hillrag.com • October 2017
Sales · Rentals · Commercial Leasing Property Management · Investments
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1218 28TH STREET NW
222 G STREET NE
Nantucket Holdings Renovation 4BR 3.5BA Genie Hutinet · 202.413.7661
743 10TH STREET NE
3 level, 3 bedroom 2 bath home w/family room, open kitchen,beautifully landscaped yard & /architectural awarded garage Genie Hutinet · 202.413.7661
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401 13TH STREET NE
“Where Washington shops for a new address! ™”
One bedroom condo with balcony, extra storage and parking Pete Frias · 202.744.8973
Three bedroom three bath three level Federal style townhouse steps to M Street with enormous rear patio. · $1,295,000 Pete Frias · 202.744.8973
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3 bedroom plus den w/rear deck and garage Pete Frias · 202.744.8973
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225 Pennsylvania Ave SE Washington, DC 20003 www.johncformant.com
726 GALLATIN STREET NW Nantucket Holdings Renovation 4 BR 3.5BA · $779,500 Genie Hutinet · 202.413.7661
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3209 WARDER STREET NW
202.544.3900
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116 3RD STREET NE
Huge fixer upper, fabulous location! $1,495,000 Pete Frias · 202.744.8973
October 2017 H 3
“WINTRY CHILL, WET AND WHITE.” THAT’S THE DC-AREA WINTER WEATHER FORECAST! CALL NOW FOR YOUR FREE ROOF INSPECTION BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE!!
R.THOMAS DANIEL ROOFING
SERVING CAPITOL HILL CUSTOMERS FOR MORE THAN 90 YEARS! Our Services: • Low Slope Roofing • Steep Slope Roofing • Gutter & Downspouts
• Skylights • Chimneys • Masonry
Uncover Hidden Future Costs. Warning Signs Could Mean Higher Costs If Not Corrected Today!
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VALUABLE ASSET... YOUR HOME!
YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD ROOFER Owner Tom Daniel, outside the original location of the family roofing business at 310 Independence Ave., S.E.
• • • • •
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 • Loose chimney flashing or mortar • Skylight cracked or leaking
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PROUD TO BE A CAPITOL HILL VILLAGE PREFERRED VENDOR
PROUD TO BE A CAPITOL HILL COMMUNITY FOUNDATION SPONSOR. 4 H Hillrag.com
October 2017 H 5
FREE HOUSE EXPO CHRS is hold a free House Expo featuring over 30 home service exhibitors.
Sunday, October 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., The North Hall of the Eastern Market The event is free and the public is encouraged to attend. There are still opportunities for exhibitors to participate. Contact Michelle Carroll at info@chrs.org if interested.
Sponsors:
Confirmed exhibitors include: Abay Ironworks, Chris Shea Art Furniture & Architectural Metalwork, GL Barnhart Construction, DCRA, Donofrio Inspections, Hollow Work Pottery, Jenks Hardware Lucy’s Cleaning, Mahoney Painting, Max Insulation, Merlino Construction, Mid-Atlantic Settlement Services, N & M House Detectives, Renewal by Andersen Windows, Solar Energy World, Southern Sky Electric, Mike Jones @ State Farm, Teass-Warren Architects, Versatool Services Landscaping, Wagner Roofing, Wentworth Architects & Builders, DC Fire & EMS Department, DC Department of Energy & Environment
BECOME A MEMBER! CHRS received a 2016 award for the DC Preservation League for its “advocacy, education, community outreach efforts and for its early and sustained contributions to preservation efforts in Washington, DC.” Visit www.chrs.org to learn more. Email info@chrs.org or call 543-0425.
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October 2017 H 7
Whats more fun than Hill-o-ween?
NOTHING.
HILL-O-WEEN E astErn M arkEt • O ctObEr 27, 2017 • 5:30-7:30 pM 7th Street, SE Between Pennsylvania & North Carolina Ave., SE Produced by Capitol Hill’s own Good Witch, Heather Schoell! FREE: Moon Bounces • Professional Face Painting • Crafts • Treats • Tarot Cards Games • Temporary Tattoos • Spooky Stories • Giveaways... NOT FREE: School Fundraisers • Food & Drink for Purchase
FUN is for all ages. ALCOHOL is for those who show proof of age 21+ for purchase. On Facebook Hilloween at Eastern Market or Email Heather Schoell at heathersdc@gmail.com 8 H Hillrag.com
October 2017 H 9
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COMING SOON
520 6th St, SE
COMING SOON
1127 C St, NE
UNDER CONTRACT
709 7th St, SE
$978,500
Todd Bissey 2 0 2 .8 4 1 .7 6 5 3
todd.bissey@compass.com
UNDER CONTRACT
419 K St, NE
$734,500
UNDER CONTRACT
820 C St, SE
$2,250,000
Stan Bissey
202.841.1433
stan.bissey@compass.com
6 6 0 P E N N S Y LVA N I A AV E , S E # 3 0 0
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202.545.6900
Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. Compass is licensed as Compass Real Estate in DC and as Compass in Virginia and Maryland.
October 2017 H 11
In this issue... October 2017
17
District Wharf Special Preview
113
Ari Gejdenson: A Capitol Hill Native Who Has Built a Restaurant Empire by Meghan Markey
43
Fall Arts Special
142
The Condo Kayaker by Andrew Lightman
17 28
District Wharf Special Preview Calendar
43 FALL ARTS SPECIAL 44
What’s on Washington by Kathleen Donner
52
Theatre Round Up: As a New Season Dawns, the Actor’s the Thing, Who Do You Love? by Barbara Wells
56
Broadway Beckons to Theater Lovers by Brad Hathaway
60
Dining Notes by Celeste McCall
64
The Wine Girl by Elyse Genderson
66
Capitol Roots: A Melting Pot of Musical Influences by Charles Walston
68
At the Movies by Mike Canning
70
Art and The City by Jim Magner
72
Pottery on the Hill by Phil Hutinet
74
Literary Hill by Karen Lyon
76
Poetic Hill by Karen Lyon
77
Jazz Project by Jean-Keith Fagon
capitol streets 79
Bulletin Board by Kathleen Donner
90
Phil Mendelson: The Mindful Politician by Jonetta Rose Barras
92
Climate Change and the Future of DC’s Waterfronts by John R. Wennersten
94
DC Wins a LEED Cities Platinum Award by Catherine Plume
96
DC Added $8 Million to the Pockets of Low-Income Workers Thanks to Tax Credit Expansion by Claire Zippel
98
South by West by William Rich
100
Senior Housing in Southwest: Citypartners Plans Multi-Age, Multi-Income Residence by Elizabeth O’Gorek
102
ANC 6A Report by Elizabeth Nelson
104
ANC 6B Report by Elizabeth O’Gorek
105
ANC 6C Report by Elizabeth O’Gorek
106
ANC 6D Report by Andrew Lightman
109
ANC 6E Report by Steve Holton
110
Eastern Market Report by Peter J. Waldron
community life 112
Hill Rag Crossword
113
Ari Gejdenson: A Capitol Hill Native Who Has Built a Restaurant Empire by Meghan Markey
116
Capitol Hill Welcomes Four New Principals by Liz O’Gorek
118
Market Poultry’s Melvin Inman by Stephanie Deutsch
120
Our River: The Anacostia: AREC A Place You Should Get To Know by Bill Matuszeski
122
H Street Life by Elise Bernard
124
The Fall Season Begins... and the Second Season of Baseball by Michael Stevens, AICP
126
A New Organ at Christ Church by John H. Payne III
real estate 129
Real Estate Matters by Heather Schoell
130
Changing Hands by Don Denton
health and fitness 139
Develop Strength and Flexibility at DC Pilates by Pattie Cinelli
142
The Condo Kayaker by Andrew Lightman
144
Pet Disaster Preparedness by Dr. Dan Teich
kids and family 147
Kids & Family Notebook by Kathleen Donner
152
School Notes by Susan Braun Johnson
homes and gardens 163
Capitol Hill Garden Club Spreads Garden Love by Cheryl Corson
166
Dear Garden Problem Lady by Wendy Blair
168 Classifieds 174 The Last Shot
on the cover: Insomnia, Robin Purnell, Alkyd, 16”x20” Haley Fine Art – 42 Main Street, Sperryville, Virginia 22740 540-987-1000 Open Daily 10-6 Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays See more at: http://haleyfineart.com
Next Issue: November 4th
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Arts, Dining & Entertainment A��:
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Real Estate
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Kids & Family
Kathleen Donner • kathleendonner@gmail.com Susan Johnson • schools@hillrag.com
Homes & Gardens
Derek Thomas • derek@thomaslandscapes.com Catherine Plume • caplume@yahoo.com Cheryl Corson • cheryl@cherylcorson.com Rindy 0’Brien • rindyobrien@gmail.com
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A SPECIAL PREVIEW
October 2017 H 17
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October 2017 H 19
PREVIEW
THE WHARF
Where DC Meets the Water
OPENING OCT. 12
O
by Andrew Lightman
ctober 12 marks the debut of entirely new riverside neighborhood, Phase One of “The Wharf.” This $2.5 billion renovation of Southwest’s waterfront required several acts of Congress and the DC Council as well as $80 million of public monies. The result is a sparkling new entertainment destination sure to draw visitors from throughout the DMV area to its bars, restaurants, shops and mu-
An ariel view of the District Wharf.
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October 2017 H 21
PREVIEW
Eat
Monty Hoffman. Photo Andrew Lightman
sic venues. The Wharf marks its opening with four days of festivities from Oct. 12 to 15. The full schedule of the grand opening is elsewhere this month’s Hill Rag. In the meantime, here is a peek at what to generally expect where “DC Meets the River.”
Listen
Lovers of live music will be heading to The Wharf this fall. The development boasts three new performance venues: The Anthem, The Pearl Street Warehouse and Union Stage. (Check out full listings of October’s performances at first two venues in this month’s Hill Rag Calendar.) The Anthem, from I.M.P., the wizards behind the 9:30 Club, is a 57,000 square foot, $60 million facility that can accommodate up to 6,000 music lovers. With nine bars on three levels and boasting the best acoustics on the East Coast, the club has already attracted headliners such as Bob Dylan, O.A.R. and The Lumineers. The club is booked through the new year. Tickets for the Foo Fighters, who open the venue on Oct. 12, sold out in less than 60 sec-
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onds. There are lots of other great acts coming, however. Don’t The words “fine dining” and “Southwest” have miss LCD Soundsysrarely been uttered together especially since the tem on Oct. 17 and 18 closing of City Zen. District residents mostly or The War on Drugs identify the neighborhood as the home of the Muon Oct. 23. DC’s very nicipal Fish Market, “the place” to buy steamed own Thievery Corcrabs by the bushel. On Oct. 12 that perception poration headlines will forever change. the club’s New Year’s Chefs Mike Isabella and Jennifer Carroll show. A full schedule are leading the Southwest culinary invasion with is available at www. theanthemdc.com. In addition to the Anthem, The Wharf hosts two smaller venues. Brought to Southwest by the owners of Cantina Marina, The Pearl Street Warehouse, located at 33 Pearl St. SW, can accommodate crowds up to 300 with a mix of seats and standing. The venue will focus on local acts and new artists. Booker T. Jones, of Booker T. and the MGs, launches Pearl Street on Oct. 12. SingThe Anthem. Photo: Andrew Lightman er-song writer Amy Helm, daughter of The Band’s Levon Helm, follows the next evening. Patterson Hood, the front man for the DriveBy-Truckers, is booked for two shows in December. For a full schedule, visit www.pearlstreetwarehouse.com. Union Stage (740 Water St. SW) will join Pearl Street and the Anthem later in the fall. The 450-person, 7,500 square foot venue is brought to the District by the Brindley brothers, owners of Vienna, VA’s Jammin’ Java. Expect everything from standing room only rock concerts to intimate, seated nights with singersong writers. A performance schedDel Mar Exterior Rendering. Courtesy: PN Hoffman ule has not yet been posted. Aside from the three major venues, Kirwan’s Irish Pub (749 The Requin (100 District Sq. SW), a 4,500-square Wharf St. SW) will host Irish mufoot, seafood themed restaurant modelled on sic. The Wharf also has a floating their existing Mosaic District venue. Not to be stage anchored off the Transit outdone, Chef Roberto Santibañez brings MexPier for free outdoor concerts. ican cuisine to the water’s edge at Mi Vida (98 Visitors can also expect to see District Sq. SW). James Beard award winner Chef buskers, musical pop-ups and Fabio Trabocchi celebrates the seaside town of other street performers. Mallorca at Del Mar (791 Wharf St. SW) his two-
October 2017 H 23
PREVIEW
level Spanish seafood restaurant. Dine on bivalves at either Jamie Leeds’s Hanks Oyster Bar (701 Water St. SW) or later this spring in the historic shed at the Municipal Fish Market operated by the Rappahannock Oysters Company. Dig into delicious moules and frites at Florentjin (11 Pearl St. SW), a Belgian bistro, owned by a former Belgian embassy chef. Sample French-Mediterranean fare while enjoying stunning water views at La Vie (80 District Sq. SW). Delight in the small plates
artisan cocktails. Cantina Bambina, a neighborhood favorite, is perched above the Transit Pier. Stroll down to The Brighton, a gastropub operated by brothers behind The Gibson and The Brixton.
Shop
Requin - Chefs Mike Isabella and Michael Rafidi Courtesy: PN Hoffman
A Mike Isabella creation. Courtesy: PN Hoffman
The Wharf’s establishments will be joined by a three-story Italian market later this spring located near the Fish Market. The yet-to-be-named establishment is the brainchild of Chef Nick Stefanelli of Masseria fame. Eat at the rooftop bar or shop for olives, oils, prosciutto and other southern Italian delicacies. Order dessert at from local chocolatier Harper Macaw. Aside from eats and dining, visitors to The Wharf will have the opportunity to patronize a variety of retail establishments most of which will be located on the District Square. Get a closet organizational consultation at A Beautiful Closet. Order the perfect piece of contemporary French furniture or lighting at Ligne Roset’s 2,749 square foot showroom. Add sheets, towels and blankets from Patrick’s Fine Linens and & Home Décor. Need a nail or a bicycle repaired? Visit District Hardware and Bike. Find the perfect set of spectacles at Blink Optical. Become a member of Blush Med Skincare, a 1,500-square foot “health club for your skin,” offering a unique mix of organic skincare and makeup products. Pickup a novel at Politics & Prose.
Play
The Wharf is more than your run-of-the-mill mixed-use development. Its developers have taken the mission of “meeting the water” to heart. To wit, the site contains four piers, where for the first time in history, the public can walk out onto the Washington Channel and enjoy entertainment, drinks and just watching the boats go by. The water is not a simple backdrop to The Wharf; it is incorporated into the project’s DNA.
of Southeast Asia at Kaliwa (751 Water St. SW). Not all dining is “fine.” Jenny’s, a neighborhood favorite, returns to The Wharf with their family-style Chinese menu. Get a quick bite at Shake Shack (975 Wharf St. SW) or Taylor Gourmet. Get a cup of java at either District Hardware and Bike’s Velo Café or Blue Bottle Coffee. On hot days, grab a sorbet or gelato from Dolcezza. There will be plenty of places to raise a glass at The Wharf. The Potomac Distilling Company operates a two-story tavern offering Todd Thrasher’s inhouse rum and
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District Square Rendering. Courtesy: PN Hoffman
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The Market Pier, on the development’s western end, provides waterside access for boaters and other visitors to the Market Square and Fish Market. The Transit Pier is the site of the new Water Taxi system that will connect The Wharf to Alexandria, Yards Park, National Harbor and Georgetown. It also will be the site of winter ice skating and summer concerts on a nearby floating dock. The District Pier, ending in the iconic Harbor Master’s Headquarters, is the longest dock. It provides a dramatic gathering place and site for watching fireworks. The Recreation Pier right off the Seventh Street Park allows visitors to get right to the water’s edge to enjoy kayaking or take a jitney right over to Hains Point.
Wharf Recreation Pier. Photo Andrew Lightman
exandria, National Harbor and The Yards (seasonally). Neighborhood parking options are very limited. While visitors are strongly encouraged not to drive, The Wharf does have two parking garages with approximately 600 spaces. Note that capacity signs at the entrances will let drivers know whether there are spots available. Additional public parkPier 4 new stop for Tour Boats Rendering. Courtesy: PN Hoffman
Getting There
The Wharf is easy to get to from Capitol Hill and the Capitol Riverfront. The two closest metro stops within walking distance are at Waterfront and L’Enfant Plaza. Visitors can catch the free SW Neighborhood Shuttle which will run daily service at 10-minute intervals from the corner of Seventh Street and Maryland Avenue SW, the National Mall at Seventh Street and Independence Avenue SW) and at L’Enfant Plaza on 10th Street SW. The Circulator also runs along the National Mall from east to west. One of the best ways to get to The Wharf is on two wheels. There are five Capital Bikeshare stations at The Wharf as well as at D and Seventh Street and Fourth and M Streets SW. During the Grand Opening, there will be bike valet service. On a regular basis, there are 900 spaces for bike parking both below and above ground. The Wharf will have dedicated areas for car-sharing options such as Lyft and UBER. The Wharf’s new Water Taxi will take passengers from the Transit Pier to Georgetown, Old Town Al-
ing is available in two garages on the 1100 block of Fourth Street SW and under L’Enfant Plaza. There is one more option--stay at The Wharf. The development boasts three hotels. Hyatt House (725 Wharf St. SW) is an extended stay accommodation that includes all the comforts of home. The InterContinental (801 Wharf St. SW) is a luxury hotel whose accommodations offer a unique combination of contemporary style and sophistication. The Canopy by Hilton (975 Seventh St. SW) is a boutique hotel for those who value the local and artisanal. u
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VIO
REQUIN
THE ANTHEM
SW FISH MARKET
HIGH-LIGHTS
WHAR F
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WHISKEY CHARLIE’S
HILTON CANOPY HOTEL
HANKS OYSTER BAR
HILLOWEEN AT EASTERN MARKET
OCTOBER CALENDAR
Dead Man’s Run at Congressional Cemetery. Oct. 7, 6 PM. The kids run begins shortly after, at around 6:05 PM. $40 for the 5k; $10 for the untimed kids run. Packet pickup is race day only, and begins at 4:30 PM in the Chapel. congressionalcemetery.org.
Oct. 27, 5:30 to 7:30 PM. It’s simply the place to be for a haunted-house, a moon bounce, face painting, photo booth, candy treats, games, contests and a talented kids’ fortune teller. The haunted house will be in the new BHHS PenFed Realty office at 705 North Carolina Ave. SE. facebook.com/HilloweenatEasternMarket.
National Building Museum Ghost Tours. Oct. 7, 8, 22, 28, 29 and 31 at 7 and 8:30 PM. Angry spirits. Mysteries and lies. Can you find the truth in time? Solve puzzles and find clues to reveal the truth and escape the room. A 60-minute event for ages 12, up. Limit 10 participants per time slot. $30. nbm.org. Soul Strolls at Congressional Cemetery. Oct. 21 and 27, 7 to 10 PM; Oct. 22 and 28, 6 to 10 PM. Hour-long tours depart every 15 minutes. Beer, wine and cider for sale. Adult tickets, $22; children 12 and under, $12. Attendees can arrive early and have a glass of wine, browse the gift shop, and listen to music while waiting for tours to depart. congressionalcemetery.org.
HALLOWEEN Find a Nearby Pumpkin Patch. pumpkinpatchesandmore.org The Most Haunted Houses Walking Tour. Fridays and Saturdays in October, 7:30 PM. Violent quarrels, vicious attacks, murder and suicide! Why is it such turbulent events in Washington history seem concentrated around the seven acres of Lafayette Park? $20 per person (age 3 and younger, free). $5 discount with US military or federal government ID. Embarks from “The Octagon” sign at 1799 New York Ave. NW.
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Two hours. Just show up. washingtonwalks.com.
Howl-O-Ween, the famous Lincoln Park pet-owner, costume contest takes place on Oct. 28 at 2 PM. Dress up and compete for treats, gifts and bragging rights. The event is sponsored by Rural Dog Rescue, The Hill Rag and Howl to the Chief.
Photo: Andrew Lightman
Drag Queen High Heel Race. Oct. 24, 9 PM. Always fun, always outrageous and always held on the Tuesday before Hal-
loween. This event features elaborately costumed drag queens racing down 17th Street NW from R to Church Streets. The race begins at 9 PM but come early because the real fun begins before the race. An informal block party follows. Night of the Living Zoo. Oct. 27, 6:30 to 10 PM. Prepare to witness death defying acts and amazing oddities at Friends of the National Zoo’s annual adults-only Halloween party. $30. nationalzoo.si.edu. Halloween SPOOKtacular Concert & Reception at CHAW. Oct. 28, 1 to 7 PM; happy hour at 5 PM. Event features a preview of Dracula from CHAW theater partner We Happy Few; an ART-tastic Trick or Treat Happy Hour for adults; Skeleton Key auction with lots of great prizes; smooth Jazz from the Capitol Hill Jazz Foundation and more. Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 Seventh St. SE. chaw.org. Rorschach Theatre: Klecksography-Toil and Trouble at the Atlas. Oct. 28, 7 and 9 PM. Something wicked is brewing this Halloween at Rorschach Theatre as they conjure seven new stories about witches forgotten and familiar. atlasarts.org. Bat Bonanza! at the Botanic Garden. Oct. 28, 10 AM to 5 PM. Come as a bat. Come as a plant pollinated by a bat or simply come and learn about bats. There will be bat-related activities throughout the Conservatory. Come and learn why bats matter. Free. usbg.gov. The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari and The Devil’s Assistant (silent movies) at
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ASSASSINS AT FRINGE Oct. 5 to 15. Pallas Theatre Collective combines Stephen Sondheim’s signature blend of brilliant lyrics and beautiful music with a panoramic story of our nation’s culture of celebrity, and the violent means some will use to obtain it, embodied by America’s four successful and five would-be Presidential assassins. $25. capitalfringe.org.
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Front row: Tyler Cramer, Andrew Keller, Alex Palting. Middle row: Caelan Tietze, Taylor Rieland (guitar), Topher Williams (xylophone). Back row: Brendan McMahon, Zach Brewster-Geisz. Way in the back @ piano: Alex Thompson the Atlas. Oct. 29, 4 PM. This spooky double-bill includes The Cabinet of Doctor Caligari, a feature film from 1920 with themes of hypnotism, murder and insanity. The Devil’s Assistant, a thrilling gem with a red-tinted hellscape, is sure to send shivers down the spine. Pianist Andrew Earle Simpson will perform the new musical scores. The Atlas offers free popcorn at their Silent Film screenings. For this special Halloween event, audience members are encouraged to attend in costume. atlasarts.org. All Treats, No Tricks Labyrinth Walk at the National Cathedral. Oct. 31, 6:30 to 8:30 PM. A time of quiet contemplation this All Hallows Eve. Costumes welcome! The Cathedral offers opportunities to walk the labyrinth on the last Tuesday of each month as part of the Cathedral Labyrinth Walks program. Washington National Cathedral. cathedral.org.
All Souls Remembrance at the National Shrine. During the month of November, the National Shrine remembers our beloved deceased in prayer. In memory of faithfully departed loved ones, they invite those left behind to enroll them in their All Souls Remembrance. Those enrolled will be remembered in their prayers on the Commemoration of All Souls’ and throughout the month. nationalshrine.com.
FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS Maryland Renaissance Festival. Oct. 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, and 22 (rain or shine). 1821 Crownsville Rd., Annapolis, MD. rennfest.com. Anacostia Community Museum 50th Anniversary Community Block Party. Oct. 7, 11 AM to 4 PM. Live performances, food, children’s activities, art
workshops, guest DJ and more. Most take place outside the museum along with live entertainment. Inside there will be continuous art activities and other surprises. Artists will have tents set up on the picnic grounds to sell their work. Invited community partners will have information tables. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu. Taste of DC. Oct. 7, 10 AM to 7 PM; Oct. 7, Taste After Dark, 7 PM to 10 PM; and Oct. 8, 11 AM to 6 PM. General admission is $9.99. There are other packages, $49.99, Tastemaker Ticket; $29.99 Drink Lovers Ticket; and $35.99 Oktoberfest Package. Taste of DC is at the RFK Stadium Festival Grounds. thetasteofdc.org. Taste of Bethesda. Oct. 7, 11 AM to 4 PM. Nearly 50 restaurants and five stages of entertainment. $5 for four tasting tickets. TOB is on Norfolk, St. Elmo, Cordell, Del Ray and Auburn Avenues in the heart of Bethesda’s Woodmont Triangle. The free Bethesda Circulator will transport visitors to and from the Bethesda Metro station and public garages. bethesda.org. Chile Celebration at the Arboretum. Oct. 14, 1 to 4 PM. Taste-test peppers. Sample chile-based foods. Watch live demonstrations. Take home information at this annual event celebrating the cultivation and use of chili peppers. Explore over 60 varieties in the garden including some of the world’s hottest. Free. National Herb Garden at the US National Arboretum. usna. usda.gov.
PET BLESSINGS Pet Blessing at Christ Church. Oct. 1, 11 AM. Christ Church, 620 G St. SE. washingtonparish.org. Blessing of the Animals at St. Joseph’s. Oct. 7, 9 AM (rain or shine).
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WARREN STREET WALKING TOUR SATURDAY, OCTOBER, 14 MEET AT 10 A.M. Corner of 14th and C Streets NE, rain or shine Tennessee Avenue, Warren and C Streets NE – These streets share a fascinating history with famous architects, excellent architecture, and “tiny houses”, including one-story homes by Charles Gessford.
THIS OLD (BUT GREAT) HOUSE.... WIRING & SAFETY - PRESERVATION CAFE WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 6:30 P.M. Northeast Library, 330 7th St. NE (downstairs meeting room) Joe Bellosi, Master Engineer and President of J and G Electric Co., will discuss installation and preventive maintenance for electrical wiring and other safety concerns including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
FREE HOUSE EXPO SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22, 10 A.M. - 4 P.M. Eastern Market North Hall Over 30 home services vendors will show ways to improve, repair and enjoy your home.
Josh Sticklin and Matthew Keenan. Photo: Mike Kozemchak
All events are free and the public is encouraged to attend.
BECOME A MEMBER!
CHRS received a 2016 award for the DC Preservation League for its “advocacy, education, community outreach efforts and for its early and sustained contributions to preservation efforts in Washington, DC.” Visit www.chrs.org to learn more. Email info@chrs.org or call 543-0425.
STONES IN HIS POCKETS AT KEEGAN Through Oct. 15. This play is about a small rural town in Ireland where many of the townspeople are extras in a Hollywood film. Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church St. NW. keegantheatre.com. Bring your pet or pets (large or small, furry or feathered, two-legged or four) to be blessed by Rev. William H. Gurnee. St. Joseph’s on Capitol Hill, 313 Second St. NE. For questions, email stjosephsdc@st-josephs.org. Blessing of the Animals at St. Augustine’s. Oct. 7, 3:30 to 5:30 PM. Celebrate the love and joy our pets bring into our lives. Bring furry family members to a rite of blessing followed by an outdoor reception with treats for pets and people alike. St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church, 555 Water St. SW. staugustinesdc.org.
MUSIC Blue Monday Blues in Southwest. Every Monday, 6 to 9 PM. Oct. 2, Clarence Turner Blues Band; Oct. 9, Memphis Gold Blues Band; Oct. 16, Danny Blew & the Blues Crew; Oct. 23, Swampdog Blues!; Oct. 30, Scott Ramminger & the Crawstickers. $5 cover. Children are free under 16 years of age. Reasonably
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priced meals offered. 202-484-7700. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 400 I St. SW. westminsterdc.org. Music at Hill Center. Oct. 2, 7 PM, Opera Lafayette Season Preview; Oct. 15, 4 PM; Dounouya: Global Sounds on the Hill with Orfeia; Nov. 2, 7:30 PM, Street Scenes: Aaron Seeber, Drummer, Hill Center introduces, “Street Scenes.” The series focuses on music composed by emerging DC jazz artists. $18 to $20. hillcenterdc.org Music at Mr. Henry’s. Thursday Night Bluegrass: Oct. 5, Only Lonesome; Oct. 12, Hollertown; Oct. 19, Roof Beams; Oct. 26, Justin Trawick. Friday Night Jazz: Oct. 6, Dial 251 for Jazz; Oct. 13, The Kevin Cordt Quartet; Oct. 20, Eddie Anderson Project; Oct. 27, TBA. Saturday Night Ladies of Jazz: Oct. 7, Tacha Coleman Parr; Oct. 14, Shannon Gunn & The Bullettes; Oct. 21, Julia Nixon; Oct. 28, Akua Allrich. Capitol Hill Jazz Jam every Wednesday. Shows run 8 to 11 PM.; doors open at 6 PM; no cover; two items per person minimum. Henry’s
DCHFA, Your Homeownership Resource in D.C. The District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency is your homeownership resource in the District for buying a home to retaining your home; we have a homeownership program to assist you. Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP) DCHFA serves as a co-administrator of the DC Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) first time home buyer program, HPAP, which provides interest free deferred loans for down payment and closing costs assistance up to $84,000 combined. DCHFA administers HPAP applications for households meeting very low to low income criteria.
DC Open Doors DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership in the city. This program offers first-time and repeat buyers fully forgivable second trust loans to cover a buyer’s minimum down payment requirement in addition to below market interest rates for first trust mortgages for the purchase of homes.
Mortgage Credit Certificate The Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) provides an additional incentive for first-time homebuyers to purchase a home in the District of Columbia. An MCC provides qualified borrowers the ability to claim a Federal Tax Credit of 20 percent of the mortgage interest paid during each calendar year.
HomeSaver Restore Assistance Program DCHFA now offers a Restore Assistance Program. – A one-time payment, up to $60,000, to “catch-up” on delinquent property related expenses. Applicants must have suffered a qualified financial hardship due to unemployment or underemployment, own a home in the District and be able to sustain future payments going forward. Visit www.DCHFA.org for full qualification guidelines and information on how to apply to any of DCHFA’s homeownership programs.
815 FLORIDA AVENUE, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20001 • 202.777.1600 • WWW.DCHFA.ORG October 2017 H 33
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Dracular at the CHAW Spooktacular: Jon Reynolds, Kerry McGee, Meg Lowey and Grant Cloyd
WE HAPPY FEW PRESENTS DRACULA AT CHAW Oct. 26, 7 PM, Southeast Library; Oct. 28, 2:30 PM, Preview at the CHAW Spooktacular; Oct. 30, 7 PM, CHAW. The story of Dracula is tailored to each performance space. It is best enjoyed with their custom drink pairing in hand. Bring Your Own Garlic. wehappyfewdc.com. The Capital Hill Arts Workshop is at 545 Seventh St. SE
Upstairs, 601 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. 202-546-8412. mrhenrysdc.com. Jazz Night in Southwest. Every Friday, 6 to 9 PM. Oct. 6, Fathers & Sons; Oct. 13, Tribute to Lena Horne; Oct. 20, Homecoming for Larry Brown; Oct. 27, Tribute to the Baroness; Oct. 28, Thinking About Jazz-The Jazz Baroness. $5 cover. Children are free under 16 years old. Reasonably priced meals offered. 202-484-7700. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 400 I St. SW. westminsterdc.org. Music at the Atlas. Oct. 8, Akua Allrich; Oct. 14, 15, 20 and 21, Shining Brow; Oct. 20, Combo Chimbita; Oct. 21, Fred Hersch; Oct. 22, Capital City Symphony-50th Anniversary Season Opening Concert; Oct. 26, Brad Linde Ensemble-10th Anniversary Concert; Nov. 3, Herb Scott Quintet. The Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. atlasarts.org. Music at Pearl Street Warehouse. Oct. 12, Booker T. Jones; Oct. 13, Amy Helm; Oct. 14, Town Mountain; Oct. 15, Kim Richey; Oct. 18, Driftwood; Oct. 19, Eli “Paperboy” Reed w/ High & Mighty Brass Band; Oct. 20, Grant-Lee Phillips; Oct. 21, Daryl Davis presents Chuck Berry’s Reelin’ & Rockin’ 91st Birthday Bash; Oct. 26, Fletcher’s Grove & Groove Fetis; Oct. 27, Amythyst Kiah, Oct. 28m Davy Knowles w/ Blueheart Revival; Nov. 3, Justin Jones; Nov. 4, Nick Fradiani. Pearl Street Warehouse, 33 Pearl St. SW. pearlstreetwarehouse.com. Music at The Anthem. Oct. 12, Foo Fighters; Oct. 14, Kaleo; Oct. 15, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue; Oct. 16, Phoenix; Oct. 17 and 18, LCD Soundsystem; Oct. 20, Queens of the Stone Age; Oct. 21, Zedd; Oct. 23,
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the War on Drugs; Oct. 25, Phil Lesh & The Terrapin Family Band; Oct. 27, The Head and the Heart; Oct. 29, Primus; Nov. 2, The Shins; Nov. 4, Griz; Nov. 7, Courtney Barnett & Kurt Vile (and the Sea Lice); Nov. 8, Grizzly Bear; Nov. 10, Lindsey Stirling-Warmer in the Winter Christmas Tour; Nov. 11, Tegab and Sara-The Co 10th Anniversary Acoustic Tour. The Anthem, 901 Wharf St. SW. theanthemdc.com. DC Chamber Orchestra Concert. Oct. 15, 3 PM. Program features Mozart, Serenade in E-flat, K. 375, mvmt. I; Elgar, Serenade for Strings in E minor, Op. 20; Ravel, Pavane pour une infante défunte; and Mozart, Symphony No. 31 in D Major, K. 297/300a. Free but donations accepted. The Church of the Reformation, 212 East Capitol St. NE. dcconcert orchestra.org. Chiarina Chamber Players Presents Genius under Constraints. Oct. 15, 7:30 PM. Concert features the Shostakovich Piano Quintet and Mozart G Minor Piano Quartet. $15 online at chiarina.org; $20 at door; $10 students. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. 301 A St. SE. Concert of the Choir of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Roman Catholic Church. Oct. 22, 4 PM. The 45th Annual Concert is presented with full orchestration. All tickets are advance sale, $20. To purchase call 202-546-1885. Holy Comforter- Saint Cyprian Roman Catholic Church, 1357 East Capitol St. SE.
THEATER & FILM Word Becomes Flesh at Anacostia Playhouse. Through Oct. 8. Using spoken word, stylized movement, tableau and music, an ensemble of performers delivers a series
of letters from a man to his unborn son, documenting his range of emotions, fears and expectations. Anacostia Playhouse, 2020 Shannon Pl. SE. theateralliance.com. The Arsonists at Woolly. Through Oct. 8. The world may be starting to burn, but Biedermann has it all under control. He’s a respected member of his community with a loving wife and a flourishing business. So surely the arsonists will spare him. Not! Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, 641 D St. NW. woollymammoth.net. Taffety Punk’s She Rode Horses Like the Stock Exchange. Through Oct. 14. Previews Sept. 27 to 30. In a nice New England park, in a nice New England city, two nice New England couples try very, very hard to be nice to each other, while the world around them falls apart. $15. Black Box Theatre at CHAW, 545 Seventh St. SE. chaw.org. A Little Night Music at Signature. Extended through Oct. 15. Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler’s Tony Awardwinning musical, set in 1900 Sweden, revolves around a tangled web of love affairs. Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Shirlington, VA. signature-theatre.org. Skeleton Crew at Studio. Through Oct. 15. Faye has spent her career at one of the last auto-stamping plants in Detroit. Shanita is pregnant. Dez has a whole future to plan and their manager Reggie owes a nearly unpayable debt to his work family. Studio Theatre, 1501 14th St. NW. studiotheatre.org. Native Gardens at Arena. Through Oct. 22. Good fences make good neighbors, right? From the outrageous mind of playwright Karen Zacarías comes this hot new comedy about the clash of class and culture that pushes well-
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meaning neighbors over the edge. Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW. arenastage.org. Death of a Salesman at Ford’s. Through Oct. 22. A Pulitzer Prizewinning classic about the cost of the American dream. Ford’s Theater, 511 10th St. NW. fords.org. The Lover and The Collection at Shakespeare. Through Oct. 29. On the Collection, a jealous husband confronts a rival, whom his wife may or may not have met. In The Lover, a couple calmly plans for their scheduled infidelity. In Pinter’s darkly comic world of revealing silences and pregnant pauses, the characters and the audience never know quite where they stand, embracing reality and fantasy with equal conviction. Shakespeare Theatre Company, 450 Seventh St. NW. shakespearetheatre.org. Constellation Theatre Company’s The Wild Party at Source. Through Oct. 29. The Wild Party follows the story of Queenie and Burrs, two vaudeville performers in a sexually potent but tumultuous relationship. Source, 1835 14th St. NW. ConstellationTheatre.org. Rorschach Theatre: Neverwhere at the Atlas. Through Nov. 1. When Richard Mayhew stumbles upon an injured young woman on the streets of London, he has no idea that he has also stumbled upon the fantastical world of London Below. atlasarts.org.
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An Act of God at Signature. Oct. 3 to Nov. 26. God is back. And he’s got a lot to say. Inhabiting the body of beloved DC actor Tom Story and flanked by his ever-faithful archangels, the Supreme Being gifts his mortals with an entirely new set of Ten Commandments in a sinfully funny whirlwind of comedy heaven. Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Shirlington, VA. signature-theatre.org.
Sotto Voce at Theatre J. Oct. 3 to 29. Love transcends all borders in Pulitzer Prize-winner Nilo Cruz’s passionate and lyrical Sotto Voce. A young Cuban man’s research into the fate of the S.S. St. Louis leads him to a reclusive writer who refuses to talk about the ship of Jewish refugees that fled Nazi Germany only to be denied entry into both Cuba and the United States. Theater J, 1529 16th St. NW. washingtondcjcc.org. The Effect at Studio. Oct. 4 to 29. When two volunteers for an antidepressant clinical trial start to feel the tell-tale signs: sweaty hands and thumping hearts. Have they’ve fallen for each other hard or are their bodies processing a chemical romance? Studio Theatre, 1501 14th St. NW. studiotheatre. org. DC Palestinian Film and Arts Festival. Oct. 5 to 8. Screenings/events are at the Kennedy Center, E Street Cinema and Studio Theatre. Film screenings are $12; $10, seniors and students. For the schedule and to buy tickets, visit dcpfaf.org. Antony and Cleopatra at the Folger. Oct. 10 to Nov. 19. Julius Caesar is no more and Mark Antony at the peak of his political power is ensconced in Egypt at the side of the irresistible Cleopatra. Folger Shakespeare Theatre, 201 East Capitol St. SE. folger.edu. The Very Last Days of the First Colored Circus at the Anacostia Playhouse. Oct. 19 to Nov. 12. The Very Last Days of the First Colored Circus tells the story of how playwright Steven A. Butler’s greatgreat grandparents Ollie Tyson and Ruby Dyson fell in love and settled in La Plata, Md. For tickets and more information, call202-7140646 or visit restorationstage.org. Hollywood Goes to War: World War I on the Big Screen at Air and
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awareness of human trafficking in Strong in the Broken Places, an evening of dance featuring awardwinning artists Holly Bass, Christopher K. Morgan, Erica Rebollar and PEARSONWIDRIG DANCETHEATER. Dance Place, 3225 Eighth St. NE. danceplace.org. Contradiction Dance: Forgiveness-Love More Wildly at the Atlas. Oct. 21, 8 PM and Oct. 22, 4 PM. Forgiveness: Love More Wildly presents scenes taken from life, history and an imagined future interwoven with original dance and music. atlasarts.org. LMnO3 at Dance Place. Oct. 28, 8PM and Oct. 29, 7 PM. New York City-based trio LMnO3 shifts identities in a kaleidoscopic pageant of status and femininity. B.A.N.G.S.: Made in America uses hard rap, body percussion and a game show to repurpose how we unapologetically wear our own “Beauty, Age, Number, Goodness and Size.” Dance Place, 3225 Eighth St. NE. danceplace.org.
Kent Farrington and Creedance. Photo: Shawn McMillen
WASHINGTON INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW Oct. 24 to 29. More than 500 of the best horses and riders in the world will arrive at Capital One Arena for six days of world-class international show jumping and top national hunter and equitation competition plus entertaining exhibitions, boutique shopping and community events. wihs.org. Space. Fridays at 7 PM. Oct. 20, The Blue Max; Nov. 11, The Lost Squadron. Visit airandspace.si.edu/hollywood for free tickets. The Pajama Game at Arena. Oct. 27 to Dec. 24. The Sleep-Tite Pajama Factory is a tiptop model of efficiency. So why are things getting so steamy? It could have something to do with how hard new superintendent Sid Sorokin has fallen for Babe Williams, the troublemaking head of the union grievance committee. Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW. arenastage.org. Mosaic Theater: Vicuña & an Epilogue at the Atlas. Nov. 1 to 26. This s a Trump-inspired satire about an Iranian tailor and his apprentice who struggle to make a custom-suit out of vicuña wool for an unlikely customer, a real-estate tycoon preparing for his second presidential debate. atlasarts.org. Drive-In Movie at Union Market. Nov. 3, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Movie start times vary. $10
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parking fee per car. Advance purchase is highly recommended. Free for walk-ups. unionmarketdc.com. Miracle Theater. Movies shown Fridays at 4 PM, 7 PM, and 10 PM; Saturdays at 8 PM and 10:30 PM; Sundays at 4 PM and 7 PM. Movies before 6 PM are $6. Movies 6 PM and after are $8; $6 for children, students, military and seniors. Advance schedule not possible here. Sign up for what’s playing at themiracletheatre.com. Miracle Theater, 535 Eighth St. SE. 202-400-3210.
DANCE Roy Assaf Dance at Dance Place. Oct. 7, 8 PM and Oct. 8 at 7 PM. A meeting between two mysterious figures, their story told through evocative undulations. Dance Place, 3225 Eighth St. NE. danceplace.org. ArtWorks for Freedom at Dance Place. Oct. 14, 8 PM and Oct. 15, 7 PM. ArtWorks for Freedom raises
Zumba at Southwest Library. Mondays, 7:30 PM. Instructor Roshaunda Jenkins will lead this onehour fitness and dance workout. All fitness levels welcome. The class is free and no registration is required. Southwest Library, 900 Wesley Pl. SW. dclibrary.org/southwest. The Washington Ballet @ THEARC. Through May 25, 2018. Mondays, 7:15 to 8:30 PM, Adult Vinyasa Yoga; Tuesdays, noon to 1:15 PM, Adult Ballet; Wednesdays, noon to 1 PM, Adult Barre; Thursdays, 10:15 to 11:30 AM, Adult Modern; Thursdays, 7:15 to 8:15 PM, Adult Pilates; Saturdays, 8:30 to 9:30 AM, Adult Zumba. Single classes are $12. Class cards for 12 classes are $100. THEARC is at 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. thearcdc.org. Hip Hop, Dance Hall and Salsa at Joe’s Movement Emporium. Hip Hop Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m.; Dance Hall, Tuesdays, 8L30 p.m.; Salsa, Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Ten Class Pass: adults, $110; seniors, $80. Joe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Rd., Mount Rainier, MD. joesmovement.org.
SPORTS AND FITNESS Fort Dupont Ice Arena Public Skating. Public ice skating is on Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29; 2:30 to 4:30 PM. Oct. 6, 13, 20 and 27; noon to 2 PM. Oct. 7, 14, 21 and 28; 1 to 3 PM. $5 for adults; $4, 12 and under and seniors 60 and over; $3 for skate rental. Fort Dupont Ice Arena is at 3779 Ely Pl. SE. fdia.org. Yoga Gatherings at the Botanic Garden. Oct. 14, 21
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The JLC Team is proud to sponsor the Capitol Hill Cluster School’s Renovators House Tour on October 22, 2017. Please join the fun and buy your tickets at www.renovatorshousetour.org/tickets/ While we live and work on the Hill, we sell all over the city! If you are looking to buy or sell a house in DC, please give us a call. We’d love to help you.
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202.246.0931 crystal.crittenden@compass.com SEE OUR REVIEWS ON ZILLOW
Compass is a licensed real estate brokerage that abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Compass is licensed as Compass Real Estate in DC and as Compass in Virginia and Maryland. 660 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20003 | 202.545.6900
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and 28; 10:30 to 11:30 AM. WithLoveDC is a movement to spread love, joy, and acceptance throughout the District. WithLoveDC offers free yoga gatherings at the US Botanic Garden. This program is first-come, first served with limited space available. Participants are encouraged to bring their own mats. No pre-registration required. usbg.gov. Marine Corp Marathon Health & Fitness Expo. Oct. 20, 10 to 6 PM and Oct. 21, 8 AM to 5 PM. The two-day event showcases hundreds of exhibitors featuring the latest running gear, recovery products, technology, exercise equipment, nutrition, food and more. Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, 201 Waterfront St., National Harbor, MD. visitprincegeorgescounty.com. Rumsey (indoor) Aquatic Center. Open weekdays, 6:30 AM to 9 PM; weekends, 9 AM to 5 PM. 635 North Carolina Ave. SE. Free to residents. Have ID. dpr. dc.gov.
MARKETS AND SALES Pottery on the Hill Show & Sale at Hill Center. Oct. 28, 10 AM to 5 PM and Oct. 29, 11 AM to 4 PM; preview reception, Oct. 27, 6:30 to 9 PM ($30, advance; $35 day of. Pottery on the Hill features functional pottery from 17 of the nation’s top ceramic artists. Free admission. hillcenterdc.org. 2017 Smithsonian Craft2Wear Show. Oct. 5, 6 to 9 PM; Oct. 6, 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM; and Oct.7, 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Produced by the Smithsonian Women’s Committee, this is an annual fundraiser in support of education, research and conservation at the Smithsonian. $15 at door. Oct. 5 opening night is $50, online sales only. National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW. smithsoniancraft2wear.org. SW Arts Market. Oct. 13 and 27, 4 to 10 PM. Fourth and M Streets SW. marketswdc.com.
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The DC Big Flea & Antiques Market— November 4-5—Dulles Expo Center, Chantilly, Va. Sat 9-6/Sun 11-5. Over 600 booths of unique & affordable antiques & collectibles! Adm $10 & valid for entire weekend. Park Free. Friends of SE Library Book Sale. Oct. 14, 10 AM to 3 PM. Most books are $1. Southeast Neighborhood Library, 403 Seventh St. SE. dclibrary.org/southeast. H Street NE FRESHFARM Market. Saturdays through Dec. 16, 9 AM to 12:30 PM. 800 13th St. NE. freshfarm.org. Southwest DC Community Farmers Market. Saturdays through Nov. 18, 9 AM to 1 PM. Fourth and M Streets SW. dreamingoutloud.org. Eastern Market. Daily except Mondays and important holidays. Weekdays, 7 AM to 7 PM; Saturdays, 7 AM to 6 PM; Sundays, 9 AM to 5 PM. Arts and crafts market open weekends, 9 AM to 6 PM. 200 and 300 blocks of Seventh St. SE. 202-698-5253. easternmarket-dc.org. Dupont Circle FRESHFARM Market. Sundays, 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM. 20th St. and Massachusetts Ave. NW. 202-3628889. freshfarmmarket.org. Fresh Tuesdays at Eastern Market. Tuesdays, 3 to 7 PM. Farmers’ line of fresh produce. Eastern Market, 200 block of Seventh Street SE. 202-6985253. easternmarketdc.com. Union Market. Tuesdays to Fridays, 11 AM to 8 PM; weekends, 8 AM to 8 PM. Union Market is an artisanal, curated, food market featuring over 40 local vendors. 1309 Fifth St. NE. 301-6527400. unionmarketdc.com. Have an item for the Calendar? Email it to calendar@hillrag.com. u
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F A
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R E S TA U R A N T S BARS T H E AT E R C O N C E RT S PERFORMING A RT S EXHIBITS MUSEUMS GALLERIES EVENTS
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W hat’s Wa s h i n g ton / C E L E B R AT E T H E WHARF OPENING/
On Sept. 12, 11 a.m., the Wharf opens with off a four-day celebration that includes live music, fireworks and festivities along the SW waterfront. Some highlights are daytime fireworks at noon on Sept. 12 and 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 12 and 15; live music and entertainment from noon to 9 p.m. on Thursday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday; and noon to 6:30 p.m. on Sunday. There will be a Blessing of the Wharf at 11 a.m. on Sunday. Enjoy paddle boat excursions, yoga on the pier, buskers, s’mores at the Wharf fire pit, art wheels, kite flying, dragon boats and more. For the complete celebration schedule which includes performance listings and locations, visit wharfdc.com/sneakpeak.
E X T R A
/RENOIR AND FRIENDS: LUNCHEON OF THE B O AT I N G PA RT Y /
This special exhibition will focus on The Phillips Collection’s celebrated Luncheon of the Boating Party (1880-1881) by Pierre-Auguste Renoir and the diverse circle of friends who inspired it. The first exhibition to focus on this singular masterwork in more than 20 years, it is comprised of more than 40 carefully chosen paintings, drawings, pastels, watercolors and photographs from public and private collections around the world that reveal the story of Luncheon of the Boating Party. Renoir and Friends: Luncheon of the Boating Party is on exhibition at The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st St. NW, from Oct. 7 to Jan. 7, 2018. phillipscollection.org. Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Luncheon of the Boating Party, 1880–81. Oil on canvas, 51 1/4 x 69 1/8 in. The Phillips Collection, Washington, DC, Acquired 1923
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The Ship of Tolerance, Zug, 2016 Photo: Luis Eduardo Martinez Fuentes Competitors share their shucked oysters with the crowd after the judges are done evaluating their performance.
A Perfect Harmony – Visualisation by 59 Productions. Shirine Babb (Cleopatra) and Cody Nickell (Mark Antony). Photo: James Kegley
/ U S N AT I O N A L OYSTER F E S T I VA L I N S T. M A RY ’ S COUNTY/
The 51st Annual US National Oyster Festival is on Oct. 21, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 22, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., at St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds, 42455 Fairgrounds Rd., Leonardtown, MD. Stewed, raw, fried or scalded oysters are available. Seafood lovers can feast on fried clams, scallops, soft crab sandwiches, crab cakes, shrimp, fried fish and seafood chowder. Food is pay-as-you-eat. The National Oyster Cook-Off is on Saturday. It has three contest divisions: Hors d’oeuvres, soups and stews, and main dishes. The festival’s main event is the National Oyster Shucking Championship held on Saturday from 2 to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from 2 to 5:30 p.m. The National Championship is on Sunday from 5 to 5:30 p.m. Shuckers from around the country compete by preparing 24 pre-selected oysters, perfectly. The oysters are then offered to the crowd in the stands. Read more at usoysterfest.com.
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/THE UTOPIAN P R O J E C T S AT THE HIRSHHORN/
Ilya and Emilia Kabakov: The Utopian Projects features more than twenty whimsical models by acclaimed Russian-born artists Ilya and Emilia Kabakov. These maquettes are elaborate, miniaturized versions of massive projects from around the globe, which the artists have created collaboratively over the past thirty years. Offering a rare glimpse into the duo’s artistic process, these creations are perfect for the Hirshhorn’s youngest visitors, inviting viewers of all ages into a surreal world in miniature. Opening nearly thirty years after the Hirshhorn hosted Ilya Kabakov’s first major US exhibition, The Utopian Projects coincides with the artists’ first major international museum exhibition at the Tate Modern in London. hirshhorn.si.edu.
/FREER AND SACKLER GALLERIES REOPEN/
As the specially commissioned centerpiece of the weekend-long reopening celebration on Oct. 14 and 15, “A Perfect Harmony” will see the facade of the
Freer become a vast canvas for a projection-mapping event for with five performances on the evening of Oct. 14 at 7:45 p.m., 8:45 p.m., 9:45 p.m., 10:45 p.m. and 11:45 p.m. Using the latest technology, the 12-minute animated artwork traces the history of the Freer and Sackler Galleries. “A Perfect Harmony” will light up the Washington night in an empowering and not-to-be-missed celebration of art and ideas. asia.si.edu/reopening.
/ANTONY AND C L E O PAT R A AT THE FOLGER/
Folger Theatre launches its 2017/18 season of power, passion, and politics with William Shakespeare’s romantic tragedy of Antony and Cleopatra. Julius Caesar is no more. Mark Antony at the peak of his political power is ensconced in Egypt at the side of the irresistible Cleopatra. Torn between his military duty toward Rome and his passionate love affair with Cleopatra, Antony finds himself engaged in both war and romance. Shakespeare’s classic encompasses politics and power, love and jealousy, alliance and misalliance. Antony and Cleopatra is on stage at the Folger Shakespeare Theatre from Oct. 10 to Nov. 19. Folger Shakespeare Theatre, 201 East Capitol St. SE. folger.edu.
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Young Lioness with Her First Cubs, Serengeti, 2012, by Michael Nichols. Photo: Michael Nichols/ National Geographic
/ M I L I TA RY B A N D S CHRISTMAS SHOWS T I C K E T AVA I L A B I L I T Y /
/VIRGINIA WINE F E S T I VA L /
On Oct. 14 and 15 from noon to 6 PM, the Virginia Wine Festival will be held for the first time at Old Town Alexandria. The 42nd festival presents over 200 of Virginia’s best wineries, craft exhibitors, seminars and incredible music on the Potomac River waterfront. Discover gourmet food trucks, Virginia products, freshly shucked oysters, top bands and children’s activities. General admission is $35 with a $65 VIP ticket for early admission and exclusive tastings. Oronoco Bay Park, 100 Madison St., Alexandria, VA. virginiawinefest.com.
/ H A RV E S T J A Z Z N I G H T AT K E N I LW O RT H GARDENS
On Oct. 21 from 4 to 6 p.m., discover the Harvest Jazz Night at Kenilworth Gardens, 1550 Anacostia Ave. NE. There will be live music from 4 to 6 p.m. and a special evening park tour at 5 p.m. Please remember to bring a chair, blanket and a picnic to hear music under the stars. The Friends of Kenilworth Park also will give a special shout-out to the volunteers, partners, community members and friends who help keep the place running. There is a large parking lot at the Aquatic Gardens. If the lot is full, street parking is available. friendsofkenilworthgardens.org. u
Deck the halls! The US Army Band “Pershing’s Own” Christmas concerts are on Dec. 1, 8 p.m.; Dec. 2, 3 and 8 p.m.; and Dec. 3, 3 p.m. Visit usarmyband.com starting on Nov. 1, 10 a.m., to order free tickets. The US Air Force Band Christmas concerts are on Dec. 9, 3 and 8 p.m. and Dec. 10, 3 p.m. Tickets available online in November at usafband.af.mil. US Navy Band Christmas concerts are Dec. 16, 3 and 8 p.m. and Dec. 17, 3 p.m. Tickets will be available in late October at navyband.navy.mil/holiday_concert. These holiday concerts are all free (tickets go fast) and at the DAR Constitution Hall, 1776 D St. NW. Seating is general admission. Patrons Photo: Courtesy of the Virginia Wine with tickets are seated on a first-come, first-served basis one hour prior to show Festival time. No tickets are required 15 minutes prior to start time.
/“WILD: MICHAEL NICHOLS” PHOTOGRAPHY E X H I B I T I O N AT N AT I O N A L GEOGRAPHIC/
See extraordinary images of wildlife and wild places through the eyes of legendary photographer and former National Geographic magazine Editor at Large for Photography Michael “Nick” Nichols. Visitors will travel to the remotest reaches of the globe through Nick’s stunning, evocative, and technically innovative photos of our natural world. $15. “Wild: Michael Nichols” is on display from Oct. 12 to Jan. 12, 2018 at the National Geographic Museum, 1145 17th St. NW, which is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. nationalgeographic.org.
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Janelia McNair Sanya
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T h e at r e O E U N D up
/AS A NEW SEASON D AW N S , T H E A C T O R ’ S THE THING
by Barbara Wells
very September we Washingtonians are spoiled by theater, as dozens of local companies roll out award-winning plays with stellar directors at the helm. Yet amid this embarrassment of riches, uncertainty plagues me until the casts are announced. Unlike Shakespeare, I can’t be sure the play’s the thing. For me, it’s the actors. Sadly, I’m not familiar with every actor who takes the stage, but I’ve seen enough of them to feel I know a few. I’ve even startled several when I spotted them around town, expressing my admiration and asking what they were up to next. I trust them to seek out promising projects and great directors, and even when they make a poor choice, I know they’ll bring something special to their roles. Washington’s theaters have announced the casts for only a fraction of the season’s plays, but among this selection some of my favorite actors bring a flutter of excitement. So far, these are the performances I look forward to this fall.
WHO DO YOU LOVE?/
losers, and everymen, black and white, of every background, with aplomb, lending a resounding voice and deep humanity that few actors can match.
Theatre J, Sotto Voce, Oct. 3–29 This story of a young Cuban man’s research into the fate of the S.S. St. Louis at the hands of the Nazis leads him to a reclusive writer, portrayed by Washington theater veteran Brigid Cleary. I vividly remember her riveting performance in a 2004 production of Homebody/Kabul by Theatre J and Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company. Playwright Tony Kushner opened the play with a widely criticized monologue, lasting nearly one hour, on 3,000 years of Afghan history. But Cleary’s rendition left me breathless. If she can handle that, she can do anything.
Death of a Salesman, Ford’s Theatre, through Oct. 22
Craig Wallace assumes the role of Willy Loman in this Arthur Miller classic, once more taking on the challenge of nontraditional casting that’s been a hallmark of his work since his first appearance with the Shakespeare Theatre Company 30 years ago. From his early roles as silent shepherds and soldiers, Wallace advanced to supporting roles on stages across the city until finally landing a wide array of leading roles — from Othello at the Folger Theatre to Scrooge at Ford’s. He’s played leaders,
An Act of God, Signature Theatre, Oct. 3–Nov. 26 Craig Wallace as Willy Loman with cast members Thomas Keegan, Kimberly Schraf, and Danny Gavigan for Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman.” Photo: Scott Suchman.
Tom Story excels in challenging serious roles. In Mosaic Theater Company’s Blood Knot, he was outstanding as Morris, the conflicted son of a black woman who has been passing for white in South Africa, and he appeared as Prior Walter, abandoned and alone and suffering from AIDS, in Round House’s Angels in America. But Story is also a hoot. I can’t wait to see him play God in this play with a script by David Javerbaum, who won 13 Emmy Awards writing for The Daily Show. The show also features the delightful Jamie Smithson as the angel Gabriel. Smithson was the best thing about Signature Theatre’s production of Cake Off, delivering hilarious portrayals of a wickedly sinister emcee, a devil-may-care veteran contestant, and a legendary stop-at-nothing champion of a cutthroat baking competition.
Folger Theatre, Antony and Cleopatra, Oct. 10–Nov. 19 Cody Nickell has been a stalwart performer at the Folger Theatre
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for years, with a flair for wit and romance that earned Helen Hayes Award nominations for leading roles in The Taming of the Shrew and Arcadia. And as the Earl of Leicester in the Folger’s production of Mary Stuart, he effortlessly weaved through episodes of conspiracy, seduction, despair, and remorse, more than holding his own in wooing the formidable Holly Twyford as Queen Elizabeth and Kate Eastwood Norris as Queen Mary. Nickell has all the makings of a stirring Mark Antony opposite acclaimed New York actress Shirine Babb, and the production in the round promises extra intensity and intimacy.
Peter Pan, Synetic Theater, Oct. 18–Nov. 19 Anyone who saw Alex Mills’ adorable Puck in the Synetic production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, followed soon after by his terrifying performance in Jekyll and Hyde, has witnessed his spellbinding blend of physical movement and passionate expression. He’s perfectly cast as Peter Pan, bringing a boyish appeal with dark undercurrents. Ryan Sellers, another Synetic veteran, is the picture of Captain Hook. Sellers’ stern demeanor, which played to great effect in Signature’s West Side Story, is softened by the good humor showcased last year in the Folger Theater’s Second Shepherd’s Play and many children’s productions at Imagination Stage. What a fine duet.
Arena Stage, Pajama Game, Oct. 27–Dec. 24 For this classic musical, Broadway actress Nancy Anderson returns to D.C., where I last saw her musical talents in the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream in 2012 and Side By Side By Sondheim at Signature Theatre six years ago. She’s joined by the incomparable Edward Gero, who’s been busy portraying Antonin Scalia in the Originalist at Arena Stage and around the country. He’s always been outstanding, whether playing Mark Rothko in Red, Richard Nixon in Nixon’s Nixon, or Scrooge in A Christmas Carol, as well as in scores of Shakespeare Theatre Company productions. I’m also eager to see Britney Coleman, who makes her Arena Stage debut as Babe. I had never heard of her until I witnessed her
dazzling rendition of “I’m Not at All in Love” at Arena’s season preview event. Now I know she’s a big reason to see the show.
Round House Theatre, The Book of Will, Nov. 29–Dec. 24 This comedy about two actors determined to compile the lost works of their friend William Shakespeare would easily grab my attention. But the photo of Todd Scofield on the Round House webpage for the show (appearing even before casting was announced) had me sold. I always enjoy watching this multifaceted actor, who has become practically ubiquitous in Washington. He’s turned up as the frustrated, sputtering Gooper in Round House’s Cat on a Hot Tin Roof; as the gentle father of Pearl in Imagination Stage’s The Little Mermaid; and in countless supporting roles at the Folger and Shakespeare theaters. And as C.S. Lewis in Freud’s Last Session at Theatre J, Scofield provided the perfect balance of optimistic strength and assuredness opposite Rick Foucheux’s abrasive, depressed Sigmund Freud.
Mosaic Theater Company, Queens Girl in Africa, Jan. 4–Feb. 4 Mosaic’s Queens Girl in Africa features the quietly powerful Erika Rose as Jacqueline Marie Butler, who sails to Nigeria after the assassination of her father’s close friend Malcolm X. A Woolly Mammoth company member, Rose stood out among the massive cast of Mosaic’s Unexplored Interior as an American struggling to unravel the Rwandan genocide, and she won a Helen Hayes Award for her mesmerizing portrayal of Hawa, a brutalized Muslim woman who has lost her entire family, in Theater J’s production of In Darfur. Yet she was equally at home as Curtis, a servant baffled by the behavior of Kate and Petruchio in Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Taming of the Shrew. Who do YOU love? Be on the lookout. Chances are, they’ll turn up on a Washington stage soon. Barbara Wells is a writer and editor for Reingold, a social marketing communications firm. She and her husband live on Capitol Hill. u
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T
by Brad Hathaway
here 38 jets flying west are from Europe were two diverted to the airreaport next to the sons tiny town (populathe Hill is a great tion 9,000) of Ganplace for a theder, Newfoundater lover. One is land. Nearly 7,000 the quality of the passengers had to incredibly vibrant be accommodattheater commued for what turned nity of the Washout to be almost a ington, Maryland, week. The story of and Virginia rethe efforts of the gion we call home. townsfolk to see to The other is how easy it is to take a break and the needs of those passengers and the relahead the 225 miles north to the mecca of big, tionships and friendships that developed bebold, brassy musicals. tween them is presented with fabulous, highThree and a half hours by car. One hour energy, fiddle-and-whistle music. by plane. Four hours by train. Four and a half hours by cheap bus. However you cover the distance, the rewards when the houselights dim in one of the theaters that constitute ManIf you are taking children to New York and hattan’s Broadway make the trip worth it. want to introduce them to the pleasure of But which show to see, out of the 27 that Broadway or add to any experiences they are playing right now? Here are some suggeshave already had there, consider one of these tions. First and foremost, make it a musical. two: “School of Rock” or “Anastasia.” Yes, straight plays can be wonderful on BroadThe entire cast of “Come from Away” whoops it up as two pasAs you might guess from its title, “School way too. But straight plays are produced here sengers from planes diverted on Sept. 11, 2001, kiss in a Newfoundof Rock” will be a more rock-infused expein our region at much the same quality as up landers ritual. Photo: Matthew Murphy rience with a score by Andrew Lloyd Webin New York. Our local musicals at theaters ber, composed in a style more reminiscent of like Washington’s Ford’s or Keegan theaters, ing feat. It makes a humanity-affirming affair out of his “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor DreamVirginia’s Signature Theatre, and Maryland’s Olney a story of events of that terrible time when terrorcoat” than his light-operatic-style “Phantom of the or Toby’s Dinner theater are special and wonderful, ists attacked the World Trade Center in New York Opera.” Here it is a fun story of a would-be rock but they aren’t the same as a Broadway musical in a and the Pentagon. When the airspace above the star who takes on a teaching assignment in an exBroadway theater, where the productions are tailorUnited States was closed to commercial aircraft, clusive prep school, only to find the kids in his made to the houses in which they play. class have all the skills necessary to form a prizeOK. A musical. Which one? winning band. The adults in the show are good, and Eric Petersen is tremendously energetic as the teacher in question. But it is the kids between ages nine and 13 who steal the show. If the kids No matter the ages of your party – kids, adults, seyou are taking would respond to a slightly subniors – I don’t care. There is one show that will culture rockfest, and you aren’t upset by slightly leave everyone feeling good about themselves, rough lyrics (one song is “Stick It to the Man!” – their world, and the entire human race. It is one that’s about as rough as it gets), you all will have that you may have already seen, as it played a a rockin’ good time. pre-Broadway engagement last year here at Ford’s If your kids would more likely appreciate a Theatre, where it earned four Helen Hayes Awards show about a would-be princess, a good choice including outstanding musical. If you didn’t see it would be “Anastasia,” the story of a girl who might Grownup Eric Peterson, backed by some of the inhere, you should see it in New York! have been the daughter of assassinated Czar Nichcredibly talented kids who lift the roof of the Winter Garden Theater. Photo: Matthew Murphy “Come from Away” accomplishes an amazolas of Russia. It is spectacularly staged using not
B r o a d way B e c ko n s t o T h e at e r
L ov e r s
/TWO MORE TO SEE/
/‘COME FROM AWAY ’ /
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just impressive sets and costumes but the latest techniques of projections and videos to create worlds that fairly glow from the stage. The score is by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, the team that gave us “Once on This Island,” “Seussical,” and most importantly “Ragtime.”
/‘MISS SAIGON’/
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Best show for a date? Try one that is that amazing accomplishment: a revival that is actually better than the original version. “Miss Saigon” played the Broadway Theater for almost an entire decade (1991-2001) in its original production with huge sets, a superb cast, and a score by the team whose “Les Miserables” originally played at that same theater. Its producer, Cameron Macintosh, has returned to the piece, with a new director and a new design team, in the same theater for a limited run. This new production of the tale of the love between an American GI and a Vietnamese bar girl at the fall of Saigon is as lush and melodic as ever, but this director solves a few of the problems of the original, most remarkably finding a way so the famous scene of the flight of the last helicopter to evacuate the US embassy makes sense in the chronology of the play.
The scene of Paris behind Christy Altomare as Anastasia is actually a projection from the stage of the Broadhurst Theatre. Photo: Matthew Murphy
been nominated for the award five other times. Christine Ebersol also has two Tony awards, one for “42nd Street” and one for “Grey Gardens,” which was by the same playwright, lyricist, and composer as this new show. Ebersol plays cosmetics queen Elizabeth Arden, while LuPone is her rival, Helena Rubinstein. The women never actually met when battling for dominance in the cosmetics market, so many of the scenes of this colorful and tuneful show are spotlight moments for one or the other, or are duets set on opposite sides of the stage, until the climax when they are brought together for an imaginary encounter. Each star shines brightly, and the supporting male leads, John Dossett and Douglas Sills, are strong enough to hold their own.
/UNDERSTUDIES/
The famous helicopter scene from “Miss Saigon” in the current revival impresses even more than the original. Photo: Matthew Murphy
/ ‘ WA R PA I N T ’ /
Often a show is crafted for a particular star, one who can sell tickets just on the strength of a name. We have a fine example of one crafted not for one but for two stars whom Broadway audiences have come to trust for a memorable evening of theater. Patti LuPone has been a star since 1980, when she won her first Tony Award as the title character in “Evita.” She won another in 2008 for the revival of “Gypsy” and has
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One aspect of Broadway that rarely gets mentioned is the superb quality of the understudies who stand by to fill in if a star can’t go on. Washington audiences have long enjoyed the talents of Donna Migliaccio, co-founder of Arlington’s Signature Theatre and twice winner of our own Helen Hayes Award (with 11 additional nominations). She is currently understudying LuPone as Helena Rubinstein and has gone on in that role seven times. I’m sure that each time the announcement was made of LuPone’s absence, the audience felt disappointed. I’m equally certain that each time the audience left feeling they had seen something special. Brad Hathaway covered theater for this newspaper for 10 years before retiring and moving to California to live with his wife on a houseboat in Sausalito. u
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Dining O T E S by Celeste McCall
/ C H E F G R E G O R I O M A RT I N E Z H E L M S O P H E L I A’ S /
Gregorio Martinez has come full circle: In 2008, he honchoed the Barracks Row seafood kitchen at Chesapeake Room. He departed four years later. Last year, he returned to the same restaurant, which is now Ophelia’s Fish House, the Hill Restaurant Group’s flagship establishment. In the Interim he headed to Georgetown where he cooked at the venerable Billy Martin’s Tavern, then Chef Geoff’s in Spring Valley. “Geoff Tracy is a great chef,” said Martinez. “He ran a good kitchen; everyone who cooked there [eventually] became a chef. A native of El Salvador, Martinez arrived in the United States at 18 (speaking only Spanish) and settled in Rockville. As in many culinary success stories, he started out washing dishes, and gradually worked his way up the career ladder, learning English on the way. Now, in addition to Ophelia’s Fish House, Martinez also oversees the kitchens of six sister establishments:Hawk ‘n Dove, Tío Javier, Senart’s Oyster & Grille Room, Lola’s Barracks Bar & Grill, Finn McCool’s and Willie’s Brew & Que (Navy Yard). Martinez, 43, works six days a week, often putting in 14-hour days on weekends, a mere eight hours other days. “I like to cook,” he said, “Especially seafood.” A top seller at Ophelia’s is pan-roasted, crispy-skinned sea bass. Shrimp and grits are also popular. At weekend brunch: his seafood omelet is replete with crab, shrimp and cheddar, sauced with tomato Hollandaise. Martinez, who now dwells in Columbia Heights, rarely cooks at home, but when he does, he likes to grill or
Ophelia’s Fish House chef Gregorio Martinez displays a beautiful salmon, ready for preparation. Photo: Celeste McCall
broil shrimp, or prepare pupusas from his native country. Occasionally, he’ll dine out at a Latino restaurant near his home. He also admits to preparing a favorite dish at Ophelia’s and taking it home to enjoy with his 13-year-old son. While not the owner, Martinez considers Ophelia’s his restaurant. “My second house,” he proclaims proudly. From the walk-in freezer in his narrow galley kitchen, he plucked a side of Atlantic salmon, purchased from Capital Seaboard Seafood & Produce. He planned to filet and season the fish with Old Bay, before grilling or broiling it to order. He’ll serve his masterpiece with jasmine rice, grilled zucchini and salsa. Martinez estimates that Ophelia’s, with his staff of seven, serves about 75 dinners nightly, more on weekends. Open daily, Ophelia’s Fish House is located at 501 Eighth St. SE. For more information call 202-543-1445 or visit www.opheliasfishhousethehill.
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/GRAND WAT E R FRONT OPENING/
The Wharf, the mile-long, $2 billion mega-complex sprawled along the Southwest waterfront, is poised to unveil “Phase One” on October 12. Produced by Hoffman-Madison Waterfront, opening festivities will include fireworks, concerts, inaugura-
Chef Gregorio Martinez’s seafood omelette is a favorite brunch dish at Ophelia’s. Photo: Celeste McCall
tion of regional water-taxis, and the arrival of big-name restaurants. Among them: Hank’s Oyster Bar, La Vie, Rappahannock Oyster Company, Velo Café at District Hardware, Dolcezza Gelato. Phase Two groundbreaking is slated for next year, and the whole shebang should be completed by 2021.
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/ D I S T R I C T W I N E RY O P E N S AT T H E YA R D S /
available concerning the ground floor, except that Beer Director Greg Engert will unveil a beer bar with outdoor seating. There will also be a high-end coffee shop. Stay tuned.
As you’ve probably heard, Washington welcomes its first winery: District Winery. Located in Yards Park near Nationals Park, the three-level, 17,000-square-foot facility was co-founded by Brian Leventhal and John Stires. Besides providing space for private events, District Winery has a stunning We’ve not encountered many Scandinavian restaurants around here. So we restaurant--Ana—named after the Anacostia River which it overlooks. Prewere intrigued to stumble upon Calooska: “Simply Scandinavian,” in Union siding over the “new American” kitchen is executive chef Michael Gordon, Market. Operated by Nora Ramel, the modest eatery opened in mid-August. who wielded his whisk at top New York restaurants. Chef de Cuisine is BenHaving visited Iceland this summer—with its marjamin Lambert (formerly with 701, Restaurant, velous seafood--we were seeking Nordic fare. For Nora). Highlighting their eclectic menu: grilled lunch at Calooska, our light but satisfying repast octopus, crab beignets, Amish chicken, smoked encompassed vegetarian stuffed cabbage rolls, duck, charred broccoli steak. Danish-style meatloaf with pickled beets and cuDistrict Winery offers weekend tours, but cumbers, and an offbeat special: “savory smoked you’ll have to wait until spring to sip local vinsalmon cake,” which looked like a birthday cake. tages. No, they won’t be growing grapes in Nats The confection consisted of white bread layered Park’s outfield; most of the fruit-of-the-vine with smoked salmon, cream cheese, thinly-sliced comes from California’s Sonoma Valley, Washcucumbers and radishes. The “cake” was crowned ington State’s Columbia Gorge, and New York’s with curly-cued smoked salmon which resembled Finger Lakes District. Led by winemaker Conor pink rosettes. Priced at $5.50 per slice, it tasted McCormack, District Winery will eventually as good as it looked. Lunch for two—no drinks-produce 72,000 bottles annually. came to $22. Union Market is open daily except District Winery’s soaring interior is defor Mondays. signed by HapstakDemetriou+ (Peter Hapstak III and Olvia Demetriou), and built by Potomac Construction Services. The design is inspired This smoked salmon cake is an example of the Viking by traditional wineries with the juxtaposition of fare at Calooska: Simply Scandinavian, at Union Marwarm and cool finishes, walnut paneling and ket. Photo: Calooska Still missing Uncle Brutha’s hot sauce shop? Weep brass accents. no more. Sundays at Eastern Market, you’ll find Also created by HapstakDemetriou+, Ana’s Stephanie Freeman’s and Vickie Lucas’ outdoor décor showcases a variety of rich textures including stone, walnut, cement and stand: She Peppers. Ensconced in the “farmers row,” the women hawk herb steel. Globe pendants dangle from timber beams; light shades are constructed and spice blends, gourmet flavored sea salts, hot sauces (varying degrees of from recycled cardboard. The 56-seat dining room is appointed with “mid-cenheat), barbecue rubs and dried peppers including bhut jolokia (“ghost”), rutury” inspired furnishings and custom-designed banquettes upholstered with mored to be the most incendiary pepper on the planet. She Peppers also ofblue fabric. Encircling the restaurant is a spacious patio with fire pits. Ana is fers a colorful array of fresh produce, mainly peppers. For more information open nightly, and will eventually serve brunch and weekday lunch. District call 202-743-7916 or visit www.shepeppers.com. Winery and Restaurant Ana is at 385 Water St. SE; call 202-484-9210 or vis-
/ V I K I N G FA R E AT U N I O N MARKET/
/SHE PEPPERS HOT SAUCE/
it www.districtwinery.com.
/COMING SOON/
On the drawing board near the Potomac Avenue Metro Station, Neighborhood Restaurant Group is unveiling a multi-restaurant hub. Don’t rush over right away; this won’t happen until about 2019. Located at 1401 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, the mixed-use complex will include 160 apartments on the upper levels. “It’s a neighborhood I’ve been looking at for a while,” said NRG owner Michael Babin, who is joining forces with CAS Riegler Companies and May Development on the project. Presently, the Potomac Metro area’s dining options are pretty much limited to a couple of bars, Mangialardo’s subs and La Lomita. NRG’s empire already encompasses 20 local restaurants, bars and shops, including Barracks Row’s EatBar and Hazel (Shaw). So far, few details are
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/FUNDRAISESR: FOOD, FUN AND BOOKS/
Coming up October 6: “Destination Atlas 2017: Party for a Purpose.” Held at the Atlas Center for the Performing arts, 1333 H St. NE, the annual fundraiser will feature live music and dancing, plus food and drink from H street restaurants. For tickets and more information visitwww.atlasarts.org/fall17. We always look forward to the annual Literary Feast, slated this year for Oct. 21. A fundraiser for the Capitol Hill Community Foundation, the festive evening combines love of literature with interesting food. This year, 39 Capitol Hill hosts will pair a book with an appropriate repast. Tickets are $100 each. To choose a book/dinner and to register, visitwww.aLiteraryFeast.org. u
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/THE WINE GIRL/
What to Drink Now
/ 1 3 T O P W I N E S U N D E R $ 2 0 : T H E FA L L E D I T I O N /
by Elyse Genderson
I
t’s that time again! A new season and the chance to explore the best values from across the globe. I love the creating under $20 lists because they provide me with the chance to re-discover some terrific favorites, and focus on wines that offer tremendous value. There are a lot of boring $10 wines out there, but a $10 wine that really captures a sense of terroir, (the place in which the grapes are grown), is harder to find. At Schneider’s we search high and low for complex, expressive wines that offer something really special. We strive to ensure that the wines on our shelves exhibit depth and richness, adding something interesting to elevate the food on your table. These value wines make excellent weeknight drinkers and are ideal to have on hand for impromptu gatherings, and to help you relax after a long day at the office. Here are my selections for some of the best wines under $20 suitable for heartier fall cuisines like roasted Brussels sprouts, stews, or roasts. Just because the weather gets a little cooler does not mean that you should abandon white wines. In fact, the whites on this list offer a rounder, weightier, fuller texture making them the perfect match for autumnal flavors. Syrah and Grenache-based reds along with Pinot Noir, and Beaujolais are wonderful for fall evenings. These reds are all light-to-medium-bodied and offer spicy flavors that also pair well with autumn fare. This list includes selections from Argentina, Germany, Italy, Spain, Australia, and France. The mix of Old and New World wines offers something for everyone’s tastes. Whites 1. 2015 Alfredo Roca Chenin Blanc – Chardonnay, Mendoza, Argentina ($9.99) Notes of peach and a waxy texture typical of the Chenin Blanc varietal, are coupled with the rich lemon, apple, and pear character of the Chardonnay to create well-balanced acidity and depth. 2. 2015 Cuvee de Penya Viognier, Côtes Catalanes, France ($9.99) This $10 white packs a wallop. It offers an exotic nose
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of citrus, pineapple, mango and peach, with light floral hints. Lively acidity makes it very refreshing on the palate. Serve with scallops or spicy Asian foods. 3. 2016 Antoine Simoneau Sauvignon Blanc Toraine, Loire Valley, Franec ($12.99) Soft citrus aromas, white peach, and green melon make this a very attractive little wine. Refreshing acidity and a hint of apple blossom shine through on the finish. 4. 2015 Albert Bichot Chablis Domaine LongDepaquit, Burgundy, France ($19.99) 2015 has proven to be a stand out vintage in Burgundy. This outstanding bargain Chablis offers citrus and white flower aromas with stony minerality and some refreshing salinity. Reds 5. 2012 Chateau Lamy Corbieres, LanguedocRoussillon, France ($9.99) This Corbières is a classic Languedoc red. It is robust, earthy and full-bodied. Ripe and juicy, it shows off dark fruits like blackberry along with dried herbs, and even a hint of dark chocolate on the finish. 6. 2014 Scarpetta Barbera Monferrato, Piedmont, Italy ($9.99) Scarpetta is the brain child of Master Sommelier Bobby Stuckey and Chef Lachlan Mackinnon Patterson of the famed Frasca Food and Wine in Boulder, CO. They work with Fabrizio Iuli in Monferrato, Piemonte to create this beautifully soft Barbera. This lovely and fresh red offers notes of raspberry, red currant, and plum with a little earthiness. Low tannins and bright zippy acidity makes it very food-friendly and versatile. Pair with pizza or homemade pasta. 7. 2015 Bichot Chateau De Jarnioux Beaujolais, France ($11.99) Known for producing outstanding value wines, Beaujolais is best-known for its nouveau wines, fermented for just a few weeks before being released on the third Thursday of November. The fun banana, and bubblegum character of nouveau should not
sway your opinion of the wonderful and complex wines from the region. This light red wine made with Gamay grapes offers notes of raspberry, tart cherry strawberry, candy, and spice. 8. 2012 Don Tomasi Nero D’Avola, Sicily, Italy ($11.99) Light and polished with notes of black cherries blueberries, black pepper, smooth tannins, and medium body. 9. 2016 Disco, Ribera del Duero, Spain ($14.99) Made by Neo winery, this red offers expressive aromas of ripe red cherry, sweet spices, and vanilla. It’s toasty and fresh with smooth tannins. 10. 2010 Desclau Bordeaux Superieur, Bordeaux, France ($15.99) The nose exhibits aromas of ripe black fruits, baking spices, and anise. Firm tannins, good structure and balance make this wine a steal. Pair with grilled meats and strong cheeses like Manchego. 11. 2013 Cascina Adelaide Barbera Mie Donne, Piedmont, Italy ($15.99) This is a wonderful example of young Barbera. It’s bright, juicy with piercing acidity, and lovely rich tart cherry and raspberry fruits. 12. 2013 Oliver Hill Red Silk Shiraz, McLaren Vale, South Australia ($19.99) Full-bodied, and bursting with notes of black plums, ripe blackberries, and spice. There are subtle notes of black pepper and savory spice as well. Bright and delicious, this wine will pair well with slow cooked lamb. 13. 2015 Barrique Cellars Grenache, Paso Robles, California ($19.99) Bold, bright with fresh red raspberry fruit and notes of clove and white pepper spice. An ideal wine to serve autumn, it features soft tannins and rich, ample red berry fruit. Our Grenache pairs beautifully with salmon, pizza, and macaroni & cheese. Visit Elyse Genderson at Schneider’s of Capitol Hill to discover wines you love. u
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/ A M E LT I N G P O T O F MUSICAL INFLUENCES/ by Charles Walston
/MISS TESS/
The musician who goes by the name Miss Tess grew up in a musical family in Montgomery County. Her parents were musicians who hosted jazz jams in their home and took her to the Washington Folk Festival as a child. Tess also loved classical muMiss Tess and The Talkbacks hit The Hamilton on Thursday, sic and started taking piOct. 12, with Eilen Jewell. ano lessons at age four. Photo: Gabrielle Savoy That eclectic foundation was a springboard to her current project, Miss Tess and The Talkbacks, which is hard to classify but easy to appreciate. The band is based out of Nashville and the country influence is strong, but blues, swing, folk, and rock are also in the mix. Miss Tess and the Talkbacks play The Hamilton on Oct. 12 with Eilen Jewell. Tess’s musical journey on the highbrow road to country happened incrementally. She didn’t exactly rebel against her classical music background, but when she picked up a guitar as a teenager, “I was excited to get out of looking at The Banditos bring their simmering sheet music.” stew of Southern music to DC9 on By the time she Friday, Oct. 6, for an all-ages show. Photo: Nicole Mago was 20 she had learned to sing and play guitar at the same time, so she started writing songs and put together her first band in Baltimore, where she attended the University of Maryland. That band was still “fairly jazzy – or was at least trying to be,” she said. She moved to Boston to study at Berklee
School of Music, with the idea of becoming a jazz singer. But she started hearing early country and rockabilly artists who spoke to her, and listening to a radio show called “American Primitive,” which explored the cross-currents of roots music. “I started to realize what a rich time period that was for music, when country, rhythm and blues, swing and jazz were all mixing together.” After five years in New York City, she relocated to Nashville, along with her partner and bandmate Thomas Bryan Eaton. They released their latest record, “Baby, We All Know” (Rights Records), last year, and it showcased the breadth and talents of their band, as well as sultry songs like “It’s So Easy to Tell.” The record received good reviews and airplay on Americana radio stations. Miss Tess and Eaton have found the music community in Nashville to be more nurturing than competitive. “People sometimes ask me if it’s really cutthroat, and I’d have to say it’s not,” Tess said. “Maybe I’m just lucky to have some great friends here. People in general have been very welcoming and open to collaborate or have a good old fashioned pickin’ party.” As a working musician, Miss Tess has sharpened her skills
R O O T S
and become versatile. She’s a gifted singer, an in-demand bass player, and a good guitarist who writes some fine songs. She’s also a great music teacher (I took a bass class with her at the Augusta Heritage Center in West Virginia.) For her, as for most professional musicians, a successful career demands patience and persistence. “Overnight success is a funny thing, because it never actually happens that way,” she said. “If you know these people personally you realize that they’ve already put a ton of work into their careers and their craft.” /www.misstessmusic.com/ www.thehamiltondc.com/
/THE BANDITOS/
Nashville today attracts all kinds of musicians, not just country. A case in point is The Banditos who came out of Birmingham, not to be confused with the motorcycle gang of the same name. Their new record “Visionland” (Bloodshot) is a crazy quilt of Southern musical influence – rustic blues, simmering soul, and Skynyrdesque rock – with a few psychedelic twists thrown in for good measure. In short, it’s a great rock record that draws on many sources but manages to sound completely original. Think Joss Stone backed by ZZ Top, and then some. The Banditos will play an early show at DC 9 on Oct. 6. It’s an all-ages event, but not just for kids. www.banditosband.com/ qhttp://dcnine.com/ u
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October 2017 H 67
AT T H E M OV I E S
/ T W O V I C T O R I E S : A B O S T O N S U RV I V O R FINDS A LIFE AND A QUEEN FINDS A FRIEND/ by Mike Canning
/‘STRONGER’/
Early this year, Hollywood released “Patriot’s Day,” a superb investigative procedural about the Boston Marathon bombing. The focus of the film was the engrossing search, told through multiple story lines, for the perpetrators of the crime. With the film “Stronger” we have a view of the bombing seen through the other end of the telescope, a tight foJake Gyllenhaal stars in “Stronger.” Photo: Scott Garfield courtesy of Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions
cus on one of its victims. (Now in theaters, the film is rated R for language and intense scenes and runs 116 minutes.) It’s the morning of April 14, 2013, and native Bostonian and Costco deli worker Jeff Bauman (Jake Gyllenhaal) pleads to get off work so he can go to the Marathon finish line to see his on-and-off girlfriend Erin (Tatiana Maslany) finish the race. While there he notices a strange man in the crowd only seconds before the first of the Tsarnaef brothers’ bombs explodes, destroying his legs below the knee. He is operated on and saved and comes out of a coma to help the FBI finger his assailant. He also learns his fate, with his noisy, unruly Irish family smothering him, along with the steadfast Erin. Feted and fussed over and constantly called a hero, he struggles both to adapt to what family and city ex-
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pect of him and to confront his debilitating injuries. like “End of Watch” and “Nighcrawler.” He deRehabilitation is achingly hard, especially for serves full praise for his portrayal of an insouciant, a fellow without a strong sense of discipline. Only flighty fellow who must plumb his depths to craft a a team of great health professionals and the comnew life. In showing this dislocation and transformitted Erin (who agrees to move in with him for mation, I credit director David Gordon Green for support) get him on the right track. Physical renot flinching from showing the gritty details of Bauhab is perhaps even harder with his clinging famman’s injuries: struggling in the bathroom, in the reily – led by mom Patty (Miranda Richardson), an hab room, even in the crass bar he habituates. He irresponsible lush – constantly badgerdoes everything he can for the viewer to understand ing him for attention and living off his the strains on the man and how he overcomes them. celebrity status. An accolade to Tatiana Maslany (TV’s “OrHis being used as a tool for gloryphan Black”) too, for a firm and moving perforby-association peaks in an excruciating mance as Erin. Playing a serious person, she makes scene where Mom, during a drunken you believe she could fancy an immature drifter like family revel, rises to make a surprise anJeff, then come to love him as his staunch caregivnouncement that Jeff will be interviewed er, and then accept him as a new man, recharged. by Oprah Winfrey, her ultimate definiJust as effective on screen, but at the opposite tion of “making it.” With Jeff not knowside of the spectrum, is Richardson, a willfully jolly ing of the gambit and Erin completely drunk who does little for her son but cling to him unaware, a rift with her and his family as a ticket to ride. She is vividly irresponsible and opens, as his girl realizes how thoroughly memorably vile, redeemed only by her steadfast son. he is being used. Through all of this, Jeff is constantly struggling with how everybody (except Erin) perceives him: as that “hero” and the epitoFor those Anglophiles who want another imme of “Boston Strong,” the new city slogan. He is mersion in the warm, luxurious stew of the Britnot reveling in his newfound renown but just getting pushed around – literally – receiving fatuous praise for accidentally standJudi Dench stars as ing near a bomb. The prospect of a baby Queen Victoria and Ali Fazal is Abdul Karim in with Erin, and a candid conversation with “Victoria and Abdul.” a man who helped save him on that day, Photo: Peter Mountain/ moves Jeff to finally take on and conquer Focus Features his leg prostheses. He comes to terms with his notoriety too and becomes a positive symbol of Boston – one year to the day – by throwing out the first baseball of the season at Fenway Park. “Stronger” is a triumph for Jake Gyllenhaal. Now maturing as an actor, he has recently had more meaty leads in films
/‘VICTORIA A N D A B D U L’ /
ish monarchy, look no further for your latest fix than “Victoria and Abdul,” an engaging if utterly predictable dip into late Victorianism by a whole passel of old British pros, plus an attractive newcomer. (The film, now in theaters, is rated PG-13 and runs 112 minutes.) All you need to know is that Dame Judi Dench rules this film as Queen Victoria, way late in her reign, alienated from her son (the future Edward VII), sour as vinegar from her unending rule, and looking for some – any – breath of the novel and the fresh. As she herself admits at a crucial point in the film, “I am cantankerous, greedy, fat; I am perhaps, disagreeably, attached to power.” Her relief comes in the form of one Abdul Karim (Ali Fazal), a young, literate Indian Muslim who is selected to come to London from Agra in 1887 to deliver a special commemorative coin to Her Majesty on the occasion of her golden jubilee. Abdul is supposed to be invisible to the Queen, but instead he catches her eye, then her mood, and finally her spirit to the point where he becomes her teacher, or “munshi,” in all things Muslim and Indian as well as serving as her clerk. Theirs is a relationship which appalls her family – including the Prince of Wales (a bombastic Eddie Izzard) – and the court, especially in the person of Sir Henry Ponsonby (the uptight Tim Pigott-Smith) but which lasted until the Queen’s death in 1901. Sound familiar? Of course, we are in the same realm as “Mrs. Brown” (1997), where Judi Dench as Victoria is taken with another fellow beneath her station, an Irish manservant, John Brown, who in the 1860s became a surprise confidante of the sheltered monarch because he was not deferential and
challenged the strictures of her rule. Consider the two films bookends of late Victorianism, Denchversion. “Victoria and Abdul,” written by playwright Lee Hall (“Billy Elliott”) and based on a book by Shrabani Basu, is a pleasing confection, principally due to the gentle cross-cultural jokes that the intensely loyal Abdul introduces into the stuffy palace environment (most of the Queen’s entourage are sour racists), and to Dench’s consummate performance, dominating every scene. Dench is a perfect fit for the aging monarch, even though the actress is 82 years old and playing the 68-year-old Victoria (in 1887). She portrays a woman plagued by old age, loneliness, and a whole series of physical ailments, and her face and body reflect that demise. We see her first falling asleep at another routine royal dinner before Abdul arrives with his coin to perk her up. As the warmth of their relationship grows, Dench is able to show a woman brighten and come alive with both a handsome youth’s attentions and a renewed drive to learn something new and investigate an unfamiliar world. Dench is able to embody the last late flame of life before its end. Dench has had an amazing career in her golden years, appearing in more than 30 films since 1995. This is likely the last time we will see her as a queen, and she merits a grand curtsey. Hill resident Mike Canning has written on movies for the Hill Rag since 1993 and is a member of the Washington Area Film Critics Association. He is the author of “Hollywood on the Potomac: How the Movies View Washington, DC.” His reviews and writings on film can be found online at www.mikesflix.com. u
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/ ART I ST PRO F IL E : T O RY C O W L E S /
Spontaneity. It’s all about action and reaction. Tory Cowles turns visual ideas loose on the canvas. She lets her hand and eye reach back into the intellectual and emotional swirl we call consciousness and sets them free. There are no preliminary drawings. Actually, there is no plan at all. Colors, textures, and shapes move about, talking to each other and enjoying themselves immensely. The reds, blacks, and yellows can be bold and boisterous while blue-
/JIM MAGNER’S THOUGHTS ON A RT /
“Hey, I could do that. My 10-year-old can do that.” “No, you can’t, and no, she can’t.” I often have those conversations with visitors in galleries. They see an abstract painting and think it is simply a matter of smearing colors around. Abstract art at its best is pure painting. It’s the arrangement of color and form just as classical music is the arrangement of pure sound and rhythm. Neither is about “something.” The subject matter is simply paint, and shapes are not intended to be recognized as real by Jim Magner objects or places. Often, it’s just decorative, pleasing, but abstract expressionism is a force of a different color. It expresses ideas and moods. There needs to be an intellectual and emotional connection to you, the viewer. There is no one formula or approach. Original abstract painters like Wassily Kandinsky began with subject matter, and, combining color, word, and sound, gradually made the subjects less defined – reduced to a variety of expressions and visual puzzles. Some, like Richard Diebenkorn, created formal compositions, well-thought out and executed.
A rt c i t y and the
grays and violets are subtle and supportive. Paint and fabrics share the space, and visual exchanges evolve through various stages of anarchy and chaos until they settle into compositions. Tory doesn’t stop there. She continues to add paints and fabrics “in a stream of consciousness.” Colors and forms, lines and textures continue the conversation. At some point it just feels done. She does several at the same time, but not as a set or series. “They go their own way – growing at their own rates, like kids.” The daughter of an architect and a sculptor, Tory has always been making art and building things. Her first art was threedimensional. She turned to abstract expressionism about 25 years ago. acrylic on canvas, 60”x60”, Photo: Tory Cowles She is again including 3-D work. Her sculpture has the same freedom of expression as her paintings, but it requires construction and perhaps more contemplation. Her husband, a farmer, gives her machinery parts, and “other people are always bringing me stuff,” from fabrics to sheet metal to curious odds and ends. You can find her work in numerous collections, and she has shown in galleries throughout the country. She displays and sells her work permanently in the Torpedo Factory, Studio 7, in Alexandria, www.torycowles.com.
48”x48”, acrylic on canvas. Photo: Tory Cowles
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Others, like Tory Cowles, are loose and free. She lets the painting take shape at its own pace. But it doesn’t just happen. It’s very intuitive, an intuition resulting from both formal training and a great deal of accumulated skill. It takes a practiced eye to control and conduct the whole orchestration of color, form, and line. It takes true talent to turn large areas of black into happy, dancing shapes that share the rhythms of the canvas. It takes skill to bring solid objects of all kinds, shapes, and materials to do more than fill space. There has to be something that clicks, creates a link to your thoughts and feelings. It has to grab you emotionally and make you think. It’s a rare 10-year-old who can do all that.
/ AT T H E GALLERIES/
Hill Center – 921 Pennsylvania. Ave. SE Oct. 5-Dec. 30. Opening reception: Wed., Oct. 11 7:30-9:00 p.m. The Hill center fall show is actually a collection of solo shows, six in all. There is a good variety of styles and media: oil painting, photography, monoprints, and collage. French artist Joanathan Bessaci, in “Maps,” selectively cuts maps and rearranges the pieces into portraits and figurative works. He integrates rivers, highways, lakes, parks, and even oceans into elements of the images. He builds multiple levels, with a piece of glass between each to create a sense of depth. Rachael Bohlander is a DC lawyer and artist. In “Art of Empowerment” she expresses her interest in social-justice issues based on photographs taken in the District and while traveling. She uses found materials like newspapers and recycled artwork. Karen Edgett is a resident of Capitol Hill. In “Truth,” she seeks the truths – “what is not yet known” – imbedded in a painting. Michael Ford is a filmmaker who recorded everyday community life in Mississippi in his documentary “Homeplace” in 1975. His exhibit “Homeplace” features photographs taken between 1970 and 2010. Judith Peck is an “allegorical figurative artist” who paints haunting metaphors and everquestioning realities, embedded with “gessoed
plaster shards.” She features an individual model to “travel life’s broken path.” Scott Warren travels the world professionally, visiting all the great museums and bringing those exposures into his own paintings – “an important part of who I am.” “Worldviews” is a composite collection of those experiences. www.hillcenterdc.org
Capitol Hill Art League – 545 7th St. SE Oct. 14-Nov. 11 Reception: Sat., Oct. 14, 5-7 p.m. CHAL opens its first show of the art season with member artists’ interpretations of their summer experiences. The juror is Spencer Dormitzer, director of the Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery. Don’t miss the opening with wine, food, and conversation with the artists. It’s free and everyone is welcome. www.chaw.org
“The Usual Suspects” Foundry Gallery – 2118 8th St. NW Oct. 4-29. Reception: Oct. 7, 6-9 p.m. Charlene Nield and Ann Pickett paint individually and, in one work, collaboratively to showcase and contrast their styles and interpretations of abstracted figures. They paint sophisticated color compositions, so the fun challenge is to figure out who painted what in the combined work. www.foundrygallery.org. charlenenieldart@gmail.com. annpickett03@gmail.com
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“Magnetic Fields” The National Museum of Women in the Arts – 1250 New York Ave. NW Oct. 13-Jan. 21 “Magnetic Fields: Expanding American Abstraction, 1960s to Today” is dedicated exclusively to the abstract art of black women artists. It “places the visual vocabularies of these artists in context with one another and within the larger history of abstraction.” It also demonstrates the wide, inclusive range of abstract art and interpretations of universal themes. There are 21 artists represented, and much great work. Don’t miss it. www.nmwa.org A Capitol Hill artist and writer, Jim Manger can be reached at Artandthecity05@aol.com. His awardwinning book, “A Haunting Beauty,” can be acquired through www.ahauntingbeauty.com. u
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ow a mainstay of Hill Center’s arts programming, Pottery on the Hill exhibits work from some of the nation’s most prestigious ceramic artists. It presents an opportunity for area residents to experience master craftspeople whose work straddles the line between fine art and functional houseware. Hill Center curates the expo in a setting more reminiscent of an art fair, where each artist has been carefully selected by renowned ceramicist Dan Finnegan. A ceramic artist based in Fredericksburg, Va., Finnegan has selected every artist since the inception of Pottery on the Hill in 2011. “Pots for use is the theme of the show,” he explains. As a returning artist, Finnegan shares a common passion with other exhibitors in producing items for everyday use. This year’s list of participants includes Bob Briscoe (Minneapolis), Bulldog PotteryBruce Gholson & Samantha Henneke (Seagrove, N.C.), Trista Depp Chapman (Fredericksburg, Va.), Naomi Dalglish (Bakersville, N.C.), Warren Frederick (Warrenton, Va.), Ryan Greenheck (Philadelphia), Michael Hunt (Bakersville, N.C.), Matthew Hyleck (Baltimore), Michael Kline (Bakersville, N.C.), Matthew Metz (Alfred Station, N.Y.), Donna Polseno (Floyd, Va.), Mark Shapiro (Worthington, Mass.), Stacy Snyder (Arlington, Va.), Sam Taylor (Westhampton, Mass.), and Catherine White (Warrenton, Va.). Pottery on the Hill begins with a ticketed preview reception on Friday, Oct. 27, at 6:30 p.m. This allows ticketholders exclusive access to purchase work and to meet the artists in a less hurried envi-
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P o t t e ry on t h e Hill /FIFTEEN MASTER POTTERS AND AN INTERACTIVE RAKU KILN/ by Phil Hutinet, Photos courtesy Hill Center
ronment. In addition, Hill Center will offer the first 100 attendees at the preview reception a complimentary sampler cup created by one of the artists. On Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 28 and 29, Pottery on the Hill opens free of charge to the general public. Works from this year’s participants include mugs and cups, plates, bowls, beer steins and shot glasses, vases, platters, sushi dishes, and baking vessels, all of which are one-of-a-kind, handmade objects which one can enjoy daily. The organizers of Pottery of the Hill have always sought to include interactive events or workshops to connect audiences with the ceramic-
making process. Past activities have included a “Pottery Slam” with potters shaping vessels in front of an audience and a “Pottery Truck” where audience members could glaze and fire a mug. This year, Northeast-based District Clay will offer audience members an opportunity to try their hand at raku firing with a special interactive workshop on Saturday, Oct. 28, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Historians trace the origin of raku to 1550s Japan. Sixteenth-century Zen Buddhist masters mention the use of raku, which literally means “happiness in the accident” in Japanese. The monks preferred this use of stoneware for tea ceremonies, as the aesthetic embodies the Buddhist qualities of simplicity and naturalness. Raku firing uses a specialty kiln which facilitates a low-temperature firing process to create vibrant colors. The process takes on a magical quality as the four elements of the universe – earth, fire, air, and water – come together to create stoneware. In the United States, contemporary raku methods differ slightly from those in Japan. They involve removing the pottery while it is bright red and combining it with materials that ignite the clay, such as sawdust or paper. The lack of oxygen during firing creates cracks and intensely rich colors. A raku kiln will be placed in Hill Center’s outdoor plaza where participants will have the opportunity to decorate and glaze a pot and watch it get fired. “The raku firing during Pottery on the Hill represents a chance for the community to make
something unique,” says Finnegan. “They can glaze or paint their pot, then watch it transform before their eyes.” He adds that the event will enable visitors “to step into the shoes of a potter for just a brief moment to experience the excitement and anticipation of the finished product.”
Celebrates Halloween
Pottery on the Hill 2017 Schedule Preview Reception. Fri., Oct. 27, 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $30/advance, $35/day of Tickets are available at www.PotteryontheHillDC.org or by calling 202-549-4172.
FOR ADULTS Come as One of Cast from The Pirates of the Caribbean! Friday, October 27th - 9 PM to Midnight • All Inclusive Cover: $60 Unlimited Drinks: Choose sparkling wine, House liquor fruit punch, rum jello shots or red wine sangria. Tray Appetizers: fish skewers; mushroom feta crostini; trout dip crostini; deviled eggs with shrimp filling; Caribbean spiced chicken bites
Free Show & Sale Sat., Oct. 28: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun., Oct. 29: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Banquet Style Serving Side Station: vegetable tray; house fries and salad platter.
Raku Firing Sat., Oct. 28, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
FOR CHILDREN & PARENTS
Hill Center is located in the historic Old Naval Hospital at 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, one block from the Eastern Market Metro. Visit it at www.hillcenterdc.org or www.potteryonthehilldc.org. Phil Hutinet is the publisher of East City Art, dedicated to DC’s visual arts. For more information visit www.eastcityart.com. u
Desserts: fresh fruit; assorted cookies; brownies, sweets and of course candy Regular Menu & Bar Available: order a la carte at additional charge.
Help Find Nemo! Sunday, October 29 - 3:30 to 5 PM All Inclusive Cover: $45 for the First Adult & Child. $15 Per Additional Human Enjoy undersea games, face painting and crafts. Two Glasses of Parental Adult Beverage (a.k.a. Wine) Included. Kids Get Juice, Milk, Chocolate Milk or Soda Parents can enjoy trout dip crostini, vegies, fruit, cheese, mushroom and feta crostini, and chicken bites. Kids can feast on chicken tenders, grilled cheese, pasta and house fries. Cookies, brownies and candy for all!
501 8th Street SE • On Barracks Row (202) 543-1445
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L i t e r a Ry H i l l
by Karen Lyon
The
NASA science writer Adam Voiland’s new alphabet book is out of this world!
/E IS FOR E A RT H /
“Do you see yonder cloud that’s almost in the shape of a camel?” Hamlet asks Polonius. “’Tis like a camel indeed,” Polonius concurs. Then Hamlet looks again. No, he says, it’s more like a weasel. Or perhaps a whale. “Very like a whale,” agrees Polonius. Looking up at the sky and transposing nature onto what we see there has transfixed us for centuries. But what if we were able to look down through the clouds instead of up at them? Imagine what flights of fan-
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cy Hamlet might have undertaken had he been able to soar above the earth. In “ABCs from Space: A Discovered Alphabet,” Adam Voiland has done just that. A writer for the NASA Earth Observatory, he has used satellite imagery to create an alphabet book using features provided by Earth itself. From Norwegian fjords (“E”) and a tropical storm (“G”) to a burn scar in a forest in New Mexico (“J”) and a crack in the Arctic Ocean ice (“W”), these awe-inspiring images not only teach the alphabet, but they also reveal much about our planet. (Did you know, for example, that nature apparently abhors an “R”?) Voiland looked at thousands of images in his quest, exploring “some of the most fascinating and beautiful places on our planet.” His work has paid off in an exquisite picture book that also provides detailed descriptions of the sites shown, pinpoints their locations on a world map, and offers FAQ sections on the images and on the science of clouds, rocks, rivers, and fjords, as well as a glossary. While “ABCs from Space” is intended for children ages four to eight, readers of all ages will enjoy guessing what the images are – or simply losing themselves in the meandering rivers and swirling clouds of Voiland’s cosmic alphabet. In addition to his work for NASA, Voiland is a writer for Science Systems and Applications Inc. and was previously a medical reporter for US News & World Report. Find him at www.adamvoiland.com or @avoiland via Twitter.
/SPLIT DOWN THE MIDDLE/
Norbert and his mother survive the bombings, the hours in the fetid basement shelter, the specter of neighbors disappearing in the middle of the night, the suicides. When Norman Metzger was three In America, his father struggles to years old, his world was torn apart. learn a new language and reestabIn “Separation and Remaining: lish the textile business that was takFamilies in Nazi Germany,” he tells en from him in Frankfurt. His sister the story of how his family was irrebecomes a teenager, striving to fit vocably damaged by the horrors of in to a new society. Eventually, the World War II. Cast as a “fictional recwar ends and the family is reunitreation,” the book imagines the diaed. But six years of separation have logues, thoughts, and conversations created rifts too deep to mend. The that swirled around him as a child marriage does not survive. – or, in his reconstruction, as a boy The story is an achingly paincalled Norbert. ful one, but for the author, telling It was 1940 and it had its rewards. “I Norman/Norbert was didn’t know my faliving in Frankfurt am ther,” writes Metzger, Main with his father, “and oddly enough mother, and sister. through this work His mother was Aryof fiction I came to an, but his father was know him for the first Jewish, and it was not time. And certaina good time or place ly much better unto be a Jew. His father derstood my mother. finally got permission And, not least, myto leave Germany self. A reward I treawith his eight-year-old sure.” Readers will daughter, but Norbert also treasure, and and his mother stayed find current-day resobehind to ensure they nance in, this child’swould not lose their eye view of how unapartment and posreasoning prejudice sessions. can threaten to de“It was a terrible stroy innocent lives. ordeal for the family, Prior to rebut the right thing to tirement, Norman do,” Metzger writes. Metzger was a writBut how to explain to a er and editor for the Norman Metzger, shown little boy why his father American Association here at age four with his and sister had to leave mother, has penned a for the Advancement – and why there were fictionalized account of of Science and the his family’s experiences people who hated him National Academy of in World War II. and wished him ill?
release of “The Ship of the Dead,” book three of his “Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard” series, Oct. 3, 10:30 a.m., and Chrissy Arce, author of “Mexico’s Nobodies: The Cultural Legacy of the Soldadera and Afro-Mexican Women,” Oct. 12, noon. www. loc.gov Folger Shakespeare Library presents “Words Wanting to be Said,” an O.B. Hardison Poetry reading with Phillis Levin and John Burnside, Oct. Refresh your bookshelves at the DCPL! The Northeast Branch 23, 7:30 p.m. Tickets and inLibrary (330 Seventh St. NE) holds its fall used-book sale, Oct. formation at 202-544-7077 or 21, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., and the Southeast Branch (403 Seventh St. SE) hosts a sale every second Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. www.folger.edu. All proceeds support library programs. Photo: Vince Morris. The Hill Center hosts a “Talk of the Hill with Bill Sciences. He is active in preservation efforts Press” with New York Times on Capitol Hill, where he moved from New reporters Peter Baker and Glenn Thrush, Oct. York City in the late 1960s. Find him on Twit3, 7 p.m.; author Charity Tillemann-Dick ter @CHNorm. (“The Encore”) in conversation with NPR’s Scott Simon, Oct. 5, 7 p.m.; and “The Life of a Poet” with Dawn Lundy Martin in conversation with Ron Charles, Oct. 23, 7 p.m. Free but register at www.hillcenterdc.org or East City Bookshop presents authors LB 202-549-4172. Gschwandtner (“The Other New Girl”), Oct. Smithsonian Associates continues a four4, 6:30 p.m.; Leah Weiss (“If the Creek Don’t part series, “American Novels of the ‘20s,” Rise”), Oct. 5., 6:30 p.m.; Gabi Moskowitz with “The Lost Generation: Ernest Hemingand Miranda Berman (“Hot Mess Kitchen”), way’s ‘A Farewell to Arms’”; and offers “JourOct. 10, 6:30 p.m.; Sarah Wachter-Boettcher nalists on Journalism” with Leslie Stahl (“Technically Wrong”), Oct. 11, 6:30 p.m.; (Oct. 5), Jim VandeHei (Oct. 12), Mara LiSharon Harrigan, (“Playing with Dynamite”), asson (Oct. 19), and Jim Lehrer (Oct. 26), Oct. 16, 6:30 p.m.; Diane Pomerantz, (“Lost 7:00 p.m.; Alex Guarnaschelli (“The Home in the Reflecting Pool”), Oct. 19, 6:30 p.m.; Cook”), Oct. 3, 6:45 p.m.; “Tales of a LifeAdam Braver (“The Disappeared”), in contime” with Armistead Maupin, Oct. 4, 6:45 versation with Howard Norman, Oct. 24, p.m.; Kenneth Lacovara (“Why Dinosaurs 6:30 p.m.; poet Jennifer Chang (“Some Say Matter”), Oct. 5, 6:45 p.m.; “The Wit, Works, the Lark”) and novelist Lisa Page (“We Wear and Woes of Oscar Wilde,” Oct. 16, 6:45 the Mask”), Oct. 27, 6:30 p.m.; and Gareth p.m.; “Jane Austen: From the Parlor to PolHinds (“Poe: Stories and Poems”), Oct, 30, itics,” Oct. 26, 6:45 p.m.; “Tea with a Book6:30 p.m.; and hosts the ECB-Middle ReadSeller: Previews of the Newest Titles” with er Book Club (ages 9-12), reading “The Eileen McGervy of One More Page Books, Jumbies,” Oct. 12, 5:30 p.m., and the ECBOct. 22, 4:00 p.m.; Alice Waters (“Coming to Young Adult Book Club, reading “UnrequitMy Senses”), Oct. 26, 6:45 p.m.; and Linded Love,” Oct. 12, 6:30 p.m. www.eastcitysey Fitzharris (“The Butchering Art: Joseph bookshop.com Lister’s Quest to Transform the Grisly World The Library of Congress presents Rick of Victorian Medicine”), Oct. 31, 6:45 p.m. Riordan kicking off his 2017 book tour and www.smithsonianassociates.org u
/ON THE HILL IN OCTOBER/
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NEWLY RENOVATED TOWNHOUSE
Minutes from Capitol Hill 2 Bedroom home • $1800 Per Month 202-223-9019 rent@nomadicrealestate.com
The POETIC Hill by Karen Lyon
JOHNSON LAW GROUP Wills, Estates and Trusts Business Law and Government Contracting Property and Housing Disputes General Civil Litigation 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue SE • Washington DC 20003 202.544.1515 • www.jlgi.com
A
ward-winning writer Chris Daley works in a number of genres. His script for “The Studio,” which focused on the plight of the homeless, earned an Individual Artist’s Grant from the Maryland State Arts Council, and his script for “The Reconciliation Walk for Slavery and Penitence,” held in Annapolis in 2004, helped garner the Maryland Tourism Council Global Marketing Award for the Kunta KinteAlex Haley Foundation. He has written a book of poetry, “Obsessions,” as well as a radio play, “The Courtship of Jo and Eddie,” and his letters, speeches, and poems have appeared in a variety of publications, including Catholic Library World, Bay Windows, Northwest Gay and Lesbian reader, and Playboy magazine. He also wrote, produced, and directed two short films which opened simultaneously at the Greenbelt Utopia Film and Video Festival and the Annapolis Film Festival in 2005.
If you would like to have your poem considered for publication, please send it to klyon@literaryhillbookfest. org. (There is no remuneration.) u
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/ AWA K E / Why do you hate me? Because I don’t walk and talk Like you stride and spew? Why do you loathe me? Because I don’t act and love Like you pray I do? You sanction multiple marriages. You tolerate illicit affairs. As long as their genders are opposite; You pass their behavior as square. Why do you fear my religion For wrongs few of my faith approve? Why are brutalities of my kinsmen magnified While your fellows are psychologically excused? Why when my race protests Are we thugs, criminal and crude? While white dissenters Are a rowdy, boisterous crew? I might conceive your anger wasn’t equal. I could suspect your appraisal wasn’t fair; That your America welcomes only mirror images And rejects faces you don’t share. So my friend, Don’t be insulted when I question your sincerity. Don’t take offense When your smile makes me quake. Accept that your hypocrisy produced me. Now to your every movement I am awake.
The
Ja z z
P roj e c t
by Jean-Keith Fagon
/TO KNOW LOVE ••••
MARIA SCHAFER, VOCALIST/
With her lush, sensuous, and enchanting voice, jazz vocalist Maria Schafer has given us a modern-day jazz album on a grand scale. Simply put, Ms. Schafer has the kind of classy voice that would not be out of place in the pantheon of great female jazz vocalists. Her stylistic awareness is evident in beautiful, elegant phrasing, selective use of vibrato and varied articulation, giving an expressive range that never conflicts with the music’s natural language. The music is so refreshingly evocative and so richly colorful that it immediately brings to life a kind of Gatsby-like Jazz Age in a place teeming with folks dining, dancing, and having fun. Trumpeter Brad Black’s playing is, at its best, a calming force with phrasing that is incisive without sounding aggressive, while his handling of rhythm is both supple and muscular. What a wonderful world, as Louis Armstrong once sang. All around, an immensely polished collection of classic jazz standards with infinite subtleties of tonal shading to heighten atmospheric evocation. My favorite is “Estrada Branca.” Other standouts: “You Don’t Know What Love Is,” “The More I See You,” “I Fall In Love Too Easily,” “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered,” “In Summer (Estate),” “You’d Be So Nice To Come To/ Alone Together,” “Body and Soul,” “It Could Happen To You,” “Almost Like Being In Love,” “Lush Life,”and “S’Wonderful/They Can’t Take That Away From Me.” Performers include Maria Schafer (vocals), Shane Savala (guitar), Joe Butts (bass), Kyle Sharamitaro (drums), and Brad Black (trumpet).
/CROSS MY PALM WITH SILVER ••• AVISHAI COHEN QUARTET, ECM/
What makes this album a collector’s item starts with the remarkable collaborative efforts of Avishai Cohen (trumpet), Yonathan Avishai (piano), Barak Mori (double bass), and Nasheet Waits (drums). Say what you want about musicians working together, but this collection is a musician’s dream of performing with righteous humility and sacred love. The album creates an impressive impact on the listener with its natural, dramatic energy and waves of pastoral contemplation. It confirms the special strengths of the quartet’s distinctive personal synthesis in bringing the methods and language of the avant-garde for a beautifully spacious and resonant sound that gives the music a timeless quality. The opening piece, “Will I Die, Miss?, Will I?,” with its softly, soaring opening melody, is perhaps the most immediate favorite of the entire album. It is poignant, exquisitely textured and full of instrumental phrases and harmonious contrapuntal virtuosity. As a signature performance, it is an absorbing, immensely sophisticated piece, explor-
ing the astonishing ranges of the trumpeter. Mr. Cohen’s playing is crystalline, his coloration alive with myriad tints and hues. And, as with any brilliant trumpet or saxophone player, he can swerve from lush, late romanticism to strident modernism and back again as if caught up in a dreamscape; but as with any really revelatory dream, the more you probe it, the more lucid it seems. On the more robust and exploratory “Shoot Me In The Leg,” a piece that reaches out far beyond pedagogical concerns, Mr. Cohen with his deliberate tempo and his highly seductive sound, draws attention to a host of hidden subtleties – harmonic and rhythmic, as well as inner voices – often with the synergistic brilliance of the quartet. Another highlight is “Theme For Jimmy Greene.” Subtle timbres, poised high notes inform all performances, an accomplishment well worth it for revelations of such beauty.
/TIME BEING •••
TIM ARMACOST, SAXOPHONES/
Traditional jazz is alive and thriving with this really cool, scintillating, and romantically infectious music as a vital, and cultural life force. To celebrate this noble tradition, Tim Armacost, Robert Hurst (double bass), David Kikoski (piano), and Jeff “Tain” Watts (drums) have spawned an eclectic hybrid of intoxicating sounds and movements that titillate our senses. Is this music the joy of love or just the eucalyptus of fun? The pleasure is all yours with highlights like “Teo,” “The Next 20,” the agony and revelation of “Sculpture #1, #2, #3,” the sanguine passion and hungry loneliness of “Lonely Woman,”and the warm and memorable title track “Time Being.” Time Being is an exquisite, timeless gem. Bon vogage…
/SWING-A-NOVA ••• THE VERVE JAZZ ENSEMBLE/
An excellent and flexible trumpeter with a beautiful depth in the lower registers of the trumpet, Tatum Greenblatt makes this album immediately identifiable in traditional jazz with first-rate musicians Josh Feldstein (drums), Steve Einerson (piano), and Elias Bailey (bass). This is consistently an exciting and most impressive album, where the music is idiomatic and technically immaculate and refreshingly free of the idiosyncrasies that so many of today’s jazz musicians bring to the music. In these often over-rated social media times, where emotional aridity is often applauded highly, the music of Swing-A-Nova is doubly rewarding with its themes and motifs, with musicians conversational passages spontaneously-sounding in their flexibility. First on the listening list is “From This Moment On,” (and, to my ear, deeply American jazz), followed by the serendipitous “You Stepped out Of A Dream,” and the notably perceptive “Tones for Joan’s Bones,” with its heartfelt projection of the work’s tender and arresting closing phrase. Other highlights include “Nica’s Dream” and “Speak No Evil.” The recording is beautifully engineered and balanced. u
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{capitol streets}
Bulletin Board
A Gallery docent leads a group tour in a discus sion of Jean-Honoré Fragonard’s The Swing, c. 1775/1780, National Gallery of Art, Samuel H. Kress Collection.
World Debut of Public Art Mural by Artist Yoko Ono Union Market in partnership with the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden presents the world debut of a new large-scale public art mural by artist Yoko Ono. Officially opened on Sept. 15, the mural is on Union Market’s Sixth Street NE exterior wall. The installation is the inaugural project of “Hirshhorn in the City.” This new initiative exhibits international contemporary art beyond the museum walls; and connects artists and curators with DC’s creative communities. Created exclusively for The District, Ono’s new work “RELAX. YOUR HEART IS STRONGER THAN WHAT YOU THINK!” compels us to consider the power of the heart over the restrictions of the mind. Said Yoko Ono of her inspiration, “I hope our hearts will be stronger and stronger forever.”
Racial Literacy Study Group Starting Oct. 11, 7 p.m., there will be a racial Literacy study and discussion group at Little Lights Center, 760 Seventh St. SE. The group will meet to discuss authentically the issue of race and racism in a Christ-centered environment. To RSVP or for more information, contact Steve Park at steve@littlelights.org.
National Gallery of Art Seeks Docents fo r Group Tours The National Gallery of Art
is recruiting docents to conduct thought-provokin guages for thousands of g in English and other adult visitors from aroun land the world. New docents are commitment to the progra expected to make a fivem. This includes two yea year rs of initial training beginn training program focuse ing in September 2018. s on museum education The and art history. It incorpora lectures and readings. Th tes wo rkshops, in-gallery sessio ose interested must atte ns, nd an information meetin Oct. 3 at 10:30 a.m.; Oc g. Meetings will be held t. 19 at 2:30 p.m.; Nov. on on 7 at 12:30 p.m.; Nov. 13 Register at nga.gov. For at 1 p.m. and Dec. 6 at more information, visit the 12: 30 p.m . Frequently Asked Quest nga.gov. Applicants from ions page or email newdoc all backgrounds are welco ents@ me and encouraged to app ly.
Senior Health Fair The Southwest Waterfront AARP Chapter and the District of Columbia Office on Aging will sponsor the Chapter’s Sixth Annual Community Health, Wellness and Resource Fair on Oct. 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at River Park Mutual Homes’ South Common Room at 1311 Delaware Ave. SW. The fair features flu Shots, medical professionals, health screenings, yoga, physical fitness exercises, nutrition advice, dental
and legal services, sight and hearing screenings and fire safety tips, and other public service information. AARP DC will present a care-giving workshop. A box lunch will be provided. The Community Health, Wellness and Resource Fair is open to all DC seniors, their families, neighbors and friends. For more information, contact Southwest Waterfront AARP Chapter President Betty Jean Tolbert Jones, bettyjeantolbertjones@yahoo.com or 202-554-0901.
John Philip Sousa Walking Tour On Nov. 5, 10 a.m. to noon, musical history comes to life on a “marching” tour of the important sites in the life of conductor and composer John Philip Sousa. The tour is led by a close facsimile of “The March King” himself. Guild of Professional Tour Guides-DC Dwane Starlin he leads guests on a walking expedition of Capitol Hill and the
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A Celebration of
Virginia “Tilla” Durr
Our Relationship with Native Americans
9/10/1940 - 12/1/2016
Sat., Oct. 28, 2017, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm At St. Mark’s Episcopal Church (301 A St. SE) Tilla Durr, a longtime resident of the Hill, was a social and civil rights activists, a therapist who had a passion for serving neglected communities, and always a loyal friend. She lived the values of her family, who played a significant role in the 1950’s Birmingham Civil rights movement.
R.S.V.P at: rememberingtilla16@gmail.com
Rufus Roundtree and Da B’more Brass Factory perform at the 2016 Atlas Tenth Birthday Bash.
Destination Atlas 2017 Party for a Purpose The 2017 Destination Atlas party on Oct. 6, 7 to 11 p.m., is an evening of dining, dancing and performance. Enjoy cuisine and drinks from fine H Street Corridor restaurants. The proceeds of this remarkable celebration support the Atlas. Dress code, festive attire. Individual ticket, $225. Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. atlasarts.org. Navy Yard in character as John Philip Sousa. Discover where Sousa was born and raised. Visit his birthplace and training ground. Nov. 6 is Sousa’s 163rd birthday. $15 advance; $20 day of. hillcenterdc.org.
National Christmas Tree Ticket Lottery The lighting of the National Christmas Tree celebrates its 95th year. This year’s festivities take place on Nov. 30 at 5 p.m. Free tickets are awarded through an online lottery that opens at 10 a.m. on Oct. 12 and closes at 10 a.m. on Oct. 16. To enter, visit thenationaltree. org and click ‘TICKET LOTTERY,’ or call 877-444-6777. Ticket winners will be notified on Oct. 30.
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As the events in Charlottesville, remind us, it is important that American citizens stand up for the rights of all people to participate in our democracy. One group that has been marginalized for a long time is Native Americans. A workshop on the country’s complex relationship with Native Americans from colonial times to the present will be held on Oct. 7 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church, 201 Fourth St. SE. RSVP to byronleebuck@gmail.com.
SW AARP 25th Anniversary Holiday Luncheon
The Southwest Waterfront AARP 25th Anniversary Holiday Luncheon is on Dec. 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Washington Navy Yard Catering & Conference Center, 1454 Parsons Ave. SE, Building 211, Commodore/Anacostia Room. Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen (D) will speak. The facility is wheelchair accessible and there is on-site parking. Lunch is $35. Contact Betty Jean Tolbert Jones, President, Southwest Waterfront AARP Chapter at 202-554-0901 or bettyjeantolbertjones@yahoo.com to get base entrance form and for payment instructions. Picture ID required.
The Hill Rag Launches New Website The Hill Rag is inviting readers to visit our newly designed website, Hillrag.com. The site has been designed to provide the ultimate user-friendly experience with improved naviga-
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tion and functionality throughout, allowing readers to receive their daily, neighborhood news with ease and efficiency. In addition to the vibrant layout it is also mobile compatible for viewing on various devices throughout the day. Hillrag.com provides up-to-date, daily news coverage on the issues that matter most to Ward 6 residents. Our coverage includes news from Capitol Hill, SW, Waterfront, Navy Yard, H Street and NOMA. Readers can expect to find pertinent information on neighborhood emergencies, school closures, crime and other topics that may require immediate action. Readers will also find well balanced and interesting community and lifestyle pieces on business, real estate, education, arts, events, home improvement and much more. Under the Capital Community News umbrella we publish three monthly community news publications, the Hill Rag, MidCity DC and East of the River, the annual Fagon Guide to Capitol Hill, and the bi-annual Education Issues. Something we should cover? Let us know! editorial@hillrag.com.
Annual Taste of H On Saturday, Oct. 7, 7 to 10 p.m., Taste of H is once again bringing together the H Street corridor’s best restaurants for a great cause-DC public schools. This year, the proceeds go to the launch of the GrantEd Foundation, a revolutionary mini-grant program for DCPS teachers. This year, more than a dozen DC restaurants and distilleries will participate. Tickets are $75, which covers tastings, drinks and entertainment. While this event benefits children, all attendees must be 21 or older. Taste of H is at the Atlas, 1333 H St. NE. tasteofh.org.
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Liberated by God’s grace 2017—500 Years of Reformation God’s good news in Jesus Christ gives us freedom and courage to wonder, discover and boldly participate in what God is doing in the world. From joyful worship to our daily work, from personal prayer to congregational service ministries, sharing God’s love is what we do. Join us for special events throughout the month to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the beginning of the Reformation begun by Martin Luther in 1517.
Festival Reformation Sunday Worship, October 29, 10:00 a.m. Learn more at www.ReformationDC.org. We look forward to taking the next steps of our faith journeys with you.
212 East Capitol St NE, Washington, DC 20003
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202-543-4200
CHRS Warren Street Walking Tour Tennessee Avenue, Warren Street and C Street, NE have it all--fascinating history, famous architects, excellent architecture, including tiny houses, and all nearby. Of particular interest is the string of onestory homes by Charles Gessford. Meet at the corner of 14th and C Streets NE on Saturday, Oct. 14, 10 a.m., rain or shine, for a free walking tour and learn all about this Capitol Hill treasure. No reservation required. CHRS.org.
CHRS House Expo at Eastern Market Capitol Hill Restoration Society is hosting a House Expo on Sunday, Oct. 22, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Eastern Market North Hall, featuring over 30 home service exhibitors. Experts will show ways to improve, repair and enjoy your home: architect, building supplies, energy conservation, general contractors, house histories, painting, iron work, solar panel installation, roofing, electrical, windows, landscaping, mold/termite remediation, home inspection, insurance, furnishings, and additional service providers. The event is free and handicapped accessible; no reservations necessary. CHRS.org.
DC Public Libraries Add Hours on Select Holidays Starting this month, one DC Public Library in each ward will be open on select holidays. The library in Ward 6 is Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Library, 1630 Seventh St. NW. Selected holidays are Columbus Day, Monday, Oct. 9; Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 10; Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 15, President’s Day, Monday, Feb. 19; DC Emancipation Day, April 16.
TAE KWON DO NEW STUDENTS BEING ACCEPTED NOW New class at 6th & I St.NE Mastergutman@gmail.com
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Volunteer at Kenilworth Park On Oct. 28 from 9 a.m. to noon, volunteer to help the Kenilworth Park staff winterize the plants and grounds and take a swipe at litter and invasives. On Nov. 11, 10 a.m. to noon, Veteran’s Day of Service, volunteers will be spending the morning removing cut lotus, invasive plants, picking up trash and planting native plants. Individuals and groups welcome. SSL credits can be earned for both events. To register for either or both, visit friendsofkenilworthgardens.eventbrite.com. Contact Tina O’Connell at tina@friendsofkenilworthgardens. org with questions.
NCB Recognized for National Community Service Award
“High quality design and preservation framing are our top priorities” Serving Capitol Hill since 1984 Custom designed mats • Wide selection • Work done on premises 513 11TH ST. SE (EASTERN MARKET METRO)
202.544.7577 www.newmangallery.com ROTAT I N G E X H I B I TS O F LO C A L A RT I S TS 86 H Hillrag.com
The National Capital Bank of Washington (NCB) received an honorable mention during the National Community Service Awards presented by the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA). The service awards celebrate the outstanding and innovative volunteer efforts of the nation’s community banks. From helping devastated communities recover from natural disasters, to broadening access to mainstream financial services for underserved communities, this year’s ICBA National Community Bank Service Award winners exemplify what it means to be a community bank. Recognized for its philanthropic commitment to the Capitol Hill community, NCB has supported the mission and vision of its neighborhood organizations and businesses for over 125 years. It established a charitable foundation jus for this purpose. For more information, visit nationalcapitalbank.com.
Fair Housing Family Workshop Has a housing provider treated you
Dedication, Energy & Enthusiasm,
Working for You unfairly because you have children? Some landlords in the District have been accused of giving families with children different treatment by charging higher fees and deposits, or only allowing families with children to rent bottom-floor apartments. Has your family has been treated unfairly by a housing provider? Contact Housing Counseling Services, Inc. at 202-667-7006.
CHRS Preservation Cafe: “This Old House... Wiring & Safety” On Wednesday, Oct. 18, 6:30 p.m., at the Northeast Library, 330 Seventh St. NE, Master Engineer and President of J and G Electric Co. Joe Bellosi will discuss installation and preventive maintenance for electrical wiring and other safety concerns including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Free, handicappedaccessible; no reservation required. CHRS.org.
I donate $500 of every sale to the Capitol Hill Community Foundation, to strengthen the fabric of our neighborhood.
When you work with me, you make a difference! 705 North Carolina Ave. SE (C) 202-321-0874 (O) 202-608-1882 x111-175 heathersdc@gmail.com heatherschoell.penfedrealty.com @HeatherSchoell
Heather Schoell Real Estate
© 2016 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchise of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.®
DC Wins National Housing Policy Award The DC Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) was selected as the 2017 winner of the Robert C. Larson Housing Policy Leadership Award by the Urban Land Institute (ULI). The award recognizes exemplary state and local programs that are using innovative strategies to produce, rehabilitate or preserve workforce and affordable housing. In announcing the award, ULI noted that “DC’s wide-ranging efforts are bringing significant local resources to bear and raising the bar for other cities to meet.” The District was selected by a jury of national housing industry leaders. For more information, visit dhcd.dc.gov. Have an item for the Bulletin Board? Email bulletinboard@hillrag.com. u
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Phil Mendelson The Mindful Politician by Jonetta Rose Barras
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hil Mendelson, chairman of the DC Council (D), recently organized a “meet up” at the Firehook Bakery on Pennsylvania Ave. SE. He hasn’t held a formal re-election kickoff, but no one could be blamed for thinking the gathering at the Ward 6 eatery a political event. A couple of staffers wore T-shirts from a previous campaign and Mendelson held court for at least 90 minutes. He displayed an encyclopedic knowledge of the government, as residents asked questions ranging about everything from parking restrictions and Airbnb regulations to illegal construction, alley maintenance, school modernization, and small business retention. “He is the consummate politician,” said Stan Jackson, head of the Anacostia Economic Development Corporation in Ward 8. Most people perceive the city’s seventh Council chairman as a political misfit. Tom Lindenfeld, a political consultant, compared Mendelson with now deceased North Carolina Senator Sam Ervin, who became legendary during the Watergate hearings for his intense questioning of witnesses and who often described himself as a country lawyer. Mendelson doesn’t have a southern drawl; he’s from Ohio. Still, the persona he has adopted may be as theatrical as Ervin’s. “You don’t get to be one of the most powerful politicians in the city by being a bumpkin,” continued Lindenfeld. “People who underestimate Mendelson do so at their peril.” Asked during an interview at his office in the John A. Wilson Building whether he agreed with those descriptions, Mendelson demurred. “I’m not the typical politician who wants to brag. We’re elected to get things done in the public interest. I try to keep that in mind, so it’s not about me.” Not everyone has flattery for Mendelson, however. Ward 1 activist Terry Lynch said Mendelson has not been a good leader of the legislative branch. “I don’t see the Council chairman moving the city forward,” declared Lynch. He called Mendelson’s tenure “undistinguished” and without any “definitive
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hallmark achievement.” “Thank God for the small business entrepreneurs and activists, they have driven the city’s success,” added Lynch. Another political operative accused Mendelson of being stubborn and possessing a “desire to command evPhil Mendelson, Chairman of the DC Council. Photo: Andrew Lightman erything. He doesn’t see lines between the executive and zoning minutia. the legislature.” Unsurprisingly, in 1998, he ran for a seat on the Mendelson countered that when he took over Council, winning the Democratic nomination by a as chairman the Council was “in extreme decline.” mere 17 percent. Over the years, he has morphed Two members had pled guilty to federal felonies and into one of the highest citywide vote getters. In 2010, a third would be arrested on bribery charges. “I think for example, he earned 77,127 votes in the Demthe Council has rebounded.” ocratic Party primary; the only person with higher As for the vision thing, as leader of the legislature numbers was Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes NorMendelson is focused on ensuring the institution has ton (D), who had 116,277 votes. the public’s trust and works well as a unit. “This CounDuring his tenure on the Council, Mendelson cil wants to grapple with protecting and promoting dihas worked on everything from the creation of the versity, affordability, and quality education,” he addDepartment of Forensic Science to implementation ed, which may not be presented as a typical vision but of gun control, from the prevention of human trafclearly provides the legislature’s priorities. ficking to the creation of an elected attorney gener“I do think Chairman Mendelson has evolved al, as well as the establishment of budget autonomy as a politician,” said At-large Councilmember Elisfor the District, marriage equality, and tax reform. sa Silverman (I), recalling the occasion years ago when “After 20 years I am still accessible. I can get her Washington City Paper colleague Erik Wemple plasthings done,” said Mendelson, offering that evaluatered Mendelson with the odious title of “staffer Phil.” tion in an emotionless voice, underscoring the im“But I saw Phil recently wearing one of those Robpression of him as professorial and wonkish. ert White pocket squares,” Silverman added jokingly. Those non-threatening traits persuaded his col-
From Staffer to Somebody Before Mendelson was a staffer, he was a Ward 3 activist. During those days, he helped rescue McLean Gardens from the wrecking ball. In 1978, he was elected an advisory neighborhood commissioner. Later, he served as aide to Ward 3 Councilmember Jim Nathanson (D) and then-DC Council Chairman David Clarke (D). From those various vantages, Mendelson gained mastery over the arcane and the mundane: rules, bureaucratic regulations,
leagues to select him in 2012 as interim chairman, after Kwame Brown stepped down from the position prior to pleading guilty of a federal felony. “The crown jewel was the ascension to the chair, think about how Mendelson maneuvered that,” said Jackson. In 2014, Mendelson won the Democratic Party primary, bringing in 69,138 votes in his bid to serve a full four-year term as chairman. He sailed through the general election.
Control Freak or Facilitator? “He’s coming into his own as chairman,” said DC
Auditor Kathleen Patterson. Patterson, who formerly represented Ward 3 (D), citing as an example Mendelson’s handling of the controversy surrounding Mayor Muriel Bowser’s (D) plan to close DC General as a shelter for homeless families and construct or rent smaller facilities in the city for a similar purpose. That original mayoral proposal drew fire from District residents who argued variously that they hadn’t been consulted and that Bowser’s plan was a boondoggle for developers. “It was fun to see Phil be a powerful policymaker and be political,” continued Patterson. “He is a pretty adroit politician.” Ultimately, under Mendelson’s leadership, the Council approved a bill that shifted the location of a couple of shelters and ownership of the facilities from private developers to the government. Those alterations earned him an expletive from Bowser, which became the talk of the town for weeks. Beverly Perry, senior advisor to the mayor, brushed aside that history. “The mayor and Phil meet every week. Just like in any other family, they have their spats but they continue to meet and to work in concert to keep this city moving ahead.” Mendelson echoed those same sentiments, refusing to extend the discussion about him and Bowser beyond that. “The thing about Phil I admire is he is for getting things done. He is not one of the people who wants to study things to death,” continued Perry. “The mayor is like that. She comes from a business perspective; she wants to get things done. She wants to get things done in a timely manner and to have a reasonable perspective. People with a background like mine admire that,” added Perry, who is a former executive with Pepco. Mendelson’s handling of the homeless controversy may have been deft – not so much with other issues, said some advocates and government insiders. He has been roundly excoriated for what some described as his control-freak tendencies. “Committees in places like Maryland and Virginia are truly empowered. Committees are not empowered here,” said one government official. “As chairman, he knows the rules of this Council better than anyone, and when you know the rules you have a lot of power. Phil has been able to maneuver because he knows the rules,” said Silverman, adding that she started carrying her “rule book to each legislative session.” “I think my style is confusing to outsiders. How can you be Machiavellian if you’re low-key?” coun-
tered Mendelson, without a hint of facetiousness in his voice. The case against him may be his handling of the Universal Paid Leave Act (UPLA). The bill, originally introduced by Silverman and At-large Councilmember David Grosso, established a new tax paid by local businesses to help provide benefits for workers in the private sector. To surprise of proponents, Mendelson referred the legislation to his Committee of the Whole which he controls. He took months before finally bringing final legislative proposal for a vote. His bill modified benefits and reduced the tax that would be levied against businesses. Shortly after passage of that version of the UPLA, Mendelson and others introduced legislation to change how the law is funded, delaying its implementation. Silverman objected asserting the change in financing could negatively affect the benefits package. “Mendelson has said he likes to be a moderating influence,” she continued, explaining that early in his tenure he was on the left. “Now that the Council is more to the left, he has moved more toward the business community.” Mendelson defended his actions, noting the business community and Mayor Bowser had serious concerns about the new tax. “It’s worth looking at whether we can improve the financing mechanism.” “One of the challenges in working with Phil is that he keeps his own counsel. He keeps his cards close to his vest. That makes it difficult to get closure,” explained Patterson. “As chairman of the Council, I have to be mindful of how we get to majority vote. That means finding the balance that works,” said Mendelson He may have created a permanent enemy, however. Political insiders said Grosso is considering a run for chairman. Grosso declined to be interviewed. He also did not respond to my question, submitted to his spokesperson, asking him to confirm or deny reports of such a move. Interestingly, just as the Council was returning from its summer recess, Mendelson and Grosso got into a disagreement over the DC Public Schools teachers union contract, according to Wilson Building insiders. Grosso wanted to introduce it as emergency legislation, Mendelson resisted, although he supported the agreement. Folks knowledgeable about the dispute said the chairman used it as a teachable moment. There could be some truth to that assessment. When I asked Mendelson to compare his style with
that of previous chairmen, he said he is closer to Linda Cropp (D), describing her as “collegial and collaborative. But, she could also bring down the hammer. I’ve been counseled that’s the way to do it,” he added. “There is a unique strategy to Mendelson’s style that is not always confrontational but also not always kind,” said Jackson. “Most politicians operate under the edict that says, ‘Cut me and I’m going to cut you deeper.’ Phil is going to cut you – just not at that moment.”
A Man of Principle Truth be told, most voters aren’t focused on process. They have embraced Mendelson’s well-crafted persona, becoming comfortable in their 20-year political marriage. What strikes them as most important is what was on display at the Firehook: integrity, commanding knowledge of government, a willingness to listen, and honesty. Even when he doesn’t tell them what they want to hear, they trust him. “He’s incorruptible,” said Ward 7 resident John Capozzi, who once ran against Mendelson but is now a staunch supporter. “Typically, there’s been a payto-play culture, and Phil just has not been involved in that. Phil has his own compass of what he wants. He meets with lobbyists but is not focused on them when he makes a decision.” Eboni Rose Thompson, a Ward 7 education activist, has “appreciated when he’s stepped in to make sure the Council is a good check to the mayor. I think that is pretty responsible.” There are character flaws she admitted, but those are somewhat trivial. “I think he is more of a worrier. He gets into the weeds. He probably chews on some things too much.” Disputing Lynch’s argument about Mendelson’s failure to sparkle, Thompson said, “The Council chairman is like an orchestra leader; it’s not necessary for him to distinguish himself.” Mendelson asserted there are good reasons to “re-hire” him, including his management of the Council. “I am thoughtful, so if you, the voter, feel strong about something, unlike many, I will listen. My legislative accomplishments show that I can get things done. My record clearly indicates I care about affordability, equity, and the kind of values to ensure diversity and opportunity.” That documented record, even in a changing Washington, DC, likely is enough to win re-election. Predicted Silverman: “Phil’s seat is pretty safe.” Jonetta Rose Barras is a DC-based freelance journalist and host of “TheBarrasReport” television show u
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Climate Change and the Future of DC’s Waterfronts by John R. Wennersten
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he inundation of the coast has begun. More than 86,000 miles of tidal coastline in the United States will be affected. In 2014, the National Climate Assessment organization reported that tidal waters have climbed an average of eight inches (20 centimeters) over the past hundred years because of glacial melt and the expansion of the water from rising sea temperatures. The New York Times warned on Sept. 4, 2016: “The sea has crept up to the point that a high tide and a brisk wind are all it takes to send water pouring into streets and homes.” Houston’s inundation is a prime example of what can happen in a perfect storm of raging rivers, hurricane wind, and torrential rain. While tidal floods are often not deep, they can disrupt traffic, ruin homes and other structures, and cause power outages and pollute water supplies with sewage. Combined with urban overdevelopment, a storm of this caliber results in immense havoc. Further, along many waterfronts in America the land is sinking. This process is known as subsidence, usually caused by the removal of large amounts of water from underground aquifers for industrial and public water supplies. Increased flooding is forcing many communities to make costly adaptations along their waterfronts. Washington is not immune. The nation’s capital sits at the confluence of the Anacostia and Potomac rivers. Three buried streams cross the width of the city; and the city suffers from an antiquated sewer capacity. In a risk-analysis report, “Prediction and Impact of Sea Level Rise on Properties and Infrastructure of Washington, D.C.” (2012), Bilal Ayyub and his associates warned that Washington will face increased flooding and eventual geographic change because of sea-level rise. Currently, they note, the lowest points in Washington, DC, are the Anacostia shoreline, the Potomac, and the Tidal Basin, which are at sea level. This constitutes practically Washington’s entire waterfront. The most worrisome aspects of flooding in this area would be twofold: first, the loss of a major part
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of the city’s recreation area and public space, and second, flooding of 3.7-4.7 kilometers of railroad line, which would profoundly disrupt the transportation and distribution grid of the Middle Atlantic region. Washington has 1,350 acres of land that lie less than six feet above high-tide line. This includes two military facilities, a museum, and 1,400 residents in 400 homes. Washington has had a distressing number of flood events, stretching from the Civil War era into the 20th century. During the period 1870-90, floods and ice freshets damaged Washington’s waterfront, destroyed boats, and stalled commerce on the Potomac. High water continued to bedevil the capital well into the 20th century. On March 17-19, 1936, a flood surge on the Potomac broke into the city at 17th Street NW. Waters crested at the Key Bridge at 18.5 feet above flood stage. More than a thousand volunteers worked feverishly to construct sandbag dikes against the flood near the Washington Monument and along the north side of the Reflecting Pool to the Lincoln Memorial. This, the worst natural disaster in 80 years, prompted Congress to pass the Flood Control Act of 1936 to fund the construction of levees on the Mall. A good deal of the capital is one big flood plain. The flood of 2006 inundated some of the most iconic buildings. Water backed up Constitution Avenue and flooded the Federal Triangle area. It poured into the grates of the National Archives, swallowed huge electric transformers and flooded a newly renovated theater. As in the past, Washington no doubt will occasionally be walloped by a one-two punch – rainstorm floodwaters rushing downriver out of the Potomac watershed and a hurricane rainstorm driving a tide surge upriver from Chesapeake Bay. The Dutch, long experts in the realm of floods and tidal surges, say that it is far easier to prepare
for a flood than to recover from one. This insight has been roundly ignored in the United States until just recently. What if a Houston-like storm swamped DC? In September 2003, Washington endured a flood surge from Hurricane Isabel that raised water more than eight feet above flood stage. The World War II Memorial was designed to absorb floodwaters, and the city has levees and other structures to protect against storm surges. Meanwhile 1,350 acres of land lie less than six feet above the high-tide line, notes Climate Central, an authoritative forecasting agency. “Some $4.6 billion in property value, and 1,400 people in 400 homes, sit on this area. These figures jump to $9 billion and 4,833 people residing in 1,900 homes on 2,500 acres of land under 10 feet.” The District has yet to confront all the issues of social vulnerability, a broad term that describes “the sensitivity of populations to the impacts of environmental risks and their ability to prepare for, respond to and recover from hazard events.” And global warming magnifies flood risk in areas like Foggy Bottom, the Southwest, and parts of Northeast Washington. Despite changes in flood control measures, by the end of this century as much as $7 billion worth of property in the District will be routine-
ly threatened. Major freeways and streets are at the water’s edge, especially along routes to Georgetown and Rock Creek parkway; 21 miles of road lie below the six-foot level. At the eight-foot flood stage, the Washington Navy Yard, much of Bolling Air Force base, the Maine Avenue waterfront, and Fort McNair will be inundated. A flood of 10 feet would inundate 46 miles of road, four military facilities, three museums, and 12 EPA hazardous waste sites. Climate Central estimates that the District could be facing an eightfoot flood roughly every 10 years. As things are walled or diked off or jacked up, the landscape will be very different from today.
How To Protect DC There are several basic approaches to waterfront protection in an era of 100year storms and tidal floods. The first, fortification, involves erecting storm barriers with floodgates to protect key areas from engulfing tides. A wall has been built to protect the low point of the Mall at 17th Street SW from a flood surge that could curl for over two and a half miles through the heart of the city. The wall across 17th Street is a 380foot berm nine feet high that crosses the street at a critical low point. It is capable of withstanding a flood tide of about nine feet of water but has yet to confront a perfect storm of tidal surges and torrential rains. This area is a low point in the waterfront area and historically has been the flood point entrance to much of the Mall and central city. Most consider the wall to be an eyesore. “Plugging” a busy traffic artery like 17th Street in anticipation of rising water will no doubt engender a chorus of commuter protest. The District of Columbia’s Blue Plains Wastewater Facility is undergoing a $13 million construction project,
expected to be completed in 2021, to build a sea wall, 17.2 feet high, to protect this vital sewage plant against high tides and floods. Construction is being done in anticipation of a 100-year flood to promote resilience along the Potomac waterfront. Other infrastructure changes can be made. Structures in the flood zone can be individually protected by putting generators and electrical boxes on the upper floors of buildings instead of in the basement. Pumps in lower floors can be placed on pedestals to avoid electrical power outages. In the wake of the 2006 storm, the federal government created new flood plain maps to show agencies and businesses how to fortify themselves against rising tides and surges. Government agencies bordering the Mall no longer store anything that matters in their basements. A second strategy is retreat, based on the idea of removing most habitat from the shore. Raising buildings on stilts and other contrivances is also part of this strategy. The construction of swales, small dikes, and rain gardens to direct floodwaters to pumps and storm drains focuses mostly on urban waterfronts that border inland rivers. The third strategy is resilience. Developers and planners recognize that ultimately we can’t keep the water out. They plan to construct buildings with high setbacks and use underground cisterns to trap floodwaters. This water can be pumped to the top of buildings to energize turbines for the production of electricity. The Wharf project of PN Hoffman, on the Southwest waterfront, for example, has a huge underground cistern to absorb flood waters. It also has fortified, raised water pumps and generators for electricity. Along the Potomac and Anacostia waterfront, areas set aside for
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DC Wins a LEED Cities Platinum Award The ‘Swamp’ Keeps Getting Greener!
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by Catherine Plume
hile the current national ader, DC touts a five-cent bag fee. Polystyrene (aka There are more green initiatives in the planministration is rolling back enStyrofoam) is banned in DC restaurants and food ning stage. A proposed DC Green Bank, which has vironmental initiatives, DC’s trucks. As of January 2017, these businesses must been endorsed by Mayor Bowser, will help create efforts to support and prouse reusable or compostable containers for food green jobs, expand solar power, lower energy costs, mote a green agenda are payservice and takeout. and reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the ing off. In an unprecedented coup, on Aug. 31, In July 2015, DC brokered an agreement to District. In January 2018, a Mayor’s List of RecyclaDC became the first city in the world to receive a source 35 percent of the government’s electricity bles will standardize what can be recycled across Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design from wind power over the next 20 years, saving DC residential, commercial, and government sectors. (LEED) Cities Platinum leadership certification taxpayers $45 million while significantly reducing There are hopes for curbside composting to start in recognition for achieving sustainability and regreenhouse gas emissions. A recently negotiated in the next few years. siliency goals. $100 million, five-year contract with the DC SusTogether, these initiatives are making a difThis award is given by the US Green Buildtainable Energy Utility (DC SEU) will provide fiference. The Sustainable DC plan sets a target of ing Council (USGBC) and is the reducing greenhouse gases 50 perhighest award currently available to cent by 2032, over 2006 levels, and cities. Mayor Bowser received the by 80 percent by 2050. This can award on behalf of the District, be challenging in a city that is welnoting, “We are proud to be reccoming an average of 900 new resognized as the world’s first LEED idents per month. But a 2013 study Platinum city. Our commitment to found that greenhouse gasses had these issues will not yield, and we been reduced by 23 percent across look forward to continuing to build the District, keeping the city on a greener, more resilient, and more track to meet these goals. sustainable DC.” While greening is good, so is Why has DC been honored the overall well-being of DC reswith this auspicious award? idents. As Tommy Wells, director As of January 2017, DC touted of DC’s Department of Energy & more LEED-certified projects per Environment, notes, “We’re very capita than any other US state. But proud of the green initiatives and the District is a small geographic leadership that DC is taking on – area, and it isn’t a state, so what else across the US and even the world. is going on to merit this award? But, we’re even more proud of Mayor Muriel Bowser accepts the LEED Platinum Cities Award on behalf of the DC is monitoring and updatthe positive benefits that this District. Photo: Khalid Naki-Allah ing its Sustainable DC plan, a progreening brings to DC residents cess initiated 2011 that establishes in terms of better air quality and goals to ensure that DC is the healthiest, greenest, nancial incentives and technical assistance to resa healthier physical environment for residents to and most livable city in the United States by 2032. idents and businesses for green energy initiatives, live and work.” DC takes this commitment seriously. while keeping DC on track to receive half of its Let’s celebrate this award, and keep making For the third year in a row, the Environmental electricity from renewable sources by 2032. the swamp ever greener! Protection Agency (EPA) has ranked DC first on A Climate Ready DC plan was launched Catherine Plume is a lifelong environmentalist, a writits list of US metropolitan areas with the most Enin late 2016 and is helping the District adapt to er, and a blogger for the DC Recycler: www.DCRecyergy Star-certified buildings. Nationals Park is the climate change. While the US government ancler.blogspot.com; Twitter @DC_Recycler. She is also nation’s first major professional stadium to become nounced plans to withdraw from the Paris Clia board member of the DC chapter of the Sierra Club LEED Silver Certified by the USGBC. mate Accord, DC is one of 240 US cities that has and of Green America, but her perspectives are her Meanwhile, as a part of an effort to reduce committed to abide by the agreement – regardless own and do not necessarily represent the positions of waste and improve conditions in the Anacostia Rivof what the national government decides to do. either organization. u
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(Continued from Pg. 93) parks and recreation have modest swales and permit the entry of floodwater because there is no habitat that can be seriously damaged. Yards Park and Anacostia Park east of the river are good examples of this latter strategy. Areas like the Georgetown waterfront employ a mix of fortification and land-use planning to counter tidal surges, Also, the Georgetown waterfront has floodgates that can be raised to protect the restaurant and retail areas along its dock. Is there a perfect strategy to protect our waterfronts in an age of global warming and flood surges? Of course not. Urban waterfront communities are vulnerable to the destructive powers of nature. The highest flood on record in Washington was 7.9 feet in 1933. But by 2100, Climate Central estimates the city could be facing an eightfoot flood every 10 years. Planners point out that protecting a waterfront boils down to one key question of flood control – How much risk are you willing to accept? Can sound flood control plans surmount the political noise that distorts and confuses any program dealing with climate change in the United States? Climate change will play a major role in the reconfiguration of our waterfronts and shorelines. Flooded waterfronts and their cityscapes are inevitable. How much damage they do will be determined by the measures that waterfront communities take. John R. Wennersten is an environmental writer living on Capitol Hill. His recent books include “Chesapeake Bay: An Environmental Biography,” “Anacostia, The Death and Birth of an American River,” and “Washington’s Historic Waterfront.” Email him at jrwennersten@gmail. com. u
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DC Added $8 Million to the Pockets of Low-Income Workers Thanks to Tax Credit Expansion
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he District government took innovative steps in recent years to put over $8 million back in the pockets of hardworking residents trying to make ends meet on very low wages. It’s helping thousands of households keep up with DC’s high cost of living. How? The DC Council expanded the DC Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a tax benefit for low-income working families and individuals, in 2014. Now the numbers are in, showing that an extra 10,300 working families and individuals claimed the EITC in 2015. EITC expansion was an important step to make sure that DC’s growing prosperity is more widely shared.
by Claire Zippel What Is the Credit and How Does It Work? The District’s Earned Income Tax Credit, based on the federal EITC, assists residents who work but have low earnings. The credit amount grows with each additional dollar of earnings for those with very low earnings, reaches the maximum credit and levels off, and then decreases slowly to zero as earnings reach the income limit. The DC EITC is refundable, meaning that if the value of the credit exceeds the amount of income tax owed, the balance is received as a tax refund. The DC and federal EITCs make a big difference in the finances of working households who struggle to survive on low wages. For example, a single parent with two children working full-time
for $15 an hour (annual income $32,000) gets a $1,650 tax refund thanks to the DC and federal EITCs. Without those credits, they would owe $2,070 in DC and federal income taxes. That kind of income boost helps low-income working families make ends meet. Workers tend to use their EITC mostly for necessities like groceries, transportation, child expenses, and paying down past-due bills and debt. Some are able to use the EITC to get ahead – to go back to school or get new training. We know this creates brighter futures for children in low-wage working families. Children whose families receive the federal EITC are healthier, research shows, and do better in school than their peers. The income boost has been linked to higher earnings and employment rates when the children grow up, meaning the EITC has a great return on investment.
Expansion Helped 10,000 More Filers The DC Council acted in 2014, following recommendations from the Tax Revision Commission, to address a limitation in the federal EITC. While the federal EITC provides substantial help for households with children, it does very little for adults without children in the home. The maximum federal EITC for a single person without children is only $500, and they can benefit only if they earn less than $15,000. The expanded DC EITC provides a special supplement for workers without children in two ways. First, it has a maximum credit of $500, compared with $200 under the prior rules. Second, while the federal EITC ends for this group of workers when income exceeds $15,000, DC residents earning up to $24,000 can receive some level of tax credit. As a result, more workers without children can receive some amount of the DC credit.
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Not surprisingly, these changes made the DC EITC accessible to many more workers. Following the expansion, 10,300 more workers claimed the DC credit, and the total amount received grew by $8.3 million. In contrast, the number of tax filers claiming the federal credit – which did not change – didn’t increase at all that year, according to a DC Fiscal Policy Institute analysis of tax return data. This suggests that the increase in claims for the DC credit happened thanks to the expansions for workers without children. These figures confirm that expanding the District’s EITC has been a huge help to thousands of workers struggling on low wages. Boosting the incomes of low-income workers is an important step to make sure that DC’s growing prosperity is more widely shared. Even with this good news, more work needs to be done to ensure that all eligible residents know about and claim the EITC and other tax credits they’ve earned. According to Capital Area Asset Builders (CAAB), as many as 20,000 DC residents who have low wages are still not claiming the federal EITC, and thus are not receiving over $40 million in federal tax credits. This suggests that with increased awareness and free tax preparation, even more workers would benefit from the DC EITC expansion. Claire Zippel is a policy analyst at the DC Fiscal Policy Institute (www.dcfpi.org). DCFPI promotes budget and policy solutions to reduce poverty and inequality in the District of Columbia, and to increase opportunities for residents to build a better future. u
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South by West by William Rich Wharf Community Meeting Addresses Next Phase, Traffic Concerns With phase one of The Wharf getting ready to debut in a matter of days with a four-day celebration, Hoffman-Madison Waterfront, the development team behind the Southwest waterfront revival, has its sights set on the final phase of the $2.5 billion project. Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6D hosted a community meeting on Sept. 18 at Arena Stage to allow the development team to present their plans and for the community to ask questions. A standing-room-only crowd was on hand for the presentation, as neighborhood residents have dealt with years of planning and construction for the first phase and wanted to know what was coming next for the project.
Summary of Final Phase
An aerial view of the last phase of development shows how the remainder of the Southwest Waterfront will be transformed in the coming years. Rendering: Hoffman-Madison Waterfront
Sean Seaman and Matt Steenhoek from PN Hoffman provided an update on where things stand with phase one and gave an overview of what’s planned. For the final phase, about one million square feet of development is planned. A full explanation of what is planned can be found in the June 2017 “South by West” column, but here is a summary: • A 539,000-square-foot office building for Parcels 6 and 7 with 34,000 square feet of ground-floor retail. • Parcel 8 will contain a 116-key hotel and a 235-unit rental apartment building (115 of the units will be set aside as affordable units). The building will have 26,000 square feet of ground-floor retail. • An 82-unit condominium building with 16,000 square feet of
The facade of the planned apartment building at the Randall School Project has been refined to make the historic buildings stand out more. Rendering: Lowe Enterprises
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• •
ground-floor retail is planned on Parcel 9. Parcel 10 will be a 60,100-square-foot office building with 16,200 square feet of ground-floor retail. Three water buildings will contain a mix of maritime and restaurant uses, including perhaps a new home for Cantina Marina. The water building farthest east will be used by the Gangplank Marina occupant, including the live-aboards and nonprofit users.
Community Comments and Concerns Prior to the presentation, Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen started things off with a commitment to tackle the traffic problems that will likely come about as a result of the opening of phase one (and once phase two is built). The Councilmember, the ANC, Hoffman-Madison Waterfront, and other stakeholders (collectively the Strikeforce) have been meeting regularly to address traffic issues and plan on continuing as the first phase opens. Traffic concerns were a common theme among the audience once the question-and answer-period began. One question dealt with whether the project contained enough spaces for patrons of The Anthem, which has an audience capacity of up to 6,000 people. Many in the audience were surprised to hear that only 650 public spaces were available at the project. Seaman stated they have encouraged the operators of The Anthem to tell their patrons to use off-site parking at L’Enfant Plaza or Metro to get to and from the venue. Free shuttle buses will be provided connecting with L’Enfant Plaza and Smithsonian Metro stations. Water taxi service will also connect to other waterfront destinations such as Alexandria, National Harbor, Georgetown, and Navy Yard. Another question was about egress to Maine Avenue SW and beyond to I-395. According to Seaman, some of the traffic backup on Maine Avenue is caused by drivers exiting the Southwest freeway at Maine Avenue and merging back onto the highway in order to save about 30 seconds of time in traffic. A solution is in the works but
may take about a year to implement since approvals are needed by the Federal Highway Administration. Illegal parking next to the Municipal Fish Market also causes backups along Maine Avenue, and the Metropolitan Police Department is stepping up enforcement of noparking zones. A non-traffic question was about the opportunity to bring a grocery store. The development team agreed that a grocery store would be good to have in this final phase. Steenhoek even joked that the audience should send emails to Trader Joe’s. ANC 6D is scheduled to vote on the stage-two planned unit development (PUD) for the project at its October meeting. The Zoning Commission will then take up the PUD in a series of meetings in November. If approved, construction will likely begin in early to mid2018 with completion in 2021.
Randall School Plans Revised (Again) Now that Lowe Enterprises has been brought on as a developer in the redevelopment of Randall School on I Street to a mixed-use project, revisions have been made to the previously approved (and recently extended) PUD. One major change is the removal of an annex building for the museum, which results in a larger courtyard separating the historic Randall School building and the proposed apartments. In addition, the design of the apartment building has been revised to further open up the courtyard. A portion of the wings of the apartment building was pulled away from the historic building. The courtyard will be open during the day and closed at night with gates. The east and central buildings will contain a modern art museum
of approximately 32,000 square feet. The museum entrance has been shifted to the east building, which will allow the center building to be fully restored. Originally, a restaurant was planned in the east building’s auditorium, but instead this space will contain museum space with larger pieces of art, as well as ancillary retail (cafe, bookstore, gift shop). A mix of commercial, retail, and nonprofit uses is still planned in the west building, but a mezzanine level will be added to increase the amount of usable space. Meanwhile, the residential entrance will now be in the center of the apartment building on H Street. The number of units has been reduced from 520 to 489, but the portion of units set aside as affordable for households earning up to 80 percent of area median income will remain 20 percent. Most of the units will be rentals, but a portion may be built as condos. The parking garage entrance has been moved to the northeast corner, with a planned total of 301 spaces. The ground floor of the apartment building might include retail/service uses, and two-level units might be created. Penthouse configuration and trellis placement are also changing slightly. The Bing Thom-designed apartment building has been refined by Beyer Blindle Belle, simplifying the facade to allow balconies and to further distinguish the historic Randall buildings from the new construction. Once they receive approval of their plan, the developers plan to begin with abatement of the historic buildings in late 2018, then demolition of the non-historic portion, which would likely put the start of construction in 2020. William Rich is a blogger at Southwest ‌ The Little Quadrant that Could (www.swtlqtc.com). u
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Senior Housing in Southwest Citypartners Plans Multi-Age, Multi-Income Residence In Second E Street SW Development by Elizabeth O’Gorek
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eoff Griffis, founder and managing member of CityPartners Development Group, sits with partner Greg Faron in the lobby of Hyatt Place. The hotel opened in November 2015 as part of Phase I of their two-part development deal on E Street SW. They are discussing plans for the affordable housing component in Phase II of the development, down the street at 555 E St. SW. Phase II, a mixed-use hotel and residential building sitting on street-level retail, includes dedicated senior affordable units. It is groundbreaking in its goal to create a living experience that mixes not only a range of incomes but also varying ages. Griffis and Faron are talking about Jane Jacobs and one of the ideas in her “Death and Life of American Cities” (1961): the importance of activating sidewalks and, by extension, neighborhoods. “She said that the importance of neighborhoods is that you know your neighbor, and you can walk down the street and its crowded sidewalks, and there’s a differing variety of options and services. And it was like, ‘Of course that makes for great cities.’ I think she had the principles right,” Griffis says. There are echoes of those principles in his plans for Southwest.
Griffis, who has a master’s in architecture and in urban planning, came to development through planning and design. He is aware that the recent increase in development in Southwest is helping to alter the neighborhood’s identity. As a developer, he sees his role in that process as a social and civic responsibility. He adds, “Keeping seniors living in the city is an important aspect that makes for a vibrant urban area.”
Parcel 69
CityPartners created the E Street Development Group in 2008 to advance what became the winning proposal for the development of Parcel 69, District land on E Street SW. The parcel included an empty parking lot and the site of an aging fire station. The contract required the construction of a new fire station for Engine Company 13. The project proceeded in two phases. The first, completed a year and a half ago, was the construction of the building at 400 E St. SW on what was a 19,000-square-foot parking lot. The building houses the Hyatt Place hotel, offices of the youth-focused nonprofit group Kid Power, and the new, state-ofthe-art firehouse. The second phase of the project, at 555 E St. SW, will occupy the CityPartners founder Geoff Griffis and part34,000-square-foot site of ner Greg Faron at City Bar DC, the rooftop the old Engine 13 firehouse lounge at Hyatt Place (400 E St. SW). Photo: and will contain a EuropeElizabeth O’Gorek an-style boutique hotel and ground-floor retail space. Approximately two-thirds of the building will consist of a 196-unit residence. Of those, 58 will be senior-affordable units. Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Gail Fast (6D01) says that there is a need for senior housing in Southwest. The building could entice seniors to move
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to Southwest, which she says would be wonderful. “I think it’s just a win-win for us, and the fact that they are making it affordable is fantastic,” she adds. Residential was not always included in the plans. When E Street Development won the contract in 2009, Griffis says, the proposal included mixed-use office in addition to a hotel. It was a different economy, and an office building seemed like a good fit. But during refinement of the plans, the residential aspect was added and new possibilities emerged. The contract with the District did not require E Street Development to include an affordable housing component, let alone a senior affordable housing component. But the team saw benefits. “You don’t really see that very often – the idea of the complementary age ranges, and having people interact, and having old people and young people live together. We want that interaction across the building,” Faron explains.
Creating a Market The residential units will be a bit bigger than one might expect – around 750 square feet for a one bedroom. Dedicated senior residential floors will have libraries and community and common rooms as well as laundry rooms. The common spaces will be more sophisticated in terms of their flexibility. “We’re literally creating a market,” Griffis says. In planning the senior component, E Street Development reached out to Waterfront Village, one of 13 Senior Villages in the District. Bob Craycraft, executive director of Waterfront Village, says he and E Street Development discussed the location of the units and their distribution throughout the building, as well as the need for dedicated senior community spaces. “There’s a balance that you need to achieve in senior housing,” he says. “You need a safe and welcoming environment, but one that doesn’t segregate people from society.” The plans for 555 E St. seek to achieve that balance, where seniors have reserved spaces but also share the lobby and amenities such as the roof deck, pool, and barbeques. Craycraft and Waterfront Village are part of a national network of 250 senior villages providing services to seniors wishing to age in their homes. He says he is not aware of multi-age projects like this one in the District or the nation.
Defining the Neighborhood The plan for a mixed-use, mixed-generation resi-
dence is part of a larger urban intervention in Southwest. It will introduce residents and residential units into a neighborhood that has historically been composed largely of factories and office buildings. The integration of senior units into the building is not an isolated experiment but a way of defining the character of a new residential neighborhood. The residential building will connect residential Southwest with the National Mall. Craycraft, who is also a member of the Waterfront Gateway Neighborhood Association (WGNA), which represents over 1,900 residents in the area immediately south of I-395, says that the interstate separates Southwest from the amenities and cultural attractions of the Mall. As one of the only residential buildings north of the freeway and south of the Mall, 555 E St. will help bridge that divide. Griffis says that the mixed-use and mixed-age development will help redefine that part of Southwest as an 18- or 24-four-hour community, evolving beyond its current use as a 9-to-5 professional destination. A significant part of that transition would be convincing more of the 60,000 commuter employees to make the area their home and playground as well. “Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could capture some of those folks right here and have them stay?” Griffis asks, noting that some fairly senior employees in the House and Senate have already registered interest. He refers to the proximity of the Metro lines and cultural sites, such as Arena Stage and the Smithsonian museums. “And when you think of all that culture, you realize this is just going to be an exciting population that is going to want to be in this area and be part of what’s happening.” u
Joan Carmichael Realtor 202.271.5198 joanvcarmichael@gmail.com Unique 2 level, 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo in the heart of the Hill! Located near Lincoln Park and walking distance to the H Street/Atlas District’s shops, restaurants,bars & grocery stores. Unit features: Bold brick architectural details, large living room, separate dining room, wood burning fireplace,wood floors in LR/DR, pass through kitchen & true master suite. Pet Friendly Building!
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 October 2017 H 101
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ANC 6A Report
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by Elizabeth Nelson
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hair Phil Toomajian called the meeting to order of Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6A at Miner Elementary School, 601 15th St. NE, with Commissioners Calvin Ward, Patrick Malone, Sondra Phillips-Gilbert, Marie-Claire Brown, and Mike Soderman in attendance. The meeting opened with several community presentations.
Insight Property Group Brendan Whitsitt gave a construction update on Insight Property Group’s project at 1300 H St. NE – the R.L. Christian Apartments. • There will be 33 residential units – all affordable – with retail space on the first floor. The developers are hoping to attract local small businesses and have begun outreach to potential tenants but do not expect to have commitments until the project is nearly complete. • Information on residential rentals will be made available at www.1300HStreet.com. • Parking and loading space is on Wylie Court NE to minimize the impact on H Street. • Although the entrance to the lobby is on Wylie, the residents will have a 1300 H St. address so that they will not be eligible for residential parking permits. There will be bike storage for residents inside the building. • Although the Bikeshare station on the H Street side has been moved to accommodate con-
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struction, it will be replaced upon completion of the project. The H Street Farmers’ Market will remain in place and will not be affected by construction. Public space permits for the excavation have been obtained, and groundbreaking will commence before the end of September. Construction is expected to take 12-14 months. A covered walkway will protect pedestrians on H Street during construction. The site is contaminated with dry-cleaning solvents and runoff from a gas station and coal yard that previously existed on the property. To remediate, a three-foot-deep section of soil will be removed across the entire surface area of the site and a vapor barrier installed.
US Attorney’s Office Doug Klein, community prosecutor at the US Attorney’s Office, explained that his office prosecutes most adult crime in the District. If a victim or witness wants to know the status of a case in which they are involved, they can contact him at 703785-5589 or douglas.klein@usdoj.gov. Three people have been arrested for assault with a dangerous weapon in the Sept. 10 shooting on the 1300 block of I Street NE.
Events DC Pete Kirschner of Events DC presented the latest version of plans for the short-term redevelopment of the RFK Stadium campus. They include three all-season, multi-use playing fields. The fields will be available for public use, but it’s not clear how groups will
be able to reserve t h e m , how priority will be assigned, or what the costs will be. The artificial turf is pervious, which will decrease runoff and be less damaging to the environment than the paving it will replace. The area will also be used for outdoor entertainment including music festivals. Kirschner noted that, while an enclosed market area is the longer-term solution to food service, the parking lots will provide space for food trucks. Events DC no longer has plans for a playground on or near the site.
Economic Development and Zoning Actions ANC 6A voted unanimously to send letters of support to BZA for: • a special exception from the rear-yard requirements to construct a two-story rear addition at 1362 East Capitol St. NE (BZA #19562) • a special exception from the lot occupancy requirements to construct a two-story rear addition at 1203 D St. NE (BZA #19563) • a special exception from the rear-yard requirement and the upper-floor addition require-
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 ments to construct a rear and third-story addition at 237 Warren St. NE (BZA #19565) • a special exception from the rear-yard requirements to construct a three-story rear addition at 225 Tennessee Ave. NE (BZA #19566)
Other Actions The commissioners voted unanimously to appoint Veronica “Roni” Hollmon as co-chair of the Community Outreach Committee. Organizations interested in applying for grants can find her contact information and the grant application form on the ANC 6A website. Hollmon noted that the committee will resume monthly meetings on the fourth Monday of each month. These will take place at Maury Elementary School (1250 Constitution Ave. NE) through the end of the year but will be in an alternate location after that, while Maury is closed for renovations.
Reports & Announcements As expected, Matt Levy resigned. Amber Gove filed a petition for the seat and, as hers was the only petition filed, will take his place as commissioner for ANC 6A04. Gove attended the meeting. Toomajian congratulated Commissioner Zimny and her husband on the safe arrival of a son a few days prior and noted that, although Zimny could not attend the meeting, she had nevertheless completed the treasurer’s reports on time. Phillips-Gilbert announced that a Halloween party is planned for the Rosedale Recreation Center, 1701 Gales St. NE, noon-4 p.m., on Saturday, Oct. 28. Brown reported that the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) accommodated a request
from residents on the 1200 block of I Street NE to have historically correct paving materials used for repairs to the curbs and street surface. Ward expressed concern about flooding of homes near the intersection of 19th and E streets NE. There have been sewage backups; in one case a manhole cover “erupted.” Ward has been in touch with Emanuel Briggs at DC Water who shared with him details of a program for residents to receive a 90-percent rebate on the cost of installing backwater valves on qualified properties. Backwater valves prevent wastewater from entering the building. To determine eligibility, contact Briggs at 202-787-2003 or Emanuel.Briggs@ dcwater.com. The online application and instructions can be found at www.dcwater.com/backwatervalve-information-and-rebate-program-application. ANC 6A meets on the second Thursday of every month (except August), usually at Miner Elementary School. The next meeting will be on Oct. 12. The 6A committees meet at 7 p.m. on the following schedule: Alcohol Beverage and Licensing, third Tuesday of each month, Sherwood Recreation Center, 640 10th St. NE. Community Outreach, fourth Monday of each month, Maury Elementary School, 1250 Constitution Ave. NE (enter from 13th Street). Economic Development and Zoning, third Wednesday of each month, Sherwood Recreation Center, 640 10th St. NE. Transportation and Public Space, third Monday of every month, Capitol Hill Towers, 900 G St. NE. Visit www.anc6a.org for calendar of events, changes of date/venue, agendas, and other information. u
Next ANC 6A meeting is Thursday Oct 12th, 7pm Miner E.S 601 15th St NE. Alcohol Beverage Licensing Committee - Tuesday, Oct 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, Oct 16th 7pm at Capitol Hill Towers Community Room • 900 G St., NE J. Omar Mahmud - Co-Chair / Todd Sloves - Co-Chair
Economic Development & Zoning Committee - Wednesday, Oct 18th 7pm at Sherwood Recreation Center • 640 10th St., NE Brad Greenfield - Chair (Brad.greenfield@gmail.com 202 262-9365)
Community Outreach Committee - Monday, Oct 23th
7pm at Maury Elementary School • 1250 Constitution Ave., NE Multi-purpose Room (enter from 200 Block of 13 Street) Veronica Hollmon - Co-Chair (roni2865@aol.com) Dana Wyckoff - Co-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 meets the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 pm, 214 Massachusetts Avenue N.E., except August, when there is no meeting.
ANC 6C COMMISSIONERS ANC 6C01 Christine Healey 6C01@anc.dc.gov
ANC 6C04 Mark Eckenwiler 6C04@anc.dc.gov
ANC 6C02 Karen Wirt (202) 547-7168 6C02@anc.dc.gov
ANC 6C05 Christopher Miller 6C05@anc.dc.gov
ANC 6C03 Scott Price (202) 577-6261 6C03@anc.dc.gov scott.price@anc.dc.gov
ANC 6C06 Heather Edelman heatheraedelman @gmail.com
ANC 6C COMMITTEES Alcoholic Beverage Licensing First Monday, 7 pm Contact: anc6c.abl.committee@gmail.com
Transportation and Public Space First Thursday, 7 pm Contact: mark.kaz.anc@gmail.com
Grants Last Thursday, 7 pm Contact: lesliebarbour.dc@gmail.com
Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development First Wednesday, 6:30 pm Contact: 6C04@anc.dc.gov Twitter: @6C_PZE
Parks and Events First Tuesday, 7 pm Contact: ptahtakran@gmail.com
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ANC 6B Report by Elizabeth O’Gorek
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he first full meeting of Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6B since the August break made up for lost time by running to more than four hours. Many community members stayed throughout in order to hear discussion on the report regarding Eastern Market and the status of Seventh Street SE, which took place near the end of the evening. The quorum: Chander Jayaraman (6B08, chair), James Loots (6B03, parliamentarian), Jennifer Samolyk (6B01), Nick Burger (6B06, treasurer), Denise Krepp (6B10), Diane Hoskins (6B02, vice chair), Steve Hagedorn (6B05), Aimee Grace (6B07), Kirsten Oldenburg (6B04), and Daniel Ridge (6B09, secretary).
Presentation by Events DC Events DC appeared to provide an update on the redevelopment plans for the Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) Stadium campus. The plans have remained largely unchanged since the last meeting for stakeholders in July. Several commissioners expressed concern about the access road on the site of recreational fields. They asked that the road not separate the fields from the Anacostia River and not provide a route through the neighborhood. Erik Moses, a senior vice president with Events DC, assured the ANC that these concerns were compatible with the goals of the sports authority for the site.
Alcohol and Beverage Committee The owners of SkillZone (709 Eighth St. SE), the children’s education and play area, applied for a liquor license with the intention of serving wine and beer at birthday parties, family happy hours, and adult social events for registered members only. The Alcohol and Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) rejected their application for a license as a private club, instead suggesting a tavern license. According to ANC Chair Jayaraman, a tavern license is more expensive, permits the sale of alcohol without the sale of food, and can be transferred with the address, increasing the potential of a tavern renting the space in future.
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Jayaraman proposed that the ANC endorse a letter to ABRA expressing concern with the issuance of a tavern license and requesting that a representative be permitted to address ABRA at a regular board meeting, where they will present the ANC’s position that a club license would be more appropriate. In a separate motion the commissioners asked that ABRA defer the decision for 30 days to permit the ANC to discuss the issue at the next monthly meeting. If the delay is not granted by Sept. 18, the ANC will protest the license with the cooperation of the applicant. Both motions carried unanimously.
Planning and Zoning Committee The commission heard a Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) application from the owner of the 12unit apartment complex at 220 Second St. SE. The owner wishes to convert the basement, currently the site of a laundry, storage, and trash room, to a 13th unit. Laundry has been added to each unit, so the laundry room is no longer necessary. The abutting neighbor to the south objected to the removal of the indoor trash storage room, arguing that exterior trash would attract rats, already a problem in the area. The commission voted to endorse the application if it included an order requiring exclusively interior trash storage. An historic preservation application (HPA) for two houses at 418 and 420 Seventh St. SE was heard a second time. The applicant desires to merge the two buildings and their lots to create six condo units including a third-floor addition and carriage house. The applicant reduced the size and height of the carriage house and removed a proposed rooftop patio in response to concerns voiced by neighbors. Neighbors argued that the addition was still visible from public space and that adding a carriage house on the lot, located on a block with no alley, would disrupt the green space, removing the special barrier between residences and restaurants that they felt was helping with their rat problem. Residents and commissioners also expressed concern about safety and emergency access to the carriage house. The commission voted, 7-3, to oppose the application, while expressing in the accompanying letter to the Historic Preservation Office that their opposition was related solely to the carriage house structure. Ebenezer Church appeared in regard to an HPA application relative to its plans for a 10-unit, five-townhouse development on the 400 block of
D Street SE. The church and the developers seek a curb cut to facilitate access to interior parking on the development site. The design for the parking element has not been precisely defined but could include an elevator to below-grade parking spaces. Residents objected to the curb cut, arguing that it would take away two to three street parking spaces and that they had no guarantee they would have access to the interior spaces. A few took exception to the appearance of the buildings, and many had questions about trash disposal for the units. Many argued that communication between the church and the neighborhood about the project had been insufficient. The commission voted, 7-3, to support the project but not the curb cut. The HPA application for a third-story deck with retractable roof and rear addition for Ambar Restaurant (523 Eighth St. SE) was heard without the applicant or representatives present. Chair Jayaraman argued that while the applicant was planning to add approximately 88 additional seats to the restaurant, which according to the chair’s calculations would lead to another $1.5 million in profits, the applicant was unwilling to provide interior access between the roof and the trash room. In view of this, and in consideration of the relationship between trash storage and rats, the commissioners voted, 6-3, to oppose the application with one abstention.
Other Concerns As the clock ticked past 11 p.m., ANC 6B voted unanimously to endorse a letter to the Department of General Services (DGS) asking the agency to take no action in regard to the current use and operations of the Eastern Market Special Event Area, including the 200 and 300 blocks of Seventh Street SE where the weekend flea markets are currently operated. The letter further asked DGS to work with stakeholders to make those decisions and to publicly vet decisions through the ANC before they are implemented. The letter asked that the area remain open to activities that may include vending and that DGS monitor the situation as new businesses move into the Hine development. Fresh food merchants appeared at the meeting to offer comment, many stating that they found the recent assessment of market rent for the South Hall commissioned by DGS to be unfair, and to state that the continued closure of Seventh Street SE would further endanger their businesses. Some
expressed frustration that their speaking time was limited at the end of the long meeting. Carole Wright, operator of the Saturday flea markets, provided printed copies of an email she had received from Eastern Market Manager Barry Margeson in which he wrote that input from the community (including Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee, the ANC, and Eastern Market Main Street) would inform the decision-making process. Commissioner Krepp presented a motion to endorse a letter to the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) asking the agency to conduct traffic safety studies on 10 different areas on the Hill. There was some discussion about language and the amount of resources DDOT would be willing to commit. The letter was modified to include a provision stating that resources would not be taken from similar studies underway in the community, and the resolution passed, 9-1-0. The next meeting of ANC 6B is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 10. Meetings take place the second Tuesday of the month at the Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. u
ANC 6C Report by Elizabeth O’Gorek
A
dvisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6C rescheduled its Sept. 13 meeting to Sept. 19 in order to achieve a quorum. The quorum: Christine Healey (6C01), Karen Wirt (6C02, chair), Chris Miller (6C05), Heather Edelman (6C06).
DFS Presentation Dr. Jenifer Smith appeared in the context of National Forensic Science Week, which took place Sept. 17-23. She announced outreach events at the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) at 401 E St. SW. Smith described the DFS as having three major departments: Crime Scene Science, which collects evidence and describes crime scenes; the forensic science laboratory, which houses fingerprint and DNA analysis as well as a new digital analysis unit; and the Public Health Lab, which recently became part of DFS and tests for diseases such as rabies and Zika. She related that DFS has no backlog in DNA testing, and the District is one of very few major metropolitan areas that can say that it has no backlog in processing sexual assault kits. Smith said that DFS is an independent agency, and that although many employees are still members of the police department, the agency is in the process of “civilianizing.” She added that a Scientific Advisory Board works with DFS and is seeking five research scientists and four forensic scientists as advisory members. Those interested should contact DFS by telephone at 202-727-8267 or by email at contactDFS@dc.gov.
Parks and Events Committee The Parks and Events Committee chair reported that the homeless encampments under the overpass where Second Street intersects with K, L, and M streets NE need further attention, and that the committee had reached out to Naomi Mitchell, community liaison in the office of Councilmember Charles Allen (D-Ward 6) to ask him to raise the issue with the office of the Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services (DMHHS). Commissioner Edelman earlier noted that after the
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District conducted a cleaning of the area, the encampments increased. She had also reached out to DMHHS.
cerns about the elimination of parking safety and the necessity for bike lanes were expressed, especially by residents of the 600 block of K Street NE.
K Street NE Traffic Study
Daytime School Parking Zone Amendment Act
The Transportation and Public Space Committee reported on a K Street NE traffic study underway by the District Department of Transportation (DDOT). Initiated by ANC 6C, the study looks at ways to increase safety for pedestrians and cyclists. The corridor between Second Street near the tracks to about where K Street and Florida Avenue NE intersect is the site of aggressive driving and speeding, the committee said. The study is ongoing, but at a recent meeting DDOT presented four traffic-calming measures. All four would remove rush-hour parking restrictions, making parking 24/7 for residents. The measures include: 1. Eastbound left-turn lanes at Fourth and Sixth streets NE, which would retain 171 parking spaces with a loss of 45. 2. Eastbound and westbound left-turn lanes at Fourth, Sixth, Eighth, and 10th streets NE, which would retain 155 parking spaces with a loss of 66. 3. All characteristics of option two, but introducing mid-block transition points which reposition the lane midway through the block without varying direction, thought to be a safer option. This option would retain 144 parking spaces with a loss of 72. 4. A focus on bike lanes on both the north and south sides of K Street NE for the whole corridor, necessitating the removal of all parking on the south side of K Street, a loss of 106 parking spots. The committee noted it had received considerable feedback, particularly from residents of K Street and especially in regard to the parking aspects of proposals. The committee’s representative said they were sensitive to parking concerns but, as the overall purpose of the study was to enhance safety, felt bike lanes were the most important addition to K Street, the only corridor proceeding both east and west for that distance. Cyclists will continue to use it regardless, it was thought. The representative emphasized that this was only a preliminary study and would also affect ANC 6A. Community members voiced opposition to the four proposed plans, especially option four. Con-
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The Transportation and Public Safety Committee presented a motion supporting the Daytime School Parking Zone Amendment Act. The act would establish designated, limited-hour parking areas near public schools for employees with DDOT permits. Both community members and commissioners had reservations about this. One resident cited what he saw as abuse of restricted parking areas near Ludlow-Taylor Elementary School (659 G St. SE). A resident of 600 K St. NE pointed out the proximity of J.O. Wilson Elementary to her residence, and objected to further reduction in parking availability. Commissioner Healey said that she had questions about which spaces would be distributed and when, and if the spaces were otherwise unavailable to residents. Miller made a motion to oppose such legislation if it would remove parking from residents. The motion carried, 2-1, with one abstention.
Planning, Zoning and Economic Development A Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) application for 10 Third St. NE was heard. The existing rowhouse, built prior to 1958 and under continuous ownership for the past 80 years, has always been used as a rental unit. The owner wishes to codify that use for both the rowhouse and a carriage house on the lot. The latter needs renovations to be brought up to code. A rooftop terrace had been removed from plans due to neighbor objections. Other neighbors objected to the possibility of short-term (i.e., Airbnb) rentals. A representative for the owner said they would be happy to agree to a restriction on the deed preventing short-term rentals, if the occupancy certificate would be awarded. Commissioner Edelman proposed delaying a vote until the October meeting of ANC 6C, to provide more time to review the issue before the Oct. 18 BZA hearing. A BZA application for 204 Eighth St. NE requested a special exemption to allow a third-floor addition to the residence. Although the total height of the proposed structure had been dropped to a byright permitted height of 35 feet, the exemption was still necessary because the basement was six feet,
nine inches above grade – two feet, nine inches above permitted height. That visibility means the addition counts as a fourth floor. Noting that sightline studies demonstrated the addition would not be visible from the street, and after some discussion about setting a precedent, the commissioners unanimously passed a motion of support. A motion to support a public space application was heard in regard to the closure of the public alley north of M Street between Third and Fourth streets NE for development of the Press House at the Union District site. Commissioner Edelman said the request was only for the alley in the 722 block and did not affect access to any other property. The motion was supported, 4-0.
Issuance of After-Hours Permits by DCRA Commissioner Miller presented a motion in support of a letter drafted by Commissioner Mark Eckenwiler (6C04), who was not present. Addressed to the District Council in regard to the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA), the letter requests that the Council issue legislation narrowing and clarifying the terms under which afterhours permits may be issued. Miller said that the law states that permits allowing work after hours should only be issued if not doing it would be a danger to health and safety. He said that DCRA had been in the habit of calling the commissioners to judge opposition to issuance and, finding none, simply doing so. The motion carried unanimously. The next meeting of ANC 6C is scheduled for Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. at The Heritage Foundation Building, 214 Massachusetts Ave. NE. u
ANC 6D Report by Andrew Lightman
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dvisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6D met on Sept. 11. Commissioners Gail Fast (6D01), Cara Shockley (6D02), Andy Litsky (6D04, chair), Roger Moffatt (6D05), Rhon-
Law Offices Of
James m LOOts, Pc Serving the Capitol Hill Community Since 1984 General Litigation and Arbitration Franchising and Business Organizations Commercial Leasing and Development Labor and Employment Issues Contract and Licensing Matters da N. Hamilton (6D06), and Meredith Fascett (6D07) were on the dais. Commissioner Ronald Collins (6D03) was absent.
Opening The Wharf Bob Rubenkonig, spokesperson for The Wharf, outlined the four days of festivities planned for the project’s opening starting Oct. 12. They include free concerts, boat rides, fireworks, and the blessing of the project. Representatives of ANC 6D, the Southwest Neighborhood Assembly (SWNA), the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), The Wharf, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), DC Department of Transportation (DDOT), and DC Department of Public Works (DPW) have been meeting frequently to plan for increased congestion generated by The Wharf, stated Chair Litsky. He characterized the ongoing discussions as fruitful.
Zoning Relief at 100 K St. SE GH Development (GHD) came before the commission to request relief from the zoning regulations requiring a side yard for a project on the site of the tire shop at the corner of First and K streets SE (100 K St. SE). The lot is very small, only 2,100 square feet. The developer proposes to construct a 10-story building housing 34 condominiums with ground-floor retail. The height of the project is a matter of right. There is no requirement for either onsite parking or loading docks due to the project’s small size. However, its representatives claimed zoning relief from side-yard requirements is necessary to make the project financially viable. They asked the commission to support the application for a special exception. The wrinkle is that 909 New Jersey Ave., the neighboring apartment owned by J.P. Morgan (JPM) and managed by Bozzuto, wraps the one-story repair shop on its north and east property lines. On the north side of the repair shop, 909 rises only a single story to a large pool deck that runs close to three-quarters of a full block. On the east side, however, it is 10 floors. Each level contains six sets of west-facing bays. These “at-risk windows” would have to be bricked up if the 100 K Street project was built. This would convert a number of two-bedroom units into one bedrooms, since the legal definition of a
bedroom requires a window. An attorney representing JPM argued that the GHD project failed the test for a special exception because of its negative impact on the tenants of 909 New Jersey. She advised GHD to site the property on K Street rather than First Street, which would significantly reduce the project’s height as a matter of right. Commissioners were skeptical of JPM’s assertions. “When you built to the property line, you interfered with what they [GHD] cold do with their property,” stated Moffatt tartly. “JP Morgan is trying to shift the cost of the at-risk windows to a small developer,” argued GHD’s zoning attorney. Commissioners pointed out that the decision to build 909 right to the property line on the eastern side of the 100 K St. parcel had put the windows at risk. They asked whether a covenant had been entered to that effect. JPM’s attorney stated that none was required. A Bozzuto representative stated that tenants were warned under the general terms of their leases that windows might be a risk. Yet, the commission remained sympathetic to the plight of project on the tenants of 909. “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should,” argued one tenant against the GHD project, pointing out how the closing of the windows and the blocking of southern views would significantly reduce the value of his apartment. Other tenants bemoaned the loss of southern light on the pool deck, which they claimed was the hub of community life. “I won’t be able to tan anymore,” stated one woman. The commission took no vote on the matter. It will be taken up again at the October meeting.
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The Bard
The commission listened to a presentation by Erkiletian and the Shakespeare Theatre Company of plans for the Bard development at the corner of Sixth and I streets SW. The partners will be applying for a planned unit development (PUD) to change the parcel’s zoning from R-4 to MU-4. This will provide a floor-area ratio (FAR) of 2.5, a maximum height of 50 feet, and a rear-yard requirement of 15 feet. Designed by Shalom Baranes Associates, the project has not changed much from the plans unveiled at the June community meeting. It remains 40 feet tall. A second entrance on I Street
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has been added and materials on that side changed to glass for the office uses. The bridge between the buildings has been eliminated. Plans call for 39 parking spaces, and Shakespeare is looking to secure additional parking offsite to accommodate office staff. “I am not sure the new design makes it feel part of the community,” stated Fast. Moffatt expressed concern that the design would extend into public space over the Sixth Street sidewalk. Erkiletian plans to file the PUD application within three weeks. The commission took no position on the matter.
ABC Matters The commission again confronted a plethora of ABC applications. It unanimously chose to support licenses and community agreements for: • Rasa at 1242 First St. SE • Roti at 1251 First St. SE • Anchor, a marine supply and food market, at 709 Wharf St. SE • Homewood Suites, a hotel, at 50 M St. SE • Potomac Distilling at 1130 Maine Ave. SE near the Fish Market. Commissioners expressed concerns about the plans of Chloe, 1331 Fourth St. SE, for outdoor seating situated right under apartments. A representative of the restaurant stated the summer garden would only involve 34 seats and feature no music of any sort. She stated that the establishment remained open to working with the commission on noise mitigation strategies, but was not open to incorporating specifics into the community agreement. After some give and take, commissioners decided unanimously to add language to their letter of support expressing concerns over noise. The commissioners also endorsed a request by the owners of Potomac Riverboat of Alexandria to sell alcohol on their four new boats.
First Affordable Housing at Buzzard Point DBT Development Group and TM Associates (DBT-TMA) pitched their vision for an affordable housing development at 1550 First St. SW. The site currently is occupied by an Indian restaurant, Lucky Time Liquors, and a small parking lot. DBT-TMA plans a 76-unit apartment building. The project is 100-percent affordable. It consists of 48 one-bedroom, 19 two-bedroom, and nine four-bedroom units; 16 would be rented to those
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making 30 percent of area median income (AMI) and provisioned with wraparound services provided by the United Planning Organization (UPO). The remainder would be rented to families making 50 percent of AMI. “I am excited about the 100-percent affordable housing. You guys are really stepping outside the box,” Hamilton stated. The project will house 19 parking spaces along with a 19-station Bikeshare facility. Ground-floor, neighborhood-serving retail is planned. There will be 900 square feet of community space. The developers stressed their commitment to bold design as well as a positive pedestrian experience. They plan to put public art on the corner and respect the recommendations of the DC Office of Planning’s Buzzard Point Framework. Hamilton reported that the developers had agreed to negotiate a community agreement with the commission covering construction traffic. A UPO representative stated that the organization was ready to provide applicants under First Source from their construction academy. The commission unanimously endorsed the project, voting to provide a letter supporting the developers’ application for city funding.
Other Development News The commission voted to support a modification to Douglas Development’s plans for a residential development repurposing the old Coast Guard building at 1900 Half St. SE. Douglas has decided to keep the existing elevators. This decision resulted in a redesign of both the mechanical facilities and penthouse community room. In addition, the number of parking spaces has been reduced from 312 to 246. Commissioner Hamilton voted against the measure because of the project’s insufficient commitment to affordable housing. The project is providing 10 units at 60 percent of AMI. Lerner Enterprises asked the commission to support two applications it has made to the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) for a 13-story apartment building at 1000 South Capitol St. SE. The developer asked for a hearing-time extension to complete the project. It also asked for approval of minor design changes that include flexibility on the penthouse height and the relocation of the lobby to the building’s southern side so that the northwest corner can accommodate ground-floor retail. The commission approved the extension and changes, with Fas-
cett abstaining. The commission, despite two abstentions, supported the replacement of seven existing curb cuts at 88 K St. SE with two new locations. The new K Street cut would accommodate a future parking garage. The new I Street cut would allow access to a future loading dock. The commission was asked to support design changes to residential development at 25 M St. SE, including increasing the distance between the loading and parking entrances to accommodate groundfloor retail; eliminating the cantilevered window design; and changing the balcony handrails from glass to cables. The commission objected strongly to the developer’s plan to provide three digital signs even though all of them would only face commercial properties. Digital signs on M Street SE are a “God awful idea,” stated Shockley, claiming they would distract drivers. The commission voted unanimously to send a letter in support of the design changes but objecting strongly to the digital signs.
Other Matters MPD Lieutenant Marquis Queen gave a report on public safety. Overall crime is down within the commission’s boundaries, he stated. Traffic congestion remains the biggest issue. The commission discussed the route changes proposed by WMATA for the 52 and 74 bus lines. It unanimously decided to send a letter requesting the agency to increase their frequency. The route of the 74 should continue to go to Delaware Avenue SW to provide access to the nearby senior building. Also, the 52’s route should be extended to The Wharf. ANC 6D unanimously approved the following: • the July minutes • supporting the Special Olympics DC Law Enforcement Torch Run on Oct. 6 • supporting the National Race to End Women’s Cancer on Nov. 4 and 5 • supporting the Waterfront Village’s application to the District for the funding of a senior shuttle • renaming Second Street in honor of Richard Rausch • requesting that Pepco post health warning signs on the benches built next to the new substation at 100 Q St. SW • supporting plans for the installation of tempo-
CIVIC LIFE CALENDAR Talk of the Hill with Bill Press: Peter Baker and Glenn Thrush of the New York Times. Oct. 3, 7 PM. Journalist, political insider and Capitol Hill resident Bill Press sits down at Hill Center for a thought-provoking conversation with New York Times chief White House correspondent Peter Baker and Glenn Thrush about what it’s like to cover this administration and Baker’s new book “Obama: The Call of History.” $10. hillcenterdc.org.
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rary racquetball courts at the Greenleaf Recreation Center as part of a Wounded Warriors project supporting the provision of a disabled parking space on Carrollsburg Place SW supporting MPD’s plans for a helicopter pad at 1724 South Capitol St. SE, with restrictions against operating on the Mall and in Southwest, as well as requesting adherence to R4 Zone noise restrictions supporting the Randall School Project’s approval by the Historic Preservation Review Board due to the relocation of the museum’s entrance to the building’s eastern side supporting the installation of planters in the public space adjacent to the new Spy Museum on 10th Street SW a letter complaining about pre-7 a.m. trash truck noise in the Capitol Riverfront supporting a sidewalk cafe seating 12 in front of Chipotle at 1225 First St. SE paying $250 to SWNA for video services continuing the commission budget for 30 days
The next ANC 6D meeting will be held on Oct. 16 at 7 p.m. at 1100 Fourth St. SW on the Second Floor. Visit www.anc6d. org/ for more information. u
ANC 6E Report by Steve Holton
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dvisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6E convened its scheduled September meeting. The quorum: Alex Padro (6E01, chair), Anthony Brown (6E02, secretary), Frank Wiggins (6E03, vice chair), Alex Marriott (6E05, treasurer), and Kevin Rogers (6E07).
6E04 Vacancy Filled Chair Padro began the meeting by stating that the ANC 6E04 vacancy election would be held that evening in the rear of the meeting room. Three candidates filed petitions with the Board of Elections: Miguel Ayala, David Jaffe, and Sterlicia Rodney. Padro introduced Gottlieb Simon, executive director of the Office of Neighborhood Advisory Commissions, who presided over the election. The elec-
tion was open only to Single Member District 6E04 registered voters. The polls opened at 6:35 p.m. and closed at 7:35 p.m. At the conclusion of the meeting, Padro announced Jaffe as the winner and that the vacancy filling would be publicized in the DC Register.
BZA Request for Rear Addition Olivia Akinsan, representing Designs by Olivia Architectural Consultants, spoke regarding a Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) application for a special exception from the rear-yard requirement to permit a rear addition to an existing one-family unit at 443 Ridge St. NW. Commissioner Brown said that the applicant repeated that evening what was presented to ANC 6E’s Development and Zoning Committee last week, and the committee supported the application. The applicant has a letter of support from his neighbor and will present it to BZA. The commission voted unanimously to support the application request.
BZA Application for New Deck David McNitt asked the commission to support his BZA application to replace a balcony and staircase with a second-floor balcony on an existing one-family unit located at 1601 Eighth St. NW. The applicant has the support of his adjacent neighbor at 705 Q St. The applicant appeared before ANC 6E’s Development and Zoning Committee, which supported the application. The commission motioned to unanimously support the request.
Proposed Housing Development Rev. Jim Dickerson of New Community Church spoke on the subject of a proposed development of affordable housing at 614 S St. NW. Dickerson noted that he wanted to preserve the main building and the church, and the Development and Zoning Committee agreed that the two facades next to the church would be preserved. The church is going to create 51 rentals for affordable units and designate an area for its art space program. Holland and Knight representative Chip Glasgow said that an amendment to the DC Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map was submitted; it proposes to extend the Medium Density Commercial and Medium Density Residential designations to include the church property. Commissioner Brown noted that the Development and Zoning Committee liked the project but there were some concerns from a couple of the members. Padro noted past concerns of the management of other affordable housing projects in the neighborhood.
Councilmember Allen’s Community Office Hours. Fridays, 8 to 9:30 AM. Shaw: Oct. 6 at Compass Coffee, 1535 Seventh St. NW. Southwest: Oct. 13 at Waterfront Safeway, Fourth St. SW. Hill East: Oct. 20 at The Pretzel Bakery, 257 15th St. SE. Mt. Vernon Triangle. charlesallenward6.com. DDOT Public Space Committee Meetings. Oct. 26 at 9 AM. The Public Space Committee meets monthly to review and render decisions on a variety of types of permit applications for the use and occupancy of the public right of way that do not fall within the regular permitting process such as sidewalk cafes; over-height retaining walls; over-height fences; and security bollards. Meeting at 1100 Fourth St. SW, 2nd Floor, Hearing Room. ddot. dc.gov/page/public-space-committeemeetings. Congresswoman Norton’s NW District Office. Open weekdays, 9 AM to 5:30 PM. 90 K St. NE. 202-408-9041. norton.house.gov. ANC 6A. Second Thursday, 7 PM. Meeting at Miner Elementary School, 601 15th St. NE. anc6a.org. ANC 6B. Second Tuesday, 7 PM. Meeting at Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. anc6b.org. ANC 6C. Second Wednesday, 7 PM. Meeting at Heritage Foundation, 214 Mass. Ave. NE, first floor conference room. anc6c.org. ANC 6D. Second Mondays, 7 PM. Meeting at 1100 Fourth St. SW, Second Floor. anc6d.org. ABC Committee, ANC6D. Oct. 26 at 6:45 PM. Alcohol license applications, renewals, enforcement, and other issues. 1D MPD Building, 101 M St. SW. To be added to e-mail list for agenda and notifications contact Coralie Farlee, Chair, ABC Committee at 202-554-4407 or cfarlee@mindspring. com. ANC 6E. First Tuesday, 6:30 PM. Meeting at Watha T. Daniel Library. anc6e.org.
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August Rainstorm Backup Representatives of DC Water spoke at the meeting on sewer backups resulting from a rainstorm that occurred on Aug. 12. An engineering evaluation is being conducted as well as a review of backwater valve requests. The Northeast Boundary Tunnel Project will be in service by 2023 and is expected to mitigate flooding in the 6E area. DC water is encouraging residents to install backwater valves (which prevent wastewater from flowing into homes) and informed the commission and meeting attendees that there is a backwater valve rebate program in place.
Gun Violence Prevention Family Life Center representative Henry Gregory III spoke on behalf of a grant application submitted to ANC 6E by the center in the amount of $2,000 to support a Gun Violence Prevention Workshop on Sept. 23 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The commission unanimously passed a motion to support the grant in the full amount of $2,000, provided that the Office of Advisory Neighborhood Commissions confirms that the funds can be used for the workshop and any remaining documentation from other applicants is submitted. ANC 6E will meet again at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 3 at the Shaw/Watha T. Daniel Library located at 1630 Seventh St. NW. Steve Holton can be contacted at ssholton@gmail.com. u
Eastern Market Report by Peter J. Waldron EMCAC Says Keep Lower Seventh Street Closed The Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee (EMCAC) issued its final report on the disposition of Lower Seventh Street (www.easternmarketdc.org/emcac). Among the highlights of this report as adopted are the following recommendations: That the 200 and 300 blocks of Seventh Street remain closed on Saturday and Sunday.
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That the Department of General Services (DGS) proceed to have the value of all of the public spaces assessed and that no rents or permits or contracts are to be done until that assessment is completed. This is to include the South Hall. Establish a validated parking location and delivery service/pick up point for South Hall customers to alleviate issues due to parking accessibility. DGS to determine a Strategic Plan for the Eastern Market Special Use District (EMSUD).
Lower Seventh Use: Uncertainty Remains In the meantime with four of the 11 voting members absent at the Sept. 19 meeting, EMCAC failed to resolve differences over the future weekend use of the 300 block of Seventh Street SE which is currently closed on weekends to accommodate the two privately operated flea markets. At a previous meeting EMCAC voted to support continuing the weekend closures of the 200 and 300 blocks of Seventh Street SE. EMCAC held two additional public meetings to gather feedback from the community on the closure. The committee received over one hundred emails on the subject. The closure was strongly opposed by the Eastern Market South Hall merchants, who remain concerned about the availability of weekend parking. In the interim, EMCAC Chair Donna Scheeder tasked EMCAC Vice Chair Chuck Burger and Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6B’s EMCAC representative, Commissioner Dianne Hoskins (6B02) to meet, frame a solution and report back to the full committee. At the September 19 meeting, Hoskins stated that she and Burger were unable to reach an agreement on the street’s future use. At issue according to Hoskins was the preservation of the “lively public market atmosphere” that she insisted was the “vision for the street and the community enjoyment” desired by Capitol Hill residents. Burger, on the other hand, struggled to find compromise language designed to keep the future use of lower Seventh Street SE firmly under the purview of DC Department of General Services (DGS) contingent on a plan approved by EMCAC. Burger moved a substitute amendment; more amendments were offered. For over an hour, EMCAC remained at an impasse. Committee members disagreed fiercely over language. Then Scheeder walked EMCAC members
paragraph by paragraph through the Burger proposition. She secured agreements on all his language except the last paragraph about the future use of the block once the existing tenants, the private weekend flea markets, depart for space on C Street SE. Hoskins dug in. She refused to accept any compromise on Burger’s language. She called for a vote to strike the last paragraph of Burger’s substitute amendment. Her motion prevailed.
Appraisal Moves Forward DGS hired the Marcus Asset Group (MAG) to do an appraisal in order to determine fair market value of the South Hall merchants’ stalls. Current rents are in the range of $25-35 per square foot. This was done partly to move forward on giving the merchants long term leases. MAG has recommended significant rent increases, doubling and in some cases nearly tripling the rent. Recommended rents begin at $44 and soar to $91 per square foot. However, under a process laid out by DGS the merchants may hire their own appraiser and under certain conditions and if there is no agreement, a third appraiser will be hired by DGS who will then make a determination of fair market rent. The merchants have asked for more time in order to make a decision on hiring a second and independent appraisal group. Scheeder announced that there will be a special called meeting in the North Hall at 7 p.m. on October 4 to consider final recommendations and to vote on the appraisal report. Market Manager’s Report August revenues were $85,393.56. North Hall revenue was down at $7665. Revenue and expenses for fiscal year 2016 which ended on September 30, 2016 were released showing a profit of $25,857. Revenue for FY16 was $893,702. North Hall revenue was $229,678. North Hall Event Space Coordinator expense was (.36) of total revenue. The industry standard is no more than (.30). Overall administrative expenses were $320, 244. or (.35) of total revenue. The DGS portfolio is not public market oriented, but rather one that primarily functions as a property management entity. Salaries are commensurate with those of DGS’s real estate division. DGS is the landlord and manager of the historic Eastern Market. The Eastern Market’s revenue has virtually tripled since the fire of 2007 and the subsequent man-
Thomas Landscapes Over 20 Years of Experience agement of the Market by DGS. The geographic area and reach of food and non food vendors has substantially expanded as well, requiring direction and supervision. There was a brief exchange between Market Manager Barry Margeson and EMCAC member Bill Glasgow about the Enterprise Fund, which is the Eastern Market operating fund.. Glasgow asked whether or not the Market was “still in the black and making money? ” Margeson responded: “Yes. ” Margeson added: “This is all in the Enterprise Fund. The Enterprise Fund is the Eastern Market operating fund. This money goes into the Enterprise Fund and out to the Eastern Fund”. “ Asked by Glasgow what the current balance of the Enterprise Fund is, Margeson replied: “Right at about zero.” Scheeder then stated that in the previous year the Market operated with a small surplus and asked what happened to the surplus. Margeson continued: “ The surplus? That money will carry over to this year. So it will be fifty to seventy thousand. That money will carry over to this year. We cannot use it this year.” Glasgow continued: “We cannot use it this year. Is it there? Is there a lot of money in there?” Margeson replied: “Yes, but we cannot use it. “ The Enterprise Fund is the legal repository for all Market revenues and expenses. Scheeder ended the exchange by asking Margeson to ”provide a balance sheet at the next meeting that shows us where that money is. “
Elections Scheeder and Burger as well as Tom Kuchenberg and Monte Edwards were re-elected by acclamation as officers of EMCAC. u
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“Actresses”
by Myles Mellor
Across: 1. Volume of the world 6. Diego Rivera wall work 11. Club’s cousin 14. Overhead contents 18. Sizable slice 19. Empty 20. Word with guard or admiral 22. Metis patriot 23. ‘Downton Abbey’ star 25. In an irritated way 27. Shepherds’ charges 28. Wiener schnitzel ingredient 29. On the mattress 31. Did a carpenter’s chore 32. You might pass it on your way home 34. It’s creepy 35. Subject to mildew, perhaps 36. Frozen treat brand 39. Laugh line, e.g. 42. Biblical disposition 46. D.C.’s Pennsylvania ___ 47. Swine confines 48. ATM user’s annoyance 49. Salad vegetables 52. Carrot, on occasion 54. Kind of season 55. Corrections 56. Aero finish 57. “Grease 2” star 62. Losing come-out roll in craps 63. Imposed a tax 64. “___ Yeller” 65. Yeasty brew 66. Slender cat 68. Day divisions (abbr.) 69. Movable property, in law 73. Big blast maker 74. Admit, with “on” 75. Baby talk for number 2 76. ‘’My Name Is Asher ___’’ (Potok novel) 77. “American Hustle” star 84. Ring icon 85. Sum 86. Witch’s work 87. “If all ___ fails ... “ 89. Metal conductor used in radar 91. Org. known as the Company 92. Tax-time VIP 95. Copy 96. Kind of light 97. Amen prompter 99. Chemistry: bivalent radical CO group 101. Greek goddess of youth 104. 1981 Grammy winner for
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Crossword Author: Myles Mellor • www.themecrosswords.com • www.mylesmellorconcepts.com
“Double Fantasy” 105. False identity 106. Posthumous Janis Joplin album 108. Countries in special alliance 110. “God of War” god 111. Lead-in for ‘’graph’’ or ‘’legal’’ 115. Breakable 117. She famously played “The Queen” 120. Computer architecture acronym 121. Hair style for Marie Antoinette 122. Incited, with “on” 123. Above board, slangily 124. Molding in an S shape 125. Works on a wall 126. Flies upward 127. Rhone’s capital
Down: 1. Culmination 2. Easing of tensions 3. Bobsled cousin 4. Feelings of anxiety 5. Follow a Vail trail 6. Penurious 7. Like a teen’s bed, probably 8. Wading bird 9. Grasshopper’s fable colleague 10. French seaport 11. Hillside by a loch 12. Give, for now 13. Shoe color, often 14. Suds producer 15. Press secretary, e.g. 16. Turn bulls into steers 17. Stealthy 21. ____ Parks (US civil rights heroine) 24. Dispossess 26. November veggie 30. “Later!” 33. Pronoun on a towel 34. Get a slick winter coat 35. Joe without the buzz 36. Playmate 37. An egg, to Caesar 38. Gilpin of “Frasier” 40. Tart 41. Search for the perfect wave, say 43. Draw close 44. Gardener’s need 45. Home for Ibsen 48. Departed quickly 50. Beehive State tribe 51. Damage or deface
Look for this months answers at labyrinthgameshop.com 53. Brilliant success 54. Turn tail 55. Stunning swimmers 58. Pants part 59. 1965 #1 hit “___ of Destruction” 60. ‘’__ for Lawless’’ 61. Piano’s opposite 65. Make a full apology 66. Certain monuments 67. Like some studies 68. Pick up 69. Soft-soap 70. “And ___!” 71. Calendar month, abbr. 72. Ring bearer, maybe 74. Eye enhancer 75. __ bargain
76. Croquet field 77. Pricey wheels, familiarly 78. “Down under” fowl 79. Babble 80. Art class model 81. Safari-goers may get a charge out of it 82. Tribal unit 83. Get a glimpse 88. Sinuous sea creature 90. Add attractions 91. Sea shells 92. First day of the month, in ancient Rome 93. Rainbow maker 94. Legal org. 98. Meadow call
99. Workaholic’s concern 100. Seabird 102. Energy unit 103. Radar screen light 106. Hardly a libertine 107. Hardship’s opposite 108. Smudge, in a way 109. Port at sea? 110. Bit of pond scum 112. Ben Affleck film 113. Control device 114. Dot and Flik, in “A Bug’s Life” 115. Returning, in a way 116. Suffocating serpent 118. Often-inflated item 119. Neighbor of Wis.
{community life}
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Ari Gejdenson A Capitol Hill Native Who Has Built a Restaurant Empire by Meghan Markey, Photos by Andrew Lightman
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t’s very fitting that I am sitting across from Ari Gejdenson in Ari’s Diner, one of three new establishments the young restaurateur has recently opened in Ivy City. Why? Because about 15 years ago, at the age of 20, he was opening his first restaurant in Florence, Italy, where he was playing professional soccer. It was an American-style diner named Ari’s Diner. It is safe to say that the intervening years have kept Gejdenson busy. If you didn’t already know him, you’d never believe he now owns eight restaurants across three neighborhoods in DC and employs over 300 people. Exceptionally friendly and kind-spirited, and casual in a t-shirt and ballcap, he seems more like a best friend from college you’d grab beers with. But don’t be fooled by his modest, unassuming demeanor: Gejdenson has always been an incredibly driven, ambitious person. He cares deeply about his employees and is greatly involved in every establishment that comprises his Mindful Restaurant Group. A native of Capitol Hill, Gejdenson has had an unconventional career trajectory. His mother taught at Montessori schools and his dad was a congressman. Displaying an early talent at soccer, Gejdenson was spotted by a scout. He dropped out of high school and followed his passion for the sport to Bolivia, Chile, Connecticut, and finally Florence, playing for San Gimignano. Eventually he decided that professional soccer wasn’t a viable career choice. “Much like every other professional sport, in soccer you are considered obsolete at a comparatively young age. I wanted to make sure I wasn’t broke at 35,” Gejdenson says. But what business opportunities could a 20-year-old American soccer player pursue in Italy? Gejdenson noted two things: that there were no late-night food options to end a boozy night out before going home, and that many hotels were offering popular yet mostly terrible Americanstyle brunches. With the large number of ex-pats and study-abroad students in Florence, Gejdenson decided to open Ari’s Diner. He flew a friend out to help him (a former server at The Diner in Adams Morgan), and went forward, maybe a tad naively, with his plan. A signature pasta dish at “I remember thinking, Acqua Al 2. I’ll open a restaurant in Italy Photo:
Ari Gejdenson transitioned from a successful professional soccer career to opening a slew of DC restaurants with personal touches and a sense of social responsibility.
where I have no experience. I figured it’d take off real slow so I’d have time to work with it, and it didn’t. I started to get my ass kicked on levels that – it was so hard the first two years. But I learned through necessity.” As Ari’s Diner took off, Gejdenson became friendly with Stefano Innocenti, the owner of a neighboring restaurant, Acqua Al 2. Innocenti took an instant liking to Gejdenson. Upon first meeting, he exclaimed, “Who are you? You remind me of me!” It’s hard to imagine what a young American soccer player had in common with the middle-aged Italian proprietor of a popular Florentine restaurant, unless you know that Innocenti opened Acqua Al 2 at age 18. Not only a friendship but a partnership was born. Innocenti invested in the diner, and Gejdenson helped out at Acqua Al 2. They ran both together for about five years, before Gejdenson began feeling pressure to move back home, mostly from his mother. “She kept saying, ‘Barracks Row is coming alive, you need to be opening places in DC, not Italy!’” he recalls. However, Gejdenson met an obstacle in finding the perfect spot to open his inaugural DC restaurant, until Kitty Kaupp of Stanton Development Corporation (currently part of the team behind the massive Hine Project) called him and pitched 212 Seventh St. SE. And thus the DC iteration of Acqua Al 2 finally found a home. Gejdenson dove headfirst into the design of the restaurant. He had so many ideas swimming around in his head, and found it challenging to incorporate everything. He had to be more focused. “As I was building Acqua, there was a lot of stuff I didn’t get to do. I kind of wanted to open another place, but running Acqua took so much.” He did end up opening a speakeasy, Harold Black, nestled right above Acqua Al 2. But it didn’t take the same amount of work that opening a whole new restaurant does, and Gejdenson began to search for other opportunities. Then came a fortuitous meeting at Peregrine Coffee, where Gejdenson
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The bartender shakes up a cocktail at Dock FC, Ari’s new sport’s bar in Ivy City.
was introduced to Jody Greene, of Greene & Associates, who offered him a lease at the building that housed the former HR-57 jazz club on historic 14th Street. Here was another outlet for Gejdenson’s creative spirit and drive. He opened Italian gastro-pub Ghibellina, named after the street he lived on in Florence, just before the explosion of restaurant openings along the 14th Street corridor. Le Diplomate, B Too, and Tico all opened within months of Ghibellina. Despite his investors being nervous about the location, it struck a personal chord with Gejdenson. “I usually don’t like being in the mix of things, but as a kid, 14th Street just always felt like it needed to come back alive, so to be able to be a part of that was not something that I was going to turn down,” he says. If there is one running theme in Gejdenson’s restaurant empire, it’s that he has a personal connection to each spot. Harold Black is named after his grandfather. “My grandfather always talked about how you think speakeasies are below a laundromat or something but it was much more common that they were just bars in people’s houses.” Gejdenson designed the space in keeping with that residential, homey speakeasy feel. If Harold Black is a cozy nook, then the Denson, Gejdenson’s other liquor bar (obviously a play on his surname), is at the other end of the spectrum: sleek and sophisticated, all leather and brass.
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When Gejdenson opened a jazz den in the basement space next door to Ghibellina, he called it Sotto, which means “below” in Italian. It has a sycamore slab bar, cozy booths, and bistro tables that look onto the stage. Gejdenson wanted to pay homage to the renowned musical history of the street. The most recent additions to the Mindful Restaurant Group family are situated on a corner on Okie Street NE in up-and-coming Ivy City, where the Hecht’s Warehouse serves as a geographic centerpiece and is dotted with craft distilleries. Gejdenson learned of Okie Street back when Dream nightclub (later Love nightclub) was the only thing on the street. He likened Ivy City to Williamsburg, Brooklyn, in the late 1990s, where there were no restaurants and little to motivate people to visit. Gejdenson knew Ivy City would be the place to go next. “It just feels good here, I got here and it felt great – like when I was a kid – and I try to do what feels good and not think about it too much.” Gejdenson even lives in the area now, with his wife (who operates Mindful Restaurant Group together with him) and their daughter. In Ivy City, there’s Dock FC, a con-
verted loading dock turned sports bar, mostly soccer, of course. La Puerta Verde (The Green Door) was inspired by a bar that Gejdenson saw on a beach in Mexico, and he wanted a Mexican-meetswarehouse feel. The result? Incorporating cutout shipping containers to form booths. And then there is Ari’s Diner, his restaurant group coming full circle to that first establishment in Florence. Ari’s Diner is indicative of Gejdenson’s commitment to the people he employs. The diner serves as an informal training school where entry-level short-order cooks can learn the ropes and eventually move on to Gejdenson’s other restaurants. “It’s a great place to train people, so when we need our next line cook at Acqua or Ghibellina or Sotto, we’ve already moved people from here to La Puerta Verde. I really believe that working with your staff and helping them be better at their jobs is so important; we’re all responsible for building them up. It doesn’t matter how good a restaurant you are or location, you can’t operate a restaurant without people.” His establishments also organize and participate in fundraisers for the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, Capital Area Food bank, and local youth soccer leagues, further emphasizing the commitment to the DC communities they call home. It’s an exciting time for Mindful Restaurant Group and Gejdenson, who may be one of the youngest (and most hardworking) restaurateurs in the DC area. As a DC native, he’s especially tuned into the spaces he creates, the neighborhoods he operates in, and, most significantly, the people that help make Mindful Restaurant Group successful. u Breakfast at Ari’s Diner.
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Capitol Hill Welcomes Four New Principals Partnering with the School and the Community by Liz O’Gorek
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ard 6 welcomes four new principals to Capitol Hill schools this year, including the interim principal for Miner Elementary School. The administrators bring with them extensive education, experience, and commitment to community involvement as well as to the development of the whole student. Each has identified particular goals for their school this year, emphasizing their love for students, learning, and community connection.
Norah Lycknell comes to Brent Elementary with 16 years of experience in education. For the past two years, she served as the principal at Brookland Middle School. Before Brookland, Lycknell spent six years as the principal at Janney Elementary School. During her time at Janney, the school almost doubled in size, both in terms of student population and the building itself. She has worked as a resident principal, assistant principal, and teacher with DCPS. Lycknell was also part of the DCPS Executive Masters in Leadership through Georgetown University. Lycknell received a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from Northwestern University, a master’s degree in teaching from American University, and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Trinity University.
ademic counselor, vice principal and college counselor. Young describes her approach to families and communities as open and transparent and believes that parents are important partners in education. Young holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from California State University Fresno and a master’s degree in counseling from California State University San Francisco. “This year at Eliot-Hine Middle School, we will focus on literacy, Social Emotional Learning (SEL), Response to Intervention (RTI), and math,” Young says, adding that this year accelerated math courses will be offered across all grades. RTI is the early identification and support of students with learning and behavior needs. She says that students will be preparing for conferences which they will lead themselves, giving them the opportunity to build skills and share their own academic growth. Young also emphasizes the link between students and the community, strengthened by a daily advisory period when a group of students and their adult advisor do structured activities to promote academic and social emotional success. “During our daily advisory period, we will implement social emotional learning strategies that will strengthen our student’s connectedness to our school community,” she said. “Through hard work and perseverance, we will see great progress at Eliot-Hine.”
Eliot-Hine Middle School
Stuart-Hobson Middle School
Brent Elementary School
Eugenia Young comes to Eliot-Hine from Roosevelt STAY High School, where she was the principal since 2014. She began her career as an academic advisor and has served students at the elementary, secondary, and post-secondary levels as a teacher, ac-
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Kristofer Comeforo has served as an assistant principal with DCPS at both Cardozo Education Campus and Anacostia High School. Prior to these positions he was both academic dean and teacher with DCPS. During his three years of leadership at An-
acostia as the assistant principal of the 9th Grade Academy, the school saw a 14-point increase in the 9th grade promotion rate to 77 percent. Comeforo received his bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Boston College and his master’s degree in teaching in secondary education from American University. He tells the Hill Rag, “This year at Stuart-Hobson Middle School, we have two main priorities: building and maintaining positive relationships and ensuring rigorous instructional activities that meet the needs of all students.” He added that there will be an emphasis on positive relationships so that all of the students, families and teachers will love coming to school. Comeforo says that staff is committed to a culture of teamwork and putting students first. “Aligned with the DCPS Strategic Plan, not only is it important that our students feel loved, but we also want to ensure that students are challenged and prepared for high school and beyond. To that end we aim to support and empower our teachers to provide every student excellent instruction every day. I look forward to continuing to partner with our amazing community as we strive to become the best middle school in the city.”
Miner Elementary School Bruce Jackson is the new interim principal at Miner Elementary School for School Year 2017-2018. Jackson served as a Mary Jane Patterson Fellow at Hart Middle School for School Year 2016-17. Before taking part in the Patterson Fellowship, he worked as an assistant principal with DCPS at Cardozo Education Campus, a special education coordinator and special education teacher at Mac-
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Market Poultry’s Melvin Inman
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ate one afternoon some 40 years ago, I ran over to Eastern Market from my house on Ninth Street SE to buy something for dinner. When I went to pay for my chicken, though, I realized that the bill I had grabbed on my way out of the house seemed to have vanished. I had no money. “That’s ok,” said the handsome man behind the counter at Market Poultry. “I know you. Just pay me next time.” I had never before experienced that “small town in the big city” aspect of Capitol Hill. Eastern Market was part of my routine, but it hadn’t occurred to me that I had friends there. The next day, I was back at the market to pay Melvin Inman, and I have been buying chicken, duck, rock Cornish hens, turkey, and eggs from him ever since. He and I have discussed the best way to fry chicken (in peanut oil, of course), the possibility of deep frying a whole turkey (yes, it sounds weird but it can be done and is delicious), the pros and cons of organic chicken (pro – it tastes good, con – it’s expensive), and other topics from the fire at the Market in 2007 to family and faith and football. (As anyone knows, Inman is a BIG Redskins fan. Me, not so much.) Like many, many other customers, I was astounded and saddened to learn that this year I will not pick up my holiday turkey from Inman. He is retiring. Market Poultry will continue under new management. Susan Mendoza, who has worked for Jose Canales at the market for over 20 years, has been shadowing Inman for several months and will take over. “She’ll do well,” Inman said. “She comes with a lot of zeal and the excitement that a sole proprietor can bring.”
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by Stephanie Deutsch
Mel Inman, owner of Market Poultry. Photo: Andrew Lightman
When I said to Inman that I figured he must have mixed feelings about retiring, he corrected me. “No, no mixed feelings,” he said. “I love all of you all, my customers, but it is time for a change.” He said he is looking forward to directing his energy to things besides work. And then he turned philosophical. “I have a wife to love,” he
said, “a life to live, and a God to serve.” Part of his plan for the future is mission work with the Fort Foote Baptist Church, where he is a deacon and his wife Beverly is head deaconess. And he wants to spend more time with his five grandchildren, not missing their soccer and basketball games but being there for them. There are things, he said, that feed your soul, but you can’t do them when you work at least 10 hours a day, six days a week as he has for years. Inman grew up in Northeast DC. His dad was an accomplished brick mason who told him, “Son, you don’t want to do this kind of work. Do something else.” His mother was a currency examiner at the Bureau of Printing and Engraving. “I am a Rambler through and through,” Inman said, remembering his days at Eastern High School, where he played in the drum and bugle corps and was part of the marching band. He did two years at Washington Technical Institute and then a couple more at the University of Maryland with the idea, somewhat inspired by his father, of becoming an architect. But one of his professors discouraged him, saying he would spend the first 10 or so years designing “latrines and closets.” Inman wanted more and wanted it faster, and in his heart he knew an office job was not for him. He also knew that he had a gift for sales – he had been a successful Fuller Brush man despite the big Afro, the beard, and the bell-bottom pants which a friend told him would scare his customers. He “put the charm on” and did stints selling wigs and refrigerators. When his high school friend
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Elleman Queen asked him to come help out with his poultry stall at Eastern Market, Inman gave it a try. It worked. In the mid70s, when Queen wanted out, Inman took over. He has been there ever since. At one point his mother, a longtime government worker, said to him, “Mel, you need to think about getting a real job.” But he had found his niche and was happy, working with longtime friends and neighbors and meeting new people all the time. His mother eventually brought her church family to visit the market and proudly told her friends, “This is my son.” Market Poultry was always a family affair, with Inman’s sons, Mel Jr. and Juan, helping out from the time they were little boys, and his wife Beverly pitching in too. Mel Jr. and Juan have now moved on to other endeavors. “My dreams are not their dreams,” explained Inman, again waxing philosophical. “When you are a child in a family business,” he said, “you have no choice. Now they have gone in their own directions.” His sons are doing well, Inman said, and are enjoying having family time especially at holidays. “I’ve had a good run,” said Inman as he packed up some of his equipment. I feel the same way. Inman sold me the first chicken I ever fried, the first duck I ever attempted, and the turkey I cooked for Thanksgiving the year I got married. I will think of him this year in November as I wait in line at Market Poultry and I will enjoy imagining him having a real holiday. Thank you, Mel. We have had a good run. u
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Our River: The Anacostia
AREC: A Place You Should Get to Know article & photos by Bill Matuszeski
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t’s called AREC and pronounced “A-REC.” That stands for Aquatic Resources Education Center. Operated by the Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) in cooperation with the National Park Service and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, it is a center for the study of the District’s rivers and streams. It is located along our Anacostia, on the east side between the Pennsylvania Avenue and East Capitol Street bridges, at the end of the park drive and next to the roller-skating rink. There are two related sets of activities for the public at AREC – environmental engagement and fisheries research and management. Tommy Wells, director of DOEE, sees AREC as “a little-known place that does so much for the Department. We have a great team of biologists located there who are working hard to restore the natural elements of our rivers – the Anacostia and the Potomac.” Among other things, the center is our own aquarium on the Anacostia, with over 40 species of local fish, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and aquatic plants displayed in attractive and well-lit tanks. A children’s Discovery Room offers hands-on learning. The DOEE’s fisheries research and survey programs at AREC include extensive efforts to re-
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store fish populations through management and habitat improvements. Barriers to fish passage and reproduction in DC have been removed and fish ladders installed. There is a specialized electro-fishing boat to temporarily stun fish so they can be meaAREC building. sured, weighed, examined, and tagged. American shad for stocking are raised at AREC. All this is tied to the efforts of the DOEE and Maryland to improve water quality and habitat so that eventually fish in local waters can be caught and consumed. At this point, there are a number of fish advisories as the rivers and streams are cleaned up, and the focus is on catch-and-release recreational fishing as well as spawning of species that leave for the Chesapeake Bay and the ocean. Much of the public education program focus is on school groups from pre-K through 12 who visit during the week and learn about a wide range of habitat and animal issues associated with the Anacostia and Potomac rivers and Rock Creek, as well as their tributaries. Many of the older students, perhaps onethird of the total, have a threepart visit with a session in the aquarium, a walk with a park ranger along the river, and a boat trip with the Anacostia Watershed Society (AWS). Visitors learn that DC waters are home to more than 70 fish species, dozens of which spawn here. The DOEE releases about a mil-
lion juvenile American shad each year into DC waters, and striped bass tagged in the District have been captured as far north as Maine and as far south as Georgia. Parents with children two to five years old can attend a “Fish Tales Story Hour” on the first Thursday of every month from 10 to 11 a.m. Upcoming sessions include “Aquatic Birds” on Oct. 5, “Marvelous Mammals” on Nov. 2, and “The Power of Plants” on Dec. 7. Other special events for families include a spring “Family and Youth Casting Call” for budding fishers, which attracts over 500 visitors. AREC has focused its education programs on youth through the schools and limited its hours for the general public to 10 a.m.-2 p.m., weekdays, or by appointment. Special events sponsored by AREC or by others using the facilities have generally been on weekends. If staffing levels could be increased, there would be more hours for family visits, especially on weekends. If you have a special need for information, you can request to visit with experts during the week to learn about fisheries surveys, fish habitat improvements, fish surveys, invasive species monitoring, hatcheries, or consumption limitations. As Wells says, “If you want to know more about the impact of invasive species on our surrounding waters like, snakeheads or blue catfish, these are the folks who can tell you all about it.”
AREC aquarium.
Meanwhile you can plan to visit as a participant in special events. Those for youth mentioned above and others are listed along with more information on the AREC website – www. ddoe.dc.gov/arec. Signups and inquiries can be sent to www.doee.arec@dc.gov. Some of the possibilities that may interest you are: • “Frog Watch,” a citizen science program that holds monthly meetings from February through August to carry out protocols, training, and observation of frogs AREC Discovery Room. and toads and their habitat. The observations are groups’ activities. It seems the school recorded by participants connections are well-designed and on evenings and Saturdays. successful in reaching students of all • “Bioblitz,” part of a national, ages. But the limited hours for pubcitizen-based survey of animals and lic visits prevent adults and families plants using cellphone apps to record from coming on weekends and other data. The AWS holds one or two sestimes to enjoy the displays and learn sions a year at AREC to coordinate about the fish and other aquatic life local efforts. in our rivers and streams. • “Watershed Stewards AcadPerhaps greater involvement emy,” an AWS-sponsored program with adult education programs could that trains adults in watershed presmake people aware of the knowledge ervation and restoration at AREC on and experience that await them at Saturdays in fall and spring. AREC. At the same time, the capaGroundworks Anacostia and ble and impressive staff in both the other groups also schedule training education and the fisheries programs sessions and meetings throughout are working at full capacity and canthe year. Check the website for these not be expected to take on more. and other meetings and open house Check out AREC and I guaranevents. Use the e-mail address above tee you will become part of the pubto sign up for receiving notices. lic asking for more of what you see “In a City known for its nationand experience there! al museums and monuments,” says Wells, “it’s great to have an environBill Matuszeski writes monthly about mental education program dedicated the Anacostia River. He is the retired to our local residents and students. director of the Chesapeake Bay ProIt’s a great resource for our schools gram, a DC member of the Citizens and families.” Advisory Committee on the Anacostia The real issue is how AREC can River, and a member of the Mayor’s grow and reach more residents with Leadership Council for a Cleaner Anacostia River. u its programs and sponsorship of other
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H Street Life
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hile October’s weather can be a gamble in the District, there are plenty of great ways to get into the fall spirit. This month we’ve got frightful films and plays to thrill and chill as we welcome Halloween. If you are more inclined to simply chill, pay a visit to a newly opened natural wine bar, or relax over a steaming bowl of mussels at Granville Moore’s.
A Home for Natural Wine
by Elise Bernard Dio will serve a variety of natural wines by the bottle and by the glass. In addition to wine, Dio will offer a smaller selection of beers, ciders, and cocktails. The menu consists of cheese and charcuterie plates, as well as some more substantial plates.
Theater and Film for the Halloween Season
We’ve got a fine selection of local theater and film screenings to get you into the Halloween spirit this October. Let the Atlas Performing Arts The Angelika popup’s Hitchcocktober will get you into the Halloween spirit. Photo: Elise Bernard Center, Capital Fringe, and the Angelika popup at Union Market draw the clan weighs the potential for dangerous floodyour attention to the things that go ing, a knock comes at their door and brings one bump in the night. member’s past roaring into the present. Tickets are Alfred Hitchcock fans will want to snag tick$35, and the show runs Oct. 19 though Nov. 11. ets to the five films screening this month at the There’s a special pay-what-you can performance Angelika popup (https://www.angelikafilmcenter. on Oct. 18. com/dc, 550 Penn St. NE) as part of HitchcocktoRorschach Theatre (www.rorschachtheatre. ber. Every Thursday in October, you can catch a com) will stage two performances in one night of different treat from the Master of Suspense. This “Klecksography: Toil and Trouble,” at the Atlas year’s selections include “North by Northwest,” Performing Arts Center (www.atlasarts.org, 1333 “Notorious,” “Vertigo,” and “Rebecca.” The series H St. NE). “Klecksography” is Rorschach’s annuculminates in a special Halloween night screenal rapid-fire new play development event in which ing of “Psycho.” Tickseven brand-new plays by local writers are writets for each show are ten, rehearsed, and produced in just seven days. $10. This year’s works conjure up seven new stories of You’ll feel the witches both familiar and forgotten. Tickets for tension in the air both Oct. 28 performances are $20 ($15 for stuwhen Pinky Swear dents and seniors). Productions (http:// On Oct. 29, the Atlas will present a double pinkyswear-producbill of two spooky silent films, “The Cabinet of tions.com) brings NatDr. Caligari” and “The Devil’s Assistant.” Pianist alie Piegari’s “Safe as Andrew Earle Simpson (http://andrewesimpson. Houses” to the stage com) has composed new musical works that he at Capit al Fringe will perform during the showings to enhance the (https://www.capitalon-screen drama and suspense. The popcorn is fringe.org, 1358 Florifree for this special pre-Halloween event, and auda Ave. NE). A violent dience members are encouraged to come dressed storm portends more in costume. than just rain when it “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari” (1920), often rolls into the lives of Customers relax at Dio Wine Bar’s soft opening during the H Street Festival. considered the first horror film, spins the tale of an a suburban family. As
Dio Wine Bar (https://diowinebar.com, 904 H St. NE), which takes its name from the Greek god of wine, Dionysus, recently opened its doors and welcomed patrons eager to explore the world of natural wines. Natural wines can be a little wilder and even funkier than conventionally produced wines. They are made with organically grown grapes. Producers avoid or limit introducing some additives often used in the production of modern wines. This can mean that some natural wines may appear a tiny bit cloudy or have a discernible fizz that tingles on the tongue. I stopped in for Dio’s soft opening during the H Street Festival and enjoyed a glass of the 2015 pinot gris from Omero Cellars ($13 a glass).
Photo: Simon Billenness
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Patrons of Granville Moore’s during a past H Street Festival. Photo: Elise Bernard
insane hypnotist, somnambulist Cesare, and a series of mysterious murders. “The Devil’s Assistant” (1917) is a lesser-known dramatic short that tells the story of a doctor who takes terrible revenge on a woman who jilted him. The film features a nightmarish, red-tinged depiction of hell in which a demon stirs a cauldron of morphine as condemned sinners struggle in vain in an infernal lake. Tickets for the Sunday afternoon show are $20 ($18 for students and seniors). If your Halloween planning leans more toward pumpkins and decorative gourds, don’t forget that the FRESHFARM Market (http:// freshfarm.org/h-street-ne.html) at 13th and H streets NE is an excellent place to pick up both while supporting local farmers. You can even snag a bottle of local apple cider. The market is open every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Granville Moore’s Changes Hands Much-loved local Belgian gastropub Granville Moore’s (www.granvillemoores.com, 1238 H St. NE) recently announced a change in
ownership, but the hands taking the reins will be familiar to H Street regulars. Ryan Gordon and Roneeka Bhagotra, who own and run nearby British pub the Queen Vic (www. thequeenvicdc.com, 1206 H St. NE) will now oversee daily operations at the restaurant. Executive chef Teddy Folkman will continue in his role and also maintain an ownership interest in the restaurant. Folkman plans to relocate to North Carolina at the end of this year but will return monthly to update the menu. The food and drink menus will not undergo major changes as a result of the shift, so Granville’s will continue to serve their fabulous mussels and offer a topnotch selection of hard-to-find Belgian beers. Bhagotra told me they plan to do a bit of “tightening up” to “streamline things a bit” and make Granville Moore’s “the institution it deserves to be.” A bowl of mussels paired with a Belgian brew sounds like a great way to move into fall. For more on what’s abuzz on and around H Street NE, you can visit my blog at http://frozentropics.blogspot. com. You can send me tips or questions at elise.bernard@gmail.com. u
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Natitude abound at Nationals Park in the Capitol Riverfront
The Fall Season Begins... and the Second Season of Baseball
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t is hard to believe that summer has ended and the fall season has begun – a season full of playoff baseball and a different rhythm of life. A very active summer season in the Capitol Riverfront – one full of concerts, movies, exercise classes, festivals, river activities, and baseball – has come to a close as the days begin to shorten. But fall holds its own activities that engage our community and celebrate the season.
MLB Playoffs The second season of baseball begins for the Nationals in October after a winning regular season in which they clinched the National League East division title for the fourth time in six years. The team is relatively healthy and almost back to full strength, with Bryce Harper looking to return for the playoffs. At press time we did not know for certain who the division series opponent will be, but indicators point to the Chicago Cubs, last year’s World Series winner. That should provide an entertaining playoff battle, so I encourage everyone to come to Nationals Park for a playoff game or visit a neighborhood restaurant or bar and watch the game with friends. The intensity level increases with the playoffs, and we wish the Nats the best of luck!
by Michael Stevens, AICP Ice Skating Returns Canal Park is home to the neighborhood ice rink, and ice skating returns to the Capitol Riverfront in October with a new rink manager. We anticipate the rink’s opening by mid-November and being in operation for approximately four months through February. Please visit the Canal Park section on the website of the business improvement district (BID) for upcoming specials and events at the rink. Before the rink opens, the popular and family-friendly “Pumpkins in the Park” event returns to Canal Park on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Held in the northern block of Canal Park, the event will again feature pumpkin decorating, children’s activities, and food and beverages from local restaurants. You may have also noticed that the Il Parco pizza restaurant has closed permanently. The Canal Park Inc. board has selected a retail broker to represent the space, and interest in the location has been high. The BID is investigating the possibility of retail popups in the space until a new restaurant opens there. The Capitol Riverfront newsletter will inform the community of any lease that has been signed and what an opening date might be for a new restaurant.
BID 10-Year Anniversary
Pumpkin Decorating at ‘Pumpkins in the Park’
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The Capitol Riverfront BID is celebrating its 10-year anniversary from July 2017 through June 2018. The BID has been approved/renewed for a third term and another five years of operations. Our work programs include the cleanliness of the public realm; management of the public realm and Yards and Canal parks; economic development and business attraction; advocacy; research and data development on market conditions; community building and parks programming; transportation and infrastructure analysis; and marketing and PR efforts.
We hope that these efforts have contributed to the explosive growth that the Capitol Riverfront is now undergoing. Over 34,000 employees work here every day, and almost 8,000 residents call the neighborhood home. The DC United soccer stadium (Audi Field) can be seen from Potomac Avenue as more steel continues to be erected. The new stadium is starting the transformation of Buzzard Point in our BID into a high-density, mixed use community, one that could have up to 6,000 residents.
‘10 Years of Growth’ The Capitol Riverfront neighborhood has been shaped by a variety of economic development strategies, actions, and investments – what I call “positioning” – which over the past 15 years have led to this current state of activity. The Capitol Riverfront BID celebrates its anniversary with an entertaining and informative speaker series, “10 years of Growth,” focused on initiatives that have been shaping the Capitol Riverfront. Each of these morning sessions will feature dynamic content and topnotch networking among the real estate community. In the first series session, hosted at the new WeWork 80M in the Capitol Riverfront, we heard from WeWork general manager Dave McLaughlin on the innovative ways that the leading co-working space purveyor is influencing the office market. The event also celebrated the launch of the new WeWork space in the neighborhood by hearing about their reasons to locate in the Capitol Riverfront and touring their innovative three-story space. “10 years of Growth” speaker series dates include the following: • November 2017, “Growth of the Nationals and the Neighborhood.” This panel discussion will focus on what baseball has meant to DC and the neighborhood, and how the Nationals organization has grown as the Capitol Riverfront has matured. • March 2018, “Retail in the Front.” Retail and restaurant offerings in the Capitol Riverfront have surged over the past three years, with
734 7th St. SE o: 202.547.2707 f: 202.547.1977 A new deck fit for a garden
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more coming in 2018. This session will allow you to hear from leading retailers who have located in the neighborhood, and what the future holds for additional retail. April 2018, “River Revitalization.” The Anacostia River is the centerpiece of this river corridor fronted by Wards 5, 6, 7, and 8, and it has been a catalyst for the neighborhood’s development. With the opening of DC Water’s Clean Rivers Project, the river can become swimmable in a matter of months. Panelists will discuss that project and the impact of the river as our version of Rock Creek Park on this side of the city. May 2018, “The Positive Impact of Parks.” Yards Park and Canal Park have become the “front porch” for our community and created a sense of place and identity in a neighborhood that previously had none. They have also proven to be real estate catalysts and have driven the residential development happening in the Capitol Riverfront. July 2018, “Here We Go Again: The Future of Capitol River-
Frozen fun at the Canal Park Ice Rink
front Residential.” The neighborhood’s residential development and population growth have surprised everyone. The community has become DC’s fastest growing neighborhood, and more residential development is on the horizon with plans on Buzzard Point. Panelists will discuss what makes this location so popular for residential development. Please visit www.capitolriverfront. eventbrite.com to find the full description of the panel discussions, speakers, times, and locations as details are updated. The BID will also host its 10th Annual Meeting Luncheon in January 2018 to celebrate the past 10 years and recognize those stakeholders who have shaped the Capitol Riverfront. A panel discussion will look at the past 10 years and peer into the neighborhood’s future as well. The popular “Rooftop Hop” open house event will occur in June 2018 to showcase the variety of residential lifestyle options in the neighborhood and those fantastic rooftop amenities. As a reminder of the ongoing physical changes to the neighborhood – we once were the industrial and manufacturing backyard of the city – the BID will install a series of beforeand-after photographic exhibits with narratives throughout the neighborhood. Each site will have a freestanding display panel that illustrates the previous uses and buildings, as well as a photograph of the new uses. It should make for an interesting walking tour of the Capitol Riverfront that describes in photos and narrative just how much the area has transitioned. The exhibit is being planned for a spring installation. Seasons change, as do neighborhoods. Come celebrate the fall and playoff baseball in the Riverfront, a neighborhood going through its own series of changes.
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Michael Stevens is president of the Capitol Riverfront BID. u
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A New Organ at Christ Church by John H. Payne III, Photos courtesy of Christ Church
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n Wednesday, Nov. 1, at 7:30 p.m., Christ Church will formally inaugurate its new organ as the church choir and friends sing Faure’s “Requiem” during an All Saints’ Day Eucharist. The half-million-dollar organ, delivered and assembled in August, was built by Casavant Freres of St. Hyacinthe, Quebec. All are welcome at the service, which observes a traditional Christian day to remember saints known and unknown, past and present. The church, located at 620 G St. SE, is an active part of the Hill community, hosting numerous community groups and activities. The parish contributes to local feeding programs, supports a monthly Laundry Love to assist neighbors with clothes washing, and offers a lively education program for all ages. The Rev. Cara Spaccarelli has been rector at Christ Church since 2010. The new organ replaces an instrument, in place since 1972, which was a composite based on a 1901 Hook & Hastings organ that had belonged to St. Cyprian’s Roman Catholic Church on the Hill. The new organ is Opus 3914 of Casavant Freres, which has been building organs since 1879. Its first product, Opus 1, remains in use at a church in Montreal. Opus 3914 finds a historic setting at Christ Church, which was organized in 1794. The central part of the church building is the second-oldest structure in public use within the original city of Washington, which was bounded on the north by what is now Florida Avenue. The church has had an organ at least as far back as 1823, and among its musicians once had the March King and director of the Marine Band, John Philip Sousa. The French composer and organist Gabriel Faure (1845-1924) has had wide influence in music and is often viewed as bridging Romanticism and Modernism. His much-loved requiem, first performed in 1888, was left in several versions by Faure himself. Christ Church choir will sing the edition of the work by the English composer and conductor John Rutter. u
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COLDWELL BANKER
RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE Your Strong Local Brokerage With Deep National & International Roots
Meet Agent elsA Huxley Elsa is one of the many agents at Coldwell Banker who take a proactive role in helping our community. Elsa and her husband, Sam, moved to the Hill a decade ago. They were drawn here since Sam was born in DC and attended St. Peter’s, and they wanted to raise their family here. Their daughter, Amelia, is now in the 6th grade at BASIS DC, and their son Harold is in first grade at Maury Elementary. Elsa began her real estate career at Coldwell Banker 5 years ago, focusing on the Hill and its surrounding neighborhoods. She serves her community on the Board of the non-profit Celebrate Capitol Hill, through many roles on the Maury PTA and by helping to organize neighborhood fundraisers, including the first Ward 6 Fall Safety Festival. Elsa is dedicated to providing excellent service to her clients, with a winning track record of over 40 transactions to date. She is especially proud of her client testimonials. Those, along with a list of properties bought and sold, and information about an upcoming exciting new listing (3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms - 3 blocks from Lincoln Park!) can be found at
elsahuxley.com.
ELSA HUXLEY
Licensed in DC, MD, and VA
202.499.2652
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Capitol Hill Office 605 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20003 • 202.547.3525 I N F O R M AT I O N D E E M E D R E L I A B L E B U T N O T G UA R A N T E E D
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Real Estate Matters by Heather Schoell Reverse Mortgages
Cha-ching! Should You Cash Out?
The conversations that come up with Uber drivers … He has a house in Petworth that he does not want his kids to get when he’s gone. Ookaay, sounds like a fun Thanksgiving is in the works! A reverse mortgage, officially called a home equity conversion mortgage (HECM), might be something for him to consider if he’d like some cashflow and isn’t too interested in passing on equity in the home. There are certain criteria that he’d need to satisfy to qualify. He was past 62 years old (I didn’t ask, but it was apparent). He would also need to own the home outright, which he did (his parents bought it for around $40,000 in the late 1940s), or owe very little. It must be his primary residence, and he would need to be able to pay the property taxes (they don’t do escrow accounts in a reverse mortgage). He could get the money in a lump sum or as a monthly stipend, depending on his situation and preference. Age is a factor in determining the payout. The longer he lives, the more equity will be gone from his home, and the longer he’s paying for the required mortgage insurance and other fees, including closing costs. When he dies or moves out, the loan needs to be paid off at once – any additional equity left in the home after that is up for grabs, just as with a regular mortgage.
A reverse mortgage is not for everyone but is a good option to consider for some. To be clear, I’m not a lender. I know what I know, but if you’re interested in a reverse mortgage, you need to speak with an authorized and credible lender. Bank of America and Wells Fargo stopped offering reverse mortgages, but there are other lending institutions that do. I’d start by going to www. hud.gov, which also has an online HECM lender locator. None of the lenders are physically located in DC but they are authorized to lend in DC.
International Buyers According to the National Association of Realtors, residential home sales to international buyers are up 49 percent from last year. That’s astounding, though it may make sense, considering the number of people who were considering a move out of here last November! The majority of buyers are coming from China, Canada, the UK, Mexico, and India – in that order. What does that mean for you, the seller? It means your listing needs to be global, clearly articulated, and accurately translated. Does your agent/agent’s company provide that automatically? Photos need to be high-quality and crisp (buyers halfway around the world are probably not looking for a place depicted with fuzzy, dingy photos). Zhu ni cheng gong (Chinese for “Wish you success”)!
New Digs for BHHS PenFed Realty Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty has a new home at 705 North Carolina Ave. SE. PenFed purchased the building to the left of Port City Java. It will be a haunted house on Hilloween (Oct. 27, 5:30-7:30 p.m.).
Questions? Is there anything real estate-related that you’d like for me to explore? Email me about it and I’ll work it in. Please indicate if you wish your identity to remain a mystery. 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. ◆
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Changing Hands Changing Hands is a list of most residential sales in DC area 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 5331 16TH ST NW 5605 14TH ST NW 1212 DECATUR ST NW 4505 ARKANSAS AVE NW 1507 CRITTENDEN ST NW 1308 DELAFIELD PL NW 1317 KENNEDY ST NW 1529 VARNUM ST NW
ADAMS MORGAN 1802 WYOMING AVE NW
$1,370,000 $1,125,000 $919,000 $795,000 $630,000 $460,000 $450,000 $875,000
5 5 5 4 4 3 4 4
$1,504,500
4
AMERICAN UNIVERSITY PARK 4600 WARREN ST NW 4911 46TH ST NW 4818 43RD ST NW 4330 46TH ST NW 4234 47TH ST NW 4712 YUMA ST NW 4816 ALTON PL NW 4401 RIVER RD NW 4717 45TH ST NW 4617 43RD ST NW 4916 44TH ST NW 3903 ALBEMARLE ST NW
ANACOSTIA
1401 RIDGE PL SE 1336 RIDGE PL SE 1328 TALBERT TER SE 1816 MINNESOTA AVE SE 1742 GALEN ST SE 1335 T ST SE 2316 GREEN ST SE
BERKLEY
2203 FOXBORO PL NW 4611 FOXHALL CRES NW
BLOOMINGDALE 152 U ST NW
BRENTWOOD
1848 CAPITOL AVE NE
BRIGHTWOOD
5508 NORTH CAPITOL ST NW 324 RITTENHOUSE ST NW 520 RITTENHOUSE ST NW 6202 12TH ST NW 7002 5TH ST NW 1375 UNDERWOOD ST NW 6622 13TH PL NW 5514 2ND ST NW 311 WHITTIER ST NW 607 OGLETHORPE ST NW 415 MISSOURI AVE NW 626 POWHATAN PL NW
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$1,481,200 $1,395,000 $1,300,000 $1,089,000 $1,025,000 $970,000 $925,000 $895,000 $836,502 $829,177 $800,000 $1,525,000
4 5 5 3 3 6 4 3 4 3 4 4
$501,000 $399,999 $335,000 $300,000 $275,500 $270,000 $158,000
3 2 2 2 3 4 3
$1,720,875 $1,560,000
7 5
$1,100,000
3
$350,000
3
$980,000 $785,000 $707,500 $697,500 $685,000 $649,000 $645,000 $636,000 $614,250 $599,900 $570,000 $535,000
6 4 4 4 3 4 3 4 3 4 4 3
435 ONEIDA PL NW 717 ONEIDA PL NW 6208 8TH ST NW 811 FLORAL PL NW 606 TUCKERMAN ST NW 529 SHERIDAN ST NW
BROOKLAND
3033 CHANCELLOR’S WAY NE 573 REGENT PL NE 1230 RHODE ISLAND AVE NE 563 REGENT PL NE 1227 FRANKLIN ST NE 1348 NEWTON ST NE 3005 17TH ST NE 2929 12TH ST NE 1817 KEARNY ST NE 2701 6TH ST NE 1603 NEWTON ST NE 837 CRITTENDEN ST NE 1425 OTIS ST NE 220 ASCOT PL NE 726 EMERSON ST NE 2917 7TH ST NE 620 FARADAY PL NE 801 DELAFIELD ST NE 714 DECATUR PL NE 232 CROMWELL TER NE 615 GALLATIN ST NE
BURLEITH
3968 GEORGETOWN CT NW 1930 37TH ST NW 3703 S ST NW
$520,000 $494,885 $483,000 $446,000 $415,000 $402,000
3 3 3 3 3 3
$850,000 $800,000 $792,500 $764,000 $752,000 $732,500 $719,900 $710,000 $700,000 $685,000 $632,500 $622,000 $600,000 $550,000 $533,000 $525,000 $449,900 $420,000 $420,000 $402,500 $325,000
4 3 4 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 3 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2
$1,335,450 $996,000 $890,000
3 4 5
CAPITOL HILL
700 7TH ST SE 436 NEW JERSEY AVE SE 113 C ST SE 433 NEW JERSEY AVE SE 415 GUETLER WAY SE 245 TENNESSEE AVE NE 104 5TH ST NE 317 MARYLAND AVE NE 808 C ST SE 251 8TH ST NE 619 A ST SE 720 4TH ST NE 712 F ST NE 1420 C ST SE 1830 BURKE ST SE 1739 D ST SE 619 ELLIOTT ST NE 1415 AMES PL NE 417 INDEPENDENCE AVE SE 1112 K ST NE 1358 INDEPENDENCE AVE SE 29 7TH ST NE 240 16TH ST SE 252 13TH ST NE 237 14TH PL NE 214 9TH ST NE 1725 INDEPENDENCE AVE SE 648 6TH ST NE
CHEVY CHASE
3818 INGOMAR ST NW 3765 NORTHAMPTON ST NW 3910 GARRISON ST NW 3606 QUESADA ST NW
$1,775,000 $1,734,000 $1,600,000 $1,300,000 $1,281,500 $1,280,000 $1,245,000 $1,200,000 $1,190,000 $1,175,000 $1,100,000 $1,100,000 $1,090,000 $861,000 $850,000 $832,500 $815,000 $752,000 $749,900 $733,000 $699,000 $699,000 $680,000 $665,000 $620,000 $590,000 $562,500 $1,167,000
4 5 5 4 3 5 3 3 5 4 3 3 4 2 4 4 3 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 4
$2,010,000 $1,787,500 $1,585,000 $1,450,000
6 4 4 6
OCTOBER-BEST E BL A IL W! A AV NO
5528 BROAD BRANCH RD NW 5423 32ND ST NW 3270 ABERFOYLE PL NW 6653 BARNABY ST NW 6310 OREGON AVE NW 3318 UPLAND TER NW 3718 JENIFER ST NW 6251 29TH ST NW 2908 LEGATION ST NW 3615 PATTERSON ST NW 3623 PATTERSON ST NW 3239 MILITARY RD NW 3119 PATTERSON PL NW 6931 33RD ST NW 6208 32ND ST NW 4814 NEBRASKA AVE NW 3039 LEGATION ST NW
$1,250,000 $1,172,500 $1,149,000 $1,125,000 $995,000 $971,620 $967,000 $965,000 $950,000 $925,000 $900,000 $825,000 $800,000 $797,500 $769,000 $740,000 $650,000
Another masterpiece from devoted neighbors C&S Builders! Like every CSB project, 1529 E Street is a testament to the firm’s commitment to excellence, and attention to detail. From the impressive neo-Federal façade to the expansive rear patio, every aspect of this project has been thoughtfully executed to a unparalleled degree of quality. Each house-sized condo unit has 3 luxurious bedrooms and 2.5 well-appointed bathrooms. Every surface and every system is brand new from the ground up and worry free for years to come. All appliances and mechanical systems were chosen to exceed your needs and expectations – never a corner cut. Come see why smart buyers seek out Connell & Schmidt.
5 6 5 4 5 3 4 4 4 3 4 3 3 3 3 4 2
CHILLUM 229 LONGFELLOW ST NW 18 MILMARSON PL NW
$453,000 $315,000
CLEVELAND PARK 3400 MACOMB ST NW 3305 WOODLEY RD NW 3924 MACOMB ST NW 3415 PORTER ST NW
$1,835,000 $1,450,000 $1,175,000 $956,750
COLONIAL VILLAGE 1653 NORTH PORTAL DR NW 1911 SUDBURY RD NW 1602 ROXANNA RD NW
$1,500,000 $880,000 $730,000
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 1424 BELMONT ST NW 1206 FAIRMONT ST NW 1123 EUCLID ST NW 705 IRVING ST NW 3551 13TH ST NW 1520 MONROE ST NW 1416 QUINCY ST NW 649 COLUMBIA RD NW 1004 MONROE ST NW 3617 13TH ST NW 3532 11TH ST NW 595 COLUMBIA RD NW 632 LAMONT ST NW 773 COLUMBIA RD NW 3812 13TH ST NW 2925 11TH ST NW 614 LAMONT ST NW 743 IRVING ST NW 10091/2 LAMONT ST NW 1019 FAIRMONT ST NW
$1,549,000 $1,465,000 $1,333,000 $1,220,000 $1,130,000 $1,099,900 $960,000 $960,000 $853,000 $849,000 $799,000 $770,000 $698,000 $685,000 $669,000 $654,000 $650,000 $640,000 $560,000 $530,000
CONGRESS HEIGHTS 734 MISSISSIPPI AVE SE 791 BARNABY ST SE 1105 VARNEY ST SE 626 CHESAPEAKE ST SE 702 CHESAPEAKE ST SE 1935 VALLEY TER SE 3219 5TH ST SE 718 ALABAMA AVE SE 3219 12TH PL SE
$395,000 $349,990 $348,000 $345,000 $345,000 $333,000 $306,000 $261,000 $255,000
CRESTWOOD 1761 TAYLOR ST NW 4315 ARGYLE TER NW
$1,010,000 $995,000
3 2 5 5 5 3
4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 3
214 16th Street SE $789,000 Price Reduced To $750,000 3BR/1.5BA
Perfectly positioned near parks and just a short stroll from Stadium Armory Metro. The main floor features truly open living, kitchen and dining spaces with a convenient half bath tucked between. Exposed brick and original hardwood floors continue throughout. 3 bedrooms and full bath upstairs. Patio with ample space for parking. With 3 levels of living space, front and rear outdoor areas, and a perfect Capitol Hill location, this house delivers a REAL home for the price of a condo! E BL A IL W! A AV NO
518 14th Street SE Unit 1 $799,900 3BR/2.5BA As you enter Unit ONE, you’re greeted by 1000 STUNNING square feet on the main level alone! WIDE OPEN floor plan across living, dining, kitchen, and den will captivate from the first step to the last. On the lower level, you’ll find 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths, including one-of-a-kind 13’ X 38’ master bed and bath suite. Don’t miss this AMAZING opportunity for the best of city living – come visit today!
1529 E Street SE Unit 1 1836 SF 3 BR/2.5 BA $995,000
7 5 3 8 4 6 7 5 4 4 5 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 3 3 2 2
E BL A IL W! A AV NO
LD S! SO AY D 5
Unit 2 2,270 SF 3 BR/2.5 BA $1,195,000 123 5th Street NE $1,330,000 5BR/3.5BA
Equally close to Union Station/H Street or Eastern Market/Barracks Row and just steps to Stanton Park. Spacious and so well situated on an oh-so desirable black. This gorgeous & enormous 4-story classic bay front features an expansive owners residence on the three deep upper levels with 3 bedrooms & 3 ½ baths – warm & welcoming original hardwood floors. In the lower level, is an uber desirable, 2 bedroom apartment with a full C of O. All of this - plus plentiful parking & patio space off the rear brick alley.
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YOUR HOME HERE
We work to prepare and present ONE BEAUTIFUL NEW LISTING each week. If you are considering selling your home, NOW IS THE TIME to have us visit for a free consultation on the steps to success!
joel@joelnelsongroup.com 202.243.7707
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DEANWOOD 4601 GRANT ST NE 115 47TH ST NE 5300 CENTRAL AVE SE 4807 FITCH PL NE 128 57TH PL SE 71 55TH ST SE 4247 EADS ST NE 4112 GAULT PL NE 1031 46TH ST NE 836 49TH ST NE 5245 KARL PL NE 5322 JAMES PL NE 5349 AMES ST NE 50085010 JAY ST NE 6126 BANKS PL NE 1017 49TH ST NE 825 50TH PL NE 1113 47TH PL NE 1310 EASTERN AVE NE 5053 SHERIFF RD NE 15 40TH ST NE 5133 SHERIFF RD NE 256 56TH PL NE 238 57TH PL NE 836 51ST ST NE 434 EASTERN AVE NE 5402 BLAINE ST NE 6132 BANKS PL NE 857 52ND ST NE 5722 FOOTE ST NE
$480,000 $435,000 $428,000 $419,000 $410,000 $400,000 $399,000 $387,500 $384,999 $365,000 $360,000 $355,000 $349,900 $330,000 $330,000 $319,000 $317,000 $316,000 $315,000 $310,000 $298,600 $260,000 $254,900 $250,000 $247,000 $245,000 $240,000 $168,000 $152,000 $150,000
8 3 6 4 3 3 4 4 3 4 4 4 3 3 2 3 3 2 3 3 3 2 2 4 2 3 3 2 2 2
DUPONT 1910 17TH ST NW
$1,345,000
ECKINGTON 42 QUINCY PL NE 18 Q ST NE 2016 SUMMIT PL NE 176 U ST NE
$915,000 $825,000 $505,000 $500,935
FOREST HILLS 3011 ALBEMARLE ST NW
$1,250,000
FORT DUPONT PARK 1107 44TH PL SE 1519 41ST ST SE 4502 TEXAS AVE SE 4208 HILDRETH ST SE 4332 GORMAN TER SE 4382 DUBOIS PL SE 4359 C ST SE 4255 FORT DUPONT TER SE 1654 40TH ST SE 3233 ELY PL SE
$439,000 $362,000 $345,000 $335,000 $309,000 $297,000 $295,000 $265,000 $250,000 $236,000
FORT LINCOLN 3708 HANSBERRY CT NE
$543,000
3 4 3 2 3 5 3 3 2 3 2 3 2 3 3 3 3
GARFIELD 2220 CATHEDRAL AVE NW 2653 WOODLEY RD NW 2737 WOODLEY PL NW
$1,503,000 $1,400,000 $1,350,000
GEORGETOWN 3241 R ST NW 1339 29TH ST NW 2455 P ST NW 2709 P ST NW 3129 O ST NW 3011 CAMBRIDGE PL NW 3711 WINFIELD LN NW 3629 WINFIELD LN NW
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$4,000,000 $3,975,000 $2,445,000 $2,200,000 $2,050,000 $1,797,000 $1,600,000 $1,600,000
4 5 4 5 7 4 5 4 5 4 6
1561 33RD ST NW 3318 PROSPECT ST NW 1659 WISCONSIN AVE NW 3414 O ST NW 1328 30TH ST NW 2514 MILL RD NW 1608 34TH ST NW
$1,410,000 $1,400,000 $1,260,000 $1,175,000 $1,160,000 $985,000 $850,000
GLOVER PARK 3751 W ST NW
$954,000
H STREET 710 10TH ST NE
$745,000
HILL CREST 2901 BRANCH AVE SE 2007 32ND ST SE 3167 WESTOVER DR SE 2133 32ND ST SE 3206 NASH PL SE 3008 ALABAMA AVE SE 3834 CARPENTER ST SE 3807 MASSACHUSETTS AVE SE 710 32ND ST SE
$750,000 $575,000 $550,000 $545,000 $515,000 $510,000 $479,400 $447,000 $290,000
KALORAMA 2121 S ST NW 1827 PHELPS PL NW
$2,900,000 $2,080,000
3 6 2 3 4 2 2 4 3 5 4 3 4 6 4 3 4 2 5 5
KENT 3125 CHAIN BRIDGE RD NW 5160 MANNING PL NW
$3,500,000 $1,810,000
LEDROIT PARK 2307 1ST ST NW 233 ELM ST NW 2220 1ST ST NW
$1,305,000 $650,000 $1,380,000
LILY PONDS 4001 ANACOSTIA AVE NE 1205 42ND PL NE 3349 BLAINE ST NE 4219 MEADE ST NE 3421 BAKER ST NE 3354 BAKER ST NE
$505,200 $405,000 $385,000 $255,000 $253,000 $200,000
LOGAN CIRCLE 1310 VERMONT AVE NW 1110 P ST NW
$2,600,000 $1,355,000
MANOR PARK 223 RITTENHOUSE ST NW 5604 CAPITOL ST NW
$660,000 $640,000
MARSHALL HEIGHTS 5217 D ST SE 5008 B ST SE 5056 B ST SE 5527 CENTRAL AVE SE 4808 B ST SE
$425,000 $375,000 $290,000 $287,000 $199,000
MICHIGAN PARK 4213 19TH PL NE 4124 20TH ST NE 1608 CRITTENDEN ST NE 1916 SHEPHERD ST NE
$775,000 $625,000 $519,900 $490,000
MOUNT PLEASANT 1729 PARK RD NW 1709 IRVING ST NW 1864 INGLESIDE TER NW 1822 KENYON ST NW
$1,565,000 $1,213,200 $1,140,000 $1,051,000
7 5 5 3 5 4 4 2 3 2 2 4 5 3 4 4 4 2 2 2 4 3 3 3 6 5 5 4
NORTH MICHIGAN PARK 1520 GALLATIN PL NE
$520,000
OLD CITY #1 142 11TH ST SE 240 KENTUCKY AVE SE 1360 EAST CAPITOL ST NE 1215 INDEPENDENCE AVE SE 330 11TH ST SE 1226 MARYLAND AVE NE 812 MARYLAND AVE NE 717 3RD ST NE 811 F ST NE 25 15TH ST NE 1114 6TH ST NE 1012 13TH ST SE 407 KENTUCKY AVE SE 607 4TH ST NE 1817 D ST SE 918 9TH ST NE 1112 ABBEY PL NE 1806 BAY ST SE 2013 BENNING RD NE 1225 C ST SE 1156 4TH ST NE 1709 INDEPENDENCE AVE SE 1633 A ST NE 1611 MASSACHUSETTS AVE SE 2032 E ST NE 414 OKLAHOMA AVE NE 325 17TH ST NE 1653 KRAMER ST NE 326 18TH ST NE
$1,610,000 $1,385,000 $1,155,000 $1,130,000 $990,000 $970,000 $958,000 $945,000 $875,000 $842,000 $840,000 $825,000 $824,000 $782,525 $750,000 $732,500 $730,500 $684,500 $631,000 $600,000 $580,000 $565,000 $560,000 $549,900 $549,000 $535,000 $513,900 $505,000 $465,000
OLD CITY #2 1922 11TH ST NW 919 O ST NW 1237 10TH ST NW 1419 S ST NW 1548 3RD ST NW 1423 NEW JERSEY AVE NW 20 N ST NW 927 W ST NW 613 RHODE ISLAND AVE NW 1419 3RD ST NW 45 BATES ST NW
$1,900,000 $1,300,000 $1,250,000 $1,205,000 $766,000 $760,000 $750,000 $669,000 $640,000 $610,000 $577,000
3 4 4 5 3 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 1 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 6 7 3 2 3 2 2 2 3 3
PALISADES 5309 CUSHING PL NW 5012 V ST NW 5321 MACOMB ST NW
$1,570,000 $920,000 $907,000
PETWORTH 4418 5TH ST NW 516 VARNUM ST NW 901 VARNUM ST NW 4423 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE NW 4702 5TH ST NW 3814 4TH ST NW 515 ALLISON ST NW 113 HAMILTON ST NW 4412 3RD ST NW 330 ALLISON ST NW 406 SHEPHERD ST NW 909 DELAFIELD PL NW 4514 8TH ST NW 801 CRITTENDEN ST NW 18 GALLATIN ST NW 4417 3RD ST NW 5400 ILLINOIS AVE NW 726 SHEPHERD ST NW 63 GALLATIN ST NW 5110 3RD ST NW
$1,169,990 $950,000 $900,000 $843,400 $835,000 $795,000 $792,500 $744,000 $739,000 $736,000 $690,000 $685,000 $652,500 $649,900 $649,500 $630,000 $600,000 $595,000 $562,550 $549,999
5 3 3 5 4 6 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 4 4 3 4 3 4 4 3 3 3
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922 DELAFIELD PL NW 5423 8TH ST NW 5028 N CAPITOL ST NW 5204 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE NW 731 JEFFERSON ST NW 5621 9TH ST NW 221 GALLATIN ST NW 4616 4TH ST NW 5207 5TH ST NW 426 LONGFELLOW ST NW
$521,000 $520,000 $515,000 $510,000 $501,966 $485,000 $475,000 $460,000 $400,000 $583,000
RANDLE HEIGHTS 3206 15TH PL SE 1736 S ST SE 1853 BRUCE PL SE 1954 VALLEY TER SE 2304 SOUTHERN AVE SE 3012 22ND ST SE 2206 IRVING ST SE 2640 STANTON RD SE
$349,999 $330,000 $325,000 $311,000 $310,000 $305,000 $210,000 $207,000
RIGGS PARK 4928 SARGENT RD NE 6026 EASTERN AVE NE 1245 EMERSON ST NE 5725 2ND ST NE 5157 7TH ST NE 5152 7TH ST NE 5501 5TH ST NE 425 QUACKENBOS ST NE 1267 DELAFIELD PL NE 5077 8TH ST NE 751 GALLATIN ST NE 1114 GALLOWAY ST NE 5335 CHILLUM PL NE
$590,000 $509,900 $500,000 $450,000 $432,500 $429,000 $412,000 $399,900 $399,500 $389,000 $379,999 $351,000 $285,000
4 3 3 3 5 3 3 3 2 3 4 4 3 3 3 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 3
SHAW 458 M ST NW 1724 6TH ST NW 510 RHODE ISLAND AVE NW 1526 MARION ST NW
$1,195,000 $981,000 $766,000 $750,000
SHEPHERD PARK 7809 14TH ST NW 1330 KALMIA RD NW
$927,500 $720,000
SPRING VALLEY 4905 RODMAN ST NW 4829 LOUGHBORO RD NW
$2,570,000 $1,600,000
TAKOMA PARK 7200 7TH ST NW 6001 MCLEAN PL NE 6635 HARLAN PL NW 6415 NORTH CAPITOL ST NE 11 UNDERWOOD ST NW
$699,900 $655,000 $655,000 $485,000 $415,000
TENLEYTOWN 4551 GRANT RD NW 3812 BRANDYWINE ST NW
$950,000 $757,000
4 3 3 2 4 4 5 6 3 3 4 3 3 3 3
TRINIDAD 1239 OATES ST NE 1138 NEAL ST NE 1325 TRINIDAD AVE NE 1211 19TH ST NE 1280 NEAL ST NE 1540 LEVIS ST NE #A 1221 17TH ST NE 1221 OATES ST NE 1318 STAPLES ST NE 1255 OATES ST NE 1283 OATES ST NE
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$910,000 $800,000 $739,957 $730,000 $710,000 $699,000 $665,000 $600,000 $562,000 $545,000 $540,000
4 4 3 8 3 4 4 3 4 3 4
1432 TRINIDAD AVE NE 1617 LYMAN PL NE 1809 H ST NE 1275 OATES ST NE 1633 LANG PL NE 1221 16TH ST NE 1270 OWEN PL NE
$535,000 $499,500 $499,000 $399,900 $370,000 $335,000 $600,000
U STREET CORRIDOR 2122 10TH ST NW
$1,250,000
WOODLEY PARK 2803 28TH ST NW 2748 WOODLEY PL NW 2749 WOODLEY PL NW
$1,220,000 $935,000 $1,240,000
3 2 3 3 2 3 4 3 3 3 3
WOODRIDGE
2302 MONROE ST NE $905,000 5 2610 MYRTLE AVE NE $841,500 4 2907 MILLS AVE NE $695,000 4 3009 SOUTH DAKOTA AVE NE $660,000 4 1722 DOUGLAS ST NE $632,000 3 3049 CLINTON ST NE $565,000 4 3619 18TH ST NE $559,900 3 3011 20TH ST NE $550,000 3 2628 22ND ST NE $470,000 3 3123 NEWTON ST NE $447,000 4 3050 VISTA ST NE $419,000 3 2842 30TH ST NE $399,000 3 3101 CHESTNUT ST NE $350,000 2 3052 THAYER ST NE $308,750 3 1866 BRYANT ST NE $300,000 4
CONDO 14TH STREET CORRIDOR 1414 BELMONT ST NW #203 2125 14TH ST NW #806
$329,000 $1,575,000
16TH STREET HEIGHTS 1322 MISSOURI AVE NW #102 1400 OGLETHORPE ST NW #7 1301 LONGFELLOW ST NW #207
$289,900 $284,500 $214,000
ADAMS MORGAN 2380 CHAMPLAIN ST NW #302 2301 CHAMPLAIN ST NW #114 2713 ONTARIO RD NW #1 2426 ONTARIO RD NW #205 2464 ONTARIO RD NW #4
$710,000 $494,500 $465,000 $417,000 $919,900
0 3 2 1 1 2 2 2 1 2
AMERICAN UNIVERSITY PARK 4101 ALBEMARLE ST NW #547 4101 ALBEMARLE ST NW #446
$500,000 $450,000
ANACOSTIA 2333 16TH ST SE #304
$193,500
BARRY FARMS 2601 DOUGLASS RD SE #302
$220,000
BLOOMINGDALE 2028 NORTH CAPITOL ST NW #1 2028 NORTH CAPITOL ST NW #2
$799,900 $649,900
BRENTWOOD 1343 BRYANT ST NE #2 1343 BRYANT ST NE #1 1304 ADAMS ST NE #2
$309,000 $292,000 $199,900
1 1 2 2 3 3 2 2 2
BRIGHTWOOD 343 CEDAR ST NW #119 343 CEDAR ST NW #120 343 CEDAR ST NW #305
$469,900 $468,000 $450,000
BROOKLAND 3219 12TH ST NE #102 711 JACKSON ST NE #4 711 JACKSON ST NE #2 1036 OTIS ST NE #101 4000 8TH ST NE #1 4005 7TH ST NE #2 1045 MICHIGAN AVE NE #1045 3157 HAWTHORNE DR NE #3157 78 HAWTHORNE CT NE #78
$585,000 $550,000 $525,000 $499,000 $437,270 $430,000 $426,500 $354,500 $285,000
CAPITOL HILL 1319 CONSTITUTION AVE NE #B 317 10TH ST NE #1 226 3RD ST NE #A 30 17TH ST SE #B
$949,500 $480,000 $408,900 $335,000
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 1 3 2 1 1
CENTRAL 925 H ST NW #602 1010 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #202 1830 JEFFERSON PL NW #7 2425 L ST NW #421 1312 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #601 809813 6TH ST NW #12 1312 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #509 1514 21ST ST NW #3 1150 K ST NW #506 601 PENNSYLVANIA AVE NW #505 777 7TH ST NW #919 1325 18TH ST NW #805 1316 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE NW #706 2201 L ST NW #619 1301 20TH ST NW #517
$1,325,000 $692,000 $675,000 $621,500 $619,900 $618,500 $610,000 $515,200 $452,500 $389,000 $385,000 $380,000 $294,900 $288,000 $282,000
CHEVY CHASE 4301 MILITARY RD NW #104 5201B WISCONSIN AVE NW #303 5201B WISCONSIN AVE NW #213 5410 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #405 5201B WISCONSIN AVE NW #313 5410 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #516
$875,000 $395,000 $370,000 $369,000 $365,000 $299,000
CLEVELAND PARK 3883 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #309 3540 39TH ST NW #B644 4315 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW 3831 RODMAN ST NW #A25 3760 39TH ST NW #F144 2729 ORDWAY ST NW #5 3611 39TH ST NW #E329 3851 PORTER ST NW #D280 3941 LANGLEY CT NW #F582 4301 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #6014 3680 38TH ST NW #A241 3881 NEWARK ST NW #C477 3446 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #200 3028 WISCONSIN AVE NW #205 3760 39TH ST NW #C141 3217 WISCONSIN AVE NW #7D
$667,000 $550,000 $549,000 $529,000 $525,000 $521,750 $480,000 $465,000 $463,500 $419,000 $377,000 $365,000 $295,000 $269,000 $230,000 $227,500
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 770 GIRARD ST NW #2E 623 KENYON ST NW #2 623 KENYON ST NW #1 1451 BELMONT ST NW #PH-423 3566 13TH ST NW #2 2803 SHERMAN AVE NW #1 1478 HARVARD ST NW #3
$965,000 $835,000 $775,000 $745,000 $699,900 $699,900 $672,000
2 2 1 1 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 2 1 1 2 1 1 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 0 0 2 3 3 2 2 4 2
Real Estate
Management Serving condos, HOA + co-ops plus owners of apartments, rental property including individual condo units. We also offer concierge service (for when you are traveling and want someone to mind your property) and handle Airbnb rental logistics.
1451 BELMONT ST NW #305 3573 WARDER ST NW #7 1360 KENYON ST NW #3 1441 CLIFTON ST NW #201 3465 14TH ST NW #C 1531 PARK RD NW #3 1201 KENYON ST NW #1 1020 MONROE ST NW #401 1343 CLIFTON ST NW #102 1354 KENYON ST NW #3 2901 16TH ST NW #601 1217 PARK RD NW #1 1390 KENYON ST NW #323 1323 CLIFTON ST NW #3 1300 TAYLOR ST NW #2 1390 KENYON ST NW #604 1308 CLIFTON ST NW #409 1438 MERIDIAN PL NW #302 732 LAMONT ST NW #201 3900 14TH ST NW #508 3900 14TH ST NW #506 3902 14TH ST NW #517 1401 COLUMBIA RD NW #214 739 NEWTON PL NW #105 1441 EUCLID ST NW #301 2608 SHERMAN AVE NW #B-04 3101 SHERMAN AVE NW ##102 929 FLORIDA AVE NW #4001
CONGRESS HEIGHTS 2915 8TH ST SE #5201 721 BRANDYWINE ST SE #102 3868 9TH ST SE #101 742 BRANDYWINE ST SE #301 3872 9TH ST SE #102 3872 9TH ST SE #302
DUPONT
1612 Q ST NW #6 1900 S ST NW #104 1615 Q ST NW #412 2010 KALORAMA RD NW #103 1301 20TH ST NW #801 1 SCOTT CIR NW #514 1713 S ST NW #PH4 1632 S ST NW #12 1801 16TH ST NW #209 1713 S ST NW #2 1713 S ST NW #1 1316 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE NW #305 1601 18TH ST NW #518 1740 18TH ST NW #T3 1756 CORCORAN ST NW #1/2B
ECKINGTON
28 T ST NE #2 28 T ST NE #1 1912 3RD ST NE #6 233 S ST NE #1
FOGGY BOTTOM 955 26TH ST NW #408 2401 H ST NW #202 522 21ST ST NW #806 2141 I ST NW #407 955 26TH ST NW #P33
FOREST HILLS
2733 ORDWAY ST NW #4 4707 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #508 3701 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #222 2755 ORDWAY ST NW #115
$597,500 $570,000 $550,000 $549,900 $549,000 $540,000 $523,900 $520,000 $517,000 $515,000 $515,000 $509,000 $500,000 $488,000 $425,000 $405,000 $399,500 $390,000 $387,000 $357,000 $340,000 $335,400 $335,000 $330,000 $315,000 $255,000 $240,000 $515,000
1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 2 2 2 2 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 1
$138,000 $100,000 $73,000 $70,000 $65,000 $64,900
1 1 2 2 1 1
$560,000 $490,000 $389,221 $310,000 $255,000 $202,500 $1,209,000 $960,000 $594,500 $469,000 $452,500 $369,900 $298,970 $257,000 $208,000
2 2 1 1 0 0 2 2 1 1 1 1 0 0 0
$822,000 $739,000 $599,900 $595,000
3 3 2 2
$480,000 $301,000 $230,000 $195,000 $40,000
1 1 0 0 0
$509,000 $424,000 $285,000 $217,000
2 1 1 1
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.
734 Seventh Street, SE
Office: 202.547.2707 Fax: 202.547.1977 joeltruittmanagement.com
Quality Since 1972
welcome to the
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The Grant, Ryall & Andrew Group
Partner with our full-service real estate team…there’s no substitute for success the first time around! Grant Griffith, Ryall Smith, Andrew Glasow, Fred Saddler
Team Line:
202.741.1654
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Don Denton, VP Broker 605 Pennsylvania Ave SE, WDC 20003 - Main: 202.547. 3525
October 2017 H 135
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FORT DUPONT PARK 3937 S ST SE #8A
$64,050
FORT LINCOLN 3338 BANNEKER DR NE #3338 2833 31ST PL NE #2833 3108 APPLE RD NE #12 3109 APPLE RD NE #1 3138 APPLE RD NE #16
$315,000 $295,000 $270,000 $250,000 $229,000
2 3 3 3 3 2
GARFIELD 3100 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #238
$439,500
GEORGETOWN 3303 WATER ST NW #5C 1015 33RD ST NW #707 3267 N ST NW #2 1015 33RD ST NW #710 1080 WISCONSIN AVE NW #2005 1318 35TH ST NW #11 3010 R ST NW #2 1632 30TH ST NW #12 2500 Q ST NW #235 2500 Q ST NW #420 2500 Q ST NW #326
$1,620,000 $950,000 $897,000 $840,000 $695,000 $659,000 $620,000 $507,500 $450,000 $409,900 $405,000
GLOVER PARK 3924 W ST NW #7 3924 W ST NW #1 3924 W ST NW #2 3924 W ST NW #3 2725 39TH ST NW #503 4000 TUNLAW RD NW #804
$775,000 $490,000 $490,000 $430,000 $364,000 $220,000
H STREET CORRODOR 628 I ST NE #3 500 25TH PL NE #103
$800,000 $280,000
HILL CREST 2009 37TH ST SE #301 3861 PENNSYLVANIA AVE SE #B 2029 38TH ST SE #A
$213,000 $170,000 $120,000
1 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 1 1 0
3 2 2
$849,000 $710,000 $710,000 $635,000 $610,000 $609,600 $575,000 $540,000 $458,000 $410,000 $399,900 $372,000 $349,950 $325,000 $302,000 $289,000
KINGMAN PARK 332 18TH PL NE #1 332 18TH PL NE #2
$339,900 $339,000
LEDROIT PARK 40 W ST NW #2
$1,037,500
LOGAN CIRCLE 1300 13TH ST NW #409 1715 15TH ST NW #39 1326 VERMONT AVE NW #5
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$535,000 $519,900 $419,000
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 2 2 5 1 1 1
$3,000,000 $1,595,000 $1,500,000 $1,160,000 $900,000 $849,000 $790,000 $769,000 $749,000 $730,000 $712,500 $695,000 $639,000 $590,000 $475,000 $325,000 $774,900
MOUNT PLEASANT 1862 PARK RD NW #2 2363 CHAMPLAIN ST NW #20 3426 16TH ST NW #305 3426 16TH ST NW #608 1752 PARK RD NW #B 3155 MOUNT PLEASANT ST NW #105 1688 EUCLID ST NW #A 2440 16TH ST NW #412 1673 PARK RD NW #305
$820,000 $677,000 $599,000 $545,200 $510,000 $390,000 $370,000 $365,000 $351,500
MOUNT VERNON TRIANGLE 555 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #301 1131 5TH ST NW #B
$512,000 $493,370
NAVY YARD 1025 1ST ST SE #610
2 1
KALORAMA 1865 MINTWOOD PL NW #6 1820 KALORAMA RD NW #1 2107 S ST NW #J 2006 COLUMBIA RD NW #8 2123 CALIFORNIA ST NW #G5 1861 CALIFORNIA ST S #1 1858 CALIFORNIA ST NW #30 2407 20TH ST NW #1098 2311 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #704 2311 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #403 1833 CALIFORNIA ST NW #202 1910 KALORAMA RD NW #302 1831 BELMONT RD NW #103 2410 20TH ST NW #8 2410 20TH ST NW #1 2032 BELMONT RD NW #314
1310 Q ST NW #2 1310 Q ST NW #5 1224 R ST NW #2 1515 15TH ST NW #419 1515 15TH ST NW #227 1324 14TH ST NW #2 1408 Q ST NW #13 1210 R ST NW #102 1450 CHURCH ST NW #502 1325 13TH ST NW #37 1010 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #606 1401 Q ST NW #101 1312 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #701 1209 13TH ST NW #407 1300 N ST NW #16 1133 13TH ST NW #502 1444 CHURCH ST NW #402
$615,000
OBSERVATORY CIRCLE 2501 WISCONSIN AVE NW #7 4100 CATHEDRAL AVE NW #802 2800 WISCONSIN AVE NW #805 2800 WISCONSIN AVE NW #310
$780,000 $695,000 $195,000 $174,900
OLD CITY #1 323 11TH ST NE #1 1702 D ST SE #1 1025 1ST ST SE #716 1500 PENNSYLVANIA AVE SE #308 108 17TH ST NE ##1 605 K ST NE #1 732 15TH ST SE #3 1500 PENNSYLVANIA AVE SE #310 661 MORRIS PL NE #1 401 13TH ST NE #104 328 18TH PL NE #2 308 18TH PL NE #3 500 25TH PL NE #203 420 OKLAHOMA AVE NE #102 300 OKLAHOMA AVE NE #202 1361 K ST SE #202
$979,000 $700,000 $678,000 $650,000 $649,500 $549,900 $499,000 $460,000 $401,500 $400,000 $339,900 $330,000 $294,500 $282,699 $282,000 $277,500
OLD CITY #2 1407 W ST NW #201 1437 RHODE ISLAND AVE NW #104 440 M ST NW #1 1313 VERMONT AVE NW #13 2020 12TH ST NW #410 440 L ST NW #403 1404 11TH ST NW #402 1111 11TH ST NW #307 1728 U ST NW #4 52 NEW YORK AVE NW #2 1444 CHURCH ST NW #205 475 K ST NW #319
$733,000 $726,500 $709,500 $700,000 $679,000 $665,200 $659,000 $640,000 $628,000 $590,000 $587,000 $585,000
3 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 1 2 1 1 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 0 0 3 3 2 2 3 2 1 1 2 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 3 1 2
1401 R ST NW #408 475 K ST NW #713 1425 11TH ST NW #303 1752 CORCORAN ST NW #3B 475 K ST NW #622 1727 R ST NW #202 1390 V ST NW #501 437 NEW YORK AVE NW #405 1300 N ST NW #517 555 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #410 811 4TH ST NW #514 440 L ST NW #202 435 R ST NW #403 811 4TH ST NW #206 1718 P ST NW #202 1300 N ST NW #9 1545 18TH ST NW #506 2000 16TH ST NW #604 1441 RHODE ISLAND AVE NW #915 1117 10TH ST NW #307 1615 Q ST NW #1210 555 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #502 66 NEW YORK AVE NW #207 555 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #314 1737 P ST NW #101 1 SCOTT CIR NW #206 1440 N ST NW #215 1210 R ST NW #P-84
$550,500 $535,000 $529,000 $515,000 $515,000 $502,000 $479,000 $476,000 $455,000 $455,000 $447,000 $446,000 $445,000 $437,900 $415,000 $412,555 $399,999 $375,000 $366,500 $330,000 $320,000 $310,000 $300,000 $289,000 $270,000 $256,000 $239,900 $50,000
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0
PALISADES 4570 MACARTHUR BLVD NW #T-6
$211,000
1
PETWORTH 7 GRANT CIR NW #2 7 GRANT CIR NW #1 727 JEFFERSON ST NW #5 5422 8TH ST NW #2 727 JEFFERSON ST NW #3 4308 GEORGIA AVE NW #401 907 WEBSTER ST NW #2 727 JEFFERSON ST NW #2 5403 9TH ST NW #303 804 TAYLOR ST NW #204 4226 7TH ST NW #301 5109 2ND ST NW #4 5109 2ND ST NW #3 5109 2ND ST NW #1 4805 4TH ST NW #2 5224 4TH ST NW #202 5224 4TH ST NW #101 608 JEFFERSON ST NW #102 939 LONGFELLOW ST NW #208
$859,000 $750,000 $625,000 $620,000 $565,000 $564,000 $499,900 $492,500 $439,000 $415,000 $410,000 $388,499 $374,999 $361,500 $326,500 $311,000 $295,650 $270,000 $205,000
RANDLE HEIGHTS 2850 HARTFORD ST SE #202 2311 ALTAMONT PL SE #3 3072 30TH ST SE #302
$90,000 $77,500 $30,750
RESIDENCES AT CITY CENTER 920 I ST NW #1003
$760,000
RLA (SW) 700 7TH ST SW #533 355 I ST SW #214 240 M ST SW #E100 800 4TH ST SW #N618 1425 4TH ST SW #A414 1250 4TH ST SW #W810 350 G ST SW #N-403 1435 4TH ST SW #B515 300 M ST SW #N303
$399,999 $380,000 $370,500 $349,000 $336,000 $305,165 $260,000 $240,000 $224,900
4 4 3 3 3 2 2 3 2 2 1 2 2 2 1 1 1 2 1 2 2 2 1 2 1 2 1 1 1 0 1 0
SHAW 1806 9TH ST NW #2 1806 9TH ST NW #1 1011 M ST NW #906 929 FLORIDA AVE NW #4006
$1,545,000 $1,350,000 $739,900 $321,500
3 3 2 0
SOUTHWEST 525 WATER ST SW #311 525 WATER ST SW #330
$409,900 $392,900
SPRING VALLEY 4016 47TH ST NW #4
$290,000
SW WATERFRONT 703 3RD ST SW #602 800 4TH ST SW #N815
$675,500 $479,900
1 1 2 3 1
TRINIDAD 1326 MONTELLO AVE NE #1
$631,500
TRUXTON CIRCLE 227 BATES ST NW #2 227 BATES ST NW #1
$750,000 $647,000
U STREET CORRIDOR 2020 12TH ST NW #705
$520,500
2 2 2 1
WAKEFIELD 4740 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #916
$575,000
WESLEY HEIGHTS 4200 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #404 4200 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #503 4200 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #119 4201 CATHEDRAL AVE NW #1101W 4200 CATHEDRAL AVE NW #215 4201 CATHEDRAL AVE NW #607W 4201 CATHEDRAL AVE NW #206W 3101 NEW MEXICO AVE NW #803 4200 CATHEDRAL AVE NW #902 3101 NEW MEXICO AVE NW #805
$650,000 $635,000 $550,000 $450,000 $275,000 $255,000 $249,900 $222,000 $220,000 $210,000
WEST END 2501 PENNSYLVANIA AVE NW #3B 1155 23RD ST NW #7C
$1,835,000 $1,510,000
2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 0 1 0 2 2
WOODLEY PARK
3100 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #331 $410,000 1
COOP ADAMS MORGAN 2801 ADAMS MILL RD NW #103 1801 CLYDESDALE PL NW #617 2707 ADAMS MILL RD NW #503
$295,000 $190,000 $362,000
1 0 1
CENTRAL 1300 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW #403 $215,000
CLEVELAND PARK
3601 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #219 $489,000 3601 CONNECTICUT AVE AVE NW #418 $474,500 3114 WISCONSIN AVE NW #404 $325,000 $300,000 3407 29TH ST NW #2
0 1 1 1 1
DUPONT 1701 16TH ST NW #415 1701 16TH ST NW #401 1915 16TH ST NW #501 1701 16TH ST NW #817 1701 16TH ST NW #204
$525,000 $500,000 $365,000 $409,500 $179,888
2 2 1 1 0
RIVERSIDE RETREAT Hub found us our dream house, and we had fun in the process! 2475 VIRGINIA AVE NW #404 2475 VIRGINIA AVE NW #707 950 25TH ST NW #227-N 950 25TH ST NW #502-N 940 25TH ST NW #607-S 950 25TH ST NW #401-N
HARBOUR SQUARE 530 N SW #S310 520 N ST SW #S227
KALORAMA
1852 COLUMBIA RD NW #503 1869 MINTWOOD PL NW #24 1901 WYOMING AVE NW #57
MOUNT PLEASANT
2707 ADAMS MILL RD NW #405 1820 CLYDESDALE PL NW #404 1820 CLYDESDALE PL NW #205
NAVY YARD
1000 NEW JERSEY AVE SE #416
NORTH CLEVELAND PARK 3900 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #404G
OBSERVATORY CIRCLE 4000 CATHEDRAL AVE NW #326B 4000 CATHEDRAL AVE NW #424B 2720 WISCONSIN AVE NW #703
OLD CITY #1
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{health & fitness} Develop Strength and Flexibility at DC Pilates A New Studio on H Street
S
truggling for motivation? Stuck in a workout rut? Bored with the same exercise routine? Or maybe you are finally ready to begin a fitness regimen. Pilates can kick start your routine no matter what your fitness level. Pilates is a workout like no other. It’s about flowing with movements, not muscling through them. Isolated muscular strength and bulk doesn’t count for much in a mat class or on the reformer, which is a bed-like frame which rolls back and forth and can train many parts of the body in many different ways. It’s control, concentration, ease of movement, precision and breathing that matter. Arthur Dunbar has transformed his 2FittWellness studio on the second floor of 526 H St., NE into a Pilates studio. He teaches mat classes, reformer classes, and private sessions. He has classes for seniors and pre/post-natal students. Arthur offers a ‘jump board’ workout that is more intense, advanced and vigorous for athletes or anyone wanting high intensity. “Pilates is a thinking workout. Everything branches out from your center,” said Arthur. “It’s easy on your joints with big benefits – better alignment, posture and balance. It also helps you focus better and gives you more energy. You’ll never get bored.”
What is Pilates? Pilates is a series of exercises that emphasizes your body’s core muscles: your abdomen, obliques, lower back, inner and outer thighs and glutes. “It helps you develop strength, flexibility, muscular endurance, coordination, balance and correct posture,” explained Arthur. Pilates was developed by a German named Joseph Pilates. He and his wife came to New York in the 1940s and opened up a studio in Manhattan. When dancers would get injured many began taking Pilates (it was
by Pattie Cinelli
Pilates helps practitioners strengthen their sense of balance.
called Contrology) and, as a result, recovered from their injury more quickly than they would have without the discipline. Pilates became more mainstream in the 1990s. It is an exercise discipline practiced around the world.
What Makes DC Pilates Unique Arthur Dunbar is not only a fitness professional with more than 20 years of experience, but he also has personally experienced the benefits of practicing Pilates. While in school in Wichita, Kansas his dance instructor told him he was too stiff and bulky and recommended he take Pilates. “I wasn’t sold on it at first.” But it worked. Arthur was able to professionally dance with the Richmond Ballet. “I got a lot of benefit from Pilates. It has kept my back healthy.” (Arthur injured it several years
ago). “I also was able to rehab an injured hamstring with Pilates.” For each of his clients and students Arthur crafts comprehensive wellness strategies and inspires as well as produces fitness results that keep clients coming back. “He is a great teacher and a great human,” said Gwen, one of his senior students who followed him to DC Pilates. “He knows how to work with old people.” DC Pilates is one of the few studios that has incorporated the use of a new Pilates workout tool into its program. Arthur uses the MOTR which combines the comfort of a foam roller with the challenge of three weight level resistances. “It’s a challenging and diverse workout.” It is a core tube (like a foam roller but made of different material) with cable attachments that help simulate moves such as those per-
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DC Pilates Celebrates its First Anniversary! on November 18 at noon
Give away prizes, T- shirts and refreshments will be served. Visit our website for sign up and updates.
Sign up for a chance to win 10 Pilates sessions
www.dcpilates.net
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Chiropractic Solutions to Trauma A young woman, who had been nearlystrangled by attacker, came in for treatment. The assault left her neck highly sensitive. In certain head positions, she would black out. Surprisingly, chiropractic care is not thought of in the emergency room, nor in follow-up care to traumatic injury. X-rays showed her upper neck markedly misaligned. Now, her injury is responding well to re-alignment care, which should have been recommend at the hospital. 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 140 H Hillrag.com
Arthur Dunbar, owner of D.C. Pilates, with students.
on THE
Hill
Sharon L. Bernier RN, PhD Psychotherapy Individuals & Couples
202-544-6465
formed on the reformer. It allows Pilates moves to be taken to the next level providing an unstable surface to really engage the core and force the body to align itself correctly in order to balance. Pilates can help athletes such as skiers, golfers cyclists and tennis players improve. It can assist in injury prevention as well as speed up recovery. Physical therapists often recommend it for their clients. Pilates is for everyone. On Saturday, Nov. 18 Arthur is celebrating his one-year anniversary on H Street. All are welcome. To learn more about Arthur Dunbar and DC Pilates log onto: www.dcpilates.net, or call 202-543-4600. Pattie Cinelli is a certified personal trainer, yoga and Pilates teacher who adopts a holistic approach to fitness with her clients and students. She is also a journalist who has been writing her health/fitness column for more than 25 years about leading edge wellness topics and individuals. Contact Pattie at:fitness@pattieccinelli.com. u
Meet your Health & Fitness Goals! LEARN HOW TO MOVE AND FUNCTION YOUR BEST IN YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE 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, or Sport&Health Club. Also, ask about a “ skype” workout – reasonable rates and easy to do!
Pattie has 30 years in the fitness business. Her knowledge and experience will help you achieve your goals
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fitness@pattiecinelli.com • pattiecinelli.com October 2017 H 141
{health and fitness}
The Condo Kayaker by Andrew Lightman
W
hen I turned 50 a few years ago, I came to the realization that my body’s ability to regenerate and heal was not what it was in younger years. An avid ultimate frisbee player, I began to discover injury as a constant, unwanted companion. When a torn meniscus sidelined me for 12 months, three years back, I dabbled in flatwater kayaking. Being on the river on a quiet summer day provided a respite from the complications of life as a managing editor. After drowning an iPhone, I learned to leave all such electronics locked in the trunk of my car. Untethered, I valued the opportunity to let my thoughts settle while I fell into the rhythm of paddling. At first, I simply rented boats whenever the fancy struck me to get out on the water. These sit-on-top recreational vessels required little skill
The Trak kayak occupies the entire width of my living room after initial assembly. Photo: Andrew Lightman
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Chuck McMillin, leader of Chesapeake Kayak Adventurers, at a meetup. Photo: Andrew Lightman
to use. On the river, however, I grew to envy the grace and power of experienced kayakers. This year I decided it was time to tie the knot and commit to my newfound mistress. Yet, as an urban dweller whose demesne totals 920 square feet, where was I going to store a boat? A 17-foot sea kayak was not going to fit under my platform bed.
Equipment After experimenting with vessels that inflated or folded down like an origami crane, I came across reviews of the Trak Seeker ST 16 (www.trakkayaks.com), an ingenious craft inspired by the original Eskimo kayak – a wooden frame covered in stretched animal hides. The Seeker, in a modern twist, consists of two aircraft-grade aluminum frames whose pieces are shock-corded together much like a set of tent poles. Once snapped together, they fit into a military-grade polyurethane skin. The bow and stern are fastened together at five points, three of which are hydraulic jacks used to tension the boat. The result: a 16-foot sea kayak that handles like a hard shell but packs into a wheeled suitcase. I am not always the most mechanically adept. My first attempt at assembling the Trak took more than an hour. Over the past five months, practice has reduced the time to 30 minutes. The boat is quick, responsive, very stable, and fits in the back of my VW GTI hatchback. For safety, one must always wear a portable flotation device (PFD). Paddling also requires paddles. These are distinguished by their size, weight, and portability (the number of pieces into which they can be broken down). I favor lighter, carbon fiber paddles that break down into two pieces. At my height of five feet, nine inches, I am most comfortable with a paddle length of 210 centimeters. Aside from a PFD and paddles, one should purchase a longsleeve rash-guard top to protect the upper body from the sun. A floppy hat is also essential. Water bottles that can be fastened to
deck lines are necessary for hydration. A sponge, throw bag, floatation devices, a bilge pump, and a paddle float complete the safety gear. Sounds overwhelming? It was; and after inelegantly falling into the Potomac in the choppy water near Gravelly Point, I decided that some instruction was in order.
Lessons While it is not difficult to paddle a boat forward, controlling its motion requires both skill and experience. Much of what one learns is not intuitively obvious. Most importantly, while kayaking is generally a safe endeavor, once one falls out of a boat, getting aboard in the middle of a river is not easy. And none of this even touches on the complexities of rolling a boat. After doing some research, I enrolled in a sea kayaking class at Potomac Paddle Sports (PPS), www.potomacpaddlesports.com. The two-year program combines weekly “practices” with five structured lessons. I found their American Canoe Association (ACA)-certified instructors patient, knowledgeable, and helpful. The two lessons I attended this past summer taught me the basics of boat handling: strokes, techniques, and safety Most importantly, I learned how to get back into my boat in the middle of a river using a paddle float. The ability to “self-rescue” gave me confidence to explore the region’s rivers on my own. While I began my instruction at PPS, I took advantage of other opportunities to hone my skills. I took two lessons from Chuck McMillin, the ACA-certified leader of Chesapeake Kayak Adventurers (CKA), www.meetup.com/Chesapeake-Kay-
Your friend is cool.
His Vet should be, too. ak-Adventures/. McMillin is my favorite instructor. He is patient with beginners, detail-oriented, skilled at explaining the non-obvious, and possessed of a very dry wit. Most of what little finesse I have in boat handling I learned from him.
Getting on the River Once one gains some basic skills, it is time to take to the water. Fortunately, we live in a region crisscrossed by rivers. I began my exploration with sojourns on the Potomac and Anacostia waterways. The former is best sampled above Roosevelt Island where the powerboat traffic is light. The latter is s the most scenic. Launching from Bladensburg Water Park, where rentals are available, one can paddle down as far as Nationals Park and even beyond. For adventures father afield, I recommend going with a group. CKA, for example, is more than a place to take lessons. Organized through Meetup.com, it is a fun community of paddlers who get together biweekly for kayak adventures throughout the region. Participation requires either owning a sea kayak or renting one from McMillin. I have paddled with CKA and other kayak meetups on the Potomac, Patuxent, and parts of the Chesapeake Bay. When one is learning the ropes, especially on open water, it is more fun and much safer to paddle with experienced friends. Now I await the opening of the public kayak dock at The Wharf’s Seventh Street Park just down the street from home. If you see a guy in a red kayak out in the Washington Channel some morning, just remember that the boat lives in the living room of his condo. u
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October 2017 H 143
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Pet Disaster Preparedness by Dr. Dan Teich
T
he past month has reminded many of us that weather-related disasters are real and can happen anywhere along the coast. Remember 2003 and hurricane Isabelle? Weather is a fact of life, but being prepared for an emergency is a choice. Resolve this month to put together a plan for an emergency – whether it be related to meteorological events or something else. Do not assume that your location precludes you from having to leave your residence. Gas leaks, fires, power outages, and other reasons can necessitate an immediate emergency. We live in the city in smaller quarters, so storing two weeks’ worth of water is usually not practical, but there are simple steps that can be taken by anyone.
Prepare an Evacuation Plan If you need to leave, where will you go? Discuss with friends and relatives in nearby and more distant places if you can place your animals with them for temporary shelter. Having a destination location will greatly ease the burden in an emergency. Many times, it is not possible to reach more distant places, so check with your local government’s emergency or disaster management website about local pet sheltering. In the District of Columbia consult https://hsema.dc.gov/.
Have a Pet Carrier at the Ready You should have one clean carrier per pet readily accessible. This is not necessary for larger dogs but may be useful should your residence have the space. Being buried in the back of a closet or in an attic crawl space does not qualify as readily accessible. Rule of thumb: be able to access it from anywhere in the house within one minute. Place a copy of your pet’s most recent vaccine history in a plastic bag taped to the top of the carrier or in a side pouch. Do this after each annual vet visit. Should your pet need to be sheltered, having this information makes life much easier. A paper copy is ideal as it can be used numerous times, even when the power is out.
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Be certain the carrier is labelled with your contact information and that of a trusted friend or relative.
not have your particular food in stock. Sheltered pets are frequently supplied with a main-brand dry food to feed every pet of that species.
Spare Leash and Basket Muzzle at the Ready
Medications
Always have two dog leashes, with one of them in a dedicated place. When you need to evacuate quickly, you should not have to look for a leash. It is also useful to have your contact information on the leash – via embroidery or a tag. This information should also be on your dog’s collar. Why a basket muzzle, you ask? In a disaster, pets will often be sheltered, but not necessarily in the same area as humans. The disaster organization sets up an ad hoc kennel operation, and when checking into the shelter, you may be standing on a long line with many other pet owners. Dogs may become agitated and stressed. Should your pup show any aggression, there may be new problems to tackle. Basket muzzles allow a dog to drink, eat small treats, and breathe normally.
Microchip Your Pet In times of duress, pets may become separated from their people. Collars may fall off or, in the case of an indoor housecat, there may not be a collar at all. Pet microchips – about the size of a large grain of rice and implanted under the skin between the shoulders – provide rescue teams a reliable method of reconnecting pets with owners. Be sure the information in the chip database is current and correct. We routinely place microchips. It is quick and easy and can be done most any day.
Spare Food Containers Near your pet’s main food supply, keep a waterproof container that can hold a week’s worth of food. This enables you to quickly grab food and go. Have a small collapsible water dish within the container. Keep several gallons of bottled water near the food container. Remember that when pets are sheltered in an emergency, the staff may
If your pet is on a chronic medication, or is known to receive a periodic medication, it is advisable to have a two-week supply at home, assuming that the medication is stable enough to last for two weeks. Your veterinarian will appreciate your not calling at the end of the day for a refill after you run out.
If You Need to Evacuate If an evacuation order is issued, don’t delay. Always take your pets with you if safe to do so. Going back to retrieve them may not be possible once you have left your residence. At the outset of an evacuation, it is normal to think that the need to leave will be brief, but sometimes the evacuees discover they will not be able to return home for an extended period of time. Place pets in carriers, fill the food container or bring the food bag and canned foods, grab any medications and essential supplies, leash pets, and then get out. The sooner you leave, in general, the better the outcome and the more resources available to you. The last thing you want to do is increase your chance of becoming a disaster victim yourself. We at District Vet are happy to discuss emergency preparedness with you. We also have further information at www.districtvet.com. Please remember that an hour of planning may translate to saving your best friends in time of disaster. District Veterinary Hospital will be opening its Eastern Market location this fall. The above information has been adapted from the American Veterinary Medical Association’s “Saving the Whole Family” campaign. Dan Teich, DVM, is at District Veterinary Hospital, 3748 10th St. NE, Washington, DC 20017; 202827-1230 and desk@districtvet.com. u
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N O T E B O O K
{kids & family} by Kathleen Donner run begins shortly after, at around 6:05 p.m. Registration fee for the untimed kids’ race is $10. The distance is a little under a half mile. Register at congressionalcemetery.org.
Drumming with Dishes In a very special kitchen, a lively child and her shy imaginary friend cook up beautiful music using pasta box shakers, dishes, spoons and many more surprising instruments. Drumming with Dishes is a whimsical interactive performance that celebrates friendship, play and imagination. As the heroine empowers her imaginary friend to create music, we discover just what wonders can be accomplished when everyone plays together. $12. Best suited for ages Two to five. Drumming with Dishes is on stage at the Atlas, Oct. 25 to 29. atlasarts.org.
Halloween Costuming at Hill Center On Oct. 8 from 3 to 5 p.m., Hill Center hosts the Eastern Market Art Series & Trainings (EAST), an ongoing series that brings artists and children, 7 to 12, together to explore a different craft or medium each month. Build Halloween costumes out of recycled materials with artist Christina Zielke. The program is free. hillcenterdc. org/event/east-workshop-halloween-costume-building.
Trick-or-Treat at Mount Vernon On Oct. 27 and Oct. 28, 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., participate in a scavenger hunt, take a wagon ride on the 12-acre field and create a boo-tiful Halloween craft on this unforgettable evening. See wool carding, spinning and fish net making in the historic area before greeting “Martha Washington” on the piazza of the Mansion. Burn off all the extra excitement with 18th-century dancing in the upper garden. Historic chocolatemaking demonstrations and chocolate tastings will take place. A children’s costume parade will begin at 5 p.m. and prizes will be awarded for most fang-tastic “George” and “Martha” costumes. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for kids, 11 and under. mountvernon.org. Courtesy of George Washington's Mount Vernon
Kids’ Club at Southeast Library Hill Center’s Family Day On Oct. 1, 2 to 4 p.m., celebrate Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital’s sixth birthday. They will have Civil War-era activities and figures, a team of coppersmiths and blacksmiths, horsedrawn wagon rides, interactive games and crafts, as well as face-painting and balloon animals. After the kid’s activities, join them for a concert at 4 p.m. wherein Dead Men’s Hollow will perform a song written in honor of the Old Naval Hospital’s first patient, Benjamin Drummond. Dead Men’s Hollow draws its influences from bluegrass, country, blues and gospel. Both the family day and concert are free. hillcenterdc.org
Dead Man’s Run Kids Fun Run The 5k and kids’ race is on Oct. 7, at Congressional Cemetery. The 5k starts at 6 p.m., rain or shine, near the east end of the cemetery. The kids
On Tuesdays, at 4 p.m., there is a different activity each week-games, crafts, science experiments, and more. This program is for elementary-school aged children and takes place in the basement program room. Southeast Neighborhood Library, 403 Seventh St. SE. dclibrary.org/southeast.
Payne Elementary Fall Festival All are welcome at the Payne Elementary School Fall Festival on the playground at the corner of 15th and D Streets SE on Oct. 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy cauldrons of chili, local business tables, bouncy houses, face painting, pumpkin decorating, a bake sale and more.
Boo at the Zoo On Oct. 20 to 22, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., visit DC’s favorite notso-spooky Halloween haunt. With more than 40 treat stations, animal demonstrations, keeper chats, and decorated trails, this frightfully fun evening is a treat for the whole family. Also, don’t miss a themed hay maze and scarecrow field. $35 at the gate. All guests two and older, adults included, must have a ticket. Reserve tickets at nationalzoo.si.edu.
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Marine Corps Marathon Kids Run The Marine Corps Marathon Kids Run is on Oct. 21 in the Pentagon North Parking lot. Nearly 3,600 children ages 5 to 12 will participate in the one-mile just-for-fun event. All participants receive a T-shirt, medal and snacks at the finish line. The Kids Run hosts six separate starting times. Register at mcmregistration.com.
watch the race. Free parking is available at Crystal Drive and 23rd Street.
Saturday Mornings at The National
Visit the National Theatre on select Saturday mornings for free programs that engage and inspire young minds. Saturday programming is best suited for children 4 to 10. Siblings and friends of other ages are always welcome. Performances take place Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. in Crystal City Festival the Helen Hayes Gallery. The NaO Oct. 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 tional Theatre is at 1321 Pennsylvap.m., Crystal City hosts a fun-filled nia Ave. NW. Tickets may be reserved family festival featuring games, live one week prior to the performance. music and activities. The event takes The reservation system closes at 10 place at miles 22 and 23 of the Maa.m. on the Friday before the perrine Corps. It is a wonderful place to formance but walkins are welcome if there is room. RegWashington International Horse ister and get more Show Kids’ Day information at theWIHS Kids’ Day 2017 will take place Oct. 28 nationaldc.org. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine. Outdoor activities will be held in front of the Hotel Monaco at 700 F St. NW. Face painting and other events will be held on the Capital One Arena concourse. wihs.org. Photo: Alden Corrigan
5k at Anacostia Park
Here’s the remaining fall lineup: Oct. 21, Robin Hood; Oct. 28, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow; Nov. 4.
Race for Every Child 5k and Kids’ Dash The Race for Every Child 5k raises funds to help kids grow up stronger. The race is on Oct. 21, at Freedom Plaza. Registration, open through Oct. 21, is $40/$50. The Kids’ Dash, ages three to ten, is $15. RaceForEveryChild.org.
NSO Spooktacular Concert On Oct. 28, 2 and 4 PM, creep into the Kennedy Center Concert Hall for costumed classics at this frightfully fun concert featuring ghoulishly attired musicians. Arrive early for trick-or-treating and a special Haunted Hall Musical Instrument “Petting Zoo.” $15 to $18. This concert is for ages 5 and up. kennedycenter.org.
GALita’s Bilingual “Blancaflor” In this charming Spanish
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On Oct. 14, walk or run a 5k to benefit children experiencing homelessness. The event is open to participants of all ages and abilities. Runners and walkers are encouraged to join in. Proceeds fund programming that directly benefits children living in temporary housing. Signin begins at 7 a.m.; race at 8 a.m. at Anacostia Park, 1900 Anacostia Dr. Read more and register at playtimeproject.org/heroesofplay5k. Photo: Courtesy of the Homeless Children’s Playtime Project
fairy tale with music and puppets, a prince promises to complete a series of impossible tasks to return to his kingdom. However, he can only succeed with help from the brave maiden Blancaflor. Blancaflor is on stage at GALA Theatre, 3333 14th St. NW, from Oct. 7 to 21. $12, adult and $10, child. galatheatre.org.
DAR Family Events On Oct. 21, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., enjoy ghost stories. People from the past liked scary stories too. Are the ghosts and ghouls from George Washington’s time still scary today? On Nov. 4, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., try out the toys and games from children in America’s past. Find out how kids had fun before tablets and smartphones. These are free, walk-in events. Daughters of the American Revolu-
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gers on Night Train 57 will discover the power of friendship and community with the sounds of 21st-century handmade sing-along music. $20. It is most enjoyed by ages 3, up. kennedy-center.org.
Robert Post’s Comedy Theatre for Kids Hilarious, poignant, and physically dazzling, Robert Post’s wholesome one-man variety show fills the stage with bumblers, dreamers and cartoonish heroes of every stripe on Oct. 21, 2 p.m. at the Kennedy Center. $20. kennedy-center.org.
Building Museum’s Big Build The Big Build, on Oct. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW, is an interactive, funfor-all-ages celebration of our built environment. Learn from construction and building arts professionals while hammering nails, sawing logs, applying join compound, and hopping aboard real trucks. Each year at The Big Build, amateur builders can discover what it’s like to build a brick wall, carve stone, hammer nails working side-by-side with designers, builders and artisans. Meet plumbers, ironworkers, landscape architects, woodworkers and experts in many other fields to learn about their professions and hobbies. Admission is free. Recommended for ages five through twelve. nbm.org. Photo: Emily Clack Photography
tion Headquarters is at 1776 D St. NW. 202-6281776. dar.org.
Night Train 57: A SensoryFriendly Folk Opera From Oct. 6 to 8 at the Kennedy Center, enter the freewheeling musical world of Grammy winner Dan Zanes, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Claudia Eliaza and percussionist Yuriana Sobrino for an interactive folk opera that takes audiences on a far-out ride to the galaxies and back. During a joyous dusk-to-dawn trip through the stars, passen-
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Mount Vernon Fall Harvest Family Days
On Oct. 21 and 22 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., enjoy fall activities with the whole family at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Take a wagon ride, learn about wheat treading in the 16-sided barn, and witness 18th-century dancing, blacksmithing, and corn husk doll demonstrations. Play early-American games. Walk through a straw bale maze. Listen to 18th-century music. Fall Harvest Family Days is included in Mount Vernon’s general admission of $20 adults; $10 youth. George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, VA. MountVernon.org.
Adventures of Young Jane Goodall Before she was a renowned humanitarian, conservationist, and animal activist, Dr. Jane Goodall was a little girl with a very special toy chimpanzee named Jubilee. Together, Jane and Jubilee went on outdoor adventures. They observed all the miracles
of nature around them. As they learned more and more, Jane dreamed of spending the rest of her life living with and helping animals. And one day, she would go on to do just that. In this brand new musical adaptation, join young Jane and her special friend as they learn about the world around them and the importance of protecting all living species. With anecdotes taken directly from Jane Goodall’s autobiography, this adaptation makes this very true story accessible for the young. On stage at the Kennedy Center, Nov. 15 to Dec. 13, it is most enjoyed by age six, up. kennedy-center.org.
Pinocchio at Glen Echo Half life-size rod puppets, performed in the Italian “Comedia del Arte” style, tell Carlo Collodi’s story of what it means to be “real”. Share the trials and tribulations of the little live puppet as he discovers that the “easy way” isn’t always the right way. On stage at Glen Echo, Oct. 15 to Nov. 17. This show is recommended for ages 5, up. Running time is 45 minutes. Tickets are $12. thepuppetco.org.
The Smartest Girl in the World Studious Leo and his younger sister Lizzy couldn’t be more different. But, the two share dreams of becoming successful and making life easier for their overworked parents. When Mami and Papi forbid Leo to accept a place on his school’s TV Challenge team due to his chronic illness, Lizzy studies up to compete in his stead. But, the plan backfires when Leo feels jealous rather than grateful. Can Lizzy win the competition and regain her brother’s love? Best for ages 6, up. From Oct. 7 to 29 at Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, MD. imaginationstage.org.
How I Became a Pirate Argh matey! It’s pirate’s life for me on the high seas! One day as Jeremy builds a sand castle on the beach, a pirate ship rows ashore in search of a place to bury the pirate’s treasure. Taken aboard as an honorary pirate, Jeremy learns the ropes of what it really means to be a smelly, swashbuckling pirate. The pirates just might learn how to play soccer too. How I Became a Pirate is on stage at Glen Echo through Oct. 22. Tickets are$19.50. my.adventuretheatre-mtc.org. Have an item for the Kids and Family Notebook? Email it to bulletinboard@hillrag.com. u
Annual MOTH Picnic 2017 Photos: Nicole Harkin
Barracks Row Festival Photos: Andrew Lightman
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School Notes by Susan Braun Johnson
tivities they are involved in through their school.
Brent Elementary
Peabody’s Nature Playground
The excitement is also building at the ClusVisit Brent Elementary at one of their monthter’s early childhood ly Open House events. At these events, interestcampus at Peabody ed families will be able to meet Principal LyckElementary, where nell, Brent teachers and parents, and hear more students, parents and about Brent’s high-quality responsive education teachers took part in and unique field program. Families will also rea ribbon cutting cerceive a tour of the school. emony on September Open House Dates for the 2017-2018 School 15, officially openYear are October 2: 9 – 10 a.m.; Nov 6:9 – 10 a.m.; ing the renovated Dec 4: 9 – 10 a.m.; Jan 8: 9 – 10 a.m.; Feb 5:9 – Peabody playground. 10 a.m.; March 5: 9 – 10 a.m. April 2, 9 – 10 a.m. The enhanced NaPlease RSVP to Denise Diggs at denise. ture Play Area features diggs@dc.gov if you will be attending and chila climbing wall, hopdren are most welcome to join. Brent Elementary Brent Elementary third-graders start off the school year strong! ping stones, a climbis located at 301 North Carolina Ave, SE. Learn Wilson, and Councilmember Charles Allen. ing boulder and a crawl through log. The Peabody more at brentelementary.org. Submitted by De“Every student deserves to have high-qualiplay areas are surrounded by vegetable gardens for nise Diggs. ty academic and extracurricular experiences,” said students to harvest and enjoy as well as habitat garMayor Bowser. “Our goal is for all students to think dens where they can observe nature in action. VolCapitol Hill Cluster School of school not just as a place they have to go, but a unteer parents also designed and built a protective Mayor Bowser Visits Stuart-Hobson place they love to go.” fence around the trike shed green roof to prevent The year is off to a great start at the Capitol Hill The Mayor was treated to a performance by young digging hands from harming the plants that Cluster School. At Stuart-Hobson Middle School, members of the Stuart Hobson band, and heard the master gardeners are committed to restoring this Mayor Muriel Bowser kicked off the school year from students about the many extracurricular acfall. The parents also replaced the wood on both a with a press conference on August 24 highlighting the District’s new investments in middle schools and celebrated the academic achievement of DC Public Schools. Going into the new school year, the Mayor’s increased investments will support additional extracurricular offerings, athletics, algebra, and other STEM courses in all DCPS middle schools. The Mayor was joined by Deputy Mayor for Education Jennifer Niles, DCPS Chancellor Antwan
Visiting Brent Elementary
The Stuart Hobson band shares a musical moment with Mayor Bowser, Chancellor Williams,Deputy Mayor Niles and Principal Comeforo
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ture dream home. All proceeds go to benefit programs at the Capitol Hill Cluster School. Please visit www.renovatorshousetour.org for tickets and more information! Peabody is located at 425 C St. NE. Watkins Elementary School is located at 420 12th St. SE. StuartHobson is located at 410 E St. NE. The Capitol Hill Cluster School’s website is www.capitolhillclusterschool.org. Facebook.com/CHCS.DC; twitter.com/CHCSPTA. - Author: Sean O’Brien.
Ludlow-Taylor Elementary School Julia Hettenbach and Audrey Miller enjoy the new crawl through log at Peabody’s enhanced Nature Play Area.
picnic table and a wooden bench. Librarian Susan Bloom and other Peabody staff worked with parents, volunteers and master gardeners to produce an amazing and welcoming environment for children to learn and play.
Renovator’s House Tour: Oct 22 Don’t forget to buy your tickets for the Renovator’s House Tour, which will be held on Sunday, October
22 from 11 a.m-5 p.m. on Capitol Hill. Every year since 2001, generous homeowners in our community have shared their personal renovation story by opening their homes to tour-goers. Each home is unique, and the tour never features the same home twice. It’s a wonderful way to explore our community, see beautiful renovations, and gather ideas for your own fu-
Parent volunteers dig in to help renovate the Peabody playground.
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Writer’s Workshop Comes to Ludlow-Taylor
ed by Assistant Principal Kristen Addison and a group of teacher-leaders. A small cohort attended an intensive institute in New York over the summer, and the leadership group will continue to participate in Teacher’s College professional development and work with a Teacher’s College consultant throughout the year. “We believe that with all of the outstanding work we continue to do around building strong readers at Ludlow-Taylor, developing great writers is our next task,” said Addison. “We are confident that the Lucy Calkin’s Writer’s Workshop model, paired with our outstanding teachers, will allow us to foster a community of lifelong writers!”
The most visible addition to LudLudlow-Taylor is located at 659 G St low-Taylor ES is likely the topNE. Visit www.ludlowtaylor.org to learn notch playground that opened in more or connect on www.facebook. August. But exciting changes are com/LudlowTaylor/ Flickr: www.flickr. happening inside the school’s walls, com/photos/ltesphotos; Twitter: @ too, most notably the introduction LTPrincipSmith. - Tom Sellevaag. of Writer’s Workshop. The well-known and highly-regarded writing program, designed by Lucy Calkins and based at Columbia University’s Teacher’s College, centers on the belief that writing is both process and craft, as well as the notion that writing should be personal and authentic. This year, all students in Kindergarten through fifth grade will participate in Writer’s Workshop on a daily basis, including at least 30 minutes of uninterrupted writing time. The goal is for students to see themselves as writers and to build their enthusiasm for becoming prolific and skilled communicators. The new writing iniMs. Jackson’s third-graders write during tiative is being shepherdtheir independent writing block.
Now on th
e Hill
The Alliance Française of Washington DC has landed in Capitol Hill at the Hill Center (two blocks from the Eastern Market Metro Station) Native French speaking teachers will lead our most popular children’s classes: Our 1-hour “Pitchouns” class for the 3 to 5 y.o, is a fun language discovery with arts, songs, dance, games and stories
Our 1.5 hour “Gamins & Gamines” class for the 5 to 6 y.o. stimulate your child’s intellectual, motor and artistic skills while they learn a new language
Please visit www.francedc.org Contact us at children@francedc.org or call 202.234.7911
Chinese instruction at Maury ES.
Maury Elementary NÎ hâo! Hello! Maury studies Mandarin Maury students are fortunate to have Ms. Qing Wang to teach them Chinese language and culture. The primary focus is on spoken language but students also learn character recognition and writing. Every student has Mandarin instruction each week, beginning with simple vocabulary – numbers, colors, foods – and expanding to simple sentences and conversation about sports, family and transportation. By fifth grade, they are expected to read and write short stories. Students will soon be able to study on-line so they can practice their skills at home. Ms. Wang is convinced that early training is key to learning any language. She says that, while adults are often embarrassed by their pronunciation, children don’t hesitate to practice speaking. Consequently,
her students have almost no accent. “When they recite poems, you cannot believe they are American kids, it sounds so beautiful.” They enjoy telling their parents Chinese words for household items. Wang believes that it’s equally important to learn another country’s culture so she teaches dance to children in second-fifth grades and leads them in the school’s annual celebration of the Chinese New Year.
Internet Killed the Museum Star? at Hill Center The digital images created by last year’s third, fourth and fifth-grade students in Ms. Bomba’s art class, a riff on @paperboyo, are on view in the Young Artists Gallery at Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE through the end of October. Maury Elementary is located at 1250 Constitution Ave., NE. Call: 202-6983838 or visit mauryelementary.com to learn more. - Elizabeth Nelson.
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School Within School @ Goding Kindness Day SWS is a “Kindness School.” SWS marked September 11 as Kindness Day, which it has been doing since 2001. That year—when the school was still at its original location (with just 80 pre-K and kindergarten students)—the students and teachers were gathered together singing songs to celebrate the first day of school. As the tragic events unfolded, smoke could be seen over the Capitol, and the school was on lockdown. Meanwhile, the teachers and children continued to sing. The rituals of Kindness Day at SWS have evolved over the years, and always include singing together (and playing instruments) as a community, sitting around a circle, practicing kindness. The students dance under a bridge of joyful teachers, and every student chooses another’s name and makes a gift for that student. “We eventually began to use
the metaphor of the bucket to talk about ways to ‘fill one another’s buckets’ with kindness,” said Principal John Burst.
SWS Welcomes New Teachers SWS welcomed new teachers for PK3 (Wade Ingram), second grade (Rachel Henighan), and fourth grade (Daniel Whalen). Jill Schechter is the new Librarian and Katy Allen is the new music teacher, and they both have exciting plans to build on the programs that have been developed over the past several years. In the library, Ms. Schechter plans to create a Makerspace where children can create DIY projects and bring their ideas to life. In addition to continuing the successful strings program, Ms. Allen will aim for each class to learn a song in a world language. School Within School 920 F St NE. Call 202-727-7377 or visit www.schoolwithinschool.org. - Carolyn Banfalvi.
Capitol Hill Cooperative Nursery School Click, clap, shake CHCNS has received another grant from the Capitol Hill Community Foundation (CHCF) for this semester, and has thus been able to renew the early childhood music program they started last year. Each Monday morning, Ms. Frances’ classroom is shaking with all sorts of sounds and dances. Under the guidance of their music teacher, Ms. Libby, the kids gain from the music-exposure research has shown to be so beneficial at their young age — and most importantly, they take an active part in the music-making!
Alumni are back! Drop-in Fridays have started again: every time DCPS is out for the day, Ms. Frances welcomes her alumni for a fun-filled reunion. A great occasion for bigger kids to meet their successors and show them the best toys in the place. The next session will be on October 27. CHCNS is located in a sunny classroom within the Capitol Hill United Methodist Church at 421 Seward Square, SE. Reach them at info@chcns.us or www.chcns.us. Stephane Ramet
Northeast Stars NES introduces NES Life
SWS @ Goding students enjoy Kindness Day.
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Northeast Stars (NES) is excited about the fall Montessori program! The NES teaching staff works with children, focusing on independent work time, engagement in social activities and exploring with outdoor play. Recently, our teaching staff members participated in an in-depth Montessori training with a triple-certified instructor who directs the Arlington public Montessori program. NES enrichment program and after school program activities are exciting and fun for our young friends! For Capitol Hill families, a new program has been offered: NES Life. This program provides flexible options for two to five-year-old children. Families
welcome to the
Northeast Stars students explore NE Life & outdoor play!
can sign up for up to twelve weeks of consecutive or non-consecutive weeks of school based on availability. NES has two locations: 697 North Washington, St. Alexandria, VA and in Capitol Hill at 1325 Maryland Ave. Call 703-945-0408 or learn more at www.nestars.net. Dawn Ales.
Elliot-Hine Middle School New Broadcasting Studio! Mandrell Birks is the media broadcast teacher at Eliot-Hine Middle School. Through his guidance and mentorship, Eliot-Hine students learn to work the camera, sharpen their research and computer skills, work a newsroom setting, and experience an amazing introduction into the field of journalism, production, and broadcast media. With 11 years of experience in teaching, plus
his own Sirius XM radio show, Mr. Birks has found the formula to invoke passion, curiosity, and proactivity in his students. Eliot-Hine Middle School’s newly equipped broadcasting studio showcases high-tech cameras, microphones, and computers. Students learn teambuilding skills by working together to produce and deliver interviews conducted by them. The studio has the capability to connect and access wireless Mevo cameras. It uses new Apple technology, and can simultaneously broadcast on multiple social media platforms. It broadcasts in 4k quality, which major networks use. The DCPS WiFi team also installed an SSID network exclusively for Eliot-Hine. This innovative program not only may open the door to future careers, but cultivates commu-
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Eliot-Hine sixth-grade students practice their news scripts with Media Center teacher Mr. Birks in their new broadcasting studio. Photo: F. Ramirez.
nication and other skills marketable in many arenas. Mr. Birks is one of many teachers at EliotHine with a desire to inspire students to become active participants in their educational development. Check out Eliot-Hine’s recorded interviews at http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/106665418. Eliot-Hine IB Middle School is located at 1830 Constitution Ave. NE. For more information, call 202939-5380 or go to eliothinemiddleschool.org, on Twitter at @EliotHine, and on Facebook it’s EliotHine. DCPS’ Eliot-Hine blog is at dcpsplanning.wordpress.com/category/eliot-hine. - Fabiola Ramirez.
Blyth-Templeton Academy BTA Community Meetings
Blyth-Templeton Academy holds weekly community meetings.
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Every Wednesday afternoon, Blyth-Templeton Academy meets as a community to do service, discuss important issues, take excursions throughout Washington, DC and do whatever activities are needed to learn together as a school. The
first meeting of the year was Academic Integrity Case Studies. Students were divided into small groups and spent time discussing a range of case studies related to plagiarism and other examples of academic integrity concerns. For each case study, a different student was appointed as speaker for the group and the speakers shared the group’s thoughts with the whole community. The goal was to give students a chance to discuss difficult topics with each other, to speak to the whole community, and to focus on what is most important in their school experience - learning.
Climbing fun at Capitol Hill Day School’s Back to School Picnic.
Admissions BTA is accepting applications for terms two, three and four of school year 2017/2018 and for all terms for school year 2018/2019. Information Sessions are held on Thursday mornings from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and are a great opportunity to see the school in action. Blyth-Templeton Academy is located at 921 Pennsylvania Ave, SE in Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital. Contact them at info@ blythtempleton.org, go to the website at www.blythtempleton.org or call at 202-8470079. Facebook: www.facebook.com/blythtempletonacademy. Twitter: twitter.com/ blythtempleton. -Lee Palmer.
Some schools give you a DESK, we give you a CITY.
Capitol Hill Day School Interconnected, Real World Teaching and Learning at Capitol Hill Day School Capitol Hill Day School families had perfect weather for the annual Back to School Picnic. Parents, kids, and teachers enjoyed music by the Capitol Hillbillies, Santa Rosa Taqueria tacos, ice cream, cotton candy, games, inflatable climbing structures, and face painting. The CHDS community continues its 20+ year tradition of providing “Wednesday extra lunches” and groceries to a neighborhood food distribution center. The only supplier, CHDS families deliver about 2000 extra lunches and 100 bags of groceries every year. Capitol Hill Day School continues to
Personalized
(Average class size of 8)
+
Deeper Learning (2 academic subjects per 10-week term)
= Lifelong, Self-Directed Learners (Info Sessions Every Thursday at 9 am)
OPEN HOUSES: OCT 24 at 7 PM & NOV 5 at 1 PM RSVP: http://info.blythtempleton.org/hill17 October 2017 H 159
ter development through monthly classroom lessons dedicated to the virtue of the month. The first week of each month, Principal Clay uses her time in each of the classrooms to teach all students about the virtue of the month. Families are provided with conversation tools so that the virtue of the month conversations and practices can be reinforced and modeled at home. September’s virtue was courage, and emphasized the courage to face the uncertainties, challenges and changes that a new school year brings.
Girl Power
Two Rivers middle school students collaborate in team huddle during learning expedition
weave social justice into its pre-K to eighth-grade curriculum, with ongoing collaborations among English, History, Science, Math, Art, and Language teachers, making student learning more purposeful, connected, and authentic. Middle School English and History teachers Sara Driscoll and Katherine Bryant are coteaching sixth-grade Humanities. Each Humanities unit focuses on a theme – e.g., community values, justice, and activism/advocacy – and examines that theme through multiple modernday, literary, and historical case studies. Students engage with experts, conduct fieldwork throughout DC, and work towards solving a community issue based on their learning. Students drive their own learning, from determining the unit’s guiding questions to developing a project plan. Last year’s projects included an election-related community event, writing a children’s book
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for early childhood students, and conducting a social justice expo at which students presented their individual research. Learn more about Capitol Hill Day School at www.chds.org, attend a small group tour, or come to the October 20 open house (admissions@chds.org). Capitol Hill Day School is located at 210 South Carolina Ave, SE. Call them at 202-386-9919 or log on to www.chds.org for more information. Facebook @CapitolHillDaySchool; Twitter @explorewithCHDS - Jane Angarola and Sara Driscoll.
St. Peter School Kick-off with Courage! The monthly virtue program at St. Peter School is a way to embed Catholic values by teaching students about admirable and moral qualities - qualities we want them to exhibit both in and out of the classroom. The virtue program emphasizes charac-
The St. Peter School Student Council held their annual elections and the students elected a team of future leaders in their all-girl student council. Students also elected their class representatives, which includes two students from grades two through eight, who work with the Student Council to lead the student body in developing concern for others and embracing values that anchor the Catholic faith. Students regularly engage in service activities designed to foster social awareness, and many of these activities are initiated and led by the Student Council. These activities are a crucial component of a St. Peter School education and traditionally target causes both local to Capitol Hill as well as international organizations such as the sister school Notre Dame D’Alta Grace in Haiti. St. Peter School is located at 422 Third St SE. For more information call 202-544-1618 or email: info@stpeterschooldc.org or log on to• www.stpeterschooldc.org. -Tony Militello.
Richard Wright Public Charter School Habitat’s Women Helping Women Campaign RWPCS student journalists attended a Press Conference for the Habitat Initiative in Ivy City in Northeast DC. Habitat for Humanity, in conjunction with legacy sponsor Pen-Fed Credit
Union and other sponsors like Freddie Mac, Kiwanis and the Washington Mystics, came together to showcase the Ivy City Housing Initiative to the community. Debbie AmesNaylor, Pen-Fed, Corrine Douglas, Board Chair Habitat for Humanity DC and Courtney Snowden, Deputy Mayor for Economic Development spoke to the crowds. The goal is to build 44 homes in total for low to moderate income, single parents, especially mothers. “This is not a hand-out but a hand-up” according to Andrea Morgan, Habitat volunteer and proud owner of a new Ivy City home. Morgan said that as a parent of a disabled child, her sole desire was to provide him with all he needed to be comfortable at home. Habitat plus her sweat equity and time earned her this opportunity. Now she is a new homeowner in this historic DC neighborhood. Volunteers from around the DMV came together to contribute to the project and make this endeavor a reality. Richard Wright Public Charter Schools for Journalism and Media Arts is located at 770 M St SE. Learn more at www.richardwrightpcs.org. -Davon Harris and Jakayla Mordecai.
Two Rivers Public Charter School Continued Success as EL Education Model School Both Two Rivers 4th Street elementary and middle schools continue to be recognized as credentialed, mentor schools for EL Education. In this capacity, Two Rivers provides support and leadership to schools across the country interested in implementing practices for deeper learning. Now in its second year in the EL Education network, Two Rivers at Young scored well-above the target for second year schools on the EL Implementation Review.
As an EL Education, or expeditionary learning, school Two Rivers’ instructional model is focused on project- and problem-based and self-directed learning. Students constantly engage in self-discovery while constructing knowledge. Their individual differences are addressed and respected, and their creativity is nurtured and encouraged. Learning expeditions are a cornerstone of the Two Rivers experience. Expeditions are long-term, in-depth studies focused around a compelling topic. Students explore social studies and science content deeply and make real-world connections. Expeditions require original research, critical thinking, and problem solving. During an expedition, students evaluate case studies, conduct field work, consult experts, engage in literacy integration, and explore connections with the arts. At the culmination of their expeditions, students participate in Showcase, a formal presentation to share their learning outcomes as well as their growth experience with Two Rivers’ entire community: students, educators, and parents. Students were introduced to their fall expedition topic this month and will learn their ‘problem statement’...the topic they will endeavor to address for the remainder of the semester. To learn more, visit:/www. tworiverspcs.org/expeditions. Two Rivers Public Charter School has three schools located at 1227 4th St NE (elementary school); 1234 4th St NE (middle school); and 820 26th St NE (elementary school). Follow @ TwoRiversPCS on Twitter and Facebook. Questions? Call 202-546-4477, email info@tworiverspcs.org, or visit www.tworiverspcs.org. - Serena Simpson. Have an item for School Notes? Email it to schools@hillrag.com. u
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Capitol Hill Garden Club Spreads Garden Love by Cheryl Corson, RLA, ASLA
Capitol Hill Garden Club members enjoying their annual December holiday greening event. Left to Right: Anthony Pontorno, Edie Hogan, Donna Brauth. Photo Credit: Joseph Purdy.
I
ntroducing the Capitol Hill Garden Club: it’s local, it’s free, and it’s a fun way to share your love of gardening with other people in person. You don’t even need to live on the Hill to participate. After the customary two-month summer hiatus, the club’s new year kicks off this month and con-
tinues through June with a monthly speaker series, social events, community service greening activities, and a spring neighborhood walking tour. Membership dues are a modest $35 per year, though anyone may attend the club’s free monthly meetings, usually held at the Northeast Neighborhood Library at 330 Seventh St. NE.
The club welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, and any level of gardening experience. It has nearly one hundred members and is actively seeking new garden lovers to join and help shape its future. Information on the club, including a great newsletter archive, may be found online at http://capitolhillgardenclub.org/.
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Who Belongs? Meet Teri Speight, a DC native living just over the line in Prince George’s County. Her parents lived on the Hill, close to where she now works. She joined the Capitol Hill Garden Club three years ago after shopping around and finding the Hill’s group especially welcoming. She is taking up the role of newsletter editor for the club (“I’m in training,” she clarifies). Speight is a true garden evangelist. When not occupied in her very fulltime day job, she coaches friends, neighbors, and residents of her housing development in gardening. She hosts a blog, http://cottageinthecourt. com/, and has just been elected Region II Director of the Association for Garden Communicators, https://gardenwriters.org/. She believes the Capitol Hill Garden Club will help introduce newcomers to the joys of growing and sharing plants and stories. Ed Peterman is a Virginia Tech-trained horticulturalist with a senior position at the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). He sold family-grown produce as a child on a Blacksburg, Va.-area farm that has been in the family for 200 years. Since moving to the Hill in 1996, he has practiced community horticulture. Peterman is responsible for planting cherry trees (of the eating kind) in Garfield Park that he tends and helps harvest. His efforts on the Hill are part of a large movement of appropriating public lands for fruit trees. More on that is available from the Orchard People, created by Susan Poizner, author of “Growing Urban Orchards,” https://orchardpeople.com. Peterman is vice president of the Capitol Hill Garden Club. Speight and Peterman exemplify the maxim, “If you want something done, assign it to a busy person.” Other club members include beloved and still active centenarian Marie Hertzberg, who celebrated her 100th birthday with club members (http://capitolhillgardenclub.org/resources/ Documents/PDF%20-%20CHGC%20Newsletter%20March%202015.pdf). She isn’t an original club member, but she does have a long institutional memory. Carol Edwards is a member of the club’s Garden Design Consultation Committee and is the club’s resident rose expert, or rosarian. She was featured in an earlier column on the Hill’s Potomac Rose Society (www.capitalcommunitynews.com/
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content/roses-are-easy%E2%80%A6really). Filmmaker and Hill resident Sharon Ferguson has presented to the club about her front garden design and has served as an organizer of the annual May neighborhood garden walk. She recounted her experiences redesigning her front garden at one of the club’s popular annual meetings, where members share their personal garden trials and tribulations (http://capitolhillgardenclub.blogspot.com/2011/01/). Vice President Peterman says that the annual program is one of the most popular. Some Capitol Hill Garden Club members have gone through training to become master gardeners while others are garden newbies.
Garden Club Speakers in 2017-18 Watch the club’s website for more details, but the new season’s meetings and exciting speakers are now set. The September gathering is a business meeting where new officers are elected. This might be a nice meeting to attend to meet people as the new season gets going. Subject-area talks begin with the Oct. 10 meeting, devoted to fragrance in the garden and led by Baltimore-area designer and writer Claire Jones. Her informative and entertaining blog is called “The Garden Diaries, the Ups and Downs of the Gardening World” (https://thegardendiaries.blog/about/). No stranger to the Hill, Jones has decorated the White House for Christmas on more than one occasion. On Nov. 14, I will speak with the club on how to work with nature, not fight it. My talk, “Cooperative Bio-Balance – Seeing from the Tree’s Point of View,” is based on work I’ve done with Jim Conroy (the “Tree Whisperer”) and his partner Basia Alexander. For more on their approach see www.thetreewhisperer.com/. I have personally found more peace in my garden and within myself having learned their approach. The Dec. 5 meeting is a holiday “Deck the Halls Greens Workshop,” which promises to be festive and fun. The January meeting is devoted to selected members sharing stories of their own gardens. Guest speakers resume with the February meeting, which will be about water features for small gardens. It will be presented by a staff member of the nationally recognized landscape archi-
tecture firm OVS, whose offices are located right on Eighth Street SE (http://www.ovsla.com/). In March, Virginia author, columnist, and master gardener Marianne Willburn will share her organic approach to garden-making, based on her recent book, “Big Dreams, Small Garden: A Guide to Creating Something Extraordinary in Your Ordinary Space.” Check out her blog, “The Small Town Gardener,” http://smalltowngardener.com/. The April program will feature garden perennials old and new, presented by Eastern Shore resident Ruth Clausen. She is a British-trained horticulturalist and author of several popular books including “Perennials for American Gardens,” “Dreamscaping,” and “50 Beautiful Deer-Resistant Plants,” and co-author (with Thomas Christopher) of “Essential Perennials, the Complete Reference to 2700 Perennials for the Home Garden.” The club goes outside for its May meeting with a very local tour featuring members’ gardens. This past May the tour was organized by E.J. Truax and included five Northeast neighborhood gardens, with refreshments served at the last garden stop. The June meeting, a members’ party, ends the season to allow time for summer gardening and long-distance garden touring. Peterman emphasizes the educational aspect of the Capitol Hill Garden Club, and also its community-service history. For example, the club has been instrumental in raising money and caring for Turtle Park, across from Eastern Market (http:// capitolhillgardenclub.org/page-1637959). Unlike some garden clubs, he says, “We don’t do floral arrangements or judging. You won’t see cucumber sandwiches with the crusts cut off.” Peterman looks forward to greater interaction between the garden club and local government, citing the Capitol Hill connection with former Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells, now director of the Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE). Other exciting programs are in the works. Consider becoming part of the Capitol Hill Garden Club’s future yourself. The next meeting is on Sept. 12. Cheryl Corson is a landscape architect and writer practicing on Capitol Hill and beyond. She is also a Tree Protector, www.treeprotector. org/2017/08/02/cheryl-responsible-lots-new-treeplantings/, and looks forward to sharing this aspect of her work at the November Capitol Hill Garden Club meeting. u
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Dear Garden Problem Lady, by Wendy Blair I know I should mulch my garden to help my plants survive winter – protect their roots and help them retain moisture – but I fear that while a layer of mulch is going to do the job and look neat, it will shut off plant roots from oxygen, which they need. What mulch is best, and how much of it should I spread? A shallow layer (two inches max) of compost or well-composted leaves makes the best mulch. Do not use mulch that has not been composted first. Raw shredded wood or bark, straw, pine needles, sawdust – all steal precious nitrogen from soil as they decompose. In addition, fine pine and cedar wood shavings are very acidic, so use them only on plants that need acid soil. Can you advise about bulb planting? I know tulips don’t survive our hot summers very well, but I love them. What’s the best way to get a real show of tulips every year? Plant new tulips every fall. Buy tulips that bloom early, in late March or early April, before the weather gets hot. Choose the biggest bulbs. Prepare a fairly deep bed, say nine inches or so deep, and space your bulbs around the bottom of the bed fairly close together, about four or five inches
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apart. Fill up the bed with good, loose rich earth. Cover the bed with metal screening known as hardware cloth to keep out squirrels. Remove it after the ground has frozen.
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When can I cut ratty-looking peony leaves away? Cutting back peonies is a once-a-year task. When to cut back peonies? The right time for peony pruning is in fall, after frost has killed leaves. How to prune peonies? Clip stems as close to the ground as possible. Gather all leaves, stems, and any other plant debris. Don’t compost this leafy material; bag it and put it out with the trash. Destroying it is better because peonies often have fungal diseases that can survive winter on a piece of leaf or stem. And the best time, spring or fall, for planning clematis? I have my eye on General Sikorski – the most heavenly mauve color. Fall is a grand time, while weather is still warm enough to help start the roots. And so is spring. Remember to dig a very deep hole, plant a bit deeper than the bottom growth, which you then cut off. Fill the hole with top-quality compost and a handful of bone meal. Mulch well. Plant about six inches out from a fence or wall so the clematis will catch enough rain. Use a small-bore trellis or chicken wire against the fence and train any existing shoots to ray out, even parallel, along the wires. The next public meeting of the Capitol Hill Garden Club occurs on Oct. 10 at the Northeast Public Library, corner of Maryland Avenue and Seventh Street NE. Meetings start at 7 p.m. and are free and open to all. Membership details: capitolhillgardenclub.org. u
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