigate social life during high school.

Research points to parental involvement as the single most important factor in an adolescent’s relationship to alcohol. Brenda Conlan, a well-known health educator, met with parents and middle school students to discuss alcohol and drug use. Parents learned effective communication strategies, and how to support children by being an ally rather than a friend, setting boundaries and creating an environment that helps them to choose abstinence.

Overspending Prevention Economic journalist Brett Graff, author of Not Buying It: Stop Overspending and Start Raising Happier, Healthier, More Successful Kids, discussed how parental overspending on baby gear, “educational” toys, and private coaches often leads to emotional and intellectual setbacks for their children, and encourages narcissism and depression. Graff offered ways to create a realistic financial strategy and avoid spending based on fear, peer pressure, or confusion.

Monday–Friday, 9:00am–5:30pm $1950 for 6 weeks ($325 per week) No extra charge for early drop off at 8:00 am or late pickup at 6:00 pm • Fun Rehearsals • Acting & Improvisation Games • Choreography • Music

• Character Creation • Scene Building • Set Designs • And More

performing arts camp

Register/Info at: 202-316-2258 www.sugarfoots.com/camp

you saw them in

CHDS eighth graders on their way to defeating the Board & Faculty Team.

Photo: Antoinette Hardy-Jones.

May 2016 H 153

{kids and family}

how to select a class pet to whether the school should have a baseball or basketball team. They provided an opportunity to go through an analytic process and use data to come to a conclusion. “The work for this project is complex and involved,” said Brighid Willson, one of the teachers who guided students through the project. “The goal is that the students complete the work independently as much as possible. The final results are projects that the students are very proud of, know well and present with poise and confidence.”

Students found the project to be very meaningful. “The problem solvers project gives our students the chance to gain an understanding that real-world problems don’t have immediate solutions,” said Donald Richardson, who led the project with Willson. “They enjoyed working on a project that they came up with on their own.”

Fun Run Open May 14

Fourth grade Friends Community School students Izzy Petty, Zengo Rosenthal, Nate Gorham, Gabi Suescum and Emily Erickson, all of whom live on Capitol Hill, display their Problem Solvers posters at a presentation at the school last month.

Grandparents & Grand Friends Day CHDS will kick off May with Grandparents and Grand Friends Day on the morning of May 6 and the all School Performing Arts Festival at 7 p.m. that evening.

Capitol Hill Day School is located at 210 South Carolina Ave. SE. To learn more visit www.chds.org call 202-386-9919 or www. facebook.com/CapitolHillDaySchool. -Jane Angarola. u

Ludlow-Taylor Elementary School Going once, going twice, SOLD! On June 4 from 7 to 10 p.m., Ludlow-Taylor will present The Spring Auction: A Taste for the Arts at the Atlas Performing Arts Center located at 1333 H St NE. Join in for art, music, food and drinks and help show appreciation for Ludlow-Taylor’s teachers and staff and raise money to support the school! Amazing items will be available for bid, including Disney Park Hopper Passes, a family membership to the Capitol Skyline Pool, Washington Nationals tickets, fitness memberships, and much more. Visit http://bit.do/ltes-taste beginning May 1 to purchase tickets and begin bidding on auction items.

154 H Hillrag.com

A Taste for the Arts depends on generous support from the Capitol Hill community. To donate items or get more information about the event, contact Melissa Sellevaag at melissa.sellevaag@gmail.com, or visit https://www. facebook.com/LudlowTaylor/.

Want to learn more about what makes Ludlow-Taylor and its students so great?

Come to an open house at the school on May 19 at 9:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Ludlow-Taylor Elementary School is located at 659 G St. NE, www.facebook.com/ LudlowTaylor. Tyler Akagi. u

FCS will host its third annual Fun Run Saturday, May 14 at 9:30 a.m. at Schrom Hill Park in Greenbelt, MD. The Fun Run is a non-competitive jog-a-thon for all children ages 5-15 designed to demonstrate the joy of running and to promote fitness and healthy lifestyles in youth.

Children will run, jog or walk as many laps as they can around a short course for 30 minutes, followed by field games and refreshments. The registration fee is $10 per child and sponsorships are encouraged to help raise money for the school. The Fun Run is being organized by Pilar Sues-

Friends Community School Students Present Problem Solvers Projects Fourth grade Students at Friends Community School (FCS) presented their Problems Solvers projects in a poster session at the school last month. The projects, part of the math curriculum, required students to choose a problem, propose two possible solutions and evaluate both solutions using data they collected.

Students then selected one of the solutions and prepared a poster to display their work.

Problems reflected student interests and ranged from the best way to fix an icemaker to

Maury students confer during mathematics competition

cum, a Capitol Hill parent of two FCS students. More information is available at friendscommunityschool.org/Page/Fun-Run. Fr i e n d s C o m mu ni t y School is a progressive, Quaker kindergarten to eighth grade school located in College Park, MD that educates students of all beliefs including nearly 30 from Capitol Hill. It is located at 5901 Westchester Park Drive, College Park, MD. Visit www. friendscommunityschool.org. Eric Rosenthal. u

Maury Elementary It’s Mathademics Five teams competed in this annual mathematics extravaganza: ‘Remainder of 1’, ‘Divide and Conquer’, ‘Odd Fellows’, ‘Area Avengers’ and ‘Fierce Factors’.

The contest was hard fought, with plenty of tricky questions, but Coach Mentzer‘s Divide and Conquer edged out their op-

The only full service toddler/preschool Montessori program on Capitol Hill Rolling Admissions Ages 24 months to 5 years old

Montessori and More •

Certified Montessori teachers

•

Weekdays, 8 AM to 3 PM

•

Accredited extended program 3pm-6 pm

•

Yoga, Music, outdoor play and Spanish are part of our Montessori curriculum

Fully licensed by the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) for over 13 years!

We follow strict guidelines and procedures with regard to safety, security, comfort, and health of our children.

Summer Camp 2016!

International Preschool Style/Montessori in spirit, designed for summer fun • Water days • Children’s environment for imagination and adventure • Week long themed activities

• Licensed, accredited teachers (not camp counselors) • Weekly enrollment

Schedule an Observation! 703.945.0408 Capitol Hill Campus: 1325 Maryland Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002 www.nestars.net • northeaststarsmontessori.nes@gmail.com Like us on Facebook | Northeast Stars Montessori

Offering a NEW HALF DAY PROGRAM in addition to our regular program • ½ day program is integrated into our Montessori curriculum and classroom, taught by our certified Montessori teachers.

• Children do not need to be potty trained. • $890 per month

24 months to 5 years old 8 AM-12 PM. STARTS FEB. 8 May 2016 H 155

{kids and family}

ponents. Team T-shirts were contributed by Heather Schoell, a Hill Realtor and mother of two Maury alumnae, and gift cards for the first through third place winners were donated by Labyrinth Games and Puzzles.

Bowls for Goals The final fundraiser for the fifth grade trip to Space Camp was a huge success. Students in Lauren Bomba’s art class created over 150 handmade ceramic bowls and sold them at an old-fashioned ice cream social. Choosing a favorite was an agonizing decision, as each seemed cleverer or more charming than the last. Then ice cream and toppings were scooped into each purchase and the sweet treat was enjoyed in truly unique dishes.

Spinning and Frogging It’s spring and a fiber enthusiast’s thoughts turn to – shearing sheep. Maury students are studying the various properties of fibers - flammability, strength, softness, warmth, and ability to accept dye, even smell - in a hands-on exploration of animal, plant and synthetic fabrics. They are also learning how garments are made by spinning and felting wool fibers then deconstructing sweaters in a process called “frogging”. The reclaimed yarn will be dyed using Kool-Aid and used for future knitting projects. Fun fact: knitting a sweater using new cashmere yarn could cost about $600 but by using recycled yarn, it can be done for less than $10.

Maury Elementary is located at 1250 Constitution Ave., NE. Call them at 202-698-3838 or visit mauryelementary.com for additional information. - Elizabeth Nelson. u

Payne Elementary Who is D.C.?

It would be difficult not to notice construction, sale signs and increased traffic in the Capitol Hill community signaling growth. But who are these new residents?

Who is already here? Would they identify as a DC local or native? Who is DC? This question was explored in a collaboration of students from a public elementary school in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of SE – Payne ES – and a private middle school in the Cleveland Park area of NW – Washington International School.

Each school was challenged to come up with a definition of what it means to be a Washingtonian and identify what characteristics they would possess.

The research was enlightening and its findings just as interesting. Students learned that everyone has a definition of what it takes to be a Washingtonian,

156 H Hillrag.com

but those definitions are not always the same. They learned that the definitions differed based on influences such as personal experiences, family, where one lives, culture as well as history within the metropolitan area.

In the end, with all the data collected, it was determined: A Washingtonian is a person who was born and raised in DC… [is] someone who respects and acknowledges the different cultures and is an active member of the community and knows politics, food and DC fashion trends. They also understand the how to travel in different quadrants of city and can drive, catch public transportation or walk to a destination. These social scientists are proud Washingtonians who’ll have a bright future ahead of them in the Nation’s Capital!

Mara Wilson, Arts Technology Teacher, Washington International School and Mary Fitzhugh-Johnson, Fifth Grade Teacher, Payne ES. Payne Elementary School is at 1445 C St, SE. For more information check out www.paynedc.org; Facebook: PayneES; Instagram: PayneDCPS; Twitter: @PayneDCPS and @PrincipalPayne. u

St. Peter School St. Peter School Community Hits the Links The third annual St. Peter Golf Classic proved to be another great day on the links at the Country Club of Woodmore (consistently rated as a Golf Digest Top 10 Course in MD). The Classic brought together members of the St. Peter School community for an afternoon of on the greens to raise funds to benefit the school and assist with scholarships, improvements facility improvements, and curriculum development.

The 18-hole golf event included lunch and a post golf awards reception. Fore!

Field Day Barbecue with Dads Students celebrated the end of the school term with another great field day topped off with a barbecue put on by school dads. Students and faculty enjoying rounds of capture-the-flag, relay races and a massive tug-of-war battle before sharing lunch grilled up by a corps of St. Peter School dad volunteers. The highlight of the day was enjoying frozen treats and the annual eighth grade-faculty basketball game. Now it’s time for a well-earned summer break for students, teachers and faculty! –Sally Aman.

St. Peter School is located at 422 Third St, SE. Call 202-544-1618 or log on to www.stpeterschooldc. org for more information. u

Miner Elementary School Field Trips Galore Miner students continue to learn on the go, with field trips to the White House, the Washington Monument, and a local “field trip” to the Anacostia River Trail by bicycle! Second graders at Miner all learned to ride bikes and took to the streets on April 29 to show off their two-wheeling skills.

Welcome New Families The Miner community is excited to welcome new families entering for next school year, and hosted one of many new family playdates last month. In May, new students are invited to come meet their future classmates on Sunday, May 22 from 10 a.m. to noon. For more information, or to be added to the mailing list at Miner, email minerpto@gmail.com.

Get Your Hands Dirty In Miner’s Garden Join garden partners, Cultivate the City, and Miner’s parent community

for a monthly garden work day, May 22 from 10am to 1pm. All are welcome to play on the playground or play in the dirt as the garden is prepared for a full year of learning, starting fall 2016.

Eliot-Hine EH Students on News Channel 7 Leon Harris of ABC7 News was interviewed last month by Eliot-Hine’s broadcast students. He brought his own camera to the taping, and on April 13, aired a segment on their professionalism and their journey to interview President Obama.

Extreme Bathroom Makeover!

Over Spring Break, Eliot-Hine’s second floor bathrooms got an extreme makeover, including murals, mirrors, fresh paint, and a planter boxes of succulents. The students are especially appreciative of the mirrors! A huge thanks goes to future Eliot-Hine parents Suzanne Wells and Kristina Vidal, as well as Jackie Sink and the Capitol Hill Community Foundation.

Note from the Asst. Principal

Miner Students Enjoy a Tour of the White House.

The Advisory program has been immensely successful in engaging students in small group activities centered on college- and career-readiness. The program uses the College & Career Clubs curriculum in small, homogenous, weekly club meetings that allow students to focus on building knowledge, relationships, and character. The seventh grade cohort in particular has benefitted greatly from the program as their weekly lessons have included college selection and the admissions process, financial planning for college, employability, and career options. Additionally, they have been able to demonstrate their knowledge and see their lessons in action with college tours to George Mason University, Hampton Univer-

May 2016 H 157

{kids and family}

Eliot-Hine broadcast students with News Channel 7’s Leon Harris.

sity, and Norfolk State University. As the school year winds up to phenomenal finish, Eliot-Hine will continue to SOAR to excellence by providing opportunities like these to our students, ensuring each a positive and productive future. ~ Joscelin.Lockhart@dc.gov

Upcoming Community Events at Eliot-Hine

DC International School April was a spectacular month for DCI! DCI was voted runner-up for the Washington City Paper’s Best Middle School in DC, made it to the third and final! round of the XQ Super School Project competition, and became authorized as an IB World School in record time. These

achievements all show that DCI is flourishing into an innovative, inquiry-based community where children can thrive.

Providing and International Baccalaureate education is central to DCI’s educational goals. This IB certification: • Guarantees a high quality, ‘world class’ program of education, which supports development of knowledgeable, inquiring, lifelong learners • Gives DCI greater access to professional development that supports effective teaching in the school • Grants DCI a place in a worldwide network of highly respected IB World Schools (5000+ and counting), working together to share best practices.

James and the Giant Peach In April, DCI hosted the second annual school play, James and the Giant Peach. The play was student-produced, directed, and acted; also, all sets and props were designed and created by the DCI theater club.

DCI is proud to give talented kids the opportunities to thrive both in and out of the classroom.

Blyth-Templeton Academy Ideas in 3-D Blyth-Templeton Academy students marvel as their designs come to life on the 3-D printers at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library’s Fab Lab. Students visited this new facility to learn how they can apply mathematical concepts learned in class.

This truly was an exciting final experience for a term spent studying various mathematical and scientific concepts. Students were able to experiment on their own and witness how their ideas could actually become a reality.

Blyth-Templeton Academy is located at 921 Pennsylvania Ave, SE. For more information, check out the following sites: www.blythtempleton.org Twitter: @blythtempleton; Instagram: /blythtempleton Facebook: /blythtempletonacademy; www. linkedin.com/company/blyth-templeton-academy. -Jennifer Rivers. u

Friendship Technology Preparatory Academy

• It’s time to enroll! Come by any Tues. morning for a school tour.

• May 4, Career Day, 9 to 11:30 a.m. Register at http://bit. ly/1S42UhG. • May 11, PTO Meeting at 6 p.m. All are welcome.

• May 19, SIT Team Meeting RE Watkins’ Swing Space at 6 p.m.

Eliot-Hine IB Middle School, Principal Tynika Young, 1830 Constitution Ave. NE, WDC 20002 | 202-939-5380 | @EliotHine FB Eliot-Hine. Heather Schoell. u DCI students perform in James and the Giant Peach.

158 H Hillrag.com

DC International School can be found at 3220 16th St NW. For more information log on to:FBfacebook. com/DCInternationalSchool; Twitter: @DCISchool; www.dcinternationalschool.org. Lauren Games. u

In March the Friendship Technology Preparatory Academy (Tech Prep) hosted a delivery robot demonstration inside the high school campus. Developed by Starship Technologies, whose founders were also the chief technical architects behind streaming live feed video, Skype, the delivery robots are designed to transport parcels along the sidewalk and cut consumer costs of package delivery. Termed Sustainable Delivery Devices (SSD), the self-driving robots are electricallypowered and emit zero CO2.

Student Led Conferences at Capital City Public Charter School

Capital City Public Charter School … and Food Justice for All!

Blyth-Templeton students use 3 D Printers at the MLK Fab Lab.

Friendship scholars who excelled in their drone engineering class presented their projects to the Chief Operating Officer of Starship, Allan Martinson and will be followed by a demonstration of the SSD to drive throughout the school. With two pilot programs already operational in Europe, the District of Columbia may become the first jurisdiction in the country to host a fleet of delivery robots.

Starship presented scholarship funds at the event in what is hoped will be a strong partnership into the future.

Friendship’s Tech Prep specializes in STEM—science, technology, engineering and math—disciplines with an emphasis on the emerging field of environmental sciences. Situated in a brand new $18.1 million building, this college preparatory high school aims to introduce students to the technologies of tomorrow today.

With an on-time high school graduation rate significantly higher than the traditional system and the district’s charter school average, Tech Prep students are poised for success.

Friendship Tech Prep is located at 645 Milwaukee Place SE. For more information please visit friendshipschools.org. u

“Don’t Eat it! Just Beet it!” and “Can You Taste the GMO?,” are just some of the creative titles from Capital City Public Charter School’s student-led 2nd Annual Food Justice Youth Summit held on April 7th at the Friends Meeting House. The summit attracted nearly 200 attendees and was the culminating event of students’ interdisciplinary study about the global and local impact of food on communities. Organized to increase public awareness, the summit gave Capital City’s 11th grade students and partner organizations and schools a chance to share their findings with an authentic audience and to network with other local youth activists, who are part of the city’s growing food justice movement.

Students from Cardozo High School, Eastern High School, Friendship Technology Preparatory Academy, the Latin American Youth Center, and Thurgood Marshall Academy Public Charter School also attended this year’s event. Students at Eastern High School also served as presenters for the first year.

The summit was made possible thanks to collaboration from DC Greens, City Blossoms, Dreaming Out Loud, and MLJ Event Management.

CCPCS Spring Fair May 21

Tech Prep Students Showcase Robotic Skills.

Interested in finding out more about Capital City PCS? Visit the school’s annual Spring Fair at 100 Peabody St, NW on Saturday, May 21st, from 11 a.m. till 3 p.m. for a fun family event with games, sports, activities, face painting, food (for sale), and more.

Capital City Public Charter School is located at 100 Peabody St, NW. For more information visit www.ccpcs.org ; FB: www.facebook.com/CapitalCityPCS Twitter: https://twitter.com/CapitalCityPCS Karolina Babic. u

May 2016 H 159

160 H Hillrag.com

{home & garden}

The Most Loved Flower

Pink roses cascade over fence along Independence Avenue and 8th Street, S.E.

Article and Photos By Rindy O’Brien

T

he month of May, jam-packed with proms and Mothers’ Day celebrations, is synonymous with roses. Whether we grow our own, or buy stems at Eastern Market, the rose remains the most loved flower of all for many of us.

Many do not know that the rose is the official flower of DC. ‘American Beauty’ became the District’s flower in 1925, when it was the most cultivated rose in the US. This hybrid rose originated in France, and its individual stems featuring red buds were highly sought after by florists. Indeed, the American Beauty was so much in demand that it became extinct and is no longer available to buy. But, not to worry as there are plenty of other roses to bring beauty to your garden.

Can a Beginner Grow a Rose?

As much as we all love the rose, there is a lot of trepidation about planting them. The concerns include the cost of a rose plant, thorns, mildew, black spots, the type of soil needed, and often the care and maintenance of the shrub. Let’s face it: if you put in a row of marigolds and geraniums, you don’t face these issues.

Stefan Lura, botanist at the US National Arboretum and long-time rose gardener, says that people who shy away from roses are missing out on one of the most forgiving plants in the garden. With a little bit of research and patience, Lura tells us, the rose can be the long-lasting star of your garden. He especially likes that many roses repeatedly bloom RIGHT: Red roses brighten the front yard and accent the stone statue in summer on North Carolina Aven, S.E.

May 2016 H 161

Keith Roofing

EXPERT WORKMANSHIP AT REASONABLE PRICES! Residential/Commercial • Over 40 years of Experience Chimney Repairs • Storm & Wind Damage Repair

• New or Re-Roofing • Tear-Off & Replacement • Flat Roof Specialist • Copper, Tin, Sheet Metal & Rolled • Seamless & Flat Roofs • Re-Sealing • Tar, Asphalt, Gravel, Hot Coats • Modified Bitumen Insurance Claims • Free Estimates • 24Hr. Service

Fully Insured • Licensed • Bonded “No Job Too Large or Small” Senior & Military Discounts Available!

202-486-7359

All Work Inspected by Owner...Deals Directly with Customers!

All Work Fully Guaranteed

WANT TO PLACE A

CLASSIFIED? Call Carolina 202-400-3503

or email Carolina@hillrag.com for more information on advertising.

SUBURBAN

WELDING COMPANY® www.suburbanweldingcompany.com See What an Experienced Ironwork Company Can Do on Our Newly Expanded Website!

• 24 Hour, Seven Day Service • Free Estimates • Over 40 Years of Experience

703.765.9344

162 H Hillrag.com

Great selections of pruners are available at Frager’s Garden Center. Find a pair that fits your hands and needs.

later in the summer, giving gardens great color when all our other flowers are past their prime.

Lura lived on Capitol Hill for more than four years when he first came to DC and says he definitely thinks Hill gardens can be a great place to grow roses. His first piece of advice is to research what kind of roses are growing in gardens around you. There are many books, blogs, and magazine articles to provide information, but getting firsthand advice is even better.

There are simple questions that need to be considered such as how big the rose shrub will grow; the size and color of the flower; and whether fragrance is important. Of course, with any plant you buy, knowing the type of soil it will be planted in and the kind of sunlight the space gets daily are essential facts that determine whether or not the plant will thrive in your garden. But, lucky for beginning gardeners, some new breeds make growing roses almost fool proof.

One of the new breeds is named the knockout-rose. The knock- out-rose was created by William Radler who spent years playing around with roses in his basement in Minnesota. He was looking to breed easy-to-grow new roses that were extremely disease-resistant, drought-tolerant and ever blooming. In 2000, the All American Rose Selection committee named his red knock out shrub rose bush its winner. In 2015, some three and half million knock out roses were sold. It holds the record for the most roses sold of any kind.

The plant is hardy, and blooms throughout the summer. It now comes in many differ-

David Austin roses are favorites for their fragrance and nostalgic appeal.

ent varieties, and the parent company, Star, is working on breeding a knock out with fragrance.

Hands down, the knock out rose can be a safe bet in starting your rose garden. It is available in almost any nursery or garden center. Frager’s Garden Center and Gingko’s have a number of them available this season.

German and English Breeders Give Us Refined Roses For more experienced gardeners or the adventurous first timer, the knock out rose is just too pedestrian. Lura cautions rose lovers to wait a season or two before buying newly released roses. And, if you are really looking for exemplary brands he highly suggests W. Kordes’ Sons, based in Germany. The company is one of the most innovative rose breeders and growers, and responsible for the early flowering roses as well as a wide variety of floribunda roses. While they do not distribute directly, they can be purchased through nurseries or online.

English rose breeder, David Austin, has provided roses to the world for years. Fragers Garden Center has carried the Austin roses for the past few seasons. Among the 157 pots of roses that have arrived this spring, there are a number Austin roses, including climbers and tea hybrids. As rose experts know, the David Austin roses are well known for their romantic and fragrant varieties. Better still, Austin roses are proven favorites in Capitol Hill gardens.

Another of Lura’s favorites is the ‘Perle d Or’ rose, an old variety started in 1878 that, in his words, has “amazing healthy foliage, and

Standard Cleaning Services continuous sprays of peach-colored sweetheart roses with a great honey-like perfume.” It is also known as the buttonhole rose, because of its small buds. Another rose mentioned by a number of local rose gardeners in blogs is ‘Darlow’s Enigma’. The rose gives off a spicy perfume in the morning and attracts a lot of bees. The only downside to the climbing rose with a beautiful white flower is that it can grow to eight feet high unless pruned to size.

Overcoming the Pruning Phobia Rose experts all agree that pruning is really not a problem because it is very hard to kill a rose shrub by bad pruning. As Lura says, the rose bush is very forgiving. ‘One year of bad pruning is not going to kill your rose bush.”

Investing in a good pair of pruning shears is important. Every garden center including Jenkins and Sons on Bladensburg Road NE, Gingko Gardens, and Frager’s Garden Center carry a variety of styles of pruners at affordable prices. If you are a beginning gardener and only have a few bushes, it is perfectly fine to buy pruners on the lower end of the price range. Making sure that the blades are sharp, and the pruner fits easily into your hand are key to finding the right tool to keep your roses happy.

Spring is the perfect time to plant your roses and wait for all the wonderful benefits that this timeless flower brings. So, go ahead and do something beautiful for you and your neighborhood.

Over15 years Serving Capitol Hill

$20 OFF First Cleaning 50% OFF cleaning after 6 visits* *New Customers

Daily * Weekly * Biweekly * Monthly Quality Professional Cleaning Affordable Rates Pet and Family Friendly Residential & Commercial Locally Owned References Upon Request Bonded and Insured

703-719-9850 703-447-9254 standardcleaningservicesinc.com aviera3939@aol.com

Rindy O’Brien is a long time resident and gardener on Capitol Hill.

Comments or Questions can be sent to rindyobrien@gmail.com u

May 2016 H 163

{home and garden}

Hey, DC. Rebates Abound at the DCSEU!

T

here are many perks to living in DC, but did you know that as a DC resident or business you also qualify for rebates for purchasing energy-saving appliances, cooling and heating systems, and lighting – regardless of your income bracket? The District of Columbia Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU) offers discounts and rebates to help residents and businesses use less energy and save money through energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. This is a resource that every DC resident or business owner should be taking full advantage of.

DCSEU has an easy-to-navigate website (www.dcseu.com) that includes a wealth of information. You’ll find a list of appliances that qualify for rebates and the corresponding amount for each appliance type by brand and model. You’ll also find links to the application process and instructions for submitting an application. DCSEU also provides guidelines for when you should consider replacing appliances such as air-conditioning and heating systems, the estimated savings over time, and tips for where you can recycle your old appliance.

The DC Council established DCSEU as part of the Clean and Affordable Energy Act of 2008. Operating since 2011, and overseen by the District Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE), DCSEU has an FY16 budget of roughly $20 million to spend on energy-efficiency initiatives. Funding comes from the Sustainable Energy

Energy-efficient washers are just one of many qualifying appliances for DC SEU rebates. Photo: DC SEU

164 H Hillrag.com

by Catherine Plume Trust Fund (SETF), which is financed by a surcharge on electric and natural gas utility ratepayers in DC. Essentially your money is made available to help you offset the price of making smart energy investments.

DCSEU offers several types of rebates, noted below.

Appliance Rebates DCSEU provides rebates for a wide variety of Energy Star home appliances. Rebates for the FY16 fiscal year (Oct. 1, 2015, through Sept. 30, 2016) include: • $50-$75 for clothes washers • $50-$250 for clothes dryers • $50-$75 for refrigerators • $25 for dehumidifiers

DC SEU provides great prices for energy-efficient lighting through local retailers. Photo: DC SEU

Other Rebates DCSEU will provide significant rebates for home heating and cooling systems including hotwater heaters, mini-split systems, and programmable thermostats. Rebate amounts include: • $100-$500 for home cooling systems such as

o $100 for (ductless) mini-split systems

o $250-$500 for high-efficiency central air-conditioners • $300-$1,000 for home heating systems

such as

o $500-$750 for-high efficiency natural

gas boilers o $500 for high-efficiency natural gas furnaces o $300-$500 for (ductless) mini-split

heat pumps o $350-$750 for an air-source heat pump • $100-$500 for hotwater heaters: o $100-$500 for natural gas, storage

water heaters o $300 for whole-home, tankless gas

water heaters o $500 for heat pump water heaters.

DCSEU provides $250 to retrofit an outdoor reset control on a boiler. This control adjusts the

water temperature to the lowest possible setting, based on the outdoor temperature, to maintain a comfortable inside temperature. It can be retrofitted to older models. DCSEU also provides $25 for programmable thermostats.

To qualify for these rebates homeowners must work with a DCSEU participating contractor to determine which systems are best suited for their home.

Specific Programs for Homeowners and Multi-Family Units DCSEU offers rebates to residents who complete energy-efficiency upgrades through certified District contractors. The DC Home Performance Program offers up to a $450 incentive to households that complete a qualifying home energy upgrade. To qualify for this incentive requires an energy audit through a qualified DCSEU contractor.

The audit will evaluate the amount of air leakage and the effectiveness of insulation, the heating system, lighting, appliances, and windows, and provide professional advice on ways to lower energy bills. You’ll then need to contract with a participating contractor and complete a minimum of $600 worth of approved improvements (inclusive of the $400 cost of the energy audit). DCSEU offers 50 percent cash back on air sealing (up to $150) and 50 percent cash back on insulation (up to $300),

upon completion of the project. For an overview visit www.dcseu.com/ for-my-home/audits-air-sealing-insulation/audits.

Making EnergyEfficient Lighting More Affordable Light-emitting diode (LED) technology is evolving rapidly, and many lighting hues and styles are available.

Energy Star qualified LEDs use 7590 percent less energy and last 8-15 times longer than an incandescent bulb. While you may pay more for an LED, one bulb can save you approximately $42 or more in energy costs over its lifetime. DCSEU’s site has a comprehensive lighting guide to help you determine the most appropriate lighting for your needs.

DCSEU has partnered with local businesses to bring down the costs of Energy Star-qualified LEDs at the point of purchase, so you can purchase for less without the need for additional rebates. Home Depot, Safeway, Annie’s Ace Hardware, and Yes! Organic Markets are just some of the DC stores participating in this program. For a list of all participating District retailers check out www.dcseu.com/for_your_home/lighting/ find-a-retailer and click on the “Find A Retailer” tab near the bottom of the page.

Programs for Businesses DCSEU offers technical assistance

to improve energy efficiency in DC businesses and institutions. It provides reduced up-front costs for upgrading to energy-efficient technologies and equipment that reduce electric and gas consumption. Rebates are available for HVAC and refrigeration as well as other equipment. Check out www.dcseu.com/ for-your-business/business-rebates for more specific information. The Business Energy Rebate program helps pay for the replacement of less efficient lighting with more efficient options. Restaurants on average consume 2.5 times more energy per square foot than other commercial buildings. Union Kitchen is just one local business that has collaborated with DCSEU with investments that are saving over 6,800 kilowatt hours of electricity annually.

“Our programs are meant to help reduce energy demand, and ultimately lower energy costs for District residents and businesses, regardless of income,” says Ted Trabue, managing director of DCSEU. “They will stabilize energy costs across the District – which is a benefit to everyone in the District.” Since its inception in 2011, DCSEU has conserved over 192,671 megawatt hours of electricity, enough to power over 22,000 homes in the District for an entire year. The DCSEU programs described are available through Sept. 30, 2016, the end of the fiscal year. All DCSEU rebates are subject to funds availability, so it’s in your best interest to act quickly to maximize savings!

For more information check out www.dcseu.com, write to info@ DCSEU.com, or call 202-479-2222.

Catherine Plume is a lifelong environmentalist, a writer, and a blogger for the DC Recycler: www.DCRecycler. blogspot.com; Twitter @DC_Recycler. u

May 2016 H 165

Additions & Basement Experts

Is your home cold in winter & hot in summer?

90% of DC Homes are under-insulated!

BUFFALO COMPANY, LLC www.buffalocompanyusa.com For all your Construction Needs ADDITIONS

The Capitol Hill Garden Club presents

RENOVATIONS REMODELING KITCHENS INTERIORS Over 10 Years of Experience

Experienced Residential Insulation Contractor Air Sealing Blower Door Tests

Dear Garden Problem Lady,

Blown-in Insulation

by Wendy Blair

REHAB

Craftsmanship Custom Made Cabinets & Furniture References Available

703-786-3863

Spray Foam Insulation Batt & Roll Insulation Sound Barrier Insulation

202-758-3396 (fax) cemohome@yahoo.com licensed • insured Owned & Operated by a Capitol Hill Resident

5-STAR YELP RATED LICENSED. BONDED. INSURED.

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED.

CALL FOR FREE CONSULTATION (202) 341-6015

WWW.MAXINSULATION.US

734 7th St. SE o: 202.547.2707 f: 202.547.1977

We Do:

DESIGN & BUILD: A project that works for your wants/needs pegged to your budget. We do the drawings & get permits.

CABINETS/KITCHENS/BATHS : Our woodworking shop can build or restore cabinets, doors,windows, built-ins, etc.

As kitchen & bath designers our teams carry out projects with quality.

CONTRACT and bid projects by your architect/designer with our standards of attention to detail.

joeltruittbuilders.com Quality Since 1972

166 H Hillrag.com

What can I plant to hide the old leaves of daffodils? And, when my Virginia bluebells die back to nothing, as they do – and my white bleeding heart also disappears from view, as always – what should I put in their space that will not interfere with the bulbs and the Dicentra roots?

You are right to allow spent tulips and daffodils to keep their leaves, thus replenishing their bulbs. Mask the spent leaves with any sun-loving perennial or annual, from lady’s mantle to Rudbekia or from zinnia to cosmos. Do note now the locations of your so-called spring ephemerals before they disappear. Then plant a later-growing perennial nearby – autumn-blooming anemone, perhaps, or Astilbe or other shade-lovers.

Our camellia – a Sasanqua or “winter bloomer” called Yuletide, because it’s red and blooms in December – died this winter, victim of 70-degree weather in December and January, and then – when it was least prepared – below-freezing weather and icy winds. Should I try another Yuletide?

This winter – hot, then freezing – plants and shrubs did not harden off, meaning gradually shut down operations in preparation for winter, and were shocked, often killed without that preparation. If the whole plant is brown, you may

cut it back to stubs. An established camellia can possess the “resurrection” ability of sprouting new growth from the smooth trunk. This will occur by July, and in two to three years your plant will be back to the same height it was before this winter. However, if by September there is no sprouting, it means the roots are dead. Do try another Yuletide.

It’s an award-winner, evergreen, with an upright habit and stunning bright red single blooms with big yellow stamens. Plant camellias in protected places, in spring for the best start, but fall will also do.

“High quality design and preservation framing are our top priorities”

During a late March cool spell I planted some perennial poppy seeds in MiracleGro potting mix. They took three weeks to germinate. The seedlings are still too small to transplant. I am wondering what kind of soil these oriental poppies prefer.

Poppy seedlings do not transplant well, so it is best to have sown the seeds where you wanted the flowers to grow. Wet, cool weather is ideal until roots are established.

Then poppies prefer hot, dry weather. Oriental poppy thrives in light, fast-draining, warm soil that is not strongly acidic. Your potting mix is ideal. Be careful with watering – over-watering will kill the plants. Try transplanting soon to a sunny place, protecting each still-weak, long taproot, and apply hope.

The next public meeting of the Capitol Hill Garden Club is on Sept. 13.

Find membership details at capitolhillgardenclub.org. We meet at the Northeast Public Library, corner of Seventh Street and Maryland Avenue NE. Meetings are free and open to all.

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

Serving Capitol Hill since 1984 Custom designed mats • Wide selection • Work done on premises 513 11TH ST. SE (EASTERN MARKET METRO)

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

G G ROOFING

AWARDED BEST WASHINGTON, DC CONTRACTOR OF 2012 BY ANGIE’S LIST FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED • “50 YEARS EXPERIENCE”

Flat Roof Specialists • Modified Bitumen • Skylights • Shingles • Slate •

Chimney Repairs Roof Coatings • Gutters & Downspouts • Preventive Maintenance • Metal Roofs • •

Suburban Welding & Ornamental Ironwork

10% OFF WITH THIS AD

202.425.1614

www.suburbanweldingcompany.com See What an Experienced Ironwork Company Can Do on Our Newly Expanded Website!

Dingo® Mini-Excavating Service • •

WWW.GANDGHOMEIMPROVEMENTS.NET

Licensed & Insured | All Work Managed & Inspected by Owners

Welding Company®

•

Cast Iron Staircase Repair

24 Hour, Seven Day Service Free Estimates Over 40 Years of Experience

703.765.9344 May 2016 H 167

Classifieds HOME SERVICES

OTHER SERVICES

PET SERVICES

AIR & HEATING

APPLIANCES REPAIR

BASEMENT EXCAVATION

Appliances Pro, Inc.

Appliances Pro, Inc.

MISCELLANEOUS

A Cleaning Service, Inc. cares about the environment in which you live

No Extra Charge Weekends, Evenings & Holidays

“We Repair It Right The First Time!”

ALL MAKES & MODELS / SERVICE & INSTALLATION

a clean house, a clean mind.

Complete Residential Cleaning, including Laundry & Ironing

MIDCITY MID

FA G O N C O M M U N I T Y G U I D E

• •Refrigerator Garbage Disposal - Service within 3 hours Washer Dryer • •Washers/Dryers • Wall Ovens • Refrigerator • Ranges • •Garbage Range Disposals • Microwaves Oven • •Icemakers • Freezers • Dishwashers • Sub-zero Specialists

All Major Brands We Service, SAME DAY SERVICE Repair, and Install FREE NO EXTRA CHARGE SERVICE $WEEKENDS, EVENINGS CALL ANY COMPLETE REPAIR & HOLIDAYS WITH CALL NOW! REPAIR!

35 OFF

FREE SERVICE CALL WITH REPAIR

703.652.6076 202.640.2178 contact CAROLINA at 202.400.3503 carolina@hillrag.com

CALL FOR FREE ESTIMATE

703.892.8648

acleaningser viceinc. com

CARPET CLEANING WOVEN HISTORY

We wash carpets in the traditional manner- by hand, using no chemicals or machinery. No preheated room for drying. We dry in the sun and the wind. Free pick up an delivery for Capitol Hill Residents. Call 202-543-1705.

More info at info@wovenhistory.com or www.wovenhistory.com. Located at 311-315 7th St, SE. Your neighborhood carpet store on Capitol Hill since 1995

CLEANING SERVICES STANDARD CLEANING SERVICE INC. Commercial & Residential

www.prorepairappliance.com Licensed, Licensed, Bonded Bonded & Insured & Insured

Ana Julia Viera 703.719.9850 • 703.447.9254 Days

P L E A S E R E C Y C L E T H I S PA P E R 168 ★ Hillrag.com

S

satisfaction guaranteed serving DC, MD & VA since 1985 licensed, bonded & insured

Free Estimates • Bonded & Insured References Upon Request 15% Discount New Customers

W

E

2

Masters

Let Us Chase Out the Dust Bunnies

ELECTRICIAN

FLOORS

20 years experience Bathrooms & Kitchens Experts Masonry • Roofing Handyman work

Residential Floors Dedicated to Perfection • Sanding and Refinishing • Installation • Repairs • Cleaning & Waxing

A+ Rating

202.399.3090 www.maidpro.com/capitolhill 1100 H Street, NE • 2nd Fl YOUR LOCAL CLEANERS

.

nt

7 days a week - Free Estimates Reasonable Rates Residential & Commercial

Licensed • Bonded • Insured

(301) 990-7775

Over 10 years of Experience on Capitol Hill

Family owned and operated 3 Generations of Experience

HandymanMastersllc.com

CONTRACTORS

ELECTRICWORKS ELECTRICWORKS Rapid Response & Expertise

E D D I E

g,

CONSTRUCTION

E

m

202.528.0621

STRUCTURE SPECIALISTS Restoration & Historical Preservation Carpentry Windows & Doors

Roofing & Guttering Brick & Stone Re-pointing Plumbing & Electric Service

Cabinets & Moulding

Plaster & Drywall

Wood & Engineered Floors

Painting & Decorative Finishes

202.965.1600

www.jfmeyer.com

Free Estimates • Insured

• References

· · · · · ·

Rapid Response & Expertise

Kitchen & Bath Remodel Interior & Exterior Painting Carpentry · Molding Floors · Hardwood Plumbing · Doors & Windows Brick Pointing · Patios

Installation • Sanding • Refinishing New Work • Rewiring New Work • Rewiring • Hardwood Mouldings Lighting Design •Lighting Repairs Design • Repairs Free Estimates • MHIC #120190

ELECTRICWORKS

301-855-3006 Residential & Commercial Licensed & Insured Rapid Response & Expertise Licensed & Insured 888-227-2882 Licensed & Insured 301-254-0153 electricworks1@aol.com 301-254-0153 Free Estimates New Work • Rewiring Residential & Commercial

electricworks1@aol.com Lighting Design • Repairs

202-247-0104

15% off all jobs over $1000

DOORS & WINDOWS

301-254-0153 301-254-0153

electricworks1@aol.com electricworks1@aol.com

Windows Craft, Inc. Interior and Exterior Home Renovations | Kitchens | Bathroom | Basement | Deck | Painting | Drywall and Plaster | Concrete | Stone | Tile | Masonry All types of Carpentry & Flooring

NO JOB IS TOO SMALL!

240.224.5659

Residential & Commercial Licensed & Insured

facebook.com/pages/ JF-Meyer-Construction-Co-Inc/127977000616632

Residential Repairs & Remodeling

Heritage Wood Floors, Inc.

Specializing in HistoricWindows & Doors

202.288.6660 info@windowscraft.com

Our website just got a whole lot better! capitalcommunitynews.com

SUPPORT YOUR NEIGHBORS AND LOCAL BUSINESSES!

Licensed, Insured and Bonded License # 69006200

May 2016 ★ 169

HANDYMAN

Suburban Welding Company

®

Welding & Ornamental Iron Work • • • • •

Repairs of Original Cast Iron Staircases Window bars and door security gates Handrailings & Stair Railings Fences, Sidewalk Gates, Tree Box Fences DC code approved bedroom window security bars • Excavating, back hoe services and tree stump grinding • Certified welding

WWW.FCIMPROVEMENTS.COM

24-hours, 7-day service Free estimates

ADDITIONS, KITCHENS, BATH AND INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING EXPERT

www.suburbanweldingcompany.com

Thomas Landscapes DEREK THOMAS / PRINCIPAL

Historic Renovation & Artisan Stonework

Award-Winning Mason with over 30 years of experience

SPECIALIZING IN: Custom Masonry • Stone • Brick Work Point Up • Restoration • Patio & Water Gardens

Call Tom for a Free Estimate

202-544-4484

www.michaligamasonry.com FORMER HEAD MASON OF THE ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL FROM 1989 - 1996.

Reasonable Prices : Hill Resident Licensed • Bonded • Insured

703-765-9344

NO JOB TOO SMALL! • 12 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Craftsmanship and Expertise

Renovations and Remodeling including Plumbing & Electrical

KITCHEN

Over 20 Years of Experience REDEFINING BEAUTY ONE CLIENT AT A TIME!

Full-Service Landscape Design & Maintenance

HANDYMAN EXPRESS

jkhuynh@cox.net

• • • • • • • • •

• Installation, arbors, retaining walls, walkways, lighting, water features • Patios, roof top gardens, townhomes, single family homes • Trees & shrubs, formal & informal gardens • Custom Masonry, Fencing and Iron work • Restoration and Enhancement

Painting Plumbing Drain Service Kitchen Disposal Carpentry Ceiling Fan Electrical Caulking General Repairs

WWW.THOMASLANDSCAPES.COM

Call Ty • 703.615.7122

MASONRY

LGM Home Improvements, Inc. Everything from “Honey Do” Lists to Finishing Your Basement • Kitchen Remodeling • Painting • Concrete / Masonry • General Repairs • Bathroom • Renovations and more

571.437.4696

Free estimates • No job is too small Affordable rates • Licensed, insured and bonded

IRON WORK

MOVING

301.642.5182

No job is too small!

Reasonable Rates • Free Estimates

A Handyman you can Trust

P L E A S E R E CYC L E TH I S PA P E R

CHIMNEY REPOINTING, LINING & REPAIRS!

GEORGE HALLIDAY LANDSCAPING REGINALD’S LANDSCAPING

Specializing in perennial gardens, landscaping design, yard maintenance, seasonal contracts-free estimates for major cleanups, spring/fall cleanups, mulching, pruning, trimming, weeding, debris removal, leaf removal, light hauling, planting and more. Pressure washing, decks patios. Emergency Services Available. Call today! 240-604-5390.

MASONRY CONCRETE & BRICKPOINTING Historic Masonry Repointing & Repairs Restoration Cleaning on Historical Brick and Stone Basements & Waterproofing Experts in New and Traditional Masonry

Peach Moving Services When Trust Matters Most Residential, Office & Commercial

NO Job Too Small! We Do it All!!

202.637.8808 Licensed, Bonded & Insured Little Peach in Training

Short Term Notice Moves Local & Up to 300 mile Radius Expert Packing & Unpacking Temporary Storage by the Day Hourly Rates

Michael Pietsch (aka Peach) Capitol Hill Resident

202.368.7492

www.peachmoving.com

170 ★ Hillrag.com

2 w

PAINTING

Plumbing-Heating Toilettes, Disposals, Faucets Service, Repair, Replacement

• Babies, children, pets, no worries, customized treatments • Latest environmentally sound methods and products • One time, monthly, bimonthly, quarterly, yearly

(301)

318-4270

helmets.plumbing@gmail.com LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED

FLAT ROOF SPECIALIST WE STOP LEAKS! • Roof Repairs • Roof Coatings • Rubber • Metal • Slate

• Tiles • Chimneys • Gutters • Waterproofing • Roof Certifications

We Do Everything!

BOYD CONSTRUCTION INC.

75 years in service

LIC. BONDED. INS

LICENSED & INSURED

BBB

Member

Free Estimates

202-223-ROOF (7663)

301.273.5740 301.576.3286

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

WWW.FLKPESTCONTROL.COM

WOOD & WHITACRE

PLUMBING

ROOFING CONTRACTORS

REAL

PLUMBERS

®

Property Management + Design On staff contractors for best pricing in maintenance & repairs • All-inclusive rental management services

Plumbing Air Conditioning Heating Service Repair Replacement

• Extensive property marketing • Tenant vetting and selection

30 years on the Hill Slate – Tile – Copper Specializing in all Flat Roof Systems and Leaks FREE ESTIMATES • Work Guaranteed

JEFFREY WOOD cell

301.674.1991

www.wood-whitacre.com

• Offering the most competitive rates in the market (80% first month rental fee, 8% single family homes and 7% family condos) • 24 hours emergency call service

7600 Georgia Avenue NW Suite 304 DCozyhomes@gmail.com

www.Dc-cozyhome.com

301.567.2001

es

om

SPECIALIZING IN WATER HEATERS

More than just killing bugs, we take care of your home

F

2

SERVICES

Rodent Control

s

ch)

PLUMBING

F L K Termite, Pest &

e

ng

PEST CONTROL

www.realplumbers.net

202 882 0100

WE WILL BEAT YOUR BEST PRICE

ROOFING / GUTTERS

New Roofs, Maintenance & Repairs Seamless Gutters Experts

Serving Maryland, DC & Virginia since 1974

Just Say I Need A Plumber®

Dial A Plumber, LLC®

• Licensed Gas Fitter • Water Heater • Boiler Work • Serving DC • References John • Drain Service • Furness Repair & Replacement

Interior & Exterior Custom Painting Restoration & Historical Preservation Residential & Commercial

202.965.1600 www.jfmeyer.com Free Estimates Insured • References

Licensed Bonded Insured

Stopping Leaks is our Specialty!

WE DO IT ALL!

202.637.8808 Licensed, Bonded & Insured

Kenny

202-251-1479 DC P

L U M M E R

’

S

L

I C E N S E

#707

May 2016 ★ 171

Keith Roofing EXPERT WORKMANSHIP AT REASONABLE PRICES!

G G ROOFING

Flat Roof Specialists Modified Bitumen • Skylights • Shingles • Slate •

Residential/Commercial Over 40 years in Business Chimney Repairs Storm & Wind Damage Repair

• New or Re-Roofing • Tear-Off & Replacement • Flat Roof Specialist • Copper, Tin, Sheet Metal & Rolled • Seamless & Flat Roofs • Re-Sealing • Tar, Asphalt, Gravel, Hot Coats • Modified Bitumen • Ask about our gutter specials Insurance Claims • Free Estimates • 24Hr. Service

Fully Insured • Licensed • Bonded “No Job Too Large or Small” Senior & Military Discounts Available!

202-486-7359

•

Chimney Repairs Roof Coatings • Gutters & Downspouts • Preventive Maintenance • Metal Roofs • •

10% OFF WITH THIS AD

202.425.1614 WWW.GANDGHOMEIMPROVEMENTS.NET

Licensed & Insured | All Work Managed & Inspected by Owners

R.THOMAS

DANIEL ROOFING • New tin, copper & membrane roof systems • Inspections & repairs • Roof painting • Gutters, spouts & skylights

All Work Inspected by Owner...Deals Directly with Customers!

All Work Fully Guaranteed

Specializing in Residential & Commercial Flat Roof Systems

202-543-6383 All work done by owner • Free Estimates Insured • Licensed • Bonded

Welding & Ornamental Iron Work • • • • •

Repairs of Original Cast Iron Staircases Window bars and door security gates Handrailings & Stair Railings Fences, Sidewalk Gates, Tree Box Fences DC code approved bedroom window security bars • Excavating, back hoe services and tree stump grinding • Certified welding

24-hours, 7-day service Free estimates

703-765-9344

www.suburbanweldingcompany.com

OTHER SERVICES BODY CARE ESSENCESOFJAMAL.COM

WORLD’S BEST AFRICAN SHEA-BUTTER. 8 OZ $5, 55 LBS $200. Order at: www.essencesofjamal.com 1-877-236-0600.

Living on & serving the Hill since 1986

Dr. David Walls-Kaufman Recommended roofer of Capitol Hill Village and Dupont Circle Village Licensed-Insured-Bonded

RELIABLE

®

CHIROPRACTIC

ALL TYPES OF ROOFING REPAIRS

Star Roofing Company

Suburban Welding Company

AWARDED BEST WASHINGTON, DC CONTRACTOR OF 2012 BY ANGIE’S LIST FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED • “50 YEARS EXPERIENCE”

INTERNET/COMPUTERS

WELDING

CALL NOW FOR YOUR FREE INSPECTION!

202.569.1080 202.544.4430 tom@rthomasdanielroofing.com www.rthomasdanielroofing.com

Chiropractor 411 East Capitol St., SE All are welcome to Dr. Walls-Kaufman's free Saturday morning Tai Chi class at 8 am in Lincoln Park

202-544-6035

MUSIC LESSONS

Because Optimal Health is Impossible Without Optimal Posture!

STORAGE

FITNESS CAPITOL HILL IN-HOME PERSONAL TRAINER

David L. Franklin

Contact Me Today!

www.DLFfitness.com 172 ★ Hillrag.com

SUPPORT YOUR NEIGHBORS AND LOCAL BUSINESSES!

S

S!

SHOES

YOGA

Eastern Market Shoe Repair

PET ADOPTION

MISCELLANEOUS

CAPITAL CATS

LOOKING TO RENT

Adoption Event at Howl to the Chief

• Shoes • Boots • Purses • Luggage

Sundays Noon to 3 PM 733 8th Street, S.E.

a five-minute walk from Eastern Market Metro.

645 Penn Ave., SE upstairs M-F 8:30-7 • Sat 9-6

Visit our Web site to view pictures and their engaging personalities at www.capitalcats.petfinder.com or www.homealone.petfinder.com

202-543-5632 LOOK AND FEEL BETTER WITH HOT YOGA!

RADIO/MEDIA

I’m looking for a one bedroom/studio, first floor apartment and/or English Basement on Capitol Hill.

Require only a few steps with railing on the right side, plenty of light and a washer and dryer in the unit. Curbside parking and a price range of $1450 to $1550 per month with utilities included. I can be reached by phone at 202-547-0556 or email at jgould311@yahoo.com.

Capital Cats is a non-profit cat rescue organization on the Hill that has many wonderful, personable cats and kittens available for adoption to good homes.

$39 Introductory Offer for 1 month of unlimited Yoga Serving H St, Capitol Hill and beyond for over 10 years!

P L E A S E R E CYC L E TH I S PA P E R

• Over 37 classes per week • Bikram-method classes • Offering 90 min and 60 minute classes • Hot Vinyasa donation classes Sundays 11am • Yoga workshops • Discounted classes available daily • Special community events and classes • Children’s non-heated Hatha yoga Sundays • Body Composition/Health Assessments by appointment ALL LEVELS WELCOME! No reservations required!

www.hotyogacapitolhill.com 410 H ST. NE | 202-547-1208 info@hotyogacapitolhill.com

PET SERVICES

MIDCITY MID

FA G O N C O M M U N I T Y G U I D E

Get the Most for Your Advertising Dollars.

contact CAROLINA at 202.400.3503 • carolina@hillrag.com

Our website just got a whole lot better! capitalcommunitynews.com

BOX CLASSIFIEDS (QUARTERLY)

2”x 2” 2.5” 3” 4” 5” 7”

$150 $180 $225 $300 $360 $400

LINE CLASSIFIEDS (MONTHLY) $25 for the first 15 words, 25¢ for each additional word. Bold heading (25 characters max) is free.

• Ad design free of charge with one revision.

• Rates are per publication.

*Prepayment by check or credit card is required.

May 2016 ★ 173

{the last shot}

Photo: Christine Romero Photo: Melissa Ashabranner

174 H Hillrag.com

Photo: Tiffany Card